Trials and Tribulations of Shari

[Shari]

Day One

Arrived in San Diego early and had to wait on the driver to pick me up. If we hadn't been early he would have been on time, so no fault of his. Uneventful trip to the OCC clinic, which is a highly secure clinic. No one gets in or out without proper identification.

Nurse, Linda, drew my blood and then I was sent to wait for the other pre-op tests. Next test. . . EGD. . .at another location. . .This has to be the only bad experience I have had so far. Medicated too early, and wore off before the doctor was even ready and then not enough sedation. .. Awake and gagging the entire time.

Back to OCC for a barium swallow to make sure liquids were passing smoothly. Much more pleasant and things look good from both the EGD standpoint and the Barium Swallow to have both the band removed and the sleeve done at the same time.

On to the Camino Real for the night. Very clean except for the windows and skylights. Nicely stocked refigerator with all the things we can't have LOL

Walked over to the grocery and bought a bottle of water, a couple of drinkable yogurts and a couple of crytal lights. Took some pictures and then headed to the room for the night. ..Only a couple of English channels, so drank my yogurt and went to bed. Woke up what seemed like a million times.

Day Two

Driver was here to pick me up at 7 and I arrived first, but my case was scheduled for last. Linda started my IV and then it is waiting game. . . The other three cases for today were lapbands and we got to start getting to know each other.

Next I saw Dr. Miranda. . .good visit, good info and very encouraging.

Next was respiratory and cardiology. . .All good And back out to the waiting room

Oops, no one left in the waiting room. . .The third case was in progress. Just me left.

Finally papers signed, picture taken and then Linda came and got me, gave a room, got to call my folks and let them know where we were in the day's activities.

Linda hooked up the IV fluids, antibiotics and medicated me with several pre-op meds and I finally got to meet Dr.Ortiz. He said things looked good for the removal of the band and the sleeve being done at the same time, but wouldn't know for sure until he go in there.

To the operating room I go. Meet Dr. SanMiguel, Dr. Velasco. . . even Dr. Martinez came in to say hi. Could feel Dr. SanMiguel doing his thing and then I was asleep.

I understand it has already been posted on the forum that the sleeve did not get done (haven't found that post yet). I was told it took 2.5 hours to get that darn band off and the skin where the staple line would have started for the sleeve was too thin. After fighting it for that long, I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else either. Now the discussion for in the a.m. is an alternative method which might be done on Thursday (Wednesday if I can talk him into it). We'll see.

Have been up and walking around. Stomach a little sore and where the drain tube is, but I am not having any "pain".

I am the only patient spending the night tonite. Dr. Velasco and Nurse Sophie are here with me tonite. Still nothing to eat or drink tonite. Maybe in the a.m. if no surgery is planned for me tomorrow. ..

Shari

[nicolek]

Oh wow Shari,

What a rollercoaster ride. Hopefully a better day today with some GOOD news on what they can do for you.

Thinking of you.

[canuk98828]

Day One

Arrived in San Diego early and had to wait on the driver to pick me up. If we hadn't been early he would have been on time, so no fault of his. Uneventful trip to the OCC clinic, which is a highly secure clinic. No one gets in or out without proper identification.

Nurse, Linda, drew my blood and then I was sent to wait for the other pre-op tests. Next test. . . EGD. . .at another location. . .This has to be the only bad experience I have had so far. Medicated too early, and wore off before the doctor was even ready and then not enough sedation. .. Awake and gagging the entire time.

Back to OCC for a barium swallow to make sure liquids were passing smoothly. Much more pleasant and things look good from both the EGD standpoint and the Barium Swallow to have both the band removed and the sleeve done at the same time.

On to the Camino Real for the night. Very clean except for the windows and skylights. Nicely stocked refigerator with all the things we can't have LOL

Walked over to the grocery and bought a bottle of water, a couple of drinkable yogurts and a couple of crytal lights. Took some pictures and then headed to the room for the night. ..Only a couple of English channels, so drank my yogurt and went to bed. Woke up what seemed like a million times.

