DrS removed 4 drains today. That only leaves the one in my right arm and one in my abdomen. The sense of freedom is just as heady as the freedom I felt after getting out of the clinic. Stowing two drains is nothing when I want to go out and walk around. I hope to be drain free by Monday.
Let me take a moment to say that the care, service and level of professionalism I've recieved has been exactly the high level I was promised. DrS and all the nurses (especially Patty) are great at what they do. Not only that, I truly believe that most of them love what they do. To use a simply analogy, it's like I've not paid them yet and my level of care determines what they get paid. Ok, that was a little capitalist of me but it's the first analogy to "pop" into my head.
This experience has turned out better than I could have hoped
Mark
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
This is not so bad
I've been back at the hotel for 3 days now and I can report that all is going well. The pain is very managable. In fact, I don't take any pain meds during the day at all. I do take a extra strength Tylenol with my Melatonin before bed but that's mostly for my back. I have to sleep on my back and this causes me lower back discomfort. On Tuesday, Dr Sauceda cleared me to do some walking. I immediately set out for the HEB to buy some food. Thinking in Pesos is hard. I had thoughts of just handing the cashier a wad of them and saying, "Tome lo que le debo." (take what I owe). I ended up spending a little over 250 Pesos (20 bucks) mainly splurging on fruit.
The days are uneventful. I spend my time online either updating Facebook or ObesityHelp.com. I've got plenty time to read. I even fired up an SNES emulator on my laptop. I keep in touch back home either on my phone (mainly for mom and my friends) or webcam (my girlfriend Dody). I explored the area around the hotel and took some photos - great mountain views. Each morning nurse Patty comes by and puts on new gauze and helps me into my compression garment. The first day she also had to get me out of my garment, take off all the old gauze, help me shower, wash the old garment. Today, I was able to have all that done so she only had to "regauze" me. She's a real sweetheart.
Dr. Sauceda is having me keep record of the fluid in the drains. He's thnks by Friday I should have some coming out. Of the six, I only had two above 20 cc yesterday and one was lower than 10 cc. They are probably the most bothersome part of this whole ordeal. They are a pain to try and sleep with. You have to constantly watch for the arm tubes and make sure they aren't catching on anything. The other four tubes are mostly in the same place (groin area) but they can get in the way too. A lanyard is a much needed piece of equipment. Don't forget yours if you're having plastic surgery. By accident, I bought one with a detachable ring. This purchase turned out to be a happy accident. It's very nice to be able to detach the four drains on the lanyard without having to stress my arms pulling it over my head.
Until next post, I'll keep on relaxing and healing
Mark
The days are uneventful. I spend my time online either updating Facebook or ObesityHelp.com. I've got plenty time to read. I even fired up an SNES emulator on my laptop. I keep in touch back home either on my phone (mainly for mom and my friends) or webcam (my girlfriend Dody). I explored the area around the hotel and took some photos - great mountain views. Each morning nurse Patty comes by and puts on new gauze and helps me into my compression garment. The first day she also had to get me out of my garment, take off all the old gauze, help me shower, wash the old garment. Today, I was able to have all that done so she only had to "regauze" me. She's a real sweetheart.
Dr. Sauceda is having me keep record of the fluid in the drains. He's thnks by Friday I should have some coming out. Of the six, I only had two above 20 cc yesterday and one was lower than 10 cc. They are probably the most bothersome part of this whole ordeal. They are a pain to try and sleep with. You have to constantly watch for the arm tubes and make sure they aren't catching on anything. The other four tubes are mostly in the same place (groin area) but they can get in the way too. A lanyard is a much needed piece of equipment. Don't forget yours if you're having plastic surgery. By accident, I bought one with a detachable ring. This purchase turned out to be a happy accident. It's very nice to be able to detach the four drains on the lanyard without having to stress my arms pulling it over my head.
Until next post, I'll keep on relaxing and healing
Mark
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
This is softened?
