Tips for the first few weeks post-op

So since it seems like a few of us will be going soon I thought maybe some of you could share some tips you might have for the first few weeks.  Maybe what to expect, things that helped you. Like how long before you feel like walking around and normal.  I have twins and will have people here for them since I can't lift etc, but I was wondering when I would feel up to playing with them (like rolling balls sitting on the floor etc)?  Did it help to get protein in and out of the way in the morning (like those bullets)?  Did popsicles save you?  Just any tips or thoughts you have.  It is so overwhelming and exciting and I have lists everywhere and I need to simplyfy things.   It's funny, I had my gallbladder out, so it is likely similar, but I cannot remember a thing about the pain or when I felt up to being normal.  I do know they sent me home with some strong medicine and I stuck to tylenol. Anything you found out the hard way....wish you knew of beforehand, did you buy a bunch of special foods before surgery?

If you get sick from being put under at all.. Ask before you go into surgery for the motion sickness patch for behind your ear.. I was heaving for almost 12 hours before they gave me one... I couldn't even get up first day cause I was so nauseous.. That patch was the whole difference in how I felt.. My tip for coughing post op.. Do not cough laying down ouchie.  Try to stand like a short stop kind of squat that takes pressure off your tummy area.. Speaking from someone who has had 2 C Sections and gall bladder out lol So just something I have learned. I personally did not need pain meds. But take them if you need them it is so important to be up walking around and sipping lol sip sip sip. The first few days esp it is hard to get your fluid req in. Go real slow to start. .. Hmmm even if you don't take to much pain meds take the stool softener Im having trouble with that now ooof ..Sit with a pillow or something to put pressure on your stomach that helps.. I have to say I had less pain with this surgery than I did with my Gall Bladder..... OH one more thing don't leave bandages on once you get home accept maybe the one where your drain was.. They heal better uncovered... It is not uncommen to feel kind of flushed the first few days just take your temp to make sure no fever.I thought my head was gonna boil up but my hands were frozen.. From what I gather its pretty common. I think that is it lol If I think of anything else I will surely let you know..

Good to know about the motion sickness patch and also letting things heal uncovered.  I remember the coughing situation with the c-section I had last spring.  Ouch.  I wonder if we can have flax seed oil after?  I will take the stool softener for sure, whenever I went on diets I would take flax seed oil and it really helped with that.

you know what worries me, I was asked, as im sure you all were, to check with pcp about crushing or getting pills in liquid form.  well I take a over the counter vitamine from Walmart for woman in menopause and if I miss I day I have hot flashes like the wood stove is sitting on back of neck.  how long will it be before I can swallow pills again?  I dont believe flintstontes vit. are gonna cut it for me.

I bought the centrum chewables already, they also had a chewable for women, or maybe it was silver for older people---not sure---but you could check the ingredients on the back.  I would definitely try the adult chewable before Flintstones and see how it goes. Also---in case anyone wanted to know---they sell Chewable Tylenol at Shaws in Lewiston.  I have not seen it atr walmart, riteaid, or CVS.  They are called go tabs and are sprearimint flavored.  They look like those pop out packs of gum.  You can get a $1 off coupon from the tylenol website.

I take the Centrum Chewables  adult version lol and its 2 weeks before you can swallow pills again.. Im starting back on my thyroid meds again this coming monday.

You may find the surgery messes with your system enough to keep the flashes away til you can take your vits again.

Tips for first few weeks post op (from me) I sat on the floor my first day home, I have a bad back and need to keep hamstrings stretched. Loving your children  and playing , I'm sure you'll feel up to as soon as you see them..  the more you move,  the better the gas pain is,  and one of the position is on all fours , so moving isnt really a problem in fact if you  i baby that too much, your back neck and shoulders start to really hurt,  try to stay upright as much as possible when walking not bent forward.. trust me, with my bad back and all my physical therapy and surgeries. its preventive pain.               I  had to do no protein right away it was clear liquids for 2 weeks, so getting protein in wasnt an option  . I did not do well with the freezing cold popsycles, temp. change too much.               I found  not worrying about what your not getting is better then pushing yourself and throwing up or getting foamies, your body will tell you soon too, enough already, so that is why the sips are so important and they add up quickly.              CRUSHING MEDs  I take vicodin 4-6 times a day for back pain and coumadin blood thinner And had no problem crushing, I didnt buy a gadget and I just used two tsp. at first crushed them between, now after a month or so out, I bite them then swallow, and they are not chewables, I just find it quicker and easier then trying to get all the powder in off the spoons.                   RULE number one,   Positive attitude, healthy happy  keep exercising until the second you go in, keep following the weight loss rules, and dont sweat the small stuff.,                 Do NOt buy a ton of stuff , as  you will be taking in tiny tiny portions, and YOUR tastes will change, and change some more..              Even disliking sweet stuff, I loved sweets before, not anymore.  This is awesome surgery.      I used to pray i'd be allergic to chocolate, HaLLeLUAh I am!        I still DO NOT GET Hungry and DO NOT FEEL FULL,            Practicing  the satisfying stage is important really knowing  when that is, because that is  what your new life will be,  satisfied..  not full  not sick just satisfied... ITs quite a blessing!               and its overwhelming how little we can survive on.  the full feeling you will greive.  Its our heads we  work on, as head and hands are habits and  no longer part of the life.                  YOU guys seem to have done a lot of research, and yes knowledge is power, but its also soo important to know that   every single person is different and they explain it different as well,  Having a positive attitude  will really help with comfort and the pain, wich isnt bad at all.              Theres really not much I wish I knew before hand , other then   I'm glad  my surgeon does not send patients home with drains, and as soon as they were out, it was ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....  wonderful.   and  I would of SPRUNG the extra money for a private room for sure, 75.00 xtra a night  that  2 nights with my room mate, was no sleep even in the day,  exhausted..  hehe                        Have a wonderful day everyone, another snowy day in Maine! gotta go make the candles.............                    Blessings Allicca

Great advice!  I am soooo looking forward to not being hungry.  I had my gallbladder out and a c-section with the babies, so I am not too worried about the pain of recovering.  I can take quite a bit!  I am glad to hear that it will probably not be long before I am down on all 4's playing with them. I love that you guys are sharing your experiences---it's so helpful!

I have had both knee replaced seperately. That is a tuff surgery. The RYN was NOTHING for me. I just felt sore. And yes if I coughed needed the pillow and no lifting. I actually swalled some pills at the hospital before I left. My only caution is as you loose the weight and I did fast, keep an eye on any med's you are on and changes in your body. i was on BP pills and my blood pressure got too low and the pills had to be stopped. then i was on thyroid pills the first couple months and I got too much thyroid and was that ever the scarest thing I have EVER went thru!!!! So those had to be stopped.So watch and listen to your body. I also had so much trouble getting my fluids in as I could not drink that much at a time. Our surgeon had us get SF popsicles and 2 of those equaled 1 liquid and that helped me a lot.I did not get enough protein in in the start and i worried so much then they told me I would not be able to get it all in, in the begginning. The first 2 months were rough for me, but OMG it is worth it !!!!!! Good Luck