I didn't know that this surgery hurt so much!!

I had my surgery on 2-23-04, it hurt sooooo bad. The first 2 days it even hurt to breathe. I really underestimated the surgery and pain. Everything went very well, it's just really hard for me to chew my food to mush and swallow alittle at a time. Since 2-23-04 I have lost 23 pds. I just can't wait until all of my extra weight is off, but I do know it takes one step at a time. To everyone who has had the surgery, is going to have the surgery, and is just thinking about it, Congrats and keep up the good work! Qiyawna

Qiyawna, Congratulations on the weight loss. That is fantastic. Each day it will get easier and easier. I'm still on liquids for 2 more weeks. Can't wait for the pureed stage to arrive. Mary

Wanted to add ... the first two days in the hospital it was painful when I moved around, but the pain pump made a huge difference. By Friday (3rd day) I stopped using the pain pump. The more I moved the easier it got. I haven't had to use any pain meds at all (including Tylenol) since I got home. When I had my gall bladder out in 89, I was wiped out for 3 weeks. Both sugeries were done open. The only difference is this time I lost weight ahead of time and exercised on a regular basis. I think those two things made a significant difference for me in my recovery this time.

Hi Mary, CONGRATS on your weight loss and your recovery!! Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. I'm already on pureed foods, my mother don't agree with the diet plan that was given to me. Is it possible you can tell me what your physician told you to do about what to eat and when to eat it. Everything was really quick with me and my mother definately don't agree with it, and I think she maybe right because when I eat it hurts really bad. Hang in there Qiyawna

Each surgeon is sooo different on what they require of their patients. I was not given any type of a timetable for eating during the day. I was told to work up to 8 oz per hour of fluids. Stop drinking 15 minutes before a meal (protein shake at this point) and not drink anything for 30 minutes after the meal (protein shake). If it hurts to eat, it may be that you are eating too quickly, too much, or have not chewed it thoroughly enough. Many people use a baby spoon for bites. Be sure to put it down in between bites. A meal should take approximately 30 minutes. To start no more than 2 oz of something unless it is a protein shake. Did your surgeon give you anything in writing to follow? If not, call his office and asked for a copy of the food plan you are to follow. Most surgeons have copies that patients can have. Now, I understand mom may not agree with the surgeon, HOWEVER you really do need to follow his requirement/recommendations at this point. He knows what works best for his patients. If your pain continues, definitely call the surgeon and asked about it. They may have an answer for you. Wishing you the best. Mary

Hi Qiyawna, I had my surgery on the 23rd and i am doing good. I read your message and i am wondering you mentioned that you chew and mush your food. I think that you should be on a liquid diet only for the first 3 weeks then it goes to pureed. I know each surgeon is different but maybe that is why you are having so much pain. I am still taking pain meds and they help i still have soreness. I am going to start my pureed phase on monday that will be 3 weeks for me . I get nausous but i haven't thrown up at all. My doctor said it was normal and to try Prilocec for a few weeks. I went to my first post-op yesteday and i lost 30 pounds already, i can't wait to lose the rest and start eating real food in smaller portions. Best Wishes to you and Good Luck

Hi Jill, The same thing you said is the same thing my mother has been fussing about (the diet plan that was given to me). She as well as you, feel that my eating is too much too soon. I was told to me that the first week; clear liquids, the second week; full liquids, and the third week; pureed foods. But the pureed foods hurt really bad going down. So I might have to take everyones advice and go back to full liquids. Thank you so much for your advice, it means alot. You hang in there........ Qiyawna

I had my surgery on 2/23/04 also. The pain was intense the first two days. It has eased, but the pain is still there intermittently. A complication for me is that I have built up a pain medication tolerance over the years because my weight has increased my overall pain. I agree with the others. You probably should be doing the full liquids. I am still on full liquid diet for another two weeks. I can't wait for real food, even if it is blenderized.

Qiyawna, I am so with you here on this. My wls was on 2/10 and I felt the same way. Terrible pain, and much worse than I expected. I felt horrible for 7 days. Seemed to turn the corner on the 8th day. When you read these posts by people saying they didn't need pain medication, it makes you feel bad, like what is wrong with me that I needed it. Well, they are not giving any medals out for this, so if you need your pain meds, take them. It will help your recovery in the long run. In regards to what you are eating, you are to be eating pureed foods at this point. Be protective of your pouch. You didn't go through all that pain only to have a complication. Take care. You are a brave woman and will have great success! Kathy

Hi Kathy, Thank you so much for your input on this surgery, I now know that I am not by myself. GOD BLESS YOU WITH YOUR SUCCESS WITH YOUR WEIGHT LOSS!! How much have you lost so far? Are you feeling better now that it is a month later? You are also a brave woman to go through all of this, surgery, pain, AND less eating. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!! Qiyawna