|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 14, 2014 18:02:01 GMT -5
I'm still waiting til 22nd of July but thought I should start a thread to log my journeys through what I am about to go through. So I know pre op is where I am at this point but I felt I needed a two week (well 10day ) lead into this board. I am going to keep you all informed as well as ask many questions as I go through this. My Doctor has a very specific regiment draw up for me so I think the first few months will be more about how I feel and how my body is reacting to this change. Later, I am.sure recipes and coping with real life food and choices will be a big convern. So for now ...I will start off slow and read and get to know the ins and outs as you all have been living what I will soon be living...the DS way of life...thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by bboop on Jul 14, 2014 18:37:55 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum.
Come back and ask questions anytime. Most DS surgeons are good cutters, but living with a DS is not always like they say it will be. So ask away.
|
|
|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 14, 2014 19:52:27 GMT -5
Thanks bboop... can't wait to start ....but at times I go through pure panic... only thing keeping me from bolting is knowing how many people have been living with this surgery and found it to be a great tool that works for them. Hopefully, for me, it will help fight my life long ups and downs with this disease.
I'll be looking forward to getting to know you all.
Shifty
|
|
|
|
Post by kyal on Jul 15, 2014 4:45:18 GMT -5
Sounds like your a double revision? Is that right?
There's a lot of hype about living with the DS. It's not particularly hard at all if you follow sound advice. Eat your protein and take the right vitamins. Don't count on your surgeon for advice in that respect either. That's not their specialty.
Good luck and keep on the message boards. There's a lot of people on here with a wealth of real world experience and knowledge that will be invaluable for you.
K
|
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Jul 15, 2014 14:18:00 GMT -5
I'm a little confused. Do you already have the VSG, vertical sleeve gastrectomy? Or are you revising from the band to the DS? We have plenty of members who have revised from one of those or the other. Your journey started the minute the idea of bariatric surgery began to look like an option. Even the thoughts and/or events that brought you to the place where you made that decision can be helpful and informative to those following in your path. If you are interested, we would love for you to start a thread under your screen name in My Story where we have them gathered: weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/board/70/story |
|
|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 17, 2014 2:56:02 GMT -5
Ok...the in a nut shell story
In 2001 I went to mexico and was banded...I weighed 556 pounds at my highest ...the band work great...I got down to 335...off disability and back to work...in 2004 the band closed off from swelling...no docs in my area would dare adjust a band from out of country...I found Dr.Fox in Tacoma for fills..but was a long drive...after almost dieing from 3 days of nothing passing It was decided the fill had to be removed for safety reasons...I slowly started regaining...had foot surgery with complications and was immobile for 12 months...weight gain was even more rapid...found 505 pounds and was tolded by work if I could not get back below 350 I would be fired...went back to mexico to get band removed and a gastric sleeve ....the surgeon left band in....I lost to 360ish and was allowed back to work...had many issues with band eroding thru stomach...leaving me with scar tissue and two stomachs...the last 5 years ive been fighting my weight going between 360 420ish up and down...basically not able to eat more than.one meal to keep below 400... finally I have approval for DS REVISION...But that's the short story...so hopefully in less than a week ...22nd Dr. Srikanth will not find too much scarring to preform the surgery...I have been through a mentally challenging time to get to this point...I have another post from last year that shares my insurance troubles ...little more details...
Anyway my company changed insurance to Premera and the revision was approved first go around...after basically giving up I gained back up to 446 pounds...the Doctor wanted me to loose as much as I could per op... said he would like me to drop 30~40 pounds....I weighed this morning at 411and have been averaging a pound a day on this liquid protien diet...plus doing water aerobics to try to keep knee pain down...so I am excited and worried...if scarring is too great he will have to perform a bypass...10to20% chance I will not get DS...So please help with positive thoughts and prayers...
