It's been nine days since surgery. I'm doing fairly well. I've got the pill thing down. We've perfected drinking at least 60 ounces of protein. Today I had it all done by 8:30! Woot! I also had my minimum of 60 ounces of water down by 8:30pm! Double woot! I walked 4 laps around Concord Mills today. 4 laps = 4 miles = 1 hour and 30 minutes. Super!
I can say I've missed chewing this week. It's an odd thing. You spend your life chewing food and think nothing of it; you enjoy tasting things that are pleasant. Not chewing for 10 days now has been odd. Something we've done to help is make chicken bouillon broth. It tastes like food, kinda. Today I had an idea that topped that! Jeff ordered chicken noodle soup from the Chinese restaurant up the road. He ate all the noodles and chicken. I got to have the broth. It was sooooo good. It tasted like food. After 10 days of drinking semi-chocolate, semi-vanilla, and semi-strawberry things, it was amazing!
My first day home, I had a dream about eating a grilled hot dog. My second day home, I had a dream about eating cake at work. My third day home, I had a dream that I could go do the bathroom and do more than pee. At least the third one came true. It's funny how my dreams shifted from food to other things I used to be able to do normally. I think the body craves what it is used to. Even if that isn't a very pleasant thing.
I had my one-week post-op appointment. They took my staples out and Dr. B. cleared me for driving. He said things were going well, though he did give me a hard time for not having a water bottle with me. Where was my water bottle? On the dining room table. Apparently, having it out, but leaving it home, doesn't help me consume water. Who knew?
My one-month post-op appointment is on July 20. It's not a whole month, but it is 4 weeks and 1 day. My mother-in-law will be here. I was hoping that it would be when my mom was here, but my "second mom" is good too. There is always something comforting about having your mom around. She's like chicken soup broth -- just comforting to have.
Brandy, the girl who had the bypass the Friday before me, is doing well minus her being allergic to the Steri strips they used when they took our staples out. The woman who had the bypass the day after me (we met in the hospital) worries me. She has been taking her protein with "sugar-free ice cream." That can't be good. Not only do I think it messes up our dietary requirements, but is eating ice cream several times a day helping to get into better eating habits? I worry. I want all three of us to do well! I invited her over to try the stuff I have, but I don't know if she'll take me up on that offer.
My friends have been PHENOMENAL with helping me walk this week! I've been walked (again, like a dog) by Caitlin, Lianne, Wade, Lianne (and a little bit Thierry), Kathleen, Collette, Jeff (of course), Niki, and tomorrow and Friday by Leigh and Beth! Team Kawski is going strong! WOOT!
* In a previous post, I said that I thought only Collette would visit/think of me. Because I'm afraid for my life, let me note that I never doubted that my friend Cheryl would light a vigil, pray, call, and send a lovely rose bush. She lives in Ohio, but we talk several times a month and I am visiting her in the end of July and the beginning of August. She is amazing and my life is better because she is in it. There. Please don't hurt me now.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Hospital Photos
I think I look too good for surgery! Are we really doing this? Did I mention it's my anniversary? Can I get the honeymoon suite? Jess weighed in at 279 after her "cleaning out" the previous night. (Why do I look so good? HAIR GEL!!!)
Sadly, I wasn't at Red Lobster. I was waiting to be admitted.
I kind of wish they'd take me to the Operating Room BEFORE surgery, not during. Yikes!
Here are the volunteers that got me flowers for my anniversary.
My sexy toes!
My legs were ready for take off!
Jeff and I were trying to remain in good spirits, though we were scared.
Me after surgery. Unconscious. Will I wake up? You'll never know!
Oh! I did wake up! Phew! I don't know how you made it through that cliffhanger. The fact that I'm writing this didn't give me away, did it?
I kept trying to keep my glasses on, but I was soooo drugged up I could hardly stay awake.
My post-op bandages
Yes, they meant staples when they said it.
Here's my inflated post-surgery stomach. They have to pump you with air during surgery and it makes your belly expand a bit. The air has to come out from your top or your bottom!
Visitors, Calls, and Gifts... Oh My!
I want to give a special thank you to my friends visited me in the hospital or at home.
On Monday I got the "dead person's flowers" from the volunteers. Suzana from New York sent me flowers. That was VERY thoughtful! Collette came by on Monday, not that I really remember that much of her visit. She brought me a Hoops and Yoyo toy that tells me that I "smell good" and a cute card with HER VOICE on it telling me I'm FANtastic.
On Tuesday Brandy visited! I could not believe my eyes when I saw her! She just had her surgery on FRIDAY! Wow! She looked good too! Gloria stopped in and gave me some love. We talked about something what was going on in her life and that took my focus off myself (which was really good!). Then we received a rosebush from Cheryl in Ohio! I can plant this at home and it'll grow every year! It was so kind! Next, I got flowers from JEFF! I jokingly accused him of buying them downstairs in the gift show so he wouldn't be up-shown, but he assured me he ordered them a bit ago. After that Shannon came by with a really funny book of odd family portraits! I LOVED IT! Sadly, I couldn't read it in the hospital because it hurt so much to laugh. I'm saving it for any day now. Collette came back with 20 balloons to cheer up my room. She had a vision of putting 5 in each corner, but the wind messed them up and they were all tangled! I loved them together! They looked so beautiful! She kept trying to separate them, and I kept telling her to stop. Being that I had six holes in my stomach, and she had none, I won. haha I also got a phone call from Mari who was on vacation. It was SO NICE to hear her voice. Collette came by again. Last, Thierry and Lianne stopped in to visit. I felt very loved Tuesday.
On Wednesday, I was discharged. Before I left, Rebecca (my teammate) and her fiance' Nehemiah stopped in. They brought me a very sweet book with daily prayers. I reminded me a little bit of the books my dad gives me around the Catholic holiday seasons. While Jeff was out of the room, Collette's minister, Kirk came by to visit with me. He was very kind and wished me well. We talked a little bit about my Christian experience, my husband's experience, and his wife who I used to work with.