Ok, this won't be a pretty post but I feel it's relevant. I started taking stool softeners 5 days before I had the surgery. This "preloading" was recommended by all my nurse friends since the pain meds will stop you up. I'm glad I took them because I can't imagine what that first BM would have been like if I had not. I won't go into vivid details but let's just say it took several minutes of "concentration" on my part. After that relief, it took 5 flushes to get it to go down (I kid you not).
Stool softeners - TAKE THEM! Start them at least 5 days before you go under. You won't be sorry.
Stool softeners - TAKE THEM! Start them at least 5 days before you go under. You won't be sorry.
So far, So good
I’m writing this offline (over several days) since the wireless network at the clinic is still down. I’m done calling everyone today (Sunday) and need a little time to collect my thoughts. I don’t need internet for that! Here is my “saga” up to this point.
Dr Sauceda arrived at the hotel a little past 7:30 AM Saturday morning. He loaded up my bags and brought me to the clinic. I filled out a little paper work, took my belongings to my room, secured my valuables in a locker, got undressed and into a “modesty” gown, and then the fun begin. If taking a little white pill, getting an IV and being scrubbed down with iodine is fun. I was asked to lie down on the operating table and that’s about all I remember. My next memory is waking up but still being too asleep to open my eyes. I could move my arm a little but that was it. When I finally opened my eyes, I was wheeled into recovery. I was there for 3 hours or so. I was still a groggy so the time went by quickly enough.
They gave me back my backpack which contained my valuables (cell phone being one of them). I was able to call my mom, Marlene, and my girlfriend, Dody, before nodding off again. I really have to thank my work for putting me on an international plan for this month. It’s nice to be able to pick up the phone and call anytime I need to. The nurse checked on my through the night so I mainly got cat naps since I’m a light sleeper. I didn’t have any real pain to speak of that point other than some discomfort when pushing myself up in bed.
That morning I was brought some Jello and juice for breakfast. The pain was still very bearable. I called some more friends plus my mom and girlfriend again. I was eagerly awaiting the doctor with the hope that he would let me get out of bed. Staying in the bed too long is always uncomfortable for me. I did have a visitor before the doctor saw me. Heidi from the Obesity Help forums stopped by after she has some of her stitches removed. It was really nice to talk with her and see where I’ll be in a week and a half. The doctor stopped in shortly after Heidi left and told me wanted me to sit up on the edge of the bed for 30 minutes then try to stand. If I didn’t feel dizzy I could have a nurse walk with me.
Getting in a comfortable sitting position was difficult. It even took several attempts to sit up without too much discomfort. I might have been stopped by the pain if the doctor hadn’t told me I could it. I trust Dr Sauceda’s experience in these matters. After getting into a sitting position I watched the clock closely. I was definitely eager to get up but I waited 30 minutes. I did some Facebook updates from my phone to pass the time. Compared to getting into an upright seated position standing was a piece of cake. It felt really good to finally break free of the bed. I rang the call button and the nurse walked me around the room for a bit. I sat on the loveseat while she made the bed. She removed the IV tube and then took out the catheter (OUCH!) – A little pain with a lot of reward. The catheter was very uncomfortable.
Getting up and down from the loveseat was a little painful but I managed to learn a bit a slide and stand routine that helped. I got up to get my phone and a book to read. I put on a gown and sat back down. It was pleasurable to have a freedom of movement again, even just confined to my room. I called mom and Dody and gave them an update on how I was doing. Both were thrilled that I was getting along so well. I was thrilled myself. After the phone calls, I just sat and enjoyed my book. I got a little tired so I go back into bed and only got back up to get ready for bed. Hey, I nearly forgot to mention my first solid meal. I don’t know exactly what it was called but it tasted amazing. It was a fried chicken cutlet with mashed potatoes. Muy Bien!
This morning (Monday) I felt really good. I finally got a good amount of sleep and that made a big difference. Getting out of the bed is easier and less painful. For breakfast, I got an omelet with beans and fresh made tortillas. By that time, I was hungry so it tasted as good as the chicken from yesterday. Before breakfast I called mom and Dody. I’m really missing them both but talking to them on the phone helps. I’m ready for internet access so I can use my webcam with Dody. That might not come until I’m back at the hotel.
