2 weeks post-op...VSG

     Hello..i am docsal80.   This is the first time i m posting on this board.      I had a vertical sleeve gastrectromy on 3/21/08.  I know it is has only been a little past two weeks but I wonder whether i am  doing well.  Am i healing at the right  rate?  I spent an extra day in the hospital because i could not drink enough fluids.  Currently, i am eating about 1 - 1.5 oz. of food at a time.      Although i hestistate to talk about this topic, i have not had a normal bowel movement since i was in the hospital.  First, i had diarreah.  Now i have sof****ery bowel movements (color= yellow)...yuck!      Mostly, I am afraid.  I chose this form of beriatric surgery for a number of reasons but now the notion that it is IRRIVERSABLE is really scaring me.  It can never be changed even if it needs to be for medical reasons.  I should mention that i have Multiple Sclerosis and exercise is difficult for me.  I have been walking, in my home, for 10 minutes, twice a day to make 20  minutes a day.  I hope to build up soon and be able to take water areobics classes.      My questions have to do with the experience of others.  How long did it take you to feel "better"?  How long did it take for normal bowel movements?  How slowly (or quickly) did it take for you to eat a more normal diet?  Are you afraid, as well, thinking about the irriversiblity of the procedure?  How do you handle it?  Is anyone depressed?  What can you tell me about your experiences?  Am I unrealistic and expect too much of myself too soon?      Thank you for any input at all.                                                                      docsal80

VG's are a bit newer but my doc thinks its going to be the next hot bariatric surgery.  I would post on the VG board as well - they may be able to answer your specific questions.  And don't rule out sending an email to your doctor or his nurse if you're feeling uncertain.  As for your bowels - what goes it must come out.  I think most have altered bowels while on the liquid /semi-liquid phase. 

Water aerobics sounds great - do you belong to a gym with a pool? I would guess I felt "normal" at about 4 weeks out (and I use that term loosely)....haha!

My surgeon is Dr. Andrew Averback of Baltimore, Md.  He IS available at ANY time and is most responsive. He also has a team of professionals:  a nurse, a dietician, and a therapist who are also available at any time. I did speak to them this morning.  Today, i felt the need to hear from others who actually experienced the sugery and find out what they were going through.  It always helps (me, at least) to know what others are feelings and experiencing.  I agree, the VSG board is probably the best place for me to post but i happened to come upon this board first and so i tried here. I appreciate your reply and will continue to search out all the feedback i can get.

Who is your surgeon?  Have you spoken with him/her about your concerns?  I know that with my Doc, I can call him anytime and ask questions.  Or I can send him an email and he will answer...sometimes rather quickly.   I agree that you should jump over to the VSG board.  There are many people there who have had the surgery and can tell you what they experienced.  My surgery is scheduled for May 6th and I am really looking forward to that day.  I am scared because it is such a new proceedure but I have all the confidence in the world in my surgeon and know that between him, me and God, things will go well. Good luck. Deb

Thank you for taking the time to write.   Yes, i belong to a gym and will go back as soon as i feel that i am able to.  Mostly, i wanted to hear to hear from anyone who had beriatric surgery so that i had the feeling that i was not alone and not experiencing anything abnormal. I agree, the VSG board is  probably the right one for me to post on as those people have experinced the same surgery that i have.   It's kind of funny that you seem to go into this with all the hopes in the world and all of a sudden, after it is is over, you begin to say:  "what did i do"?  But, i expect that is a normal reaction.  This morning was that kind of a morning...a questioning morning. Again, thank you and good luck.