My initial consultation was early the morning of June 28, 2001. I got to my surgeon's office around 7:30 am. and was surprised to find several people already there. I'd thought the consultation was in idividual appointment. We waited for a little while before the nurse called us into a room with a T.V. One of our surgeon's former patients who now works for him addressed us first. She talked about her experience and how things work in their office. We watched a video about bariatric surgery and then she answered questions. After that, our surgeon came in the room and we got to meet him. I found him to be compassionate yet straight forward.
Next we were taken one by one to be weighed and to see the surgeon privately. The scale they have there is amazing. Not only does it give you your weight, it also calculates your BMI, body fat percentage, fat mass, lean body mass, etc. I found out that my fat percentage wouldn't show up because I was over 75% fat at that time. After that my surgeon came in the room and introduced himself. He discussed the surgery with me, examined my abdomen to see whether or not the laparoscopic procedure would be possible and then talked to me some more. He really impressed me because when I spoke he sat right in front of me, looked at me, took the time to hear my concerns and questions and never once made me feel like he was rushed or my time with him was up. I knew right then that I was in the right office :)
It took about 1 1/2 weeks for the insurance to get back to the doctor's office with an answer. I will never forget the day I got that call for as long as I live! They approved me on the first request 100% (galbladder removal included)! I know there are many people out there that need this surgery worse than I do that have had to battle their insurance companies to the bitter end. I feel so fortunate to have gotten through this step with such ease.
I went to Fresno for my pre-op lab work on July 23rd. I've heard some people have had to have ekg's, blood gas tests, ultrasounds, blood work, psych. evaluations, the list could go on. All I had to have done was a little bit of blood work and a urinalisys. Again...piece of cake! I went to my pre-op class later that night. The class was taught by a nurse who had the same surgery a couple years earlier. She was wonderful. She explained in detail how the entire process would play out from pre-op work up to going home. I had the advantage of going into this knowing what to expect. That helped a lot.
August 11th, two days before surgery. I ate out for almost every meal. My wonderful husband accomodated my "last wishes" graciously :) He was so sweet. At midnite that night, the fasting began. All day on August 12th I couldn't consume anything that was not clear liquids. That meant jello, broth, water, 7-up, black coffee. I was able to take my regular meds though and of course the antibiotics and laxatives. Yippy. LOL I experienced a lot of anxiety toward the end of that day. Part of it was from being worn out from my "diet" and part of it was nerves. I'd never had any type of surgery before (except oral). I am glad my mom came up to stay with the kids for us. I sat up for a while that night talking with her and it really helped calm my nerves.
I think I got a little sleep the night before surgery. I was pretty restless though. I had wanted to take my two mile walk that morning but when I still had to be near the toilet, I decided that might not be a wise thing to do. Mike and I left around 6:45 am for Fresno and arrived between 7:30 and 8:00 am. The first thing I had to do was fill out a couple papers. I honestly don't even remember what they were for, I was so nervous. After that they called me in to change into my gown and be prep'd for surgery. I do have to mention this, the gown was wonderful. It wasn't one of those little covers that leaves your butt hanging out for all to see. It was big and comfortable and closed quite securely in the back. Thank you!! :) The nurse who prep'd me was wonderful. She was so friendly and understanding.
I had gotten a phone call just prior to walking out of the house from a very close friend of mine who lives in Southern California. She happened to be visiting a friend in Fresno and wanted to meet me at the surgery center before I went in. Having her there meant so much to me. I don't think she realizes how much she helped lighten the mood and calm my nerves. Thanx Cyn!! :) I also had my "angel", Marcia, right there at the surgery center but I didn't get to meet her until after I was done and in my room. Mike was allowed to come sit with me after I was prep'd and waiting to go. I was glad to have him there. While he and my friend were with me, the anesthesiologist came in and introduced himself. He was a very gentle mannered and friendly man. I liked him right away. A few minutes later my surgeon came in to greet me and make sure I was certain about doing this. My friend had to go so we said goodbye and finally I was ready to go. Mike stayed there as they wheeled me out. I started to cry a little, partly from nerves and partly because I love him and that "what if" was still sitting in the back of my mind. I think he got teary too, but I'm not sure.
When I got to the O.R. the nurses had me scoot from my gurney onto the operating table. It was small and cold. My body rested on the table while my arms rested on arm rests out to my sides. The anesthesiologist greeted me again and began hooking me up. It only took a few moments for the medicine to begin it's work. The last thing I remember was grabbing my surgeon's arm and saying to him, "take care of me." He smiled, said I'd be ok and then I went to sleep.
I woke up in recovery and immediately had pain, my breathing was guarded and shallow because the pain was so high up in my abdomen and that feeling made me panic a little. I started crying and telling anyone who would listen that I couldn't breathe. In reality I was breathing just fine and the nurses told me so. Eventually I woke up more and when the reality hit me that I had made it through, all I could do was smile. I remember being trasferred to my room upstairs. Some of the nurses were remarking about how happy I looked. :) Mike was waiting for me when I got to the room. I was so happy to see him, it was like somehow being in his presence made me safer. Most of that first day was spent dozing. I do remember meeting Marcia finally that afternoon. She and I met online through the obesityhelp.com message boards. We discovered that we were going to surgeons from the same practice and that got us started emailing. She was in Fresno having her pre-op blood work done the day of my surgery. I mentioned earlier that she was my "angel". On the message boards, when someone goes in for their surgery usually someone else offers to be their angel. That means they keep in touch with the patient or his/her family and report back to the rest of the group on their progress until they come home from the hospital.
The rest of the day passed by quickly. I had the pain medicine pump (PCA), that was nice :) Later that night my nurse offered to help me get up and walk. They want you up walking as soon as possible. It helps prevent blood clots. I did get to standing and I might have taken one or two steps, I don't remember for sure. I wasn't up very long before I knew I needed to lay back down. At that point I started feeling sick to my stomach. I threw up for a minute but of course there was nothing but a little left over blood to come up so it was mostly dry heaves. I honestly think it happened because I had hit my PCA too many times throughout the day. |
