razbry
Junior Member
Posts: 56
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: March 17, 2002
Surgeon: Dr. Douglas Hess (retired)
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Post by razbry on Mar 18, 2015 9:05:07 GMT -5
I remember is so well (at least the going into surgery part). It was St. Patrick's Day, and the surgeon and staff were toasted each other with green donuts. I didn't envy the doughnuts, but rather their carefree relaxed spirit. Surgery with Dr. Hess in Bowling Green OH...I was there on my own. Looking back it was a small hospital with a big portion of it's business coming from WLS. No computers, hand charting on a clipboard at the end of my bed. Keeping track of supplies used on a piece of paper taped to the wall. Many of my nurses were Hess success stories themselves. Personal, caring, loving care. Supreme pain management. The most I felt was uncomfortable. I remember hanging onto all my IV poles and walking around the central nurses station about a 1000 times. Hospital stay: 10 days. That's the way Hess wanted it. The only thing I felt was slight discomfort (mainly from those leg things that inflated every few minutes) and some boredom. Then I was off for a two week stay at a local hotel. I was so lonely! But some fellow DSers learning of my plight came to visit me, and one even took me to a mall just to sit around. Elven years later people from this site saved me from certain death, as I had become severely malnourished. DSers are good people. I believe it is our experience that has made us even better. For those of you just starting...it can be done. For those of you who working through the post surgery phases...it will be done. For those of you who have lost your way and need help....it can be found here. With profound gratitude.
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Post by west4thavenue on Mar 18, 2015 10:28:59 GMT -5
I remember is so well (at least the going into surgery part). It was St. Patrick's Day, and the surgeon and staff were toasted each other with green donuts. I didn't envy the doughnuts, but rather their carefree relaxed spirit. Surgery with Dr. Hess in Bowling Green OH...I was there on my own. Looking back it was a small hospital with a big portion of it's business coming from WLS. No computers, hand charting on a clipboard at the end of my bed. Keeping track of supplies used on a piece of paper taped to the wall. Many of my nurses were Hess success stories themselves. Personal, caring, loving care. Supreme pain management. The most I felt was uncomfortable. I remember hanging onto all my IV poles and walking around the central nurses station about a 1000 times. Hospital stay: 10 days. That's the way Hess wanted it. The only thing I felt was slight discomfort (mainly from those leg things that inflated every few minutes) and some boredom. Then I was off for a two week stay at a local hotel. I was so lonely! But some fellow DSers learning of my plight came to visit me, and one even took me to a mall just to sit around. Elven years later people from this site saved me from certain death, as I had become severely malnourished. DSers are good people. I believe it is our experience that has made us even better. For those of you just starting...it can be done. For those of you who working through the post surgery phases...it will be done. For those of you who have lost your way and need help....it can be found here. With profound gratitude. Congratulations, razbry, and thank you very much for sharing all of this. I especially thank you for the reminder that we will always have to stay on top of our nutritional needs, not just during the initial weight loss phase. We don't often hear what the vets' long term issues are!
Happy anniversary!
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Post by goodkel on Mar 18, 2015 12:51:46 GMT -5
Congratulations on your surgiversary, Raz!
It is always awesome to me when someone as far out as you shares their story.
Besides the inspiration you provide, you drive home the fact that the DS's vitamin and nutritional requirements are a life long commitment. Thank you for sharing your experience. You'll help prevent others from making the same mistake.
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Post by aa on Mar 18, 2015 13:00:07 GMT -5
Congrats on your anniversary!
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Post by bboop on Mar 18, 2015 15:24:34 GMT -5
Wow! 13 years is a long time and you are definitely a big success store. Happy Surgiversary!!
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Post by historytracker on Mar 18, 2015 23:24:22 GMT -5
It is good hearing how well you have done over the years and yes you are right. The benefit of this website is the support group. I am a still a newbie only being 9 months out from surgery. Their help has been wonderful! Congrats on your surgianniversary!
Cindy
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Post by jpcello on Mar 19, 2015 4:59:55 GMT -5
thanks for sharing. I think us old timers need to stay connected so that everyone coming after us can see that long term success is definitely possible.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Mar 19, 2015 12:15:02 GMT -5
thanks for sharing. I think us old timers need to stay connected so that everyone coming after us can see that long term success is definitely possible. Amen to that, and here's to us old timers! I was 15 years out in early March. |
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Mar 19, 2015 14:02:32 GMT -5
What a motivational story! To hear about the nice care they administered to you to how you became malnourished will surely help all of us steering our own paths towards success. You're an inspiration to me and I benefitted from reading your story - thank you for sharing!
Continue to do great and enjoy life!
Kelly
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belle
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by belle on Mar 19, 2015 16:13:03 GMT -5
Congrats on your lucky 13! Here's to living the good life post DS, looking good, staying healthier, and being so much happier!
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razbry
Junior Member
Posts: 56
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: March 17, 2002
Surgeon: Dr. Douglas Hess (retired)
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Post by razbry on Mar 20, 2015 9:05:30 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I will always continue to be part of this site...helping when I can!
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