Day Two

Driver was here to pick me up at 7 and I arrived first, but my case was scheduled for last. Linda started my IV and then it is waiting game. . . The other three cases for today were lapbands and we got to start getting to know each other.

Next I saw Dr. Miranda. . .good visit, good info and very encouraging.

Next was respiratory and cardiology. . .All good And back out to the waiting room

Oops, no one left in the waiting room. . .The third case was in progress. Just me left.

Finally papers signed, picture taken and then Linda came and got me, gave a room, got to call my folks and let them know where we were in the day's activities.

Linda hooked up the IV fluids, antibiotics and medicated me with several pre-op meds and I finally got to meet Dr.Ortiz. He said things looked good for the removal of the band and the sleeve being done at the same time, but wouldn't know for sure until he go in there.

To the operating room I go. Meet Dr. SanMiguel, Dr. Velasquez. . . even Dr. Martinez came in to say hi. Could feel Dr. SanMiguel doing his thing and then I was asleep.

I understand it has already been posted on the forum that the sleeve did not get done (haven't found that post yet). I was told it took 2.5 hours to get that darn band off and the skin where the staple line would have started for the sleeve was too thin. After fighting it for that long, I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else either. Now the discussion for in the a.m. is an alternative method which might be done on Thursday (Wednesday if I can talk him into it). We'll see.

Have been up and walking around. Stomach a little sore and where the drain tube is, but I am not having any "pain".

I am the only patient spending the night tonite. Dr. Velasquez and Nurse Sophie are here with me tonite. Still nothing to eat or drink tonite. Maybe in the a.m. if no surgery is planned for me tomorrow. ..

Shari

Shari, Wow, you have quite the experience going on. Thank you for the information and I must say you are extremely well composed both in your writing and handling what I know must be a disappointment. But I feel positive the the OCC will come through for you and am happy they are so diligent as to not just go ahead and perhaps cause you more problems. You are in great hands, keep the faith.

[nicolek]

How are you doing now Shari?

[Shari]

How are you doing now Shari?

Doing fine, Nicole! Thanks for asking. . . I am sorry I lapsed in my story telling. . . Will continue now. . .

Day Three

Was up most of the night. Still nothing to drink. Still a littls sore, but expected that. At 11:00 Dr. Ortiz came in to see me and we discussed yesterday's surgery and the plan for tomorrow's gastric plication. He says the results should be the same and can still be done laparoscopically.

Up and about. . .making phone calls home and emailing people. Emily, who is having a lap band should be here tomorrow.

Day Four

Am the last on the schedule again. 8 cases ahead of me. Nothing to do but sleep or watch tv. I have no idea what time it is, but on go the TED hose again, shoe covers and cap. Into the wheelchair and to the O.R. I greet everyone like they were my family. One more prayer for a successful surgery and I'm asleep.

When I wake up, I am back in my room. No pain, just continued soreness. IV's, meds, vital signs, blood sugars. Nothing to drink again. I'm getting used to this.

Up and walking around. Got up once during the night, got nauseated & started dry heaving. . .Back to be. That's it for me tonite.

Day Five

Early - Linda comes in and says she is moving me to a larger room. OK. I finally get to meet Emily. She's #3 on today's schedule. I get to visit with her off and on.

Maybe we will go shopping tonite. She gets to leave before I do. They will go shop and I will see them when they get back.

OCC offered for me to spend the night with them again, but I would be the only one, so I declined and was taken back to the hotel. After getting my stuff back into the room, I go across the street to buy water and hopefully to find one of those water heater thingys that heats up water by the cup as there is no way to heat water for my broth in the room. But no luck. Got the water anyway.

Once back to my room, I shampooed my hair immediately. Will take a shower later. It's now 7 p.m. and I am going to lay down for a while.