My hope for today (Monday) is a shower. To put it simply, I stink. I’m carrying nearly 3 days of funk around with me. My hope came true around noon. When the nurse said “shower” I was sooooo ready. Getting out of the compression garment felt a little strange, it’s like a second skin and you get used to the feeling. The nurse removed the gauze and I got my first look at the incisions. They are nice and straight and I think the scars will look great after treatment in a few months. The nurse had a chair in the shower for me and told me to sit just in case I got dizzy. I took my time in the shower, gentle scrubbing the stitches and being a little more aggressive with my more stinky “parts”. After drying, another nurse put on my gauze and helped me into my spare compression garment along with pants and a shirt. The first nurse had gone to wash out my original garment. When she brought my garment back, I got a very pleasant surprise. I was told I could go to the hotel today, if I felt like it.
The nurse and I couldn’t pack fast enough. I was really ready to be back at the hotel and have internet access. The doctor came to see me shortly after I finished packing and he too asked me if I felt up to going to the hotel. He said it wouldn’t be a problem if I wanted to stay another night in the clinic. I was ready to go though and said as much. He grabbed my bags and led me to his car. I enjoyed the 80 degree weather and freedom of being outside again on the short trip to the hotel. After he checked me in, he took my bags to my room and helped me settle in. I rested for a bit and got online to post my victory on the forums. Antoinette is two rooms down from me so I stopped by to introduce myself. We chatted until Dr S came back with my meds and gauze. It’s really great to have someone to talk to down here that has been thru the exact thing you’ve been thru.
I probably over did it today (Monday) because I was very tired after talking with Dody on the webcam. I took my meds and fell asleep in the recliner. I moved to the bed later that night and slept pretty well. I did wake up shivering at one point but I just turned up the heat and put on the comforter. I’ll send an email to Dr S asking him about it and make sure it’s not a symptom of anything. This morning I’m finally finishing up this LONG post that I’ve written over several days and getting to upload it to my blog. I’m going to take it easy today and not over do it. After the hospitals pain meds wore off, I notice the pain more now. It makes me be extra careful so that’s not really a bad thing. I’m thankful, that once I get into a good position I don’t have any discomfort.
I’ll update tomorrow on my day today.
Mark
Dr Sauceda arrived at the hotel a little past 7:30 AM Saturday morning. He loaded up my bags and brought me to the clinic. I filled out a little paper work, took my belongings to my room, secured my valuables in a locker, got undressed and into a “modesty” gown, and then the fun begin. If taking a little white pill, getting an IV and being scrubbed down with iodine is fun. I was asked to lie down on the operating table and that’s about all I remember. My next memory is waking up but still being too asleep to open my eyes. I could move my arm a little but that was it. When I finally opened my eyes, I was wheeled into recovery. I was there for 3 hours or so. I was still a groggy so the time went by quickly enough.
They gave me back my backpack which contained my valuables (cell phone being one of them). I was able to call my mom, Marlene, and my girlfriend, Dody, before nodding off again. I really have to thank my work for putting me on an international plan for this month. It’s nice to be able to pick up the phone and call anytime I need to. The nurse checked on my through the night so I mainly got cat naps since I’m a light sleeper. I didn’t have any real pain to speak of that point other than some discomfort when pushing myself up in bed.
That morning I was brought some Jello and juice for breakfast. The pain was still very bearable. I called some more friends plus my mom and girlfriend again. I was eagerly awaiting the doctor with the hope that he would let me get out of bed. Staying in the bed too long is always uncomfortable for me. I did have a visitor before the doctor saw me. Heidi from the Obesity Help forums stopped by after she has some of her stitches removed. It was really nice to talk with her and see where I’ll be in a week and a half. The doctor stopped in shortly after Heidi left and told me wanted me to sit up on the edge of the bed for 30 minutes then try to stand. If I didn’t feel dizzy I could have a nurse walk with me.
