Re: January 3rd surgery

December 27, 2004

Wow! You have done fantastic!!! I'm excited for you on having your procedure. I will be taking my first step that day with seeing my primary to ask for the surgery... I keep dreaming of the day when I will actually get it done.

I read that taking a portable mini fan is good and that some gold bond powder to sprinkle in the bed helps if they use plastic under the sheets.

Happy for you!

in OR

January 3rd surgery

Any words of wisdom? I am having the open procedure. I started at 490lbs in July and am now at 393lbs. Who sets my goal weight, the doctor?

December 27, 2004

And good luck to you too , with seeing your pcp. I hope you will get

lots of help from that quarter. LaWanda At 10:28 PM 12/27/04, you wrote:

>Wow! You have done fantastic!!! I'm excited for you on having your

>procedure. I will be taking my first step that day with seeing my primary

>to ask for the surgery... I keep dreaming of the day when I will actually

>get it done.

>

>I read that taking a portable mini fan is good and that some gold bond

>powder to sprinkle in the bed helps if they use plastic under the sheets.

>

>Happy for you!

>

> in OR

> January 3rd surgery

>

>Any words of wisdom? I am having the open procedure. I started at

>490lbs in July and am now at 393lbs. Who sets my goal weight, the

>doctor?

>

December 28, 2004

HI

I had open on Aug 19,2003...I began at 315 and am now 147.

Words of wisdom?...Know that whatever emotions(and there will be

alot of different ones)are completely normal!! You will cry one

second and be elated the next.

Follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. It really is true

that the first 6 months are your biggest opportunity to lose the

most weight. Dont experiment with things on the No No list. After 6

months it gets harder, and after a year its almost like it was pre

surgery...you really have to watch it.

Dont compare your loss with anyone else. Everyone loses at different

rates. And know that if you hit a plateau at about 4 weeks out...its

not your fault and its completely normal...your body is just

figuring out what the heck you did to it.

Know that this is the biggest step you will take for you. It is only

a tool.....you must still do the work to put body, mind and spirit

together. You will have alot of changes in all areas. Be true to

yourself. You are so worth this tool and to start putting you first.

Congratulations...you will do great

Huggles

>

> Any words of wisdom? I am having the open procedure. I started

at

> 490lbs in July and am now at 393lbs. Who sets my goal weight, the

> doctor?

January 8, 2005

Hi Tawney,

Welcome to the Other side.

I am glad that everything went without a hitch.

Keep up the walking and don't forget your water. I know at first it is hard to get the correct amount you need . You are doing great. So good luck.

Ramona

January 8, 2005

Wow thanks for posting this Tawny. Nice to know you are fine and well

and on your way.

I also thank you for sharing your expierence. I am a KP Richmond

alum, or will be soon (after the 31st) and it was nice to know what is

up and what to expect. I have a feeling I will be less sore as mine

will be lap.

Good luck Tawny and best wishes to the new tummy.

>

> Well I have crossed over to the post-op side. I had my open RNY

> Monday. What a life changing experience! Here is a little idea of

> the journey over the last five days.

>

> The night before surgery I slept like a baby. I had had a very

> emotional week but had worked through all the issues and was very

> much at peace. Though some of my friends started calling with

> the " are you sure's " " do you really want to do this " " second

> thoughts " ect. I answered with, I am well educated on the risks,

> lifestyle changes and support I will need during my journey. My hope

> is that I can still count on you to support me, if not I understand.

>

> I arrived at Richmond at 8:30am for my 10:45am surgery. I waited a

> couple of minuetes and the nurse called me. I kissed my wonderful

> husband away I went. She had me change, weighed me and took me to

> the most wonderful recliner. (I had lost 103 lbs, I started at

> orientation at 490lbs. My goal weight was 400 pounds and I weighed in

> a 387lbs) My nurses named Icee and Ricky came over and did my vitals,

> ran an IV and made me comfortable. I didn't realize that Richmond

> only has three operating rooms. The expereience was very personal,

> the two of them were there helping only three of us, it was great.

