My Vsg Experience On March 9Th

[1Bumblebee 8]

Okay...its 11:48 on the 9th and I'm doing great. Im typing using my cell phone so it'll probably be tomorrow when i am done. For someone who hasnt had so much as stitches or pregnancies, i must say that this surgery was not so bad.

The day didnt start off as planned. My mother-in-law had a stroke yesterday so i told my husband that he needed to go and stay with her. I cried most the day (behind closed doors) because i was so scared and i really wanted him to be with me.

I ended up coming to the conclusion that this was the way it was meant to be and went with my backup plan...my brother and his girlfriend.

Madigan Army Hospital at Fort Lewis Washington gave me the best experience for what was a very nerve racking experience. So far the entire staff who has worked with me have been so kind and caring. I give them an A+.

I guess my attempt to disguise my fears once i was wheeled into the surgery room didnt work. The angel of a surgical nurse very nonchalantly placed her hand in mine so i could hold her hand. With no words i could see in her eyes that she was going to take care of me.

Next i woke up in the recovery room. The worst of it was the pain in my chest. I was immediately given something for the pain. Next was the nausea. I was given a tube that was aroma therapeutic which after many deep breaths took that feeling away. Then my brother and his angel of a girlfriend were there cracking jokes and making me laugh. The pain that i was experiencing at this time was what others mentioned (like the day after doing 100 situps). The incision that was worse than that was on the left side where i think they removed the cut away stomach.

My advice here is to not try to be tough. Every chance you can, push the button for your pain meds. Thats what i did and there was not so much discomfort.

After reading so many threads from this web site, i knew how important it was to walk so i did. The nurse said that i was one of the first people she knew to walk so soon after surgery. Just to keep it in perspective, im 5'8" and started this process at 298 day of surgery 267. After a very short walk, back to bed it was and back came the nausea. The aroma therapy helped again.

I've walked 3 more times since then each time going a bit farther. My problem has been the shakes from not eating. I havent had anything to eat since noon on the 8th and nothing to drink since 10:00 pm on the 8th. Again thanks to VST i knew about how thirsty i would be after surgery so i tried to drink as much Water before my cutoff time.

Walking does help you feel better overall. Nausea a few more times (only after walking) but not so bad.

I found that when i was walking, i had some discomfort on my left side incisions when trying to take a deep breath. I solved that problem by stretching very slightly when in bed. Also anytime i had to make a big move, i put slight pressure on my left side incisions while doing so.

Again, so far...not so bad (and i started out scared to death). My next challenge is going to be tomorrow (EATING and DRINKING). Will keep you posted.

As for my mother-in-law... she was admitted and i made sure my husband stayed with her. My surgery was done 5 hours away from home and i am doing fine.

[Shemy-away 83]

Congratulations to you!! All of my incisional pain is on my Right. Its also where my largest scar is. I'm sorry to hear about your MIL. I will keep you in my prayers and I look forwar to watching you shrink lol. Keep us updated!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

[realwmnhavcurvs 5]

Glad you made it thru well..will be praying for you and your mother in law.. Congrats on ur surgery

[Karen B45 38]

I am sorry to hear there was such a rough start to your day but it sounds like you are doing great! I am so happy for you...right behind you....

[1Bumblebee 8]

Thanks for the prayers. Sorry I didn't get back to you all sooner. My cell phone died. I came home yesterday (to my brothers) and was settling in. MIL doing fine. Husband is too. I just need a little more recuperation time so I can handle the 5 hour drive home.

[realwmnhavcurvs 5]

Hey bumblebee

Congrats, so happy to hear that your doing well

Rest up and travel safe..