Back home from surgery

Well I had my surgery on Tuesday 9/18 and came home on Thursday. Ugh. The ride home was awful...every bump in the road hurt. This hurts far worse than I ever thought. All I'm doing is drinking Isopure all day. I've had broth a few times but I want to get the protein and liquids in. I haven't yet but I'm trying. Sleeping hurts to get in and out of bed. My right side by my ribs hurts the worse. I have no energy at all. I've been taking all my meds and vitamins but still no energy. Talking and typing takes so much out of me. I hurt so much I wonder if I made thr right decision. My husband who has been so supportive eats nachos, Quiznos and subs in front of me. Right now I don't want it but soon it'll start to sound good. He promised to watch those things. Ugh. I'm just venting. I read so many people say that the pain was minimal. Mine is not. I hope it starts to go away soon.

Jennifer, I was one of those people that had severe pain, also (caused by hernia and scar tissue repair).  Just keep remembering that you just had major abdominal surgery so your body is trying to recover.  Trust me, it will get better.  Just give yourself a little time to heal. My husband was supportive also, but ate things in front of me when I came home.  I didn't want the food, but it smelled heavenly.  It was so hard.  It will get easier! Congratulations on making this life changing decision. Jenn

Hi Jenn, Welcome to the "losers bench!" and I'm sorry you are experiencing so much pain, and energy loss.  Take one minute at a time, rest and sip your fluids.  Sip sip sip and be sure to walk walk walk...just a few steps....not a marathon!    The whole bypass process takes time to adjust to, and you took the first step in changing your life!  Now, you have to change your thinking.  Our brains didn't have the surgery, so they still think we need Quiznos and nachos and subs.  And you need to tell it no.  Hold firm in your food choices and you will be on your way when the time comes to eat solid foods again. In the meantime, get plenty of rest, and elevate your feet to take the pressure off, try sleeping in a lazy boy or a chair, or propped with many many pillows.  You will find the pillows are much comfort and help in soothing your body. Also, dont forget to keep your water intake good, chew on ice, frozen SF jello, and keep something by you at all times. Most important, if you experience anything you think is weird, or feel bad, so bad that you dont understand, CALL THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.  This isn't something to wonder about and NO question is silly.  OK? I wish you peaceful slumbers and much less pain, more comfort and positive feelings.....I know how it hurts.....and it does get better. Take care....sending well wishes and good vibes! Stacey W

Things will get  better- I remember  feeling the same things. Dr C did my surgery too!!! He rocks!!!

Jen, I am so sorry you aren't feeling well. Just follow the Beaumont guidelines and I am sure you will start to feel better.  Hang in there, I am sure in a short time you will not doubt your decision.  You will be much healthier in the long run.  Take care and be well. Sheryl

Jennifer, I have to say, I was a big baby after surgery.  I was in pain, couldn't sleep, and was just a complete blob.  I wanted to take care of my kids and cook but couldn't.  I cried and wondered what kind of idiot I was to do this to myself.  I didn't even care about losing weight, I just knew I would die of starvation and sleep deprivation before I would be able to enjoy any weight loss. I took the Loritab I was sent home with just so I could sleep for a few hours at a time, sitting up in the bed.   Then, after about 10 days, I turned back in to a normal person.  I drove my car, walked around Meijers, and then went to the mall for a bit.  I was still wiped out after that, but I did feel more human. As for your husband eating in front of you, you're going to just put the smack down right now.  Tell him what's bugging you, to keep it away if it's bothering you, and don't give you a hard time about it.  When your brain starts to realize that you're not eating like it used to, you're going to have a hard time.  So do your best to ride out this tough spell....things will get better, I promise.  You didn't do the wrong thing, but this is just a taste of the fight you are going to go through for a long time.  Freeze yourself some Crystal Light and then blend it up like a slurpee and sit back and relax.  Take a break, and don't worry.  And when hubby walks by with Quizno's, smack him one and remember how good life will be for you very, very soon.

HI Jenn,    We have all felt this same way as you do right now! Take care of yourself; we all promise it will get better. I even had a few complications but I would do it again in a heartbeat! Energy will return with time; but make sure you get in the protein to heal. Without your protein you will not heal quickly, and your lack of energy will continue. I drank and still do 50 grand slam premix protein drinks from GNC; they are not gross and easy to go down. I slept with a pillow proped against me, under my legs and arms.     As for hubby eating in front of you I think they all do it; they pretty much don't get it at all! LOL> Welcome to the losers bench. Once that weight begins falling off you will think totally differently!!! Don't let your pain get bad before you take your meds.. Keep us posted.. Best wishes to a speedy recovery.. Judy R

Hi Jennifer, I've been thinking of you.  In fact, I went to Beaumont today to visit a friend and thought...gee I know she's home or else I'd go visit.  I'm sorry about the pain, but take the pain meds the Doc prescribed.  Don't try to be a hero.  The protein heals....so try try try.  Yes, on my right was the worse pain, but it will soon get better.  Honest.  That is where they move the stomach and liver around and they also do a deep muscle tie there.  Use a pillow when you stand up and sit up from bed...hold it tight to the spots that hurt.  In a week, you will feel much better.  Don't doubt your decision....when you see the weight loss you'll be doing the happy dance.  As far as your husband eating in front of you, I'm glad mine did.  I felt it conditioned me....in fact, the smells made me happy.  Good luck, but be sure to tell him if it bothers you to go in the other room.  This is about you right now.  People also think that this surgery makes them a Superman.  Not so....you still think the same way you did before.....Keep us posted. Blessings and prayers for you. P

Hi Jennifer,  I am so happy you made it through surgery and so sad you are experiencing pain now.  I agree with everything the others have said and have nothing to add except prayers and well wishes that you get past this tough part quickly.  Bobbi

Hi Jennifer, Glad to know you are home. I think everyone will agree the bad part of your surgery which is the first stage of recovery seems to be the worst, remember your body is ajusting to its new routing system. It will get better. IT WILL GET BETTER.

LINDA