Road to Recovery

It's been four days since the surgery, and I gotta tell you, it went easier than I hoped. Except for the fact that a hospital is no place to seek rest and solitude, it wasn't even that painful!

The surgeon came in to explain it all again and to make sure I didn't have any questions. He told me what to expect once he got finished, and confirmed that I was staying through the night. Don't remember much after that until waking up in the recovery room.

The surgery took a little longer than expected because of a slight complication. I had a hiatal hernia that had to be repaired before the lap-band could be placed. It also means a little longer recovery period than the average two to three weeks. It also means that I have to be on a soft diet longer than first anticipated.

The next morning I got the fun news. I had to have an x-ray to confirm that the band was in correct position, and fortunately it was. That wasn't the fun news. The FUN news was that I also had to take my first swallow, not of broth or water, but contrast barium so they could make sure it all went down the way it was supposed to. I think he neglected to tell me that part. The test itself wasn't hard but the stuff tasted like some kind of antibacterial soap. Not what I envisioned my first taste to be. But it went down perfectly, so I could go home that afternoon.

I was given a prescription for both pain and nausea but have not needed either one. The pain that I had from the three small and one larger incision was minimal, and the stomach really didn't hurt. But, they do pump your abdominal cavity with gas to better see what is happening. And the gas traveled to my left shoulder. That was what hurt! Four days later it is better but I am reminded every time I take a deep breath that it still hasn't completely dissipated. And I still have a little swelling in my belly area. And more than a few bruises!

The first day home, I could only take three or four sips until I felt like I had taken three bites too many at the Thanksgiving table! Trying to get the protein drinks down made me feel miserable and bloated all day. But each day I am able to take in more at a time, and I am hoping that today I will be able to get down the necessary grams of proteins needed.

I do have to say that I am really, really sick of broth! Having had that every day since New Years has made me actually look forward to having my instant breakfast drinks just to change the routine. But it is temporary. In two more days, I can start trying to have some creamy soups and thin cream of wheat (no oatmeal - it sticks to your innards!) Which is okay with me because I actually like cream of wheat. Something new to look forward to!

When I made the decision to have the surgery, I weighed 302 pounds. After being on the diet for two weeks I went down to 284. When I checked into the hospital, it was 281. When I came home it was 287. Stupid glucose IVs and gas!

But each day the weight has decreased, and this morning's reading was 277. I am pleased, but at the same time a little unsure if that is too much too fast. I go back to the doctor on Thursday, so I guess I will find out then.

It would be nice if it did continue to come off that fast once I start introducing solid foods.

I got rid of my first pair of too big jeans. I am on my way!