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Updated -- Surgery went great!

SeaConquest

By SeaConquest,
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SeaConquest

SeaConquest

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I've mentioned in a few threads that I've been in Kaiser's pre-op bariatric program. I completed all the requirements, received my surgery authorization, and met with the surgeon, the internist, and the psych who cleared me for surgery. I am happy to report that I finally have a surgery date of February 12, 2018 at 7:15 am PST. I was originally planning to have a sleeve gastrectomy, but have decided to follow my surgeon's advice and am getting the RNY gastric bypass. I was 211 when I started Kaiser's 6-month program, and maintained that weight for the duration, but recently went on a two-week cruise with my husband, so am up 5 lbs. Oops. My goal is to be sub 25% body fat. I am currently around 48%. :leaving:

 

I am five, four, have PCOS, arthritis in my back, had two GD pregnancies, and have been flirting with pre-diabetes since my last child. So, I am nipping this in the bud before it gets worse. Because it will get worse. I have also returned to school to pursue nursing, and there is no way that I can do 12-hour shifts, at age 43, carrying 80 pounds of excess weight on my body. It is just too difficult. And, yes, I have tried every other diet and exercise routine out there. I used to be a lawyer with a lot of $$$$ to blow on personal trainers/chefs/drugs and whatnot. I figure that if Oprah hasn't been able to figure out the solution to obesity, what chance do the rest of us mere mortals have? :lol:

 

Anyway, I am moving forward with surgery. Feel free to follow along for the ride, if you are interested. I will post periodic updates (with pics!) to this thread as my journey evolves. I imagine that I will likely have some buyer's remorse the first month or two as I get used to my new normal. Change is hard, but I am trying to be brave (even though I am petrified inside).

 

ETA: They just called me with a cancellation. My new date is next week -- January 17th!! Holy CARP!!

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ktgrok

ktgrok

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Woohoo!!!! I had/have good reasons for having gotten the sleeve, but there are times I wish I'd done RNY. You will do great! My signature has my blog if you haven't checked it..there's a ton on there about pre-op diet and initial post op stuff. Less stuff after that as I just kind of got used to my new normal and normal doesn't seem blog worthy, if that makes sense. 

 

But seriously, best thing I EVER EVER did for myself. Well, that and my divorce, lol. 

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Rachel

Rachel

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Woohoo!!!! I had/have good reasons for having gotten the sleeve, but there are times I wish I'd done RNY. You will do great! My signature has my blog if you haven't checked it..there's a ton on there about pre-op diet and initial post op stuff. Less stuff after that as I just kind of got used to my new normal and normal doesn't seem blog worthy, if that makes sense.

 

But seriously, best thing I EVER EVER did for myself. Well, that and my divorce, lol.

Just read through your blog, thanks for sharing.
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Catwoman

Catwoman

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I’m so excited for you — but I have to admit I’d be scared and worried, so think of the earlier surgery date as meaning you have less time to worry and less time until you get started on your brand new adventure!

 

It takes a lot of courage to do something like you’re doing and I’m so impressed! I remember waiting for Katie to keep posting updates about her progress and I hope you’ll do the same.

 

Sending you many encouraging hugs and prayers! :grouphug:

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wendyroo

wendyroo

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I had weight loss surgery (a duodenal switch) last March.  I was supposed to get to the hospital at 11am and surgery was schedule for 2pm.  I was pulling into the parking lot at 10:45 when they called to ask me to come in as soon as possible because they had had a cancellation and wanted to start my surgery right away.  I walked in the door at 10:50 and surgery started less than an hour later.  I was THRILLED!!  I can't even imagine how nervous I would have gotten having to hang out in pre-op for several hours.  Sometimes it is a blessing for things to move quickly...even if it is a bit overwhelming at the same time.

 

Having surgery has been the best thing I could have done for myself.  My BMI used to be 41, and now ten months later it is 23.  I feel sooooo much better.  I have more energy, can do more things, am more confident.  It has been truly life changing.

 

Wendy

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G5052

G5052

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Good for you. I'd agree to an earlier date too.

 

I was able to lose the weight through other means, but having a normal BMI is such a great thing for me. My arthritis is much better, I no longer have reflux, and my bloodwork (cholesterol and blood sugar) is normal. It's worth getting your weight down.

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ktgrok

ktgrok

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IV is in and I'm headed into the OR soon. See you all on the flip. I appreciate all the prayers and good thoughts. :)

 

Woohooo!!!!!

 

And if the gas pain hurts badly today, try laying in bed with the foot of the bed elevated...that makes the gas move towards the bottom of your body instead of up, where it irritates the diaphragm. 

 

And walk walk walk walk walk as much as you can. It hurts, but it REALLY helps. 

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ktgrok

ktgrok

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For anyone wondering about risks of the surgery, or that kind of thing, the risks are on par with gall bladder removal. I know more people are familiar with that surgery, so thought that might help and put it in perspective :)

 

Also, this is an animation of the surgery she's having (no gore, it's a cartoon): 

 

Or if you want to see the actual surgery there are videos on youtube, or the show Fat Doctor (episodes are on youtube and I think Hulu) shows some of it. I find it fascinating, lol. I was so interested in the whole process that I had my doctor take a photo of my removed stomach (I had a different procedure) and show it too me when I woke up. Homeschoolers, lol, we're a curious bunch. 

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SeaConquest

SeaConquest

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Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. Surgery went great. I'm in minimal pain, alert, no nausea or gas, have been sucking on ice chips all day, and have already walked two laps around the unit. Hoping my recovery continues to go so smoothly. ;)

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ktgrok

ktgrok

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Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. Surgery went great. I'm in minimal pain, alert, no nausea or gas, have been sucking on ice chips all day, and have already walked two laps around the unit. Hoping my recovery continues to go so smoothly. ;)

 

 

Yay! Should only get better from here! (do be aware that there is often some buyers remorse in the first few weeks, as you lose fat rapidly it releases estrogen and you get pretty moody, lol. But that passes. )

SaveSave

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umsami

umsami

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Good luck. :)   

 

I've had two bariatric procedures and don't regret either; however, in retrospect, a duodenal switch would have been a better choice.  Last one was 9 years ago (sleeve), lap-band 17 years ago.

 

Do you have a Laz-y boy or something similar lined up for sleeping early post-op?

 

Do you have protein shakes that you like/can tolerate?  I never found one I liked but did sugar-free carnation instant breakfast (which I don't even know if they make anymore).  I also had a good recipe for a sugar-free egg custard which tasted so good early on. 

 

A stick blender is wonderful for the mushies phase. :)  

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SeaConquest

SeaConquest

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Good luck. :)

 

I've had two bariatric procedures and don't regret either; however, in retrospect, a duodenal switch would have been a better choice. Last one was 9 years ago (sleeve), lap-band 17 years ago.

 

Do you have a Laz-y boy or something similar lined up for sleeping early post-op?

 

Do you have protein shakes that you like/can tolerate? I never found one I liked but did sugar-free carnation instant breakfast (which I don't even know if they make anymore). I also had a good recipe for a sugar-free egg custard which tasted so good early on.

 

A stick blender is wonderful for the mushies phase. :)

Yep. I am well stocked!

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SeaConquest

SeaConquest

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Yay! Should only get better from here! (do be aware that there is often some buyers remorse in the first few weeks, as you lose fat rapidly it releases estrogen and you get pretty moody, lol. But that passes. )

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Yes, I expect that I will be having a rough go of it the first month or two, but our trip to Turks & Caicos for spring break should definitely help. :)

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