On the Other side

Well, as many of you know, my sugery was scheduled after n8tiveone. However, we did not see each other while we were at the hospital. My surgery was completed around 3:00PM and when I went to my room I was pretty pooped. I hurt more at the left incission than the others and Dr. Hong explained that that was normal as that was the site where they moved muscle etc. Because I was last, I couldn't get the stomach test until Tuesday morning. It turned out that I had an allergic reaction to the contrast used. My arms and legs swelled up with a rash for hours on Tuesday. Also I was running a temperature. Dr Hong recommended that I stay until Wednesday (today). As soon as I was declared as OK to go, my husband picked me up and I came home. That's when I had my first case of the loose bowel movement. It looks like the contrast was stored in my bowels and waited till I came home to exit as quickly as posssible. I hope that this reaction is not the norm! As for food - the hospital had me on liquids until my stomach test and then protein drinks and juices. I didn't feel like eating much - but I made sure I drank my water. Now that I'm home I made a protein shake and will sip the 4oz. in an hour - that's what the dietitian explained while I was at the hospital. Sip no more that 1oz each 15 minutes. This shake has 23 protein grams, so I'll need more to meet the recommended 45-60. I am glad it's over and I am on my way to discovering the me inside. Thanks for the emails. Lara

Congratulations for being on the other side! I'm so very happy for you!!

Congratulations! The learning process now begins--and it is very exciting. I'm down 75 pounds and want to lose 22 more. I am losing very slowly, but that's okay, because this is not a diet for me--it's my life! I've had to learn to adjust to a few things, like getting enough water and protein, but that hasn't been difficult. Good luck to you and enjoy the ride. Pam

Great to hear from you Lara! I had much more pain on my left side. I would say towards the end of that first week the other five incisions were already healed enough to not have the tape on them, and I never really even felt them. Now that one on the left was larger, hurt more, and was where it felt bad when I rolled over and gravity gave it a pull. I also had some weeping out of the incision for a while. It took longer to heal than the others. It kind of surprised me that that is the spot where most of the work is done - way over there on the left. I also know our stomachs are not at all where we think they are. Dr. Hong gave me advanced warning about the loose bowels that would come....and they did for quite a few days. Be assured that things will get back to normal. Keep us posted - you were able to get back on the computer way before I was. Don't forget the sugar free popsicles - they were really good in those early days. Patty

Lara Thanks for updating. I'm happy to hear you're past the rough part and on your way to healing and losing! Michele