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Post by historytracker on Jun 11, 2014 3:05:36 GMT -5
This Sunday I start the liquid diet. Wow - 2 more weeks left.
I signed the consents and all other paper work. Dr. Greenbaum is removing my gallbladder and appendix. The consent is for the DS or other. He will not know until he opens me about whether or not he can perform the DS. I spoke to him about not wanting the distal RNY so at this point, I will not know what will happen until after surgery. I am thinking that every revision patient going from RNY to DS knows about this. It is an uncertain feeling, but I am moving forward. I went to the hospital, met with IV team, preop bloodwork, chest x-ray - all complete. I feel very good about the hospital - it nice and everyone I came across were wonderful.
Then I went home and faced reality - my husband. He can stay overnight at the hospital if I get a private room. I was told that all of Greenbaum's patients get a private room. I thought with the 2 hour drive that this might be an option for the first night because I know him - as difficult as it will be for me - it's worse for him. I know that the whole experience can be very draining. He reminded me about the complications of my RNY surgery. I was in for 5 days. I failed the leak test for 3 days. I was sick as a dog, dry heaves, throwing up, My blew 3 IV lines and had to have one put into my groin at 1:00 am by surgical resident and on the 4th day of my hospitalization - I had a second surgery to fix the blockage. Then another leak test the next day and I went home. I originally thought I would sail through with no complications, however everyone has their own experience. You can't blame the surgery, surgery or anything else - stuff happens. But for the weight loss - funny thing is that I would do it again in a heart beat. I remember when the weight was dropping off and the energy a year out from the surgery.
So now I am facing this same challenge. My husband is scared and this is normal. He has already told me - your losing weight why do you need this surgery! I have been down this path time and time again. I just want something that I can manage that will help me maintain a healthier me. I can lose weight, but I never keep it off. I have lost 100 pounds at least 4 times in my life. I need this to stop.
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Post by Leonie on Jun 11, 2014 8:59:17 GMT -5
My husband was petrified. I flew to the USA with my daughter because he was starting a new job. Later he confessed that he was so afraid I was going to die. Now he is going through the same process with the hernia op. He cannot bear to even hear the stories of others here on the board. Yet I know that, come surgery time, he will be 100% there for me.
Regarding the hotel, I also had a private room, and it even had an extra bed. My daughter might as well have moved out of the hotel. She was able to order hospital meals and use all the facilities. She did appreciate it when I sent her home though.
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Post by historytracker on Jun 11, 2014 16:10:11 GMT -5
Yes and I am wondering if I need to call his mother. She is now 76 years old. When I had my surgery back in 2001 - he called her from the hospital and she came down for him. I understand that is it hard waiting for someone. This is serious enough surgery, but Wow - and you were in the US for the surgery! My husband has been out of work for 2 years. I told him if he were to get a job - then he needs to go to work.
I think he will be a wreck that day and I will need to pick up his mother before we go down.
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Post by amydroe on Jun 12, 2014 8:27:15 GMT -5
My hubs was a mess! He sent me this text while I was in surgery.
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 12, 2014 10:29:19 GMT -5
Hi Cindy, Revisions are tricky, and it's true they don't always know what they'll find until they are actually in there, only so much they can see in scans and xrays. But I think you need to discuss with Dr. Greenbaum, have in writing, that under no circumstances do you want any 'other' - as in a distal RNY or anything less than the DS - no SADI either. The only 'other' that's acceptable in my personal opinion, is if he feels for now he can only sleeve you and then do the rest of the DS later. Be very clear on this with him, and don't leave it up to chance/word, as I said, get it in writing. As for your husband...oh boy I am single so I didn't experience this personally, and Amy's husband's text is just beyond precious, you both clearly have good guys, real keepers! Having his mom come if it's possible sounds like a good idea. Also, if you/he would be interested, I'd be happy to be an 'angel' for you, which means we can talk before you have surgery, I have your family phone numbers, someone calls/texts/emails me when you're out of surgery and I can post for you here. Of course, these days, with all our digital capability now, many post their own updates right from the hospital bed But 'angel duty' is a volunteer opportunity for a pre-op to have some extra support, and, so does the family/significant other. Many of us have done this long distance, as well as local when someone has our surgeon. I've met a lot of Dr. K patients this way. If husband would like to have someone to talk to, ask questions, I'm more than happy to do that, if he would find some comfort. So you are moving forward then, when do you find out about the scholarship?
