Post Surgery Questions

I was wondering.. of those of you that work full time outside the home..  how soon were you able to return to work? Also.. what were your post Op experiences?   Thanks, ~~jackie

I had Lap RNY on a Wednesday and was back home on Friday.  By Monday I was off all pain meds.  My job is rather sedentary (I sit at a desk all day) and I could have returned on Monday.  But my boss had arranged for me to work from home via the computer.  So I took advantage and stayed at home for 2 weeks. Best wishes.

I had laproscopic surgery and had no complications.  I scheduled 6 wks off work just because of the type of job I have (a lot of bending and I have no one to take over if I had a problem).  I also had a friend that had the surgery and she had some severe fatigue at about 4 wks.  I probably could have gone back easily after two weeks but I didn't know how I would react so I took as much time as I could.  I didn't have the fatigue my friend had. Everyone is different. So much depends on the type of surgery and the type of work you do.   Post op - I had trouble sleeping in bed at first so I slept in a recliner for about a week.  The only problem I had was the result of me sitting at the computer to long at about 6 days post op.  I leaned to the right to long (to take the pressure off the incision on the left side) and I partially collapsed the lung.  I started to have sharp pains when I took a breath. After using my spirometer for a day and keeping up with my walking it got better.   I feel fortunate.  I didn't have foods or smells that made me sick.  I did have some lactose intolerance with the protien shakes I had to drink but just switched to an alternate protein.

I had surgery on a Tuesday, and went back to work 13 days later. I did about two half days, to get back into the swing of things, and then after that I was okay for working. I do desk work though. I imagine it would have taken longer if I did physical work.  Linda Vicory

 

I had Lap RNY on a Friday, home on Saturday. I was off pain meds after ~a week and slept in a recliner until the drain tube came out (1 week). I was off work for 5 weeks. With my job, I'm up & on my feet alot. Although the pain was pretty much gone after 2-3 weeks, it took me awhile to get my energy level stable. That time period you are home, just conentrate on getting all of your protein, meals, & water in. If you can't get in your 64 oz of water at first, don't sweat it. Very few people can. Sherri

I work in an office as well, so most of my day is spent sitting at a computer inputting invoices.   I'm surprised that most of you were in the hospital such a short time..  I am scheduled for a Lap RNY and my doctor told me I would be in the hospital 4-5 days and off work atleast 2 wks.  Maybe he is just being cautious? As for the drain tube..  I thought that would come out in a few days.. Is that normal to leave it in a week?   Also.. one more question.. (and this is probably the thing that kind of scares me the most about surgery)..   My daughter had her gall bladder out and they pumped her up with that gas.. and she had terrible pain from it after the surgery.. like me, she is not a big complainer, but when I see her crying cuz the pain is shooting up to her shoulder.. I know she is HURTING.    She said it burned so bad and took about 2 days to go away..    I know they fill your abdomen with gas for the RNY surgery too.. so that has me a bit nervous wondering if I will have the same problem as she did with gas.   What have been your experiences with it? 

I hope I'm not asking too many questions..  but I  know you guys will atleast level with me so I know what to expect. Thanks, ~~jackie

I had my drain tube in for 5 days.  I didnt have much gas pain but the last day the drain was in I did have pain where it was as soon as the tube was removed the pain was gone.  Im sure you daughter had pain and everyone has a little different experienceyou might be totally pain free.  I didnt have any complications after my RNY.  I hope yours goes as well.  It was the best thing I ever did. Pamela

Jackie,

Most of the surgeons here in Indy like to get their patients out of the hospital and at home as quick as they can. The legnth of time really is up to your surgeon and how well you are doing. Same with the drain tube. Some surgeons leave it in until your 1 week appointment, some will remove it before you leave the hospital. You most likely will have some gas but the nursing staff should get you up within a few hours of you coming out of recovery to walk. The more you walk, the quicker you will get all the gas worked out. Unless someone has a leak, I haven't heard of anyone having pain at their shoulders from the gas.

I had my gall bladder out about 2.5 yrs before my RNY. I was in pain for the 10 days previous to the surgery so I really wasn't sure how much of my discomfort was from the actual surgery and how much was because the organ had been so bad. I don't recall any gas with it though...other than the normal post-op tooting. Now, pre-op though, I hurt everywhere from my neck to my knees, frontside & back!  Each person handles things differently..including surgeries. Shoot, each surgery can affect the same person differently. I had alot harder time bouncing back from my hysterectomy than my RNY. I had a harder time from my bunion surgery on my right foot than the bunion surgery on my left one. You just never know. About the best you can do is have faith in God and have faith in your surgeon. Sherri

Jackie, LIke mentioned before, every surgeon is different.  I had  lap RNY by Dr. Blackstone in Scottsdale and she put me off work for 8 weeks.  I could have gone back to work sooner, but that was her rule.  I was in the hospital for 4 days with the drain tube coming out the day I went home.  Took pain meds for the first two weeks, then nada.  I did find myself getting very tired easilyl even though I wasn't going to the office.   Like Sherri said have faith and trust God.  I know everything will be fine for you. 

Julie 

I was off for four weeks because I had the paid time.  Looking back i probably could've gone back on week three.  Before that I was tired a lot during the afternoon.  I was in the hospital for four nights, one more than usual because of nausea from several medications they gave me at the same time.  They were over cautious.  As for the tube, mine was a pain so they took it off after 8 days.  I felt 100% better after that.  I did not suffer from gas.  One afternoon I had a tiny bit in my shoulder area but that was it.  Nothing.  I was lucky.  Rest as much as you can.  Your body has been through a lot and will still be going through a lot for some time.  I felt really good at four weeks.  That seems to be when things all clicked for me and things got good!  Good luck!!