On Thursday, I got another card from my parents and I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers from work! I wasn't sure with all that was going on at work they would remember me, but Jeff told me I was silly and just needed to be patient.
The week before my surgery, I told Jeff I thought that Collette would be the only one to visit or think of me. I was really wrong, and it was really affirming. I am so glad that I have so many people who care about me. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart!
On Monday I got the "dead person's flowers" from the volunteers. Suzana from New York sent me flowers. That was VERY thoughtful! Collette came by on Monday, not that I really remember that much of her visit. She brought me a Hoops and Yoyo toy that tells me that I "smell good" and a cute card with HER VOICE on it telling me I'm FANtastic.
On Tuesday Brandy visited! I could not believe my eyes when I saw her! She just had her surgery on FRIDAY! Wow! She looked good too! Gloria stopped in and gave me some love. We talked about something what was going on in her life and that took my focus off myself (which was really good!). Then we received a rosebush from Cheryl in Ohio! I can plant this at home and it'll grow every year! It was so kind! Next, I got flowers from JEFF! I jokingly accused him of buying them downstairs in the gift show so he wouldn't be up-shown, but he assured me he ordered them a bit ago. After that Shannon came by with a really funny book of odd family portraits! I LOVED IT! Sadly, I couldn't read it in the hospital because it hurt so much to laugh. I'm saving it for any day now. Collette came back with 20 balloons to cheer up my room. She had a vision of putting 5 in each corner, but the wind messed them up and they were all tangled! I loved them together! They looked so beautiful! She kept trying to separate them, and I kept telling her to stop. Being that I had six holes in my stomach, and she had none, I won. haha I also got a phone call from Mari who was on vacation. It was SO NICE to hear her voice. Collette came by again. Last, Thierry and Lianne stopped in to visit. I felt very loved Tuesday.
On Wednesday, I was discharged. Before I left, Rebecca (my teammate) and her fiance' Nehemiah stopped in. They brought me a very sweet book with daily prayers. I reminded me a little bit of the books my dad gives me around the Catholic holiday seasons. While Jeff was out of the room, Collette's minister, Kirk came by to visit with me. He was very kind and wished me well. We talked a little bit about my Christian experience, my husband's experience, and his wife who I used to work with.
On Thursday, I got another card from my parents and I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers from work! I wasn't sure with all that was going on at work they would remember me, but Jeff told me I was silly and just needed to be patient.
The week before my surgery, I told Jeff I thought that Collette would be the only one to visit or think of me. I was really wrong, and it was really affirming. I am so glad that I have so many people who care about me. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart!
I'm home and apparently a dog.
I returned home from the hospital yesterday afternoon. At first I was very confused by the directions. They said I was supposed to drink up to two ounces of protein shake an hour, but get in 60grams of protein in the whole day. If I stayed on the shake they were giving me in the hospital, I'd have to drink for 22 hours a day! Certainly that can't be right?!
So I called my nut. and my surgeon's nurse and left messages. The nut. called me back and told me that powdered protein drinks were much more protein potent. We had some and she was right. If I could drink 8 or 9 two ounce servings, I can make my requirement. Phew!
Next is water. I'm supposed to drink 60 ounces of water a day. I can do that... right? We're going to start measuring that more carefully tomorrow.
Last is walking. I'm supposed to walk for 2 periods of thirty minutes. This wasn't a problem, until the temperature decided to stay between 90 and 103 degrees this week. Dr. B. told me I should walk INDOORS because he didn't think my water intake could keep up with dehydration from being in such heat! This was not the best news! As I was simmering over this (pun intended), a volunteer at the hospital told me she's a member of Pitts Baptist Church with is right down the road from my development (like two-tenths of a mile!). She said they have an indoor track that I could use. I asked her if she was sure it was open to the public. She said it was. Well, I called yesterday, explained my situation and what the volunteer at the hospital had said. I was promptly told by the lady who answered the phone that it is not open to the public. I must have a member with me to use their indoor track. Apparently Jesus only shared with the people HE broke bread with? Oh well. There's still the mall. They let vagrants like Jeff and I walk there.
Today, Jeff drove me to Concord Mills. We walked a lap and stopped into a store and bought a few gifts for people. I posted on facebook and a few text messages today that I am looking for someone to come and walk me. Yes, walk me. I'm like a dog. I need to walk twice a day for at least 30 minutes a time and I can't drive yet, so I need someone to take me there. Email or call me if you want to join the Jessica walking team!
So I called my nut. and my surgeon's nurse and left messages. The nut. called me back and told me that powdered protein drinks were much more protein potent. We had some and she was right. If I could drink 8 or 9 two ounce servings, I can make my requirement. Phew!
Next is water. I'm supposed to drink 60 ounces of water a day. I can do that... right? We're going to start measuring that more carefully tomorrow.
Last is walking. I'm supposed to walk for 2 periods of thirty minutes. This wasn't a problem, until the temperature decided to stay between 90 and 103 degrees this week. Dr. B. told me I should walk INDOORS because he didn't think my water intake could keep up with dehydration from being in such heat! This was not the best news! As I was simmering over this (pun intended), a volunteer at the hospital told me she's a member of Pitts Baptist Church with is right down the road from my development (like two-tenths of a mile!). She said they have an indoor track that I could use. I asked her if she was sure it was open to the public. She said it was. Well, I called yesterday, explained my situation and what the volunteer at the hospital had said. I was promptly told by the lady who answered the phone that it is not open to the public. I must have a member with me to use their indoor track. Apparently Jesus only shared with the people HE broke bread with? Oh well. There's still the mall. They let vagrants like Jeff and I walk there.
