Gastric Bypass

It's been a rough few weeks. I crashed out at 5:30 yesterday and woke up again at 1:39 this morning. At least I knew the Sabres won over the Rangers beforehand! LOL So I'm drinking Gatorade to keep awake and I ran to the vending machine for some SoyCrisps. Since our vending guy hates the idea of healthy food that button naturally doesn't work.

But I'm getting off track. For those of you who don't know, dad had gastric bypass surgery this past Thursday, May 3rd. He had Dr. Caraouna (hope I spelled that right but probably not. lol) He had the full open surgery which required a 6" incesion and a drainage tube. He was pretty drugged up on Thursday but was in good spirits. Friday was the worst day because that's when everything was settling back into place and his pain level was high. He spiked a light fever but according to the nurse that was normal. She assured mom that things would be 100% different on Saturday.

Saturday morning mom was getting ready to throw on some old clothes and so stuff around the house when the phone rang. It was dad who sounded 100% better and was calling to let us know they were letting him go home. He was moving pretty slow and didn't stay awake much but all in all did really well.

Sunday was even better. He's pretty used to popsicles and flavored waters but he gets to start what we call "mush" tomorrow. The visiting nurse came and said that everything looks great and he doesn't need any extra visits. He took a shower, washed his hair, shaved and walked to the mailbox and back. With mom & I at work today only the Lord knows what he'll try. Knowing him, if he could make it to Tim Horton's he would. LOL He's got to take a heparin shot two times a day.

Everything went great and the Dr. is pretty picky about who he'll work on so there's really no fear there. There were tons of tests that dad had to go through even talking to a shrink. The only thing I would have done differently is that the family should sit in on one of the sessions with the shrink. (Sorry for those of you who cringe at that word.) This surgery is a huge thing for the patient and it is - without a doubt - a major life change. But what about the family? It affects them as well and they can't be forgotten. Everyone reacts differently and having someone objective to talk to can make things go smoothly.

All in all things are great to date. More to come!!!!