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Day 3 I was up and walking, sucking on ice chips.  Tried to walk every 30 min.  Got my IV taken out… OUCH!  Sheesh the IV felt like it hurt more than the surgery.  Had a good day of walking and got my ice chips in without issue.  Later started allowing some of the liquid with the ice, but not full sips.  I saw the doctors (Dr. A and Dr. Gabe) more than once, and they continued to ask me how I was doing, and gave me a heads up on what would be coming… took a sleeping pill that night, per Dr. Orders, as he said rest was really needed.  They gave us some videos to view on YouTube (private ones) to reference what was going to happen the next day, and so we could have a quick reference on Dr. Instructions and aftercare.

Day 4, the doc came in and went over the medications, release instructions, and other information.  He gave us a “sleeve pillow” with a picture of the operation and the staff signed mine for me.  We got into the Van with Rosie for the trip back to San Antonio.  Going through the US border from Mexico was interesting.  There are 5 different points where they ask you questions, and they had us get out and the Van was X-rayed by border patrol.  It was interesting at least.  The drive was not that fun, mostly cause it is so bumpy… but Rosie did what she could to avoid them… she drives this trip often enough to be able to know where the worst ones were!  We got to San Antonio hotel, where we met Rosie to be picked up, and got checked into our rooms.  We did take a trip to the local mall, to walk and get out some, however I got tired quickly and we (Just to reiterate, my Mother in Law went with me, so this is the WE I talk about) went back to the room.  I had a pack of Unjury chicken soup in my suitcase (I highly recommend bringing at least 2 of both the soup and the shakes so you have something), which was dinner, and my cohort had picked up some regular food in the mall to bring back.  The hotel room did have a microwave.

Day 4 was tough also cause I had the worst case of the runs!!!  Doc said it could happen this or the other way, but still, agony.

Day 5 was the toughest yet… I flew home and due to flight delays, we did not arrive until after 1am.  I went home, popped a pain pill and crashed.  I know I did not get enough water that day since my urine was way too dark the next day, so I really had to focus getting in all the water I could for the next few days.  I worked hard to get protein in as well… but other than being much more tired than originally thought, I felt OK. 

The following week came with daily improvements in how I felt and my energy level.  I admit that I did start feeling better once I could get on regular liquids instead of just clear.  I think I was just getting more protein as well as more calories in general… its tough to get more than 300 calories when I am just sipping water and some clear soups.  When I could get more substantial soups and my good protein drinks, I just felt like I had more energy.  I was also able to get in more vitamins after this point, instead of just the liquid ones… so this may have helped! 

I have been off of work until today, and I noticed I have not been on the computer much, needing I think a real break from being attached to one while working.  I am back today and I can already feel my shoulders tensing up and my back hunching.  Fun.  At least there is 30lbs less of me to get tensed up!! 

So now I am heading into week 4, and soon will be able to start mushy foods.  I have sampled some as I was cooking some chicken salad and egg salad yesterday, and handled those well, though I will have to admit surprise after a bite or two was enough.  I know I will have to spend some time getting used to this new way of eating.  I am looking forward to it!

Day 1 – Travel Day!

I cannot believe it.  I am here.  I am in my hotel room in Eagle Pass TX, and will be having my surgery tomorrow.  I have come so close (due to other reasons) to having to cancel and reschedule things last week that the fact that I am here has not sunk in yet.

More things had to go wrong today as well… was on the plane having boarded our 2^nd leg, and then told they were having mechanical difficulties and were going to put everyone on a different plane.  Got in 2 hours later, of course, but Rosy (Dr. Alvarez’s driver) waited for me after I called and let them know. 

Not focused on doing the tourist thing right now… so did not really pay attention to much of the scenery.  Looking out the window from the hotel and the only difference is that everything is just so brown.  Not used to that coming from such a green state like VA, but other than that, it looks like any other small town.  We passed through long stretches of road that reminded me of roads in Florida… very flat, with not much in between the towns.  I left extra time on Friday to get to our flight, so not sure how much we are going to want to, but in case we feel like taking a look around, we have plenty of time to do that.

I am focused tonight on relaxing, and having some Won Ton soup at the Chinese place nearby… and getting ready for tomorrow.  Wish me luck!!

 

Day 2 – Surgery Day!

Got picked up by Rosy at the hotel early in the morning.  Brought over to the clinic and meet with Dr. Alvarez.  (He is just as personable in real life as he is on the videos!)  My surgery buddy Susie and I agreed to the order, her nerves were bugging her so she went first.  I got my pre-op weight (with clothing, 280lbs), pre-op pictures, blood work, X-Ray, and IV and tried to rest a bit.  Then the anesthesiologist came in, gave me a check-up and ordered a shot to relax me… and that was all she wrote!  I was out.  Next thing I know I am waking up and being told everything went very well.  Surgery was great, Dr. A was very happy with how things turned out… my liver was in great condition. 

Not feeling any pain right now… but then I am being medicated.  I have gotten up and walked around a bit, but feel dizzy so not very steady on my feet yet.  It’s about 9:30pm now, and wanted to read or play Sims, but still loopy and tired, not likely for long.

Hospital is interesting… they are still remodeling bit by bit, replacing old beds and furniture.  They need to fix up the bathrooms… tiles are stained cause of age, but it gives the appearance of being dirty at first glance.  A test with a cleaning wipe (I always have them) shows that it is very clean, just old.  The nurses wash hands, use gloves, and do everything in a very proper way.  Electronic equipment is all very recent, like the X-Ray and I saw the MRI machine in another room, so this gives another level of confidence.

Just a recommendation, pick up a Spanish phrase book!  It really helps, and people have been very nice in helping me learn more!

Also, lesson learned – you really do not need to pack much!!

 

Day 3

Up for some reason at 4am… they continued to give me preventive pain and nausea meds in the night, though I have not felt any pain.  Walked around a bit twice this am.  I am starting to show obvious signs of swelling from the fluids and will be very happy to get the IV out and start sipping ice chips.  It’s about 5:30 am now, so I am going to try to rest some more. 

9:15am – Up again, IV out, now showered.  Starting to feel some pain, but it’s like others have said…. As if you overdid it on sit-ups in the gym.  I think someone else likened it to the day after getting punched in the stomach… not having felt that, I cannot confirm!!!  HAHA.  Shower was ok, just not enough water pressure or hot water, so it was kinda tepid, but I still felt more human after taking one.

Warning – the yellow betadine stains do not wash off.  It will take about a week and they should wear off on their own.

Finally got internet, so I am going to post this today and will update it as I can.