Just had surgery

Hello,  I am new to this forum, but figured I'd give it a shot.  I completed my Roux N Y gastric bypass on Monday, November 12th.  However I ran into some complications and was not able to come home until Saturday, November 17th.  I have so many thoughts and emotions running through me that I don't even know where to begin.   My surgery went well however, on the second day they gave me a choice of juice, broth and jello to eat.  I had some juice and some jello.  I think it was too soon.  I ended up getting sick.  I couldn't keep anything down.  They ended up sending me for a gastro swallow xray on Wednesday to make sure there were no leaks.  None were found!  Thank you!!  But they did find some swelling so basically all day Wednesday I had nothing orally.  They started ice chips and water on Thursday and through Friday.  Saturday had some juice a little bit of broth.  Everything was fine so was sent home.   Now that I'm home, I actually am feeling overwhelmed.  I don't feel like I am getting enough to drink.  Not because I am thirsty but because I know I haven't consumed 64oz. of liquid.  Does anyone else feel this way?  I'm scared that I am going to dehydrate myself.  I still am unable to finish a full cup of broth.  I can't do it.  And as was told to me, I am supposed to drink 2 protein shakes and plenty of water throughout the day.  I can't even think of finishing one protein shake let a lone two.  Of course we had a Thanksgiving get together with my husbands side today.  That actually went pretty well.  Yes I wanted to have the turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy but I didn't and I was strong.  Thank god I have good will power.  But if my will power was so great I wouldn't of had to have had the surgery in the first place.  My family is so supportive of me and my decision to have this done.  My husband's parents were even saying that they wouldn't have blamed me if I had chosen not to come.  I just had my broth while everyone else ate turkey dinner.   And guess what, I wasn't the one feeling too full afterwards.  But I guess I am just wondering if what I am feeling is normal.  Am I able to get past this and get on with my life?  Does it get easier? I'd appreciate anyone's response.   Thank you.

Hi there- First of all-welcome to the losers bench!  Glad you came here-this is a great community to get insights, share, make friends.... You are so normal-quite a few people get swelling, which makes it hard to swallow anything down at first.  the trick is to sip just enough to wet your mouth, without gulping.  and keep sipping every 3-5 minutes!!  it gets easier-before you know it you will be able to get all the liquids down.  IF NOT-CALL YOUR DOCTOR/NURSE  and let them know!!  don't wait to become dehydrated-if you have very dark urine, or are not peeing, you are in trouble and need to be seen ASAP-it is very important to monitor yourself and be sure you are feeling okay.  I will repeat this now-IT GETS EASIER!!!  little bits at a time-okay?  You can't run before you walk.  Try different temperatures, sometimes warm works better than cold, sometimes cold is better!  rest, walk, sip-and before you know it, you will surprise yourself with how far you have come. Good luck!! lynn

Hijack!!!!!!   WOW LYNN................YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!  Keep up the good work!

Jeanne

I can not offer you any advice as I am pre-op.  I do however want to Welcome you to the board.  This is a great place with great people and wonderful support.  Wishing you all the best on your journey.

Welcome!  First, it does get easier. Second, the trick to getting your fluids in is to constantly sip throughout the day. It's tough; but you CAN do it. You need to get your fluids in. Otherwise, it's the ER for ya baby! Never take a break from sipping and you can do it. I swear! Good luck with your journey. Keep us updated on your progress.  Lori

Welcome to the MN board and Congratulations on joining us on the Losers Bench!! You are doing okay.....just keep sipping...as much as you possibly can all day long. You won't regret it.....you don't want to end back in the hospital with dehydration. This will get better each day...just do your very best. Remember SF Popscicles and SF Jello count towards your fluids too. connie d

Hello and welcome! I am 7 wks. post-op and I remember how hard it was those first few days. I set my stop watch every 10 mins. to remind me to drink and there was days I didn't get more than 60 oz. but that was ok, and it will get easier to get the liquid in just keep trying, there are days now where I don't get it all in either and then I make sure I do the next day, just do the best you can and hopefully it will keep you out of the hospital. Good Luck and keep coming back, this is an awesome support group.

Welcome to the board.  And ~~~ Man this is so normal......But just sip all day long and the fluids will be add up to the64 oz by the end of the day.  YOU CAN DO IT!!!!  We've all been through it and it is tough but it does get easier!!!!  REALLY!!!!!

 

 

Hi Panda sorry for not able to give you any advice. I have yet had my surgery but I hope to have it real soon, all the paperwork has been done just waiting for surgeons consult and insurance approval. Just keep your chin up and I think things will brighten up for you. If it makes you feel any better I am not far from you, I live in Brainerd and I am planning on having my surgery in Crosby too. Doctor McCollister is my surgeon. Anything you could help me with would be greatly appreciated. Take Care Richard

Hello Richard, Crosby is such a great place to have your surgery.  The staff there is something else!  I actually had McCollister discharge me on Saturday.  So I got a chance to meet with him and talked with him for quite a while.  He's a great surgeon.  The suites in Crosby are new and they are wonderful.  You'll get your own private room, which is so nice.  It was actually funny because there is a hoist in the room to help those who need it to get to the bathroom and Dr. McCollister asked if I had taken a test drive on it.  I didn't need it but he was curious to see how it worked.  We just laughed.  But really I think you are going to a great place and they are in it for the long haul.  Which is why I liked going there.  Depending on when you have your surgery, hopefully the construction will be done.  That was the most annoying part of the whole process.   I think the construction workers were grinding on stone well past 7 p.m.  It would have been nice just to have the peace and quiet.  Please make sure to let me know when your surgery date is.  As it gets closer you can't help getting excited.  I had never had surgery before so I was a little nervous but the excitement over the new life I would be starting outweighed any nervousness.  Talk to you soon. Panda1021   aka: Danyel