Well, it's been almost a week since the surgery to have LB taken out. I have to say...I don't miss it one bit...yet. Just a little bit of honesty thrown in there.
Oh the sweet joy of being able to eat and drink and not make multiple trips to the restroom to throw up! Being able to sit in hour long meetings at work and not worry about every sip of water not making it down and needing to excuse myself. Knowing that I will be able to go on our planned trip to the beach this week and not starve myself because there is just no place to vomit discreetly out there. It's the little things, folks!
So surgery day...well...it was eventful to say the least. My family and friends know how to bring the party to a tiny room. Since I couldn't eat or drink anything since midnight the night before, and I wasn't taken back to surgery til well after 3 PM, I was starving! But they all kept me preoccupied and in giggles. And I'm sure they will tell you that no one can rock a gown, JiffyPop hat, compression hose, and a smile like I can. Ha!
Some of the most memorable post-surgery events (of which I had to be told about):
1. This one I remember -- when I woke up in recovery, the man next to me who was also coming out of his anesthesia, apparently had a full bladder and he let everyone know. The nurses kept telling him he had a catheter and he could pee any time he wanted. Finally one nurse just told him to LET IT GO! Which of course....led to them bursting in to the famous Frozen song....hey, at least they have fun at their jobs.
2. When I was going under the effect of Versad, Jason and Chaston were talking about what dreams I might have. These included rainbows, unicorns, Channing Tatum, and Ken Caminiti. Somehow Caminiti became the rainbow. In a haze, I mumbled, "Hmmm...taste the rainbow."
3. Chaston took a selfie with me after surgery, while I was still out of it. I woke up just in time to catch him. My drug induced glare scared him, and most everyone else. I must try to replicate this look for future use.
4. I think this is everyone's favorite! They wanted me to wake up after surgery so we could get going home. Jason asked Coby how he usually wakes me up. Coby said he tickles me....he was told this wasn't a good idea and to come up with a different suggestion. After thinking for a bit, he came up with a great idea! "I could wipe a booger on her face!" Thankfully, they didn't let him do that either!
Okay...so that was all the fun part. Now to the actual surgery stuff. When I showed up the day of surgery, I had lost another 5+ pounds since the Monday before when I had my pre-op lab work done. I was sick folks. I was exhausted, my head hurt, I was freezing all the time. I still can't believe I had let this go on as long as I had. Wait....yes I can. I was able to gorge and binge on anything and everything I wanted and the weight just peeled off!
But I knew I was finally doing the right thing, for me, for my kids...no matter my size and weight.
Dr. Dean said it went pretty much as he expected and my stomach was, well, it was a mess. He had to "manipulate" me back into shape. I have no idea what this means and can't wait to get more of an explanation at my post op visit with him next week. All I know is that I was more sore and sick after this surgery than when getting LB put in. I'm still a bit achy and feel like I've done 2340293848 sit ups, but it gets better every day.
And the energy I have now is pretty cool! I got home from work last night and cooked supper, played with Coby, did some laundry, and played with Coby some more. I can't wait to translate this in the gym! I think by next week, I'll be able to get on the treadmill or elliptical and get some work in.
The only drawback...I have to pee like alllll the time! This is a new sensation for me from the past 6 months. I would maybe go twice a day....now it feels like every 15 minutes. Especially with all the water I drink. Good to know I didn't lose any kidney function through the whole ordeal. LOL!
The hard part has begun though. I have already gained 12 pounds. That's 12 pounds in 6 days. I knew this would happen. I mean it had to. But I want it to stop here. I have stocked my fridge with low carb, healthy, easy to cook options. But there are still a few bad things that call my name at night. I need to remember that I can't eat everything I want and lose weight anymore. This isn't the Battle of the Bulge...this is a Battle of the Brain!
I am so blessed to be surrounded by positive and supportive friends and family who have loved me through this and will love me past it. I could not have survived this without all of them taking care of me and praying for me and offering support. If ever I throw a pity party and whine about not being loved, someone knock me upside the head.
XOXOXOXOX!!!!
