Michelle / Kittycats_Delight is home from hospital

[Alysser]

Hope the recovery quickens its pace! We miss you, Michelle!

[kittycats_delight]

Thank you all for the well wished. They are much appreciated. I just posted on FB a little bit to Tracey (krazyaboutkatz) about the surgery and thought I should do the same to those who might like to know here.

The surgery I had is called bilio-pancreatic diversion. It's a bariatric surgery. It was to cure my diabetes, which I might add is now in the normal range always, without meds and no matter what I eat, but it is used more widely as an obesity surgery for desperate cases. It was invented to cure diabetes though originally and so my case was a test book case for the surgical team. The surgery went well..my surgeon said basically it was by the book.

My surgeon said the first month post surgery is extremely hard and I can attest to that but also the second month will be quite difficult as well. It gets a little easier and a little better each day. My diet is mainly protein. In my first 6-12 months I will need to eat 50 grams of protein a day after the first year it increases to 100 grams a day. Only a portion of the calories (vitamins, minerals, fats, cholesterol etc) I consume are absorbed from my foods unless it is simple sugars like sweets, fruit etc...all those calories etc are absorbed so those things need to be limited. I have my 1 treat of simple sugars a day. Usually a scoop of ice cream and I'm quite happy with that. I have never been a big eater of sweets. It will be nice when I can eat pasta & veggies again but I won't be able to do that for many months, 6-8 to be exact. A lot of things I liked before I don't like any longer and same goes for things I didn't like before I like now. I need things with lots of flavor because, atleast for now, can't really taste any mild flavors. Not sure if that will change once the 'new car' gets a few miles on it and things equal out. LOL The term 'new car' refers to my new digestive system and the father (inventor of the procedure) called it this to me when he came to reassure about the operation. It was quite funny. Anyway, I could give you all the gory details of what was done but will spare you.

I did enjoy pizza for the first time last night since my surgery and I tell you the first taste was heavenly! I was surprised actually as I ate 2 piece, 1/3 of the pizza and I wasn't bloated. It has been normal for me to eat very small amounts but feel bloated all the same. I was very happy with the results. This morning I had my treat for the day for breakfast, ice cream. 1 scoop of strawberry/lime. It was so good. I simply can't get over the flavor of the lime. Anyway, before I go on and on and on I will stop here.

Thank you for all the kind words and the encouragement. much
Michelle

[phesina]

Welcome back, Michelle! So glad to hear that all went well and you enjoyed your first post-surgical pizza! The ice cream breakfast sounds delightful too.

[Pinot's Mom]

So glad to hear from you! Wonderful news on the surgery and prayers things continue to go well!

[Freedom]

Glad you feel well enough to post again, that in itself is a big thing -- at least for all of us, your online cyber friends!

Continue to heal and feel better! I agree, pizze last night, ice cream today for breakfast, sounds good.

[Karen]

Sounds like all is good! Enjoy the new tastes! I have been delighting in things I can eat after parting with my gall bladder.

[chocolatepuppy]

Happy to hear you're doing well Michelle and good to have you back!

[kittycats_delight]

hehehehhe...thanks guys!!! Hubby now loves to see me eat. LOL He watched me not eat a bite for basically 5 days after surgery so now he delights in it even when it is things he thinks is nasty. He is bringing me home Popeye's fried chicken on Monday because I have been craving deep fried chicken. I know this might sound gross but it isn't really the chicken I am craving so much as the deep fried battered skin!!! Hubby hates the skin of the chicken but was all giggles and smiles when I told him what I was craving so he offered to bring me home some after work on Monday. I crave meat now like something crazy. I am making bbq steak with mushrooms and onions tonight and can't wait to get it into my mouth. hehehhehe It is so insane for me. I have never had craving for anything before, not really, but now the cravings are almost obsessive. When I get a craving I can't stop thinking about it until I get it. Speaking of, there is some cold chicken in the oven that is calling my name now...mmmm....with mayo and cheese....yep, I NEED a snack and that will be perfect! It is so awesome I can eat all these things and I have no restrictions on the food I can eat once everything is up and running. (Now, it's not pasta & veggies but that won't be forever) I have lost 8 kg (about 18 lbs) since the surgery about 3 weeks ago and that is super cool. I can't wait for my new digestive system to reach full functioning capacity. I am very excited about the possibilities. Off to grab a small snack now. Thanks again guys. You all ROCK!!!

[Catty1]

Hey Michelle!

Glad you are eating tasty stuff!

I looked this surgery up - did you have the 'duodenal switch'? It is pretty serious surgery but YOU rock and that's great!