I'm home, it's true.

Hello all! I am indeed home. I came home last Thursday, the doctors there said I did the best that anyone could do. Which is great to hear and all, except for the fact that it hurt a lot. The laparoscopic site where they do the most work hurt(s) the most and the drain hurt a lot. I still hurt a bit, mostly the bruising. It feels like a cramp in my side all the time. I am not like everyone else I read about, I can't eat a lot of Jello or drink a lot. It's really hard for me to get things down without feeling full, in addition to the pain right there... I read about people who can't stop eating Jello or drinking water... It takes me 4-6 hours to get 8 ounces of protein shake down. Then all I really can do the rest of the day is water. Maybe some chicken broth. Jello, I can't even stomach. No milk... I get a bit nauseous. My vasovagal syndrome is flaring up because I am somewhat dehydrated too. My doctors (not my bypass doctors, my cardio doctors) said I should drink gatorade, but it's got so much sugar in it... I will talk to Dr Barba tomorrow... Oh well. Things will get better. They do get better every day, I just would like to be a bit less painful I guess... Thanks for thinking of me guys! Jen

Welcome home Jen and welcome to the loser's side. Congratulations!!!! The first days are a bit rough, but I promise you every day does get a little bit easier. Just walk as much as you can and take sips of fluid whenever you can. You can always water down the Gatorade or try drinking Propel fitness water. The Propel doesn't have as much nutrients as the Gatorade, but it does have some. Protein shakes would be your next best bet. Hope you can stay hydrated, so you don't have to go back for an IV. Maggie

Welcome home Jen, Try suger free ice pops to help you to keep hydrated easier on you as they melt a little at a time, I slept with pillows proping me up inthe front and back left side felt more comfy to sleep on for me. The first few weeks staying hydrated was the most important thing, you have protien in your body to live off of for a little while, do the best you can with getting some in you. You will be feeling alot better real soon and when you try getting dressed in your old jeans and they fall off you your going to love it! Take Care and Keep up the great work! Julio

Hi Jen, It takes time to build up to being able to get a lot in. I could only do slow sips for the first couple of weeks. Don't fret, it will get better. You can buy SMAR****ER, by Glaceau *the people that make the vitamin water* and it is plain water, but with electrolytes in it to keep you hydrated. This way, you don't have to worry about any sugars in it, it's just plain water. I buy mine in the health food section of Shaw's or Stop & Shop. Just rest and let yourself recouperate. You just had major surgery! paula

Hi Jen - I'm glad to hear that you're home and on the mend and sorry that you are in pain. I know my friend had a tough time getting all the protein in at first but just focused on trying to get the fluids - eventually it got better for her - just like it will for you! I hope you are feeling better real soon and your path to a new you is filled with success! Best Regards, Tammy Count Down: 1 day!