I hope this cleared it up a little
Shifty out
|
|
|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 17, 2014 3:17:33 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Jul 17, 2014 10:44:51 GMT -5
Ok...the in a nut shell story In 2001 I went to mexico and was banded...I weighed 556 pounds at my highest ...the band work great...I got down to 335...off disability and back to work...in 2004 the band closed off from swelling...no docs in my area would dare adjust a band from out of country...I found Dr.Fox in Tacoma for fills..but was a long drive...after almost dieing from 3 days of nothing passing It was decided the fill had to be removed for safety reasons...I slowly started regaining...had foot surgery with complications and was immobile for 12 months...weight gain was even more rapid...found 505 pounds and was tolded by work if I could not get back below 350 I would be fired...went back to mexico to get band removed and a gastric sleeve ....the surgeon left band in....I lost to 360ish and was allowed back to work...had many issues with band eroding thru stomach...leaving me with scar tissue and two stomachs...the last 5 years ive been fighting my weight going between 360 420ish up and down...basically not able to eat more than.one meal to keep below 400... finally I have approval for DS REVISION...But that's the short story...so hopefully in less than a week ...22nd Dr. Srikanth will not find too much scarring to preform the surgery...I have been through a mentally challenging time to get to this point...I have another post from last year that shares my insurance troubles ...little more details... Anyway my company changed insurance to Premera and the revision was approved first go around...after basically giving up I gained back up to 446 pounds...the Doctor wanted me to loose as much as I could per op... said he would like me to drop 30~40 pounds....I weighed this morning at 411and have been averaging a pound a day on this liquid protien diet...plus doing water aerobics to try to keep knee pain down...so I am excited and worried...if scarring is too great he will have to perform a bypass...10to20% chance I will not get DS...So please help with positive thoughts and prayers... I hope this cleared it up a little Shifty out Ah, I see. You have the band AND a sleeve. Why did the surgeon who gave you the sleeve leave the band in? I would think that he would have had to remove it anyway to give you the sleeve. And what's the point of the sleeve if he was replacing the band? Makes no sense. If you don't have it, you should try to get a copy of the surgical report from that surgery. The only potential problem I can see with you getting the DS would be if the band has done too much damage to allow for the sleeve. (I could strangle that surgeon for putting it back in  ) If you are determined to get the DS, (and at your size, I would be) you can request that, if he can't do the DS, he makes THIS surgery about repairs so you can come back when healed for the full DS. Take a look around. Our membership is loaded with RnY to DS revisions. The RnY, particularly with someone of your weight, is just a revision waiting to happen. Meanwhile, I'll be sending good, optimistic thoughts that Dr. Srikanth can give you the full DS.  Only 5 days to go! |
|
|
|
Post by west4thavenue on Jul 17, 2014 10:53:55 GMT -5
Shifty, my friend! I am excited for you! Please stay tuned in and let us know how we can be of help to you.
|
|
|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 17, 2014 14:11:13 GMT -5
That was the nutshell... I went into that surgery in Mexico thinking I was having it removed...yes the scarring is an issue..there is no recourse for surgery in Mexico... Again ...nutshell....my hopes are to get everything straightened out and get the surgery I desperately need...as well as not being Too mess up internally for the DS...trust me I've been through all of these mentally a million times...but nothing has changed So I am trying to move forward optimistically...thanks for your replies ...shifty out
|
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Jul 17, 2014 17:11:20 GMT -5
Good positive attitude. You WILL get the DS! |
|
|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 20, 2014 2:45:56 GMT -5
Well its late sat night or early Sunday morn ... 12:20...been on liquid sooo long... I go in tues at 5am for operation...and dont see myself chewing anything solid for about 10 more weeks ...right now it is ruff because I am not post op yet and im foot steps from quick energy foods (not that I could bring myself to derail this train) ...but dropping from 446 to 407 (this morning) in last 5 weeks as taken its toll on my energy factor and has all but destroyed my "give o shit" ..even the small everyday tasks take attention I cant seem to muster.. (God bless my wife) ....(they shoot horses that cant pull their load.. she could have had a solid defence)... so packing the car tomorrow and heading out monday...I sure am weak...is this normal?....after surgery 8 days zero cals...sugarfree popsicles broth ect...dont see a lot of energy there.. hmmm....any input on what to expect as far as energy is concerned?  Thanks..Shifty out |
|
|
|
Post by west4thavenue on Jul 20, 2014 9:34:35 GMT -5
Well its late sat night or early Sunday morn ... 12:20...been on liquid sooo long... I go in tues at 5am for operation...and dont see myself chewing anything solid for about 10 more weeks ...right now it is ruff because I am not post op yet and im foot steps from quick energy foods (not that I could bring myself to derail this train) ...but dropping from 446 to 407 (this morning) in last 5 weeks as taken its toll on my energy factor and has all but destroyed my "give o shit" ..even the small everyday tasks take attention I cant seem to muster.. (God bless my wife) ....(they shoot horses that cant pull their load.. she could have had a solid defence)... so packing the car tomorrow and heading out monday...I sure am weak...is this normal?....after surgery 8 days zero cals...sugarfree popsicles broth ect...dont see a lot of energy there.. hmmm....any input on what to expect as far as energy is concerned? Thanks..Shifty out Good morning, Shifty. First, WAY TO GO on the pre-op weight loss!
