Recouping with Scenery!

The second half of my recoup is being spent at a family vacation (Vukotich Seniors and Juniors) for our very first family trip together to Mammoth. The 9 hour drive up (because we had to make stops every 50-60 minutes at the doctor's advice) was brutal and very painful but we made it OK. My wonderful in-laws are really letting me take it easy. We went fishing yesterday with the girls and had a blast. Nana caught a 19 inch trout that weighed a little over 3 pounds - WOW!!! It was so cool to watch it happen. Lots of fun pictures to share when we return.

My port wound seems to hurt the most and my back is still killing me. Breathing seems much better so the hernia wound must be healing. Still not getting sleep.

I tried to eat the broth from French Onion soup at a restaurant the other night but it did not agree with me - too many spices or something. Sticking to one protein type and having broth for dinner along with sugar-free jello.

Today we're going to take it easy and do a small walk at Devil's Postpile after lunch.

What A Week...

I'm a week out and what a week it has been. I thought by now I would be feeling better but I'm still hurting. Pain, pain, pain. Today the girls and I walked to 7-11 so I could pick up milk. We walked about a mile and after our 7-11 trip I took them to the donut store for a quick treat and so I could rest. The walk did me in. The other day Stefan and I went to Target to pick up last minute supplies for our Mammoth trip and just the walk around the store was too much.

Wednesday was also the first Lap-Band support group at Alvarado Hospital with Dr. Shapiro. It was a small group which consisted of a patient who was 6 weeks post-op and one patient who was two weeks pre-op. It was a great to share stories with one another. We're looking forward to next month's group.

Today Dr. Shapiro had a request from a pre-op patient to connect with me to get more information about the procedure. I contacted this person today and had a great conversation. Of the patients that I've met on the LapBandTalk.com forum or the couple I've met at group, the person I spoke with today and I had a lot in common in regards to our concerns about the procedure and of our future with this very permanent tool. Listening to my new friend and feeling pain, I actually had a moment where I questioned my decision to have lap-band.

I'm down to 169 lbs. I can't remember when I weighed that much last. What happens when I start eating three weeks from now? My follow up with Dr. Ellner is next Friday. I'm nervous. I'm excited. I pray that this new beginning was the right decision for me and my family.

No Gain - Still Some Pain

The good pain meds from the hospital have left my body so the last couple of days has been about dealing with the normal aches and pains from surgery. I have had no problems getting my minimum water or protein intake. Today I actually had a bit of Sugar-Free Jello with my dinner protein drink. Sleep patterns are off and I'm sleeping in about 3-4 hour increments.

I am so lucky to have such wonderful help. Dad & Jean (Jedo & Nana) had the kiddos yesterday and Auntie Sha Sha (Patricia) sat with me yesterday and made sure I didn't do laundry or try to vacuum - she was on May patrol. We kicked back and watched movies. It drove me crazy not to do anything but I feel great today. Looking forward to the first support group meeting tomorrow night and to my follow up appointment with Dr. Ellner or Friday.

The wounds are starting to itch but they look good. Just took another dose of pain meds so I'm off to La-La land for a bit.

Recovery

Resting now. I feel OK. The pain meds really help and lots of laying around. I pushed myself a bit today. When Stefan went to work for a bit I tried to shower by myself then do some laundry. I also climbed the stairs a few times and now I'm paying for it.

Tonight is Slava (our family Saints Day) so the family is there tonight - The Vukotichs and Dabkovichs. I wish I was there but feel good that I'm resting.

I've had no problems taking down my protein or water so I feel good about that. And from all the meds and gas leaving my body - I'm down three pounds from this morning! Wow.

I also had some wonderful cheery additions to my recovery. Many thanks but most of all, thank you for the love and support.

Photos from Surgery Day

July 22, 2011

The Day After...

Surgery Day was yesterday and all went well. Stefan and I checked in yesterday about 4:45 a.m. and we were home by 6:30 p.m. The actual surgery was only a little over an hour. I did have a hernia that they fixed and that pain hurts more than the actual scar sites. The nurses and staff at Alvarado Hospital were fantastic. So wonderful!

