Today I met with my surgeon. This was the second time of every talking with him. The first time was 6 months ago. I was excited to go back in and show him how hard I have worked these past 6 months. The nurse was so nice and so positive. She complimented my dress and said too bad it won't fit you much longer. : ) Happy thought! I weighed in at 222 making it a total of 48 pounds loss since my first appointment last February!
Dr. Ku came in and was so great to talk with. He said he could hardly recognize me from the photo that they had taken back on that first appointment. (New hair style, new hair color, and weight loss). The Dr. went over my test results from my EKG and Blood work. Everything was in the normal ranges. So it is full steam ahead. The next time I will see Dr. Ku will be Wednesday morning September 11th for SURGERY!
After work today I went to savemart and stocked up on my vitamins, Calcium Citrate, B12 and protein mix. Everything came to $160. That was painful, but think of the grocery money that we won't be spending, not to mention eating out.
I have been getting a lot of support from my co-workers at work. I am glad I shared about my surgery, because at first I wasn't so sure I wanted anyone to know. Now I tell everyone who will listen!
I checked in to the hospital earlier than anticipated Monday, Aug. 26th (they called and said they had a cancellation and could I come in early!). After a few hours of prep and waiting and more waiting, I was finally wheeled away. Surgery went quickly, doc said about an hour and NO hiatal hernia to repair after all! Apparently sometimes the endoscopy will pick something up but then when they actually get in there, there's nothing to sew up. Recovery was long for me. I had a hard time waking up from the anesthesia. I was in a ton of pain and almost collapsed when they got me out of bed the first time to go to the bathroom (no catheter for me) but thank goodness for my husband and a strong nurse that held on tight. First night was rough - not going to lie. I wasn't prepared for the pain from the gas they fill your tummy up with. I have 6 2 inch incisions on my stomach and no bandages! I came home yesterday the 27th and took my pain pills religiously thru the night to allow me to sleep. Each hour gets easier and easier pain wise. I'm up and walking a bit and doing 2 oz. or protein shakes at the top of each hour and as much water as I can get in. My daughter just shared her chicken noodle soup broth with me and it was HEAVEN. It feels very strange at first to have anything going down to the stomach pouch but I'm getting used to it. I weighed 266 going in to surgery and gained a few pounds from the gas, fluids, etc. but my weight is going down quickly. I can't eat until 9/19 when I go back for my 3 week appointment but I'm prepared with all my shakes and supplements, etc. I'm so happy to have the actual surgery behind me and be moving on. And I can't say enough about the staff at Swedish Hospital in Seattle - they are AMAZING!
