A Few Questions - GBRY on 12/27/06

Hi there! I am new here. I had my Gastric Bypass on Wed 12/27 so I am five days out. I've been doing fairly well... I had a minor complication in the surgery. My small intestine was shorter than average so my doctor had to stretch it to meet up with my new pouch. I am finding the hardest thing is the JP Drain/tube. I feel like getting out and walking and starting to live again but I feel like I can't do anything with this tube. I don't get it out until January 11th. I had my first real hunger last night and this morning. That was a surprise. I guess it's normal thought, right? My right shoulder has been very sore and almost like I have a pinched nerve or something. Is this from how they position you during the surgery? I've been drinking the Atkins Chocolate shakes and I've been getting like 30g of protein. I have been getting my 64 oz of protein but just barely. I've also been living off sugar free jello and sugar free popcicles. Any encouragement, tips and or advice would be appreciated. Leeann in Knoxville

Hello and Happy New Year!! I had my Lap RNY on 12/21. I luckily do not have a drain/tube. But I can recommend to not let that get in the way of getting out if you feel up to it. The walls can close in on you if you don't go do things. As far as the hunger, it really is just head hunger. Mine has always been bordom hunger. When I sit around the house too long, I start searching the fridge and cupboards. My husband who has never had a weight problem will probably develope one since I find myself cooking the things I think I am hungry for and make them for him. I have learned that head or bordom hunger is just a growly stomach and true hunger kinda hurts. If that helps any. The pain you your shoulder sounds like the one I had in my left shoulder. I was told it is part from the way you are positioned in surgery and mostly from the gas settling there. Walking will really help to get the gas out of your system. I also have been told by my Doctor that you have enough protien stores in your body for a month, so not to worry so much the first few weeks about the protien intake and to drink milk in between meals. Milk is a wonderful inexpensive protien source and my new tummy loves it. I drink 3 ounces every hour between breakfast and lunch, then make sure I have 3 more ounces a couple more times before I go to bed. Just keep up your good work and soon everything will all fall into place. Knoxville is a great place, I love it. My dad use to live in between Knoxville and Oakridge off Palisippi (spelling) so I spent a lot of time there. It has always been one of those places that I have said that if I ever moved from here, that is where I would want to live. Happy New Year! Maryann

I had a real sharp pain in my left shoulder and I believe that is just the gas trapped in your body. I had it when I had my children, both c-section. It does go away. I know it can be very painful. Mine lasted two or three days. I got hungry like 5 or 6 days out. I just started to drink more water and my protein shakes. I am two weeks out today and haven't felt really hungry since that day. But my doctor released me to eggs, deli meat, refried beans, yogurt and other "real" foods. I don't know about you but a lot others have to be on liquid diets for so long. I would have a hard time if I was still on liquid. All doctors are different I guess. I have lost 27 lbs since a week before my surgery on Dec. 11 so I am not complaining!! This is so neat!! I think they still want you to get up and walk with the tube in. I am still walking around in my living room to get some exercise. I have a tiny living room and still feel like I get a decent workout. Anyway, good luck to you and Happy New Year! This year is going to be awesome!! Kristina

Leeann: Welcome~ I can speak to the tube isue!!!!! I had to keep ym JP drain tube in 8 days!!!!!!! I got it out last Tuesday, and lemme tell ya, you will be ready to fly once it is gone! Ok, funny story---my tube "farted" (it made the longest, funniest gas noise) as the PA pulled it out of my tummy! We both laughed, and apparently, I still had some abdominal gas in there. It only tugged a little, didn't hurt after it was pulled out. I still do have a dressing I have to put on my JP drain site, and it has taken the longest to heal (all of my incisions from the laproscopic utensiles are healed already), but I am hoping that the site will close up shortly. After it is out, you will be much more mobile! It was a big emotional boost for me too. I am still having a lot of lower left quadrant pain, but I am fighting through it. Congrats on having your surgery! Megan

I had 2 JP Drains in for over 2 weeks. They sucked SOOOOO bad. They both got infected and I was put on 2 different antibiotics (which I am STILL taking) and they are healing up very slowly. They caused me as much pain and anguish as my 7 in*****ision from having Open RNY. You are doing great!! Just get some fresh air every day if you can and drink plenty of water and get in some protein. Take it one day at a time. I promise it will get better. (((HUGS))) Love, Delana