judysbabies

I really intended to get on line everyday and post.....I didn't. Day 1 - surgery day - went well. Nausea was my enemy but not pain. I slept most of the time. When the came to take my vitals, I would get out of bed, with no problem, and walk down the hall and back. I also tried to pee every time but it was the next morning before that worked. Day 2 - Up early for barium swallow....yuck! No vomiting or pain with that and I passed. Later during the morning, I did throw up the bile stuff I had to drink. I was sore but still not in serious pain. I had no problem swallowing. I slept all I could. Day 3 - IV out and ready to go home. Nice warm shower was wonderful. Nausea gone. We drove 8 long hours home. It is a 5 hour trip but we took the not-so-scenic route.....and not on purpose. My sister got on I35 going south to the border instead of north to home. It took an hour and a half before she realized it. I was mostly snoozing. We made it home at 9:30 p.m. to my own bed. Ahhhh Day 4 - Pretty sore after riding so far but no pain meds needed. Seriously, I was not even in the pain of a bee sting. I got in the floor with my grandson and helped build a tower with blocks. The protein drink I have been drinking for a couple of weeks now makes my stomach cramp. I am using another one I had here that I do not like. Oh well. I had trouble with diarrhea all day. Not fun. Day 5 - Today - I am really battling cramping and diarrhea today. Still have soreness but no pain from surgery. My body says I can do whatever I want but my brain says I better not. I have been outside on the deck watching the kittens play and I've watched way more TV than I want. I am bordering stir crazy. I am now literately sipping protein drink followed by a swallow of water every few minutes in hopes of winning the battle of diarrhea. The one thing I am shocked about: I am starving! My stomach is growling, even in the night. It didn't do that last week when I was on just protein drinks. Oh my gosh! I will prevail but geeze Louise! I will report in tomorrow.

I am five days out and having the opposite problem. It seems that everything that goes in causes cramping and diarrhea. Yuck. I am working on it. Good luck. We will get through these first weeks and never look back.

I am in San Antonio for my long awaited day of surgery. Yesterday was spent meeting with my doctor, my advocate, Count Dracula and shopping. My sister is with me and we walked all through the Mexican Market. I bought me two things for after the surgery but I was scared to buy anything too small for fear I would never get there. We stopped at the best Mexican food place and starred at the menu as you can see in the picture. I said good-bye for now. This morning I am ready for the next chapter in my life. I will officially be a cheap date. My surgery is scheduled for 1:30 this afternoon. The doctor says I will NOT have any tubes (Ng tube or catheter) when I come out. My job will be to sip and walk. That makes me very happy. I love you all and will check in soon. Judy

June 11th. San Antonio, Texas. Cannot wait. No matter what, I will never look back.

You are fine. Nothing after midnight. The pre-op is supposed to shrink your liver, making working on your stomach a little easier. That's the theory anyway. Clear liquids the day before helps you with cleaning out your intestines. It will be just fine. The doctor would not have offered the earlier date if it was not okay. Good luck!!!

I am ending day 1 of pre-op diet. I made it but not fun. Mine is only one week but I am limited to shakes and water. No broth, no yogurt, no nothing extra.

As my surgery approaches, I am thinking more about the future without fat restrictions. I look forward to...... Sitting in church and being able to cross my legs Getting into the floor and getting back up without crawling to the couch Leaving the steering wheel down when I get out of the car Leaning over and picking something up without cutting off my oxygen supply shopping in a regular store Getting on the scale at the doctor and not turning my head Walking more than a block without panting Having more energy Less medication Getting up in a crowded room and not worrying about being able to squeeze between chairs or people Cutting my toenails while breathing How about you, my friends?

I am so sorry that happened. I have worried about exactly the same thing. I have told only a few people that I am having the surgery, all others will be told that I am having a hernia repair (which I am having at the same time).

I got the call that I have been waiting on. My insurance has given their blessings for me to have sleeve surgery!!! I'm so excited! I just can't hide it! On June 11, 2013, I will begin a new and exciting chapter in my life. Good bye Big Mama. Hello healthy mama.

I want each of you to know that you are my heroes. The more I read about each of you, the more I admire you. My prayer for you all this week is for courage, self confidence, energy, hope, and love. Where ever you are on your journey, I applaud you. Pat yourself on the back. You are a great person. As you look in the mirror each day this week, say out loud, "I am someone's hero." Whether you take one step at a time or many steps at once, you will get there. Looking back is only for learning, not dwelling on. Judy

I am still pre-surgery but I already have GE Reflux. I take Prilosec daily. It is a capsule. There is also Zantac which comes in liquid but has to be taken three times a day. Judy

I haven't had my surgery yet but I want you to know that I am thinking about you and said a prayer for you. I hope your swelling will go down on its own and you can move on with life. Keep us updated. Judy

Way to go!