It's 0230 and haven't been able to sleep well. Am ready to get this drain out and am also ready to go home. Fancy that! Figured out how to do the self-timer on my camera. Took a couple of pictures of myself in the motel room. Or should I say, "hotel" room.

Day Six (2 days post-plication)

1205 p.m. Been to OCC and had my drain removed. Back to the hotel and found Emily & Co. in one of the restaurants.

Ordered broth. Went upstairs to change into some jeans and a tank top to do some shopping. Onward and upward. . .

3:50 p.m. Am exhausted! Haven't walked so much in forever. We were looking for the cultural center and I think we were dropped off everywhere but there. Finally, three of us decided to go back to our respective hotels and Emily & Co. decided to keep trying to find it. The taxi guy tried to rip me off for his fare, but I came out on top. Am now in my jammies for a quick nap. Then maybe I will go to the mall next door tonite. Am not hungry. Am having to remind myself to drink fluids. Didn't take near enough pictures.

6 p.m. Don't know if I ever slept or not. Have taken my evening meds including a pain pill for my back and hip pain. . . still no surgical pain. . . drank a little pediasure to counteract pain pill side effects. Went through and marked my calendar for my diet and when I can start certain foods. Read through my OCC packet again. Passing gas - that's a good sign. Not hungry. No word from Emily & Co. yet. I am feeling really good about my eating lifestyle change. Feel confident that it is and will work this time. Still dreaming of the day I can add mashed potatoes to my diet. Going to order the "Magic Bullet" when I get home.

Day Seven

Stayed in my hotel room all day. Overdid it yesterday. . . Again, this is due to hip and back pain. . .not surgical pain, as I have really had none.

Day Eight

My last visit at OCC for a final check by nurse Josepha. Everything looks good. Went to Costco and walked back to OCC. Dr. Ortiz wants to interview me. Spent all day at OCC waiting to get that done. I visited with patients, danced around the hallways, played on the computer. Finally got back to the hotel around 5:45 p.m. Got pictures of nearly everyone at OCC and Dr. Ortiz says he wants me to come back in 6 months for a check up. I am sure it is because the "plication" is fairly new and he needs data. Hopefully I will be able to make a new video while I am there so I can tell "my story" and follow it up with questions that Dr. Ortiz will have for me.

Today is Nurse Sophie's birthday and they were having her birthday party when I left. Although I am ready to go home, I am very sad to leave my new OCC family.

Day Nine

Driver here to pick me up at 5:30 a.m. It takes us an hour of waiting to get across the border. Flight to Houston, 100% full. . . Yuck! Only 12 passengers on the flight from Houston to Tyler. Arrive in Tyler feeling good, but tired. Hip and back pain still present. . . Get home and what has been planned???? My favorite dinner in the whole world and everyone gets to have it but me. . . .Wahhhhhh! I did chew on a couple of pieces of meat just to get the taste and then spit the meat out. . .

Day Ten thru Twelve

Off and on bouts of dizziness along with queasiness. Didn't feel well enough to get on the computer or to visit with anyone. Stayed at my folks house primarily. It was time to add drinkable yogurt to my diet, but my body was not happy with that decision. Sent an email to Dr. Miranda about that and asked that I be able to add creamed soup to my diet early in place of it.

Day Thirteen thru today, Day Nineteen

Continue to do great! Weight loss a lot slower than prior to surgery. But am losing, nonetheless. Continue to have very loose and liquid bowel movements. . .sorry guys. . . The Kraft Easy Cheese has become a friend of mine for an occasional pick me up. Magic Bullet came in and blending up my soups are so quick and easy. It also leaves the big blender available for my son and his milkshakes, etc. Have started making up my pre-portioned meals and putting them in the freezer for when I go back to work. A tiny piece of meat, cut up into even tinier pieces and a small portion of mashed potatoes or veggies. No way to over eat.Also, another hint. I freeze all my liquids that I am drinking during the day and this prevents me from over-drinking. It melts a sip at a time. . . And lasts nearly all day.

