Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Surgery

Gallbladder removal is this Friday. Less than 48 hours away. I check in at 1:30 and hopefully, if all goes well, I'll be home to kiss my babies before they go to bed that night. I've been feeling on edge about it all week so I'm really ready to put it behind me and fast foward to feeling better.

In preparation for post-surgery life, I met with a nutritionist to set up a low fat/high fiber diet. Maybe the best $75 I've ever spent. She was so easy to talk to and really broke things down for me in a way I can understand. She kept everything really simple and easy to maintain and I walked away feeling really optimistic about a healthy future. We went through the typical meals and snacks I eat now and she just told me how to tweak them to increase the protein and fiber and reduce the fat. And we talked a lot about bloating and bowel movements. Did I mention her daughter is in Bella's class. So yeah, come August, I'll be standing outside the classroom at pickup time along side her with the knowledge that she knows all the graphic details of my bathroom habits. Good times.

On a happier note, at my pre-op appointment today, the nurse let me know it's ok to take anxiety medication on surgery day. In fact she encouraged me to take it and said, "Take one when you wake up and one when you leave for the hospital." Thank you Nurse Melissa, I wanted to hug you but successfully resisted the urge.

So, think good thoughts for me. I really, really want to come home Friday night versus having to stay in the hospital due to pain or nausea (or because it ends up having to be an open surgery). I'm high maintenance emotionally and want to be home in my own bed with my husband and babies nearby.

3 comments:

Sandra said...

Good luck on your surgery. I had no idea it was an out-patient type of surgery. That would be nice for you to be back home the same day.

I had gallstones and had my gallbladder removed on my 25th birthday (thank you very much.) That was 17 years ago and I've never had any serious problems from it's removal.

Fair warning though - aside from fatty and spicy foods, you'll probably notice other foods that may cause you minor problems. I usually just get gassy (burps) and a little pepto bismol fixes me right up.

Good luck and be sure to keep us updated on your post-op recovery.

Kristi said...

I had no idea! Will be thinking of you! Hugs!!!
Kristi

Tonya said...

Just wanted to let you know that my Mom was ill for years and could never figure out what was wrong. Well, they finally figured out it was her gall bladder and once they removed it she felt wonderful. She hasn't even had any trouble with the food she eats. She actually had a lot of trouble with food before removing it. Anyway, I just wanted to give you a good outcome story : ) Hope you are feeling well!