What to expect as far as energy is concerned? In a word, none. You will be exhausted for some time. The simplest things will wipe you out. I don't know of many exceptions to this. You will rebuild your energy level slowly. This period has passed for me, now, I'm happy to say.
A lot of people grow frustrated during that initial period. I didn't mind so much. We have dogs, two of them very tiny, so I always had company. Also, I am a bookaholic. I LOVE to read  , so it was not altogether unpleasant for me to cuddle, read, nap, sip, walk my way through the first weeks post op. I am fairly certain my DH would have gone mad, but I did fine.
It will pass. Stop by the bookstore or load up your kindle on the way to the hospital. Take it easy on yourself. Can you have your wife let us know how you are doing when your surgery is over?
|
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Jul 20, 2014 12:58:35 GMT -5
Expect the need to take a nap after taking a shower.
Much of recovery varies by individual.
But, overall, people need anywhere from 4-8 weeks to get back to normal.
Your wife will need to do all lifting over 5 pounds for the next few months so you don't stress your new internal sutures or risk a hernia.
Luckily, she won't have to and shouldn't wait on you hand and foot when you get home. You need to get up and walk into the kitchen for your drinks, broth, and Jello on your own. It is good for you and will help your recovery to move around.
|
|
|
|
Post by Girlrocker on Jul 20, 2014 16:12:54 GMT -5
Hi there, and wow, amazing progress on the weight loss going into surgery, what a wonderful start! Yes, very normal you should feel tired and sluggish, and well good training wheels for immediate post op, about what it can feel like. Everyone does heal at different rates, but feeling like you've been hit by a truck is pretty common. You'll be easing into food progression and starting with fluids so you've got good practice already. I was the same as west4thavenue/Monica, I didn't love it, but I didn't mind it either, I too have small doggies, book/movie junkie and just submerged in my recovery. Took advantage of the time off from my toxic job. I knew from having the RNY that it was tough to eat much in the beginning and that it would change as I got further out, and that's prety much what happened, and I was fine with it. And, was actually relieved to not have to deal with food or choices, great to have a mental break from dealing with food for a bit. I'm glad your wife is so supportive, and I hope we can hear an update on you as soon as you are able!
|
|
|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 20, 2014 19:15:45 GMT -5
Thanks guys.... this is a convoy of trucks...lol
But I will peel myself off the tarmac and keep on plugging away at it..
Shifty out (as in about to pass)
|
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Jul 21, 2014 15:39:56 GMT -5
Hold on to that sense of humor and you'll be just fine. |
|
|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 22, 2014 0:42:45 GMT -5
Ok guys....common channel length....im told I will have 150 common channel...that long Or average ... I thought it would be less...ideas?...7hour pre op...ughhh
|
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Jul 22, 2014 4:22:59 GMT -5
That's on the long side. I would guess the average to be around 100.
Sometimes, if a surgeon plans for a very small sleeve, he will make it longer to compensate.
I've seen people have success with a variety of lengths.
|
|
|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 23, 2014 20:36:01 GMT -5
ok I survived... I got surgery the surgeon worked over 12 hours I'm too doped up to tell you whole story so awesome start on it tomorrow shifty uhh.out
|
|
|
|
Post by Girlrocker on Jul 23, 2014 22:02:00 GMT -5
ok I survived... I got surgery the surgeon worked over 12 hours I'm too doped up to tell you whole story so awesome start on it tomorrow shifty uhh.out Wow, twelve hour surgery??!! And you can type? Mighty impressive. Good to hear from you, and we'll be here waiting, now you rest, sip, walk, breathe, repeat, that's it! Welcome to the cool club! |
|
|
|
Post by bboop on Jul 23, 2014 22:30:49 GMT -5
Let us hear from you when you can. Begin to sip, walk, rest. I swear, sipping and walking will help you as much as the rest. Take it easy - and welcome to the dark side.