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Post by historytracker on Jun 12, 2014 23:57:59 GMT -5
Amy I would never get rid of this text. It is priceless. I still carry about a card in my wallet from flowers that he had delivered to me at a meeting when I was on business travel. We had a big fight before I left. It reminds me not to take each other for granted. I think in our busy lives that happens to frequently.
This is where my husband is He is just scared. Sometimes I think it scares me. Right now after midnight and I am on the computer (there have been some sleepless nights lately). But I cannot dwell on it and need to focus on the now and not give this situation any negative energy. I have so many things I need to accomplish with my job before the 27th. We are finally on final exams with students and students are there only on half days. There are not enough hours in the day and school is ending too quickly (gee did I just type that!).
Cindy
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Post by historytracker on Jun 13, 2014 0:34:01 GMT -5
I have discussed with Dr. Greenbaum about the distal, but he and I will have that conversation once again on the morning of the surgery. We all know there are consequences that we pay for the food we eat. I teach and with my class schedule in no way would I jeopardize this and find the need to go to the bathroom in an emergency. I simply do not have the luxury to go to the bathroom when I feel like it at work. As it is - I cannot leave the classroom and only have 4 minutes to run to the bathroom between classes. So I choose not to eat those foods that would cause the "dumping" and diarrhea.
Distal has too many issues with more frequent bowel movements. I need something that I can control with diet. If the only choice he had was distal - he might as well sew me back up and let me keep what I have. I will talk to him in length about plan B.
If I need to I will write this on my stomach before I leave home so all OR staff see it. I can take a picture with my phone. Someone will see it. Also what is SADI?
I would love an Angel!!! I know Willowrayne said she works locally and offered to stop by. That's cool - I would love company. It is a 2 hour drive from the house and I do not expect my husband to drive down everyday.
I should find out about the scholarship in the next two weeks. I learned there is a second cohort that is starting much later and I would prefer to get into that one and allow myself time to heal. Thanks for your help Sharyl!
Cindy
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Post by goodkel on Jun 13, 2014 2:01:14 GMT -5
My hubs was a mess! He sent me this text while I was in surgery. This is so awesome. Print it out and tuck it away somewhere to keep forever. Fifty years from now when we are all gone, your children will stumble across this and it will remind them of what love looks like.
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Post by goodkel on Jun 13, 2014 2:11:40 GMT -5
I have discussed with Dr. Greenbaum about the distal, but he and I will have that conversation once again on the morning of the surgery. We all know there are consequences that we pay for the food we eat. I teach and with my class schedule in no way would I jeopardize this and find the need to go to the bathroom in an emergency. I simply do not have the luxury to go to the bathroom when I feel like it at work. As it is - I cannot leave the classroom and only have 4 minutes to run to the bathroom between classes. So I choose not to eat those foods that would cause the "dumping" and diarrhea. Distal has too many issues with more frequent bowel movements. I need something that I can control with diet. If the only choice he had was distal - he might as well sew me back up and let me keep what I have. I will talk to him in length about plan B. If I need to I will write this on my stomach before I leave home so all OR staff see it. I can take a picture with my phone. Someone will see it. Also what is SADI? I would love an Angel!!! I know Willowrayne said she works locally and offered to stop by. That's cool - I would love company. It is a 2 hour drive from the house and I do not expect my husband to drive down everyday. I should find out about the scholarship in the next two weeks. I learned there is a second cohort that is starting much later and I would prefer to get into that one and allow myself time to heal. Thanks for your help Sharyl! Cindy While I do know people who have been very successful with the distal, it is even higher maintenance than the DS. You have the same, if not greater, need for vitamins and only a pouch to help you. Worst of both worlds all in one. I would not sign a consent that included "DS or other." If he can't do the DS due to prior damage, make this surgery about repairing that damage and come back for the full DS. I know it is hard when you want the weight off yesterday, but this is the whole rest of your life we are talking about here.
