I can't believe I'm ...

I can't believe I'm here! I can't believe I finally had it done!!!! It was amazing experience. I was up and walking around 4 hours after surgery. The doctor and RN's said they weren't used to that. LOL I was ready to GO GO GO! I recovered well and did everything I was supposed to (including FART LOL), so they discharged me a day early. Now I am home and I feel fine (a little tired), but I get a lot of pressure in my chest when I drink water or warm tea. I haven't thrown anything up, but it hurts to drink. Maybe I'm drinking too much? I'm sipping sipping sipping - but then I get that full feeling. Any suggestions? And forget trying to eat! I had a small bite (as in TINY bite) of cheddar that I chewed to liquid and one Tablespoon of natural peanut butter (I regret that... but I don't have any mushy protein foods that I can eat!). The last time I ate was 9:30 p.m. (the peanut butter) and now I feel nauseous (it's 1 am). I have some discomfort - nothing horrible - but I can't sit up straight because it pulls on my belly. I cannot lay down flat either... I have to lay propped up which sucks. I am just uncomfortable. Is this normal? HOw soon until the pain from surgery goes away? I don't know exactly how to word my questions - but those are my issues and I guess I'm curious about whether or not I should be calling the doctor. I am NOT doubling over in pain or vomitting. Nothing like that. But it's hard to ge****er in - forget food! Is this normal? Thanks... carol L.

OOPS - forgot to mention above that I'm 3 days post op!!!

Whoa...your doctor says it's ok for you to have cheese and peanut butter? I was on liquids for 4 weeks. Your pouch is still very small and swollen...the slightest thing could irritate it.

oooooh, way to early for food honey. At least in my humble opinion. jello, broth, water, watered down apple juice. As long as you are not showing signs of dehydration and you are not vomitting I think you are doing great! Of course, any doubt in your mind requires a call to the doc. Never think twice about calling your surgeon. You have just had MAJOR surgery, MAJOR! It will take time to heal. Everything sounds normal to me but remember, call your doc if you feel somethings not right. I was on pain meds for like 2 weeks. Everyone is different but discomfort at 3 days out... yup.. normal! Keep posting and let us know how you are doing. Sip, sip, sip and walk, walk, walk Congratulations Carol! You did it! Barb

Congratulations on the sucessful surgery and being home now. I hope you continue to have a speedy recovery without complications.

Even my doctor who puts his patients back on solids at 12 days would say no to the cheese and peanut butter this early out.... I was able to do all clear liquids and full liquids for the first 12 days... SF Jello, broth, milk, SF pudding, and soups (minus the chunks of stuff). I couldn't tolerate water, and still can't much even at 18 months out, but I can get in some Crystal Light Orange Sunriser.... At 3 days post op, the pain is normal.... give yourself some time to rest and relax, and the pain will subside before you know it. And if you have a drain, know that as soon as it is removed, the majority of the pain will go too. Hugs, Susan

Carol, I had to do liquids for three weeks. LOTS OF BROTH....Diet apple juice, water....But I wouldn't eat "food" yet. Give your belly some time to heal. I had to lay propped up too...Don't push yourself, you don't want to hurt yourself. I couldn't drink water...it gave me the hicups...I just added some apple juice to it and it was fine. See you on the happy and healthy side, Lea Lewis

CAROL, I still have my sheet I want I could eat for three weeks. 1. Limit the amount taken at one meal or snack to 2-4 ounces 2. Divid the entire diet for the day into 3 meals, but can alsp include 2-3 snacks 3. Take 30 minutes or longer to drink each meal or snack 4. Sip slowly 5. Drink at least 64 ounces of eater daily. This is extra dn does not count as meals or snacks 6. Avoid carboneated beverages because they may cause gas pains 7. Inculde 2-4 (4ounces) servings of skim mil or lactose free skim milk 8. Inlcude a protein supplement daily. Foods allowed Sugar free non carbonated fruit flavored drinks decaf tea decaf coffee sugar substitute diet apple juice diet grape juice light cranberry juice clear boullion sugar free gelatin skim milk sugar free popsicile ice water liquid diet Sample menu Breakfast 2 oz decaf coffee 2 oz skim milk sugar substitute vanilla protein poweder Snack 4ounces skim milk with choc. protien powder Lunch 2 ounces chicken boullion with milk and unflavored protein 2ounces decaf tea sugar substitute snack 2 ounces gelatin with protein 2 ounces skim milk with strawberry protein powder Dinner 2 ounces light cranberry juice 2 ounces skim milk with choc. protein powder Snack 4 ounces skim milk with vanilla protein powder I hope this helps you. See you on the happy and healthy side, Lea Lewis