Upcoming surgery

I am having gastric bypass surgery on November 15. I'm very excited about the big change this will make in my life. I'm also terrified and nervous.

oh my gosh, my hopes for a easy recovery, you sound happy excited and this is the best attitude for elective surgery.

all my best and prayers too!

All the very best to you during and after your procedure. I hope you have a speedy recovery and a very successful outcome!

My brother-in-law had this surgery about 3 years ago and the change in his life has been incredible. Good luck and keep that positive attitude charged up.

good luck with it marcy!

did you see the oprah show about it last week? not to be a downer, but it brought the awareness that there can be a transfer of the "addiction". please look into it.

Didn't see Oprah, but I am keenly aware that there are increased rates of lots of other bad things in post-op patients... definately something to be aware of and conscious of...

That's funny, I thought I posted this? :confused:

Oh well, try again:

I understand this website is complicated and can be confusing, but it's worth taking a look at before your surgery. http://www.healthgrades.com

Best of luck with your bypass, Marcy. I hope the results are great for you.

Didn't see Oprah, but I am keenly aware that there are increased rates of lots of other bad things in post-op patients... definately something to be aware of and conscious of...


then you are 3 steps ahead of most! best of luck!!!

That's funny, I thought I posted this? :confused:

Oh well, try again:

I understand this website is complicated and can be confusing, but it's worth taking a look at before your surgery. http://www.healthgrades.com

Best of luck with your bypass, Marcy. I hope the results are great for you.

Yep I'm familiar with it. I work for a large hospital system. I'm getting my surgery done at our hospital. I am relieved to say that we have never had a mortality at our hospital and that we do have a center of excellence designation for bariatric programs.

Doesn't at all prevent me from being scared out of my mind...

Best wishes for a perfect surgery and very speedy recovery!

I've seen some fantastic results from it marcy. You'll do great, you're strong. And in the end it will be worth it.

Big hugs and well wishes for you.

Thanks ladies! I really appreciate all of the support! I'll be back here boasting of my big success in no time. :D

With your surgery. My ym has been working with a site that helps post operative patients such as yourself. Check it out, it's obesityhelp.com. If you'd like some help afterwards let me know. Chris is starting his own weight loss consultation business, just starting setting up his myspace today. He has a lot of great and useful information to give (OMG the man is a veritable WEALTH of knowledge!!).

Anyways....wishing you the best for success!

I'm an active member of OH already. :D

Yep I'm familiar with it. I work for a large hospital system. I'm getting my surgery done at our hospital. I am relieved to say that we have never had a mortality at our hospital and that we do have a center of excellence designation for bariatric programs.

Doesn't at all prevent me from being scared out of my mind...

I know, as I'm sure you do also, several nurses that insist on having a knowledgable family member or friend at their bedside every moment of the days and nights they are hospitilized. They set up a schedule to be certain that there is always someone there looking out for them. I have been a caretaker for 20 years through many hospitilizations and I know how important that is.

The simpliest thing that anyone can do to dramatically increase the odds of leaving the hospital without complications is to refuse to allow a nurse, doctor, aide, etc. to touch them until they wash or sanitize their hands - but it is not easy.

The simpliest thing that anyone can do to dramatically increase the odds of leaving the hospital without complications is to refuse to allow a nurse, doctor, aide, etc. to touch them until they wash or sanitize their hands - but it is not easy.

Great advice. I would add to that that it is very important that you turn in the bed at least every 2 hours, and deep breathe and cough to keep your lungs clear. Also move your legs around while in the bed to keep the blood flow circulating.

As soon as you are allowed to be out of the bed, make sure that they take you for walks!! You will heal much faster if you keep your body moving.

Great advice. I would add to that that it is very important that you turn in the bed at least every 2 hours, and deep breathe and cough to keep your lungs clear. Also move your legs around while in the bed to keep the blood flow circulating.

As soon as you are allowed to be out of the bed, make sure that they take you for walks!! You will heal much faster if you keep your body moving.

Smart advice.

