Another Question or 3

Dear Post-ops,
How much were you walking after surgery?  I don't know if I am walking too much or not enough. I am more nervous about **** now that the surgery is over.  I was also told not to shower for a about a week after. Although it is nice having my husband washing my back with baby wipes, I really want a good shower, when did you get into the shower? I am craving to have one.  One last question at least for now, how much liquids did you drink? They give you goals for how much they want to to drink, but how for realistic are they? Some hours I drink lots and worry that it is too much.

Thanks for answering my questions. You all have been great help :)

Mich

Hi, glad to see that you are doing well after your surgery.

Walking - I don't believe that you can walk too much at this point unless it starts to hurt. Basically listen to your body. The more that you can be active the better, but everyone heals differently. I got home on the Friday and by Monday I was baking my Christmas cookies and treats for the holidays and riding my exercise bike (very short times but riding it!) - but I've always healed well from surgery (not my pouch though - I can't answer any questions about that as I've nothing positive to say :p ) 
However, even though the goal is to walk as much as possible, don't overdue it. If you start feeling pain, tiredness, dizzy etc. take a rest! 
You can walk too little though. When I worked on surgical units, we urged our patients to walk at least once an hour, even if it was to the bathroom and back. 

I was allowed to shower right when I got home. Dr. Hardy told me that 48 hrs was all that was needed to keep the steri strips dry. She said that after the shower pat the strips dry. After a week a tub bath would be allowable as then the strips could come off and would likely start coming off on their own.

Liquids are a toughy! I still have issues with them as I was never a huge drinker (besides my 3-4 cups of coffee ( 2 of them Tims Xlarge). At first if I got in 3 cups of liquid a day I thought that I was doing well. I still fight with liquids when I'm not at work but that's more because I forget to drink than anything.  When your pouch feels like taking in the liquids and you drink lots thats great because it makes up for when you don't drink that much. Just listen to your pouch. Believe me, if it hasn't already it WILL tell you when it's had enough!

Hope this helps! Keep on healing.

Hi Michelle,

I had a shower 48 hours post -op. I just tried to keep my tummy dry. You can hold a thick towel over your tummy if you wish. Just try not to soak your front area.
As far a liquids, listen to your body. For most people it is kind of tough getting fluids in. I don't think that you will be drinking too much. See how you feel. The best way is to just sip all day long.

Walking is the best way to get rid of all the gas. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!! If you start to cramp. slow down for a while. I want you to keep moving but don't over do it.

I am super proud of you. You sound like you are doing AMAZING.
Keep up the great work.
Nikki

Well I took a shower today and I feel great! I have been drink on average 1200ml per day. I am still concerned about the amount that I am walking. I try but am not sure if I am using the ankle express enough.

Wow Michelle, I am impressed by how much fluid you are able to drink.
It took me a month to get up to that. Way to go!
There was no way I was consuming the 2-3 liters they recommended.
As long as you are getting in at least 1 liter a day, you are doing very well!

In time, it will be easier to drink more.  I don't think it is possible to drink too much, as the others have said, your pouch will tell you if it wants you to stop.

Have a great weekend,
Tanya