Wednesday, July 8, 2009

At Last, A Date!

I finally met with my surgeon yesterday and got my gallbladder surgery scheduled for next Wednesday, July 15. It will be outpatient, and done laparoscopically...unless there is a problem once he begins. Since 95% of the gallbladder surgeries are done by laparoscopy, I have a lot of hope that mine will fall into that category. Just in case, cross your fingers for me on the 15th, ok?

I have to say that I can't wait to get this over with and get on with life. It's been a challenge, being very careful with what I eat and yet still having to deal with stabbing pains after pretty much every meal. At least I haven't had another attack, but I'm always worried that one is imminent. From reading the literature the surgeon gave me, it may take a few weeks for my digestive system to adjust to life without a gallbladder. That sounds like fun - NOT. I have a feeling I may be sticking close to home for a while!

I am concerned with my workouts and when I will be able to go back to them. I don't want to lose the exercise mindset that I've worked so hard to get to - after all, deep down inside of me is a lazy woman who has been biding her time, waiting to stage a coup and bring me back to my former inert self. That woman needs to stay locked up for good!

The surgeon said I probably wouldn't feel like doing anything for about a week, but recommended that once I feel ok, to start out with walking and bike riding. He also cautioned me about using weights once I go back...said I should use fairly light ones and be careful not to strain my stomach. I am irritated by all of this because in the last month or so, my endurance has really increased and I have been powering through my workouts. Argh! I hate to backslide.

I guess there will be roadblocks periodically in my path to a healthy, fit me. The thing I need to remember is that I don't have to stay stopped forever - remind me of this in a couple of weeks, would ya?

20 comments:

  1. dont fret about the workouts
    focus on getting to the surgery date in the best shape you can.
    MENTALLY.
    Focus on healing and health and recovery and when youre ready your body will let you know.

    the amazing news is that you have taken such good care of your body you will bounce back really really quickly.

    I promise.
    Ill be here to remind you.

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  2. Don't worry about the surgery. It is easy peasey. I had it done in 2000 after a year of chronic infections. It turned out to be an abscessed gallbladder. Even with that if was laparoscopic. I was in hospital two days, but felt better in a week or so. I'm sorry it has taken so long to get this scheduled. You'll be glad when its over.

    Blessings--Bonnie

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  3. Yeah, I am with Miz - by being so healthy now, you will recover very quickly and be back to normal in no time.

    You will be so glad it is out!

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  4. Sending you healthy vibes for the 15th!

    As for the other stuff, don't worry. You've got us to help kick your ass back into shape :) Promise. If nothing else, we'll just guilt you into it. We won't let that inner lazy woman stage a coup.

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  5. So glad you got a date finally, and this will soon be a thing of the past!! I am sure with your new healthy bod and 'tude you will be back stronger than ever BUT you must allow yourself time to heal and adjust. You will just have to spend that time shopping for new cute skirts and shoes and stuff. :-)

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  6. I'm too glad you know when the surgery will be! I bet that you will feel so much better after you recover, that you will be even more motivated to continue on your path to better health!

    Just follow your doctor's advice on easing back into things - you don't want to overdo it, and have to wait even longer. I'll be praying for you!

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  7. I will be thinking of you on the 15th Shelley! I agree with everyone else. Don't worry about your workouts. Focus on healing! Keep us posted on how you are doing!

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  8. Don't worry about the workouts - you'll heal. Just make a plan of how you want to eat during recovery and stick to it. Then the exercise will come.

    Good luck with the surgery!

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  9. You have your entire life to workout so take your time and give your body the rest it will definetly need! Glad to hear you got it scheduled!

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  10. Your journey is about better health, and this surgery is one step on that journey. You will be healthier after that. So just look at it in terms of a replacement for exercise at the moment. You'll get back into the swing of things soon enough.

    Best wishes, I will think of you on the 15th.

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  11. So glad you'll be done with this soon and will be thinking of you and sending all good wishes. Give yourself the time to recoup completely.

    I've had 2 lap jobs and they went fine - one was even 3 months before my wedding - GAK! I don't know if they still do them the same as back then but if your tummy is puffed up, don't freak out - it goes away without working out. Oh, if only real weight loss worked that way. Keep us posted.

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  12. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that everything works out well. Don't you worry about the backslide. Focus on getting to the surgery in the best shape that you can and that will no doubt put you in a better position to heal and recover quickly! You'll be back to your regular workouts in no time..just focus on getting better...take care and all the best

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  13. Good luck, at least now you have a date so you can plan!

    I agree with Carla - the workouts will come in time, best to just take it slow and easy.

    My fingers will be crossed for you on the 15th! :D

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  14. So glad you have your date scheduled. Don't worry about your workouts... think about recovery and being healthy.

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  15. Would you just stop and check out the new you for a moment?! Impressive that part of your post surgery concern is your EXERCISE ROUTINE!! Wooo hooo for the new you...I mean old Shelley wouldn't have thought of that at all. See, it IS a way of life!

    You have totally achieved that lifestyle, baby!

    I am not far behind, I am thinking about my lifestyle and how it will work when I am out of my routine while out of town. Not the same as post surgery, but it is the thought process I'm talkin' about here!

    take care, I know you will~
    ChrissyS

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  16. I'm sorry to hear about your gall bladder problem. I had mine out when I was 18, also lapriscopically (sp?). It took them a year to diagnose the problem because they thought 1) I was eating to much fat or 2) that I was suddenly lactose intolerant. I ended up having a golf ball sized stone and having it removed a week before my senior prom!
    Good luck with the surgery. I hope you feel better soon.

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  17. You are in SUCH a good place physically - your recovery is automatically going to be improved. Focus on recovering WHOLLY - and believing in yourself. You will get better, you will be on track, you will be the person you want to be. :o)

    Good luck, we'll be here thinking of you!

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  18. I know what you mean about falling off the workout wagon...I'm terrified of something interrupting my workout schedule and then my inner lazy person taking over!

    Everyone in blog land will be here to cheer you on though!

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  19. So glad you got your date, and that they'll be able to do it laparoscopically.

    I'm with all the other commenters - being in such good shape will surely help you heal quickly, and you've got a lot of support to get back to working out when you're ready . . . both online and your wonderful trainers!

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  20. Good luck with your surgery!!I'm sure everything will be just fine. We are all here for you:)

    Dee~
    http://www.deesdroppingtheweight.blogspot.com

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