One more thing, Marcy... It isn't easy to remember all of these things when you're in the thick of undergoing surgery. Therefore, pass these tips along to Devon, so he can help in serving as your advocate and guardian angel. :)

Best wishes.

xo Faith

Another thing I'm going to do is a living will and a power of attorney. I love Devon and trust him, but these are very big decisions to make and I don't want him to have to make *ANY* without being completely armed with clear indication of my wishes. It also looks as if he will be alone at the hospital during my procedure. My mom says she is going to try very hard to be there with him, but she and I both agree that it is more important for her to be with my younger kids so if it comes down to her being able to do one or other... definately do the other and be with them.

it is very important to have faith in your doctor and hospital, this is huge.

i like their success rate, sure any surgery is scary but six months from now it will all be just a yucky memory and PAST.

i sence you are excited and happy you made your decision, and that is great!

we need to do a countdown!

Your right... I do need a countdown! Today is only 12 days away from surgery... hmmm maybe I need a ticker thingie...

Anyone interested in supporting me through this big lifestyle change can keep up with me on my blog... not sure if its okay to put a link here or not... so until a mod gives me the big thumbs up... pm me for the link and I'll happily send it to you. :)

I'm sure that would be alright Marcy. :)

Okay cool... here is my profile...

I want you guys to know that AL means so much to me. I know my family here is praying for me and pulling for me. I am so relieved to be able to come here, to the people who in so many ways actually know me best.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/chanta/

Today is actually a big day for me... today I give up coffee... NOT going to be easy and I'm sure my poor family is in for one rough ride lol! I also go to work out at Curves today for the first time in YEARS! Going on my lunch break and I'm looking forward to it.... had to dig all around this morning to find clean socks lmao... man do I need to do some laundry today! Wish me luck and be back later :D

Best Wishes on your No Coffee venture Marcy! I hope you have a great day today. Wow. You are really doing a lot of new things. Good for you gurl!:D

hey Marcy just wanted to say hope it all goes well....its a big step you're undertaking and I hope you get the outcome you are looking for....

Marcy wishing you the best!

QUOTE MYSELF Beautiful picture, Marcy! END QUOTE MYSELF

Just want to add that I swear I can see the hope and excitement in your face!

a month ago my asthma was kicking my butt, i have done 18 curves workouts, the first one i was so sick that people thought i had a heart attack, i went to the flippin doctor and was given 4 more medications, here is the big news, the curves workout is now doable, i think i even push harder than most and i am off much of my asthma med's. i have not lost a pound but i feel muscle and if my inside is working better that really means i am healthier, i am really glad your attitude is changing for the better, thats huge and tough, very tough.

i go there with the same old work out shoes i trecked thru rome in with adam, i have no makeup and my hair up like pebbles in the flintsones, that is the beauty of curves, its just a bunch of wemon in every age group and size. i love seeing the really older ladies working out, i admire them.

there are now gym rats there, i love that also, but honestly i just came from the place, it sucks sometimes, its like the last thing i wanna do but it has made a huge difference in my quality of breathing.

i feel your excitment, i had an elective surgery also and i gotta tell you, i am squimish as heck but i was not scared, i wanted my surgery so much that i was happy excited.

course afterwards pain pills came in handy, but my life quality improved and i hope the same for you.

GOOD LUCK, where are we in the countdown?

Marcy.. I hope everything goes well !! Let us know your progress
!!

Marcy

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck with this. You are going into it with the right attitude!! I have worked with several people who have had it done and they all feel and look incredible!

One lady I worked with took a picture of herself the day of the surgery, one frontal and one side.........then every month on the same day she did more pictures and kept them in a photo album.......the change in her posture, the look on her face, her confidence in herself was very evident in the pictures as the months went along.