I'm up 5 pounds but I guess a lot of people gain weight on surgery day - all the IV and liquids and such they pump in you. My throat is very sore from the tube they had in me during surgery and I have a heating pad on a lot to help with the pain.

Stefan and I set up camp at home on the bottom floor in Talia's room so that I don't have to work with 3 floors to get to our room plus she has a huge TV in her room. The pain meds are great - it makes me a bit drowsy and feeling numb - perfect!

I can't thank you enough for your love and support. Your prayers and well wishes filled my heart and Stefan's heart. We are so very lucky to have you in our lives.

Pictures to be posted later when I get more energy.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow...

A message on the answering machine from the hospital told us that my check-in time changed from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m. so we had to get the kids ready tonight and get them packed up to stay the night with their grandparents. Talia is excited about going to Legoland with Camp Torreys tomorrow, Iliana is exhausted and was not in the best of moods and I am nervous. I had Stefan take the girls out to dinner because I just didn't want to be around food - also, I didn't want them to be around me because I'm very nervous. Nervous about the mortality rate (1 in 2000) and nervous about this new "thing" inside of me - my new tool to help me with my food battle.

One of my sister-friends, Susan, came over tonight and dropped off a care package of wonderful items and to give me a big hug. Items like those crazy socks that prevent blood clots, epsom salts, a heating pad, magazines, and just a host of other thoughtful gifts to help in my recovery. I went up to the shower - scrubbed down with my pre-op scrubber and cried. I cried because I feel blessed to have a wonderful family and friends who are like family. I cried because I'm nervous. I cried about the "what-ifs." And I cried because I'm excited about the hope this brings. I took my wedding rings off, tucked them in a drawer with a note to my family and finished my surgery packing.

Stefan took photos of me - boy, he needs photo lessons. But they really show "me" - in all my bigness - the real me. The old me. The once fat me.

Two Days Away...

I'm nervous. I keep peeking into the LapBandTalk.com forum to read about others who "have had" or are like me and "just about to have" surgery. I read about their struggles and their triumphs. I'm nervous but excited. The smell of lumpia engulfed my car yesterday when I picked up a bunch for Iliana's family birthday dinner - hoy, the smell of lumpia almost killed me - I really wanted one so bad but I know I'll be able to have them again, in time and now in moderation!

I survived!

We had a busy Saturday (as usual) but I was afraid yesterday that being out and about would get the best of my hunger but I survived! We had a school playdate then two "family" birthdays (Happy Birthday Kyla and Happy Birthday Benjamin). I even helped serve cake yesterday and had no desire to eat. Don't get me wrong, I'm hungry and I even started getting those hunger cramps last night but I'm learning to move past it although I get very very tired. I have such a fantastic support system with "family" (my extended family of friends along with my wonderful husband and kids) - I can't imagine how people don't share their bariatric surgery news with all - hmmm, I just don't get it. I couldn't do it without them. I got to catch up on the lives of some very dear sister-friends - they're amazing people (Casey, Rici, Susan)! I'm down another pound since yesterday. I'm now down a total of 23 pounds. Home stretch - only 5 days until surgery!

Let's Try This Again...

After many email exchanges over the last couple of days, I now have a rescheduled surgery date.  Moved from July 20th, the new date is Friday, July 22nd.  I get to keep the same Pre-Op appointment - this Friday, July 15.  Yay, back on track.  Many thanks for your well wishes - they really do help!

CHEATER!

I cheated.  I had two walnuts plus added peas & carrots (mushed up) to my broth on Saturday night and broke down on Sunday and ate five meatballs.  I came clean with the doctor's office in an email and my reply was,

Hello May,

Ok...so, it was very significant that you told us.  Unfortunately, because of this we will have to postpone your surgery. 

Again, it is very important that you follow the phases to the book for your safety.  We need you to restart Phase II I will assume start as of today.   Peggy who is out of the office today will be calling you after she coordinates with the OR at the hospital to see the next available date after the 2 weeks from when you restart Phase II.   

Please send me back a quick e-mail to verify that you received this message.

