Tips for early days/weeks after surgery?

Congratulations you have to be excited. My advise is afterwards when and if you feel like WHAT THE F$$$ did I do. Be patient don't get discouraged.  I went as far as praying oh God just put me back to before I would rather be fat on insulin. But no it gets better and don't over do it.

Yeah, I'm excited, but also not looking forward to the "what did I do to myself" phase. I hope it doesn't take too long to get better! 

I remember feeling that same way. I went back for my 1 week appointment I was dehydrated and had to be put on an IV. I wasn't get my Fluids in because I was feeling full after a couple of sips now 3 weeks in my Mental State is much better and feeling Great! Early on I slept in a recliner much easier to get up.

Buying a lot of protein drinks could be a good idea or not so good.  Your taste may change after surgery, so all toe protein stuff you like pre-op may taste completely different post-op.  I had bought a few samples to taste prior to surgery, and then tested them afterwards.  What didn't gag me went on the shopping list. 

Walk around the house as much as you can.  It doesn't need to be timed, but just move around. 

Don't expect much from yourself as far as productivity.  Give your body time to heal.  Even when you start on softer foods, your innards are still healing.  We can't rush that.

If you start feeling down, frustrated or discouraged, remind yourself that you are in the very early stages, and you will feel better.  I didn't feel back to my normal self for about 8 weeks post surgery. 

As someone already said, drink as much as you can, and stay off the scale!  You will gain weight in the hospital because of all the stuff they will be pumping into you.  It will come off.  Promise!

Best wishes to you - keep us all posted!

Hi Nancy,

 

I forget, did you follow the nutritionists's recommendations when you got out of the hospital-ie drinking 2 oz of water, then 2oz of protein shake, then 2oz of flavored liquid etc every hour on the hour or did you just go with the flow and hydrated throughout the day and drank protein when you could?  Also, did you start vitamins right away when you got home? Did you use vitalady?

I followed to the letter her recommendations.  That advice came not only from her, but from the nurse from the bariatric floor as well.  I even brought out a clock that I could see clearly to make sure I was drinking the 2 oz every 15 minutes.  Protein on the hour, other liquids the rest of the hour.   I did calcium and multis during those first weeks.  It was a few weeks later that I started the other vitamins - A,D,E,K.  I bought those at WalMart or drug store, and didn't realize they weren't going to do much for me because they were all the oil capsules.  Once I realized that, I dumped them and got dry ones.  I have since gotten VitaLady's pre-packaged regimen for DSers so I know I'm getting the right stuff.

I'm so excited for you! I am having mine Dec 11 with Dr K in CA. Who is your surgeon?? It's perfectly normal to be nervous!! I'm really nervous too! Lots of good advice here so be sure and share what you are feeling and going thru!! Best wishes dear!

Thanks, Dee Dee! My insurance won't cover WLS, and I can't afford to pay cash in the U.S., so I'm going out of the country. My surgeon is Dr. Ponce De Leon in Tijuana, Mexico. Best Wishes to you too! I'd love to hear how you do! 

Hey that's great congratulations. If you have a recliner that might be more comfortable to sleep in whe nyou first get home. It was for me. 

I came home lactose intolerant. It took me a wile to figure that out since I didn't start having any milk for a couple of weeks. Yogurts OK but anything I made with straight milk gave me gas and the runs.

I soon gave up on straigh****er and use sugar free powders to give me more taste and variety. Some people end up sensitive to artificial sweeteners so you will have to see how it goes. Very small sips to start, about a month in I could take a mouthful at a time. Several months later I could drink maybe 2 or 3 moutfuls at a time.

My stomach hurt on the drive home with each bump. I've seen people recommend taking a pillow to hold against your stomach to keep it from jiggling. I just tried to hold it still with my hands and that worked OK.

Things were better once I got home. After about a month I could actually feel myself getting better. Still I had my ups and downs the first couple of months.

It's all been worth it for me. Welcome to the DS. I wouldn't trade it.

 

Congrats! I am brand spanken new to recovery ... My ds was on tues . I just wanted to wish you luck! Not sure I am going to be helpful with recovery but here goes.. I use several pillows and sleep in my bed... No recliner.. I found warm drinks go down better better..pain meds are my best friend ,the first shower after surgery was exhausting!  Every day will get a little better... Good luck hun