> I was so relaxed.... I was ready. Dr. Baggs visited and went over

> everything, the surgical nurse came by and the anestialigist(sp) He

> walked me to the operating room. The room was small and cold. There

> were about six persons attending to my care. Before I know it I was

> asleep.

>

> I awoke at 12:15 in the recovery room. For the next four hours I was

> in and out of it. About 5:30pm I walked about fifty yards and then

> was allowed to have some Ice chips. It was like winning the

> lottery. I have never ever been that dry in my mouth. That was very

> uncomforable. My tummy was very tight with a large tubelike object

> attached. It was a pain buster that went directly into my incisional

> area. We ended up waiting until 10pm to be moved onto the ward.

> They had no beds available. Dr. Baggs was there making sure we had

> the care we needed. I think he left that night about 9pm.

>

> That night was pretty restful. I walked every four hours, vitals

> were taken every two hours, but all in all it was restful. The next

> morning around 6am walks in. She just wanted to see how

> everyone was doing. I was surprised and impressed. About 7:30am Dr.

> Baggs came in and was around the ward from 10-12. Checking in

> helping you with questions and getting you ready for discharge.

>

> I was served my first meal jello, broth, juice or tea at about 9am.

> I had 1/2 ounce of jello and 1/2 ounce of broth satyed done fine

> through I was very full.

>

> I was discharged at about 12:30pm. I was very sore but ok. The ride

> home to fairfield was fine. I had my husband bring a pillow to lean

> againist my tummy, but really didn't need it.

>

> That night I was very-very sore. It was hard to move at all. We

> walked every three hours even in the middle of the night. I was

> starting to have gas like rumblings in my belly that were a bit

> uncomfortable but normal.

>

> The next day I was still very sore but all-in-all felt great. The gas

> was continueing and I felt like if I could just fart I would be

> releived. I later did and have come to realize that the uncomfort

> associated with gas may last awhile. I comes and go quickly.

>

> I spiked a small fever late Thursday that passed after about 10

> hours. That was a bit scary but and Dr. Baggs called almost

> daily and weren't surprised. Just had me monitor it closely. I also

> realized that I hadn't rested enough the day before. Lesson learned.

>

> Yesterday was good and today I fell even better. I have to admit

> that I am not hungry at all. I eat because its time. I have only

> been able to get down about 1 1/2 each meal. I have had no ill

> effects with any of the stage two foods. I really have to time thing

> perfectly to get in the vitamins, water, food and medications. That

> part is tough.

>

> I am on my way....I am sore but excited. I'll keep you posted on the

> progress.

>

> Tawny - Richmond, Dr. Baggs

> Orientation - July 20th, 2004 (490#)

> Surgery - January 3, 2005 (387#)

>

> ________________________________

>

January 8, 2005

Tawny, it was so good to read your account of your surgical experience. I

hadn't read one that was so detailed, and as I approach mine, I find that

kind of detail about what to expect comforting. Thanks for sharing it with

us all, knowing really helps. LaWanda At 09:40 AM 1/8/05, you wrote:

>Well I have crossed over to the post-op side. I had my open RNY

>Monday. What a life changing experience! Here is a little idea of

>the journey over the last five days.

>

>The night before surgery I slept like a baby. I had had a very

>emotional week but had worked through all the issues and was very

>much at peace. Though some of my friends started calling with

>the " are you sure's " " do you really want to do this " " second

>thoughts " ect. I answered with, I am well educated on the risks,

>lifestyle changes and support I will need during my journey. My hope

>is that I can still count on you to support me, if not I understand.

>

>I arrived at Richmond at 8:30am for my 10:45am surgery. I waited a

>couple of minuetes and the nurse called me. I kissed my wonderful

>husband away I went. She had me change, weighed me and took me to

>the most wonderful recliner. (I had lost 103 lbs, I started at

>orientation at 490lbs. My goal weight was 400 pounds and I weighed in

>a 387lbs) My nurses named Icee and Ricky came over and did my vitals,

>ran an IV and made me comfortable. I didn't realize that Richmond

>only has three operating rooms. The expereience was very personal,

>the two of them were there helping only three of us, it was great.