|
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Jul 24, 2014 1:09:49 GMT -5
ok I survived... I got surgery the surgeon worked over 12 hours I'm too doped up to tell you whole story so awesome start on it tomorrow shifty uhh.out LONG surgery, but I guess he had a mess to clean up from that band on your sleeve. It is amazing that you were coherent enough to type this much. Congratulations on a successful surgery! Can't wait to read your updates! |
|
|
|
Post by west4thavenue on Jul 24, 2014 12:54:10 GMT -5
YAY! So glad to hear that you got your revision and all is well. Write when you feel up to it!
|
|
|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 24, 2014 19:55:54 GMT -5
Thrus two days post
one thing I'm dealing with right now is my foot was Resting on the foot board in OR and that length of time (12 hours) was just long enough to give Me a blister that runs down the entire outside of my left foot and bruise my heal... I honestly have had no post operation issues..I am tender.. he said I had a huge gall bladder and it was packed full...said it was as big as he had ever seen...lol..even had to enlarge the opening after struggling to remove it....I'm still a groggy doggy..better snuggle my sf popsicles and suck my blanket...shifty out
|
|
|
|
Post by nursemelanie on Jul 24, 2014 22:22:33 GMT -5
Thrus two days post one thing I'm dealing with right now is my foot was Resting on the foot board in OR and that length of time (12 hours) was just long enough to give Me a blister that runs down the entire outside of my left foot and bruise my heal... I honestly have had no post operation issues..I am tender.. he said I had a huge gall bladder and it was packed full...said it was as big as he had ever seen...lol..even had to enlarge the opening after struggling to remove it....I'm still a groggy doggy..better snuggle my sf popsicles and suck my blanket...shifty out I like your sense of humor.  So glad to hear it's done! Looking forward to more details as you recover. |
|
|
|
Post by goodkel on Jul 25, 2014 2:07:15 GMT -5
Thrus two days post one thing I'm dealing with right now is my foot was Resting on the foot board in OR and that length of time (12 hours) was just long enough to give Me a blister that runs down the entire outside of my left foot and bruise my heal... I honestly have had no post operation issues..I am tender.. he said I had a huge gall bladder and it was packed full...said it was as big as he had ever seen...lol..even had to enlarge the opening after struggling to remove it....I'm still a groggy doggy..better snuggle my sf popsicles and suck my blanket...shifty out You're doing fine. More tomorrow please. |
|
|
|
Post by shiftedsanity on Jul 27, 2014 0:20:53 GMT -5
Ok lets get down to the straight poop.... I am on 8 days broth sf popsicles water...ect....oh and mega vitamins...... First few days was like trying push black and green toothpaste out if the small silly puddy mold (with out the needed force)....lots a wishing praying and dealing with God that night.....was an hour and only gave up because legs were going numb. zero trouble in sleeve part and laparoscopic cuts not one issue.....I am still fighting the blistered left foot (now broken open) but I can walk on it so I feel good about blood flow and DS healing being on track.....again butt I was on clear liquids 4.5 weeks and lost 40 pounds...sounds great but in ways I think it pulled more strength and indurance from post op progress than I could have thought....that being said..so far during the pre op diet I had still not had a "healthy" moment now post op 5 days I am a loose goose.."and the force is not with me"...ok good people that have walked "trotted" their way past this stage..... normal?how long ? Or am I special? |
|
|
|
Post by nursemelanie on Jul 27, 2014 1:08:23 GMT -5
Just wanted to say I feel for you. I'm not really considered a revision, so we can't compare, but at 4wks out this comingTuesday....it is better. Tired. But much better.
|
|
|
|
Post by illinids2 on Jul 27, 2014 7:45:44 GMT -5
ok I survived... I got surgery the surgeon worked over 12 hours I'm too doped up to tell you whole story so awesome start on it tomorrow shifty uhh.out Wow, I didn't see this......12 hours is a long time. I hope you are doing well. |
|
)
, so it was not altogether unpleasant for me to cuddle, read, nap, sip, walk my way through the first weeks post op. I am fairly certain my DH would have gone mad, but I did fine. 
So glad to hear it's done! Looking forward to more details as you recover.