Getting in a comfortable sitting position was difficult. It even took several attempts to sit up without too much discomfort. I might have been stopped by the pain if the doctor hadn’t told me I could it. I trust Dr Sauceda’s experience in these matters. After getting into a sitting position I watched the clock closely. I was definitely eager to get up but I waited 30 minutes. I did some Facebook updates from my phone to pass the time. Compared to getting into an upright seated position standing was a piece of cake. It felt really good to finally break free of the bed. I rang the call button and the nurse walked me around the room for a bit. I sat on the loveseat while she made the bed. She removed the IV tube and then took out the catheter (OUCH!) – A little pain with a lot of reward. The catheter was very uncomfortable.
Getting up and down from the loveseat was a little painful but I managed to learn a bit a slide and stand routine that helped. I got up to get my phone and a book to read. I put on a gown and sat back down. It was pleasurable to have a freedom of movement again, even just confined to my room. I called mom and Dody and gave them an update on how I was doing. Both were thrilled that I was getting along so well. I was thrilled myself. After the phone calls, I just sat and enjoyed my book. I got a little tired so I go back into bed and only got back up to get ready for bed. Hey, I nearly forgot to mention my first solid meal. I don’t know exactly what it was called but it tasted amazing. It was a fried chicken cutlet with mashed potatoes. Muy Bien!
This morning (Monday) I felt really good. I finally got a good amount of sleep and that made a big difference. Getting out of the bed is easier and less painful. For breakfast, I got an omelet with beans and fresh made tortillas. By that time, I was hungry so it tasted as good as the chicken from yesterday. Before breakfast I called mom and Dody. I’m really missing them both but talking to them on the phone helps. I’m ready for internet access so I can use my webcam with Dody. That might not come until I’m back at the hotel.
My hope for today (Monday) is a shower. To put it simply, I stink. I’m carrying nearly 3 days of funk around with me. My hope came true around noon. When the nurse said “shower” I was sooooo ready. Getting out of the compression garment felt a little strange, it’s like a second skin and you get used to the feeling. The nurse removed the gauze and I got my first look at the incisions. They are nice and straight and I think the scars will look great after treatment in a few months. The nurse had a chair in the shower for me and told me to sit just in case I got dizzy. I took my time in the shower, gentle scrubbing the stitches and being a little more aggressive with my more stinky “parts”. After drying, another nurse put on my gauze and helped me into my spare compression garment along with pants and a shirt. The first nurse had gone to wash out my original garment. When she brought my garment back, I got a very pleasant surprise. I was told I could go to the hotel today, if I felt like it.
The nurse and I couldn’t pack fast enough. I was really ready to be back at the hotel and have internet access. The doctor came to see me shortly after I finished packing and he too asked me if I felt up to going to the hotel. He said it wouldn’t be a problem if I wanted to stay another night in the clinic. I was ready to go though and said as much. He grabbed my bags and led me to his car. I enjoyed the 80 degree weather and freedom of being outside again on the short trip to the hotel. After he checked me in, he took my bags to my room and helped me settle in. I rested for a bit and got online to post my victory on the forums. Antoinette is two rooms down from me so I stopped by to introduce myself. We chatted until Dr S came back with my meds and gauze. It’s really great to have someone to talk to down here that has been thru the exact thing you’ve been thru.
I probably over did it today (Monday) because I was very tired after talking with Dody on the webcam. I took my meds and fell asleep in the recliner. I moved to the bed later that night and slept pretty well. I did wake up shivering at one point but I just turned up the heat and put on the comforter. I’ll send an email to Dr S asking him about it and make sure it’s not a symptom of anything. This morning I’m finally finishing up this LONG post that I’ve written over several days and getting to upload it to my blog. I’m going to take it easy today and not over do it. After the hospitals pain meds wore off, I notice the pain more now. It makes me be extra careful so that’s not really a bad thing. I’m thankful, that once I get into a good position I don’t have any discomfort.
I’ll update tomorrow on my day today.
