I'm on the losin side now!!!!!!!!!!

Well I had my lap RNY surgery last Wednesday. It took 7 hours due to scar tissue and adhesions. You're not going to believe this but my worst complaint is my jaw. I evidently have TMJ and all the hours with the tube down my throat "locked up" my left jaw. I can barely open my mouth. I don't know what to do for it but it is driving me crazy! My surgeon doesn't know either. Speaking of my surgeon, Dr. Houston, he's the greatest. Very confident, caring, dedicated. I am sooooooooooo glad I chose him. Also Centennial Medical Center was wonderful. I had the best nurses. The rooms are spacious, very accommodating for someone staying with you and CLEAN - they even provide you with a fan. Definitely a first class hospital. I had to have pain meds for my HEAD. But I got severe headaches. Don't know if it's from the TMJ or having to use oxygen instead of my cpap. But if it hadn't have been for that I would have stopped pain meds on Thursday. Got to meet two of weight loss sisters while in the hospital -Tracey and Janice. I gained 5 lbs while in the hospital but I figured that was from all the fluids. Am anxious to start losing. Having a hard time getting the protein drinks in. It be great if I had a big bag of chips to eat with them. lol Anyway, thanks to all of you for your support, info and prayers. This is a great site for information and I feel like I was better prepared because of it (except for the headaches and TMJ). God is great, God is good. I am thanful to Him for His grace. I had my surgery 28 days after seminar and seminar was the first contact I had with anyone about the surgery. Pretty amazing, huh. That's my God. He is always faithful and true and never ceases to amaze me. Jeanette (8/25/04) 330-335-175 PS Dr. Houston's nurse Holly brought me a gift while in the hospital from her and Dr. Houston. I thought that was very thoughtful

Jeanette, Congratulations on your surgery. I know what you mean about the TMJ, I haven't had WLS yet, but I have had others and had that problem too. Can't really tell you what to do, it just goes away with time. You have a great outlook and I know you will do great. Nicky

COngradulations on your surgery! I can relate to the headaches but I am sure you will do well. I have heard that Cenntennial is an excellent hospital. I did go to the seminar up there. I did learn a lot. My insurance would not accept them as they are out of network. So, I am going with Dr. Hruska. But, I did meet Dr. Huston and Debbie. They were really nice. Lisa

Hi Jeanette, As for the TMJ, move your jaw right to left and back several times a day, massage your jaw area next to your ears while you move your jaw. I get it from clenching my teeth. As for headaches, the jaw tension and the oxygen are both causes for the headaches, mostly the jaw from the tension. Now about this surgery. Congrads girl. I know you are glad to have it over with. My insides are like spider webs from all the scar tissues. Seven hours, ugh, I have been told by the three that denied me, that I would have to have an open rny. Also still have that x-file between the navel and breast plate. So maybe that is also why I have to have an open. Who knows. I can't wait to hear how much you have lost. May God be with you. Kathy

Hiya Jeanette! Welcome to the losers bench sweetheart! Glad to hear you're doing well other than the jaw situation. I dont have any good advice there, other than maybe seeing an oral specialist. Dr. Houston did my surgery as well. Isnt he terrific? And the nursing staff at Centennial is really top notch. Its a great place. The rooms were bigger than any i've ever seen in a hospital. I loved the fan lol. Holly came by and brought me a gift too, I still carry the card in my wallet. I'm so happy for you! You'll feel better by each passing day. You're in my prayers! God bless you! Melanie