I will definitely keep up with your blog!!! I cant wait to join you in your journey!!!

i went to the site, i love the pictures, it is good to put a face with someone i have known for years on ageless.

i am sure your mom is nervous, i would be doing the same thing but secretly freaking out, its a mom thing but i dont have to tell you. you know when i see it in print you have 4 kids that is an amazing feat in itself.

off topic but i read in another post that strangers ask you in front of your kids if they are adopted....that is so unbelievable, they are little at that. just goes to show some folks are pretty ignorant.

this time next month you will be quite a bit thinner and i hope happy. hope you can get to the computer or tell devon to let us know you are on the mend.

i am sorry to hear of your dad but this shows me how determined and brave you are, it also sounds like you have the right doctor and hopital that is a relief i am sure.

if you could have gone thru childbirth 4 times, you can pull this off alot better than most people, i hope some of the nervousness is subsiding.

Marcy! ((hugs))

I am really excited for you and proud of you too!

I have an aquaintance who had the surgery-she has lost over 100 pounds. I know in the beginning it was a bit rough on her, figuring out what she could eat and how much she could eat (which wasn't much at ALL). She is very pleased with the results, and everything went actually quite smoothly.

One of our clients is a gastrointestinal group, and I have typed many, many reports on bariatric surgeries, and like you mentioned at your hospital, no fatalities or major problems.

I think you have put yourself in good hands....and your will certainly have my thoughts and prayers on the day of the 15th.

Go Marcy!!! I think it will be a life-changing experience for the positive!!!

Wow you guys! This thread is so supportive. When I read it I just feel so positive like I can do anything... including this... which is hard. I'll post more in a little bit. I have to update my blog too. I am off coffee now for 3 days (today is my 4th) and honestly I can't believe how crappy I feel. I thought I'd feel better by now. Okay so be back later.

Okay so we are at 9 days today. I have preadmission testing tomorrow. Time is really flying by. I am feeling calmer and less guilty.

I don't drink coffee, but I am a major tea addict..and not the healthy herbals and stuff but the kind with caffeine. I can only imagine what a raving lunatic I would be without my tea.... :mad:

I was looking at that site, and I looked at the page with all the before/after pictures. Wow, and I mean WOW! They looked great!!

I have a couple questions....

First, why are/were you feeling guilty? And also, how long will you be able to be off work for recovery?

Well the guilt is because of the risk I am taking. I don't want to leave my children without a mother. My ex-husband says this is a terrifically selfish thing to do... that I should love my body at whatever size I am and if I don't get then get to the gym not the surgeon. I think he underestimates the problem, but I do see his point. I feel concerned. It is a weighty (pun not intended here) responsibility to be the primary caretaker of so many people and even just from a financial standpoint. I know you know what I mean here...

I think I'm expecting to be off like 2 or 3 weeks. I'm pretty hardy usually, so we'll see.

Marcy I am reading your progress blog on the other site, keep it up...

You are getting closer to your big day. Keep your enthusiasm up and do NOT let anything nor anybody deter you or get you down!

Keep SMILING and in good spirit!

((((((((((((((((((MARCY)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Best wishes, Marcy! You will be great, what a gift you are giving yourself and your family -- the gift of health.

Just an FYI, I've read that it takes 2 weeks to knock a caffeine addiction. You can do it.

Oye Pink thats not good news :eek:

Okay okay yea I can do it

Marcy, best of luck with the surgery.

I'm sure that it was a big decision to go for it!

I'm sure you put a lot of thought into it. Don't feel guilty. Be excited.

I hope it all turns out just like you want!

I just saw this thread! Wow, I am very excited for you!

Surgery is a very scary thing, for sure, but you have to have confidence that you made the right decision. I'll be looking at your blog, thanks for posting :)

We are ALL pulling for you, dear heart.

We are now at 5 days to go! I am finished with my pre-admission testing and my last visit with the surgeon. Of course I forgot every single question I was supposed to ask her lol, so I'll be calling her today with a written down list of questions this time. "doh

We told the younger kids last night and they took it so well! SOOOOOOOOOO much better than I have been taking it. They were enthusiastic and excited for me. They loved looking at all the before and after pictures at ObesityHelp.com (showing them these pics was advice I got there and turned out to be really great advice). I don't think my 8 yr old really understands. I think he thinks my stomach is going to be cutoff... like my gut... like I'll be much thinner when I come on Friday... we tried to explain it to him in a bunch of different ways, but I'm not sure he understands lol. Dev found a diagram of a stomach and then a stomach after gastric bypass and showed it to Noah. Noah sucked in his stomach really hard and said so Mommy will be like this right? LOL! We were like ummm no... rofl

At any rate they didn't ask me what could go wrong or if I could die. I realize that as they think on this the next several days they could ask it, but Dev's staying pretty positive and maybe they won't.

