Hey Everybody!

Well it's official I am sleeved. April 30th was the beginning of a new life for me. I am not going to lie. I was doing great up until it came time for them to get the IV in. Let me explain why. I am a very very hard stick and you have to really be a special person to get my IV started. 12 medical professionals could not find a single vein to get the IV started. Surgery was delayed due to this. I was so tired of being stuck that all I could do was cry. My mom couldn't take it and had to leave the room. But my husband stayed, he wasn't leaving my side. I was standing firm that they were not going to put an IV in my neck, no way. I had that done delivering my son & that was not an option. Right when that was the only option, a determined nurser got the IV in finger. I was in pain but just happy it was finally started. All I remembered was waking up in recovery hearing someone calling my name. Sounded like an angel, I make it! Thank GOD, I made it. 2 days in the hospital was challenging for me, the surgery was challenging for my surgeon. I had a lot of scar tissue from the band which caused him to work harder but the surgery was a success. I can not thank the staff at Presbyterian of Plano for making me as comfortable as possible. They provided me with the best of care. My best friend who is more like family to me came and stayed the night in the hospital with me even though she had to get up and to work the next morning. She was there to give my mom & husband some relief. I thank her so much because everytime the nurses came in she was up with them swabing my mouth making sure I was comfortable as possible. That is true friendship and she really does love me. I love you Angie!

Time to go home on May the 2nd and I can't leave until I have the barium swallow to make sure I don't have any leaks. Before they remove the tube from my nose I had to have the barium swallow. I didn't think I was going to make it cause I kept throwing up. Even when the techs came to pick me up for my x-rays I was throwing up. The tech was concerned and didn't want to take me. My nurse who knew how badly I want the god awful tube removed from my nose came in and said I know you don't feel good but please try and get the barium down so I can remove the tube. No leaks, tube is removed. I got the strength to tell the tech to take me on down because I wanted to go home. Long story short, I thru up all the way to have my x-ray done but I swallowed that NASTY BARIUM **** and I had no leaks. My nurse came in and the tube was removed from my nose. Now I can talk. YES GOD! In the middle of all of this I walked and walked because nothing was going to keep my from going home.

I went home in 30ish degree weather but I didn't care. I was tired of seeing IV's, breathing monitors and the smell of bandaids. The most refreshishing smell was my clothes I changed in. The fresh smell of GAIN. I knew it was time to go. I got my instructions from my doctor, the nutritionist and nurse and was out the door. Sondra has left the building.

I have did nothing but sleep for the past few days, just hasn't had any energy until today. The family has been so helpful. Today I had 8 ozs of Protein shake and I am ready to take the world by storm. So this is my update. I am doing great and I don't regret my decision. The Best is Yet To Come & I am looking forward to every minute of it.

Be Blessed Until we Chat Again! Stay Inspired!

Thanks for sharing! Congrats on commencing this journey to a new you!!!

Glad you are home and doing well. I go in for my revision on Monday and I am starting to get very nervous. Why did you have a tube down you nose? I did not have that for the band and don't think I get that with the sleeve surgery either? How is the pain factor?

Glad to hear .. Read you're home safe and sleeved! Congrats!

I too, have to wonder about the nose tube.. First time I've ever heard of this.

You will have the tube. I also had a drain and a catheter. I could not do the test the 2nd day. I thought I was going to die. BUT, I didn't. Everyday got better and better! It was all worth it!! Good luck guys!

I had a revision and hernia repair and no tube in my nose, thank the good Lord!

Congrats!

You are one determined beautiful lady to get on with a new healthier life style with the horrible side affect of pure skinniness! CONGRATS and welcome to the BIG LOSER'S CLUB!

Congratulations - hope you continue to do well and keep us posted.

Thanks for all of the support. The tube was a part of the surgery and I also have a drainage bag on the side. I will have that taken out when I go to the doctor on Tuesday. I had this other pain pump in my chest as well. I took it out on Friday morning to take a shower. They normally take it out at the hospital but it was still full so they told me to keep it in 1 more day. The tubes were the size of vermicelli pasta and came out easily. No pain at all. I just thank god for the opportunity to hit the restart button to live a healthier life. It was all a part of God's plan. Maybe my story will inspire others that's it's ok to restart. I can go all things through Christ which strengthens ME! Words to live by!

Darling I am so glad your doing so good.. I get sleeved in 24 days.. gettibg more nervous each day... God bless you

Praise The Lord! I'm glad everything went well with the surgery and you are back home recovering. How I too can not wait to push that restart button on is journey. Congrats and I can't wait to be on that losers bench with you!

I had my surgery 4/30/13. I had my band removed and the sleeve done. I give you strength to go through the tube issue. Everyone doesn't like me. I'm glad I made it. We are on our way. Congrats.

Congrats you got this the best is yet to be

Thank you

Sorry you had such a rough start. Glad you're home and doing well. I'm thankful I DID NOT have the nose tube! I'm a nurse and know they are uncomfortable for some. I did have staples and a drain for the first week. Each surgeon is different.

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