Mark
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Countdown ended, it begins today
I'm sitting here in my hotel room in Monterrey, Mexico about 2 hours before I'm to be picked by Dr. Sauceda for my surgery. He's coming here at 7 AM. Slept off and on last night but got more sleep than I thought I would. The prep will take approx 1.5 hours and my surgery should begin around 9 AM. DrS said the procedures should all take 7 - 8 hours to complete.
There was a slight change after he examined me in person. He decided that for the best result on my stomach an anchor cut was advised for tummy tuck. I've seen this cut in other patients so I wasn't absolutely shocked or anything. I carry a lot of my skin in the front/upper part of my stomach and the anchor cut will remove and tighten it nicely. The downside is an extra vertical scar starting at my sternum and running to my waist line. It'll be an inverted T. For the results, I can definitely live with it. :)
The other two procedures did not change - small inner thigh lift and normal arm lift. I did have the choice for a regular thigh lift but didn't think the extra scar to the knee was worth the absolute best result in this case. Most of my extra skin on my inner thigh is near the top and that's what bothers me. My legs are large anyway from weight training and I'm not looking to perfectly tone them with surgery. I mainly want to be rid of the inner flap, flap, flap. The 3rd procedure, the arm lift, is also 3rd on my priority. I will be glad to have bat wings gone but the belly and thigh skin is where I'll be most relieved.
The trip down here was uneventful. Nice weather for the most part and smooth flights. Everything went fine in the airports and the crowds were at a minimum (a nice bonus). DrS was right there to pick me up and picked him out of the crowd immediately. Everything that's been said about him on the obesity help forums and his obesity help group is true! He's super nice and very personable while maintaining a great professionalism. Any stress I had being in a foreign country fled as soon as he took me "under his wing."
Here is a little impromptu list of many of the things I've done as I think back over the last 6 weeks since I made my decision to come to Monterrey.
Serious training with heavy free weights for 4 weeks
Cardio training between free weight sessions
Extra protein consumption (24 - 50 grams per day) above my normal calories (including extra for weight training)
1000 mg Vitamin C daily
No Vitamin E supplments except for small amount in multivitamin (stopped 2 weeks before today)
Limited amount of fish oil supplement
Personalized the checklist from DrS group post
Got passport
Planned scar treatment
I'm sure I'll think of more and really each one could be a post in itself. Right now I need get repacked and ready to be meet DrS.
WISH ME LUCK!
Mark
There was a slight change after he examined me in person. He decided that for the best result on my stomach an anchor cut was advised for tummy tuck. I've seen this cut in other patients so I wasn't absolutely shocked or anything. I carry a lot of my skin in the front/upper part of my stomach and the anchor cut will remove and tighten it nicely. The downside is an extra vertical scar starting at my sternum and running to my waist line. It'll be an inverted T. For the results, I can definitely live with it. :)
The other two procedures did not change - small inner thigh lift and normal arm lift. I did have the choice for a regular thigh lift but didn't think the extra scar to the knee was worth the absolute best result in this case. Most of my extra skin on my inner thigh is near the top and that's what bothers me. My legs are large anyway from weight training and I'm not looking to perfectly tone them with surgery. I mainly want to be rid of the inner flap, flap, flap. The 3rd procedure, the arm lift, is also 3rd on my priority. I will be glad to have bat wings gone but the belly and thigh skin is where I'll be most relieved.
The trip down here was uneventful. Nice weather for the most part and smooth flights. Everything went fine in the airports and the crowds were at a minimum (a nice bonus). DrS was right there to pick me up and picked him out of the crowd immediately. Everything that's been said about him on the obesity help forums and his obesity help group is true! He's super nice and very personable while maintaining a great professionalism. Any stress I had being in a foreign country fled as soon as he took me "under his wing."
Here is a little impromptu list of many of the things I've done as I think back over the last 6 weeks since I made my decision to come to Monterrey.
