Up at 4:00am to arrive at the hospital at 5:30. We had to drive 45 minutes to the approved "Center of Excellence" nearest me. It was worth the drive since my surgery was covered 100% and no out of pocket expenses. We arrived right on time.
Went through the admission and medical history process. Got changed into my gown. Had some more blood drawn, another EKG, paperwork, blah, blah, blah.
Then came the I.V. nightmare. I have really deep veins. They poked me not once, not twice, but three times. The last one into my left wrist which hurts like a...well, let's just say it about threw me to the roof. And that one didn't work either. They finally decided to let the anesthesiologist give it a go. She found a vein on the top of my right hand and got it in on the first try.
Doctor came in to just go over everything. Anesthesiologist came back on and sent me to happy land. Got into the O.R. And then went to sleep. Next thing I remember is waking up in recovery with another I.V. in my left wrist just below my thumb. I guess during surgery the I.V. On my right hand came out and they had to put n another one. I am just grateful I was asleep when they did it. They said I was pretty dehydrated because they had to give me 3 liters of saline and my blood pressure dropped critically low. My husband's not saying it, but I think it was more serious than he's saying. They said that probably wasn't handling the anesthesia too well and that could also be why it dropped.
I was somewhat lucid in recovery and I threw up from the anesthesia, even though they gave me some medicine that was supposed to prevent that. I had that taste on my mouth for the next hour or so.
I don't know how long I was in recovery but it seemed like a short time and, before I knew it, I was being wheeled into a room to fully wake up and feel good enough to go home. I think I got three doses of morphine in all. The only thing that was painful was the port site and the pain in my left shoulder and neck. I always get this pain there, though. It's from the anesthesia. Initially they had some trouble getting my blood pressure back up and, out if the corner of my eye, I could see Mike watching the numbers everytime they took my blood pressure. My oxygen was also low and they had to put a nasal oxygen thing up my nose to help that level come up. Lesson learned: surgery is a serious thing.
I was given ice chips, which was a welcome relief to my cotton mouth and helped get the yucky taste out of my mouth from when I threw up. My blood pressure finally came up to a normal level. I even walked down to the bathroom!
I sat in a really nice recliner for about the next two hours. It was more comfortable than the bed. It was a power one so I could adjust it back or up to get comfortable. I think I spent a total of 3 hours in recovery.
After I was ready to head home, they took out both I.V.s and I got dressed. I slept most of the 45 minute ride home. Mike had to stop at the drive through to get something to eat because we were there longer than both of us expected. I didn't even think twice about that fast food burger.
So I spent post-op day 1 in bed only to take trips to the bathroom, which was frequent because if that 3 liters of saline from the operation. I was very glad to see my kiddos when they got home from school. Sean, my 2 year old, wanted to see me but knew something was going on and didn't get too close. Katie, my almost 6 year old, came right in to see me and gave me a kiss. She was the one I worried about most because she's very sensitive and empathetic. But she was fine and loving with me. She brought me water and Popsicles throughout the afternoon and evening. I gave her "warm fuzzies" to help fill up the kids' reward jar. They are working toward earning the new Monster's University movie. Colin, my 9 year old, was his typical Aspie self and I had to call him in to see me and say hi. I only saw him once or twice the whole afternoon and evening.
So my pain levels weren't too high. Maybe no more than a 5. I kept on top of my pain medicine and took one nausea pill to be on the safe side because I wasn't sure how I would react to the pain medicine. I just didn't want to throw up. I never did so I am happy about that.
I had chicken broth and Popsicles and lots of water. I don't feel hungry at all. My band is not filled yet. That doesn't happen until my 3 week post-op appointment. I will be on liquids this week but I can now add low-calorie and clear fruit juice. Right now it's 2:30am and I woke up because I was in pain and just had a dose of medicine.
Let me just say that I could not have done this without my support system. I have had some very kind words from family members. My parents are supportive and encouraging and I am so glad that they were able to come see me a few days before my surgery. My mother-in-law flew up from Arizona to take care if me and my kids and she is doing an excellent job. I am so lucky to have her and she is a great mother-in-law. Most of all I am so lucky and blessed to have my husband who has been nothing but supportive throughout this process. You can't do this without a support system. I can't imagine doing this on my own. No way.
So that was my surgery day. Tomorrow is my 11th wedding anniversary. We celebrated before I started my liquid fast and I wrote about that in my very first blog post.
My goal for tomorrow is to get out of bed and walk around the house. I've had enough of lying in bed so I will try the recliner tomorrow. I think I can have fruit juice so I am looking forward to that.
One day at a time now. I'm on my way to becoming a more healthier me and unleashing that skinny girl I know is inside me.
Oh, I can't end this post without mentioning the very wonderful staff at the Delano Regional Medical Center. They took great care if me and was constantly monitored and attended to.
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