? for May Post-Ops....

I am scheduled for surgery July 19. I'm feeling pretty calm - I'm very sure about my decision to have the surgery, but of course, getting a little jittery. I would just like to ask all of you May post-ops what suggestions, hints, cautions, etc. you might have for someone coming up for surgery. Thanks so much and congratulations on your success!! Nancy

Nancy, congratulations on your big day ahead! I got up out of my hospital bed just a couple of hours after surgery. I pushed the morphine pump about 15 minutes before I got up. I felt like I was going to split open, but I knew that I wouldn't...so I did what I knew I needed to do. I got up and started moving! It wasn't painful when I was up, just a little uncomfortable. I also had no visitors. I think this was the best decision for me. I got to fall asleep when my body wanted to, and I awoke when my body wanted to. Everyone is so different. Do what works for you at every moment in this recovery. Take it easy, and may our good Lord keep an eye on you. Jenn R.

Jenn, I'm a tough one to keep down! I've had two cesareans and a hysterectomy, and was up and moving as soon as they'd let me! Since it was so difficult to sleep in the hospital, I would walk the halls like a ghost!! Thanks so much for your suggestions and support....can't wait until I'm where you all are!! Hugs, Nancy

My doc had already told me of the walking plan after surgery. My DH did a great job of constantly walking up and down the halls. Take the pains meds when you need them. Basically, walk, walk, walk, sip ,sip sip. Don't forget the chapstick!!!!!! Michele Mason -34

Hey congrats on your surgery date. Just to reiterate - walk as much as soon as you can. The pain meds are your friend those first few days USE THEM. But the walking is key. I was up and to the bathroom in less that 8 hours from the time I arrived at the hospital (including the pre-op and surgery!) I didn't find the pain to be as bad I as I had thought it would be. I am sure the pain meds helped. But I didn't use as much as I could have. Also, I am glad I didn't bother with magazines or books or whatever. They would have been a total waste. For the three days I was in did the following: slept, sipped water, walked, slept, showered, slept, ate, slept, and it started over again. I didn'****ch hardly any tv either.

Nancy, You will do great! Just like everyone says walk, walk, walk and take drugs! All the drugs they will give you...TeeHee. This ONE time I thought I was doing ok...I told the nurse I did not need the pain shot before I went to sleep...Ha Ha Ha the joke was on me. I woke up around 1am begging for drugs. I learned a valuable lesson...It is OK to take prescribed drugs for pain when needed! Keep us posted! ByeBrenda

Hi Nancy, I agree with everyone else... Walk Walk Walk... I was up and walking about 4 hours after surgery and up about every 2 hours after that... just walking the halls of the hospital... it was more comfortable than being in that bed!! I am usually a woos when it comes to pain, but I had them turn the morphine drip off 24 hours after surgery and haven't had any pain meds since then... I don't know why or how, but the Lord blessed me there. The one thing I can say is this... every single one of us has had a different experience... Expect the unexpected... Don't compare yourself to anyone elses experience... because your's WILL be different!! The main thing to remember is that you have made this decision to change your life to save your life!! The road ahead is a long and bumpy one... and this weight loss journey is going to be filled with blood, sweat & tears. I find more tears these days than anything... Try to prepare yourself emotionally for the changes ahead. When they say you are dealing with head hunger, you need to really be prepared for that! The old saying of "they did surgery on your stomach, not your brain" is SO true!! I deal with this struggle every single day... my head says I'm hungry, my pouch says "throw up". Estrogen is stored in fat, so be prepared to feel a bit hormonal and emotional. My friends have threatened to put a "beware" sign around my neck and on my front door on some days!! Don't be afraid to ask for help. (Prozac is our friend!) Congrats on your decision to have this surgery. I know that I made a decision to change my life, to save my life too... I know that the road is hard and long... but I know that the end of the journey is a healthy me!! A me that is going to get on the plane and not have to have a seat belt extender... a me that is going to go to Six Flags in CA in Dec. and ride all those rides without worrying about not fitting... a me that is going to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle for many years to come... Remember... no journey is easy... stay close to the Lord and remember that your friends there (and on this website) are here for you and so are your doctors. Good luck on your surgery... keep us posted on your journey... soon you will be on the losing side... Aloha, Loree

I think all the others said it well. The only thing I will add is....psych yourself up for it. If you decide ahead of time that you will do well, you improve your chance for a smooth recovery. I believe in that fully and have seen it come true time and time again as a nurse and as a patient myself. I walked like a crazy woman. Every time I had gas pains (lap rny), I got my butt out of bed and walked. I feel certain that you will do fine.

You have got some great advice here. Not much else I can add. It is so true what Loree said about "head hunger"! No one warned me about that and I am still working on that and probably will be for a long time to come. I noticed I sometimes got feelings of deprivation because I would see my family eating things that I could no longer eat and would have a little pity party for myself at first but then I just had to tell myself that no food is worth that! I would rather be thin and healthy, after all it's just food! Good luck! You'll be in my prayers!