Re: new list member

Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

Kathie

Here's my diary of surgery. It might be helpful. Let me know if you have

other questions.

Katy

Katy's Diary of Laparoscopic Bypass Surgery

3/15/99--Monday

and I got to the hospital at 6:30 and spent an hour visiting before I

was called at 7:30 for preparation for surgery. After checking in on the 5th

floor, we were temporarily given a room where I got out of my clothes and into

a hospital gown and compression stockings, which I kept on until Tuesday. The

nurse came in to get my vitals and Dr. Rutledge arrived with lots of forms to

sign. Then I climbed up on a gurney and was wheeled down to the OR. It's

very cold in the OR. There an IV was inserted and I was given my first shot

of something that made me very relaxed. Dr. Rutledge came by and spoke to me,

then I was wheeled into the OR itself, where I scooted over on to the table.

I remember noticing the light fixtures on the ceiling. That's all I remember.

When I came to, I was in a very brightly lit room and a nurse spoke to me. I

remember asking if we were done already, and she said yes. I think Dr.

Rutledge came by, but I'm not sure. I asked the nurse the time and she said

about 12:30. After a little while, I was rolled up to my room. was

there. I had a semi-private room for awhile, but later in the afternoon they

put me in a private room.

Harper, who had had this procedure earlier in the week, came by for a

visit. We kept in touch the whole time I was there.

My mouth was very dry, and I used a small sponge to keep it moist. My throat

was very sore, probably from the tube they inserted during surgery, but

otherwise I was in no pain. had had a long talk with Dr. Rutledge after

surgery and felt extremely well informed. I slept on and off a good deal

during the night, except that people kept coming in to take vitals and do

other things. It's hard to get a good sleep in the hospital. I also had some

sort of device strapped around my legs that inflated and deflated every minute

or so to keep the circulation going in my legs. They weren't uncomfortable,

but tended to rouse me until I got used to the rhythm. They actually helped

me keep warm.

The nurse came in about 3:00 am to check on my stitches, one of which was

bleeding a bit. I was ready to get out of bed, because my back was hurting.

She suggested that we go ahead and change the bed, and get cleaned up. She

took the catheter out so I could go to the bathroom. She gave me a sponge

bath and changed my dressing. It felt very good.

3/16/99--Tuesday

Dr. Rutledge came by very early. He said everything had gone exactly as

planned, no problems or complications. The procedure had taken a little more

than an hour. He said I could have chips of ice to suck on, but nothing else.

I was still on an IV drip and was given pain medication, antibiotics, and

vitamins, as well as saline. I had a morphine pump I could use if I needed

it. I was never in any real pain, but used the pump periodically because Dr.

Rutledge had said not to let the pain get bad before using it. It did help me

sleep in between interruptions.

The nurse came in and changed the bed. I took a shower, which felt good. Had

my first bowel movement.

came and spent most of the day with me. We talked, I slept, and just

had a good visit. , Kay and Vicky came by for a short visit in the

afternoon and brought a beautiful bouquet in a cobalt blue vase. I got up and

walked several times, and spent some time sitting in the chair. came by

and we compared notes. She had had several complications, but was doing well.

I counted my blessings.

Rick came by in the evening, and was very relieved that I was doing so well.

The kids were doing fine, but were insistent that if I stayed another night,

they would have to come by and see me. I slept better, but still got some

interruptions. I was getting pretty impatient with the blood pressure cuff,

which was probably the thing that irritated me most in the hospital.

3/17/99--Wednesday

Dr. Rutledge came by and said I was doing well and could have some clear

liquids. came in and we took a nice long walk around the corridors.

Shortly after we got back, they brought me a tray, and the three Jell-O cubes

were the best thing I had tasted in a long time. I also had a little juice

and a few sips of bouillon. Everything went down well.

Word came around 12:30 that I was okayed to go home. The nurse, , took

out my IV line and I got dressed and walked out to the car. It was great

getting home. It was also a beautiful day, which made it that much better.

I drank small amounts of juice during the day and went to bed pretty early.

My own bed felt good. I felt some discomfort in the middle of the night, but

got up and took some children's motrin and felt much better.