Today, Jeff drove me to Concord Mills. We walked a lap and stopped into a store and bought a few gifts for people. I posted on facebook and a few text messages today that I am looking for someone to come and walk me. Yes, walk me. I'm like a dog. I need to walk twice a day for at least 30 minutes a time and I can't drive yet, so I need someone to take me there. Email or call me if you want to join the Jessica walking team!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The next day.
Jeff here again.
Overall things have gone well.
The surgery took about two hours. Once complete, Dr. B found me in the waiting room and quickly told me there were no issues and no complications. Typical Dr. B, I could easily measure the time talking to me in seconds. About 10 minutes later, one of the surgery center staff tried to set up a consultation room for me. I told him he missed the boat, and Dr. B already found me.
About an hour later, they told me Jess was getting out of recovery and being sent to her room. After gathering my backpack, my laptop and 2 bouquets of flowers and navigating the maze of corridors and elevators, I finally got to her room.
(Note to hospitals: if you have patient rooms in different buildings and different elevators that aren't connected, maybe you should label that as such on the main lobby. Main lobby that is on the second floor, mind you. Grrr.)
So far Jess has been in some pain, but nothing that can't be managed. Morphine drips and morphine shots and pills galore.
Jess was able to start taking 1 oz of water per hour since 6 am today. She is now up to 2 oz of water per hour as well as 1 oz of protein drink. She seems to like the taste of the Adkins’s Vanilla flavor. That's good, because that will be easy to find in the store.
During the surgery they left a drainage tube in. About 6 inches of the drainage tube was inside her, secured with a suture and some staples. That filled up a few times yesterday and overnight. This morning it was fairly clear so they took it out around Noon. That went quickly, but it sure did seem painful. I don't see how yanking 6 inches of tubing from your abdomen wouldn't be. The staples will be taken out during her follow up visit next week.
Dr. B is adamant about having his patients walk after their surgery, including that day. I think that's great. Apparently there is lots of evidence to show that walking that soon after surgery will lessen the chance of blood clots and hasten recovery time. Yesterday, Jess only had the strength to walk to the bathroom and a little bit outside her door. However, so far today, Jess has taken a total of 6 separate laps around this wing of the hospital. I'm very proud of her. I'm sure we'll probably take 1 or 2 more before the day is over.
There have been lots of visitors and gifts and phone calls today. As well as all the nice blog and facebook comments. Thank you all so much for showing how much you care. The 20 heart-shaped mylar balloons may be a little overkill, but Jess and I know how crazy C is.
It looks like Jess should get discharged tomorrow. We'll find out when Dr. B visits tomorrow, but so far there seems like no reason she won't be.
Overall things have gone well.
The surgery took about two hours. Once complete, Dr. B found me in the waiting room and quickly told me there were no issues and no complications. Typical Dr. B, I could easily measure the time talking to me in seconds. About 10 minutes later, one of the surgery center staff tried to set up a consultation room for me. I told him he missed the boat, and Dr. B already found me.
About an hour later, they told me Jess was getting out of recovery and being sent to her room. After gathering my backpack, my laptop and 2 bouquets of flowers and navigating the maze of corridors and elevators, I finally got to her room.
(Note to hospitals: if you have patient rooms in different buildings and different elevators that aren't connected, maybe you should label that as such on the main lobby. Main lobby that is on the second floor, mind you. Grrr.)
So far Jess has been in some pain, but nothing that can't be managed. Morphine drips and morphine shots and pills galore.
Jess was able to start taking 1 oz of water per hour since 6 am today. She is now up to 2 oz of water per hour as well as 1 oz of protein drink. She seems to like the taste of the Adkins’s Vanilla flavor. That's good, because that will be easy to find in the store.
During the surgery they left a drainage tube in. About 6 inches of the drainage tube was inside her, secured with a suture and some staples. That filled up a few times yesterday and overnight. This morning it was fairly clear so they took it out around Noon. That went quickly, but it sure did seem painful. I don't see how yanking 6 inches of tubing from your abdomen wouldn't be. The staples will be taken out during her follow up visit next week.
Dr. B is adamant about having his patients walk after their surgery, including that day. I think that's great. Apparently there is lots of evidence to show that walking that soon after surgery will lessen the chance of blood clots and hasten recovery time. Yesterday, Jess only had the strength to walk to the bathroom and a little bit outside her door. However, so far today, Jess has taken a total of 6 separate laps around this wing of the hospital. I'm very proud of her. I'm sure we'll probably take 1 or 2 more before the day is over.
There have been lots of visitors and gifts and phone calls today. As well as all the nice blog and facebook comments. Thank you all so much for showing how much you care. The 20 heart-shaped mylar balloons may be a little overkill, but Jess and I know how crazy C is.
It looks like Jess should get discharged tomorrow. We'll find out when Dr. B visits tomorrow, but so far there seems like no reason she won't be.
Monday, June 21, 2010
...and she's away.
Jeff here.
They just took Jess away.
So far it's been a day of hurry up and wait.
The morning started at 6:30 with a text message. Since she was already up, and wanted plenty of time to dry her hair, she got up. So, she's been antsy for a while, ready to get this thing started.
After packing up, and a flurry of phone calls, we were off to the Surgery Center. Jess was telling everyone that it was our anniversary. One of the staff, in a very nice gesture, got Jess a small bouquet of flowers. The flowers were a few days old, possibly taken out some dead guy's room, but the thought was very nice. I tried to take credit for the gesture, but Jess saw right through me. Damn. At least I gave her a nice card this morning.
It took about an hour before they took us back to start to get ready. There was a very nice nurse helping Jess. It kept taking her a few moments to understand Jess's jokes and snarky comments, but she seemed entertained none-the-less. We got some nice pictures of the sexy surgical stockings and inflatable leg cuff contraptions. Check the flickr page in a week or two.
