marcyinak

Anytime Lynette, I'm glad I could "fill in"....no pun intended! LOL! Ok, I'm crackin' myself up here! Hey, GOOD NEWS! I've been having some sharp pain near an incision (same as JenniferNAZ - we email eachother). Yesterday I wore a girdle like panty and today I have NO PAIN! I walked for about 20min and then went out and played with the chickens (my kids included). When I got in I realized that there's NO PAIN! WAHOO! Now, I'm not deluded or anything, I'll probably feel it this evening, but this is great! What's not great is that I've gained a few pounds...totally sucks, but I'm trying to stay in the mindset that I'm trying to RECOVER not DIET! Although, I'm not eating all that much...it could definitely be the sedentary lifestyle I've been leading the past couple of weeks....I'm going to start walking in the morning with the kids and at night with the whole family!

Lynette - sister, you have NO IDEA what ssssslllllloooooowwwwww internet is! LOL!

Ms Yackie - I don't know about starting mushies too early, I was eating that stuff at day 3! Didn't have a problem. I bet you got something a little stuck. Remember, we're not DIETING now, we're RECOVERING! It's ok to drink with your food right now, you WANT it to go down easy! I would bet it was a combo of dehydration and the walking, maybe even a little shock to the system. REST and take it easy! Jeanie - thanks for the compliment...she was extra precious tonight on our walk! Gladster - call your doc, the nurses here are great, but you PAID MONEY to the doc, he should take your call anytime to answer ANY question! Don't feel like you're bothering him, feel like you EXPECT him to take care of you! dieka - I also have the 10cc band, the doc likes it and hasn't had any complications with it. He recomends RECOVERY for the first 4 weeks and first fill can be done at 4 weeks. He calls a just placed band a "immature band" and a band at 4 weeks and able to be filled a "mature band". Kathybad - YES on the liq. Tylenol! I got the gas-x strips too, but don't know if I really needed them, I didn't have much of a gas problem. I also suggest getting an "abdominal ace bandage" (I saw them at Walgreen's) and some papaya pills (health food section)...I've heard that if food gets stuck then the chewable papaya pills help it go down...I also know that papaya helps with back pain too. It was pretty cheap and it can't hurt to have some on hand. Food wise...really, you should be able to get up and about within a few days and use a grocery trip as an excuse to walk! :-) G'night all....It's time I set the computer aside for the night.

Haha! Sunny, did I mention that my DH (or as he likes to say Big Stud Of A Husband BSOAH) is the Sergeant for the Alaska State Troopers? He just came home! That uniform ROCKS! Gives good butt...and did I mention the gun? Ooooooo, baby!

Thanks for the comments on my little Stormy! She's started smiling on command (you know, smile for the picture) and it ends up looking a lot like an angry snarl, but it's still cute! Sunny and Dini - I appreciate that you think us Alaskans are so well off that I've got a spare bedroom! LOL! I guess I could give you Stormy's room and she could stay with me...I'd make room for you, but my little "bungalo" has only one bathroom! This might sound hillbilly, but I allow the boys to pee on the trees outside! Needless to say the neighbor kids are appalled! LOL! My neighbor's house is for sale though! Only $290,000 for a 4bdrm 2bath!! Ok, really, the prices are outrageous!

I got a question: In what way to you find support most helpful? For instance, do you find chatting on line most helpful (from other banders), sweet comments from family and friends, or even the doctor giving you praise and confidence? I find, right now, that the support from a couple of banders that email me to be the most helpful right now. My DH is great, but the other night did the, "are you supposed to be able to eat all that?" thing and, well, didn't feel supportive, even if he is.

Ok, Miss Marce has had WAY TOO much time in front of the computer today! It took hours to read what I had missed and here I am posting and posting and posting.....LOL! I really do hope that all those folks who have had to wait until the end of the month that your recovery goes as well as mine! It's rockin' baby! Doin' good!!!