3/18/99--Thursday

Got up after Rick and the kids had gone to school and had a little yogurt and

a zantac. I crushed it up, but it tasted terrible. Dr. Rutledge said it was

okay to take it whole. Then I took a real shower and washed my hair. Rick

fixed up all my port holes and I rested for a little while in bed. Then

and I sat on the back porch and luxuriated in the warm spring-like weather.

Then we went to the afternoon movie and sobbed through The Deep End of the

Ocean. I had read the book. I took juice and ice chips with me and did just

fine.

I've begun to have some diarrhea, but that's normal. I'm being careful to get

enough fluids so I don't get dehydrated. It did occur to me yesterday that in

the hospital I was constantly on an IV drip and not likely to lack for fluids,

but that I had to be aware of it now that my total intake of everything is

much more limited.

There is a certain freedom to not being fettered by specific mealtimes. I

don't expect it to be a problem. But the desires for certain foods haven't

disappeared. But I know that I'll eventually be able to have a little of most

anything I want. In the meantime, it's important to take it easy and let

myself heal. I really am feeling quite well, but I don't have a lot of

stamina yet.

3/19/99--Friday

I woke up very early, around 3:00 am and had some juice. Before I headed back

to bed around 4:30, I went downstairs and weighed myself. I have lost 12

pounds! Slept until about 8:45, then got up, did some computer stuff, visited

with Molly, who came by for a short visit, and generally moved around the

house until about noon, when I started to feel a bit weak. So I got in bed,

talked on the phone and watched TV for several hours.

I took all the tape and bandages off my incisions, which are all looking very

good. One is more open than the other four, but is healing nicely. Rick put

some vitamin E on them, which he swears by. Still having diahrrea, but it's

not particularly bothersome.

3/20/99--Saturday

Went to the clinic to have staples removed. They are getting bothersome.

It's great to have them out. and I were the center of attention, being

the latest surgical patients. I'm doing very well. is still fighting

nausea. The main difference--she received an injection to prevent blood clots

and had an allergic reaction. I didn't receive the shot because of her

experience. I don't think it's necessary. One of the other prospective

patients questioned the wisdom of not doing it based on one patient's

experience. But the other things that are used, like the compression

stockings, the leg cuffs and getting you up very soon after surgery seem to be

enough, unless one is at greater risk for some reason.

There was another lady there that had had surgery just two weeks ago and who

was just feeling super. There was also another woman there who had had an

open abdominal surgery about 10 years ago and was there with her daughter, who

was considering having surgery. She looked great, and had maintained her

weight loss for that period of time, and had even had another child post

surgery. The long-term results are very heartening to me.

We made chicken noodle soup for dinner tonight, and I had a small cup of the

broth, which tasted soooo gooood! It was nice to have something hot and not

sweet. Most everything I'm eating right now tends to be sweet, and I get a

bit tired of it.

3/21/99--Sunday

left for Memphis this morning, and we miss her already. Rick and I went

in the afternoon to Raleigh to see Miss Saigon. We were disappointed in the

show, but the trip itself was just fine. I took some juice in the car and

felt like any normal person. No weakness or anything. I did rest awhile when

we got home.

3/22/99--Monday

Haven't done much today. Just watched TV and puttered around the house. Kind

of wanted to go to work for a little while, but didn't. I'm feeling great. I

discovered that V8 juice is also very satisfying and a not-so-sweet

alternative.

The kids were late at school today, so when we picked them up, we went out to

dinner. I ordered a cup of soup and felt like a normal human being sitting in

a restaurant. I wasn't even particularly tempted by anything else. I'm not

interested in sabotaging myself. The soup was very good, too. A nice change

from what I've been having at home.

3/23/99--Tuesday

I drove myself to have my nails done today. Then later on I picked up at

piano lessons. Feels like getting back to normal. Still not up to completely

normal hectic schedule, but getting there.

3/24/99--Wednesday

Spent the day at home. Feeling fine. Tried a little solid food today. Felt

very full after 3 or 4 bites. It really does work.

Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

Kathy,

You'll probably get lots of responses to your good questions, but here's my

2 cents worth...

My surgery was with Dr. R on Jan. 4th. I have no problems with gas.

