pre-op jitters

hi, I am Having my surgery in january{dont have exact date yet} and I am very excited!! I am a little nervous about complications such as leaks and hematomas? Also I have heard of people having strictures? I am 100% sure of my decision to have the surgery and I would like some feedback as to other peoples experiences with complications. I am a single mom of two and my mother is flying in to help me for about a week. How much time does it take on average to be up and about again? I know everyone is different, but I just need a feel for how much help I'll need. Thanks rachel

first time user just checking to make sure i did this right. bye

Rachel, Lori is right, we all went through the jitters and worry but concentrated on being as healthy as I could be for my surgery. I had my surgery in August and turned 50 the following Oct. so being older I assumed i would have a longer recovery time but no. I had my surgery on Wed. and returned to work the following Monday for 6-7 hours a day the first week and then full time. Had a little swelling in my ankles but turned out to be water retention (I was eating a lot of soup, too much sodium). Then my liver levels were elevated but they finally returned to normal and they have not idea what caused the elavation. I too was a little tired for the first two months but when I could start my protein drinks and vitamins my energy level improved. (I waited to start my vitamins for one month, not a good idea but was just having a difficult time with the liquid and finding chewable I could stand). You will do great. Just stay active before and after the surgery, I got up from my desk and ran up the stairs and walked around at least once every hour. Good luck. Judye

Hi Rachel! You are perfectly normal in having preop jitters. Everyone goes through it. I did. All the normal thoughts ya know? I didn't have any complications from surgery. Unless you count constipation as a complication! I am just over 3 months postop and have lost 52 lbs so far. Seems like it is coming off slow for me but I will take it. I was out and about in 4 days after my surgery. Not doing anything more than walking, but I was out of the house. I took 2 weeks off from my desk job. Worked half days my first week back. Then I was up to 40 hours a week in no time. My energy level was very low for the first 2 months. Now I have more than enough! Good luck to you in January. You will do great! Lori

Hi Rachel, I am a single mom and my mom stayed with me for a week. I was out of the hospital after an over night stay, should have relaxed and stayed two days. I was out walking around on the third or fourth day. I also had no extra energy for two months. Now feel wonderful, have lost 63 lbs. Started at 263 size 20 and am 200 today size 12. I returned back to work a desk job in 12 days. I was nervous and everything went great. It does take some getting used to the new lifestyle, however, I love it feel better and feeling better everyday. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself.... Diana

Congratulations Rachel! Yes, the pre-op jitters are terrible. I didn't sleep at all for two days before my surgery. I am the most paranoid person in the world! I just KNEW that I was going to die in surgery, then after I lived, I thought I had every possible complication known to man. Of course, in reality, I haven't had a single complication since sugery - I haven't even thrown up at all. I had very little pain, just minor discomfort, but I know that everyone is different in that aspect. I was fourtunate to have had a wonderful surgery experience. I was feeling good after about a week, and back to myself after about two weeks. Good luck on your journey and I'm sure you'll do fine. Just make sure you get you liquids and vitimans!

Hi Rachel - You didnt say which surgery you are having? Lap band or RNY gastric buypass? I had the gastric buypass in August and it was the best decison I did for myself. I am -66lbs now- and can hardly believe my good fortune. But it is not luck I attribute my good health to- it is the prior research I did- and hopefully- you are attending a surgeon's support group - and talking with his patients on their experiences. I researched 3 surgeons before choosing Dr Garber. Another surgeon I had been researching and attending his meetings- I heard several patients talking about stricture- about other problems- and i just didn't fit right with the surgeon. So look before you leap,and know and trust in your surgeon- that you have made the very best decision, and all will be well for you. It is normal to have jitters- but the best thing you can do, is mentally prepare yourself that you are giving yourself a second chance at life, for yourself and for your kids. I am a single Mom of one (now 20) and he was worried for me, he prayed while I was in surgery,and knowing he was so conerned helped us both! For recovery- I had initially planned one week and to work from home for 2 weeks- then return full time. Even though I had no complications, (and still don't), Your body needs rest and time to recover. I spent the full 3 weeks recuperating, walking and getting used to my new diet. You cannot get out of bed unassisted, and may need help getting up now and then. Also, remember initially you won't be hungry- and you are going to have to put yourself on a clock to drink and eat. Get your protein in, 50-70gms a day- however long it takes you to sip it- the protein will help your body heal and recover. I was off pain meds, and felt no pain, by day 7 after surgery.However you still cannot lift anything heavy for about 6wks. My mom and my son- helped me for those first 3 weeks. Also- I had never had major surgery before- so they do pump you with gas and fluids- I had laprascopic RNY- and the gas does make you feel some pain after surgery- but thats why you have an IV pump - and they give you pain pills when you return home. Also- you will not be able to drive as long as you are taking pain killers. Also, know- the more you walk- the better you will feel, I promise that. And one day, several months will go by, and you will look back and be amazed, because you will feel so good - like I do now- and feel like you never had surgery at all!! I wish you a very lovely holiday season - and send love and prayers that your surgical team is guided and inspired by the Lord, and that you will have a speedy and wonderful recovery! Donna aka Diamond Girl

Rachel, I was out and driving myself around in 2 weeks. What you are experiencing as everyone has pointed out, is normal. I was crying walking back into pre-op until a nurse showed me her before and after picture. I knew that I had to go through with it. The first week was rough, but honestly as time goes along, it got better and better. I had my surgery 8/11 and I'm down 72 pounds I ran into someone I worked with 2 years ago and she didn't know who I was... I had to tell her my name.... then she said "oh my, you have lost so much weight!" This surgery transforms you on the inside and the out. It's the best thing I've done for myself. I have a 5 and 2 year old, so dealing with children can be tough, but they get use to you having a "boo-boo" and again, time heals all wounds!