surgery date 4/10/08

I am home from surgery. Was done at Rush St Lukes Presbyterian in Chicago by Dr. John Butsch. I have been home 1 week. I am still on pureed foods but have tried some rougher things like cut up (very tiny tomatoes,tspoon of a hamburger and smidge of grilled cheese). I think i will stay with pureed a little longer. (applesauce,FF refried beans,cream of wheat etc...) I am having a hard time drinking water but not a protein drink like (carnation SF instant breakfast) iI can drink this no problem bu****er sometimes hurts, I can feel it going down. any suggestions from anyone????? Milk does not seem to be a problem--thank you god! because I love milk and I have heard the stories about becoming Lactose intolerant. Also any suggestions on the gas subject. I haven't spoken to my doctor about it yet. But is there anything out there we can take to relieve this gas within the abdomen? anything over the counter? Another question-how much should i be doing about now? My J-P drain was taken out Friday and i was still leaking pretty bad Fri and Sat.I must have changed the dressings about 5-6 times. I found that when i don't move I don't drain. I called the surgeon and he said it was ok as long as fluid was clear. he said it should be ok by tomorrow. i am still pretty sore in tha drain area as opposed to everything else. I want to walk outside. i am up and about inside. But I am afraid of causing a problem with doing too much too soon. I don't want to cause a hernia or anything else for that matter. Has anyone had any problems with walking? Am i being too afraid or overly cautious?  any info or feedback would be greatly appreciated from anyone. Thanks so much Jeaniene

Congradulations Jeaniene.......Did you have RNY?   My surgeon and his staff had me on clear liquids for 2 weeks post-op....everyone is instructed different.  Water should go down, but I know what you are talking about hearing it going down.  The problem with where your drain was is a question for the Doctor....Being too careful?  Don't worry about it, I think we all are like that at first, I think you need to be. You keep us posted and call that Doctors office to get some peace of mind, cuz you can worry about this for a while! Pam

Hi Pam, i had lap gastric bypass on the 10th of april. It seems like it's easier to eat a popsicle or water chips than to drink. I think it's more in my head than in my stomach.   Thanks so much for the feedback. I appreciate it. Jeaniene

Any type of more solid foods were not on my list until after 4 weeks for me. You will find that with most of the others on the board because that is the protocol for LifeWeigh Bariatrics and the Kane Group patients. I was told to walk as far as I could with still being able to get back home without difficulty. And that meant outside - I was not restricted to inside. Take someone with if you are leary of falling our will loose your balance and becareful of uneven sidewalks so you do not trip. Build up your endurance slowly and you will be fine. As far as the gas I understand that walking, walking, walking, walking helps relieve it. As far as an OTC to help with it I would talk to your doctor before putting any type of drug into your mouth. What you are going through with the drain is normal and yes it will start to close up real soon but before then there will be fluid coming out and numerous dressing changes during the day.  Christine

Thanks for the words of confidence. As we speak the drain area has slowed  almost to a stop.  I will begin my 2-fifteen minute walks today and try to make them a little longer each day.  I am staying with pureed until May 3 then i see the nutrionist. I'm sure I'll advance to the next stage. How long before the inside is healed. How long before I can start strenghting the abdominal wall.  When was exercise really implemented? Sorry to ask so many questions. Thank you all so much Jeaniene

As far as exercise goes, this is a question for your dr.  That being said, its also up to you.  You know your body best.  Walking is the best thing you can do right now, just don't overdue it.  We were given small exercises to do while sitting down at 1 week post op.  I probably wouldn't do anything that involves weights, jumping or swimming until 6 weeks out and then moderatly.   ~Michelle

congratulations!! :)