Pre op diet and Surgery Day!! 11-6-13

I never posted about my pre op diet. Oops. Day 1 was kind of rough. I snuck French fries and then made myself go to bed. Day 2 I was a little hungry but less. I didn't cheat at all.

Wednesday was surgery day. I freaked out a few times Tuesday. My dad emailed basically trying to talk me out of the surgery. He said I should be able to eat 1000-1200 cals and do it on my own.  Yes, that would be great BUT.....I really felt like it was time for something drastic. A new tool.

I had to be at the surgery center at 9:30. It went fast.  They did pregnancy test which was negative. YES!  Ha!  Then they put in IV and started it, put on compression socks, hair net, and gave me a shot of blood thinner in my stomach.   I asked everyone I came in contact with if they liked the surgery and if I'd be miserable. Everyone was very encouraging.

I walked into OR at 10:02.  Then I was in recovery. I was confused about the surgery already being over. I wanted to draw up my legs and take my cpap off. Finally I guess I went to sleep or just calmed down. Later they got me up to walk and I just chilled in recovery while eating ice chips and gas x. The nurses were really good about feeding me those strips.  The nurse showed me how to empty my drain and measure it to write it down and how to use an incentive spirometer.  I have to walk 10 min. every hour and use the spirometer every hour.  The dr. also found a hernia while doing an EGD so he fixed it when he was in there. We left the office a little after 2.

The ride home was good.  My sister and her fiancé let us rest a while before bringing the kids home. Then my parent came over and our nephew and his fiancé.  Mama was awesome and did laundry and unloaded and loaded the dishwasher. Mama and sister gave the kids baths too. Super nice!

I have really been surprised at how decent I feel. My main complaint is the gas.  I'm working on walking it off.  Last night I didn't drink a lot I guess but I tried to sip a lot. Today I've been walking and working on liquids. I made a sugar free carnation instant breakfast and added unflavored protein to it.  Not too bad. I'm still not sure how I'm supposed to drink. I don't want it to hurt me if I drink too much at once!

I also want to think everyone for all of the texts and emails!  You know who you are!!

Introduction and the night before the pre op liquid diet

I had already typed about the wellness group yesterday so I just posted it instead of adding more.

I need to introduce myself. I'm April...34, wife of 13 years, mother of a 5 and 2 year old, college student, and full time employee.  Whew. I'm tired. I've been struggling with my weight for a long time. I remember dieting in school. I was around a size 12 the summer before my Senior year. I loved my Senior pics.  But I didn't stay a 12.

So here I am after millions :) of attempts at dieting. You know the drill. I've tried it all and more than once or twice.  I've always been interested in weight loss surgery but I've always been more discouraged by peers/family and afraid of it than anything else.  This time my husband convinced me to at least go to a consultation.  It also helped that a classmate/Facebook friend had the sleeve done so I could talk to her about her experience.  Amanda had her surgery in July and was down 67 lbs the last time we emailed. Wow!!  My friend also knew someone so she hooked us up.  Kelly is about 15 months out and has lost around 130. I don't know the exact number. She's been a great help and I just love her so far.

And here I am...having surgery on November 6th!!

I start my pre op liquid diet tomorrow. I'm a little nervous. I've had a few crazy feelings today. I ate some leftovers from the fridge. For lunch I had one of my faves, pho. Yum!  I had a salted caramel mocha from Starbucks. My crazy feelings were being worried about what foods I should say "goodbye" to. Crazy but true. I know I'll be able to eat some things again but never the same.  And never the same portion, of course.

I'm excited. Nervous. Hopeful. I look forward to sharing it.

I'll go before you don't finish my ramblings.  Good night!

P.S My grammar sucks. Excuse it and love me anyway.