If you haven’t read my previous blog, this one probably won’t make a lot of sense. You can see that blog here.
I had my pre-op appointment with the surgeon yesterday to discuss the surgery that is planned for tomorrow. He was very welcoming and accommodating. I’m glad it’s him doing the surgery. Plus, he told me I could have a glass of water yesterday and today.
This surgery will be open. The incision will start just below my breast bone and end at my belly button. Kind of like this.
They will be managing pain with an epidural. Not like what you get when in labor though. I’ll be able to walk but will need assistance. Recovery will be around 6 weeks.
He said that I probably won’t ever vomit again, but it will come out the other end. And I won’t have reflux anymore either.
Afterwards, my food introduction diet will be similar to when I had my sleeve done. I will never feel hunger again. He said eventually I’ll have an appetite, but for the most part, I’ll have to schedule meals.
For surgery, they will basically be doing the rny revision, but will not leave any of my stomach.
They’ll put a tube in my nose to suck out any fluids inside of my “stomach” To keep the area dry. There will be two surgical drain tubes in my left side to suck out any fluids around my new “stomach.” And finally, they will put in a J-tube for nutrition.
It will be a minimum 10 day stay for me, and I’ll go home with only the J-tube. They’ll take out the PICC line before I go home too. The surgery itself will take about 5 hours.
I’ve been so afraid of having this surgery, but after talking to the surgeon, I feel so much better. He put me at ease. I know that there are so many people praying for me and I so appreciate it. Continued prayers are appreciated.
This will be a very difficult time for my family. It isn’t something we could have ever planned for. And so we are all doing our best to get through this.
My two sons seem like they are doing great. But I know they are struggling. My husband is amazing. He makes me feel like it’s not just me, it’s him too. We are a team and together, we’ll get through this. He is my strength when I am at my weakest. And I love him so much for that.
Thank you all for taking time to read my blog. Please share if you feel like someone else can benefit. ❤❤
curvyfitfabuloss 
Wow..just read your story. Hope everything went well and you are recovering ok. You are a tough cookie and just by reading your blog I can tell you are going to come out of this just fine. Great attitude! Very inspirational. Take Care.
Renee
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Thank you Renee.
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WOW. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through — getting prepped mentally and physically, getting your family ready for your extended hospital stay and your recovery, making sure you understand the procedure and life after. My thoughts are with you and I hope it all goes as smoothly as possible!!
Not that you have to feel like you have to answer, but I’m curious: with all of your stomach removed, will you be able to eat solid food eventually? Or will you be limited to liquids and soft foods indefinitely?
And another question you don’t have to answer: have they told you why/how this has happened? Any explanation at all? Any guesses? I’m sure you’ve spent countless hours trying to figure out why and I just wondered if your doctors could pinpoint a cause.
Let us know how it goes. Thinking of you!
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I will be able to eat solids, but it’ll be a while. The diet for after surgery will be the same as after sleeve. Clear liquid, full liquid, pureed foods, soft foods, and finally regular diet.
As far as what caused it, we don’t know exactly. But fistulas can develop at any weak spot in your body. That spot for me was the top of my stomach where my staple line is. So, basically, the staples didn’t hold as well as they should have.
Thank you for your concern. It has been pretty tough on all of us.
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