I truly believe that Dr. R's procedure or the RNY are the most effective

surgeries. I've heard too many VGB post ops wishing they had had a by-pass

and even getting revisions. I've also hear that the AGB is even less

effective than the VGB in weight loss from many people. I'm a member of the

OSSG Onelist with over 700 weightloss surgery patients (some pre, some

post-op) and this is where I get my info. But Dr. R's website had numerous

medical studies documented to verify these stories. I also would encourage

you to strongly consider having your procedure done laparoscopically. I

would never have wanted to go through this with an 'open' incision. The

pain and recuperation time and risk of infection are so much greater with it

done that way. Finally, every person's body reacts to this procedure a

little differently. Some of Dr. R's patients have no trouble with sugar of

any type. Some can't tolerate any. I can have small amounts of sugar, but

if what I eat is too concentrated in sugar, I'll get nauseated. This has

turned out to be no problem. I really wish you well on your quest for a

happier, healthier life. Take care.

Merritt

down 58 lbs.

new list member

From: zimkat@... (Kathie Zimmer)

I just signed on with this group a few hous ago

and so far everyone seems to be very pleased with the surgery and

certainl with Dr. R. I really want to hear you success stories but also

are there many complications,,,,,maybe side effects is a better word. A

person who had the AGB done said the deciding factor for her was the gas

gas gas....Is this a commo problem after the surgery? How constant is

the weight loss?

Surgical intervention for my weight is definitely in my future, I just

dont know which way to go yet and I would really appreciate any

knowledge that you would consider sharing with me.

I'm a nurse and have worked with VRG,VBG, and Roux en Y pts during the

immediate post op and next 3-5 days. On 3 occassions, i saw some of

my pts several months to a year later and the t loss was excellent, esp

for the Roux en Y. I have absolutely no idea of any day to day problems

or changes that come about because of the surgery Are there any food

restrictions? Someone mentioned NO Sugar. Thats not a problem for me

but I am curious. What about the cost if my insurance won't cover?

I really want to PICK YOUR BRAINS

Thanks!!!!!!!! Kathie

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Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

In a message dated 3/24/1999 10:22:59 PM Central Standard Time,

zimkat@... writes:

<< deciding factor for her was the gas

gas gas....Is this a commo problem after the surgery? How constant is

the weight loss? >>

I imagine, and have been told by my cousin, that gas is similar to c-section

or hysterrectomy patients....she didn't have the mini done though.

Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

Thanks so much for the diary......keep up the work. It's hard for me to

imagine going a whole week with no chocolate or Tex Mex! I'll get there

someday (soon I hope)

Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

In a message dated 3/25/1999 9:21:48 AM Central Standard Time,

amorris@... writes:

<< OSSG Onelist with over 700 weightloss surgery patients >>

Does anyone have the link for this list...would be greatly appreciated for us

newfolks.

Thanks,

Tara

Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

Tara--

I had some gas just after surgery, due to the fact that they fill you up with

air to see if there are any leaks. Worth it I'd say. Mine was not terribly

uncomfortable, but I do remember a few really wonderful passings. Definitely

not a reason to " pass " on the surgery. Sorry.

Katy

Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

Kathie--

I'm not quite 2 weeks post-op with Dr. R., and I have no gas. Very little

even right after surgery.

There is some rumbling, though. But not at all painful, just noisy.

Katy

Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

Thank you Tarapfs for the reply. As I under-

stood the gas problem, it was related to bypass inclusive surgeries but

not straight banding ot VBG or VRG. To be more specific, is the gas a

daily problellm, is it related to certain foods or does it accompany

surgeries that bypass (some parts of the digestive tract?) Or...could

this be just more of ................Wat I'm trying to ask is...

does this surgery cause one to pass a lot of gas?

zimkat

Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

I have heard about the gas problem also, I have heard that there is alot

of gas and it is VERY stinky!! I was also told to try liquid

chlorophyll, Now don't ask me how or why to get it, I don't know. i

am preop and haven't got that far yet. (Although I have thought about

buying it for my hubby !!!LOL) I saw it posted on the OSSG at onelist.