>I was so relaxed.... I was ready. Dr. Baggs visited and went over

>everything, the surgical nurse came by and the anestialigist(sp) He

>walked me to the operating room. The room was small and cold. There

>were about six persons attending to my care. Before I know it I was

>asleep.

>

>I awoke at 12:15 in the recovery room. For the next four hours I was

>in and out of it. About 5:30pm I walked about fifty yards and then

>was allowed to have some Ice chips. It was like winning the

>lottery. I have never ever been that dry in my mouth. That was very

>uncomforable. My tummy was very tight with a large tubelike object

>attached. It was a pain buster that went directly into my incisional

>area. We ended up waiting until 10pm to be moved onto the ward.

>They had no beds available. Dr. Baggs was there making sure we had

>the care we needed. I think he left that night about 9pm.

>

>That night was pretty restful. I walked every four hours, vitals

>were taken every two hours, but all in all it was restful. The next

>morning around 6am walks in. She just wanted to see how

>everyone was doing. I was surprised and impressed. About 7:30am Dr.

>Baggs came in and was around the ward from 10-12. Checking in

>helping you with questions and getting you ready for discharge.

>

>I was served my first meal jello, broth, juice or tea at about 9am.

>I had 1/2 ounce of jello and 1/2 ounce of broth satyed done fine

>through I was very full.

>

>I was discharged at about 12:30pm. I was very sore but ok. The ride

>home to fairfield was fine. I had my husband bring a pillow to lean

>againist my tummy, but really didn't need it.

>

>That night I was very-very sore. It was hard to move at all. We

>walked every three hours even in the middle of the night. I was

>starting to have gas like rumblings in my belly that were a bit

>uncomfortable but normal.

>

>The next day I was still very sore but all-in-all felt great. The gas

>was continueing and I felt like if I could just fart I would be

>releived. I later did and have come to realize that the uncomfort

>associated with gas may last awhile. I comes and go quickly.

>

>I spiked a small fever late Thursday that passed after about 10

>hours. That was a bit scary but and Dr. Baggs called almost

>daily and weren't surprised. Just had me monitor it closely. I also

>realized that I hadn't rested enough the day before. Lesson learned.

>

>Yesterday was good and today I fell even better. I have to admit

>that I am not hungry at all. I eat because its time. I have only

>been able to get down about 1 1/2 each meal. I have had no ill

>effects with any of the stage two foods. I really have to time thing

>perfectly to get in the vitamins, water, food and medications. That

>part is tough.

>

>I am on my way....I am sore but excited. I'll keep you posted on the

>progress.

>

>Tawny - Richmond, Dr. Baggs

>Orientation - July 20th, 2004 (490#)

>Surgery - January 3, 2005 (387#)

>

January 8, 2005

Hi Tawny!

Congratulations! You made it and you're doing so well!

Your accounting is so important to those of us tht are still pre-op.

Thank you for being so detailed, every little bit of knowledge is so

welcome.

Hope you continue to recuperate quickly. Best of luck!

Maggie

January 8, 2005

Awesome Tawny!!

Welcome to the other side, sounds like you are doing fantabulous!!

Very similar to my experience 16 months ago!!

Huggles

>

> Well I have crossed over to the post-op side. I had my open RNY

> Monday. What a life changing experience! Here is a little idea of

> the journey over the last five days.

>

> The night before surgery I slept like a baby. I had had a very

> emotional week but had worked through all the issues and was very

> much at peace. Though some of my friends started calling with

> the " are you sure's " " do you really want to do this " " second

> thoughts " ect. I answered with, I am well educated on the risks,

> lifestyle changes and support I will need during my journey. My

hope

> is that I can still count on you to support me, if not I

understand.