Bloo-Dini HAS had a rough go of it with her man. Too bad for you. My husband is more than supportive (even if he had to give up sex for a few weeks! Poor boy!) Just remember, this IS really all for you, not for anyone else....others may benefit, but let this be a selfish thing if people want to call it that...live it up sister!

Dini....just for you! You should know that she has the most stunning blue eyes you'll ever see! They actually look purple in the sun!

Dini - you crack me up girl! My little girl's name is Stormy Rachel (Stormy to piss off my mom and Rachel is my middle name). She turns 2 at the end of September. She's a cutie, but man does she have a scream on her! YIKES!

NewCC - my port is centered...a few inches above my belly button...I have felt it, but it takes some effort to feel it. Renee - I'm sorry to hear about your dog...I totally support euthanasia...my parents let my childhood dog suffer for YEARS before he finally collapsed and died in severe pain!:think Wrangler - that swelling is probably the port site...where it actually is and the swelling is normal. I'd ice it and see if that helps with the swelling. Lindaa - Oh My! I tend to say the most inappropriate things at times like these so I'll just say that I'm so sorry, how sad that is for the family, and at least your son and his wife can have comfort knowing that they were able to spend some time with him during his last day here. Phyl - I just read that your fever is gone! GREAT! I had/have diarrhea occasionally...remember, we're mostly eating soft food...nothing with real bulk so give yourself a little bit of time for this.:nervous Chimboree - I too have been the biggest in an exercise class. You have to put it into perspective though...some of those folks USED to be the biggest in the class...the reason they aren't is because they are AT THE CLASS! LOL! Keep smiling and pumpin' along sister!:whoo: Lynette - I'm so jealous that you have a Dollar Store! There's really no such thing in Alaska (even in the cities). While I was in Denver for my surgery I used the Dollar Stores and Target as my "reason to walk"! LOL!:bandit Mango - I just realized that I spent all last week being upset at my DH for leaving town for 5 days (a week after surgery!) I managed ok and I should be thankful for that. That negativity was NO GOOD for me, try not to be upset...maybe you'll recover like me and not need him at all...that'll show him. (Of course, it is nice to milk it once in a while. ) Ash - instead of potatoes try mushed up steamed cauliflour! It actually does taste good and it's so much better for you! Also, get in on come creamy soups that are good for you...also remember that your RECOVERING...we're not supposed to be trying to lose weight while we recover, just eat healthy!:biggrin1: Sunny - you know the ratio in Alaska is 6 men for every woman! Why you going on-line? Just do a summer stint as a nurse for an Alaska hospital and find yourself a rich health care professional! Dini - First, I'm disgusted that people gave you crap about your weight (before surgery)! You're not FAT, and from what I see in your pics...you really weren't that bad! It sickens me that there are folks in the world who make fine looking people feel like they're cows and then go through SURGERY to look "normal"! You are a beautiful woman and I'm sorry that you've had to go through all this (man, your STARTING BMI is where most of us would LOVE to be!) Please, learn blow off those who can't see your beauty, because you ARE beautiful! POST-OP UPDATE: Well, I seem to have a more lenient doc than everyone else...first there was no pre-op testing and now, afterwards I've been given the go-ahead for ANY food (and tomorrow makes 2 weeks out, but he said this after two days). I've been able to eat anything I want. I chew a lot and eat slowly, not because I get full fast (I don't), or because I get tummy pain (never had this), but because I don't want any of those! Maybe my brain IS helping me!?! I had a pretty lazy weekend (which I needed) but am back in gear. Chasing the chickens (getting them in and out of the coop...and back in again because my 4 yr old sprayed them with the hose and it's too cold to be outside and wet) has been a good form of exercise today. I'm definitely feelin' it! I only have one spot of pain...near an incision (not the port incision), but it's better today that I have some girdle-like panties on that's holding it all in...MUCH better. I know someone recommended an "ace bandage for the belly" I too recommend this. I saw it at Walgreens. I'm still suckin' at drinking the shakes, but I'm getting enough protein, etc. in so I'm not too worried. I can sleep on my stomach now and pick up my daughter (she's almost 2) so I'd say I'm doing FANTASTIC! I know that's a lot, but I don't post that often and since it took 3 hours to get through the thread....I deserve a little long-windedness!