I am having these wild mood swings where I'll be happy and excited one minute and then utterly down the next. I'm sure its nerves. I'm working out every day now and omg I love it! I don't know why I haven't been doing this all year. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to keep up or do it, but I can fairly easily. The coach there was amazed at my flexibility and stamina (you know considering my size ;)). I guess all these kids and the young hubby does have some positive affect on me. HA!

The only weird thing to report is that I haven't heard from my sister since I told her the surgery date. I don't understand it because I'd think given our history that she'd be at least a little interested and well we've always been so very close. She is my best friend besides Devon. There is nobody on the planet I'm closer to than him. I think she's upset with me that I'm doing this. Its the only thing I can think of. I'm going to try to call her today.

I hesitated to say anything yet on this post until the "sister" thing as that is EXACTLY what happened to my friend who has had it done...but since I do not know your sister or what is going on in her life, all I can do is pass on what had happened with my friend. Her sister was jealous, plain and simple. Even though she has a weight problem too, it was not as severe as my friend's and the thought of her now being the "bigger one" did upset her. It took awhile for her to come around, but she did and was there to help her with her recouperation. Plus, many are adverse to any type of "change" when it comes to family members as they are comfortable with how things are going.

Now as a side note to my friend... well it did not really do the trick for her. She did lose 110 pounds in almost a year, but needed to lose 40 more before her insurance would pay to get rid of the excess skin (and it did look bad), as she did not have the 15K that was needed to get rid of it all. This depressed her and even though she kept trying, she had reached her first real "plateau" and got depressed. I told her to go to a dietian or to WW and to JOIN A GYM, but she would not listen, hence she has since gained back 50 pounds which is almost back to square one. We have talked some more, and she had now joined a gym and hired a trainer, but she is a lot older than you and her health is not that good, so it is a struggle. She still has not done any diet thing, but I hope in due time she will...as until the person decides he/she wants this more than anything, nothing we as friends can do will help to change a mind.

I wish you luck, and keep in mind too, that more than likely you will need more surgery to really look how you want to.

Regards,
Linda

SB, I was thinking the same thing about "the sister thing". I hope that isn't the case, but stuff like that does happen. Sister relationships are very complex. I know, I have two sisters, as well.

Speaking of weight gaining back after surgery, I saw Al Roker on the Today Show a few days back and it looks like he's gained some significant weight back after his weight surgery a few years ago. Has anyone else seen him?

Marcy, I'm glad the countdown is going smoothly. Please ask Devon to give us a post here after your surgery when he gets a sec to let us know that all is ok.

... My ex-husband says this is a terrifically selfish thing to do... that I should love my body at whatever size I am and if I don't get then get to the gym not the surgeon. ...

Two comments that I'd like to share:

1) There are REASONS he's my "ex"!

2) I'm soooooo thankful that he's my "EX-husband"!

You go girl!

marcy somewhere i remember your age, you are ONLY in your thirties, you are probably so much stronger physically than you imagine.

skin is more elastic when we are younger, i cant wait to see the picture six months from now.

i love the show the biggest loser, its really one of those shows where you can see people transform their lives and become excited about their appearance and health, its a cool show. i also love the part where the married partner at home feels like they have a "hottie" for a spouse. its really sweet.

i am sending a little prayer your way and hope that all good thoughts are in your head, i am excited for the beginning of this new chapter in your life.

best wishes.