>

> I arrived at Richmond at 8:30am for my 10:45am surgery. I waited

a

> couple of minuetes and the nurse called me. I kissed my wonderful

> husband away I went. She had me change, weighed me and took me to

> the most wonderful recliner. (I had lost 103 lbs, I started at

> orientation at 490lbs. My goal weight was 400 pounds and I weighed

in

> a 387lbs) My nurses named Icee and Ricky came over and did my

vitals,

> ran an IV and made me comfortable. I didn't realize that Richmond

> only has three operating rooms. The expereience was very

personal,

> the two of them were there helping only three of us, it was

great.

> I was so relaxed.... I was ready. Dr. Baggs visited and went

over

> everything, the surgical nurse came by and the anestialigist(sp)

He

> walked me to the operating room. The room was small and cold.

There

> were about six persons attending to my care. Before I know it I

was

> asleep.

>

> I awoke at 12:15 in the recovery room. For the next four hours I

was

> in and out of it. About 5:30pm I walked about fifty yards and then

> was allowed to have some Ice chips. It was like winning the

> lottery. I have never ever been that dry in my mouth. That was

very

> uncomforable. My tummy was very tight with a large tubelike object

> attached. It was a pain buster that went directly into my

incisional

> area. We ended up waiting until 10pm to be moved onto the ward.

> They had no beds available. Dr. Baggs was there making sure we

had

> the care we needed. I think he left that night about 9pm.

>

> That night was pretty restful. I walked every four hours, vitals

> were taken every two hours, but all in all it was restful. The

> everyone was doing. I was surprised and impressed. About 7:30am

Dr.

> Baggs came in and was around the ward from 10-12. Checking

in

> helping you with questions and getting you ready for discharge.

>

> I was served my first meal jello, broth, juice or tea at about

9am.

> I had 1/2 ounce of jello and 1/2 ounce of broth satyed done fine

> through I was very full.

>

> I was discharged at about 12:30pm. I was very sore but ok. The

ride

> home to fairfield was fine. I had my husband bring a pillow to

lean

> againist my tummy, but really didn't need it.

>

> That night I was very-very sore. It was hard to move at all. We

> walked every three hours even in the middle of the night. I was

> starting to have gas like rumblings in my belly that were a bit

> uncomfortable but normal.

>

> The next day I was still very sore but all-in-all felt great. The

gas

> was continueing and I felt like if I could just fart I would be

> releived. I later did and have come to realize that the uncomfort

> associated with gas may last awhile. I comes and go quickly.

>

> I spiked a small fever late Thursday that passed after about 10

> hours. That was a bit scary but and Dr. Baggs called almost

> daily and weren't surprised. Just had me monitor it closely. I

also

> realized that I hadn't rested enough the day before. Lesson

learned.

>

> Yesterday was good and today I fell even better. I have to admit

> that I am not hungry at all. I eat because its time. I have only

> been able to get down about 1 1/2 each meal. I have had no ill

> effects with any of the stage two foods. I really have to time

thing

> perfectly to get in the vitamins, water, food and medications.

That

> part is tough.

>

> I am on my way....I am sore but excited. I'll keep you posted on

the

> progress.

>

> Tawny - Richmond, Dr. Baggs

> Orientation - July 20th, 2004 (490#)

> Surgery - January 3, 2005 (387#)

January 9, 2005

Thanks Tawny...it's good to know that you felt so attended to at Richmond (that's where I will be, too!) Congratulations on being on "the other side"! Can't wait to here about the big changes that the next year will bring. And WOW, good job on the pre-surgery weight loss!! How long did it take you to do that?LaWanda Ezell wrote:

