Operation — TICK

Well, I’m home… so very glad to be home. I had my gastric bypass on 10th Feb, a date that I’ll not forget and a date from which my life will be different here after.

I’m not sure weather to go into the nitty gritty of it all, as it may come across a bit negative. But going through surgery is pretty tough, emotionally, physically, and mentally. The staff were wonderful, (apart from one), they were all so kind and supportive, never making me feel a nuisance or silly in any way. Unfortunately the one time I really needed some reassurance and a kind word was before the surgery, and this was the one time I felt very alone. The nurse barely spoke to me, didn’t reassure me at all, took me to the wrong theatre initially and made it clear she needed to hand over as she was needed back on the ward. Thankfully I was ‘handed over’ to a really lovely lady, Sam, she spoke to me and gave me the reassurance I needed.

So the hospital stay was as I thought it would be, something I was not expecting was to get the third degree from the other patients. They questioned me as to why I needed the surgery as I was smaller than them. One outright asked me how much I weighed, which is something I am not used to being asked by strangers, let alone answering. But I did as I was feeling a bit defensive and a little shocked, her response was shock, as I apparently don’t look that heavy! Great, thanks for that! The following evening again another patient asked me why I had had it done, I explained that this was not something I have fought for, at no point has a doctor said this would be a bad idea. She even asked if I regretted it! I just wanted some positivity, and thank goodness we are allowed our phones on the ward as I didn’t have to look far. I feel very very lucky to have such a good support network. All of my friends and family that I had told were there sending messages, and my new friends who know exactly what is it like and are through the other side have been really lovely.

So, looking forward… I am pretty determined that this is going to be successful, there is no way that going through all of this is not going to be worth it. I am not going to be the one who had surgery but put it back on years later. I am being realistic and I know it is very common to put a little back on, but I mean, I am not letting my weight stop me do anything anymore.

How do I feel right now? The evening of day 2 after surgery. Im still pretty sore, just at the top of my stomach, an ache. More tender when I move, sit up etc. After sitting for a while, I feel I need to stand and to stretch it out a bit. I am burping soooo much! I have had one ‘meal’ since being home, feeling very thirsty so finding it hard to stop to wait 30mins etc. I’m pretty tired, and trying to rest but get up to move around as well.

Fingers crossed for a good night sleep!