| My Journey begins...to date here is what's happened...
3 weeks until surgery: I think I have lost my mind, because I am eating everything in sight. Two to 3 candy bars in a sitting…caramel pop corn, fast food…you name it! I think I am eating for all the days I won’t be able to eat. My weight at the last dr appointment was 250.5, but I’m sure I’ve gained at least 5 pounds during these pre surgery weeks, anticipating a life of limited calories. I’ve eaten so much that I have a constant heart burn and have resorted to using Tums several times per day. But I keep eating. I feel more out of control now than ever before, and at the same time, I feel calm, knowing without worry that this is the fattest I’ll ever be!
All those feelings of being the fattest person in the room don’t bother me as much right now, because I know that in a few short weeks, I’ll start winning this lifelong battle with my weight.
Pre op: The day before surgery, I had a bowl of cereal for breakfast, and then clear liquids thereafter. At noon, I drank Phoso-soda to clear out my bowels. It worked within 40 minutes of drinking it, and I barely made it home from work to spend the rest of the afternoon on the toilet.
Surgery day: I arrived at 6 am, was met by the nurse, dr, anesthesiologist, who made small talk for a few minutes before taking me back to the operating room. It was the first time I had ever walked into a surgical procedure without being wheeled in on a bed or wheelchair. Within a few minutes of placing the IV, I was asleep.
The next thing I knew I was waking up, and my throat was sore and dry. I felt like I had strep throat. I looked at the nurse and told her I needed to pee. She helped me to the bathroom and watched, then helped me back to bed. I was very sleepy still.
She helped dress me and called my husband over to bring me home. The ride home was mostly sleeping for me. I remember my husband calling family members to let them know I had come through ok, and I remember a few words with him, but mostly I slept. Also remember I must have done 1000 sit ups cause my stomach was really sore! He said I let out a nasty fart in my sleep that had him rolling down all the windows in the truck and laughed at the look on my face when he told me!
When I got home, I went straight to bed. I took my prescribed medicine for nausea and pain every four hours through the night.
Day 1 post op: I spent the day in bed sleeping and watching tv. I was able to drink water with no restriction even though I took little sips. I began drinking a pre-digested amino acid goo which gives 18 grams of protein in a one ounce liquid serving. My husband wanted to know WHO digested it? I think it was an old Billy-goat who did. It tastes horrible. ..just like it sounds…but it goes down fast with one swallow and it’s over.
I am also sipping apple juice and a Capri Sun 100% juice pouch. I tried to drink some coffee, but was only able to get a few sips. Been waiting for the caffeine headache to hit me, but I’m good so far. I have moderate pain when moving or trying to sit up, get up, or down, but have no hunger. Have noticed little gas noises coming from my intestines.
My stomach is really really swollen…looks like I’ve been stabbed 5 times, but there really isn’t much bruising other than the stab points. I just want to lay around in my nightie with no granny panties on to bother my wounds. Been taking my meds every 4 hours still and they knock me out.
Day 2 post op: Well, today is Saturday. Horrible headache when first waking up! Took some baby Tylenol that tasted like grainy sugar…was worried it was too thick but it made it down and stayed!. Noticed I can move a lot easier today, though still have some pain getting up and down.
My daughter is coming to watch movies all day. My stomach was growling really loudly and I think I was hungry for the first time, but it is hard to tell with the drugs and slight nausea I feel. I am going to hold off on the meds today unless I really need them…try to wean myself off before work on Monday.
After drinking the predigested goo, the growling stopped. But wow, the gas is here! Gurgling and wiggling, I can feel each bubble in my intestine working it’s way down and out. I’ve never had gas like this in my life. I am not an open farter (though I live with a husband and two teenage boys that are). They would be shocked to know that I have been quietly farting under my blanket on the couch with the kick out for hours.
I am continuing with the goo, water, apple juice and a Capri Sun 100% juice pouch. I’m not sure if I would recommend inviting your funny daughter over for a movie day. She had me writhing in pain making me laugh so hard all day. I kept saying “ha ha, ow…ha haha…OW!” Still, I was able to manage with only 1 dose of medicine throughout the day.
Day 3 post op: Soon after waking and getting drink of water, I needed to rush to the bathroom for my first bm! I’m very happy to be having one…maybe my intestines can take the day off today?
I can’t stand the thought of not making good progress, so I stepped on the scale. I weigh 247! Not bad! I don’t think my obsession with the scale will go away anytime soon. I’ve been known to weigh myself 5 times a day. I also poke around my neck feeling for signs of collar bones. It’s an OCD thing for me when I lose weight. Maybe there will come a day when I don’t feel so crazy about these things?
I’m going to try to make it to the market today for a short trip for milk, eggs, bread, and some sugar free Jell-O and Miso soup for me…
…..Ever one step ahead of me, my dear husband swiped my ATM card conveniently before heading out to the Padres game. Called me on the way and said to stay put and just rest….gotta love him. | 
Philip 4:13
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