The Details

Well I am home. Resting comfortably. So weird to finally be here after such a long journey. I honestly feel great. I have some mild bloating (from the air they pump into your abdomen to do the surgery laparoscopically) and some mild discomfort. I really wouldn't call it pain. Overall I had a great experience at the hospital and am so ready to get on with loosing!!

Part of blogging, for me, is to help others who one day may be in my shoes. Perhaps they are thinking of surgery or even preparing for it. I know I find great comfort in sharing in the journey with others. So I want to share the details so others may have some idea what my experience was like. So here goes...

March 10
5:00 am: Wake up. Didn't really sleep well. I kept jumping awake thinking "Is it over" but alas I was still at home. Showered and got ready to head to the hospital. My parents were here with me and my husband. Feeling a little out of body :Is this really happening

6:30 am: Arrive at surgical unit. I am checking into a little room with a bed, tv, chair, etc. Have my gown and all the stuff waiting for me. Given my wrist band and told to disrobe and get in my gown. Wow this is really happening

7:15 am: Anesthesiology comes in. Have a fantastic anesthesiologist who tells me she is going to take care of me and everything is going to be fine. Begins my IV. She is great! Get first dose of heparin. More of the anesthesia team comes in and introductions are made. Given something for my nerves.

7:3o am: Dr. Halmi pops in to say good morning and see if I have any questions. Introduces himself to my family

7:45 am: Time to roll out. Parents and hubby give me kisses as I am being wheeled to the OR. I start to cry now. I can believe this is really happening. I am really doing this. The team assures me they will take care of me.

7:50 am: Make to the OR room. Hop on the OR table, lay down, and then BLANK

9:30 amish: Wake up to: "Jennifer..... JENNIFER". "OK I am up already. Am I banded? Is it over?" "Yes, it's over, you did it!" Me: "Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus..." No pain. Just a pressure in my abdomen. Some lady beside me is whaling in pain. Don't know what surgery she had but I felt bad for her.

10:15 am: Rolled up to my room. Hubby and family come in. I feel REALLY grumpy and cranky. Seems to be my reaction to anestesia. Felt great. Was alert and awake. Really had no complications or problems.

11:30 am: Ran my first marathon. Ha ha Just started walking the floor. Wore my husband out! Nurses were really impressed with me. I am so convinced that my quick recovery and energy have been a blessing from all the prayers offered up for me. So thankful for being washed in these prayers.

1:00 pm: Realize I am staying over night. Still feeling great.

4:00 pm: Visit from my friend Angie. Great walk. Grumpiness has subsided.

Overnight: Get some nice drugs that make me feel like I haven't even had surgery. Sleep on and off. Overall good night. See video.....

March 11
7:00 am: Wake up feeling like P Diddy. :) Go for a walk and feel great.

9:30 am: Mom and hubby arrive. I am awaiting my Upper GI to make sure liquid can flow through my band.

11:00 am: Taken to radiology for Upper GI. Little nervous to drink this foal tasting liquid. Everything goes fine and right down my tummy.

12:00 pm: First meal pot op! Chicken Broth and Orange Jello!! Oh yummy! don't even finish the meal!

1:00 pm: Discharged!

So I am home now. Had my first 30 g of protein and pudding cup! Working on my last 20 g of protein for the night and getting some liquid in there. I feel great. Went on a little walk with the hubby and dog. Can't wait for a shower tomorrow. Mom and I even cooked dinner together.