Day #3 Post-op

Hey there, everyone!!!

Sorry I did not update you sooner, but I didn't know how down and out I would actually feel until after my surgery. So, here's a quick update on the past 3 days - On Tues 4/22 I had my VSG surgery. That day was pretty standard and basic, I think. It all went as planned and I was up in my room in no time. I was pretty groggy and tired all day and pretty much felt like I was hit by a truck! I slept horribly, if it all, in the hospital. The beds are so uncomfortable and I was so uncomfortable from gas/air in my abdomen. It was horrible!! I could not find a position to lay in where I would get any relief from the pressure from the gas. The pressure went all the way from my abdomen all the way up and into my shoulders. Not fun! I think I probably slept a total of about 20-30 mins that first night. The day after surgery, was a tiny bit better in terms of the air pressure. I could tell that some of it had moved and disappeared, but it was still very existent. I was so tired and I could not wait to get home and sleep in my own bed. I got to go home at about 5:30 pm that evening...I was happy to get home to my pets and my bed! I went to bed fairly early and slept so much better than the night I was in the hospital. I felt like a million bucks when I got up the first morning after being home. Since I've been home, it's pretty much been dedicated to me walking and getting in as many fluids as possible. 

The gas/air pressure has pretty much gone away and I am not in really any pain. I have had this annoying feeling in my tummy that I can only describe as a rumbling, grumbling, gnawing feeling. It almost feels like severe hunger pains which is tricking me into thinking I am starved. I spoke to my doc yesterday and was told to get some Mylanta and mint tea. I got both and neither seemed to do the trick. I am actually getting ready to call the doc back per their request, to check up on how I feel. We will see if they have another alternative for me to try. 

I have my 1 week post-op this upcoming Tuesday (4/29). I get to start protein shakes tomorrow, which I am pretty excited for! 

Thank you for taking this journey with me!

SW = 321lb
CW = 286lb

>>Less Of Josh<<

Right before my surgery (4/22/14)

3 Days Pre-op

In 3 days I will be going through the biggest change of my life! I get my VSG on Tuesday April 22nd, 2014.

I can only describe the way I'm feeling as 'scared excitement'. It is is such an unknown outcome and it's on such a per person experience that no amount of literature out there can possibly prepare me for when I open my eyes after the procedure is complete. I am going with the notion of expecting the worst, so hopefully I am pleasantly surprised. 

I think I have everything organized for my stay in the hospital and for when I return home, but it still feels like I have so much to do and so little time to do it in. Thank God I love making lists otherwise I would probably be feeling much more overwhelmed. It's funny how this process seems to take forever and then all of a sudden it seems to be going too fast and you can't pump the brakes at this point!

I would have been creeping on 3 months post-op at this point if I would not have had a torn meniscus in my right knee that I needed to have repaired prior to WLS surgery. I was originally scheduled for my surgery on 2/3/14, but after a lot of knee pain, I was told I would have to have knee surgery and then have to wait to have my VSG after 2 months of recovery. In a sense it was a blessing because I got a taste of what surgery would be like before the "big" one. My knee is almost 100% back to normal and now I obviously won't have any trouble walking, since that's such a huge part of recovery after WLS. There's a silver lining in everything, I guess. 

On Tuesday, I have to be at the hospital at 7:30am for my surgery at 9:30am. Thankfully I have a great support system and will have a lot of people there pre and post surgery. Ty, my parents, Joe and Roxy will all be at the hospital. My Mom has stated that she's not leaving my house until I am home and she knows I am "well". Everyone needs their Mom as they seem to always be able to make you feel better. Of course, I also have all my pets that will be more than willing to cuddle with me once I am home and on my road to recovery. 

Tonight I am going to take a bunch of 'before' pictures most of which will be for my eyes only, but I will take some that I can post too. I just need to pick an outfit that I will want to take pictures in from here on out to mark my progress. 

SW = 321lb
CW = 296lb

>>Less Of Josh<<