You know the feeling after making a big decision in your life? Whether it's a new car, new apartment, new house, new zip code, new country even?! You have this overwhelming feeling that you are starting all over from scratch. That right there would perfectly describe how I have felt since having my surgery on Monday.
Whenever I am excited about something major happening in my life, my anxiety kicks into overdrive. I can't sleep. I can't focus. All I am looking forward to is the next point of action and I go from there. I think at the most... I had three hours of sleep the night before my surgery. It also didn't help that my phone was constantly blowing up with well wishes from so many of my friends and family. I didn't mind that at all. :) When my alarm went off, it was officially go time for me. I showered, I overpacked... literally. Lol. Then I was good to go. Gung ho. Just READY for what was to come! The ride to West GA Medical in Lagrange was one of deep reflection & nerves. So many thoughts roaming through my head, but in the same token, I was so happy that the big day finally arrived. Not a single ounce of doubt or regret ever crossed my mind.
I finally arrived to the hospital, and I was feeling more & more overwhelmed... but in a good way. After getting my mom & I registered and taken care of, we were escorted to the pre-surgery area. I got changed, got my vitals checked, IV in place, and I was settled into the bed. Then came the waiting game... and it felt like I was waiting for a long time. It's a good thing my mom was with me because she calmed all of my fears that I had at that very moment. We prayed together, and before you know it, it was time for me to head to surgery. I waved goodbye to her as I was being rolled away, and the next thing I know, they were ready to give me the anesthesia. All I remembered was talking with the two anesthesia nurses, and the next thing I know.... I was waking up in the recovery room & in pain. I felt like I was a newborn baby being introduced to the world all over again. Everything felt like it happened in a flash.... The pain was a sign that wow.... I went through this! I kept being told that the surgery went well, and I was thankful for that.
Eventually, I was being transported to my hospital room to where I would get acquainted with the nursing staff for each shift and my bed & outline of my room. The first 12 hours post surgery was very trying. I was in a lot of pain... stomach AND back pain. The left side of my back was hurting the most & made it hard for me to be comfortable in bed to sleep. Thankfully, the nursing staff along with my mom was there for me every step of the way to make sure that I was as comfortable as possible. Hours after the surgery, I took my first walk on the hospital floor. I took it slow at first but as the hours passed by, the further I would walk.
The next day came, and I was awake very early because I had to have an x-ray done just to make sure that everything was perfect interally with the sleeve, incisions, and staple line in hopes that there were no leaks. I had to take a sip of this awful stuff.... first liquid since having the surgery & it just made me want more and more ice chips. After going through that hurdle, I was transported back to my room ready for whatever was next. I was bathed & given my vitamin & meds for the day along with the first taste of broth & clear liquid drink since Sunday. Throughout the second day at the hospital, I was feeling more comfortable as far as pain & my surroundings & I was still receiving messages & phone calls. I made it a point to take a photo to post on my Facebook page to let everyone know that I was doing okay. I also got a few visitors in my room, and it was just nice to see familiar faces & hear familiar voices. It was so comforting. It made this entire transition & part of my journey in my life worth it. After taking a few more walks on the floor & a goodnight sleep, the following morning arrived and it was time to say goodbye. I was excited about going home, but was grateful to the entire staff for being so wonderful during my stay.
The next few days leading up to now has been a huge transition for me as far as eating, sleeping... EVERYTHING. I am now dealing with a much smaller stomach, but yet I can already see & feel a difference in me. I feel lighter when I walk. My legs & feet right now are the smallest they have ever been in a long time. I truly feel the difference in eating & drinking something & feeling full so quickly after just a few bites or sips. Each day is a progression and a challenge for me. I have done well so far in following the orders of my doctor, but it hasn't been easy by all means. As of this morning, March 23rd, I have lost 12 lbs since the surgery, and a total of 37 pounds since November. I am proud of myself & thankful that my mom was around to take care of me at home whenever I needed her. 313 lbs?! I'll take it, but I know I have a long way to go in order to reach my goal.
This coming Tuesday, I have a post surgery follow up with my doctor. I am more motivated & determined now than I have ever been in a long time. I know in my heart that truly made the right decision for myself!
Welcome to my NEW life!
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