Activity After Surgery

[historytracker]

Now I am a very active person and not someone who sits around and does nothing. My father always told me that I burn a candle at both ends and sometimes this gets me into trouble with my schedule - but I don't think I would have it any other way.

My open DS with Greenbaum is June 30th. I anticipate 5 days in the hospital with a discharge of July 4 (my independence day - celebrating my release of my pouch!). I have applied to a scholarship program for an educational leadership degree. They have already contacted me with a possible interview in the coming 2 weeks. This is an incredible opportunity and with my husband out of work the last 2 years, this was the only way I could figure on completing my degree anytime soon without incurring any more debt. It was a I am 48 and it would be nice to finally complete this. Should I be awarded one of the 20 positions my classes start on July 7th. I did not see that one coming. I thought they would not make a decision that quick. If I do not proceed with this opportunity - there may not be another one.

I am not afraid of pain and I anticipate there will be incisional pain and soreness. I do realize that it will get better day by day. I can deep breathe. sip water and sit in a comfy chair sitting at a table for 4-7 hours a day for 3 weeks. There will be a ton of work - thank heavens I have Dragon software.

I think my abdominal binder will be my best friend at this time. Do you think this is possible?

[west4thavenue]

Cindy,

I am fairly new here and my post-op experience was not the norm, so you will want to put more weight on the responses you receive from those a little further along than me. In any case, I will weigh in with my concerns.

Even though you are accustomed to burning the candle at both ends as you say, you are talking about a major, open procedure. It's more than a pain or hydration issue, which is difficult enough to deal with, but you also have to eat a few bites every 2-3 hours, etc.  After surgery, your energy level will be lower. I think you may be biting off more than you can chew by timing the class immediately following your release from the hospital.

You sound like a very smart lady and I know you will take care in making your decision. Please be aware that your revision will require a lot of post-op care. Is rescheduling the surgery for after the class possible?

[historytracker]

I am afraid not. I do not want to change the surgery date. I want to be off the soft diet by the time I return back as a teacher in the school. I know my energy may be down, but if I can get through the 3 weeks. I thought they would be starting this program in September. This year I received Teacher of the Year for our district and the Governor's Teacher of the Year Award for my school. My principal promoted me to a lead teacher next year and I was recommended this program. I have not told anyone about the surgery as work as I was trying to get it down during summer. I have dropped 27 pounds and the great thing is that people have noticed. This is great as I will be losing more weight next year and it won't be such a shock to people when we return to school. Everyone knows that I am working hard at it with exercise and diet. I even went to a Beef Steak tricky tray this week and ate nothing but beef. No bread or dessert.

I am focused and if I am awarded this scholarship - then it is meant to be and I will just deal with it.

[bboop]

I think you are being unrealistic about what can be done after surgery. I fully understand that this is the chance of a life time, but honey I don't think you realize how tired you are going to be - just taking a shower made me have to go back to bed when I was newly post op. Now all of this is baring any unforeseen complications...you probably won't have any but I'm just saying that in case.

What happens if you try it and then have to drop out? Will they tar and feather you? I doubt it. But in all honesty I don't think you can do it. If it was going to be August 7 I would say go for it. But if you have the surgery on June 30 and the classes begin on July 7 I think it's just too soon. Ask Dr. Greenbaum see what he says...I bet he will tell you the same thing. Of course docs are great at telling people they will be fine, meaning you probably won't do any damage to your new insides, but physically I don't think it's a good idea.

Are the classes all day? If they are say only in the AM and you can go home and crash...maybe, but all day? And then there's the homework. Come on do you really think you are treating yourself fairly? I don't.

This is your time for YOU - doesn't sound like you have had too much of that...teaching can be very demanding and as you noted you are the best. That tells me you really give it your all. Now how about you giving yourself your all for a month? Novel idea, huh? Think about this.

I would reschedule my surgery or turn the offer down. It's as simple as that. Easy for me to say but I think I do know what I'm talking about. Remember this is major surgery, very major and a revision is even more major. Lots of work will have been done inside you and you want it to heal properly, right?

Think this over and I do wish you the best.

[west4thavenue]

Cindy, on another post of yours you stated that you will be coming home with a drain and a feeding tube.  Is that correct?

I am really, really worried about you....

[Girlrocker]

Hi Cindy, well....I get that you're very self-sufficient, high tolerance, threshold for things, pain, etc. And what a dilemma this scholarship timing is. I really don't think you're going to be ready in 3 weeks to do much of anything, let alone something that would be very demanding of your time/energy when both of those will be a premium. All of our recuperation experiences are different, and there is definitely a distinction between a virgin procedure and a revision, and this is a big surgery. On one hand, considering the scope of the surgery I had, I felt pretty good, I was surprised. But I also had a feeding tube, 2 drains, and couldn't get through the day without two naps for several weeks. Partly due also to being anemic, but really, the surgery just took a lot out of me. Having had the RNY, I wasn't overwhelmed this time with drinking my protein, juggling getting in fluid and I found the feeding tube a nuisance (it got sore, always pulled) but also my BFF, it was a huge help getting everything in. And I also didn't care about what I was eating, if it was boring, or whatever, I was so grateful for the second chance and a do-over, all I cared about was getting in my fluid and however I could get in my protein. But it was two weeks before I even felt semi-human and a few months before I really felt like I could be back in a groove with demands. I was exhausted all the time, and the bathroom was a big challenge the first couple of months too, as my insides woke up, healed, re-integrated new foods. So this is something to think about; people of course do what they have to when they have to; but anything you can do to buy yourself some time, reduce the stress/pressure, workload if you do move forward with the class is something you should pursue, see if it's possible now.

