thinkpink
I made it!
Feb 14, 2008
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.
Here we go...
Feb 13, 2008
I had a good night of sleep. I've prayed and turned all my worries over to God.
I think I'm ready.
Clear a spot on the Loser's Bench. I'll be joining all of you soon.
Update
Feb 10, 2008
The pre-op diet is still going well, though I cheated today and actually ate some food. Healthy, low-fat, low-calorie food (vegetable soup and cottage cheese), but still... I know I am not supposed to. The rest of the week, I am going to follow the diet exactly. I am really happy with how well I have done though. As of this morning, I have lost 9 lbs! So hopefully my liver is nice and skinny now... hehe :)
I had a good weekend. My best friend came to visit and we went out on Saturday and looked at bridesmaid dresses for her wedding. She is getting married in October and I'm her maid of honor. I tried on a lot of dresses! Right now I am in a size 24, but since the wedding is still 8 months away, I don't have to order just yet. I am hoping by the time of the wedding, I will be in a 16 or smaller. So let's hope the surgery goes well and I am successful with my band.
I can't believe that I am having surgery on Thursday!! Ahhh, it is so close to becoming a reality. I am excited and a little nervous at the same time. I'm really glad my mom is flying in to stay with me for a few days. And everyone I have told has been extremely supportive. The women in my women's group through church prayed for me tonight that everything goes well with my surgery and that I have a speedy recovery. Even though I don't have any family in Tennessee, I feel blessed that I have many people here who care about me.
I'll update before I go in for surgery. I can't believe it's less than 4 days away!
Pre-Op Diet & MOH Dress
Feb 06, 2008
Thursday, I will switch to all liquids. I am sure that will be more difficult. I know it will because the highlight of my day is going home to eat my Lean Cuisine!! Haha... how sad is that?? Seriously though, by the time I get home from work, I am starving.
This weekend, my best friend is coming to visit. She lives in Memphis. She is getting married in October and I am her Maid of Honor. We are going to look at bridesmaid dresses this weekend. I am not really sure what to do about mine. What size should I order? I am sure come October, I will be much thinner than I am now. I BETTER be!! haha
I am going to ask when the dress needs to be ordered by in order to get it in time for the wedding. I'd like to wait as long as possible so I have an idea of what my measurements will be. Or I guess I could always order a dress that is 2 sizes smaller than what I wear now and just have it altered if I've lost more weight than that. (Which I'm hoping will happen....) Suggestions, anyone?
Upper GI
Jan 31, 2008
I'm starting to get a little nervous about surgery. When they were talking to me about my living will today, it gave me a little bit of anxiety.
I know everything will be okay. I'm just a worrier.
Surgery Scheduled!
Jan 19, 2008
I like his staff, too. In fact, Laura (the dietician) actually grew up near my hometown in Michigan. We went to rival high schools. So it was funny to figure that out and talk about home.
I was happy that I got to schedule my surgery for the day I wanted -- February 14th. The reason I chose that day is because my mom is on vacation that week and she is flying in to take care of me after the surgery. I am really lucky that my family is being so supportive about the surgery. It means a lot to me.
