4 days post-op & truly blessed - ThinnerTimes

patbunny · 12-07-2007, 08:02 PM

Hi all...!!!
I am so thankful...I have been TRULY BLESSED through this entire journey. Thank every one of you for this site and your care and concern.
I am now 4 days post-op lap Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and I am thrilled that everything is going fabulously. My whole experience with my surgery was this....
1. I had the best pre-op preparation I could possibly have via all the information gathered from the internet websites and forums, surgeons seminars, literature, etc.
2. I had the best possible success with insurance approval (only minor hitches) because I followed their guidelines strictly.
3. Had the best possible surgeon and office staff, including his nutritionist. (I can never thank them enough!)
4. Had the best possible hospital prep as well as inpatient care. Totally an awesomel experience.
5. And have had the best post-op care from my family since coming home....Lord, bless them too!

If you think I am a little flowery in my praise and that I may have had a little too many hits on the morphine pump....well, NOT SO...!!!!! I didn't have much at all. Possibly 8 to 10 pushes of the button in recovery in the first 2 hours or so and NONE (that's ZERO> ZIP> NADA) since then. I have also had no liquid pain meds, although I had it on hand for post-op. Just have not needed it at all. I DID have the OnQ pump with 2 tiny tubes inserted into the upper abdomen at surgery and that releases timed dosages of an anti-pain and healing medication of the surgeons chosing during the first 5 days post-op. So we got to remove that today and I have to say it kept me from having much pain at all....and have none since we removed it. I still have one drain which will remain in place for another 6 days or so.
I am walking a lot and sipping my clear liquids...water, broth, SF Jello, Crystal Light, and SF popsicles.
I am not weak or shaky or the least bit hungry...so I am just being waited on hand and foot rather unnecessarily, ......and milking it for all it's worth...!!!! Had showers and washed my hair each day since I have been home, and have been walking all around the house and down to the mailbox about 8 houses away each day for the mail.
I don't smell very good...especially my breath, my family says, but we know that's just the ketosis taking over and is totally natural. Good frequent toothbrushing and mouthwash helps a lot.
Over all, I am glad it's over, but I wouldn't have wanted it much different. I can't say everyone's experience would be this good....but at least now you know it is possible, and does happen.....and thank God it was bestowed on me!
Here is my post-op prayer..."Lord, I thank you for your many blessings, and I promise to use this new tool that I have been given in a respectful and responsible manner acknowledgeing that your Holy hands have been over me all the way and will continue to be during my recovery. You are a God of love and endless mercy, and I praise you with all my heart. For through you, ALL things are possible."

Pat Bunning Escondido, CA 12/7/2007

katzz87 · 12-07-2007, 08:12 PM

Just what I needed to hear! That some people come through the surgery with no pain issues. I'm going in expecting bumps in the road, but praying for a relatively easy recovery.

Keep us updated with your progress! I'm having surgery on Jan 14th...and will be "following" you on your journey.

Andie · 12-07-2007, 09:04 PM

Way cool!! I'm glad all is going well!! I hope it continues!!

Toony · 12-08-2007, 01:20 AM

Hi Pat! So good to hear of your experience! I'm thrilled for you! Please keep us updated on your progress... sounds like you're off to a terrific start!!!

katie

Duckie · 12-08-2007, 06:30 AM

Welcome to the Loser's bench!

DonnaRae · 12-18-2007, 10:25 PM

I too am a patient of Dr. Callery's - surgery was 11-27. OnQ Pain Buster is the best!

3 Weeks post op today - 34 lbs lost, and loving every minute of the whole experience. This was the best Christmas present ever!!!

Welcome to the loosers bench, and keep up the good work!

Donna

nextbigloser · 12-19-2007, 06:05 AM

Pat I am glad to hear that everything went well for you. It sounds like you had a great surgical team and lots of help from family, thats wonderful. Keep us posted.

BillH · 03-01-2008, 04:37 PM

Great news, Pat! And great prayer! And great attitude! Wishing you continued success!
BillH

kittens4 · 03-01-2008, 06:00 PM

Congrats!! It's nice to hear that you are doing so well and that you aren't having major pain issues. Sounds like you are physically and mentally ready for this!

lsullivan22 · 03-01-2008, 10:56 PM

Just by reading your post, I know and have faith that your journey will be truly blessed by God as it has already. If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it. congratulations..