I've heard some complaints about dry mouth and bring thirsty. I was given a scolpamine patch behind my ear before surgery to ward off nausea....as soon as I took it off, things were DRAMATICALLY improved! Took off my tape today. My incisions are a little sore so I put a steri-strip accross them so they didn't pull...much better. I am currently eating a Pringle potato chip...I know, bad, but it tastes good, even pulverized! I've been able to eat pretty much anything...not bad for 10 days out! I have not tried bread or peanut butter (which I hear and the toughies). I've also not had soda, which, surprisingly, hasn't been that bad! I feel ok, but had some sharp pain the other day that was remedied by ice and rest....let's just say chasing chickens was NOT a good idea! Funny, I usually like protein shakes, but can't seem to even MAKE one for myself this week! I think it's psychological...I tired of hearing about protein shakes! AAAHHHH!! Oh, I got Eat Smart protein powder from GNC..it was expensive and tastes nasty in broth/soup...but tastes fine in everything else. Cherea - I've been thinking about you and sending you good vibes for your upcoming surgery! It seems so close now!

Lynette - great job on the weight loss! I've only lost a couple of pounds (which seems strange since I'm not eating much, but oh well). I'm still quite swollen and I'm sure that has something to do with it. I'm not drinking much...because I don't like to, but I have bottles all over the house so there's no excuse! I've been able to eat oatmeal and I even had some Cereal with the kids (one piece at a time and chewing it COMPLETELY). My doc has given me the go-ahead for anything as long as I feel good about it. I'm taking it slow anyway. I have to admit that I did have a couple bites of king crab last night (living here is nice sometimes), but it was hard to really chew to a pulp! It didn't bother me, but I think I won't try that again for a while.

I'm sorry, but I just can't bear to run through 20 pages that I've missed when it takes 5 min. to load a page! (I miss faster internet already!) Let's see...I'm a week out now. I haven't used any meds in a few days, but have some swelling...lookin' pregnant! Saturday I woke up dizzy! I called the office and was told by on call doc. to go to the ER if it didn't clear up soon. It had been >12 hrs since my last Vicodin. I had some broth and water and seemed to "clear up" after about an hour...scary and weird though. I surrmized that I hadn't eaten much on Friday and the drugs probably just sat there in my system. Needless to say, that's my last dose of Vicodin! My surgeon called yesterday to check on my and seems pleased with my progress. I'm back in Nome now and feeling ok. I spend all Sunday in bed, just resting, and needed it! Now (thanks to the EXCELLENT planning of my dear, sweet husband) I am alone with the kids until Saturday. I'm farring ok so far and have lots of friends available for help so I'm not worried. I'm eating oatmeal for breakfast and soup for other meals (I have some Nutrisystem soups that I like and I just puree the chunks out). It's cool here and I've noticed I'm not drinking enough so I'll have to step that up today. I lost one more chicken, but the others seem to be doing well...I just might have a few chicken dinners at the end of the summer!

