I did it!

Hello fellow Texas WLS friends,

I've been home already for a few days now but I thought I'd check in and let you all know I did it!  I had VSG surgery Monday morning here in Plano with Dr. Nick and it went off without a hitch.  I stayed overnight, and came home Tuesday afternoon after an excruciating experience having my JP drain pulled. 

Other than a little gas, extreme soreness and a little pain around the biggest incision site, I have been feeling pretty good and getting better each day.  I am walking every few hours, getting in plenty of fluid and aiming for 60-70 g protein each day and I've hit it most days.  I'm so glad I did this for myself and am excited to see what's to come!

Hello! I enjoyed reading your blog, and look forward to following your journey with you. I'd like to know your first name, though-if it was there, I didn't catch it....

A few comments, regarding what you wrote:

Everything you described feeling is absolutely NORMAL..the feeling "ugly", misshapen, the edema, etc, etc. You probably already know your menstrual cycle will probably be off kilter due to the blood thinners you no doubt received-right? And that your hormones will run amuck? Energy levels vary, from person to person-as does EVERYTHING, but do be KIND and PATIENT with yourself. Your body has been thru major surgery--and even more importantly--it has been thru anesthesia--and that plays havoc with the body, sometimes for weeks afterward. I had what I called "sinking spells". I'd be humming right along, then get bone tired, requiring a 15-20 rest period, then I'd be jazzed up and ready to roll again..

KUDOS for getting your fluids in. Protein IS important, of course, but avoiding dehydration has to be #1 priority for you. It can creep up so quickly-esp in our good ole Tx heat.

Please remember you are NEVER alone-we are here for you. Where is "home" for you?

"Dr. Nick" was not my surgeon, but I have met him a few times, heard him speak at conferences, and have friends, whose opinions I value, who have used him and heartily recommend him.

I'd like to invite you to join us on our daily "WLS Express" thread, here on the Tx board. It's like walking into the "Cheers" bar-where everybody knows your name-you hang out-tell your buddies what's going on-laugh/cry/SUPPORT. The Tx board isn't nearly as active as it used to be--we blame it on Facebook-I'm as guilty as everyone else-but there are still some of us left, and we love to meet new people

Again-very much looking forward to sharing your journey with you. I predict you will have great SUCCESS !!

Thank you so much for the kind welcome! My name is Lee and my husband and I live here in Plano. He will be having surgery next month--same procedure, same doc, same location (Baylor Plano) so now he knows what to expect!

I am trying to be gentle with myself. I am resting most of the day when I'm not up and walking and right now I take a nap mid-day because I just get tired like you described.

I knew my hormones would go crazy...I am glad that I am off work for the summer--hubby and I are both teachers. So I am glad I have time to rest and recover.

I will try to check in more frequently here!

Did your insurance cover the surgery? Mine won't cover so I am going to Mexico to have mine done,

It did.  I have BCBS TRS-Active Care 1.  Our insurance covers the cost of surgery and has a $5000 bariatric surgery copay, which sucks, but it is better than no coverage at all.

Welcome toTMB, sounds like you are off to a great start.

I think it is great your husband is having the surgery as well. I too invite you to join our daily WLS express thread.

Thank you!  Just trying to follow my doc's instructions so I can heal up nicely. :)  I am excited for my husband too. This will hopefully ensure we get to spend a long life together.  It took long enough to find each other so I'd like to have him around as long as possible!

Hi Lee! 

As lead "engineer" of the WLX Express by all means join us! Try to have it up and running before 06:00.

Welcome Lee,

I'm glad that your doing well and being tired IMHO goes along with the surgeries.   Listen to your body and rest when it's telling you too.   That is SO exciting that you and your husband are both taking this WL journey together.    We will all be looking forward to updates on how you both do.    As Gina said be "kind" to yourself...sometimes we are the hardest on ourselves ( I know I am ).   Congrats on your surgery and to your hubby's upcoming surgery too.

 

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Thank you for the warm welcome.  I will be sure to post here more often.  I've definitely been resting, sipping, and walking because I want to be as close to 100% once school starts up again next month.  Gotta be on my toes!  Or at least my feet all day long... :)