To My WLS Surgery Story, Page 9!
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After that first trip to the bathroom, each time I got up it was a little easier, not much , but a little. Next it was time to walk. Just getting up was some what of a hassle. We had to unhook everything to free me. First there was the NG tube, it was not painful, just a little weird having a tube coming out of your nose. The NG tube sucks everything out of your new pouch to prevent any irration on this newly tender tissue. While you have the NG tube in you can drink as much water as you want because it just gets sucked right out. Once the NG tube comes out, you have to drink very slowly. It had to be disconnected from the suction pump. Then there were the compression cuffs, these are plastic inflatable cuffs that go on your legs and are hooked up to a pump. They pump full of air to keep the blood flowing out of your legs to prevent pulmonary embolisms (very important). Mine had a cooling setting so they weren't to uncomfortable. Good advise is to not shave your legs before surgery, it adds to the itching. Jennifer put baby powder on my legs before putting on the cuffs, really helps. Next was the IV pump, now this is my best friend and I didn't go anywhere without it, but it had to be unplugged from the wall. They run on backup battery so it would still work. Once everything is disconnected it's time to try to haul my big bottom out of the bed. With my very tender midsection I had to move slowly. After surgery they put a binder on me, to kind of hold everything still, that helps a lot. |
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| Now I'm standing with my slippers on and ready to walk. Oh, wait hit the morphine pump first! My first trek out into the halls was pretty short. The first time you walk you have to go with a nurse and she kind of teaches you how to walk again. Look up, not a your feet. Try to stand as straight as possible. Most of us tend to hunch over into what we now call "The Shrimp Shuffle". The most important thing is to breath slowly. My second trek was much more productive, Mom, Jen and my IV went with me. We made it al the way around the nurses station. Walking is very tiring and can be painful, but very good for you. The more you walk the better you feel. |
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| That night Kelly and Amy came to see me. Kelly's surgery was scheduled for August 24th and Amy's on October 5th. They were reassured after seeing me that night. They expected to see me knocked out and looking awful. I was awake and sitting up in bed, we laughed and talked. I drank water so they could see it run through the NG tube. The NG tube also brings up blood and bits of tissue so it can be a little gross. We had the nurse come in and remove my binder so they could see my incision. I also had two Jackson Prat (JP) drains, they drain off any excess fluid (blood, mucus, whatever) that is inside the abdomen. Both Kelley and Amy had the lap procedure and only ended up with one drain. |
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| My hospital stay was very uneventful, but one of my nusres teased me about being a social butterfly and visiting too much and not resting. Mom told her "Jan will take her friends over a nap anyday". The only real problem I had was with the meralgia in my right leg. That got so bad that I ended up having the scan from hell on Thursday night just to make sure everything was OK. It's was, so they gave me better drugs. Friday I went home, YEAH! I am only eating 1 meal a day, it's all I want. Some days I don't want anything so I don't eat. My first meal at home was a (real) scrambled egg and I could only eat half and knew I couldn't eat any more. Another day I had about 2 teaspoons of cottage cheese and again knew I couldn't eat any more. Saturday I had Taco Bell pintos and cheese and I couldn't even eat half. I have no problem not eating it
all and leaving it on the plate. I am drinking water all day (except when I'm eating) and lots of Crystal Light Pink
Lemonade (love that stuff). |
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| Tuesday I had my one week follow-up and my official
weight loss for one week is.....are you ready for this? 27 pounds!!!!!! Dr. S even made me show him both hands and feet to make sure I hadn't cut one of them off. LOL We also went to the hospital to see Marge and she was doing great. She came through surgery like a champ. She was even in the same room as I was.
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