Sorry, May however, we need to keep you safe!

Thank you,

Teressa

Pre-Op Assistant
Dr. Julie Ellner 

So five days down the drain.  Now I'm emotional, hungry and waiting for a new surgery date.  My fault, I own up to that but bummer, right?  I can do this! 

A Follow Up With Dr. Ellner

I had my PRE-pre-Op appointment with Dr. Ellner today to get more information on the Pre-Op tests, confirmation of my surgery date as well as answer questions.

I came prepared with my tabbed three-ring binder and pen in hand.  We did the weigh-in first and from my "heaviest" weight (remember I had to gain weight to clear insurance 197 - HEAVY!) - I'm down 12 pounds - my usual weight (185 - obese, right?).  But now I'm just on liquids for the next two weeks - yikes. I'll probably be down another 5 pounds in two weeks. 

Pre-Op testing is all day, Friday, July 15.  In the meantime Stefan and I are going to get our Estate Documents (Wills and the such) in place and in order.  Not to say anything is going to happen but I want to be prepared.

Here's to a Long Life!

So here are some of my questions and her answers,

Q:  I'm nervous about some of the complications that come with lap-band that is listed on your site, what percentage of patients experience some/all of the complications?
A:  Less than 5% of her patients experience complications due to the band because the new bands are built so much better, more pliable.

Q: How long will I have the band in?
A: For the rest of my life. Patients that have the band removed gain back the weight they lost within 90 days.

Q: How will I know if my liver is ready for surgery?
A: The Pre-Op blood test, EKG, and the hosts of other tests will determine if my cheating (I was bad on the 4th of July) will prevent me from having surgery.


Q:  How long before I can leave the hospital and how long will I be down?
A:  Surgery is out-patient and most patients are home the same afternoon. I will have to be down for about 5-7 days and no driving for two weeks along with no lifting anything over 10 pounds but after that I should be fine.

Q:  I heard my hair might fall out or thin?
A:  The rapid weight loss causes a hormone shift so hair loss or thinning is possible but less with Lap-Band patients and more with Bariatric Bypass patients who lose weight more rapidly. I'm actually going to get my haircut today because my hair is so thick and starting to fall out now that I want to minimize the mess.

Q:  Will I experience slower weight loss because of my Thyroid Disease?
A:  Dr. Ellner has patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis who lose the weight as quickly as patients without thyroid disease. Average weight loss with lap-band within the first year is 30-40% of my excess body weight.

Q:  Will I be able to make my family Mammoth trip so shortly after surgery (10 days after surgery)?
A:  I won't be able to drive or to eat out at the restaurants, I can't fish or go on long hikes but I will probably be able to do short walks and rest in the condo while Stefan, the girls, Jedo & Nana take in all of Mammoth but I can recoup. Looking forward to the down time with a cool view.

It's a Date

I received my call today from Dr. Ellner's office with my tentative surgery date, Wednesday, July 20 (the day after Iliana's 4th Birthday).  This was also the day that I had my first Mammogram.  A very interesting day indeed.

I'm still recovering from an eye infection I had last week during my work trip to Connecticut.  My infection was so bad that I was on oral and drop anti-biotics.  What I needed was a lock on my lips to stop me from cheating during the conference.  I stayed very close to my protein/veggie meals with a few instances of dessert, wine and cheese.

I have a great friend, Chay, who I have met up with the last two years at this conference so we catch up and hang out when we can during the sessions.  It reminds me of that great movie, "Same Time Next Year" but without the sex and the funny banter.  It's just a great time to catch up with my friend.

I'm also preparing my email to my family (including my close friends) to let them know of my surgery.  I needed to come clean - I'm out and about too much for them not to figure out that something is going on.The Psychiatrist said my food triggers are my socialization - drinking and eating because I'm out with my friends.  Maybe I need to pick up knitting or something to take the place of meeting for dinner.

So 4th week on the Liver-Shrinking Diet and I'm down nine pounds. After the 4th of July celebration (and a bit of cheating) I will be using 3 liquid supplements a day - no carbs. No fun but I'll be healthier!