kedwards1950

I'm 61, but my bypass isn't scheduled until August 19. I have back problems and a knee problem like yours. I am a little anxious as I have other medical problems, but I am an optimist and can't wait to get started on my new journey! Will be more than happy to keep you updated on how it progresses...
Peggy

Having bypass 9/4 and would love to have a buddy/mentor from Western New York (Buffalo area)

Hi everyone,
I am about 18 hours post-op and feeling okay. Here's an account of my day (at least what I can recall!)
5:30 am - arrived at hospital/check-in
At this time, I paid my copay and completed my hospital provided Advanced Directive/Living Will
6:00 am - seated in waiting area for Pre-Op preparation
I was only in this are for about 10 minutes. My fiancé was with me in the waiting area, however, as soon as I was taken back for Pre-Op prep my fiancé was directed to the Surgical Waiting area.
6:10 am - taken to Pre-Op Prep area where I changed into my hospital gown, put on footies, and surgical cap.
6:20 am to 7:25 am - Met with Doctors (surgeon and anesthesiologist) and nurses.
Everyone confirmed that I am who I am and if I knew which procedure I was scheduled for. I was given my "forgetful cocktail" around 7:25 am and honestly remember NOTHING afterwards until I woke up in recovery.
7:30 am to 12:00 pm - RNY Gastric Bypass
My surgery took approximately 4 1/2 hours, which was about twice as long as the average at this hospital. I still don't know exactly why it took so long, but I was reassured to the surgery went really well.
12:45 pm to 3:00 pm - Absolutely worst part so far.
When I awoke in the recovery room, the nurse I had had an atrocious bed-side manner. I asked when I could see my fiancé and was told as soon as I was taken to my room and that should be in just a few minutes. I was just getting used to the new feelings of my body, this is also when I found out my surgery had taken so long, and my nurse ignored my and my requests for over 2 hours. Because of the sore throat, I was only at a whisper at my best and I really struggled to even get her attention. My nurse showed no compassion for my pain and got irritated with me because I was crying because of my pain. Also, a few minutes turned into over 2 hours before I was moved to my room - so I was in pain, visibly upset, and longing for a familiar face. I cried all the way to my room. Awful,
3:00 pm - It got significantly better the moment I met my floor nurses (and finally got to see my fiancé!)
The floor nurses have been nothing short of amazing and I am eternally grateful for them. Carol, my first nurse on the floor, was so helpful and accomplished at explaining why she was doing something and how it would affect/help me. I also began drinking ice Water and eating ice chips durning this time. And as of now, I haven't had any nausea or difficulty swallowing, actually, it feels so good!
4:30 pm to 7:30 pm - sleepy and extremely happy to see my fiancé and oldest best girlfriend
It hurts to breathe because of the drain at the bottom of my diaphragm and coughing is scary, but tolerable. Did I mention I have PCA (patient administered via pump) Dilaudid. Woo-Hoo!
7:30 pm - first time walking
Walking was hard but felt good. It made me feel so accomplished being that my surgery was 12 hours prior and I took a good 10 minute walk (even if I was slow as molasses). The most painful part is getting up and down from the bed because I would typically use core strength to help me up. Right now, my core strength is compromised and it hurts quite a bit trying to roll around and push myself up.
7:45 pm to now (2:00 am) - lots of sleep and vital checks
My nurses have now changed twice and each of them have been awesome. I feel so lucky to be with such caring and compassionate health care professionals.
Schedule for 8/20: removal of catheter and barium swallow in the AM. Lots of walking and labs throughout the day and first attempts at proteinshakes.
I am one of those that like to know exactly is going on and when, so I though I would recorded my experience so that others may have a better idea of what to expect.
Please join me in praying that everything goes well tomorrow, well today, and that I get to go home on Thursday.
Thanks for listening everyone!
~ Angela