Shirley S.

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Susan E. 24 years, 7 months ago

Shirley: So sorry to hear about your ordeal. Glad you survived Crossroads--I heard that there were some problems out there, and I made sure I had my surgery at Barnes. I hope you have a great weekend, and no more problems!!! Best of luck on your new life. Susan

Shirley S. 24 years, 7 months ago

0h well, I am 17 days post-op. I have lost only 9 lbs, but that is because of my complications. After being home on clear liquids for 6 days, I developed a leak! I went to the emergency room, had a CT-Scan done that confirmed the leak. At that time they also thought I had an abcess, now that scared me. The last thing I wanted was more surgery and possible peritonitis. Thank God it turned out to be only a small leak. I stayed in the hospital from Sunday - Thursday. (I tell you Crossroads Regional Hospital has the worst and most dangerous nurses I have ever encountered. I will never return there as a patient willingly)!! None-the-less, I survived that ordeal and returned home on total NPO, and 12 hour TPN, through my PICC line ,and q6 hours antibiotics for 3 weeks. BUMMER!!! Today is October 4th. (only on TPN for 10days) I was retested (CT-scan, Upper GI, and blue ice test yesterday, passed them all, Praise God.) Dr. Scott pulled out my penrose drain, took out my staples and discontinued my TPN. The PICC line comes out Saturday, and my antibiotics stops then too. I am back on clear liquds, so far, so good. I pray all goes well, and I won't have another leak. I must say these past 16 days have been very difficult. I had my good days and bad days. I cried and prayed, but I'm still glad I had the surgery done. For all of you that haven't had the surgery yet. The most important and critical thing to do in the very beginning post-op, is to measure your intake and DO NOT take in more than 4 -6 oz per hour. Pay close attention to your penrose drainage and walk as much as possible. I belive that the 1st 2 months will probably be rough, but as time goes on, and your body heals things begin to become wonderful.

Doug E. 24 years, 8 months ago

Congrats on your successful crossing to the "other side"! I had RNY with Drs Scott & de la Torre on 8/13. Unfortunately I DID have complications - a bleeder that put me back into surgery at 1AM that night, and a leak that developed 1 week post-op. STILL hasn't healed yet at 5 weeks. But I'm losing weight! I know this will be worth it once the leak heals. Just a word of warning. Be very careful about not taking more than 1 oz every 10 minutes. More than that risks a leak. Fortunately for me, my drain was not yet removed when I developed my leak. No abscess, no peritonitis.<p> Personally, I find Dr de la Torre a bit abrupt and insensitive. I much prefer Dr Scott, who is a teddybear. Keep posting how you're doing.

Susan E. 24 years, 8 months ago

Shirley: Just logged on to check on you--I am so glad to hear that all went well! I had my surgery at Barnes, and had similar situations with the nurses--they really just don't have a clue what bariatric patients are supposed to do and experience. Take good care of yourself--get plenty of fluids down, and rest as much as you can for the first few days. When you are not sleeping, be up in a chair or up walking--it will really pay off quite soon! Best of luck with your new life!

Shirley S. 24 years, 8 months ago

I am home from the hospital. I stayed in 2 days. Thanks to God I had no complications. My sugery took about 1 hour thirty minutes. Dr. Scott, Del la Torre and several other surgeons were there observing. I spent the first day and 1 half in the ICU, as a precaution due to sleep apnea. After passing all my leak tests I was started on a phase 2 diet. clear sugar-free liquids. so far, so good. I'm surprised byr rhe chicken broth actually tasted pretty good, so does the sugar-free jello, everything except te lemon one. that's yucky. My overall stay was pretty good. Most of the nurses were very nice. However, I'm a bit disapointed at the lack of knowledge they have. The bulk of the surgeries done at this hospital are bariatric, and several of the nurses didn't know the protocol, nor did the know the diets Luckly, I am nurse and I have read, and studied the diets, and procedures. I knew what I could, or should do, and immmformed the nurses. If I asked a question I was told I don't really know. One very nice nurse directed me to suck the spirometer instead of blowing. That concerned me becase if we aren't to have stras we really shouldn't be sucking on anything. She also forgot to intruct me on my leg exercises while in bed. The scariest thing of all was she hadn't clalibrated nor kept track of the amount of morphine I was getting. She kept pushing the pca buttom even if I wasn't in pain. That sort of gave me a false sense of comfort. Once the morphine was shut off and it cleared my body, I realized how SORE and stiff I really am. The beds are horrible too. So my advice is to pay attention to everything that is being done.. If you have concerns, ask qquestions. Secondly and most importantly, GET UP and WALK, sit in the chair, move around...but stay out of the bed as much as possible. you feel much better out of bed, also do your breathing exercises religiously!!! I'll let you know how I'm progressng. So far, so good. Very little pain, no hunger, just stiff, sore, and a little week.

blank first name B. 24 years, 8 months ago

Just wanted to wish you luck on your surgery. I will be having my surgery on Thursday, Sept. 20. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God has already worked this out for us!

Mimi C. 24 years, 8 months ago

Hi There Shirley,, I wish you the best on your surgery and recovery. Soon you will be among the ranks of the pounds gone forever group. I start my journey on Sept. 24, and I can’t wait. My thoughts and prayers are with you.. ((((HUGS)))) Mimi

Susan E. 24 years, 8 months ago

Shirley: I wanted you to know that you are in GREAT hands--Dr. delaTorre did my lap surgery on August 30th. I have had a remarkable recovery, due in great part to his expertice. I also wanted you to know that he and Dr. Scott pray before each surgery. They have performed over 1200 of these surgeries, and it shows. My incisions are so small that they are already disappearing! I have lost 20 pounds in 10 days--you will feel wonderful after a few days of recooperation. Just know that it's all worth it, and put your faith and trust in GOD and the wonderful surgeons you have chosen! Best of luck!

angie S. 24 years, 9 months ago

shirley....congrats and good luck and i wish you lots of success

Tom H. 24 years, 10 months ago

Good luck. I hear good things about de la Torre.