Progress report

I'm new to the board but have been watching for a while. I just had my surgery (lap band) with Dr. Pohl on September 6th. Everything went fine. Thanks to a hospital roommate with the worst case of sleep apnea, I was up the first night, by myself, doing laps up and down the hall. Needed a break from all that noise. Didn't sleep much overnight so was conscious when Dr. Pohl popped in to write the discharge order at 5:30am. Notes on hospital stay: I was at Roger Williams. Waited 3 hours in Ambulatory Unit, in the hallway, hooked up to an IV, before rolled into OR. The nurses were very nice especially helping me be modest when trying to get off the bed to go to the bathroom. They were a bit over-crowded I think in all their areas as they were trying to push people out of post-op when I awoke. I was scheduled for 11:30am arrival and hit my room at 7:30pm. Tell your loved ones that the patient display board is not totally accurate. I was told that the procedure would take about 1hr but the OR was booked for 2. My status after 2.5 hrs was still in surgery and my husband was panicking. He also was roaming the hospital floor before I even got there - they must have told him where I would end up. My friend called in to get a status and was told that I was in fair condition, which worried her. BUT I was fine. Movement on the bed had me in tears. Take your pain meds. I found that I was most comfortable sitting straight up. It also made it easier to go to the potty. I was allowed morphine every 2 hours, but only took a low dosage to take the edge off. I called the nurse every 2 hours to make sure the edge kept off. You don't hurt sitting there watching TV but it hurts like hell to get up. I did not use my CPAP (I have a mild case) but had oxygen up my nose and a finger monitor overnight. They will give you a breathing "thing" to help your lungs. Please use it even after discharge. I thought it was only while I was in the hospital but NO - thanks to my sister for the info. It is helping me build back lung capacity. I took the wheelchair for discharge - it's a rabbit warren over there and even my nurse was lost getting out. The ride home caused one of my incisions to bleed, but not bad. Post-op: I have an infection in my lungs but have antibiotics as part of prescriptions and am getting better. One nostril was bloody for a few days, so I assume something was up my nose as well as down my throat. Did not take pain meds at all since yesterday. Yes I'm sore, but not enough to warrant medication. I've been sleeping at my parent's house as they have a Lazy-boy recliner - it's the most comfortable position and I could rock forward to get up. Last night I actually slept in a bed so I am improving fast. Hoarse voice is gone. I'm not bent over as much. I'm working every hour to rebuild lung capacity with that breathing "thing". If one didn't know, you might assume that I just had a cold from the coughing. I work from home and I took vacation last week, so no one at work knows about the surgery, only about the cold (as a side effect). I took a shower and gently tried to scrub the Betadine off my tummy. Only 1 of my incisions was red and puffy, but looks much better today. Hardest things: Loss of food. Liquids are just not as filling as solids. I don't think they give your tummy something to occupy its mind. It's hard to watch my family eat but I keep telling myself that "regular" food will be coming back. How sad is it that I was almost in tears watching them enjoy themselves. Just a taste! "Can I just suck on your barbeque chicken?" I don't want to injure myself by not following the post-op diet, so I mope. The gas is also uncomfortable. It's not easy to get up quickly when your body decides it wants to get the air out NOW. Today has been much better. Thanks to those who sent messages. I forget when Dr. Pohl's group meetings are but I know its in the packet that he gives you. Cindy Lou

Wanted to make clear that I was not discharged at 5:30am. That was when Dr. Pohl came to check on me to see if I was ok for discharge. My husband didn't show up until later in the morning to get me. My nurse was not shoving me out the door either.

Cindy Lou: You know, my surgery is 2 weeks away (RNY) and what I think about ALOT is the upcoming holidays, and my family reunion at that time. The food will be just rediculous and there I will be.....and you said it best when you used the word "mope". Although I'm so excited for my surgery, I know I absolutely WILL mourn food and just the enjoyment of eating. It is a part of me and I can't deny that. But I really do believe that it gets easier in time and I'm hoping it's that way for you soon. I'm so very glad that you're feeling better with each passing day and my silent little prayer is that you don't "suffer" over the food thing. I just got a new house and have a very large craft room to set up. I'm going to spend a lot of time getting that together and then working in there (keeping my hands busy) when the food thing is just too much. But all in all, the overall benefits and the new, healthier way of life, and the mobility is just the greatest gift I could ever ask for........ Hugs, and here's to hoping your days are filled with joy and not tears over the food. Shel

My birthday is the 20th of September. My Mom and I have birthdays 2 days apart so we always do it together. I'm excited about having sugar-free jello with a candle in it. I happened to eat that even before going down the road. I've been staying with my parents as my hubby had to go out of town. It's nice being coddled. Mom watchs me and prods me about my liquid intake. I wasn't up to doing much, so there's not much distraction. I did manage to make it thru a pedicure. Something that always gives me a quick pick me up. I like to cook comfort foods, but can't because I'm tempted to taste things right now. My sister gave me money to make meals for her family to give me something to do. I'm cooking at Mom's so my Mom will act as taster. First up - mini meatloafs. I'm going to give my FoodSaver a workout. I had done a lot of cooking for the freezer before my surgery so that hubby can survive. I've been looking to buying a healthy cookbook to work more vegetables and less starch into my diet. Good luck with your procedure! Cindy Lou

Cindy im having lap band is 28 days im so excited just reading your entry was what I neded I hope the next few weekd fly by. I also am a sept. Birthday sept. 17 th . For my birthday this year im getting re married for our 25 th anniversary to yes the same husband im excited for that to . Its been crazy around here putting it all together and making sure all the details are in perfect order. And I see Dr. Roye on the 15th and if all is set from my tests illl tell him he can do me sooner if there is a cancellation. Im ready . Well thanks foryour posting and best of luck im rooting for u elaine