[newyorkbitch]

There is absolutely no way you will be able to be out and about that quickly. You should count on 4 weeks until you feel well enough to be even a bit physically active or really fully functioning mentally.

Either reschedule your surgery or skip this class. There really is no other way.

[newyorkbitch]

"I am focused and if I am awarded this scholarship - then it is meant to be and I will just deal with it."

How do you plan to "just deal with it?"

3 days after you're home you're planning to start an intense class? 3 days after you're home you will barely be able to stay awake.

It sucks, but you just can't do everything you want to do in this case.

Everyone is telling you the same thing, and you asked if your plan was realistic. It's not.

[historytracker]

Ladies - you are most likely right. Superwoman does not live here. I knew I needed to talk to some veterans to get a handle on this. I remember my RNY surgery and physically I was active, but I remember the energy drain. First, I do not even know if I will be awarded one of the 20 spots, but moving forward, it is a 36 credit program with no money out of my pocket (full scholarship) and I need to pursue this.

I will know in the coming weeks whether or not I will be considered. They are going through the application process and there is an essay that I have to complete online today. Then comes the interview. I am hoping with my credentials that I will have the opportunity to interview and I should know that sometime this week. There is too much at stake with this degree that I would rather postpone surgery than give it up.

The schedule for this program would be:

June 26 - orientation (5:00 pm - 9:00 pm) - I have conference in NYC and will need to leave early to take the train home.
June 30 - surgery (yes I have a drain and feeding tube coming home. I thought I would clip them to my binder)
July 7 - 9:00 -4:00
July 8 - 9:00 - 12:00
July 9 - 1:00 - 4:00
July 10 - 9:00 - 4:00

July 14 - 9:00 - 4:00
July 15 - 9:00 - 12:00
July 16 - 1:00 - 4:00
July 17- 9:00 - 4:00


I meet with Greenbaum on June 10 so hopefully I will know more then and if I need to postpone the surgery so be it. I have the whole summer and I just want to get this done.

Thank you for your help.

[newyorkbitch]

I repeat - it is really foolish to schedule something so important so close to your surgery. You will be setting yourself up for disaster. You absolutely will not be able to handle this so close to your surgery. Just postpone the surgery until after your program is over. It's only a few weeks - so why not?

I am concerned that you truly do not understand how major a surgery this is, and what recovery after this surgery is like. Your plans are extremely unrealistic. Your health must come first - if this program is important, then postpone the surgery until after it's over. It would be really bad to register for this program and then have to back out at the last minute.

[meq815]

^^^^^^^what NYB said.

[historytracker]

I agree with you, I would probably postpone the surgery until after this training. But at this time - I will not know until I figure about the third week in June whether or not I will be considered. First if I get the interview I will ask how many candidates do they have? Then I can make a decision to postpone the surgery.

I clearly understand how extensive this surgery is as a revisional patient. It is NOT GOING TO BE EASY! I need my body to heal and probably time for me.

Thank you.

[Happy DSr]

I had open virgin DS, without any complications and a text book recovery. I could NOT have handled what you propose

I had significant brain fog for several weeks, with a hard time concentrating. I had to re-read pages, and would lose track of where I was. Magazine articles were the extent of my mental absorption for a while, I could not retain enough to read a novel. I would not have been able to think through difficult problems or analysis.

I was also quickly fatigued. My endurance was low. I needed to rest often.

My job is desk based - I started working at home at around three weeks out, just for a couple of hours per day. I spread that time out into 30 minute chunks and rested in between. I only tackled simple, straightforward tasks and put the more complex to one side for later when I was feeling more mentally fit.

Given ny endurance, I would not have been able to handle the drive into the office and home again, as well as the dressing in real clothes. I would have been exhausted before I even arrived.

Physically, while the binder helps, you will still be limited. You will want and need the ability to get up and move at will - walking short distances frequently. You will not be able to carry any weight or risk a hernia

And personally most important - you will have no routine established with your innards. This will take several weeks before you sort out your eating and bathroom scheduled. Being confined to a classroom all day would have been torture to me

I hope you can find a way to schedule these two very important events in your life in a way that you can truly maximize the benefit of both. Trying to fit both in to closely may jeopardize the success of both. Good luck

[bboop]

I completely forgot the whole bathroom issue and trying to eat...or drink whatever phase you are in by the time class happens. You really need to make a decision before you go to the doc...I'm thinking about his schedule, now, not yours. You need at least two months before you go back to class. Just keep that in mind.

