ptruax
Smooth Sailing
Jan 29, 2007
I have been without email during the two week post surgery recovery so I'll bring it all up-to-date today.
The vena cava filter install was uneventful and painless. I was awake for the experience and found it to be very interesting. I could watch on the screen as the Dr. threaded it from the groin up to where he wanted it and then saw the "release" which resembles a mini-umbrella being opened. I was relieved to have it installed and did not worry about passing any clots that could kill me post-surgery.
The sugery went well and I was released by 4:30 that afternoon. I live by myself and managed just fine. Having 3 dogs to take care of kept me moving around and I followed all the rules about fluids, etc. so I progressed well.
By day 5 post-op I was feeling well enough to begin to get bored! It was uncomfortable to bend over but I figured out that if I was on a folding chair I could do some things around the house. So that began my mass de-cluttering. I went through closets, drawers, boxes, etc. and even went through old papers and shredded those! I was full of energy! By day 5 I was off the Tylenol #3 entirely and it has been smooth sailing ever since.
As for food...who would have thought that the first spoon of sugar free pudding would be like ambrosia! That started on day 5 but now I am on soft and pured foods. Because I am a bit on the OCD side of things, I follow the rules to the "T" and in particular practice "mindful eating" which has done a lot for the way I approach a meal now. I use a shrimp fork which forces me to take small bites, consciously count the chews and make sure it is like paste before I swallow. From what I have read these are behaviors that lead to success.
The following Tuesday, 1/23, I returned to my surgeon for the re-check and had lost another 12 lbs. That makes 20 since my first consult on 12/12. He says he is happy with the results and I'm healing beautifully. No sutures so just like my gall bladder he did 3 years ago, the scaring will be minimal. Like I really care about that! Who will be able to find them in the folds of skin! HA!
I finally bought myself a scale...haven't owned one in years because I "out grew" it. I plan to weigh myself one a week so I do not get upset if the needle doesn't move downward fast enough. I have to remind myself it is the journey of a lifetime.
The vena cava filter install was uneventful and painless. I was awake for the experience and found it to be very interesting. I could watch on the screen as the Dr. threaded it from the groin up to where he wanted it and then saw the "release" which resembles a mini-umbrella being opened. I was relieved to have it installed and did not worry about passing any clots that could kill me post-surgery.
The sugery went well and I was released by 4:30 that afternoon. I live by myself and managed just fine. Having 3 dogs to take care of kept me moving around and I followed all the rules about fluids, etc. so I progressed well.
By day 5 post-op I was feeling well enough to begin to get bored! It was uncomfortable to bend over but I figured out that if I was on a folding chair I could do some things around the house. So that began my mass de-cluttering. I went through closets, drawers, boxes, etc. and even went through old papers and shredded those! I was full of energy! By day 5 I was off the Tylenol #3 entirely and it has been smooth sailing ever since.
As for food...who would have thought that the first spoon of sugar free pudding would be like ambrosia! That started on day 5 but now I am on soft and pured foods. Because I am a bit on the OCD side of things, I follow the rules to the "T" and in particular practice "mindful eating" which has done a lot for the way I approach a meal now. I use a shrimp fork which forces me to take small bites, consciously count the chews and make sure it is like paste before I swallow. From what I have read these are behaviors that lead to success.
The following Tuesday, 1/23, I returned to my surgeon for the re-check and had lost another 12 lbs. That makes 20 since my first consult on 12/12. He says he is happy with the results and I'm healing beautifully. No sutures so just like my gall bladder he did 3 years ago, the scaring will be minimal. Like I really care about that! Who will be able to find them in the folds of skin! HA!
I finally bought myself a scale...haven't owned one in years because I "out grew" it. I plan to weigh myself one a week so I do not get upset if the needle doesn't move downward fast enough. I have to remind myself it is the journey of a lifetime.
Down to the wire
Jan 11, 2007
I had my last consult today with Dr. Small and it is a go for Monday 1/15. I am having a removable vena cava filter put in tomorrow and I am more nervous about that than the surgery. He says it is probably "over kill" but it is recommended for people with BMI's that are high (64.4). Officially my highest weight was 383 and today I was 375. I even hate to write that down or say it out loud, I cringe.
I feel blessed that this surgery is possible and that I have a job with the insurance to cover it. Now it is up to me to live up to what God has planned for me for the last third of my life.
I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.
Pam
I feel blessed that this surgery is possible and that I have a job with the insurance to cover it. Now it is up to me to live up to what God has planned for me for the last third of my life.
I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.
Pam
Getting Close
Dec 06, 2006
I have jumped all the hurdles necessary to obtain the lap-band. It has taken 4 months from first psych exam, nutritionist appts. and letters but I received the OK from the insurance last week and I have my consult on Tuesday. My hope now is that I can still schedule it before the year is up because my insurance goes from 100% coverage to much much less after Jan. 1.