Hope my diary of my adventures will help someone. I will add to it one month after surgery. And will try to insert that weight ticker thingy to my signature. . .

Shari

[Shari]

Day Twenty thru Day Twenty-Three

Am dying to ride my maxi-scooter. . . Just another day or two. . . Actually, I am going to sneak around and ride both of them to the cycle shop and get them inspected so they will be ready for a nice ride on Sunday. . . Woohooo. . . Don't tell. . .

Monday, Day Twenty-Two, I finally felt some hunger pangs. . . Went to bed hungry. . . Refused to get up and drink a shake or eat more soup.

Today, Day Twenty-Three post plication. . . Saw my therapist today. . . he is very pleased with my progress and how I am being true to the diet and myself. . . And then after that I dropped off my mom to get her blood work and blood shot. . . while she was there I quickly went across the street to see everyone on the unit I work on. . . That was fun seeing everyone. . . Then mom and I went to Appleby's for lunch. . . She had a salad and I had my first mushy food. . . mashed potatoes and I also (stupid me) ordered French Onion soup. . . I asked the waitress for a to-go box to be brought ahead of time. When the food got there, I immediately put 2/3's of the mashed potatoes in the to-go box and had a couple of spoonfuls of the soup and then dug into the mashed potatoes. . . . Heaven!! Didn't need the soup and left most of it. Brought the mashed potatoes home and ate another third of them for supper and will have the last of them tomorrow for lunch. Sigh. . . Then will have some soup for dinner tomorrow night. Thursday, I am going to eat an early lunch of tuna fish & mayo, and then go take my sister to Dallas for her lap band. . . Couldn't convince her to go with me to OCC, silly girl (but lucky me, I didn't have to share Dr. Ortiz and the rest of the Doc's with her, Hehehehehe). . . I am sure she will regret it someday. . . LOL I will have a protein drink with her on Thursday night so she won't be too miserable alone. . .

Hopefully will be back and posting on Sunday. . . .

[nicolek]

Shari,

Thanks for the updates . Helps me alot even though I had lapband there, its another new experience.

Looking forward to more info on your Journey.

[Shari]

Day Twenty-Four thru Day Thirty-One

Soft foods are going well. . . Learning new things as I go along. . . Can't believe that toast and crackers were on my "soft" food list. . . But, as long as it is, I am taking advantage of it. . . Did go back to primarily full liquids on Thurs. afternoon, Fri & Sat. in order to make things easier on my sister. . . Thursday night I had a serving of KFC mashed potatoes. My sister had the same but added six hot wings to her dinner. . . Had no problem watching her eat it as it was going to be her last "real" meal for a while. Found some wine and had a glass of wine before going to bed. . . And I don't go anywhere without my Easy Cheese. . .LOL

I think all I had on Friday was clear liquids and a protein drink for dinner. . . Oh, I had a couple of tablespoons of scrambled eggs for breakfast. . boy, I sure wanted that darn bacon that was next to them on the buffet line. . .

Saturday, I had a couple of tablespoons of oatmeal and again a couple of tablespoons of scrambled eggs. . . Kim had some yogurt and some oatmeal. . . We loaded the car, loaded our Crystal light drinks and headed home.

Sunday, I made a great Mexican type casserole for everyone except Kim and me. . .We had creamed soup that we put through a blender. . . Since then, I have added chicken salad, toast, a soft fried egg. . .

Still think I am maintaining under 1000 calories a day. . . And at night, if I feel like I am getting hungry, it's off to bed I go. . . Or it's another cup of broth that I can sip on for 30 minutes or so. . .

Continue to lose weight, but it has slowed down. . . but I am not discouraged. . . it is still coming off and that is what counts. . . Am going to start massaging Mederna onto all my puncture sites now that they are healed. . . Hopefully that will cut down on the excessive scar tissue I have a tendency to develop.

