My Very first post! Had surgery one week ago today (update and questions)

Hello! I have lurked a lot, but had yet to post a message, but felt now was as good a time as ever. I have come to this site often pre-surgery and am hoping to get some words of encouragement, thoughts ideas with my progress. I had surgery on 11/8 in Denver,CO. I should preface and say that my two concerns prior to surgery were: going under (terrified) and if everyone was really going to help me with my children (3 year old boy and 10 month old girl). HAHAHA. Jokes on me, I need to honestly say that this was a very difficult surgery on me. I got through surgery fine, but spent 5 hours in recovery b/c my central line was causing an irregular heartbeat. I got sent to the Surgical Floor per the cardiologists clearance and soon realized that I was basically allergic to every pain med they gave me. I was having the worst migraines ever, so I had to switch to Tylenol by the third day. I was able to make myself walk using the walker the first night but my left side was and still is always hurting. By the second day I was so built up with gas it was extremely painful. I had to have a suppository that helped a little, but not enough. The following day I ended up having an emergency CT scan to check for a bowel obstruction, which thankfully came back negative. Another suppository and I finally felt a bit better. I didn't get to leave on Thurs since I had had the migraines, CT scan and everything else, but I used that day to rest and get off all IV's. I left the hospital this past Friday. I am on a liquid diet until 3 w out and then will be on puree. I am super sick of jello, SF pudding and popsicles but trying to get by. I am nervous b/c food looks good, but of course I am not trying it. I also am having a HORRIBLE time getting in protein. I can't do the shakes (trying) and every time I add the tasteless whey protein to my stuff it tastes bitter. I am trying to dillute Isopure (like Koolaid but worse) but I am not getting what I need in. I go to my 1 week class on Wed and will ask my surgeon. I have weighed at home and think I lost 18lbs in one week which is exciting, but I am still scared. Thanks for letting me update MommyX2 Roni 245/227/135

Hi Roni, I know what you mean about food cravings! I had surgery 11/1 - the food thing is a challenge. My program lets us eat soft protein - yougurt, cottage cheese, luncheon meats, but I'm still not able to get all the protien in. I'm still hungry sometimes too. I've lost 24 lbs so far but like you, I had a hard time - it was a very difficult surgery. Today is my 2 week mark and I'm still exhausted by the littlest things. Not complaining or anything - it could be much worse - I'm just surprised by how tired I get. Oh well that's my little vent The good news is, it DOES get easier each day. You're in my thoughts and prayers

It sounds like you are doing great and I am grateful to hear that it gets better. I wish that my program allowed for more soft food, but I know my surgeon does it for a reason. I just can't believe how sick I already am of jello, broth, popsicles but the end will justify the means! Good luck to you too! MommyX2 Roni

Good morning. My very first post too. I am a grandmother of 2 ( ages 5 and 2 months) and had my surgery on Nov. 5 in S. Florida. Thankfully all went well; aside from feeling like I was run over by a mack truck, I was doing ok. My doc had VNA come out to the house a few times last week. Can you check with your hospital social worker to see if there are some services available locally that can give you some support or assistance? Eighteen pounds is incredible! I would be shouting it from thre rooftops. I gained six pounds in the hospital; they kept reassuring me that it was swelling and IV fluids, and would come off, but it was really discouraging and took a week to come back off. Then I lost six real pounds two days later. And I am happy- wi**** was more but I'll take what I can get. Food intake seems to be different depending on who you go to. I was also on liquids , but only for a week; last week we added liguid protein shakes. I find the Atkins Advantage to be fairly palatable. This Friday I add pureed foods, so if anyone has some suggestions, experiences, etc. to share, I sure would appreciate it. Butterfly Helga 252/247/150

Hi, You hang in there, sweetie. I know you can do it. I am scheduled for the 29th and have my fears. I am sorry you had such a rough time, but, I know in my heart that there are good days coming for you really soon. Stay focused and take care and I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs and God bless, Linda Ford