Came back home - bruised!

I just came back home yesterday. My belly is bruised terribly, all black and blue - anybody had the same? Also my belly is somewhat bloated and disformed. The incisions are dry and not painful, however the bruises hurt a lot. I cannot sleep on the side, only on my back. Also, regarding food - I still crave for good food. I am behaving though and have no problem drinking clear liquids and they keep me full. However, I want to have a taste of all this delicious stuff I have in the fridge for my family. Any advice?

Lena, it's all normal. Your belly is swollen and will be for a few more days. I had bruises too - the surgery is a major ordeal on our bodies. I still sleep on my back 10 days post op and the food habits we have had for years do not go away with the surgery. We have to break them ourselves. I had a few moments of why did I do this to myself, but it get's better. I can't offer much advice except to tell you that each day gets easier and remember why you wanted to do this.

Thank you Denise for your response. I will hold on to my diet indeed. However, my doc said I will never be hungry again. I am hungry as a matter of fact for goods food, not necessarily unhealthy food. I would love to have some cottage cheese or a peace of chicken...Chicken broth helps, but I get tied of it already. Oh well, will live through this...no choice.

I did not have any bruises. But I do have the same problem with just wanting to taste things my family is eating. But so far I have done good. Hang in there. You can do it. Ann

Thanks Ann, I have not sinned so far, not sure if will be able to hold for too long. I think I will just put something under the tongue to get the taste and be carefull not to swallow. What do you think?

Lena: I came home yesterday too! I have some vicious looking bruises over my incisions too - however the worst (and most painful) bruise that I have is where the first surgical nurse tried and tried and tried and tried to stick me for my iv!!! My incision sites just feel as though I have done too many situps! Are you taking pain meds prescribed by your doc? That should help with pain - if not I would call his/her office... Until about 2:00a today (Sat post op day 3) I had bad gas bloating and was so uncomfortable I could not lay down at all. I cannot lay on my right side but my left side feels fine (now). I heated up a towel and put it over my belly and then put my electric massager over it - that made the gas pain feel better - and it did start to let up very early this a.m. I am doing fine with the clear liquids - the gas and bloating are keeping me from worrying about other food right now - I don't know what it will be like once that is gone and I am ready to eat. Hang in there - it will probably just take some adjustments. Good luck. dawn

Dawn, I had lots of gas, but no more, it passed in the hospital, I am lucky about it. Regarding bruises - I am using a tummy support similar to the one pregnant women are wearing. It helps to move around. I was so fit from exersizing b4 the surgery, and now my belly looks like black jello, moving and hurting with every step I make. I take pain killers prescribed by doc, but I sleep from it too much. I am a hyper person and like moving around a lot. Staying in bed makes me feel sicker! My shoulders are all black too from the shots I was given. Every night I feel as if I have high fever, however the temperature is normal. I am cold constantly. The termostat is set 74 degrees - not enough for me. I sleep in socks and under a down blanket. By the way, I lost the 10 lb I gained b4 the surgery (since I was off adipex for that week). That makes me happy! Have you lost any yet?

Oh my gosh, my WHOLE lower stomach was bruised because of the herparin shots (blood thinner) every 12 hours for 4 days! (its still bruised)And under my left forearm, there were the BIGGEST bruises!!!! im 15 days out and their still there! I have to develop my pictures and scan them and show you guys! They were HORRIBLE!!!! ~Amy post-op DS 11-5-04/-25 pounds

I had my WLS 11/16/04. I am fortunate enough to not have had any bruising. As for sleeping I have found that if i put a small pillow behind my back(where my drain is) it is alot better the next day. It sounds like what you are dealing with is "head" hunger. My dr. sd that was normal and it would be something I would have to work on for a long time. If you have any gas pains I would recommend children's mylicon gas refief drops--suar free of course. They are heaven sent because I was so gasy it hurt. Now I am able to release it with no problem and am actually burping alot. (which my dr. was suprised about) Hope all goes well--we need to keep everyone updated! Heather -27.9 lbs pre-op

It's so nice to know that the bruises aren't unusual! I had surgery on 11/8 and came home 11/11 and when I looked in the mirror I was shocked. I was sooo bruised. I'm now 12 days post op and I still can only sleep on my back. It's driving me crazy! I just want to sleep normal and actually sleep all night! Has anyone tried putting pillows under your belly or anything to bet on your side? I'm still on full liquids and I so know the feeling of "just one taste please". My daughter has been eating pizza, cheese sticks, salads, and all kinds of yummy foods and I just keep thinking "but I just want one taste!" lol We just have to remember we're all doing this for ourselves and we're going to win this battle and the food won't bother us! Congratulations and good luck to all of you!!!! Christine