There is hope for me yet! Thanks so much everyone. Me

So, you're saying that I have to CRUSH all my pills and swallow the powder? Do you know how disgusting that propanalol tastes before crushing? I don't think so. Liquids? Most of my meds don't come in liquid. Put the powder in water? Then I have nasty tasting water with particles in it. Hide it in pudding. Great but what about after surgery? you know, those first few weeks? Seriously, how did you get your medication down without gaging or puking? Just my random question of the day. Judy

My surgery isn't scheduled yet....soon. Everything is at the insurance company for their blessings, then we will set a date. I am soooo excited.

Today was my last time to eat my beloved coconut shrimp at Red Lobster. It was incredibly delicious. I ate every bite of my baked potato and three garlic/cheese biscuits. I felt no guilt. I am satisfied and stepping forward. I have already said good-bye to Tony Roma's ribs and onion loaf last week in San Antonio. Three weeks ago, I ate at my favorite Chinese buffet for the last time. There are others that I will still be able to nibble on after surgery but these three will be no-no's. For me, these are big steps toward a new me. Judy

What? I'm going to lose all my hair! Geeze Louise. I don't have any to spare. Seriously, what about the hair loss? What is the best way to limit that tiny little cause and effect of surgery? I'm not going to change my mind about surgery but I would rather keep my hair. I need hair to pull out as I reach the stage of having 4 teenagers at the same time. No, I don't need hair for that. I MUST have hair to pull out. Otherwise, I'll commit hairy-cary. I'll end up in jail bird orange. I don't even like orange. Help!!! Judy

This morning I bought a variety of Crystal light flavors and low and behold, there, on the top shelf, was Margarita flavored Crystal Light. I decided not to buy it but it is a thought for a different flavor. I am trying to rule out anything I really do not like the taste of before surgery. I have yet to find a protein shake that isn't disgusting to my taste buds. I am going to try isopure next. Wonder where I can find those...... This week is dedicated to trying new clear drinks and other liquids....the best chicken broth, etc. Once I survive the week of pre-op diet and the first few weeks after surgery diet, I can cope with anything. Margarita's anyone? Judy

Thanks to all. The carb withdrawl is already there for me. My entire body screams, "Give me more!" I would be so much better adjusted if I didn't have headaches and my blood sugar drops. I hate that. Lol I can't bend over now so that little post op inconvenience will not be a problem for me. I am so excited for you, makemyownluck! I will say a prayer for you Thursday morning. I can't wait to hear your after thoughts. Are you packed? What are you taking? Judy

I am so excited for you. May your surgery be successful and your recovery an easy one. Judy

I started this journey two years ago with mostly wishes. I had no insurance at that time but I researched every option anyway. I have three grown kids and 6 at home. One of my six is a foster baby. The others range in age from 10 - 17. I have to live to see everyone grown. In order to attain this goal, I had to do something drastic. I am currently on 3 blood pressure medications, prilosec, 2 anti-depressants, have sleep apnea and moderate limiting arthritis. Most of all, I am too fat. I started putting on the pounds about 25 years ago, just after a complete hysterectomy. Those pounds have stubbornly held on no matter how hard I try to get them off. I enjoy cooking and eating and sometimes eat for comfort. I am not really an overeater, just not a healthy eater. This is Texas and we fry everything. I now have insurance and am driving 500 miles round trip to the only surgeon that will take Medicaid in Texas. He and his team are awesome. I have done all of the dieting, studying, tests, procedures and have a "go" from Cardiology, Pulmonology and my surgeon. Now, it is in the hands of Medicaid. They tell me it will be about 2 weeks for an answer. Then, I meet with the doctor one more time to set a date for surgery. I am soooo excited. I am sooooo scared. My dream is finally coming to pass. What if I don't loose any weight? I will be able to lean over and pick something up off the floor. What if something goes wrong? I will be able to buy clothes from a regular store. What if I miss food too much? I will be able to walk more than two blocks without panting. Where will my comfort come from? (I already have a plan but it is still scary.) So, here I am my new friends.

Anti-biotic should kick it long before then.

Tuesday is your big day, I see. I hope you have been able to hold up okay on your liquid diet. I haven't walked in your shoes yet but I will very soon. You will be in my prayers. Judy