It has been a rough ride!!

Greeting all Dec, 2013 RNY Buddies!!!  So...I must admit that the surgery was difficult.  I had surgery at 7:30am on Monday.  Was allowed to go home from the hospital on Thursday late afternoon.  I have heard people say everyone has a different experience, so mine was just that ~ or at least not the experience I was expecting.   I was dehydrated, had increase in white blood cells, my doctor had to work/cut through my adhesions that were on the liver. Also, they were worried I was getting pneumonia.  Had a difficult time keeping my heart rate low enough and my O2 stat high enough!  I have lots of bruising at the incision sites.  Also bruising all over my arms &  hands because I have terrible veins.   I had lost quite a bit of weight before surgery but now I look even bigger.  So, I realize that in a few weeks I will feel differently. I can not sleep in my bed, as it hurts so badly...only on the couch or a upright chair (not even a lazy boy - my doctor feels that it can cause blood clots) .  Love to you all, Diane

I must say there are several things that I am thankful for...I got to come home on thursday, I didn't wind up with a UTI. There was a girl in the hospital that I had attended class with and she got soooo very sick - over & over.  I prayed for her every single time.  I was way away from her and still heard her...most everyone on the unit could.  

It seems I am writing a novel :) But, I want you all to know that I do not tend to complain about much and that isn't my intention to do here...but I think it is important to keep it real so that people are aware of all the different kinds of outcomes/experiences that may be encountered.  I am happy to be home & to get moving in a happier, healthier direction.  This surgery was certainly not the easy way out of being obese.

So sorry it has been so difficult.  Sounds like you have an excellent attitude and are handling it well though.  The best thing I can say is that this difficult time will not last forever, even if it seems like it will.  My process has been very smooth but I still have discomfort and get tired easy ( especially when i push myself too hard).  I  feel good enough to think I can do whatever I want and just bad enough that I can't.  It's frustrating and I too can't wait until this initial recovery stage is complete.  Best wishes to you going forward.  Hope things smooth out and get easier.

Diane I feel you. I really, really do! Just keep the end goal in mind and lean any support systems you may have is my advice. Follow ALL instructions from your surgeon, and keep the end goal in mind. PS, I've gained 14 pounds of fluids in the hospital so far, so I know what you're saying! Feel free to PM me if you want to commiserate, and hang in there!

Diane, Hopefully the difficult part is behind you. I dont think you are complaining at all. People need to hear the good all the way to the bad. You can look forward to each day getting healthier and better. Remember why you did thus. Welcome to the loosers bench.

 

Shannon

Thanks for keeping it real...we need to be aware of any potential pitfalls we might hit.  I am praying that my surgery will go smoothly on 12/26.  I will keep you in my prayers, I am sorry you had to endure the downside of it all... Hope you will be up and running soon! Take care,  take it easy.

Lea

Dear Lea,

   l am praying for you as well.  I feel like everything is SO much better now, than those first couple days.  Today is one week & one day since my surgery.  I believe that my main issues were...scar tissue. (have had 5 previous abdominal surgeries over the years) Very thankful my surgeon was still able to do it laproscopically. Have you had many abdominal surgeries? 

Diane