post op

Hello everyone! Just wanted to drop a little post here to tell everyone things are going well. I can't thank everyone enough for the e-mails and prayers during my surgery (on wednesday the 7th). I was home by friday the 9th at noon. A little slow but truthfully any pain I've really had has been gas pain and bubbles. Nothing from incisions. I do have a question though, I have had diarrhea and don't completely understand it all. I've not eaten or drank anything that is not on my list. Want to make sure I'm doing things right. I can understand why it would be watery since nothing but fluids for the last few days but just concerned I was doing something wrong. A little sick of jello and today has been a long day. Nothing to do but hang out around the house today. Overall though I think I'm feeling pretty well. Some times I get a little weepy about things but I try to look at the big picture and what is to come. As of 2 days post op I had lost 8 pounds. Hope things keep going this well. I'm interested to hear any feedback from anyone who's had the surgery. And thanks again for the e-mails. Came home to 48 of them!! Wonderful pick me up! Ky

Ky, are you drinking milk as part of your post-op diet? The diarrhea sounds like lactose intolerance. You can add Lactaid to your milk (or switch to a lactose-free kind) and it might help. I've heard that many people become lactose-intolerant after this surgery (although fortunately, so far, I have not). My surgery was January 2, and I lost 15 pounds in week 1. I feel fantastic. My surgeon prescribes 4 weeks of soft/pureed foods. I've been having lowfat cottage cheese, applesauce, Eggbeaters with lowfat shredded cheese, pureed chicken breast with mashed potatoes, and things like that, so I haven't gotten bored and I still feel good. Yesterday I joined my family eating out in a restaurant. I ordered a plain baked potato and "mashed" the contents before eating it. Couldn't finish even half, but it was good to sit with them in a restaurant and feel "normal." Glad to hear you are feeling good. I didn't have any pain except from the gas either (people are always surprised to hear that and how fast I was feeling "normal" again). Good luck! Linda

Linda, thanks for your reply. I am not drinking any milk or dairy products so that's not the problem. I did talk to a friend who had it done some time ago and she said that she had the same issue. She said probably just from the fluids and antibiotics that we're given in the hospital that it could be that way. Not really a problem today, knock on wood. Feeling pretty good today but getting tired now. I guess it's time for a short rest. Thanks again. Ky

Hi Ky, I also had my surgery on 1-7. I also had diarrhea on Thursday (late), Friday and a little on Saturday. It's gone. Havent had a bm since, now I worry if I am constipated. I dont have any discomfort but I am eating so little I am not going to worry about it yet. My post op apt is Wed. when's your's? I figure I will present any problems then. I haven't weighed myself yet - want something to look forward to on Wed. Jacque

I still have the diarrhea but I'm not going to worry about it since I figure all I have in my system is fluids anyway. This tends to happen to me with lots of fluids and antibiotics. I also talked to a friend who had it done and she had the same issues. My post op is wednesday too. I've started by list of questions as they come. What is your diet like? I see that a lot of people have very different diets. I know my doctor is strict when it comes to his diet plan but it seems to work and people don't get sick so works for me. Ky

HI all I had my surgery on 1/5. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one going through these things. The diarhhea is the worst side effect for me so far!! I have even started using Lactaid whenver I have milk products. I am assuming that this is normal b/c of the foods that I am eating. It makes me feel better to know that I am not ALONE!! Take care!! Carolyn