After more waiting, the anesthesiologist came in to talk to us and expertly put in her IV. Really. Many of you know how much I hate needles, and even I was impressed. I want this guy to draw my blood.
Yet more waiting. Jess wanted her iPod to play some solitaire and proceeded to lose several games in a row. She was rather unsettled, as she doesn't feel complete until she wins a game. I was able to use the hospital wifi to connect to her Facebook page. I'll try to keep updating that when I can.
Dr. B checked in. In true Dr. B fashion, he was very succinct and to the point. A few comments about her blood sugar level, and he was in and out. Maybe 2 minutes top.
Jess was then able to win a game of solitaire, so she felt a bit easier.
Another person from the anesthesiologist staff came to give her a margarita syringe.
A kiss and an I love you, and they wheeled her away.
They just took Jess away.
So far it's been a day of hurry up and wait.
The morning started at 6:30 with a text message. Since she was already up, and wanted plenty of time to dry her hair, she got up. So, she's been antsy for a while, ready to get this thing started.
After packing up, and a flurry of phone calls, we were off to the Surgery Center. Jess was telling everyone that it was our anniversary. One of the staff, in a very nice gesture, got Jess a small bouquet of flowers. The flowers were a few days old, possibly taken out some dead guy's room, but the thought was very nice. I tried to take credit for the gesture, but Jess saw right through me. Damn. At least I gave her a nice card this morning.
It took about an hour before they took us back to start to get ready. There was a very nice nurse helping Jess. It kept taking her a few moments to understand Jess's jokes and snarky comments, but she seemed entertained none-the-less. We got some nice pictures of the sexy surgical stockings and inflatable leg cuff contraptions. Check the flickr page in a week or two.
After more waiting, the anesthesiologist came in to talk to us and expertly put in her IV. Really. Many of you know how much I hate needles, and even I was impressed. I want this guy to draw my blood.
Yet more waiting. Jess wanted her iPod to play some solitaire and proceeded to lose several games in a row. She was rather unsettled, as she doesn't feel complete until she wins a game. I was able to use the hospital wifi to connect to her Facebook page. I'll try to keep updating that when I can.
Dr. B checked in. In true Dr. B fashion, he was very succinct and to the point. A few comments about her blood sugar level, and he was in and out. Maybe 2 minutes top.
Jess was then able to win a game of solitaire, so she felt a bit easier.
Another person from the anesthesiologist staff came to give her a margarita syringe.
A kiss and an I love you, and they wheeled her away.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Are we there yet?
At my pre-op last week, I was given a plethora of prescriptions. You're saying to your self, "Jessica. A plethora? Really?" No. Not really. It's an exaggeration. Did you really need me to explain that?
The thing I am LEAST looking forward to is drinking the bottle of Magnesium Citrate. I need to take it around 5pm. It will "begin [my] bowel prep." I'm supposed to have nothing solid to eat after taking it and only drink liquids until midnight. Fun stuff.
I need to take Avelox tonight before I go to bed. "Avelox is a prescription antibiotic used to treat common respiratory infections including bacterial sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia in adults."
Tonight I have to put on a Transderm Patch. I have to put the patch behind my ear in the evening. I am to remove before showering and then replace it after the shower. This is "Preventing nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness and recovery from anesthesia and surgery."
[Jeff has "Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros playing in the background. It may be worse than the bowel prep.]
Tonight I have to shower with Hibiclens. Hibiclens "is an antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleanser possessing bactericidal properties." I'm sure it smells like butterflies and roses.
I also take two Nexium capsules tonight at 9pm and 11pm. Nexium helps with "heartburn relief caused by acid reflux."
Tomorrow morning I'll shower again with the Hibiclens, taking off the Transderm Patch and replacing it after. I'll also take my normal medicine in the morning with a "sip" of water.
When I arrive at the hospital, before I check in, I have to take a Reglan. This "is used to treat heartburn caused by gastric reflux."
I am to leave all jewelry at home (no wedding rings). I am not allowed to use hair gel as previously mentioned. Really? No gel? I've had 3 surgeries and ALWAYS had hair gel. Bah. I know I'm overreacting, but it's my prerogative.
I hope I get a good night of sleep tonight, though I'm not actually sure that's possible.
Thank you Aunt Pattie and Mom and Dad for get well cards! I feel loved!
The thing I am LEAST looking forward to is drinking the bottle of Magnesium Citrate. I need to take it around 5pm. It will "begin [my] bowel prep." I'm supposed to have nothing solid to eat after taking it and only drink liquids until midnight. Fun stuff.
I need to take Avelox tonight before I go to bed. "Avelox is a prescription antibiotic used to treat common respiratory infections including bacterial sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia in adults."
Tonight I have to put on a Transderm Patch. I have to put the patch behind my ear in the evening. I am to remove before showering and then replace it after the shower. This is "Preventing nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness and recovery from anesthesia and surgery."
[Jeff has "Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros playing in the background. It may be worse than the bowel prep.]
Tonight I have to shower with Hibiclens. Hibiclens "is an antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleanser possessing bactericidal properties." I'm sure it smells like butterflies and roses.
I also take two Nexium capsules tonight at 9pm and 11pm. Nexium helps with "heartburn relief caused by acid reflux."
Tomorrow morning I'll shower again with the Hibiclens, taking off the Transderm Patch and replacing it after. I'll also take my normal medicine in the morning with a "sip" of water.
When I arrive at the hospital, before I check in, I have to take a Reglan. This "is used to treat heartburn caused by gastric reflux."
I am to leave all jewelry at home (no wedding rings). I am not allowed to use hair gel as previously mentioned. Really? No gel? I've had 3 surgeries and ALWAYS had hair gel. Bah. I know I'm overreacting, but it's my prerogative.
I hope I get a good night of sleep tonight, though I'm not actually sure that's possible.
Thank you Aunt Pattie and Mom and Dad for get well cards! I feel loved!