Well I finally heard from my sister. I had suspected that the problem was intense fear and it was. She was actually with my father at his bedside when he passed away. My mom and I were at home for a few hours. She's not very good at dealing with these kinds of really painful things. She is trying very hard to be supportive, but is also dealing with her own fears. She is planning on being at the hospital with Dev on Wednesday and I'm glad. Knowing she'll be there does make me feel better. My sister is actually a good bit heavier than I am and is suffering from a variety of co-morbidities including diabetes and sleep apnea. She says that she's excited for me and that she'll probably be jealous of me when I've lost the weight. I seriously don't think that jealousy is her main problem right now though. Hey I'm scared too, but I know I'm going to be fine and I'm just going to forge ahead.

I'm 2 days away from surgery now. HOLY COW!!! My labs came back with a slightly elevated biliruben (I'm sure I'm slaughtering that spelling) count and so I'm going for a picture of my liver this morning in about an hour. My surgeon wants to see it before she opens me up on Wednesday. I'll be anxiously waiting today to hear that all looked normal (as she suspects it will) later today.

I can get Bubblee on Dev's call list on Wednesday after surgery if you all want (and its okay with her) and she can come here and post that it was a terrific success :D. Just let me know Bubs...

/edited to add: Yep I'm in my 30s... but I'm already wishing I'd taken the bull by the horns and done this years ago!

Hi Marcy. I hope your test comes back fine. You ARE really getting close now.:) I wanted to let you know that Brownbear and I will be thinking of you and remembering you in our prayers. May the angels surround you and keep you wonderfully safe during your surgery.;) Blessings Dear. And please have Bubblee let us know if she will...
Here's a big ole (((((HUG))))) ... Much Love to you dearie. You've got a bright future ahead.

:( Okay so the liver test was a MRI. I completely freaked out when they went to shove my entire huge body into the coffin like machine that I completely filled and refused the test. Friends I'm telling you I could NOT do it... there is just NO way. My surgeon ordered more blood tests and if the results are iffy again, then they will postpone the surgery to do more tests on my liver. An abnormal result is 3.0 and mine came back 2.9, normal but definately on the cusp. It has nothing to do with food or my weight. The big hairy deal seems to be that the surgery will effectively obstruct the view of my liver and if I have some kind of liver problem it will be very hard to see post surgery.

I would say that the way things stand right now... it will be a small miracle if I'm in surgery on Wednesday.

Hey Marcy, ask them if they can send you to an open MRI center. They make those for people who tend to become claustrophobic in the standard MRI machine. I bet there's one in your area they could arrange for you to go to.

Hang in there -- it'll all work out!

Yes we have an open MRI fairly close by... unfortunately the hospital I work for doesn't own it. I am going to look into it anyways tomorrow though.

Oh no, I hope your second test comes out better!

I know your doctor probably already told you this, but I can tell by the normal range you mentioned, you are talking about your conjugated or "direct" bilirubin level. I just wanted to say that one of the leading, if not THE leading, cause of elevated direct bilirubin is something simple..gallstones.

((hugs)) I know how excited you are about the surgery..I hope you will be able to go forward if planned!

Yea I read that Jody, but I don't have a gallbladder :(

Way to reassure you, huh? *smiles*

It can be a drug reaction, for example if you were taking a lot of Tylenol or Naproxen, penicillin, blood pressure medications. I don't know, the list is huge. Anyhow, the intake of these medications can affect your bilirubin level too.

You did mention you had quit coffee, and were taking something for headaches. Maybe that's it?

((hugs)) I just hope your level is fine with this second test, so you can skip the MRI altogether!

AND..if you do have to have the MRI, and you can't get access to the open MRI, do you think maybe a valium or something comparable might help with the panicky feeling?

I know EXACTLY what you mean though. I am just like that. Here, my kids think it's funny to throw a sheet over my head when I am not expecting it, and kind of pin me down? haha-not. I almost have a panic attack trying to get them off me and out from under that sheet. I can't even wear..oh those winter coverall/overall things? I feel too...constrained.

((hugs)) Hang in there Marcy!

Well I am definately having surgery tomorrow. The liver problem is Gilbert's Syndrome which is completely harmless and is hereditary. The latest blood tests make them feel 99.99% certain, but they are going to biopsy the liver while their in there tomorrow to confirm the dx.

