[FemmeMode]

I really am doing great! Yesterday was a little surprising...b/c I actually was feeling some pain...(4 on a scale to 10 - not bad!) but, I'd say my pain has been very well controlled keeping it 1 or so up to then....just primarily soreness.
I have a nice little set up...I have been "living" in a recliner a friend lent us (she had this surgery 2 yrs ago...and said it was awesome - and it is...) and I get up to move around as the doctor instructs...but I place my rear-end here most of the time...and sleep here too. Russ brings me his laptop, which I place on a pillow on my tummy as I recline...and browse the net - or write emails.
Isabella, my daughter, is with my Mother...and boy, do I miss her!! I don't miss all the activity that is required with a little one who will be 3 in a matter of months...but her sweet little voice on the phone doesn't help...just makes me miss her more! It is a week today since I really spent any time with her... ::::sigh::::
I meet with the hospital's nutritionist and post- bariatric surgery liaison tomorrow...and get my staples out at my Dr's apt. on Thursday. Hopefully I will then find out when I can lift "things" (my only want to lift is my sweet little 27# lumb of lovin into my lap...and squeeze her tight!)...and when I will start to feel less tired etc.
Russ and I did venture out to a movie last night....it was fun....but very tiring, even though I was taxi'd to the front door by Russ and we took every step very slow. We went to one with the VERY comfortable seats, and on the row where there is a railing in front, so I could put up my feet. I took a small pillow with me - it feels really good to press a pillow on my belly...esp. where my central left incision is. That is where I feel the pressure and soreness when I move around. We saw "Inside Man" with Denzel...and that cute Aussi....can't remember his name right now....and bit part w/ Jodi Foster. Loved it! We also walked right in with a smoothie....this was a fun experience....we stopped at Smoothie King before we went to the theatre....and bought one 20oz smoothie....asked the guy to pour off 6oz. in a kids cup for me...and Russ took the rest. I have a feeling we will spend the rest of our lives sharing whatever we buy "out!" It's going to be great for me....and Russ too, since all of our portions in the US are so huge anyway.
So....that is what is "UP" with me....my pain is reduced to just soreness when I'm on my meds....and I am able to spread out the dosage time now to double time. Eating is interesting...I am NEVER hungry...and am on a strick schedule of 8-10-12-2-5-8 by my doc for the next 2-3 weeks....all is liquid right now....and I have to get at least 50gms of protein a day to help speed along my recovery he say...I suspect it's also to keep me from getting malnurished. I know they have me drinking so often so I won't get dehydrated. I can only consume about 4-6 oz. ever half hour is this about right??
This morning my hubbie, Russ, made me a 6 oz protein shake...and it took nearly an hour for me to finish it. I'm using ISOPURE protein mix...I like it b/c it's loaded with 25gms in one scoop! It makes me laugh, because a week ago, when I was still on liquids preparing for my surgery...I'd make a 12oz. protein shake and slurp it down in 5min. or less.....wow, what a difference!!
Well...I'm going to take some time to sleep....I'm glad to be posting again...and FINALLY on the POST-op side of surgery.

~Deborah

[freebird]

FemmeMode
it is so awesome that you are starting to recover and good too that you can get out.
do you find your armchair more comfortable than lying in a bed? or have you even tried lying in a bed yet? I've heard a few people say that they were more comfortable for a while sleeping in a recliner arm chair so i was just wondering. the thing for me is that i can't sleep in a recliner arm chair. yes i have tried before and i just can't get comfy enough.
i've been using protien shakes to help keep my weight level and hopefully lose a few measly pounds to impress the dietician and i was just thinking yesterday i didn't know if i'd be able to stretch the shake out, so i tried and i managed to make it last about 20 min.
i can't wait to start sharing out meals with roo, that must be so fun. Did your dr. give you a card or something saying that you have had this surgery so that you can order smaller portions, like kid's meals, when you go out to eat?
probably not an issue yet, but so many questions pre op which i'm sure you remember.
good luck on your healing, it's great that your family is behind you on this, keep up the good work and keep us 'posted' on how you are doing, maybe i'll see you in chat
take care
freebird

Ps i'm really sorry to ask you this but would it be possible for you to post in a darker color? i had a real hard time reading this thanks
freebird

