Before I even begin with my intended post, I sincerely want to thank all of you for your words of support and motivation. To come on here and see so many people supporting me does make this much easier, and ~every~ ~single~ ~comment~ just touches my heart. Thank you. So much.
I have been home for a few days now (since Sunday), and its been a rough couple of days. However I am feeling better and better every day. I have been doing just as you all have suggested and have been sipping water constantly, and trying to walk around every day.
Nights have been nightmares. Only being able to sleep on my back sucks. I'm hoping to be able to sleep at least on my side soon. But it seems like every time my head hits the pillow, my headache arrives, entire body aches, and I can't seem to get my legs to lay still. Also, the shoulder pain has been unreal.
This all seems pretty crummy right!? It's not as bad as I thought the recovery was going to be. Thats refreshing for me. As of yesterday, the scale revealed that I have lost a total of 21 pounds since beginning the pre-op liquid diet. So that's pretty neat! I just can't wait for this to be over. I am so anxious to get where so many other's are, living day to day, comfortably, with the Lap-Band.
I wanted to talk about my experience in the German hospital. I hated almost every minute of it. I never knew what was about to happen next. Every time someone walked in to my room, I would say to myself "Lovely, what now...?" It was so strange the way they did things, My IV lines were always messy, and they would leave my arm and sheets covered in blood. Another thing that was irritating for me, is they weren't to big on pain medicine. The things they gave me (which is a mystery in itself) didn't even take away the headache, and minor body aches I had. They sent me home with two pills (un-named) and just enough bandages for one change.
I have found for the past two days, that I have been craving solids more than ever. Not that I'm hungry, or could even eat them should they be placed in front of me... but I just ~want~ it. My husband made my daughter a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch yesterday, and I could have leaped across the counter just to grab a bight.
This whole post sounds like a lot of complaining, and that's because it is... Just wanted to be real about what I'm feeling and what I went through. But the fact of the matter is, I'm home, the Lap-Band is in place and the procedure was done very well. It's just been a crummy couple of days.
You are doing a great job of hanging in there... the first few days are the most difficult and it will get better, I promise. I am sorry you had such a bad experience in a German hospital - I was operated on in a French clinic and I was really impressed by the staff and of course, by the surgeon. I am a stomach sleeper and the first few nights were difficult... eventually, I ended up cocooning myself in a large comforter and wedging myself into a position where I was on my side but securly wrapped in a blanket so I wouldn't move too much. Hang in there!!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing fantastic and it will get better I promise! 21 pounds down is not just cool it is absolutely phenomenal! That is HUGE!
ReplyDeleteYou are well on your way, be sure to rest and keep sipping!
We are all here for you!
Oh Forrest! I'm sorry to hear that you are having such a rough time! But, it does sound better than what I am expecting, so your post is giving me hope! Also, I'm sorry your German-Hospital experience wasn't fantastic, but hopefully you won't ever have to go back there!! It sounds like you are chugging along just fine and I can't wait to hear what the next couple of days bring!!
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs from the US!
Bubba
I promise that it does get better. I'm sorry that your experience in the hospital wasn't good but now that you are at home you can do things the way you want. If you are still hurting, make sure you stay ahead of the pain with whatever your doctor suggested. Also, since you are a side sleeper, I found it helpful to use pillows in front of me (kind of propped under my belly) to help me get comfortable so I could sleep on my side.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great! Hang in there and I'm sure you will be feeling better soon!
The first week or two is the worse. But, honestly, in a months time, you will have almost forgotten about it.
ReplyDeleteIt is worth every minute, I promise.
I am glad to hear that you are home and healthy. I am sorry about the nights being so crummy though. I bet by the time you are reading this you will have had a good night's sleep. If not, try to think of something positive that makes you happy - like a new pair of pants in a smaller size :) when you are trying to fall asleep. That always helps me with I am having trouble sleeping because I can't get comfy enough.
ReplyDeleteGals, your the best. It is indeed getting better!!! Not that I didn't believe you all in the first place... lol.
ReplyDeleteBubba- Hope I'm not getting you to antsy about whats to come. All in all- 3 little crummy days... People have crummier days with out the Lap Band! I'm just a whiney little Forrest sittin' over here in the corner =)
Robin (Wine Girl)- Jeans. Shopping. Me likey! Lol
Robyn ('s Nest)- Your inspirational! I hope am seeing more and more every hour of the day, that this is turning out not to be so bad!!! Sweet!
Kristan (50)- Thank you for being such a wonderful "cheer-leader" (hope this doesn't offend you) but it really does mean a lot to have someone saying those nice things. Hope you know that!
Vicky (d)- THANK YOU! See my next blog post because I will be basically kissing your toes for the idea!
Rachel- Cocooning is sooooo in right now. Love that secure snuggly feeling... Mmmm mmm mmmmmmmmm!