Home from surgery

Had surgery at 7:30 am on Monday, 8-29-05. It was a lap RNY. The surgery lasted 3.5 hours and was challenging for my surgeon due to the amount of fat in my abdomen. It was successful though. I felt pretty rough the first day. I think the operating table kind of tore me up as I awoke in my room with an extremly sore right butt cheek and numbness in my right hand. The bariatric bed was uncomfortable and I ended up spending a miserable first night in a bariatric chair with terrible gas pains. I asked for some gas-x and the nurse said it wasn't ordered and that it would take a middle of the night call to the surgeon..."call him" I said. They did and a little later they brought me Mylanta w/simethicone...it helped. The next day they suplemented my pain meds with liquid loritab...that, in addition to the morphine pump worked fine and I started to fell better and had an easier time of walking around. Also, my surgeon ordered a regular bed for me, which was ten times more comfortable. I was really making big strides toward feeling better on day 2 and had a nice and restful second night. On Wednesday morning I was able to eat the sf jello w/protein and as the day progressed they removed the IV so walking became easier. On Wednesday afternoon they released me. They said that each day all of my labs and vitals were good, my JP drain looked good, and all my incisions were healing well. The only thing I hadn't done by the time they released my was to have passed gas...but a bumpy ride home helped to make that happen as soon I hit hit the door. I slept well in my own bed last night and this morning was able to handle a Carnation Instant Breakfast mixed with 1 cup of Hood Carb Countdown chocolate milk. It took me 2.5 hours to get it down, but no problems... Here in the beginning it will be challenging to get the protein and the 64 oz of water. I feel well enough to go to my fantasy football league draft tonight at BW3. It will last about 3 hours. That's all for now, just wanted to check in.

OH MY GOODNESS!!! Yes I agree with you on the gas pain thing. That was the worst that I have been through in this surgery. Mine was 08/16/05 first thing in the morning...Im doing great and I would never turn back for anything!!!!! I hear you on the protein thing, its hard at first...I feel like I am constantly drinking something. Its worth it though! -courtney

Congratulations Joe! I think the simethicone baby drops work better than chewable gas x. And I am still struggling to get in the fluids and protein. Good luck!

Congratulations Joe! Glad to hear you're feeling better. Most days now I can get the protein in, but I've been able to get the water in since my fourth day out. Of course, once I start on actual food it will probably be different.

Sounds like you're doing GREAT! Awesome! Glad to hear that your surgery and hospital stay was good and you are home now giving yourself time to recover! Yeah! Tamela

Joe, Great News..... Glad to hear that you're doing well. Every day it gets better & better. I had my surgery on Monday 8/15 & was feeling great by Friday & even better by Sunday. I work hard to get all my liquids in & to get 3 meals in, but it's all worth it. No regrets here at all. Keep up the great work, & keep us posted. Tammy

Hey Joe, It sounds like you're doing wonderfully! We have the same surgery date. I find it a challenge to get in all of my liquids as well but I'm trying really hard. I'm not allowed any protein until Monday and I'm sure looking forward to it! The gas thing......I know what you mean. I finally went to the bathroom on day 4 and that was helpful. Take care and best wishes! JP