Just had Surgery on the 14th and have questions

Hi Everyone, I had my surgery on Jan. 14th and I'm home now. I guess I'm doing pretty good the pain is still pretty bad but I'm walking and trying to get in liquids. I had no idea how hard it would be to drink the liquids. I think I'm afraid of drinking too fast. I have a few questions. I was wondering how long it was before everyone went back to work? Slept flat in bed? To get all liquids/protein for day in? Were able to do everyday daily activities without being in pain? Any information you guys could give me would be great! Right now I'm feeling like this is never going to end and It's going to be a long time before I'm somewhat "back to normal". Thanks

Hi Amy, Congrats on makiing it to the Looser's Bench! For me, the first few weeks were perhaps the hardest of my life. I was always so tired, and all I wanted to do was chew. It's amazing how tired of drinking liquids one can become!! Anyway, walking helps. Walk walk walk. It helps to eliminate gas, regulate your system (in all ways) and will get you ready to begin really exercising once your Doc gives you the OK. I took 6 weeks off from work because I could, but I could have gone back in 3 or 4 weeks. In fact, I would have been better off if I did. I became lazy and complacent, not to mention addiced to Dawson's Creek. Lets see, slept flat in bed...weeks. 4-5 weeks, at least. I dont know about you but I'm a belly-sleeper. Getting in all your protein & liquids is tough, and most newly post-ops (and many late-post ops too) have a very difficult time. Try to reach the quantity your Doc prescribes, but remember, it's difficult and don't get down on yourself if you dont get it. Protein is very important and get as much as you can, along with your B-12 and vitamins. Daily activities - I did a little at a time. Pain wasn't an issue, my energy level was. So, thats my super-long response. It sounds like your doing good, just get through the first few weeks and believe me, it gets easier. Hang in there, soon you'll be back to normal. No, scratch that. Soon you'll be feeling better than you were before. -Deb

Hi Amy, Congrats on makiing it to the Looser's Bench! For me, the first few weeks were perhaps the hardest of my life. I was always so tired, and all I wanted to do was chew. It's amazing how tired of drinking liquids one can become!! Anyway, walking helps. Walk walk walk. It helps to eliminate gas, regulate your system (in all ways) and will get you ready to begin really exercising once your Doc gives you the OK. I took 6 weeks off from work because I could, but I could have gone back in 3 or 4 weeks. In fact, I would have been better off if I did. I became lazy and complacent, not to mention addiced to Dawson's Creek. Lets see, slept flat in bed...weeks. 4-5 weeks, at least. I dont know about you but I'm a belly-sleeper. Getting in all your protein & liquids is tough, and most newly post-ops (and many late-post ops too) have a very difficult time. Try to reach the quantity your Doc prescribes, but remember, it's difficult and don't get down on yourself if you dont get it. Protein is very important and get as much as you can, along with your B-12 and vitamins. Daily activities - I did a little at a time. Pain wasn't an issue, my energy level was. So, thats my super-long response. It sounds like your doing good, just get through the first few weeks and believe me, it gets easier. Hang in there, soon you'll be back to normal. No, scratch that. Soon you'll be feeling better than you were before. -Deb

Hi Amy, You're still awfully new, so please go easy on yourself and pamper yourself: get as much sleep as your body is telling you it needs, don't lift anything, drink your water or crystal light slowly. The biggest thing is to stay hydrated. I had my surgery on Nov. 22 and went back to work on Jan. 10, but I have had a couple complications (ulcer and small stricture), so that kept me out longer than most. Honestly, I think you need at least a month off. YOu've been through MAJOR surgery, and your systems are all in shock. I slept flat on my back from the get go, with two large pillows under my knees to take the pressure off my back. It was several weeks before I could sleep on my sides. I had a lot of pain when I first came home, but I'm sure that as from gas, even though I was walking. It passed (the pain and the gas!) about 8 or 9 days after surgery. My husband was home for the first week of the surgery, and then a good friend stayed the second week. THat took the pressure off me, I was able to sleep when I wanted, without worrying about my 4-y-old daughter. My husband works nights, so I would rest in the daytime when he was home, then I honestly just took it very easy at night, and let my girl watch far too much tv! As I mentioned, I had a couple of complications which, until they were diagnosed, made me nauseated and miserable for weeks. After a week or so on Prevacid twice a day, I finally felt normal. Now, 8 weeks post-op, I feel totally normal, except I'm still on a soft foods/liquid diet until my second endoscopy (Feb. 1st). My biggest challenge right now is exercise. I hate to do it, and I don't want to do it, but I know I have to. Hopefully, as more weight comes off, I'll have more energy and will want to. Hopefully. Anyway, be good to yourself, and get your rest, especially right now, when it's just happened. Take care, and best of luck. Heather

Hi Amy. I had surgery on 12/27.. I began sleeping in a bed just after 2 weeks out and today was my first day back to work. Should I have taken another week or gone back with half days.. sure... I am tired now but... Take it easy.. your body has been through a lot. Mine is still not 100% and I am stillgiving myself a break.. Hope all goes well!! Welcome to the losers side! Hugs, Beckie

I went back to work after 4 weeks, probably could have come back a little sooner.... I slept flat as soon as the staples came out (10 days). I slept on the couch until then just to avoid getting bumped.... I still don't have as much energy as before (almost 4 months), but I think if I exercised more regularly I would have more energy! I eased back into normal activities slowly, just did stuff as I felt I could. Good Luck, Carmen