Vanishing Velez

Originally, I was planning on writing a post day-by-day about the first week of recovery, but after a few days, I realized that that would be SUPER boring. So instead, I’m going to do week by week.

Also, sorry this has taken so long.

Day 1

I spent the night after surgery in the hospital, but did not get a good sleep. I was connected to this thing that helps prevent clots in my legs, and it kept me awake. Also, I’m a side sleeper and that was not going to happen at that point.

Overnight, they showed me how to unhook myself so that I could walk and go to the bathroom. When I walked, I made myself go 4 laps around the ward. Now, the ward isn’t super big, and I was not wearing my watch so I have no idea how long it was, but it was essentially a rectangle that I kept walking. When I got bored, I walked. When I couldn’t sleep, I walked. I think I pushed myself too hard the first time, because I would walk too fast, and then get a bit light headed. Learned my lesson and took it slow the rest.

The nurses came in and checked my blood sugar a few times. It was high (185, 178, 125) so I was given one unit of insulin two times, with instructions to check my blood sugar regularly at home.

They also did some bloodwork. They tested my phosphorus, magnesium, did a basic metabolic panel, and a complete blood count. Most of my numbers were low but normal, yet they seemed to be concerned with my potassium levels. I ended up being given 3 bags of potassium before I could go home.

I also had to wait to talk to Dr. Shetty. I was expecting a much longer conversation, but he really just checked to make sure I’m feeling OK. He did say that the surgery went extremely well and that my recovery looked great so far.

The only issue that I really had was the hives. They started on my legs, and were extremely itchy. I called the nurse and asked her to take a look at it. She called the surgical team and they looked at it. They did not seem concerned, so they gave me benadryl and I was allowed to go home.

The car ride home was fine. Bumps hurt, but otherwise, no big issues. Beatrix definitely wanted cuddles, so she came up onto the couch to snuggle with me.

Towards the end of the day, it was definitely difficult to get comfortable. I pulled out my pregnancy body pillow to help support my sides and that made everything 100x easier. Getting up and lying down were still miserable though.

I also called my mom around 8pm because Beatrix wanted nothing to do with sleep, only wanted me, and I couldn’t do what she wanted me to do. Since Mom was going to have her Wednesday anyways, Beatrix had a sleepover.

Days 2-4

These were the hardest days so far. The hives continued to appear when the Benadryl wore off, so I was regularly taking that. It hurt to change positions from laying to sitting to standing (and vice versa). I wasn’t hungry, so drinking protein shakes was super difficult.

Wednesday (Day 2) I was home by myself for most of the day, so I just walked laps from the kitchen to the living room and back. I didn’t want to go outside because it was super duper hot out.

Thursday (Day 3), the nanny was here, so I spent a lot of time sleeping. I was exhausted. I have been primarily using the Premier Protein Shakes for my protein. However, because of the size of my stomach, I could only really stomach 1/2 of a shake at a time, 3 times a day.

Friday (day 4), my cousin came over to help me. I wasn’t comfortable being alone with Beatrix yet, because I couldn’t really lift her yet. The weather was much nicer, so we went for a walk to the pool and back (can’t go swimming yet). While Beatrix was sleeping, we were also able to get some things done around the house. I felt really productive, and liked that the house felt clean. I was still only able to have 1/2 of a shake at a time, but I was able to have more water, which was good.

Days 5-6

Saturday and Sunday were days 5-6. It was much easier with Albert home. Not going to lie, I feel more comfortable asking him for help than other people. I spent a lot of time sleeping. On Saturday we went to my parents with a friend and the kids went swimming. Then they ate. Even at the end of week 1 I’m just not hungry.

Sunday was a lounge around the house day. My pain is 100% gone at this point. I am still covered in hives. Benadryl helps tremendously. I have not needed to take any of the prescribed pain meds or anti nausea meds. All in all, I feel very, very tired, but good. My incisions look great. The glue is starting to come off. All is well.

Final Numbers for Week 1

Starting Weight: 248 (this is my last official recorded weight at the doctors)

Current Weight as of 6/30/2024: 239.8

Pounds Lost: 8.2 lbs