I'm new - 4 days post-op

I had lap RNY with Dr Glas**** at Sartori in Cedar Falls on 5/12. All went well and I was only in the hospital for 2 days, which was nice. Since being home, my family and I take 2-3 short walks per day and I try to be up and around as much as possible. I'm probably doing about a mile or so a day, maybe. My biggest struggle is being thirsty. Pre-op, I was used to chugging water whenever I got thirsty and obviously that can't be done. I sip a couple of swallows every 5 minutes or so. I still seem to get bloated quite a bit and anxious to get rid of the gas bubbles rumbling around in there. I'm also looking forward to my first few bites of soft foods, especially eggs. That won't come for another 2 weeks though. =( I take the pain meds about 3 times a day, 1 teaspoon in the morning, 2 teaspoons at noon (usually followed by a nap) then 2 teaspoons at night. Otherwise, I try to do without it. I see Dr Glas**** on 5/19 for my one-week post-op appointment and will be thankful to get my drain removed. Will that be painful to have it taken out? As luck would have it, I got my period the day I got home from the hospital, go figure. I look forward to chatting with you! angie

Welcome Angie! I am 5 days out so I know just exactly what you are talking about. Mine had to be open because of lots of adhesions so I'm a lot behind you recovery wise. I just got out today because of asthma problems. Michelle Rose will be joining in soon. She had her surgery Thursday. It's a great message board.

Lyn - I'm asthmatic too, and am VERY surprised I didn't need a nebulizer treatment while in the hospital. I had brought mine with my meds, just in case. Every other time I've been intubated, I have a reactive airway issue that causes an asthma attack when they take the tube out. I had told the anesthesiologist and he said they could give me a couple of puffs of my inhaler before removing the tube. I'm not sure if they did that, but I'm assuming so since I had no asthma problems. Glad to hear your asthma problems got under control and you're home. Take care! angie

My name is Dawn Phillips, and im from the Fort Dodge area. I am 10 months post op and have lost 107 lbs. I started at 304 and a size 26/28 and im down to 197 and a size 12/14 (only 12's if they STRETCH..but 12's dangit!!!! hehe) GREAT JOB on getting your exercise! That will make a big BIG difference in how quickly you lose! I lost 24 lbs in my first 2 weeks...i've seen some lose less and some more..it varies so much by the individual. Umm...i'm sorry to have to tell you this..but GET USED TO THE GURGLING STOMACH... it doesnt' go away for a long time! STILL when i eat.. my stomach gurgles like CRAZY..but not when i drink anymore..thank goodness. lol. Also... you will be quite gassy..but that should pass after a bit. Now i am just because i eat alot of sugar free stuff..and that causes gas. I had my drain removed 4 days after my surgery...when i left the hospital (i had an OPEN surgery..so i was in the hosp. longer) It feels kindof funky when they pull it out..but it didn't hurt. just felt really REALLY wierd..kinda like a worm crawling out of you or somethin...hard to explain. Be lucky you started your period after you came home.. i started RIGHT after surgery..and i had to have one of those pads that go on the bed and it was embarrasing and really really messy... i was sooo embarrassed. If you have any other questions dont hesitate to ask..that's what we're here for! ~~~Dawn Phillips

If your having real bad gas try some infant gas drops or get some gas relief chewable tabs. I had my surgery at sartori and my gas was so bad I asked for something for gas. As you cut back on your pain med this will help to. YOur doing great with the walking. Walk as much as you can but don't over do it this early into your surgery. Dr G. is an excellent surgeon! I will be 3 months post op on June 4 and have lost 63 pounds. As long as your drainage is light pinkish they will remove the drain. I still had alot of drainage but because the color was ok they took it out. Good luck to you!

Hi Angie, Welcome I had lap on 4/20 with a small set-back a pinhole leak that kept me in the hospital an extra week. You aren't using a straw to sip your water are you? If so, it's better to stop. Sounds like you are doing good otherwise & fantastic you have family support. Because of my set-back I just had my drain removed & no it doesn't hurt. Was sure glad to get of mine, it was itching horribly!! Good Luck to you! Carolyn

Angie, So glad you are home and doing well! I had Dr. G also and am 2 weeks out. Pace yourself because you do get tired out more the 2nd week I think, just because you are on the 4th week of no food. The 1st week I started to feel very energetic and this week I get tired out very fast. I had my drain tube out on the 1st visit after surgery....it didn't hurt just felt funny! I am stuggling also with the fact I can not gulp water....sip sip sip You probebly will not see Dr. G but will see Lyn & Angie Keep up the walking! Try to make it to the next support meeting they will have the dietian there and be talking about how to get in your protiens. Should be very good and we need all the help we can get. I am 30 pounds down since before clear liquids........I can not wait until that 1st egg! Take care Cheri

Angie, hi congratss on the surgery and doing good. well if you ask anyone my story is different they say i am not the normal one. see i had major complications with my surgery. my drainage tubes didnt come out till jan 2 the day i left the hopital. i had 4 tubes. they tell you to take a deep breathes and it makes it easier... i got 3 of the 4 out that day. by the way i had me surgery on dec 11th and i stayed in the hospital till jan 2. then i was readmitted jan 20th to get my last drainage tube/feeding tube taken out and my heart stopped so i got to be in icu again. if people ask me back then if i would do this again i was unsure but now 5 months out i would say heck yeah...i am down 80lbs...walking is really good i still have a hard time making myself do it. but when i do i feel so much better. have a great week...oh i had my surgery here in carroll where i live.....this is a great site we are all so friendly........lynda