tanyagoodspeed
Just setting in
Dec 09, 2012
So now that I have been home for a couple of days, reality is beginning to set in. There are some real changes that I did not truly know about. I have decided to write about my experience so far so that others can maybe know a little more about what to expect. People always want to give the encouraging facts about surgery, but the other side needs to be talked about too. Not. Because we want to discourage anyone, but to help prepare people. The more prepared we are, the more successful we will be. The first thing I had to deal with ws the nausea. I knew that it could be a problem if you eat too much. I didn't realize it could be a problem even if you don't eat too much. I was told that my doc send most people home the next day. I couldn't go home for three days and one of the factors was the nausea. Then there is the gas pain. It was mentioned, but I thought it was gone in the first day, nope. In fact, I still have a small amount of air under my ribcage. This prevented me from taking deep breaths and brought my O2 sats down some. Not to a dangerous level, but enough to have to be watched. So then, the whole time I was in the hospital I had a horrid taste in my mouth. I thought it was something in my IV. Well after two days of being at home, it is still there. So I googled it and discovered that this is a side effect of ketosis which is the metabolic state we are in while losing weight. It will be here for a while. Finally, my BMs have changed. Ever since I did my prep, I poop water. Sorry to be so blunt, but again, I am sharing the reality of this surgery. This is to the point that one night I acually soiled myself bc I thought I needed to pass gas and I really needed to have a BM.
Now here is the thing. None of this makes me regret my decision. This was the biggest thing that I have ever done for myself. I havefive children and a husband at home. I am the charge nurse and clinical coordinator at my clinic. There is always someone wo needs me for something and I am always happy to give. But over the years I have neglected my own care. The negative parts of this surgery will never outweigh the benefits. I am not even a whole week out yet and I can already see some differences. My fingers do notfeel "pudgy". I can breathe better. My blood pressure is already back to a oral level. I have lost 8 pounds since surgery, but I just feel better, even though I still have some pain. I am looking forward to the next steps in this new life. I know I will have some down days, especially when my appetite gets better, but I still can't eat some of my old comfort foods. I am in control of my life now. There is no better feeling in the world and I would go through anything to have and keep this feeling!