We all care about you and want you to be safe, healthy and to take time just for you and your healing process. I'm sure you feel all beat up by our admonishments but we just want you to do well and to start off on the best foot possible.

Hugs

[newyorkbitch]

I agree. It's not fair to schedule surgery and then cancel the date a week before.

Why not just schedule for after the course...if you don't get in to the course, a few additional weeks of waiting is not going to kill you. And you have the peace of mind knowing that it will all work out. How do you know if you call the surgeon's office and ask to switch, that the date you then want will be available? Better to grab it now and then it's firm no matter if you get into the course or not.

[historytracker]

Thank you. You have all been helpful in assisting me with this decision. I will know by Tuesday whether or not I am interviewing for this program. I will make a decision this week as to what I will be doing. I was thinking yesterday, Greenbaum usually schedules surgery 2 months out - so really do I want the surgery in August? I think not. Let's see what this week brings.

Thank you.

[kennyk]

Plan the surgery, let the Dr. Know exactly what is up in the air. Hope to get in the program and resched. Surgery.
Doing both? So not happening and I was a textbook easy virgen DS!
K

[newyorkbitch]

Try to get a date for right after the last day of the course and then you have your surgery set either way.

[goodkel]

Explain the situation to your surgeon and see what he can do to help accommodate you. Get you into surgery this Friday? Get you into surgery the day after your class is completed?

But, there is no way in hell that you will able to take that class starting only three days after your discharge from the hospital.

Even if it could be completed remotely from your bed at home, you probably wouldn't have the energy, focus, or lucidity to pass.

[historytracker]

Well I have an interview for the program this Thursday. I will be contacting the surgeons office in the morning. We can take it from there.

Thank you for your help.

[newyorkbitch]

Congratulations on getting the interview! I hope you get to do the program, and have your surgery right after. That would be quite a summer for you!

[historytracker]

Thank you.

I had a horrible day from work with too many meetings. I rush down the stair and then twisted my knee. After a night with ice and Aleve - it is still swelled. This did not stop the interview last night which went great. There were almost 100 people that apply and now they have narrowed it to 30 to interview. This was the last phase for the scholarship. It was an honor to be chosen.

I am going to get ready for work and make an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon.

Cindy

[Girlrocker]

Cindy, that's amazing about the interview, congratulations, and what NYB said, I would so love to see you get into the program and have your surgery! You are one bad ass lady But sorry to hear about the twisted knee, ouch. I hope you didn't do any serious damage to it! When do you hear about the scholarship then?

[historytracker]

They will make a decision the week of June 16th. Not bad - only considered 30 for interviews with 20 being chosen for scholarships. The only set back is a 3 year commitment to stay in the school district. There will be promotions to move toward administrators (Vice Principals, Supervisors or Principal) for the scholarship teachers once they complete the degrees in 2 years.

Bad ass maybe not - tenacious definitely! My knee is swollen and I had to bring a cane to work today. I joked with my kids that if anyone got out of line today - they were get it! It feels like a meniscus tear and I had this is the same knee 2 years ago. I have a personal day Tuesday to go see Greenbaum (the last visit before surgery) and then 10:00 am - bariatric nurse and PAT's at the hospital. I was able to get into my orthopedic doctor at 4:30 pm so this will be a full day of hospitals/doctors.

I have a busy few weeks. Next week I will be reviewing students for their final exams and then exams are the week of June 16th. The following week June 23-27 - I will be in NYC attending a conference at the NY Stock Exchange. THEN SURGERY!!!!!!!! It cannot come fast enough. I still have 9 pounds to get to surgery weight of 250 so hopefully when I start the liquid diet before surgery I will get there.

Cindy

[newyorkbitch]

But what happens if you get the scholarship - can/will Greenbaum reschedule you on short notice?

[historytracker]

I just want to wait and see about the scholarship. Greenbaum's office is already scheduling surgery out to August. I will need to make a decision later based on whether or not I am offered a scholarship. The other idea that I have is they are starting 2 cohorts. The second one isn't scheduled - maybe I could wait to get into that cohort and go forth with the surgery as planned.

[historytracker]

Well, just heard from the college that I was not selected for the scholarship. I am OK with this and I will return back to school in the fall for my educational leadership program. I will need the break and focus on my health and healing.

I have another issue pending....PCP found a lump so ultrasound is on Wednesday with a diagnostic mammo. All of this with surgery in less than 2 weeks. My PCP gave me a prescription for Xanax to help me sleep.

I started the preop diet (shakes). They are really thick and I am glad that with my pouch - they are filling. I think if I didn't have weight loss surgery I would be ready to rip open the fridge. I have been able to behave myself and drop 4 more pounds. So I will focus on what I need to get done this week and prepare for surgery.

Cindy

[nursemelanie]

Very sorry to hear this. I pray it will be totally benign!

VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2

[newyorkbitch]

Xanax is incredibly addictive and difficult to stop. Can you ask for Ambien instead?

[newyorkbitch]

I'm sorry you didn't get the scholarship....but the silver lining is that you get to go ahead with your DS as planned. I hope the lump turns out to be nothing.