Going into surgery, I definitely had my fears. Since I had seen Jen have her surgery first, I knew what to expect, but I feared my experience would be worse. She had set a high standard as a patient and I admit that I'm a pain wimp. I had lots of fears about how I would tolerate the pain and the recovery. Thankfully, everything has been better than expected.
Two weeks before surgery I started a high protein, low-carb diet. The doctor wanted me to build up my protein reserves to help during recovery. It was great to enjoy a thick steak, knowing that it will be a very long time before I do that again. At the same time, anyone who has been on a low-carb diet can tell you how boring it can be. Way too many grilled chicken salads with ranch dressing, hold the croutons.
Monday before my surgery I had a pre-surgical appointment with my doctor. My official pre-surgery weight (clothed) was 380 pounds. I had to sign a bunch of forms indicating that I knew all of the horrible things that could go wrong. They also took some measurements that they will update along the way.
Tuesday before my surgery I was on a clear liquid diet. In the evening I had to do a bowel prep. I had to drink 64 ounces of blue Powerade and a 2 week supply of laxative in a 2 hour period. I do not recommend anyone ever do this on their own.
On Wednesday I weighed myself before going to the hospital - 373 (naked). We got to the hospital at 7 am, and I was prepped for surgery at 9 am. I remember being wheeled into the operating room with two lights above me and that is it until I got to my hospital room a little before 1. I don't remember any of the time I spent in the recovery room at all.
I spent most of Wednesday sleeping, punctuated by short walks, nurses taking my vital signs, and trips to the bathroom. (This was welcome as Jennifer had a hard time urinating after her surgery and that made her very uncomfortable). Jen stayed with me all day and her mother Barbara came for a visit. I slept through most of it.
My pain level was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Everyone on the Bariatric floor was great to me. Late Thursday morning I reached a turning point. I was comfortable in bed and didn't want to go through the difficulty of getting up - Having a nurse unplug my IV and Pulse/Oxygen monitor, and take off my compression boots, but I knew that I needed a walk (to prevent blood clots). I called for the nurse and got up, and planned to do 5 laps around the corridor. As I started walking, I found that I felt better. I eventually made it through 10 laps. From that point on I felt great. I was walking on a regular basis, and taking longer before asking for any pain medicine.
By Friday morning, I had stopped taking narcotics and was just taking Tylenol. Jen took me home about Noon and I settled in. I couldn't believe that I was feeling so good. Jen cautioned me to be careful, not lifting any weight or climbing stairs.
By Saturday I was off all pain medications. I was able to go to church on Sunday. I have been walking the doctor prescribed 30 minutes a day and watching my strength and energy come back. My incisions seem to be healing well and the pounds are falling off. I weighed myself this morning and have lost 19 pounds in the 1 week since my surgery. I don't expect that to continue at that rate, but its a great start
I am so thankful for everyone that has been praying for me. My doctor and the professionals at Northside Hospital were great, but I know that your thoughts and prayers have helped make this a much better experience. I am also incredibly thankful for my wife, Jennifer, who has been super supportive and has set a great example.
Much to my surprise and delight, Ben was off Narcotics and even Tylenol well before I had been. He's doing very well and I am really proud of him!
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