Feeling better

Ok, so yesterday was not a good day. I didn't sleep very well. I guess I was that I didn't get a deep sleep so I was tired. I was also REALLY sore on my left side. That's where the port is and it is usually the sorest place since it is not really deep under the skin. I have a hard time getting out of bed but that is to be expected since you use your abdominal muscles so much in that activity. So, since I am feeling better, I wanted to go ahead and write about the surgery. I promise not to make this blog all about my band but I did want to write it out for those who are not familiar with the process.
C took me to the surgery center Tuesday morning. I had to be there by 7:30 and my surgery was for 8. We got there and there were quite a few people in the waiting room. They called my name after a bit and I headed back to change into the fabulous hospital gown, circulation hose, booties for my feet, and hairnet - I looked awesome!! This was my first experience with circulation hose. They are REALLY tight and make my blood keep moving so I don't get blood clots. They were supposed to be knee highs. With my short legs, they were more like thigh highs!! The nursing staff at the surgery center was fantastic! They were all cheery and happy and my nurse took extra care of me. She got me a longer set of circulation hose so that they went all the way to my hip and didn't roll. She also put in my IV and I seriously felt a small pinch - not a lot of pain. After I was all prepped, they allowed C to come back. He came back carrying one of those coasters that restaurants use to let you know your table is ready. Here, it lets you know when you can come back to see the patient after surgery. So, I felt like a table for one! C's mom had come to sit with him during the surgery. C went and got her so that she could sit with me for a few minutes. It was so nice to have someone there for C. One things I did not have to worry about! My doc came out to see if I had any last minute questions. I was ready to go but they were finishing up the gal who had gone before me. Oddly enough, her name is Sarah too! The anesthesiologist came over to talk with me about what meds he was going to give me. We were all waiting for the green light to go into surgery. I honestly do not remember going to the surgery room but I do remember being in there for a few seconds and then the next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery. It was really foggy waking up but I did notice the clock. I went into surgery at 9 and I was waking up in recovery at 10:30!! WOW! I felt really nauseous so they put a patch on me and I felt better after a few minutes. They then made me get up and walk to the X-ray room. I had to drink barium and they watched on the screen to make sure that the new stomach opening was large enough to let liquids in. It was pretty cool to watch! Granted, I was still pretty drugged but I do remember that. They let c come back a few minutes after I got back in bed. They had given me morphine and I had to wait 30 minutes before I could go home. I pretty much slept. Nurses came and talked with C about what I needed to do to recover. One thing they made me do was inhale in this breathing thing. I have to breathe in and make this little ball hit the top of the container and hold it there for a count of three. No problem for me. The nurse said that the other gal had a hard time with this one. I guess she didn't want to go home as badly I as I wanted to!! They wheeled me out to the car and I don't remember much of the drive home. My mom was over watching K along with my nephews. When I walked in the boys looked really worried. I hadn't told them about the surgery. The youngest asked if I was pregnant. I laughed and said, "Cam, I know you want more cousins but it's just not going to happen right now." I went back to me bed and fell asleep. It was the second best part of my day. The first was the awesome hug K ran over and gave me when we got home.
Currently, my diet is liquids. I have been drinking two protein shakes a day. I also drink water, tea, chicken broth, and Gatorade. I am so excited about Sunday since that is the day that I can start eating mushy foods. C is going to make a roast and we're going to put in a lot of veggies. C makes a great roast and the veggies are so moist! I'm figuring just eating the veggies will be my first challenge. But I am so excited to try them! Yum!