Sleeve, Hiatal Hernia Repair, AND Gallbladder
My journey actually began a year and a half ago and economic conditions prohibited me from being able to go through with the sleeve at that time. In May, I started the Cigna insurance requirements all over again.
My MD submitted paperwork and was given approval 7 business days later. Thankfully I had completed the awful H Pylori treatment! Worst antibiotics I've ever had to take. During the pre op testing they discovered I had a hiatal hernia, which I've heard is pretty common. The insurance approved both the repair and sleeve. I FINALLY met the surgeon, Dr. Lavin. I mentioned I had gallstones and asked how long I'd have to wait to have them removed. (they were diagnosed last year and I chose to postpone surgery) He said, "why not now?". He also kinda laughed and said I was going to have the trifecta.
After tying up some loose ends, my surgery was scheduled for August 26th, this past Monday. I was his last case for the day since I was the most complicated. Surgery went well and he said my gallbladder was really bad and full of stones, 2 of which were huge. He said I should feel much better with that gone. While in the hospital overnight, I did have some gas pain but nothing the pain meds didn't take the edge off.
As for my stomach.... I have this odd feeling that my tummy is gurgling or that I can actually feel the liquid moving around. Thankfully, I've never been nauseated but at times a little queasy but quickly subsides. I took one pain pill after arriving home and Tylenol on a few occasions. Honestly not pain, just soreness. He was all over my abdomen and did explain that I'd be tender a little longer than those having one procedure.
My vision has not been quite right since the surgery. I removed the nausea patch Thursday with paper towels, making sure not to touch. I've read up on this and hopefully when I wake in the morning my normal reading glasses will be sufficient again.
I was actually VERY concerned about my mental state and mourned for days before my surgery regarding my dearest evil friend, food.... July 30 was my last weigh in before insurance submittal. Between that date and my surgery, I gained 12 pounds. I was really having Last Supper Syndrome. I settled down a few days before surgery and did the liquid diet pre op. I've actually been pleasantly surprised. I don't even want food. It's all I can do, as repeated 10,000 times on this site, to get my fluid requirements for the day. I do find myself thirsty and the gurgling feeling actually feels like my stomach is growling??? I'm not hungry and don'[t crave anything.
I am looking forward to each new food experience, if for nothing else, variety.
Thanks to all who have shared their stories before me. Reading each of them really helped me prepare for my surgery.
Kelli