The Elephant in the Room... by which I mean me
Well, tomorrow is almost here. I'll be checking into North East Hospital around 10:15 and surgery will start around 12:15ish. I should be out of surgery around 2:30 or 3:00pm.
How am I feeling?
Well, last Monday I met Brandy. She is a girl on met on obesityhelp.com who is having the exact same surgery as me by the exact same surgeon the Friday before me. We met up and had a lot in common. On Saturday, I visited her in the hospital. She was in pain and having trouble keeping down water, but, overall, doing well. That made me feel good.
A few people have asked me how much she weighed or how much I thought the parent at my school weighed before her surgery. I guess this is the elephant in the room. I'm undergoing weight loss surgery, so how much do I weigh?
For the past year or so, I've weighed around 280lbs. When I went on that weight loss kick, I had myself down to 249 (what was when the fertility doctor said I had to lose at least another 60lbs. before he'd see me again. After I had a surgery date and was having lots of "last suppers" (i.e. eating the way people think I eat) I was up to 298lbs. Here are my stats today, June 20, 2010.
Pre-op
Weight: 281.8 lbs
Wrist: 7 in.
Forearm: 11.25 in.
Upper Arm:14 in.
Neck: 17 in.
Bust: 52 in.
Waist: 48.2 in.
Hips: 56.75 in.
Thigh: 31.5 in.
Calf: 20 in.
Ankle: 10.75
Ring size: ?
Shoe size: 9.5WW
I'm going to weigh in and measure myself once a month. I'll post them on my blog. We'll see how many inches I lose as well!
As far as the hospital, I'd love visitors on Tuesday and/or Wednesday morning, not Monday please. Because of all of the construction, they said it is best to park at the surgery center off of Memorial Drive. Maps are available on their website.
Jeff will have my cell phone on him as well as his own. If you want to check in, call and bug him. He'll be playing on his iPhone most likely anyway.
I should be home Wednesday night. For my local peeps, going on walks with me (and Moxie) would be awesome too. Thank you for your love and support!
(hugs and kisses),
Jess
How am I feeling?
Well, last Monday I met Brandy. She is a girl on met on obesityhelp.com who is having the exact same surgery as me by the exact same surgeon the Friday before me. We met up and had a lot in common. On Saturday, I visited her in the hospital. She was in pain and having trouble keeping down water, but, overall, doing well. That made me feel good.
A few people have asked me how much she weighed or how much I thought the parent at my school weighed before her surgery. I guess this is the elephant in the room. I'm undergoing weight loss surgery, so how much do I weigh?
For the past year or so, I've weighed around 280lbs. When I went on that weight loss kick, I had myself down to 249 (what was when the fertility doctor said I had to lose at least another 60lbs. before he'd see me again. After I had a surgery date and was having lots of "last suppers" (i.e. eating the way people think I eat) I was up to 298lbs. Here are my stats today, June 20, 2010.
Pre-op
Weight: 281.8 lbs
Wrist: 7 in.
Forearm: 11.25 in.
Upper Arm:14 in.
Neck: 17 in.
Bust: 52 in.
Waist: 48.2 in.
Hips: 56.75 in.
Thigh: 31.5 in.
Calf: 20 in.
Ankle: 10.75
Ring size: ?
Shoe size: 9.5WW
I'm going to weigh in and measure myself once a month. I'll post them on my blog. We'll see how many inches I lose as well!
As far as the hospital, I'd love visitors on Tuesday and/or Wednesday morning, not Monday please. Because of all of the construction, they said it is best to park at the surgery center off of Memorial Drive. Maps are available on their website.
Jeff will have my cell phone on him as well as his own. If you want to check in, call and bug him. He'll be playing on his iPhone most likely anyway.
I should be home Wednesday night. For my local peeps, going on walks with me (and Moxie) would be awesome too. Thank you for your love and support!
(hugs and kisses),
Jess
Monday, June 14, 2010
Protein Drinks Update
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Sunday, June 13, 2010
Pre-Op Appointments
On Friday I met with Dr. B. for my pre-op appointment. I was VERY nervous that he was going to postpone my surgery because I hadn't lost enough weight. To my surprise, that didn't even come up! Woot!
Before my appointment, I met a lady in the office who is having surgery the day after me. She asked me if I was pre or post op. I told her pre and she looked surprised. That caught me off guard.
Dr. B. answered my burning questions. Remember, I said they were burning, not necessarily important. We talked about when I could drive and fly again. We talked about how I have always wanted to scuba dive. Hurray! I can do that after the surgery... though he did talk out the thought process to that answer, so I may look online to verify. We talked about vitamins for a while. There are SO MANY vitamin choices. I want to pick the right one, but there's no clear right one. I told him I had read that I would have to crush my pills for a few weeks. He responded, "Lies." Apparently, that's not true. Dr. B. is kind of like John Casey from Chuck with less spunk. In the show, John Casey is a very serious and cynical FBI agent who makes funny grunting sounds when he's not pleased. Dr. B. is oddly similar.
What else? I had to sign more papers than imaginable. I guess that's typical for surgery. I read my mom the list of things that I had to sign that could go wrong and even she laughed towards the end. It was almost like, "You could blink wrong and an eyelash could stab you and you can go blind." Alright, slightly less extreme, but not too far off!
We also got all of my pre-op scripts. Holy moly! Maybe I'll run through it all later this week.
Next, we went to meet with the anesthesiologist office. We got there early. The check in lady who asked to go by "Queeny" seemed completely put out. I tried to be funny and she was not interested. Finally I said, "You really are to busy to care right now, right?" (or something to that affect) and she said "Correct." Alrighty then! Jeff said I should appreciate her honesty and efficiency, but you know, sometimes people who are getting ready for surgery need a friendly touch.