Tawny, it was so good to read your account of your surgical experience. I hadn't read one that was so detailed, and as I approach mine, I find that kind of detail about what to expect comforting. Thanks for sharing it with us all, knowing really helps. LaWanda At 09:40 AM 1/8/05, you wrote:>Well I have crossed over to the post-op side. I had my open RNY>Monday. What a life changing experience! Here is a little idea of>the journey over the last five days.>>The night before surgery I slept like a baby. I had had a very>emotional week but had worked through all the issues and was very>much at peace. Though some of my friends started calling with>the "are you sure's" "do you really want to do this" "second>thoughts" ect. I answered with, I am well educated

on the risks,>lifestyle changes and support I will need during my journey. My hope>is that I can still count on you to support me, if not I understand.>>I arrived at Richmond at 8:30am for my 10:45am surgery. I waited a>couple of minuetes and the nurse called me. I kissed my wonderful>husband away I went. She had me change, weighed me and took me to>the most wonderful recliner. (I had lost 103 lbs, I started at>orientation at 490lbs. My goal weight was 400 pounds and I weighed in>a 387lbs) My nurses named Icee and Ricky came over and did my vitals,>ran an IV and made me comfortable. I didn't realize that Richmond>only has three operating rooms. The expereience was very personal,>the two of them were there helping only three of us, it was great.>I was so relaxed.... I was ready. Dr. Baggs visited and went over>everything, the

surgical nurse came by and the anestialigist(sp) He>walked me to the operating room. The room was small and cold. There>were about six persons attending to my care. Before I know it I was>asleep.>>I awoke at 12:15 in the recovery room. For the next four hours I was>in and out of it. About 5:30pm I walked about fifty yards and then>was allowed to have some Ice chips. It was like winning the>lottery. I have never ever been that dry in my mouth. That was very>uncomforable. My tummy was very tight with a large tubelike object>attached. It was a pain buster that went directly into my incisional>area. We ended up waiting until 10pm to be moved onto the ward.>They had no beds available. Dr. Baggs was there making sure we had>the care we needed. I think he left that night about 9pm.>>That night was pretty restful. I walked every

four hours, vitals>were taken every two hours, but all in all it was restful. The next>morning around 6am walks in. She just wanted to see how>everyone was doing. I was surprised and impressed. About 7:30am Dr.>Baggs came in and was around the ward from 10-12. Checking in>helping you with questions and getting you ready for discharge.>>I was served my first meal jello, broth, juice or tea at about 9am.>I had 1/2 ounce of jello and 1/2 ounce of broth satyed done fine>through I was very full.>>I was discharged at about 12:30pm. I was very sore but ok. The ride>home to fairfield was fine. I had my husband bring a pillow to lean>againist my tummy, but really didn't need it.>>That night I was very-very sore. It was hard to move at all. We>walked every three hours even in the middle of the night. I

was>starting to have gas like rumblings in my belly that were a bit>uncomfortable but normal.>>The next day I was still very sore but all-in-all felt great. The gas>was continueing and I felt like if I could just fart I would be>releived. I later did and have come to realize that the uncomfort>associated with gas may last awhile. I comes and go quickly.>>I spiked a small fever late Thursday that passed after about 10>hours. That was a bit scary but and Dr. Baggs called almost>daily and weren't surprised. Just had me monitor it closely. I also>realized that I hadn't rested enough the day before. Lesson learned.>>Yesterday was good and today I fell even better. I have to admit>that I am not hungry at all. I eat because its time. I have only>been able to get down about 1 1/2 each meal. I have had no ill>effects with

any of the stage two foods. I really have to time thing>perfectly to get in the vitamins, water, food and medications. That>part is tough.>>I am on my way....I am sore but excited. I'll keep you posted on the>progress.>>Tawny - Richmond, Dr. Baggs>Orientation - July 20th, 2004 (490#)>Surgery - January 3, 2005 (387#)>>>>>>>>>>>

January 9, 2005

>

> >Well I have crossed over to the post-op side. I had my open RNY

> >Monday. What a life changing experience! Here is a little idea of

> >the journey over the last five days.

> >

> >The night before surgery I slept like a baby. I had had a very

> >emotional week but had worked through all the issues and was very

> >much at peace. Though some of my friends started calling with

> >the " are you sure's " " do you really want to do this " " second

> >thoughts " ect. I answered with, I am well educated on the risks,

> >lifestyle changes and support I will need during my journey. My

hope

> >is that I can still count on you to support me, if not I

understand.

