Paula's update - 6 days postop

It's been an interesting week, I spent time updating my profile. I went to the doctor today to get out the 14 staples. I feel really bruised, but everyday gets better and better. He asked if I wanted to move to puree. I want to stay with the liquids one more week, it seems too soon and I'm still healing. I could not fit into my jeans to go to his office, I'm so bloated and swollen. Is this natural? The good news is I lost 5.2 lbs and my head is in the right place with this life-altering event. I see him again on Monday to check one of the incision sites; it was oozing today when he removed the staple. No big deal. I have a boatload coming for thanksgiving, I can't wait to entertain again and be with my family. The best of holidays to all. This site has been a blessing.

Hi Paula! Glad to hear you're out and doing well. You'll feel much better in a few days. This is the worst part and it doesn't last long. Its normal to have swelling for quite a while. I had it for almost a month it seemed. It will just amaze you when it all goes down and you can "see" the weight you've lost already. Keep us updated! Have a nice turkey day too! Take care, Michelle

Hi Paula, Happy Thanksgiving to you also. The bloating will subside and it is very normal. Everyone had told me to initially wear loose fitting clothes, so I guess there was a reason. As far as what to eat when, I think if you don't feel ready for pureed then that's okay, we all know our bodies and pouches better than anyone else. So you'll know when you are ready. Keep up the great work and whenever you have a question or concern, you know where to find us. Best wishes, Mary Lou

Hi Paula! I felt like dooky for a good 2 weeks. I wore sweatpants quite a bit because I just felt real swollen. Plus, I had developed pneumonia a week out, and that didn't help. But I am pretty sure you will now start to feel a little better each day. I had the oozing thing too. Eeeew! It's common though and it will close in a few days. Just keep a bandaid over the incision so it does not get infected. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Tara

Hi Paula! Congrats on your first post op doctor's appt.! That's great - we had our surgery on the same day - I'm on liquids until 11/29, but I honestly feel that I could eat purees a little now. I won't (against doctor's orders) but I have felt so much better in the past 24 - 48 hours stomach wise . Phew! I think the swelling must have gone down substantially on the inside for me. Yeah, I'm still pretty puffy and swollen too. I hardly take off my binder. Mostly just to tighten it. Without it, I'm just not comfy. I hope you have a great holiday!!! Tammy

It's amazing how our bodies heal. Everyday I feel soooo much better. Best of luck to you on your road to recovery. We are in the same place I'm sure. Funny, we were in the hospital and there was this elastic body binder in the room. No one said a thing about it, and when we packed to go home I asked a nurse about it and she did not know either. Now I'm wondering if I should have taken it, and why the doctor didn't mention it? Oh well...

Paula, It must be nice to have the staples out. I was sooo happy when mine came out. I felt bloated for a couple weeks and pretty much stuck to sweatpants for a while. Good luck, everyday does get better! Carmen