Anyway, Queeny sent us to another lady to pay for some hospital charges. This lady was nice, but unprofessionally chatty (what a contrast?!). She told us of her friends who had the same procedure as I am having. She told us about her trip to Texas and how she swam with manatee's or something and how she wanted to swim with dolphins but couldn't because of.... zzz... What? Oh yeah. Chatty-Magee DID have some useful information. My hospital suite will be private (no roomy), have wi-fi, have my own thermostat and is on Dr. B.'s "floor." I'm not clear if he actually has a whole floor or just a wing of a floor. We'll find out. Apparently Dr. B. is very particular and everyone there does things how he wants them. I think that's fabulous!
Next, we returned to wait for the Anesthesiologist. During this time, we read my paperwork from Dr. B. and made fun of construction signs in the hospital. (See below)
When we got called in, we sat there while a very nice lady whose daughter is getting married and used to have blond hair but she died it brown for the wedding (people love to share) filled out some papers. She then asked me a few questions. She talked about how I can't have makeup, rings, or use hair gel the morning of surgery (WHAT? HAVE YOU SEEN MY CURLS?). She talked about my "wishes" if something were to happen to me. Then she left... I looked over my file and got to see my psych report! If that wasn't the most awesome thing in the world, I don't know what is! I got to read what my pre-op psychiatric evaluation said! Too funny. I said things I didn't even know I said. Apparently Jeff gives "neutral advice." haha I certainly never thought that; it's amazing I said it.
Finally an actual Anesthesiologist came in. She briefly went over my paperwork with me and that was it!
Overall, I feel really excited and slightly nervous about my operation. I'll be going in on Monday and coming out on Wednesday if all goes well.
Before my appointment, I met a lady in the office who is having surgery the day after me. She asked me if I was pre or post op. I told her pre and she looked surprised. That caught me off guard.
Dr. B. answered my burning questions. Remember, I said they were burning, not necessarily important. We talked about when I could drive and fly again. We talked about how I have always wanted to scuba dive. Hurray! I can do that after the surgery... though he did talk out the thought process to that answer, so I may look online to verify. We talked about vitamins for a while. There are SO MANY vitamin choices. I want to pick the right one, but there's no clear right one. I told him I had read that I would have to crush my pills for a few weeks. He responded, "Lies." Apparently, that's not true. Dr. B. is kind of like John Casey from Chuck with less spunk. In the show, John Casey is a very serious and cynical FBI agent who makes funny grunting sounds when he's not pleased. Dr. B. is oddly similar.
What else? I had to sign more papers than imaginable. I guess that's typical for surgery. I read my mom the list of things that I had to sign that could go wrong and even she laughed towards the end. It was almost like, "You could blink wrong and an eyelash could stab you and you can go blind." Alright, slightly less extreme, but not too far off!
We also got all of my pre-op scripts. Holy moly! Maybe I'll run through it all later this week.
Next, we went to meet with the anesthesiologist office. We got there early. The check in lady who asked to go by "Queeny" seemed completely put out. I tried to be funny and she was not interested. Finally I said, "You really are to busy to care right now, right?" (or something to that affect) and she said "Correct." Alrighty then! Jeff said I should appreciate her honesty and efficiency, but you know, sometimes people who are getting ready for surgery need a friendly touch.
Anyway, Queeny sent us to another lady to pay for some hospital charges. This lady was nice, but unprofessionally chatty (what a contrast?!). She told us of her friends who had the same procedure as I am having. She told us about her trip to Texas and how she swam with manatee's or something and how she wanted to swim with dolphins but couldn't because of.... zzz... What? Oh yeah. Chatty-Magee DID have some useful information. My hospital suite will be private (no roomy), have wi-fi, have my own thermostat and is on Dr. B.'s "floor." I'm not clear if he actually has a whole floor or just a wing of a floor. We'll find out. Apparently Dr. B. is very particular and everyone there does things how he wants them. I think that's fabulous!
Next, we returned to wait for the Anesthesiologist. During this time, we read my paperwork from Dr. B. and made fun of construction signs in the hospital. (See below)
When we got called in, we sat there while a very nice lady whose daughter is getting married and used to have blond hair but she died it brown for the wedding (people love to share) filled out some papers. She then asked me a few questions. She talked about how I can't have makeup, rings, or use hair gel the morning of surgery (WHAT? HAVE YOU SEEN MY CURLS?). She talked about my "wishes" if something were to happen to me. Then she left... I looked over my file and got to see my psych report! If that wasn't the most awesome thing in the world, I don't know what is! I got to read what my pre-op psychiatric evaluation said! Too funny. I said things I didn't even know I said. Apparently Jeff gives "neutral advice." haha I certainly never thought that; it's amazing I said it.
Finally an actual Anesthesiologist came in. She briefly went over my paperwork with me and that was it!
Overall, I feel really excited and slightly nervous about my operation. I'll be going in on Monday and coming out on Wednesday if all goes well.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Supporting me
Recently, I had my mother speak with Crista, a dear, long-lost, friend from Elementary School. Crista had her gastric bypass in 2003. She has had some complications, but she has been very successful. She is defintly glad she had the surgery. I think it was very helpful for my mom. That said, it may be helpful for some of the other people dealing with my changes. Here is some of what Crista said to me after speaking to my mom.
"Hey there... Your Mom and I had a GREAT talk! The main reason she called was to find out how to be more supportive before/after your surgery! So, I told her the good, bad and ugly..explained the how you will learn your limits with food over time. She didn’t know what to do for you for the holidays. I told her by then, you will know exactly how much you can eat and the stuff you need to stay away from which brought on some relief. I talked about dumping, drinking..etc. She is knowledgeable on it. I just told her my experiences and those of people who were in my support group.
