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My Surgery and
Hospital Stay 
My husband and mother both went with me to Franklin Square Hospital Center around 6 o'clock a.m. on December 6, 1999. I know that I was particularly calm for some reason. I just knew that everything would be a breeze. I was so glad to have them with me. When we arrived at the hospital I was shocked and happy to see my mother-in-law, Charlene, there waiting for me in her van. My mother and MIL were more nervous than anyone about my having the operation. Perhaps they have some sort of 20/20 hindsight when it comes to their children. The people at Registration took me in immediately. They had me change into a "johnny" that actually fit all and wait to be taken into the room they take patients into before operations. Once there I had my vitals checked and some blood drawn. After that was done family could come in to say their "Good Lucks" "I love yous" and so on. Now, my panic has finally set in. The thought of never seeing them again hit like a brick wall. They assured me that I'd make it through and they would see me as soon as the operation was over. They did see me when the operation was over but instead of a four hour operation it was an 8.5 hour ordeal!
When Dr. Vanguri opened me up he found that my intestines were twisted and full of adhesions. It was a difficult operation so Dr. Vanguri called in another surgeon to assist in the operation. The RNY was successful and adhesions were removed.
Believe it or not the story continues.....
I was then put into ICU. While there I had trouble breathing. At one point I completely stopped breathing and they bought me back. I was put on a ventilator. I was catheterized and put out little urine if any. The doctor was one step away from putting me on kidney dialysis when I starting to urinate. Thank God! As if that weren't enough I developed a staff infection which I am still fighting off with antibiotics. The infection is leaking through a hole at the bottom of my incision. In a while the infection will clear up and I will be more "normal".
With all of the above complications, I could honestly say I would do it again if the results are a new slimmer and healthier body and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Please click here to go to my Post-Op Journal.
