Things to know for the first 2 weeks after surgery?

Hi everyone!  Can anyone share with me some things I should know for the first two weeks after surgery?  Not necessarily the nutritionaly aspect, but things they you encountered and had to deal with like head hunger, any bathroom issues, things they don't necessarily tell you in your pre op classes....  Just anything you think is helpful from waking up in recovery thru the first two weeks....  Thanks!!!

Well, of course, it all varies from patient to patient, so take this with a grain of salt.  The most important thing for you to do is focus on YOUR surgeon and nutritionist's guidelines.  What one patient might hear from their doctor could differ from what you hear.

You'll need to walk to get rid of any post-op gas - as soon as they have you up post-up to walk, walk as MUCH as you can.  I had very little pain, other than some referred pain in my shoulder (of all places) from gas.  It's common.  Walking helps, really.  Also, once they have you on liquids - sip - because you DON'T what to experience what it feels like taking too big a gulp - it's painful.

Before you go in, stock up on water and Crystal Light.  If you haven't already, get yourself some protein powder samples - keep in mind that what you like pre-op, you may not post-op - and vice versa.

S/f popsicles are a great way to get in fluids as some people have a hard time digesting water. 

I was very fortunate in that I was out and about the day after I came home from the hospital, and didn't stop from then on.

I didn't really have any head hunger - NOW I do!!  It's tough to fight - many of us battle it daily. 

I'd say the first 6 weeks or so are the toughest - once you get past that and are firmly established in solid foods, it becomes easier.

Again, be compliant with your doctor's guidelines and come here if you have any questions.  Be sure to call your doctor if you have a fever or extraordinary pain after surgery.  We're great for advice, but NOT medical advice!!

Good luck and hugs,

Tia

Tia's right... follow what YOUR doctor says.  I did deal with head hunger and for some reason I was obsessed with the Food Network (terrible, I know).  For the first 2-3 weeks after surgery I really was worried that I had done the wrong thing and that I would never be "normal" again.  Then I thought about what "normal" was.... certainly not eating a whole pizza or a box of cookies or whatever.  This has been the BEST experience ever.  I'm not saying it's easy and I'm not saying it's hard... it is what it is- somedays are easier than others and I'm thankful that it's been successful.

Try to keep yourself in good spirits because your hormones will be wall wacky for a little while as your body adjust to losing weight at RAPID speeds.  Stock up on tampons and pads... your periods might be CRAZY... mine were for the first 2 months.

Good luck to you!

I don't know what your doctors guidelines are for your after surgery diet but please remember this: 

liquids in = liquids out.

Walk as much as you can

sip all day long - just little baby sips

Good luck!