Renee - Don't get down on yourself for "failing" at the pre-op. Keep in mind that the diet is not to torture you, it's to make the surgery safer and therefore, your recovery quicker. Just dust yourself off and get back on! Go sister! My husband and I started dating the day he got his motorcycle...not a Harley...Magna 1100cc...NICE bike, then we got too fat to ride together...this would be a goal for us! Nicole - HALLELUJAH! I'm so glad I'm not the only one! I've started burping, but the pressure is still there. I have not done enough resting and I think I'm feeling the consequenses of it. Dini - I've tried feeling my port, but can't. That's gotta be one of the most strange things - asside from feeling a baby kick you in the gut the first time! I wish we could insert your accent in here...us Alaskans don't have one so we pick up others' pretty quickly. Today is my worst day...3 days post-op. I was good this morning, but now I'm so bloated that I look pregnant! I'm a little nauseated too, but I've been controlling that. I've taken some walks around the neighborhood and gone driving with my dad (they bought a corvette while I was in Denver so we took it for a spin..it takes some effort to get in and out of it!). I'm trying to stay active, but taking naps when I'm tired...which I am now so I'm off to sleep! I think maybe I'm just over-doing it. I'm headed to bed early... Some advise for those travelling for the surgery: liquid medication can be carried on (in a ziploc bag) as long as it's a prescription - there is no amount limit (I had a big bottle of liq. vicodin and some antibiotics). I was given some compression stockings (TED hose) for the surgery. Keep them and wear them in the car/plane home...this will help with swelling and circulation (VERY important because of DVT). I did not use a heat pad, but found my ice pack to be quite a relief. (this is different for everyone, so maybe have both on hand.)

Cherea - I, too, hope your body is recovering and you'll be able to go into surgery with the healthiest body possible! Dini - Your brother is not just a jerk, but a time waster...really, THAT'S what he does with his spare time...sad. Sunny - thanks for the "warm" wishes. Danny - glad the Mexico thing went well for you and that you're already loosing! BTW typing speed has nothing to do with it (my speed is around 90wpm and I STILL can't keep up with everyone!) Update: I'm in Fairbanks now, flight from Denver went well (I kept the compression stockings from the surgery cener and wore them on the plane...really helped my legs feel good and not get swollen). We got here early this morning and I was feeling quite great (I'm just on Tylenol now) so I took a shower and drove around and went to some garage sales (a good "purpose" for a walk). I came home feeling not so great and took a nap. I'm nauseated now so I'm using an anti-nausea suppository to see if I can make it through the day. (I'd better get feeling good fast, my parents bought a new corvette and I want to go for a ride before I head back to Nome!) I've also had some discomfort in my chest - not pain - it feels like there's a burp just sitting there, high under my breast bone and it just won't come out! I'm also puffed up like a blowfish! I can't wear any of my pants just yet! But, really, if this is as bad as it gets, it's still better than I could've expected. About me: I grew up in the AF and landed in Fairbanks for too long (abot 22 yrs). I'm LDS (a Mormon) and met my Big Stud of A Husband (BSOAH) at church. We've been married 10 yrs in Sept. and have three kids (Connor-7, Owen-4, and Stormy-almost 2). My BSOAH is a State Trooper and we moved to Bethel for a bit and we just moved to Nome. We plan on a couple more moves before we find our "home sweet spot". I went to Idaho State and earned a BS in Health Care Administration. I stay at home with the kids now and raise our chickens!

Icy - What the heck?! I got Demerol in the surgery center and was sent home with liquid Vicodin...now I don't use a full dose, but it's nice to have...especially to sleep. I think you should give him a call. Lindaa - I was able to shower after one day...I didn't get sutures, I got a plastic band-aide thing called an "Op-Site"...no glue, no stitches, sounds good to me. Wrangler - drink plenty of water before your blood draw - it will make the blood flow better. And FYI I had ZERO blood work or labs done prior to surgery. AppleBlossom - glad to hear that you're back home and doing well! Keep up the good recovery. So, I've been telling my sister about this "support group" I'm part of and she asked if I had bragged about sleeping on my side, drinking well, and shopping at Target (it gave purpose to my walk). So....I told her that I already bragged, but she thought I might not have bragged enough! Therefore, here I am bragging! I really hope everyon else's recovery goes this well!