Middle of next week. . . SOLID FOODS!!!!! Portion controlled, of course, but. . .SOLID FOODS!!!!!

Hope everyone is doing well. . .

[Aliveat55]

I'm sorry, maybe I missed it. Why did you have the band removed in the first place?

[Shari]

I'm sorry, maybe I missed it. Why did you have the band removed in the first place?

I had the band removed because it wasn't working. . . And it seemed that no one would touch me as long as the band was in place. When I had the band removed at OCC I had never weighed more in my life. . . And that was AFTER having the band for 7 years and throwing up all day and not being able to eat at least 4 times a week. . . My body was starving and storing everything it could as fat.

[EcMjawad1]

Wow, thanks for all the information and inspiration. I will think of you on your journey...keep us all informed. My daughter and I each had the band, and are loosing slowly. I haven't weighed in at this weight in 20 years..feeling good but I think my body is in shock since it is holding on to every ounce...I will not give up and your story is very inspiring. Thank you! Good luck with this new proccedure which will be interesting to follow.

[ktb2904]

Hi Shari,

Thank you so much for sharing your story, has helped me so much. Congrats for sticking to the post op plan. My Plication is set for January 28, 2011. I will be checking for any follow up you may post. Truly san inspiration. I posted here as I wasn't sure I found all your posts under the Plication forum.

Now that a bit of time has passed since you're last post(least the last one I could find)...how are you doing now? And how is your sister doing too?

Cheers, Katie

[Pam4438]

Doing fine, Nicole! Thanks for asking. . . I am sorry I lapsed in my story telling. . . Will continue now. . .

Day Three

Was up most of the night. Still nothing to drink. Still a littls sore, but expected that. At 11:00 Dr. Ortiz came in to see me and we discussed yesterday's surgery and the plan for tomorrow's gastric plication. He says the results should be the same and can still be done laparoscopically.

Up and about. . .making phone calls home and emailing people. Emily, who is having a lap band should be here tomorrow.

Day Four

Am the last on the schedule again. 8 cases ahead of me. Nothing to do but sleep or watch tv. I have no idea what time it is, but on go the TED hose again, shoe covers and cap. Into the wheelchair and to the O.R. I greet everyone like they were my family. One more prayer for a successful surgery and I'm asleep.

When I wake up, I am back in my room. No pain, just continued soreness. IV's, meds, vital signs, blood sugars. Nothing to drink again. I'm getting used to this.

Up and walking around. Got up once during the night, got nauseated & started dry heaving. . .Back to be. That's it for me tonite.

Day Five

Early - Linda comes in and says she is moving me to a larger room. OK. I finally get to meet Emily. She's #3 on today's schedule. I get to visit with her off and on.

Maybe we will go shopping tonite. She gets to leave before I do. They will go shop and I will see them when they get back.

OCC offered for me to spend the night with them again, but I would be the only one, so I declined and was taken back to the hotel. After getting my stuff back into the room, I go across the street to buy water and hopefully to find one of those water heater thingys that heats up water by the cup as there is no way to heat water for my broth in the room. But no luck. Got the water anyway.

Once back to my room, I shampooed my hair immediately. Will take a shower later. It's now 7 p.m. and I am going to lay down for a while.

It's 0230 and haven't been able to sleep well. Am ready to get this drain out and am also ready to go home. Fancy that! Figured out how to do the self-timer on my camera. Took a couple of pictures of myself in the motel room. Or should I say, "hotel" room.

Day Six (2 days post-plication)

1205 p.m. Been to OCC and had my drain removed. Back to the hotel and found Emily & Co. in one of the restaurants.

Ordered broth. Went upstairs to change into some jeans and a tank top to do some shopping. Onward and upward. . .

