Questions after 2nd doctor visit

Hi everyone! I went for my 2nd visit with Dr. King today. I had lost 6 lbs. since my last visit! We talked about my EGD results. I'd already been told I had a hiatal hernia, but I also found out I will have to have Open RNY surgery because my liver is too big/fat and because of my body shape (I'm an apple.). That was a big disappointment, but I want what's best for me and if this is best, so be it. He said I was going to have to go on a liquid diet (mostly Slim Fast) 10-14 days before surgery to reduce the size of my liver. Yeah! I didn't get a definite surgery date, but I will probably have the surgery the last week in Sept. (Got to wait for my dad to recover from eye surgery.) I wanted to ask a few questions: Has anyone else had to do the liquid diet because of a "fat" liver? How was it? If you had open RNY, what has been your experience as far as recovery time? Any suggestions for things to do between now and surgery time to help prepare for it? (Other than start walking, which he advised) Thanks for your comments in advance. Hope everyone is doing well! Deborah

Hi Deborah I'm one of those who had "open" RNY thanks to my insurance, so I can help a little here. My experience with OPEN was a pretty good one. Yes, it's scary to have that big old cut, but it healed just fine, nevertheless. One thing that saved my life there was a binder. I got one at a medical supply place, it was sturdy, three layerered, it didn't roll up or down, it was great. Investing in a good quality binder, about $ 35.00, is worth it, my insurance even paid for it, so ask if yours will !! It took my hubby to help me the first few days to get it on, but once I put it on, it REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY helped. It held my belly together to not pull on the scar and make it feel like it's going to come apart or hurt. Honestly, I tried to get up a few times without binder and I just couldn't do it. Too scared I'd rip my staples all up. Also, the pressure from the binder helped the scar tissue stay relatively small, only in the top portion of the incision where I couldn't get the binder on as tight as on the bottom < I'm a pear!! LOL> it formed a bit of a wider scar. You may want to start drinking protein before surgery. I started really getting in two shakes a day about two weeks prior, to build up the albumin levels, it greatly helps your body heal. I popped three staples the third night after surgery, right in my belly button, and was scared out of my wits, thinking I needed to go to the ER to get it restapled.. but I did go back to sleep and a few hours later when I got up, the hole had closed all by itself and it held together without any staple. I attribute this to the protein. It really helps your body heal quickly. Of course, ask your surgeon about this before you do it, that is just what I was advised by my team, if your doctor doesn't agree, by all means, don't do it. Although, it IS liquid?? Recovery time for me was about three weeks, that's when the G-tube came out. Depends if you have that or not. I may have been okay after the second week if it wasnt for that. Once it came out, I could have went back to work, meaning I was feeling physically well enough to do it, but I have a desk job. I walked a lot as soon as I could, after about 4 days I was perfectly capable of going shopping, and hubby and I even went to the movies. It's all relative and everyone's different, of course, so if you can get 6 weeks of short term disability, I'd strongly advise it, so you have plenty of time to get feeling better ! Wow, what a speech LOL Hope this helps a little, have a great day and God bless !! ~Andie~

Thanks for the info, Andie. That helped alot. What supplements do you use and where do you get them? I ordered a couple of samples off this site, but haven't tried them yet. I hope to be only be off work no more than 3 weeks. I only work MWF for 3 hrs. or so (I manage the credit union at the hospital in Grenada), so hopefully I can get back by then. We're a one woman shop, so I have to get back ASAP. I haven't told my boss (board president) that I'm having the surgery yet. Guess I'll do that soon. Gotta go. Thanks again for the reply. Deborah

Your getting closer and closer!!! I am an apple (well, more like a watermelon!!!!) but I am a tall apple so I had lap and my liver was well behaved!!! I did the Dr. Gott no flour, no sugar diet for a month prior to surgery and then 4 days liquid (cause I didn't want them to clean me out!), so I am not much help to you, but will keep you in my prayers! It'll all be over afore you know it! Smoochies Arlies

Thanks, Arlies! I'll take all the prayers I can get! Deborah

Hey Deborah! I did have to go on the liquid diet two weeks before surgery and I had Lap RNY. The liquid was protein drinks. If you drink some every two hours, it helps. You get use to it. It is tough sometimes, but think of why you're doing it and don't feel sorry for yourself (I went through that), just do it!! I know you can!! JY

Thanks, Joy. The advice of drinking some every two hours helps make it seem easier. Again, thanks for responding! Deborah