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Post by amydroe on Jun 13, 2014 8:05:20 GMT -5
I for sure will. I love reading it! He is very supportive and feel blessed.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jun 13, 2014 10:07:10 GMT -5
Cindy, please don't leave any important discussions or decisions for the morning of your surgery. You will not be thinking clearly and you will not have time to think about things.
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 13, 2014 14:29:39 GMT -5
Cindy, my dear, happy to be your angel, send me a message here or email me with your contact info.
However, I concur with NYB, PLEASE, do not leave this conversation until your day of surgery! It's very important you have this sorted ahead of time before you get there; and does Dr. Greenbaum's office know you might actually have to reschedule if you get the scholarship? I just don't want you in a position where it becomes difficult for you later, if that's the case and you do need to delay surgery. Under no circumstances do you want grey areas about your surgery, a distal RNY - any more than you would want a band over bypass, bad on bad, just as Kelly noted. This can't wait until the day of your surgery, please get in touch with him!
As for the bathroom issues...the worst of mine were in the first 8-12 weeks; if you can't excuse yourself due to work, you'll probably want to really watch the carb consumption during the day, which early on, you'll have to any way. That's usually the worst of the bathroom culprits, even the good ones - like spinach, kills me just as much as white flour/gluten does (unless it's bread topped with a lot of protein and fat), sugar alcohols kill me too.
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jun 13, 2014 17:04:05 GMT -5
Spinach is probably the single worst thing I can eat, in terms of bathroom. But I have spinach for dinner...it's the next day that I have trouble.
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Post by cherylbaker on Jun 26, 2014 18:14:38 GMT -5
This Sunday I start the liquid diet. Wow - 2 more weeks left. I signed the consents and all other paper work. Dr. Greenbaum is removing my gallbladder and appendix. The consent is for the DS or other. He will not know until he opens me about whether or not he can perform the DS. I spoke to him about not wanting the distal RNY so at this point, I will not know what will happen until after surgery. I am thinking that every revision patient going from RNY to DS knows about this. It is an uncertain feeling, but I am moving forward. I went to the hospital, met with IV team, preop bloodwork, chest x-ray - all complete. I feel very good about the hospital - it nice and everyone I came across were wonderful. Then I went home and faced reality - my husband. He can stay overnight at the hospital if I get a private room. I was told that all of Greenbaum's patients get a private room. I thought with the 2 hour drive that this might be an option for the first night because I know him - as difficult as it will be for me - it's worse for him. I know that the whole experience can be very draining. He reminded me about the complications of my RNY surgery. I was in for 5 days. I failed the leak test for 3 days. I was sick as a dog, dry heaves, throwing up, My blew 3 IV lines and had to have one put into my groin at 1:00 am by surgical resident and on the 4th day of my hospitalization - I had a second surgery to fix the blockage. Then another leak test the next day and I went home. I originally thought I would sail through with no complications, however everyone has their own experience. You can't blame the surgery, surgery or anything else - stuff happens. But for the weight loss - funny thing is that I would do it again in a heart beat. I remember when the weight was dropping off and the energy a year out from the surgery. So now I am facing this same challenge. My husband is scared and this is normal. He has already told me - your losing weight why do you need this surgery! I have been down this path time and time again. I just want something that I can manage that will help me maintain a healthier me. I can lose weight, but I never keep it off. I have lost 100 pounds at least 4 times in my life. I need this to stop. Historytracker.. have you gone in yet? I am going thorough the same thing you are right now with dr roslin.. Curious how it worked out for you
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 26, 2014 18:28:16 GMT -5
historytracker's surgery is next week, Cheryl, she'll likely check in and she'll be able to tell you about her experience with Dr. Greenbaum so far.
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Misty
Junior Member
Posts: 60
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 07/22/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Hazem Elariny
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Post by Misty on Jun 26, 2014 19:30:09 GMT -5
My hubs was a mess! He sent me this text while I was in surgery. That was too sweet! Made me teary! You are blessed.
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Post by goodkel on Jun 26, 2014 22:17:52 GMT -5
Gallbladder out, in particular, is an excellent idea and should be standard, in my opinion.
I would never give such a blanket authorization "DS or other" for any surgeon to do whatever they like. I would have crossed that "or other" right out.