Rene - thanks for the info...I will definitely hit SAMS up for the protein powder! CeCe - I'm glad that you went to see a Kwakapractor (as my mom says). This should really help you prepare for the surgery and help you move more to recover faster. :Banane56: Ash - Yeah, you're home! Lucky girl to have a pain pump! Although I'm not in a lot of pain, just stiffness. Lynette - I concur...cute kid and I love your new picture! I LOVE cruising...I'm going on one in November to celebrate our 10 years together...a bunch of family are joining us too. I'd not suggets Caribbean in August because of weather...Alaska cruises are nice, but tend to be spendy. The Mexican cruises could be a good option...leave from LA and go down the west side of Mex...just something to think about. Also 3-5 day cruises are available at a good price too! I spent the day at a dollar store and Target (things we don't have in Alaska) so I got a LOT of walking in. I haven't taken a full dose of pain meds today - YIPEE! I did get some shoulder pain, but nothing like I had when I had my gallbladder removed years ago. I just have one spot that is sore. My doc didn't use stiches, he used "op-sites" kinda like a clear bandage that I'll take off in a week. The incisions run accross my upper belly with one small one right in the middle of my boobs (low enough for a bra though). Interesting that my port is placed in the middle and not on the side. I've tried to feel it and can't. BTW - I can paint my toenails!:clap2::whoo::whoo: I head home tomorrow night and am looking forward to being back at my own house. I'll miss this speedy internet though! Count your blessings Lucky 7's if you have this quick internet!

MM - I don't like protein shakes in anything but vanilla...I swear the strawberry smells like vomit to me. I like the EAS low carb "cans". I've been looking for a powder that I can add to water, but haven't found much past Myoplex (which I like too). So far right now I'm on clear liquids too, but I think tomorrow I get to add color! It's not so bad, I'm actually not hungry at all. Anyone hear from JenniferAZ? She should be here (Denver) by now and surgery tomorrow. I'm going out for a walk...later!

I didn't sleep last night very well...even got Dr. K to give me a sleeping pill. This wasn't so bad though because this morning I was too tired to be nervous! The experience was pleasant. I don't have much pain at all and I've only had 1/2 dose of liq. Vicodin. I'll probably take a full dose before bed tonight. Really, I'm amazed at how well I feel! There were several people who were in and out before me, but there weren't any complications except for the fact that I was TIRED and SLEEPING so they decided to just let me be. I've slept a lot today and am looking forward to an AWAKE day tomorrow. So...here's how the day went. We overslept and ran out the door, got there just in tme (this happened yesterday too becaue of a delayed flight - the Lord is helping us). Pre-op was painless except for the IV. I was given a Dulolax the night before so clean out my intestines - this may explain why I have NO gas or gas pains. I remember falling asleep fast and waking up well. I was tired so they piled me with blankets and just let me sleep. Surgery was at 9am and we left at 2:30p. I've been sleeping a lot, but walking up and down the stairs everytime I wake - I'm so glad we're at a friends house instead of a motel. I DO have a little shoulder pain and I'm hoping it doesn't worsen...my sister said she'll give me a little massage later to knead out all the extra gas. (BTW this extra gas causes that referred pain.) All in all a good experience--WAY better than I was planning!:biggrin1: I'm not going back to read ALL the posts I missed, but knowing some of our cheerleaders there were some well wishing posts and I'm thankful for that! Now, off to the races! Oh, did I mention that I lost 14 lbs on my 2 week pre-op? I feel REALLY good about that!:whoo:

OK, time to go to the gate! I'm getting further away from home and closer to a BAND! YIPEE!

