Surgery great success - I'm back!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2004
Surgery great success - I'm back!
6
Fri, 08-06-2004 - 8:32pm
Good Evening Friends,

As promised, I'm writing to let you know of my experience with open Nissen Fundoplication and my diabetes contrl. My surgery was performed on Friday, July 30th (just a week ago today) and I am THRILLED to report I've had a great experience. Now this is not to say that I didn't have pain or swallowing difficulties…on the contrary, but the pain and swallowing issues were what I expected based on reports from many of you who shared your experiences and those of your loved ones as well as the expectations my surgeon gave me prior to surgery. Being a diabetic I was also prepared for additional difficulties like spikes in blood sugar, etc. but thanks to my medical team working closely together I did not experience any of those problems either. My blood sugar ranges were 55 (one reading) to 156 (one reading) with the majoring falling between 80-120...optimal! I also know these numbers were somewhat a false sense of control because I was not getting my 12 carbs daily because of my lack of appetite. Since returning home yesterday my numbers have jumped, fasting this morning it was 123, two hours after lunch 170 and two hours after dinner a whopping 201. I will be faxing my Endo my numbers on Monday (or seeking his care at the ER this weekend since he's on call if the need arises).

Following surgery I did not eat anything, though a liquid diet was ordered. On Saturday I began liquids (jello, juice and clear broth) and found swallowing was difficult due to swelling. I made sure I took small sips and small bites of jello…I had to let the jello melt in my mouth before swallowing. I felt like things weren’t clearing my throat all day Saturday and most of Sunday but by dinner that sensation seemed to pass. On Monday my surgeon advanced me to a soft diet…oatmeal, banana, pudding, mashed potatoes, macaroni, and so on. I was somewhat apprehensive when tasting the oatmeal and a bit scared I might choke; it took me an hour to eat 6 slices of banana, 2 ounces of oatmeal and some 1% milk…it was a bit like torture, much of that my own fear! Each meal I was also given a can of Boost which helped keep my blood sugar and nutrients in line. I am happy to report each meal has gotten a bit easier…I am still on a soft diet but at least I am chewing and have a variety to choose from. My surgeon says I will be on this soft diet for 4-6 weeks, maybe longer but we’ll continue to monitor my progress to see when other advancements can be made.

My new lifestyle consists of eating small bites and taking small sips of liquid to avoid choking and enhance digestion, absolutely no carbonated beverages for now. I can live with this and can manage my diabetic meal plan with this diet. I can tell you I already know this surgery will be life altering (in a great way) for me…I have not had one episode of regurgitation, heartburn or backwash since my surgery…I can definitely live with this!!!

Thanks for your support!

Warmest Regards, Jan

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 08-06-2004 - 11:46pm

Hi Jan,


I am so glad to read that you are doing so well after the surgery. Please keep up this good progress.


Look at the carbohydrates in the liquid supplement. this may be what is throwing off your blood sugars. I don't know if Boost has a diabetic version like Choice and Glucerna. Your endo may want to change the amount of carbos that you are eating but with the type of food plan that you need to be on now it is harder to control the amount of carbs. You can't throw a salad in there to lower the carbs. Hopefully soon you will be able to start walking more and increasing your exercise level.


I am keeping my fingers crossed that you continue to do so well.


A very gentle hug,

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40

Co-CL Diabetes Board


iVillage Member
Registered: 06-09-2004
Sat, 08-07-2004 - 9:16am
Jan, I am happy to hear your surgery turned out well, and hope you get completely better as soon as possible.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2004
Sat, 08-07-2004 - 1:54pm
Thanks Mary Frances,

I took your suggestin and reviewed the labels of the Boost (8 ounce is 33 grams) and the Glucerna (8 ounce is 29 grams), will be switching over to the Glucerna in hopes of gaining control of my carbs! My current restricted diet will make maintaining bs and carbs a challenge, I've sent an email to my dietician in hopes she can give me some hints.

I also realize exercise plays and integral role in bs control, unfortunately fatigue is suich a factor since my surgery. I did however manage a 10 minute walk around inside my home yesteday and today my goal is to make it to the end of my driveway to get the mail. From there I will attempt to increase my distance each day by walking to the next light pole...something to strive for!

I am so happy to be feeling so good in such a short period and look forward to feeling stronger every dya. I am quickly realizing I can't do the marathon computer sessions, sitting adds stress to the incision so will have to keep it short.

Thanks for the gentle hug, it was needed!

Warmest Regards, Jan

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2004
Sat, 08-07-2004 - 1:57pm
Thanks for the well wishes, I am looking forward to a full recovery! My restricted diet will make it more challenging but I think with guidance I will get through.

Thanks for your support!

Jan

Avatar for coldfingers
Community Leader
Registered: 04-30-2000
Sat, 08-07-2004 - 11:15pm

Jan have you looked at the slim fast low carb drinks?

Photobucket
Avatar for cl_d_minnick
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 08-08-2004 - 3:09am

Oh Jan, I am so very happy to hear that your doing so well after surgery. It sounds like your making great progress in your recovery so just keep doing what

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting