2 weeks ago i was laying miserably in the recovery room of the hospital pissed off as all hell that my bed in SICU wasn't available and astonished at how LOUD and inconsiderate the staff were.  I was so MAD that staff could have no regard for the need of patients to rest. Sirens and bells were going off constantly from all those monitors and it was a madhouse!!  I must say, they did take care of me..but I was miserable and MAD.

2 weeks ago I had been taking Gulcophage and Byetta twice a day for diabtees, prozac for depression, valium for muscle spasms for a disc injury, vicodin or motrin for pain, Ambien to sleep and synthroid for hypothyroidism.   Today I am only taking synthroid, half the dose of Byetta I was on and the Ambien for sleep.  No Prozac, no valium, no pain meds, no glucophage!  Its mind boggling.

2 weeks ago I weighed 14 pounds more than I do today.  According to the BMI charts, I am now just plain "obese" as opposed to "morbidly obese."

Last night I had my first experience with overeating.  I ate less than 700 calories all day but didn't spread them out well  and obviously filled my little tummy to the max with dinner.  The pain was excrutiating!  I won't be doing THAT again but honestly I feel relieved.  The nightmare of last night's pain means the surgery worked---my tummy is small!  I was afraid I had already screwed it all up by eating soft normal food rather than liquids like a lot of other people do at this stage post op.  My doc does it differenly...and its working!  I'm going to keep losing!!!!  Yeee haaaa!!!!

A week ago this time I was under the knife!  I must admit the surgery and initial recovery was harder than I expected. However, Day 6 (yesterday) was my best day yet so I am hopeful about today and the future.  I lost 11 pounds since surgery which of course helps the optimism.  I am getting my staples out tonight (little nervous).  I feel ready to get out and walk a bit, but I'm top heavy and have not figured out how to wear a bra yet since once incision is right in the middle near the bra line and one is completely under a boob also near the bra line, and I definitely am one of those people who needs a bra (top heavy).

The most amazing thng is that at one week post op I am off 3/4 of the medications I was on before surgery. I don't think it will stay that way as I eat more and get more active, but for now not being on diabetes meds, pain meds or an antidepressant is AMAZING!

I'm still tired and my incisions hurt. I'm also freezing cold all the time, probably because of a low grade fever, eating so little and Aunt Flo who made a surprise annoying visit.  II need to work on drinking my fluids and protein shakes but I am finding some foods which are satisfying and easy to swallow.  Cold water and cold shakes HURT!  I am guessing I feel much betTer in a few days. I am still secretly afraid of developing a serious compicatin such as a leak or a stricture during the next month. Meanwhile, I have lost 6 pounds in the 4 days since surgery :) and thats WITH Aunt Flo here.  Sounds good to me!

I am 3 days Post Op. Had the Vertical Sleeve gastrectomy on Wed at Lutheran Hospital in Brooklyn.  Great doctors and good care, but the Recovery room experience was a nightmare.  I am home now and I won't lie---this is rough surgery.  I am sure I will feel better in a few days but right now I have discomfort, fatigure, don't know when or how to eat, etc. I won't get on the scale for a few more days as I am bloated from the surgery (and a visit from Aunt Flo the day I got home how lovey) but I do feel confident this surgery will be successful for me.  

Dr. Ferzli is highly professional and I was well cared for in the hospital. Nursing care, professionals, doctors all were skilled, professional and sensitive.  The only problem (and its a big one) was the disorganization and totally inconsiderate nighttme staff in the recovery Room where I spent 13 long hours (11 more than needed) and SICU unit whre I spent an extra 8 hours.  Supposedly there were no beds to move  me to which makes no sense--this was scheduled surgery!  hello? Reserve a bed!  No sleep at all!  These people need some sensitvity training!  I would have surgery again with Dr. Ferzli with no hesitation, but I would not go back to Lutehran Hospital.  My experience at Roosevelt Hospital having Neurosurgery 5 months ago was MUCH better.

I am now 4 days away from having the Vertice Sleeve Gastrectomy (contrary to what my profile says). I can't seem to change that basic profile info so if anyoe knows how please clue me in!

Yesterday I entered panic mode when I realized I hadn't lost any preop weight and my doctors office never told me anything about a liquid diet preop. I have to call Monday morning. I feel totally unprepared. Today I got on the ball stocking up on broth, baby food, liquids, supplements etc.  I am scared but thank goodness for this website!! There is more information here than yo get at the doctor's office!