First, I tried the chewable Centrum that I found at Safeway and they are actually good...so there's an option! They weren't too pricey either, which is a bonus for me! Cherea - Man, that sucks for you! Keep those positive thoughts, drink lots of Water and pee that infection right out! You could always ask the doc to culture the urine and actually find out what bug is growing and get antibiotics for that particular bug. I swear my calling is the State Ombudsman! Kristen07 - Since I'm flying from Alaska to Denver (right now in fact) I have a shopping list for Walgreens: Protein powder, chewable Vitamins, gas X strips, papaya enzyme (if you get "stuck" it will help break down to food so it will go down), someone also mentioned an ace bandage like thing for your tummy...I might try that, we'll see. You should take the opportunity to try some protein powders and shakes NOW. Also have on hand some Clear liquids for post-op and some mushy foods for post-post-op...I was told by my doc that they should be the consistency of applesauce. I feel like I missed a few pages...couldn't really keep up with some of the subject matter...and I read a TON of pages. We have a LONG lay-over on my way to Denver for the surgery. ONLY 24 HOURS LEFT!!! YIKES! For those of you who were concerned...my baby chicks are now doing well and walking, eating, and drinking like normal. Now I'll be able to feed everyone for Christmas! LOL!:biggrin1: Dini my sweet - You're still sounding negative! You know, I had a friend/boss from Ireland (she moved back about a year ago) and she came to Alaska to work for a bit....maybe you need a change? Oh yeah, that's right, you GOT A CHANGE! You're pretty hot in your before pictures and you'll be even hotter soon! Try to stay positive! You don't want that little girl picking up negative thoughts. You did this for you, so you can be happier...so start being happier!

This should be long...but I've already written it and it was deleted before it was posted...DANG IT! Dini - I'm married to an Andrew and I don't think there's a bad one in the lot. (I'm sometimes wrong, but don't tell him I said that!) I think maybe you've been focusing on the negative instead of the positive. Try to think of the GOOD things he's done. Now, if there aren't any good things, maybe you SHOULD look into being single, but remember...us "fat folks" have been programed to focus on the negative...you're not going to be fat anymore so you should go ahead and start focusing on the postive! Lynette - You're crackin' me up! Although I'm keeping in the laughter (too many people around to laugh AT me). I was thinking about when you said "I think I strained my port" and I couldn't help thinking how HILLARIOUS that would be if said in any other conversation! Bobbertsmom - make sure you walk, walk, walk! That includes just getting up and switching chairs! You can still do that in your house! Also, just walk around the house...discover where you left some dirt (to clean up later). I KNOW this will help! It's the only way I recovered from my c-sections so quickly. NOTE: I found some chewable Centrum Vitamins today...I'll try them and let you all know. I've been doing awesome on my pre-op diet! My sister's scale is GREAT! (it showed I lost 4 lbs. overnight...of course it's off though, but it's a nice thought) I'm still hating meat and cheese, but I'm enjoying the chicken salads I'm having. I'm just looking forward to some other flavors and FRUIT...I really want some friut and milk. I'm worried when I hear people say that they just can't do the diet, that they dream of things like Cookies and cake...please be aware that this tool won't keep you from eating those things so if that's really what you want, maybe you should see a therapist to find out why you want THOSE things instead of healthy things. ALSO-AN IDEA: There just seems to be a lot of negativity lately...with relationships (and that includes me), pre-op diets, etc. So let's all take a minute to write three things we're truly thankful for (the band and this group don't count, that's a given). I'll start: 1. I'm thankful for a husband and family that share my faith and values. 2. I'm thankful to have sisters that I hated growing up, but cherish now that we're all adults. 3. I'm thankful to always have what I need when I need it. (ie. friends, family, money, STUFF, etc.)

Thanks, Lynette, I feel loved again.....the in-laws are killin' me! The house is a disaster and no one will leave me alone long enough to clean it up. Now I have a bunch of men over - lots of law enforcement and hunting stories goin' on....LOL!

Hey, I was just thinking. There's been some comments on this being the "easy way out". I actually think of this as the most selfish thing I will ever do. Sure, I can see how the surgery will benefit others too, but THIS has been the big hurdle for me. I don't care if people think it's the easy way out...sometimes I even have that thought. SO WHAT?! It's a way out, and isn't that what we all want? We don't want to be obese, sick, tired, depressed, embarrassed, etc. anymore and if this is the way we choose to do it, then ROCK ON SISTERS (and BROTHERS)! It's taking OUR lives in our own hands and trying to make something better of it. If we end up at our goal weights does it really matter how we get there? Just a little philosophy for the day....I need to go pack now!