Kathy

Kaiser appealing

Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

Hi there! I hope you don't mind me butting in here, but

as a veteran of 2 other Lap procedures, I think I might

be able to help. As I understand it, when a procedure

is done Laprascopically, air is used to inflate the

abdomen, allowing easier access and better vision of

the internal organs. After the procedure is finished,

the air in the abdomen is expelled as gas. This gas can

be extremely painful in the first couple of days,

post-op. The gas pain is often much worse than the pain

associated with the procedure or incisions. After my

last Lap - I had to sleep sitting up for a couple of

nights because when I would lie down, the cramping was

just too much. I don't beleive everyone experiences

this much discomfort, and those who do normally feel

better in just a few days. I am awaiting insurance

approval for my MGB with Dr.R, so I can not give any

firsthand MGB post-op advice, but I hope this helps!

Tara Lynn

--- Kathie Zimmer wrote:

> From: zimkat@... (Kathie Zimmer)

>

> Thank you Tarapfs for the reply. As I under-

> stood the gas problem, it was related to bypass

> inclusive surgeries but

> not straight banding ot VBG or VRG. To be more

> specific, is the gas a

> daily problellm, is it related to certain foods or

> does it accompany

> surgeries that bypass (some parts of the digestive

> tract?) Or...could

> this be just more of ................Wat I'm trying

> to ask is...

> does this surgery cause one to pass a lot of gas?

> zimkat

>

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Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

I'm new though I've been lurking for a couple of days.

I thought they were talking about the pain you have

after surgery. There is often abdominal bloating after

having abdominal surgery. The pain related to this is

the gas pain before you are able to pass the gas. Walking

as much as possible helps work the gas down the intestines

so you can pass it. Once you start passing it, you don't

have pain or at least it lessens and gradulally disappears.

I have had a hysterectomy so am familiar with the gas

following surgery.

I didn't know anything about a gas odor problem. Why

would there be a problem with this?

I'm fulfilling the criteria by going to Kaiser

Permanente's Freedom From Fat program before I

can even be considered for the surgery. (6 mos

beginning April 6th.) This is very hard to do

but I can do it if it makes me able to have the

surgery.

Margo Power

BMI 53.4

Kaiser Permanente

Vancouver, Washington

(anyone in my area, please contact me

at madison@...)

>From: thestewarts@... (Herbert )

>

>I have heard about the gas problem also, I have heard that there is alot

>of gas and it is VERY stinky!! I was also told to try liquid

>chlorophyll, Now don't ask me how or why to get it, I don't know. i

>am preop and haven't got that far yet. (Although I have thought about

>buying it for my hubby !!!LOL) I saw it posted on the OSSG at onelist.

>Kathy

>Kaiser appealing

>

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Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

Thank you Kathy and Tara. I was under the impression that this was a

daily problem or---if you will---a tradeoff for the kind of wt loss. I

like your explanation better

Kathie

Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

Pam G. here. I think GNC and other health food stores carry the liquid

chlorophyl.

Re: new list member

From: thestewarts@... (Herbert )

I have heard about the gas problem also, I have heard that there is alot

of gas and it is VERY stinky!! I was also told to try liquid

chlorophyll, Now don't ask me how or why to get it, I don't know. i

am preop and haven't got that far yet. (Although I have thought about

buying it for my hubby !!!LOL) I saw it posted on the OSSG at onelist.

Kathy

Kaiser appealing

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Posted March 25, 1999 · March 25, 1999

My experience 3 months post op is that excessive gas is a non issue. I have

experienced less gas since my surgery than I had before due to my irritable

bowel syndrome.

Re: new list member

From: zimkat@... (Kathie Zimmer)

Thank you Tarapfs for the reply. As I under-

stood the gas problem, it was related to bypass inclusive surgeries but

not straight banding ot VBG or VRG. To be more specific, is the gas a

daily problellm, is it related to certain foods or does it accompany

surgeries that bypass (some parts of the digestive tract?) Or...could

this be just more of ................Wat I'm trying to ask is...

does this surgery cause one to pass a lot of gas?

zimkat

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Posted March 26, 1999 · March 26, 1999

In a message dated 3/25/1999 5:04:07 PM Central Standard Time,

zimkat@... writes:

<< .Wat I'm trying to ask is...

does this surgery cause one to pass a lot of gas? >>

I wonder if my dad had the surgery and never told me...lol!!!!! That's a

great question and one I would never have thought about. LEt me know if you

find the answer!

