First of all, thank you everyone for your prayers and positive support though this process. I am so glad I made this decision and am excited for the journey ahead!
My surgery was yesterday. My mom and I left my house around 5 to get to Boone Hospital in Columbia by 6:30. Caffeine would have been nice, but I am off caffeine and couldn't have anything to drink anyway. I'm glad my surgery was early because I would have been really hungry if I would have had to wait til later.
They took me back around 6:45 or so and got me set up in my room. The hooked my IV, which she numbed so it didn't hurt. I got a shot in my side of blood thinners and that did sting and burn for a few mins. I loved when they put the warm blankets on top of me because I have been so cold lately (and still am!)
The surgeon came in and was pretty to the point. He asked if I had any questions and we had a few but I told him that I hoped the worst part was the 10 day pre-op diet. He said it probably was but didn't even ask if I did it, or if I cheated, or anything! I never heard if my liver looked good (that was one of the points of the diet, to shrink the liver) but I will ask next time I see him.
I got an anti-nausea pill with a sip of water, which tasted wonderful. Mom and I chatted and watched tv until the anestiologist came and gave me propofol and whatever else. I remember being wheeled back for surgery and they strapped my feet in then each arm. Then I was out. I think before surgery they also gave me something to help calm me so I felt pretty good. My blood pressure was good while I was waiting to go back too, I was surprised as nervousness usually makes it higher.
I woke up in recovery and the nurses were letting my know where I was. I felt really nauseous so they gave me something for that but it hung around a while before I felt better. They did an x-ray to make sure the band was placed right and that hurt a little to roll around. I was kinda in and out until they took me to short stay area and my mom came back. Everything was a little fuzzy for awhile, but I remember I kept asking what time it was (that's totally me).
The nurse gave me a medicine cup of ice cubes and said if I kept them down for one hour, I could have 2 medicine cups for another hour or if I felt good, I could go home. Mom gave me my glasses, which helped me see better and I started feeling less drowsy. I was in and out a little bit but after the hour was up, I was ready to see if I could go home. Mom helped me get dressed and the nurse helped me to the bathroom. I asked for another sip of water (I was so thirsty!) and it was probably the best water ever. They got me a wheelchair and a nice man wheeled me out. It was about noon at this time, so I was in and out in less than 6 hours.
Everyone was so attentive and friendly at the hospital. The doctors were pretty quick and straightforward (but nice too) but that's what I expected from them usually. I would recommend Boone Hospital highly!
I kinda napped a little on the ride home and told my mom to stop at the mall at one store she wanted to go into and I stayed in the car. I was worried about nausea on the way home but it wasn't a problem. We stopped to get my pain medicine and I walked around Gerbes slowly but felt ok. I started to feel a little yucky right before we left and I was happy to be getting home to my own bed.
I couldn't fall asleep when we got home right away so I just walked around a little and lied down too. My sternum/breastbone and my upper back have given me the worst pain. I knew to expect that. It has something to do with the gas they pump you with when they do something laparoscopically and something with your diaphragm. My tummy didnt hurt except the abs when I would lie down or sit up (kinda like when you do a tough ab workout, nothing bad). The pain overall has not been unbearable. I have definitely had worse pain.
I wasn't hungry at all. I was trying to rehydrate myself because my calves were a little cramps because of the lack of fluids. I ate a few Popsicles to help with my scratchy throat. I had been coughing off and on all day because of the tube that was in my throat. Will brought a few movies for me and mom to watch but I was falling asleep in the couch so I went to bed at 9. I woke up at 11 to take my medicine again. I can only really sleep in 2-3 hour increments but that's ok.
I get to eat some real food around noon. By real food, I mean soupy or liquids food and only 2-4 ounces but I am excited! After 10 days of broth, Popsicles, jello, protein shakes (which were actually good, the Hy-Vee vanilla Carmel swirl powder is awesome!), I am ready for some yogurt, pudding, soup, etc. I did cheat some during my 10 day diet, but I was about 85-90% compliant, so I am ready for some different foods! I also get to shower around noon.
Thank you everyone again for your thoughts, prayers, and positive support. It makes me realize thati have a lot of people who care about me. I will keep posting updates so check back when you can.
I did the dreaded weigh-in and before pictures but I will wait to post them when I have some good after stats to report!
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