I made it!!
Well, I made it! Everything with my surgery went fantastic!
I got to the hospital at 6:25 and everything happened so fast. I asked if it was okay for me to weigh myself -- something I never imagined I would want to do -- and I almost squealed when I saw I lost 15 lbs since I had been there two weeks earlier. Boy, that pre-op diet really works!
From there, they brought me upstairs and I only sat in the waiting area for 2 minutes before they called me in. Then they took some blood, my vitals, gave me a shot, had me put my gown on, etc. Then the anesthesiologist came in and put my IV in. Then they allowed my mom to come in and sit with me for a little while. Lots of people kept popping in and asking me questions.... including one lady who called me "punkin" and "Susie Q" a hundred times. It was funny, but cute.
Dr. McDowell arrived and came to talk to me. He was thrilled that I lost 15 lbs on my pre-op diet. He kept telling me that I was going to do great with my band, just losing all of that weight shows him how serious I am about it, that the surgery was going to be a breeze for me. He left and then a few minutes later, stuck his head back in and said, "Oh and Happy Valentine's Day!!"
He really has a great bedside manner and is so personable. My mom really loved him and thought I did a great job choosing a surgeon. I think so, too.
From there, things get a little hazy. I know they took my mom back to the waiting area. I remember them telling me they were going to give me something and I likely wouldn't remember a thing. Well, it worked. I don't even remember them giving it to me. The next thing I knew, I woke up feeling really groggy.
My first thought? Is it over? I'm alive!! haha
They told me everything went really well and I was in the recovery area. They told me that Dr. McDowell said the surgery was perfect, I didn't bleed, and he finished quicker than usual because everything went so smoothly.
They took me for my Upper GI and then moved me into another room, where my mom was waiting. I was walking around, ate a popsicle, drank some water, and called some family members on the phone. I looked at my stomach in the mirror and to my surprise, Dr. McDowell cut my bandages into the shape of hearts! It actually looks really cute. I need to take a picture of it before I change them.
Shortly after, I took some pain medicine, rested for half an hour, and then they said I was okay to go home. I spent most of yesterday napping, waking up, walking around, and drinking clear liquids.
I'm sore. It's very sore where my port is. And my shoulders and neck are sore... which they told me would happen because of the gas they put in my body during surgery.
But I'm doing better than I had anticipated. I am so happy that it's all over. Now I can't wait to recover and get on with my new lifestyle.
Thank you all SOOO much for all your encouraging words and prayers. I really think they made a huge difference and definitely put me at ease, knowing so many people were praying for me and keeping me in their thoughts.
Congratulations! I am so glad everything went so smoothly for you. Didn't we tell you you would be in good hands?
It sounds like you are doing exactly what you need to be doing, walking and sipping. You're going to do great!!
Not to steal anything from Dr. McDowell...the surgical dressing for all laproscopic surgeries at Baptist are heart shaped, except during December when they are in the shape of Christmas trees. I've had several lap surgeries at Baptist over the years and the heart shaped bandages always bring a smile and make me feel extra cared for. The staff there is wonderful!
Susan (AKA bilsrib)
300/135/135 - Plastics February 2008 - Dr. Lois Wagstrom
P E A C E - It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.
Welcome to the Losers Bench! It sounds like everything went extremely well. Congrats! You now need a place to sit and rest, so, here's your Losers Bench!
May the bench be a place of rest after a long day of walking. May it be a place of comfort while sipping your liquids. And most inportant of all, may it be splinter free!
Congrats on the surgery!
Scott, you are such a sweetie! Thank you so much for the beautiful bench!! It looks fabulous and is fits me perfectly! The little dog was the perfect touch... she even looks similar to my own little pooch!
Things continue to improve. Last night, I slept for 10 hours straight... it's the first time I didn't wake up in the middle of the night and need more pain meds.
I weighed myself this morning and I have lost 20 lbs. since January 31st!! I can't believe it. I am beginning to melt away... which is exactly what I want! :)
Thanks again for all of your well wishes. You guys are such a wonderful support system! :)
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