BobbieLynn
5/8/06 7/5/06 7/13/06 The hardest thing I have found is getting everything in when I am suppose to. I am either walking, drinking, doing shakes or taking vitamins and meds, most of the day. I call Monday to get 1st week appointment with Dr. Davidson. Can't wait to get this staples out . Oh, I also wanted to BRAG on my hospital. I was at Vista, a small hospital in Garland. I SWEAR they hired this staff not only on their ability, professionalism but also on their PERSONALITIES. I have never met a nicer group of people. Everyone was amazing, even the maintence man that was repairing a plug at the end of the hall while I was walking was the nicest thing and took time to ask how I was doing. So many staff members came to speak to me. I am telling you it is a small hospital but the best of the 5 of have been in, in the Dallas area. Had the 6 week nutrition class today and I have lost a total of 45 lbs. YEA!!!! ME!!!! And like someone reminded me, those are 45 lbs that will not come back, like all the other times I have lost them and they seemed to find their way back to me. Back into the full swing of school and settling into my new position. I am teaching only four small classes now, and am really enjoying the interaction with the kids. Much different than classes of 30. Sept. 24th, May 5, 2007
Tomorrow is my first appointment with Dr. Davidson. I met him last Wednesday at the Hospital. He was full of information. Like others I am hoping this goes smoothly and quickly. I am so ready for this. I am at 297 lbs and know this surgery and the work I do afterwards will make a tremendous difference in my life.
5/22/06 I am in the hurry up and wait mode. I am waiting for the last day of school which is in 4 more days. I am waiting for approval. Tomorrow will be two weeks since I had firest appointment with the doctor. I so want to have this surgery in June so that I will be fully recovered for the start of school in August. I am doing the liquid diet, and a healthy choice for dinner. I am trying to eat more slowly and chew more thoroughly, but after protein drinks all day, sometimes I forget. I plan to start walking this Friday. I know I am procrastinating, but just scheduling everything this last two weeks of school have been hard.
6/14/06 I got so busy with the end of school and then took a bus driving course, (I am never passing that test) and getting ready for surgery, and learning this site and reading the TX message board, I have forgotten to post the news. I HAVE A DATE!!!! July 12th... I am so excited and spending time trying to learn as much as I can. Read up on the hair loss, and dumping, and walking to improve recovery. The eating without drinking is a killer. The small bites and chewing slowly 30 times not that hard, but not drinking is HARD!.... I have to remind myself, everytime, and not have anything around to drink. Other than that enjoying my summer off and getting ready. Starting to clean out closets tomorrow. Getting rid of all my winter things. That should be an incentive shouldn't it ::grin
One week away, I am busy getting things ready and prepared. My two youngest children will be at church camp the next week when I have surgery with my pastor, his wife and son. My pastor lives one block from me and his mother is coming to stay in his house to take care of me when I have the surgery. She use to work at the school where I teach and I love her. She is the sweetest thing. It is good to know that someone will be here. I couldn't sleep last night, but not sure it was about the surgery, I am just in a late night routine. I think my body is changing. My mother always said when you get older you need less sleep. Maybe that is what it is, cause Lord knows I am getting older.
Well the BIG day came and went.... Checked into the hospital on the 11th. I had my blood taken, drank some nasty citrus stuff, ran to the bathroom all night and awaited my 5 am shot, to help prevent blood clots. Was ready for my 7:30 am surgery. About 5 am the nurse came in to tell me that Dr. Davidson was sick, but they wanted us to stay and wait to see, it could possibly be on the 13th or the 14th. Later Chris came and said we were still waiting, and to hang around til about noon and they would have more info by then. Chris called at 10 to let us know the surgeries would be rescheduled for next Wed. on the 19th. SOOOO, I am back home and in the holding pattern. You know I am getting good at this waiting thing. Patience... is that what I am suppose to learn from this? It has always been a weakness for me.
7/23/06
I came through surgery fine with just a few little hiccups. I had rolling veins so I had an IV in my hand and in my neck. I had stitches in my neck and the thing itched like crazy. I have a rash on my neck from the tape. Funny tape all over my arms and abdomen not one hint of a rash, but my neck looks like ya smashed strawberries on it. Got home Friday and literally crashed. That was the longest ride home ever. I know some have said they came home and never took any pain meds. Well, that is NOT ME!! I love my pain meds, at least twice a day. When I get stuck sitting or lying and can't get up I know it is time for pain meds. Other than that I try to walk off the pain. I have 7 incisions they are starting to itch. I think that is a good thing.
I was able to take a shower finally yesterday.... YEAAAAAAAAAA after not having one for 3 days and sweating alot. I can't tell you how good that felt.... even better than pain meds. I haven't ventured outside yet, because of the steps getting out of my house. My daughters cat has finally gotten use to me walking in the house. At first I think she thought I was psyhco walking back and forth and doing laps around the dinning room table. Now, she just gets out of the way and meows at me when I go by. Kinda like a cheerleader
I am able to take in more water than I thought, but the protein shake takes about an hour and a half to finish. Chris from BSC, says it will get better. But I can sip water, or broth all day long. Beef broth much better than chicken.
8/19/06
It has been a few weeks and I have had the ups and downs, I am 4 weeks out of surgery and I am down a total of 36 lbs. YEA ME!!!!
I went back to work part time on Monday after having my surgery on a Wednesday. It was really hard and I was REALLY tired at the end of the 4 hours, but alas, school starting waits for no one. At a week and a half out I had to go to training in Wolfe City, and was able to stay with my mother in Sulpher Springs, and all was good.
I am able to turn over when I sleep now. That is a major accomplishment for me since surgery. That lower left side pain was a killer. I can almost sleep all night again. Wow, what a difference a week makes. I was beginning to wonder if I would ever feel like myself ever again, and if I would ever be able to eat again. I am beginning to see the difference in my tops, the are all hanging on me. I have a stash of the next size down, that I never got rid of, need to drag them out.
Well, I finally found out why I was eating so little. I had a stricture, and finally got so bad I was unable to eat or drink at all. Had a scope done on Sept. 13th and doing better now, although I haven't lost much weight since then. I hope to catch up on protein and to kick start the weight loss again. In full swing of football season and all that entails. My cousin, Jill had the surgery on Sept. 11th, also with Dr. Davidson, I am so proud of her. 
