Pre-Op Journal
I learned of bariatric surgery this winter (2000 - 2001) and went to two informational sessions for area hospitals. I decided to go with Dr. Schwartz/Dr. Drew at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis since they perform gastric bypass laparoscopically. I am fortunate because I was approved upon my first letter to Medica Choice; this of course, is all thanks to Judith Schwartz, the nurse at Abbott. I am scheduled to meet with Dr. Schwartz on Thursday, June 14th, 2001. I am excited because this is when we will schedule my surgery date!!
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JUNE 15, 2001 UPDATE!
My husband and I met with Dr. Schwartz for the first time today. He seems to be
very competent; he is very straightforward and was willing to answer any
questions that Ryan or I had. Since I have done so much research, I really
didn't have a lot to ask him, other than "when the heck can I get in?"
Drum roll please.......I am scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, August 15,
2001!!!! I could barely contain my excitement!!! I am still very nervous about
the whole procedure but I know this is something I HAVE to do for myself. In the
weeks to come I will be busy with other tests for the surgery: gall bladder
ultrasound, chest x-rays, and other tests performed by my regular physician.
After examining me, Dr. Schwartz said that he was fairly certain he could
perform my surgery laparoscopically but there is a chance (as always) that he
would have to open me up. You see, I carry all my weight in my upper abdomen and
this means that I more than likely have a fatty liver and the lap tools can only
handle so much. Dr. Schwartz suggested that even if I could lose 10 lbs. before
surgery, this would increase the chance that he could perform lap successfully!
But if I could lose 10 pounds on my own, I wouldn't need surgery!
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JULY 19, 2001 UPDATE!
Good Lord! Let me get something out of the way - I can handle needles, pin
pricks, and blood, but this morning I almost lost it! I had to have my gall
bladder ultrasound and it hurt, hurt, hurt! They kept asking me to take deep
breaths and hold them, then they kept jabbing me! Why didn't they just kick box
me? Ouch! Maybe I am just a wimp but it was so uncomfortable! Oh well, all
testing is done as of right now - chest x-rays, ultrasounds, blood work,
urinalysis, etc. So, now I just wait for my surgery day and try to prepare as
best I can!
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AUGUST 2, 2001 UPDATE!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Bad news!!! I just called Dr. Schwartz's
office and I asked if they had received my pre-op tests from my clinic and they
have. It turns out that I have a bladder infection and my own doctor's office
didn't even tell me! I am so so frustrated right now! Luckily I checked into
this early enough that I will be put on antibiotics for seven days and hopefully
these will clear up the problem! Also, elevated levels of something were found
in my liver so Dr. Schwartz asked that I get a CT Scan of my liver (what fun -
more tests)!!!! I am PRAYING, HOPING that I do not have to have the surgery
open! I am so ready to cry right now. If you are reading this and believe in
prayer, PLEASE PRAY FOR ME! Thank you!!!!
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August 6, 2001 UPDATE!
D R A M A ! That is the word for my afternoon. I hate IVs! I had my CT Scan this afternoon and the nurse had to stick me THREE times before she found a decent vein for my IV. Besides that part, it was painless. The liquid they pump into your veins is so weird since it makes you feel hot and tingly! Dr. Schwartz's office will receive my scan results tomorrow so I am hoping and praying that everything looks okay!
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August 8, 2001 UPDATE!
Yesterday I found out the results of my CT Scan; overall my liver is normal - no lesions, etc. but there was evidence of a fatty liver. Dr. Schwartz won't be in the office until Monday so I am anxious to hear what he has to say. I hope that he can still perform laparoscopically! I am very nervous at this point.
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August 10, 2001 UPDATE!
I went in for my final urinalysis today. My doctor's office is doing a complete culture on the sample to make sure that my bladder infection is gone and I will find out the results sometime on Monday (hopefully). I asked Dr. Schwartz's office what would happen if the infection is not cleared up and I was told that the decision would be at Schwartz's discretion although he would take into consideration that I was on antibiotics and did try to treat the infection. I am still praying that everything goes as planned and God has given me a peace about this whole thing...hopefully that means that I am supposed to carry through with this decision.
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August 13, 2001 UPDATE!
Let's not beat around the bush - I am scared POOPLESS! I can't believe that my surgery is in less than 48 hours! Dr. Schwartz's office is waiting to receive my UA results from my doctor's office. Hopefully they will have the results sometime today. This is scary. If anyone has any words of encouragement, send them my way! Okay, back to work. I have a lot to finish up here before I leave! Buh-bye.
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August 14, 2001 UPDATE!
Well, the big event is less than 12 hours away! I can't believe it! I drank my "gin and colonic" (i.e. mag citrate laxative) this afternoon and my, oh my, does that do a number on you. I talked to Dr. Schwartz's office this morning, as well as my doctor's office, and it appears that my bladder infection is not totally cleared up but Dr. Schwartz said he will still perform surgery on me and treat me with antibiotics through my IV. My only concern right now is whether the procedure will be done lap or open. I guess I won't really know until I wake up. I am sure it will all work out. At this point all my emotions are exhausted: nervousness, anxiousness, excitement. I am just sort of numb right now - just want it to happen and to be over with. Wow, this is really happening!!! God has given me a peace about this and I am ready! BRING IT ON BABY!
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