I told her that the biggest thing (back to supportive) to NOT do is ask you things like, “You can eat that?”, “You can eat all that?” or comment on your food. The other thing I told her to never say to you is “You are losing weight to fast!”, “Stop trying to lose weight for a while!” and “You look sickly!” I explained that your body will stop losing once you eat enough to sustain your weight and then your body (exterior) will have to catch up. I told her that when I lost all the weight, I was white as a ghost and it took me 2 months to get my color back.
Then we talked about you having children. I told her that when you find out you are pregnant, you and your surgeon will come up with a meal plan that will be able to keep you and the baby healthy. I told her not to worry about that. I said that the big thing is Jessica is the only one who knows her body enough to know what she can and can’t do. I told her you will tell her if you can’t do something and until that happens, then continue on as normal. It was a great conversation!"
I don't know if that helps anyone, but it was awesome that my mom was looking for ways to support me and that a "long-lost friend" was able to help!
"Hey there... Your Mom and I had a GREAT talk! The main reason she called was to find out how to be more supportive before/after your surgery! So, I told her the good, bad and ugly..explained the how you will learn your limits with food over time. She didn’t know what to do for you for the holidays. I told her by then, you will know exactly how much you can eat and the stuff you need to stay away from which brought on some relief. I talked about dumping, drinking..etc. She is knowledgeable on it. I just told her my experiences and those of people who were in my support group.
I told her that the biggest thing (back to supportive) to NOT do is ask you things like, “You can eat that?”, “You can eat all that?” or comment on your food. The other thing I told her to never say to you is “You are losing weight to fast!”, “Stop trying to lose weight for a while!” and “You look sickly!” I explained that your body will stop losing once you eat enough to sustain your weight and then your body (exterior) will have to catch up. I told her that when I lost all the weight, I was white as a ghost and it took me 2 months to get my color back.
Then we talked about you having children. I told her that when you find out you are pregnant, you and your surgeon will come up with a meal plan that will be able to keep you and the baby healthy. I told her not to worry about that. I said that the big thing is Jessica is the only one who knows her body enough to know what she can and can’t do. I told her you will tell her if you can’t do something and until that happens, then continue on as normal. It was a great conversation!"
I don't know if that helps anyone, but it was awesome that my mom was looking for ways to support me and that a "long-lost friend" was able to help!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
2 weeks tomorrow and counting...
I'm scared.
That's the thing a lot of people have been wanting me to say. I tell them about what I'm doing and many reply, "Aren't you scared?" Well, congratulations! I'm finally there. I'm scared. What I'm scared of may surprise you.
I'm not scared of the surgery; Dr. B. is awesome. He's done this somewhere over 1,300 times and has never lost a patient. I'm not scared of giving up ice cream; it seems like a small trade off for the chance at a family. I'm not scared of losing my hair; it'll come back.
So, what am I scared of?
Hunger -- This surgery is changing my football sized stomach into an egg sized stomach, so this is not supposed to be a concern. I hate feeling hungry and not being able to eat. This morning. I slept in. When I woke up, I had 2 eggs scrambled with eggs and cheese with well done bacon for my 11am breakfast. At 6pm, I was hungry. At 7pm, I was almost in tears. I went downstairs and had a salad, talapia, and green beans; I felt better, but I was still hungry. Jeff lovingly cut me up some strawberries. I feel good now. I shouldn't be worried about this post surgery. I'm going to be eating smaller meals more frequently, and my football sized stomach will be much smaller, so I won't have the need to fill my football. Still, I am a bit scared -- irrationally so.
Well, me being who I am, I read up a bit and found a suitable plan. First, I'm buying a mini-fridge for my classroom. I'll have some healthy options in my class at all time. Secondly, I was reading READY, Set, shrink! by Lori Ferrante today and she suggested something very useful. In chapter three (Preparing For Surgery), she says that she bought a bunch of GladWare "mini round" containers in the half cup size. Since my new stomach will only be able to handle four ounces at a time, these are perfect! Ferrante says she opens up a few different protein shakes and pour them into the GladWare containers and store them in the fridge. This way, she always has the correct portion of her protein shake ready to go at a moments notice. Even though when school come back, I'll be eating more solids, I'll still use these shakes to get my protein. Also, if you've been following my blog, you know I've been trying protein shakes for a few months now. I've also bought some bariatric friendly food from the internet that I need to try. (There are boxes and bottles stacked on my kitchen island.) So, I seem to have a plan and logically, I should not worry about this. Realistically, I don't know if I'll stop feeling scared about this until I experience that easily full sensation.
Pills -- I'm going to be taking vitamin supplements for the rest of my life. Quite honestly, I'm not the best at taking the pills I currently have to take on a systematic basis. Speaking of, did I take my thyroid medicine today? I'm not sure. It's bad that I get myself into this situation. After surgery, I'll have my normal medicine plus I'll be taking a multivitamin with iron, a b-complex vitamin with b-12, and a calcium citrate with D 600mg twice a day. I can't take all of this at once, so I'm definitely going to need a plan in place. Ferrante used a daily chart and checked off each item after she took it. This included her protein and water intake. This sounds like a good plan in theory. I just hope I can keep up with it. In my head I keep saying, "Protein + Vitamins = Keeping My Hair." That's actually more motivating than you'd imagine. Either way, I have to figure this out this week.
Pre-op Appointment -- I'm a bit anxious for my pre-op appointment with Dr. B. on Friday. He wanted me to lose weight before my surgery, and I have, but I'm not down from the last time he saw me. Once I had a surgery date, I did a "say goodbye to my favorite food tour." I enjoyed things I wouldn't have for a long time. I also gained 15 lbs eating the way I have always wanted to. People see me and think I eat like that all the time. The truth is that I have a salad, chicken, fruit, and water for lunch. I bring low-fat cheese sticks to work. Anyway, I gained the weight and I've almost got it all off. I'm only plus four pounds from where I was in March. Technically, I have lost 11 lbs, but I gained 15 first. I'm "hard-coring" it now. I'm moving my protein shakes up to two a day. I'm not eating ANY whites (pasta, bread, potatoes...). I'm trying to drink more water. Anyway, I'm nervous. I'm going to be very honest with Dr. B. and tell him about my ups and downs (pun intended). We'll see what he says. I guess the worst case scenario is that he postpones my surgery a few weeks. I really don't want that to happen, but it could.
