WOW MOMENT........Monday is the Big Day.....

WOW MOMENT # 1  -  I've hit every single emotion possible to a human being.   I just heard from the hospital and it is finally sinking in that Monday is the day.  Right now my heart is pounding.  I NEVER expected to be going thru this many emotions before the surgery.  I've been cool, matter-of-fact, about the whole thing.  I have so many questions for members that have recently gone thru RNYGB recently both lap and open.   I was hoping to get a couple of questions answered. How long were you in the hospital for?  Did anyone have it done at Hartford Hospital??? Did it really hurt?  What was the worst thing about the few hours post surgery ?  How long was it until you were feeling decent enough to take a walk? I know everyone is different.  It's just nice to hear from other people who have had the surgery recently. Thanks for your support and encouragement

Not post-op but just wanted to say good luck Monday.

I had RNY on May 21 in New Haven.  I had Surgery Monday and went home Wednesday afternoon/evening.  Pain is different for everyone.  I took pain Meds for the rest of Monday and stpped late Tuesday afternoon (and have had nothing since).  Right after surgery I was very groggy.  I was a bit worried about waking up with the air tube still in but it wasn't.  The first evening my wife called and asked if I wanted to see the kids (age 7 and 12).  I said to bring them.  They were kind of in awe of everything and having the whole family there kind of grounded me.  I walked for the first time a couple of hours after they left and several more times over the next few days.  My first walk I had someone watching me to ensure all was OK but there were no real problems (other than getting the gown on right and carrying, pushing, everything that was hooked to me. No matter what, your doing this for a reason.  Keep your goals in mind. Hope that helps a little, Brian

Good luck on Monday!

Here's some advice I can think of off the top of my head....

Bring some chap stick with you and some breath spray - when you can't drink anything the breath spray will help keep your mouth a little moist and the chap stick will keep your lips from cracking (trust me on this - you won't regret it).

Make sure when you ride home there is a pillow in the car for you to hug - it will make the ride home much better.

Get some liquid colace or milk of magnesia and have it in the house to help you if you do not have a bowel movement - don't let that go too long - constipation after surgery is common and can be painful -

Take a deep breath - you have everyone praying for you for a smooth journey to good health!

Congratulations! You should do just fine. I was not at HH but I had my lap RNY 4/06. I had my surgery on a Wednesday and went home on Sat morning. The surgery ended up not being as painful as I expected, but I took my IV pain medication as often as was ordered. I was not on any continous type of pain med, so I needed to ask for my medication. So, if that is how your doctor prescribes it, be sure to take it when you need it, don't wait to long to ask for it because it may take some time for your nurse to get it and for it to work. I got up with a nurse's help the first time that evening of my surgery. Be sure to have help the first time and make sure that you have had your medication a little while before hand and you should do ok. It is very important to get up and start walking as soon as you can to prevent any post op complications. It will get easier each time you get up, walking helps prevent blood clots, helps you get you GI tract moving and lets gas pass. Also be sure to use your incentive spirometer frequently throughout your waking hours to keep your lungs inflated and help prevent post op pnuemonia.Also be sure to follow your doctors instuctions when you are to begin taking sips of fluid which for me was not until that Friday after they checked to  make sure I didn't have any leaks from my pouch.  Take care and let us know how you do.   Sher

Everything will be fine, you will heal up quickly and feel so good afterwards....sending you all these positive thoughts! Keep focusing on the positive and let go of all the fears, as much as possible anyway. We will be waiting here for you to hear how you are doing when you get home! Positive positive positive thoughts!!! Blessings, Lisa

I can't answer most of your questions because my surgery is 8 days after yours. What I can tell you is that I have had multiple surgeries at Hartford Hospital, including open heart and that I have heard lots of good things about your surgeon. My primary doctor wanted me to go to him but my inurance wouldn't let me use Hartford Hospital. Keep your mind focused on your positive long-term goals. Good Luck. Bonniebsailing