3 days out and feeling better!
On Thur 1/8 I had my LapBand Removed, my gallbladder removed and had gastric bypass. Everything went well, but the doctor was surprised at how bad my gallbladder was and how extensive and large my stones were- resulting in a larger incision there. I must say that the only pain I have right now is from the gallbladder area. And it seems to be controlled with Tylenol only today (for the most part). I walked A LOT in the hospital and am trying to walk around the house, but with the frigid temperatures outside, my space is limited (although I did just have to clean up puppy pop since I'm the only one home- so maybe that counts for something).
I spent 2 nights in the hospital and was definitely uncomfortable and restless, but they medicated me as I needed it and I survived. I came home last night and felt like Imdidnt know how to get comfortable. I slept on my bed (I'm a side sleeper) for an hour or so, but felt it was too flat and hard to get up. I tried my recliner and that was ok for a while, but felt too much like the hospital. So last night at around 3 am I moved to the couch and found my sweet spot. I can lie on my side, I can switch sides by moving my pillows to the other side of the couch- I can also easily adjust my angle with pillows and always feel back support. I actually was able to sleep for about 3 hours straight! I can also protect my belly so that the puppy can come up and cuddle when she is calm. At least I found my home base for the next day or two.
i was sent home on a phase 1 clear liquids- which in my program includes prepackaged Premier Protien shakes (and others). I have to call Monday morning for my follow up appointment. I have several meds that I must take and haven't had any problem tolerating them (well besides the fact that my thought is scratched a bit from the intubation for anesthesia). I had my first cup of coffee this morning and it was heavenly. I had to mix one med with unsweetened applesauce (1 oz), and had no problem, but did feel full after having it. I am sipping slow, but not the ridiculously slow pace they started me off in the hospital... Just normal, relaxing Sunday morning sipping. I'm recording everything and am really pleased with how i feel right now.
The nurse at discharge said I should feel a little better everyday and If anything starts to feel worse, call because it is not normal. It's really interesting to me that the gallbladder issues were likely one of the biggest problems Imwas having before surgery and now the most problem I'm having now... It kinda takes the focus off of the gastric bypass for me and I feel hopeful that between that and the slipped LapBand, I'm going to feel awesome in a few weeks. I had been vomiting daily and avoiding so many foods that I guess feeling chronically sick had been a part of me, so today, knowing that the surgical pain is temporary, makes it all tolerable.
thanks everyone for the support!
Judy