[DocSanae]

Congratulations on the losing side!
Very glad to hear you are having a good recovery.
When is your daughter coming back from Grandmama's? Now you can look forward to running around together with her!!
May your journey go well, (((((((HUGS)))))))

[ChuppyGirl]

Hey FemmeMode
Your my op mate, there is only one day difference so hey ho girl get ready for the competetion!!! hehehe I'm very happy for you and for everyone has the courage to decide and end his or her misery by performing WLS.
Good to hear that your family are so supportive, I felt they are most important than anything. They were behind me too and I can't imagine what would I have done without them?!
Congratulations and open your arms wide for more more good news.

(((((HUGSSSS)))))

[FemmeMode]

Yes... it is wonderful to have family support, and friends too!!
I was a little nervous telling everyone last fall...for fear that no one would really understand my motives...or how "DONE!" I was feeling with all the diets.
I started off slow with my closest friends...who where thrilled for me...and then slowly told my family...little by little I was very very pleasantly surprised by everyones responses of love and support! I was thrilled!!
Although, the hardest part for me was the "waiting game" I had to play with the insurance company...and going thru the nutritionist apts. with a "loony" therapist/nutritionist. (thankfully THAT'S over!)
ABOUT THE RECLINER:
I got the recliner about 2 weeks before my surgery...(borrowed from a friend who suggested it) and tried to sleep in it, but really didn't think it was that comfortable. After surgery it was soooo comfortable...it is very 'cushy'...I've never tried to move to my bed yet. I'm going to wait until my staples are out...and my wounds are healed.

[fr1endly2]

DEBORAH welcome to the looseing side.
I am glad TO HEAr from your posts that
you are doing well.
EVERY day does get easier and better.

(Hey not sure what my pc just did but
it just put my post up and a few times,
if anyone can delete the extras plz do)

PLEASE no we are here for any and all
questions that arise!
HUGS

[freebird]

FemmeMode
i will keep in mind that you didn't find the recliner comfortable until after your surgery. We have a futon in the living room but the matress is too thin and not at all comfortable so i may look into getting a recliner anyways, if i don't sleep in it at least i'll be comfortable when i am up.
I'm so glad that everybody was so supportive of you doing this surgery. It is a big step and most people think it's the easy way out but from talking to all of you i realize it isn't. (i actually never thought it was), apparently you will be going through a lot of wierd emotions so it's great you have family and friends behind you. you also have all of us here in this little family cheering you on the best we can
Have a good journey and share as much as you want or can. I love to hear experiences from post ops, inspiring and gives me something to look forward to. and the bad experiences are good to hear about tooo because even though we are all different it's good to know what could happen

[Pillows]

I slept on our leather overstuffed chair or our sofa for the first few nights at home, but then after my husband whined long enough, I moved into the bedroom and just propped up with about every pillow that was extra in the house, and even an extra blanket under them. I would reccommend a recliner if you can since a recliner will help you from sliding down or turning in the night. I had some mornings that were a little tender due to those things.
Janae

[FemmeMode]

Janae...you are exactly right!! I love that this recliner goes pretty far back but is big and oversized...cushy. It is leather too...but I've put a queen-sized fitted sheet over it...so it doesn't stick to my skin - I sit so long...and am in my jammies a lot...that can be irritating if I didn't have the sheet.

The next thing I can't live without is my pillow on my tummy! I must look HELARIOUS at night pushed back as far as it will go...pillow on tummy...blanket over me...OH, and don't forget my lovely FULL MASK C-Pap!! LOL! I'm sure that is a sight. Thankfully Russ, my husband isn't crying for me in the bed yet...although, once I am done with all the little pains I'm headed back there.

I had my one week apt yesterday...and I am cleared for a little "hanky panky"...I'm excited...but still a little nervous...oh well...maybe I'll do a "Hanky Panky Poll" and see when the consesus is to wait is.

Thanks for everything everyone....I love to read all your encouragement...You are all wonderful!

[Pillows]

As for the hanky panky.... that was a big thing for me wondering about pre op, but as soon as I felt up to it, it all just seemed to work itself out. I am glad that the recliner was so comfy for you. Just remember to listen to your body as to the other stuff.
Janae