Family and Friends -- I know that everyone is being so supportive. I worry that people have expectations for me that I won't be able to live up to. There is this parent at my school who had a bypass. She lost over 100lbs. Recently, people in that community who hear I'm having this done say things like, "Look at her. She's done so well... but I think she's gaining some of it back." People are SO critical! From everything I've read, I'm supposed to lose a lot and than gain a small amount back and find a happy plateau. This woman has managed to keep 100+ pounds! I think that's great. Yet, I feel like she is not living up to people's expectations -- people's uninformed expectations. I'm so scared that this situation will happen to me. I'm scared of disappointing my family and friends, not being all they want of me. In the end, I'm doing this for myself and my family; I know that is what I have to remember. I'm a bit sensitive though -- that's all.
That's the thing a lot of people have been wanting me to say. I tell them about what I'm doing and many reply, "Aren't you scared?" Well, congratulations! I'm finally there. I'm scared. What I'm scared of may surprise you.
I'm not scared of the surgery; Dr. B. is awesome. He's done this somewhere over 1,300 times and has never lost a patient. I'm not scared of giving up ice cream; it seems like a small trade off for the chance at a family. I'm not scared of losing my hair; it'll come back.
So, what am I scared of?
Hunger -- This surgery is changing my football sized stomach into an egg sized stomach, so this is not supposed to be a concern. I hate feeling hungry and not being able to eat. This morning. I slept in. When I woke up, I had 2 eggs scrambled with eggs and cheese with well done bacon for my 11am breakfast. At 6pm, I was hungry. At 7pm, I was almost in tears. I went downstairs and had a salad, talapia, and green beans; I felt better, but I was still hungry. Jeff lovingly cut me up some strawberries. I feel good now. I shouldn't be worried about this post surgery. I'm going to be eating smaller meals more frequently, and my football sized stomach will be much smaller, so I won't have the need to fill my football. Still, I am a bit scared -- irrationally so.
Well, me being who I am, I read up a bit and found a suitable plan. First, I'm buying a mini-fridge for my classroom. I'll have some healthy options in my class at all time. Secondly, I was reading READY, Set, shrink! by Lori Ferrante today and she suggested something very useful. In chapter three (Preparing For Surgery), she says that she bought a bunch of GladWare "mini round" containers in the half cup size. Since my new stomach will only be able to handle four ounces at a time, these are perfect! Ferrante says she opens up a few different protein shakes and pour them into the GladWare containers and store them in the fridge. This way, she always has the correct portion of her protein shake ready to go at a moments notice. Even though when school come back, I'll be eating more solids, I'll still use these shakes to get my protein. Also, if you've been following my blog, you know I've been trying protein shakes for a few months now. I've also bought some bariatric friendly food from the internet that I need to try. (There are boxes and bottles stacked on my kitchen island.) So, I seem to have a plan and logically, I should not worry about this. Realistically, I don't know if I'll stop feeling scared about this until I experience that easily full sensation.
Pills -- I'm going to be taking vitamin supplements for the rest of my life. Quite honestly, I'm not the best at taking the pills I currently have to take on a systematic basis. Speaking of, did I take my thyroid medicine today? I'm not sure. It's bad that I get myself into this situation. After surgery, I'll have my normal medicine plus I'll be taking a multivitamin with iron, a b-complex vitamin with b-12, and a calcium citrate with D 600mg twice a day. I can't take all of this at once, so I'm definitely going to need a plan in place. Ferrante used a daily chart and checked off each item after she took it. This included her protein and water intake. This sounds like a good plan in theory. I just hope I can keep up with it. In my head I keep saying, "Protein + Vitamins = Keeping My Hair." That's actually more motivating than you'd imagine. Either way, I have to figure this out this week.
Pre-op Appointment -- I'm a bit anxious for my pre-op appointment with Dr. B. on Friday. He wanted me to lose weight before my surgery, and I have, but I'm not down from the last time he saw me. Once I had a surgery date, I did a "say goodbye to my favorite food tour." I enjoyed things I wouldn't have for a long time. I also gained 15 lbs eating the way I have always wanted to. People see me and think I eat like that all the time. The truth is that I have a salad, chicken, fruit, and water for lunch. I bring low-fat cheese sticks to work. Anyway, I gained the weight and I've almost got it all off. I'm only plus four pounds from where I was in March. Technically, I have lost 11 lbs, but I gained 15 first. I'm "hard-coring" it now. I'm moving my protein shakes up to two a day. I'm not eating ANY whites (pasta, bread, potatoes...). I'm trying to drink more water. Anyway, I'm nervous. I'm going to be very honest with Dr. B. and tell him about my ups and downs (pun intended). We'll see what he says. I guess the worst case scenario is that he postpones my surgery a few weeks. I really don't want that to happen, but it could.
Family and Friends -- I know that everyone is being so supportive. I worry that people have expectations for me that I won't be able to live up to. There is this parent at my school who had a bypass. She lost over 100lbs. Recently, people in that community who hear I'm having this done say things like, "Look at her. She's done so well... but I think she's gaining some of it back." People are SO critical! From everything I've read, I'm supposed to lose a lot and than gain a small amount back and find a happy plateau. This woman has managed to keep 100+ pounds! I think that's great. Yet, I feel like she is not living up to people's expectations -- people's uninformed expectations. I'm so scared that this situation will happen to me. I'm scared of disappointing my family and friends, not being all they want of me. In the end, I'm doing this for myself and my family; I know that is what I have to remember. I'm a bit sensitive though -- that's all.
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