Serious training with heavy free weights for 4 weeks
Cardio training between free weight sessions
Extra protein consumption (24 - 50 grams per day) above my normal calories (including extra for weight training)
1000 mg Vitamin C daily
No Vitamin E supplments except for small amount in multivitamin (stopped 2 weeks before today)
Limited amount of fish oil supplement
Personalized the checklist from DrS group post
Got passport
Planned scar treatment
I'm sure I'll think of more and really each one could be a post in itself. Right now I need get repacked and ready to be meet DrS.
WISH ME LUCK!
Mark
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas... Let the countdown begin!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Spent some of this week jotting down the items I'll need to haul down to Monterrey with me. It's basically a modification of the list posted on the Dr. S group over at ObesityHelp.com - modified for a man. :) The list was extremely helpful BUT some items just don't apply to me.
I can't say I'm nervous yet but I'm feeling a little anxious. It's in the back of mind now. I never had surgery before and the unknown is always a bit scary. I wonder if I'll start having butterflies as the time gets closer. I'll focus on getting ready for the trip and preparing as best I can.
Part of the prep has been keeping at my exercise routine, hard! On the days that I work, I'm at the gym by 6am for my cardio routine and then 3 days a week I'm back at lunch for some heavy weight training. I'm doing the Stronglifts 5x5 program which focuses on full body workouts. Squats are at the core and I've increased mine up to 215 pounds. I want my legs to be strong and this program is good for that. I should be squating 225 before the surgery. That's my goal at least.
Mark
Spent some of this week jotting down the items I'll need to haul down to Monterrey with me. It's basically a modification of the list posted on the Dr. S group over at ObesityHelp.com - modified for a man. :) The list was extremely helpful BUT some items just don't apply to me.
I can't say I'm nervous yet but I'm feeling a little anxious. It's in the back of mind now. I never had surgery before and the unknown is always a bit scary. I wonder if I'll start having butterflies as the time gets closer. I'll focus on getting ready for the trip and preparing as best I can.
Part of the prep has been keeping at my exercise routine, hard! On the days that I work, I'm at the gym by 6am for my cardio routine and then 3 days a week I'm back at lunch for some heavy weight training. I'm doing the Stronglifts 5x5 program which focuses on full body workouts. Squats are at the core and I've increased mine up to 215 pounds. I want my legs to be strong and this program is good for that. I should be squating 225 before the surgery. That's my goal at least.
Mark
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
I don't need no stinking badges... but I do need a passport.
If you're getting a passport for the first time pay close attention to the rules.
1) Get the form - http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html
2) Get proof of your citizenship - If you're a native US citizen a certified birth certificate does the trick. Make sure you understand what certified means. Here is the definition they use:
3) Have an acceptable ID when you apply - Here are the primary types they accept
5) Make sure they photocopy your ID to send in with the form.
6) You'll need two photos of yourself. Unless you're VERY familar with the requirements save yourself the trouble and just have them made when you apply.
7) Schedule an appointment and bring the completed form and all documents. Make sure you are aware of the fees as you'll need to pay when you apply. Here's a link to prices - http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/fees/fees_837.html
Note: Allow 4 - 6 weeks for the passport to be delivered to you unless you pay extra. Then you can get it within 3 weeks.
1) Get the form - http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html
2) Get proof of your citizenship - If you're a native US citizen a certified birth certificate does the trick. Make sure you understand what certified means. Here is the definition they use:
Mine was easy as I just went by my county's courthouse and got a copy for 10 bucks.A certified birth certificate has a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrars signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth.
3) Have an acceptable ID when you apply - Here are the primary types they accept
- Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport
- Naturalization Certificate
- Valid Driver's License
- Current Government ID (city, state or federal)
- Current Military ID (military and dependents
5) Make sure they photocopy your ID to send in with the form.
6) You'll need two photos of yourself. Unless you're VERY familar with the requirements save yourself the trouble and just have them made when you apply.
7) Schedule an appointment and bring the completed form and all documents. Make sure you are aware of the fees as you'll need to pay when you apply. Here's a link to prices - http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/fees/fees_837.html
Note: Allow 4 - 6 weeks for the passport to be delivered to you unless you pay extra. Then you can get it within 3 weeks.
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