Tara

Posted March 26, 1999 · March 26, 1999

In a message dated 3/25/1999 5:04:07 PM Central Standard Time,

zimkat@... writes:

<< .Wat I'm trying to ask is...

does this surgery cause one to pass a lot of gas? >>

I wonder if my dad had the surgery and never told me...lol!!!!! That's a

great question and one I would never have thought about. LEt me know if you

find the answer!

Tara

Posted March 26, 1999 · March 26, 1999

In a message dated 3/25/1999 5:58:13 PM Central Standard Time,

KMusolino@... writes:

<< Worth it I'd say. Mine was not terribly

uncomfortable, but I do remember a few really wonderful passings. >>

I love you people...thanks for making me smile!!!!

Tara

Posted March 26, 1999 · March 26, 1999

In a message dated 3/25/1999 5:58:13 PM Central Standard Time,

KMusolino@... writes:

<< Worth it I'd say. Mine was not terribly

uncomfortable, but I do remember a few really wonderful passings. >>

I love you people...thanks for making me smile!!!!

Tara

Posted March 26, 1999 · March 26, 1999

In a message dated 3/25/1999 9:45:57 PM Central Standard Time,

psgreer@... writes:

<< my irritable

bowel syndrome. >>

Is this an actual condition..could you e-mai lme mor eabout this privately?

Posted March 26, 1999 · March 26, 1999

In a message dated 3/25/1999 9:45:57 PM Central Standard Time,

psgreer@... writes:

<< my irritable

bowel syndrome. >>

Is this an actual condition..could you e-mai lme mor eabout this privately?

Posted March 26, 1999 · March 26, 1999

In a message dated 3/26/1999 5:13:47 PM Central Standard Time,

psgreer@... writes:

<< Hope this info. helps. If you have anymore questions, just e-mail me. Bye

for now. >>

Thanks for the info...I'm sort of ticked. I've been to the doctor several

times for " loose " bowels. It's hard on my fmaily with mom always saying,

" Hurry pull the car over! " I've always been told it was my diet and hav

enever been tested for anything..hmmmm

Tara

Posted March 26, 1999 · March 26, 1999

In a message dated 3/26/1999 5:13:47 PM Central Standard Time,

psgreer@... writes:

<< Hope this info. helps. If you have anymore questions, just e-mail me. Bye

for now. >>

Thanks for the info...I'm sort of ticked. I've been to the doctor several

times for " loose " bowels. It's hard on my fmaily with mom always saying,

" Hurry pull the car over! " I've always been told it was my diet and hav

enever been tested for anything..hmmmm

Tara

Posted March 26, 1999 · March 26, 1999

Tara,

Pam Greer here. Irritable bowel syndrome is a medical condition. It is not

as severe as Inflammatory bowel disease or Chron's disease but it is

extremely uncomfortable. I experienced cramping and spasms, had to

defecate within 10 minutes of eating and sometimes I didn't have even that

long. With IBD there is actually an infection and inflammation of the

intestines, IBS on the other hand is more symptomatic: cramping, abdominal

pain from spasms,diarrhea, dumping syndrome etc. There are several good

medical books on line that describe it in detail. You might want to check

them out too.

Since my surgery that hasn't been a problem. Now I tend to go in the

opposite direction (constipation) partly because of reduced caloric intake

(so there's just not enough to digested food to require a bowel movement as

frequently.

I have been experiencing some stomach problems (burning, boring pain under

rib cage to my back) this week. It almost feels like an ulcer. My family

Dr. prescribed Prilosec and Mylanta with Donnatal. These seem to help,

although the price tag for the Prilosec is enough to trigger major

depression (about $130.00) for a one month supply.

Dr. R says that stomach irritation is normal once we start adding more types

of food back to the diet because the stomach doesn't fully heal for several

months. Also, the stomach irritation factor doesn't seem to be a problem

for those who didn't have IBS or IBD before their surgery.

Hope this info. helps. If you have anymore questions, just e-mail me. Bye

for now.

Re: new list member

>From: Tarapfs@...

>

>In a message dated 3/25/1999 9:45:57 PM Central Standard Time,

>psgreer@... writes:

>

><< my irritable

> bowel syndrome. >>

>

>Is this an actual condition..could you e-mai lme mor eabout this privately?

>

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Posted March 26, 1999 · March 26, 1999