Wednesday, November 25, 2009

12 HOURS POST OP...FEELING AWESOME!



No one is going to believe this but I feel AMAZING! Twelve hours ago I was still in surgery and now I am sitting here at home enjoying a cup of pomegranate tea and writing this. I am convinced that it's because of my parents. They are both very strong people. I think "of good stock" and "hardy" would describe them. I am truly grateful to have inherited some of these genes because I've had very little discomfort today. I filled the prescription for the Tylenol 3s but didn't need them. I took two ibuprofen earlier and feel amazingly good. Did they actually do the surgery or was this a placebo trial? (Laughing) See, I even have my sense of humour intact...


So here's how things went today. I got up at 5:10 am to head to the hospital. My husband wanted to ensure we weren't delayed in rush hour traffic. Personally, I was hoping for a few extra zzz's. When you've been sleep deprived for over a year with a baby, even pending surgery doesn't keep you from sleeping like a log. I was a little worried I wouldn't sleep last night but alas, my head his the pillow and it was lights out. Funny, I would repeat the scenario later in the morning.


At the hospital everything went as scheduled. One of my surgeons (two must be present for this type of surgery) was about 10 minutes late, but once I ascertained it was because she was coming from another hospital and not just rolling in from a all night party, I felt better. She was really sweet actually and so was her partner in crime.


The care I got was fantastic. I even got to wear peep toe botties on my feet that showcased my pedicure from last night (they weren't supposed to rip so easily but they just don't make things like they used to).


The actual surgery part only took an hour and a half but with all the pictures (yes, I let them take pictures...what else am I going to show at the next family reunion...lol.) I didn't get to the recovery room until 11:30 am. My first impression was that someone had stuffed a softball under my left breast and squished it to fit in beside my stomach. That's where my port site is and it's the only spot that was uncomfortable. The nurse asked my if I would like something for my pain, and since they didn't offer online shopping, I decided to take the two Tylenol 3s. Now, I rarely have occasion to indulge in such opioids, but let me tell you, they made me loopy! I had to fight the urge to sing "driving around town all whacked on the Scooby snacks" (I don't know why at times like these, our brain dredges up the most bizarre song lyrics).


So after my drug induced haze subsided, I was allowed to go home. A nice man picked me up in a two wheel chariot and whisked me to the secret elevator where only movie stars must be allowed access. It led to the loading bay where my husband was waiting with the car. The ride home was really fun. I started having a back spasm (or what I thought was a back spasm, now I think it was gas pain) and I had to recline the seat all the way back to find some relief. It went away though and after that, I really didn't have any more great discomfort. I had some sips of water (okay, lots of sips of water...my mouth felt like a wind storm had gone through) and then graduated to some chicken broth and apple juice this evening. The cup of tea was great. Hot liquids seem to feel better.


All in all, today went even better than I could have imagined. I want to say a very special thank you to those who sent me well wishes. I read them on my husband's Blackberry minutes before they took me in to the O.R. and they touched my heart. They also gave me another little boost of courage to go through with this. I am very grateful for your kindness.


I will leave it at that for today. I am going to rest now. It has been a day like no other in my life. A turning point that I will never forget. Onwards and upwards...


6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Awesome that you feel so good, so soon after the procedure. What a bit to be thankful for, huh?

Amy said...

congrats, my banding sister!

amy

Dinnerland said...

Congrats on being banded-- you're going to do great! I love the 'no shopping so I'll take pain meds' remark. Funny!

Heather said...

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID IT!!!!! You're now on the "other side" and will continue losing weight. You have a truly amazing journey ahead of you. Just know the rest of us are here with you, you aren't alone!

gettingbacktoskinnymini.blogspot.com

THE DASH! said...

Amazing! I'm so glad you've had a great surgery and are now feeling great. This is just the start of fantastic things to come and we will be here, right by your side :)

Kinzie said...

Congrats! Sounds like everything went better than expected. What more can you ask for? Welcome to our little club.