3:50 p.m. Am exhausted! Haven't walked so much in forever. We were looking for the cultural center and I think we were dropped off everywhere but there. Finally, three of us decided to go back to our respective hotels and Emily & Co. decided to keep trying to find it. The taxi guy tried to rip me off for his fare, but I came out on top. Am now in my jammies for a quick nap. Then maybe I will go to the mall next door tonite. Am not hungry. Am having to remind myself to drink fluids. Didn't take near enough pictures.

6 p.m. Don't know if I ever slept or not. Have taken my evening meds including a pain pill for my back and hip pain. . . still no surgical pain. . . drank a little pediasure to counteract pain pill side effects. Went through and marked my calendar for my diet and when I can start certain foods. Read through my OCC packet again. Passing gas - that's a good sign. Not hungry. No word from Emily & Co. yet. I am feeling really good about my eating lifestyle change. Feel confident that it is and will work this time. Still dreaming of the day I can add mashed potatoes to my diet. Going to order the "Magic Bullet" when I get home.

Day Seven

Stayed in my hotel room all day. Overdid it yesterday. . . Again, this is due to hip and back pain. . .not surgical pain, as I have really had none.

Day Eight

My last visit at OCC for a final check by nurse Josepha. Everything looks good. Went to Costco and walked back to OCC. Dr. Ortiz wants to interview me. Spent all day at OCC waiting to get that done. I visited with patients, danced around the hallways, played on the computer. Finally got back to the hotel around 5:45 p.m. Got pictures of nearly everyone at OCC and Dr. Ortiz says he wants me to come back in 6 months for a check up. I am sure it is because the "plication" is fairly new and he needs data. Hopefully I will be able to make a new video while I am there so I can tell "my story" and follow it up with questions that Dr. Ortiz will have for me.

Today is Nurse Sophie's birthday and they were having her birthday party when I left. Although I am ready to go home, I am very sad to leave my new OCC family.

Day Nine

Driver here to pick me up at 5:30 a.m. It takes us an hour of waiting to get across the border. Flight to Houston, 100% full. . . Yuck! Only 12 passengers on the flight from Houston to Tyler. Arrive in Tyler feeling good, but tired. Hip and back pain still present. . . Get home and what has been planned???? My favorite dinner in the whole world and everyone gets to have it but me. . . .Wahhhhhh! I did chew on a couple of pieces of meat just to get the taste and then spit the meat out. . .

Day Ten thru Twelve

Off and on bouts of dizziness along with queasiness. Didn't feel well enough to get on the computer or to visit with anyone. Stayed at my folks house primarily. It was time to add drinkable yogurt to my diet, but my body was not happy with that decision. Sent an email to Dr. Miranda about that and asked that I be able to add creamed soup to my diet early in place of it.

Day Thirteen thru today, Day Nineteen

Continue to do great! Weight loss a lot slower than prior to surgery. But am losing, nonetheless. Continue to have very loose and liquid bowel movements. . .sorry guys. . . The Kraft Easy Cheese has become a friend of mine for an occasional pick me up. Magic Bullet came in and blending up my soups are so quick and easy. It also leaves the big blender available for my son and his milkshakes, etc. Have started making up my pre-portioned meals and putting them in the freezer for when I go back to work. A tiny piece of meat, cut up into even tinier pieces and a small portion of mashed potatoes or veggies. No way to over eat.Also, another hint. I freeze all my liquids that I am drinking during the day and this prevents me from over-drinking. It melts a sip at a time. . . And lasts nearly all day.

Hope my diary of my adventures will help someone. I will add to it one month after surgery. And will try to insert that weight ticker thingy to my signature. . .

Shari

Sheri, Are you still out there? I would love to hear how you are doing good or bad......

[AngelaAnn]

Shari,

Would love to hear how you're doing now! Your story is so helpful! I'm due to go from band to plication on March 24th so it is great to read someone's story about revision! Thank you! Hope you are well!

[suzettem]

WOW What an exceptional, play by play account of your time. This information is invaluable for me to hear a persons trials. Thank you for taking the time to give such indepth information. I wish you well and hope you are continuing to do well.