If he runs into a problem, make this surgery about fixing the problem and reschedule for the full DS.
I don't give my hairdresser such a carte blanche and hair grows back.
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Post by historytracker on Jun 28, 2014 1:16:44 GMT -5
Surgery is on Monday morning (June 30th) and I am first case. I need to get to the hospital at 6:00 am. Reality has hit my husband and I will be going over to my mother-in-laws in the morning and tell her about the surgery. I would like her to sit with him and calm him down. Every surgery that I have whether same day or in patient stay is the same thing. He is a bundle of nerves.
I am nervous as to be expected, pain sucks, recovery sucks so I do not look forward to the first couple months. But every day it will get better and hopefully I can make the right choices and learn about eating with this DS.
Regarding the consent. I have spoken to Greenbaum about "other". He is 99.9% sure about the revision based on my or report from the previous surgery and the fact that it was done LAP. He has done hundreds of revisions with the exception of 2 patients. He will do a repair of my old "RNY" and knows not to do a distal RNY. I am confident with this answer. It is what it is. I need to have some faith right now and just move forward with the surgery.
Thank you for all your concern and support!
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Post by historytracker on Jun 28, 2014 23:39:08 GMT -5
Thank you. Greenbaum knows that I want! I just want this to be over with and home. I worked 20 years in healthcare and it is alright that other people can be patience, but me no way. I will get over it
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Post by cherylbaker on Jun 29, 2014 4:32:37 GMT -5
Thank you. Greenbaum knows that I want! I just want this to be over with and home. I worked 20 years in healthcare and it is alright that other people can be patience, but me no way. I will get over it Good luck
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Post by historytracker on Jun 30, 2014 2:12:10 GMT -5
Thank you for all of your support! I am on my way to the hospital. I met my surgery goal weight and it is ashame they will be pumping me full of fluids, but we all know that will go away in time. I will try to keep you guys posted when I am coherent enough to get online. Enjoy
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 30, 2014 2:38:55 GMT -5
Cindy, so thinking of you! You did a tremendous job pre-op, and please don't be worrying about your weight fluctuating due to fluids will your husband have your phone? If so he can text me when you're out of surgery and I can post an update until you are coherent rooting for you, and wishing a smooth, uneventful surgery!
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Post by cherylbaker on Jun 30, 2014 5:45:18 GMT -5
Thank you for all of your support! I am on my way to the hospital. I met my surgery goal weight and it is ashame they will be pumping me full of fluids, but we all know that will go away in time. I will try to keep you guys posted when I am coherent enough to get online. Enjoy Wishing you the best and hope everything goes as planned
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Post by nursemelanie on Jun 30, 2014 15:03:53 GMT -5
Hey Cindy, thinking of you and hoping surgery has went off without a hitch!
VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 270
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Post by cherylbaker on Jun 30, 2014 15:24:59 GMT -5
Hey Cindy, thinking of you and hoping surgery has went off without a hitch! VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 270 Hope she's not like me.. the couple of times I have had anesthesia it took me eons to snap out of it
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 30, 2014 16:22:26 GMT -5
I don't wake up quick from anesthesia either! When I had my revision, which was 9:30am, I didn't wake up, remember a THING until after 5p when my friend told me I was ok, everything went well and she was heading out. I texted Cindy's cell since she said she might give it to her husband so he could update but not sure if she did that. Plus I remember she posted here about how stressed her husband is, so feel bad for the poor fellow, he's probably upset enough as it is. SO hoping for a smooth outcome!
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Post by cherylbaker on Jun 30, 2014 17:40:15 GMT -5
Yah her husband was probably a bad choice for info ha ha. .
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Post by nursemelanie on Jun 30, 2014 21:48:44 GMT -5
OMG it's killing me not to hear from Cindy yet. Guess I need to hear she's okay so I can calm my nerves. Cindy I hope you are enjoying all those good drugs and resting!!!;D VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 271
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Post by cherylbaker on Jun 30, 2014 22:37:36 GMT -5
Yes waiting is very hard.. you want to hear that things went fine and atop worrying
Hope everything is ok.. been a whole day ...
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Post by MsVee on Jul 1, 2014 12:41:10 GMT -5
Hoping all is well
MsVee
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