Recovery time after WLS & Physical Limitations

Good Morning Everyone!

I plan on having RNY, I understand that every person is DIFFERENT and we all heal at a different rate of speed.  I would like to hear from some of you in regards to your recovery time, ie., when you went back to work, was your job at the time of your recovery physically taxing or did you have (dare I say it), a desk job?  How long was it until you were able to drive yourself?  What if any physical limitations were placed on you and for how long? 

Also I remember when I had my gall bladder taken out laproscopically, I had this HORRIBLE, MIND NUMBING type of gas that no amount of burping or farting would illiminate.  Did any of you have they type of gas, where it was lodged between your shoulder blades and made it hurt to move, sit, stand, walk or even breath.  That was my experience with gall bladder surgery lapro and I was sooooooooooo miserable.  I understand that it was just a matter of feeling that way for a few days, but again, I would like to know and mentally prepare for what may come my way after WLS.

I appreciate all the help on my topic yesterday and I understand that ppl are different and physicans are different.  I respect that, I have taken all of the info, processed it and I believe I am a good judge of what is right and what is wrong (you know if something is bad for you, that little fat person sitting on my shoulder nudging me to do something is a GREAT indicator....hahaaha!!!) for my body, mind and spirit.  Thanks guys!

I hope everyone has fun bowling today.   Sounds like it's going to be a GREAT turnout!!!  Enjoy it and if you can, please post some pics....would love to see them!!!

Thanks for your imput and support guys....I appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Happy Sunday!
pammie

Pammie,

I was able to drive once that I was no longer taking pain meds..so ~1 week. I do have a normally physically demanding job (although I'm on desk duty right now). We had planned on me being off for 4-6 weeks. At 3 weeks post-op, I felt terrific! At 4 weeks? I felt like I ran into a mac truck. I was so exhausted all the time. By the time my energy level kicked back up and I was able to return to work, it was 7 weeks off.

I had gas..but unlike my gall bladder surgery, the nurses get your butt out of bed and you walk..alot. Walking is the best way to get it all worked out of your body. Not to mention, it's also the best way to prevent blood clots.

I know that each of thinks we are the best judge of what is good for our bodies..but in this case, your sugeon & dietician is. If they tell you no caffiene, etc..they tell you that for a reason. Some people choose not to listen to their doctors and or nuts..and some are extremely lucky to not have had any problems because of that...yet. So...regardless of what others do or what others may say is/isn't good for you, ALWAYS go by what your doctor/nut tells you for your particular case. I thought I knew my body pretty well...but honestly..this past 4.5 years has taught me very well that I dont even scratch the surface at that knowledge.

Sherri

I did not take any pain meds once I left the hospital.  So needless to say, I was driving and carrying on my normal activities as soon as I got home.  I was in the hospital two days, had my drain out before I got home.  My IV also infiltrated and I did not have to keep it in, so I DID NOT gain any weight before I came home, I actually lost.  YEA!!!!  I was able to go back to work after five days off.  I had my surgery on Wednesday and could go back on Monday.  I do have a desk job but I was up and walking 2 miles on that Monday back to work twice a day.  I have not had any complications.  I have been very lucky with out any complications what so ever.  Although everyone is different and not as lucky as some, I think that it all depends on a lot of factors.  When I went in to have the surgery, I did not have any predisposing conditions.  I was just obese.  I did not have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, any thing.  I was healthy except very obese.  So I think that, that has a lot to do with it.  So I wish you luck with your up coming surgery.