Returned home from Friday surgery

WOW!! Let me first say that I had the surgery done laproscopically last Friday, except for the add'l incision that the stomach had to fit through. Parts of the past 5 days have been easier than I thought, yet others, not so much!! None of the sites of the lap surgery have given me ANY problems, whatsoever. I move slowly, but I seem to be moving okay. However, I never thought I'd have problems getting protein and/or liquid in, and I am. Initially I just hurt too badly (from where the surgeons pulled most of my stomach out--------I also have a large bulge there). Docs said it was due to the stomach going thru lots of tissue & muscles, and that this pain would subside in 6-8 WEEKS!!!! Also, I have a slight infection at that one larger site, and I am taking antibiotics for it. Nothing seems to taste good, though. Today I have had four cups of decaf tea, two SF popicles, a taste of bad lumpy Cream of Wheat (will try that again tomorrow, though....and put it thru a blender!!), a small taste of chicken broth. Right now I am sipping some Crystal Lite. Tomorrow I will work on adding some protein. The menu you gave, Ms. R. Sperry, sounded sooooooo good. I will try it. I am glad you are doing well, and please do keep in touch.....I hope to become more cheerful as time goes on.....although everyone in the hospital said I was their fav patient. Hmmmm, maybe they like challenges?!? Good luck to all the other Nov. surgeries out there!!!!! *Kam*

Kam, I am glad to hear that you are home safe and sound. I can honestly say that after spending one night in my own bed, I felt 100% better. I had a pretty rough time inthe hospital, but each day I've been home I've felt better. Keep your chin up and keep me posted. SOmething else I tried tonight was beef broth with a splash of V8 in it. It really hit the spot. I didn't add any protein to it, but the warm soup felt good going down and it actually tasted like food. Have a great holiday, and just think, it can only get better from here. R. Sperry

I feel a comraderie with you, "R", and you are so right, that it can only get better!! I will try your receipe, too, adding the V8......something has got to taste good at some point, right?!?!? I hope continue to have a good recovery!!!!!!!!! *Kam*

Hi Kam. Hope that you are starting to feel better. I overdid it a bit today, so I am tired, but otherwise feel great. Got my staples out today. That feels so good--no more stinging and pulling. Well, I'll be thinking about you tomorrow as I slowly eat a bowl of broth while the rest of the fam is chowing down. Have a happy Thanksgiving. R. SPerry

I couldnt get down the protien drinks.. so I drank alot of milk.. 1 gram per ounce.. Linda

Thank you, Linda, for your reply. This morning I have been working on soupy Cream of Wheat, and it is okay, but not great. Also, had one cup of tea. But I will keep up with that milk, the best I can. Now that you are several months out, do you mind me asking you what your normal daily diet consists of? Also, when did you feel you were enjoying foods, again? Or, have you? I know lots of questions. Continued good luck to you, and it is so nice of you & the other post-ops to help us newbies. I REALLY appreciate it!!!!! *Kam*

It was about 3 months before I really started enjoying eating a little.. still consider it a chore... to many decisions.. like i had bbq chicken last night that either I swallowed to big of a bite or it was to dry and it HURT for about 20 minutes.. normall i dont have this problem I eat anything I want but since I have only so much room i find myself making LOT better choices.. I started off eatting 4 pecies of string cheese and day along with my 5 8 out oz glasses of milk.. i am not sugar sensitive (much) so i did have mine with quick.. REfried beans helped tons!! Now I have 1/2 a bacon and egg and cheddar crosaunt from our little bagel place splitting the rest with a co worker. snack on some dry peanuts, take my morning vitamins with a glass of milk and usually have meatloaf and mashed potatoes or soups with meat for dinner.. sometimes Bob Evans Turkey Lurkey off the childrens menu Good luck with your decisions maythey be well chosen and tasteful and help you in your journey!! I am down 85 pounds!!! finally ina size 16 after 25 years!!! Linda

Congratulations, Linda!! I would sooooo love to see size 16 again!!! Thank you, too, for all this information. Of course, it will remain somewhat of a struggle, but I am pleased to know that you are enjoying a lot of foods again, and that I probably will, too. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!! *Kam*

Hi Kam, I had my lap band done laproscoplly, November 22 and I to still experince pain when I drink my liquids. I've try different ways of drinking, like sipping, using a spoon an sipping. Still know relief. I guess in time my stomach will start healing and this will get better. Glad you surgery when well and your on the road to recovery. Theresa

Thank you, Theresa!! And, congratulations to you for being a new post-op, too!! I am sure we will all feel better....in time. Best of luck to you!! *Kam*