I'm now on clear liquids in preparation of the big event.

Bubs is our confirmed "call girl" and she'll come back here and post an update for you guys.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow! :D

marcy how exciting for the good news. You go girl!!! ;)

I am looking forward to the posts of your post-op recovery! Hang in there, all will go well...

My prayers are with you (your family) and for the new you! :)

How exciting. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery and much success on your road to good heath. Can't wait for the updates :) Yay, for you girl!

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow! :D

Consider it done! If there's any-such-thing as long-distance transference of positive energy - you got nothin' to worry about!

(((((((((((MARCY))))))))))))


GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

I bet by now you are either at the hospital or on your way. Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way.

WHOA, Marcy...I just saw your post today...the 15th !!! You must be in surgery right now. I'm saying a prayer for ya:)

And Bravo for you to have the courage to take this step to change what you want to change about yourself. I'm all about choices that boost our health and/or self image/confidence.

I wish you the best, and fastest recovery ever:)
Karen

I just received a voice mail from Dev saying that Marcy was out of surgery and resting comfortably in recovery. He was hoping to see her soon and that so far, everything is going well.

If I hear more, I'll pass it along to you all.

Bub

That's good news, Bubbleee! Thanks for passing it on.

Merci bubleee for the info.... Glad all went well.

i just sent a little prayer of thanks your way, the hard part is OVER!!!!

GODBLESS for a speedy recovery, ;) .

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

we need an update! just a few lines that marcy is not in pain and happy this is over. thanks!!

Marcy and Devon-

Just want you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you, and hoping that everything is going along according to plan.

we need an update! just a few lines that marcy is not in pain and happy this is over. thanks!!

I'd love to give you one, but I can't! I had Dev call my office line and I missed his call. He didn't leave his callback number and my phone didn't capture it.

So Dev, if you read this, call me back and let me know your number!

Marcy, I don't know how I missed this thread, but I did. Good luck with your recovery, and I'm thinkin' of ya and hoping for the very best. You made a brave move; we're all behind you! Love, Kat

Me too Marcy... I hope you are on the road to great healing and a happy tummy! :)

Yea you didn't misread that... I just got home earlier yesterday. I had some pretty bad nausea, fever, and elevated heart rate. The docs were worried that I had a leak and did a CT, but found none. I improved and now I'm home. I had a pretty uneventful day, but I've woken up in some pain. I took some pain meds and thought I'd come over here and see whats up. Sorry for the sparse updates, but the good news is that I'm alive. :D

Sorry you're in pain but I'm glad there were no complications and it's great news that you're home!

Sooooo, are you skinny yet? :p

LOL Chatters... I'm far from skinny... but I am down 9 pounds already and considering all the fluids that get pumped into you at the hospital that is pretty amazing! *draggin my butt back to bed*

Much love at you Ageless... be back laters

Yay! Sooooooooooooooo good to hear from you. Now, rest, rest, rest. Each day will continue to get better.

(((((((( HUGS ))))))))))

Marcy! ((hugs))

I'm so glad you get to be home to spend Thanksgiving with your family! Im sorry your in pain though.

That sounds like it was a bit scary there for a while, with the fever and them thinking you might have a leak. I'm so glad that wasn't the case.

I'm sending you lots of positive energy and prayers, and like Kat said..just rest, rest, rest. Don't overdo it now that your home.

Much love to you, and I hope your feeling better very very soon.

if you have lost weight after all the fluids they did pump into you, congratulations.

its over, please be careful as the recovery is very important with this operation, be careful and only eat small meals, but i am sure you know this.

Godbless and i hope you start feeling better soon. Happy thanksgiving.

I know a few other people that have had this surgery, and I hope to have it too someday. It bites when some people will not give you any respect cause your big. Good luck with your recovery.

Marcy!:D Good to hear from you. I hope your pain subsides soon. So glad you are home. Yayyyy:)

M A R C Y !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So happy to see you girl! Hang in there, it will get better, and you will feel better soon too. Like everything else, it takes time.

Love,
Bub