Slightly OT - Surgery in December

I knew that I needed to have one of my ovaries removed (7 cm cyst that's been there for 7+ years), but after meeting with the physician who will be doing the surgery, she wants to do a full hysterectomy - leaving just one ovary.

I'm curious if anyone has had this surgery, and if it was after RNY.  I will be exactly 9 months out from surgery when I have this procedure done at Abbott.  I'm actually looking forward to the liquid diet 1 day before and a couple of days after.  I'm hoping that it will restart my weight loss?  I'm going to try to cut back portions too - like starting all over again.

My biggest concern is the recovery - I've been told I can go back to work after 2 weeks - but I'll actually have to be working from home for those 2 weeks if I want to keep my job.   I have read about horror stories where people are still struggling 6 weeks out. 

It took me a good 3 weeks to recover enough from my RNY to come off the liquid pain meds, so I'm a little concerned about this recovery.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Nicole,  I had my hysterectomy pre surgery.  I had a total hysterectomy and this was about a year after having my gallbladder removed.  I had thoughts that it would be just like the gallbladder and I would be shopping the next day!!  NOT so.  I don't know if it was because of the total part or what but I'm sorry to say it knocked me on my butt!!!  I had six weeks off and it took five of them for me to feel better.  I did have an incision for my hysterectomy and lap for my gallbladder.  I think the hormones are what hampers the recovery.  However, I did not have a lot of pain either.  I do tend to rebound from surgery without pain med normally.  I didn't mean to rain on your parade but wanted to give you my story.  Hope things go well for you!  Donna

I had a hysterectomy 5 years before my RNY - both ovaries were left.

Last summer, a little more than 2 years post-RNY, I developed large, painful ovarian tumors that needed to come out.  I also had a hernia repaired at the same time.

I don't mean to scare you, but you need to have a good idea of what you're getting into.    The bad news is that, like Donna, I think my hysterectomy was the most difficult recovery I've had from ANY surgery (and sadly, I've had more than my fair share of surgeries in the past 18 years...).  I've always rebound pretty quickly, but that one was rough. 

The GOOD news might be - if you have a little more skin below the belt than you care for, your doc may be able to throw in a lil' nip & tuck for you?!  Mine did last summer - THAT, combined with the ovaries and the hernia repair, made for a pretty rough recovery too, but well worth the pain!

Your employer should not have the option to terminate you based on your medical needs, but unfortumately, they can usually fabricate excuses that are difficult to argue.  Just be up front with them about what you'll be going through, plead with them to be understanding of your situation and willing to work with you.  You NEED to heal and recover, or you could be setting yourself up for bigger problems down the road.

Wishing you the best ~

I wish you the very best with your upcoming surgery.

I had a hysterectomy when I was 28 years old. They left my ovaries at that time. I had them removed about 9 years ago.

It was a hard recovery but well worth it. I hated needing a hysterectomy at such an early age but my life was so much better after it was done.

Hugs and prayers.....connie d

Good luck on your surgery.

I had a friend who had it and she also took about 6 weeks to recover.  Just something for you to keep in m ind with your employer.  Good luck.

I had a hysterectomy 6 mos after RNY.  But they did not remove the ovaries...they did it vaginally and I recoved in about a week....and could have returned to work...although I had 6 weeks off of work...It was summer and I had the time, so I took it..  I thought it went great...but I'm not exactly sure when it comes to the ovaries, and I didn't have any cysts.

Hope that this helps. 

I  am three years out  from my RNY and  just had a hysterectomy last month.  It was done laperscopically  with the De Vince robot.  in the hospital over nigh.  Only took pain meds for three days until the gas from the lap surgery.  I could have gone back to work after a week if I had a desk job.  I have a job where I am on my feet.  I went back to work 1/2 time after 2 1/2 weeks.  Good luck on your surgery.

I wish you the best....

The best advice on a surgery like this is please take the time to heal!!!
I had my hysterectomy lasy yr in july and everything removed but one ovary.
I was off pain meds with in about 5 days but took it easy! I went threw alot of emotional ups and downs due to the hourmones...sorry my spelling sucks
Around 5 wks I was feeling real good....but my doc was real strick he was very tight on what I could do til I was 6-8 wks out!

Then 8 months later I had my RNY and wow no more pain! no more weight! no more water retaintion! no more monthly CRAP!!! very happy with all my decitions 

I have several surgerys unfortinally but the hysterctomy is one I was real careful with recovery cause so many things could go bad if you don't.

Take care and good luck..........

Tennille

 I had responded to a post (I think was yours) explaining about the uterine ablation and thought different about it later.  I had the ablation and remembered my gyno. telling me that for a lot of women, it can buy you time until a hysto. is necessary but many women STILL need a hysto. despite the ut. abl. so I'm relieved to read that your for-going all that crap and going for the hysto. now.  

Best Wishes :)

 Hey Nicole - 2 yrs ago (pre RNY) I had lap surgery to remove Right Ovary, that had a huge mass on it.  Then 6 wks later I had lap surgery Full Hysterectomy took uterus and Left Ovary.  I remember handing out Halloween candy 1 wk later, sore, but ok.  I'd say you'd be ok to work from home.  Rest when you need to and take your pain meds and any hormones they give you, that's super important!  I did Disney World less than 6wks later.  Including carrying my 16 mo old and stroller etc and doing all day at the parks.

I'm sorry you have to have surgery, but I'm sure you'll be glad it's done once you are all healed etc.  It was great to see you, sorry we couldn't talk more, it was hard with the group size and my 2 little ones in tow.  You look fabulous!  Your hard work and dedication has truly paid off!  (Insert whistle here).

Take care, hope to see you soon!

Tess