> >

> >I arrived at Richmond at 8:30am for my 10:45am surgery. I waited a

> >couple of minuetes and the nurse called me. I kissed my wonderful

> >husband away I went. She had me change, weighed me and took me to

> >the most wonderful recliner. (I had lost 103 lbs, I started at

> >orientation at 490lbs. My goal weight was 400 pounds and I weighed

in

> >a 387lbs) My nurses named Icee and Ricky came over and did my

vitals,

> >ran an IV and made me comfortable. I didn't realize that Richmond

> >only has three operating rooms. The expereience was very personal,

> >the two of them were there helping only three of us, it was great.

> >I was so relaxed.... I was ready. Dr. Baggs visited and went over

> >everything, the surgical nurse came by and the anestialigist(sp) He

> >walked me to the operating room. The room was small and cold.

There

> >were about six persons attending to my care. Before I know it I

was

> >asleep.

> >

> >I awoke at 12:15 in the recovery room. For the next four hours I

was

> >in and out of it. About 5:30pm I walked about fifty yards and then

> >was allowed to have some Ice chips. It was like winning the

> >lottery. I have never ever been that dry in my mouth. That was

very

> >uncomforable. My tummy was very tight with a large tubelike object

> >attached. It was a pain buster that went directly into my

incisional

> >area. We ended up waiting until 10pm to be moved onto the ward.

> >They had no beds available. Dr. Baggs was there making sure we had

> >the care we needed. I think he left that night about 9pm.

> >

> >That night was pretty restful. I walked every four hours, vitals

> >were taken every two hours, but all in all it was restful. The

> >everyone was doing. I was surprised and impressed. About 7:30am

Dr.

> >Baggs came in and was around the ward from 10-12. Checking in

> >helping you with questions and getting you ready for discharge.

> >

> >I was served my first meal jello, broth, juice or tea at about 9am.

> >I had 1/2 ounce of jello and 1/2 ounce of broth satyed done fine

> >through I was very full.

> >

> >I was discharged at about 12:30pm. I was very sore but ok. The

ride

> >home to fairfield was fine. I had my husband bring a pillow to

lean

> >againist my tummy, but really didn't need it.

> >

> >That night I was very-very sore. It was hard to move at all. We

> >walked every three hours even in the middle of the night. I was

> >starting to have gas like rumblings in my belly that were a bit

> >uncomfortable but normal.

> >

> >The next day I was still very sore but all-in-all felt great. The

gas

> >was continueing and I felt like if I could just fart I would be

> >releived. I later did and have come to realize that the uncomfort

> >associated with gas may last awhile. I comes and go quickly.

> >

> >I spiked a small fever late Thursday that passed after about 10

> >hours. That was a bit scary but and Dr. Baggs called almost

> >daily and weren't surprised. Just had me monitor it closely. I

also

> >realized that I hadn't rested enough the day before. Lesson

learned.

> >

> >Yesterday was good and today I fell even better. I have to admit

> >that I am not hungry at all. I eat because its time. I have only

> >been able to get down about 1 1/2 each meal. I have had no ill

> >effects with any of the stage two foods. I really have to time

thing

> >perfectly to get in the vitamins, water, food and medications.

That

> >part is tough.

> >

> >I am on my way....I am sore but excited. I'll keep you posted on

the

> >progress.

> >

> >Tawny - Richmond, Dr. Baggs

> >Orientation - July 20th, 2004 (490#)

> >Surgery - January 3, 2005 (387#)

> >

> >July 20th - January 3rd (5 1/2 months)

> >

January 10, 2005

Hi Tawny,

I glad to hear that you are doing so well.

Thank you for posting about your experience in detail. I remember how

relieved I was when Gemello wrote about his experience. Just knowing

what to expect made me feel so much more comfortable with the process.

Take it easy. Rest, recuperate, sip your water, walk . . . repeat

endlessly.

I look forward to hearing about your journey as it progresses.

Take care,

Kay

in San Leandro

open RNY 12/1/03

Tawny wrote: