Life After Surgery?

Okay ladies & gentlemen, I need some cold hard truth from those of you who have had the surgery.   My surgery is coming up on August 6th and as it creeps closer I find myself more and more worried about what life is going to be like during those first eight weeks or so after surgery.   I hear so many horror stories from people about constant pain and nausea that I'm wondering what life is really like for post-ops.  If you have LAP-RNY and no complications, how long should it take after surgery before you feel sort of normal?   I expect the first two weeks to be uncomfortable (possibly downright painful) and to experience some nausea at times, but after that should things settle down?  My doctor requires a liquid diet for a full four weeks post-op, so I won't have to worry about trying new foods at that time.  If I'm on liquids and I'm relatively pain free, do you think I'll feel fairly good?  I work full-time and I have two children.  I'll be taking a minimum of two weeks off from work (a third if I have to) but then I'll have to go back.  At that time it will also be the weeks that we buy back to school supplies and get ready for school to begin again.  I'm just wondering if I'm going to able to even function for work and shopping and every day responsibilities.   If you would be so kind as to share what your post-op experience was I would appreciate it very much.  I just feel like I need to hear a little bit of what to expect (I know everyone is different).   Thanks!

First off, each person is going to be different, but I will share my experience with you.

I had surgery on a wednesday, and was home by friday.  I admit, the bed in the hospital sucks and I had to keep moving just to get comfy.  I did not use my pain button because I wasn't in any pain at all, just discomfort.  I felt soar for the first few days, but let me say, each morning I got up and felt better.  When I was finally able to fall asleep in my own bed and get comfy, I was able to sleep all night through.  The hardest part was finding a good position in bed.  I had to stuff a pillow under my stomach when I laid on my side.

I have to admit, that the day after I got home from surgery, I was in Wal-Mart shopping, slowly, but shopping.  I had energy to get up and move, but still got very tired quickly.  Take it easy.  I took 2 weeks off of work, and enjoyed all 2 weeks of it.  I was able to get up and move around without any trouble, but be careful, you get tired quick.  Kinda like a baby.  You have all this energy, then BAM!!!! you need a nap QUICK. lol  The further out you get, the more energy you will have.  It will amaze you, but take it slow in the beginning.  Take that time to get yourself on a schedule of drinking your fluids/protein shakes.  The hardest part of the surgery is in the beginning to start drinking and eating soft foods.  you are just aren't hungry at all, but you have to remind yourself.  I am now 9 months out and have not thrown up at all.  I consider myself very lucky.

I hope this is helpful!

Thank you!  It's comforting to hear "good" stories from people.  I'm just trying to mentally prepare.  Thanks again!

Molly, thanks for the info. Sometime you need to hear good things. I, like greentshirt am going to have bypass surgery on aug. 13   I am sure as it gets closer to my date I wiil have more questions  Thanks   Darlene

It took me a bit longer to feel "normal" again, but I am now 7 weeks out, down 47lbs. and I feel better than I have in many, many years.  Best of luck to you on the 6th, I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Noralynn

Hi, Congratulations... I think its hard to determine everybody's "aftermath" of their surgery.  Everybody has a different experience.  I did pretty well...home after 4 days...but, going back to work was hard for me.  I took three weeks off..but, actually could have used at least 4.  I was exhausted mostly....even though I had an "office" job.  But, my job involved sitting at a counter...up and down from a stool and lots of moving.   I didn't have any nausea until lately (had surgery 5/10)...but, only in the morning.  And I still have "twinges" in my incision. But, I am soooo glad I decided to do it...39 pounds down and 100 to go!!! Good Luck, Rosemary

Chris - I felt great.  I came home sunday and took only one pain pill never needed any after that.  By my one week appt with dr. moon, I was ready to run a marathon.  I had been out shopping all week - although it was in a wheel chair.  I would have been back to work at 2 weeks if I hadn't gotten dehydrated so watch being outside and not getting as much fluid as you should.  I had amazing energy until that point.  I too have two kids and really had no problem with having to try and take care of them ( of course my husband was a huge help).  The first day back will be tiring(it was for me at 4 weeks) so take it slow.  As for school shopping call me I have no problem pushing you around in a wheel chair and can get mine done at the same time.  Let me know. 

Everyone tolerates pain differently ... But for me -  Once home from the hospital I only took my pain medicine once and I consider myself to have a low tolerance for pain. Each day was better and better. A week later - I was out and about. I had help at my house for 3.5 weeks because I have three small children - and I could not lift them. I am a belly sleeper ...so until i could sleep on my belly 2-3 weeks out ????- I didn't sleep wonderful (I hate sleeping on my back). I didn't want to eat when I first came home. I ate by the clock - because I had to. I was on a mushy diet for 6 weeks and that got OLD quick!  I would say planning for 2 weeks off with an additional one if needed is a good plan.  Take it a day at a time - and follow your surgeons orders. keep us posted, Britt

First i want to say congrats to you on your upcoming surgery.  This is such a rollercoaster of emotions time for you that everyone here can relate to.  I was equally as worried as you are.  So many questions, so many doubts so many postive feelings.  I am the mother of 4 and the thought of a major surgery that i choose to do was very scary.  I took time to look at my life ..i was morbidly obese, tired all the time, depressed about how i felt and looked.  Was i a good mother?  I was the best mother i could be at the weight and health that i was.  Am i a better mother now, well if you look at the fact that i can run and play with my kids, ride the skooters and bikes with them, play tag without dropping to the ground for air, walk down the street with them and feel like im not embarassing them being the fat mommy any more, cooking healthier for all of them and making them healthier and learn good choices for food now and just smiling alot more, then yea it made me a better mother.   As for post op, the initial few weeks was a little rough, doable but tough.  If you have help thats so important.  I was actually out in the park with the kids and my husband with my drain tubes still in me.  Thats how good i felt initially.  Not great but ok to get out.  Everyone is different however .  You are going to have to try to take it easy at first and let your body heal.  Your body is going to be trying to recover from major surgery as well as adjust to the starvation mode you will be in.  Your mind is going to go all over as well, as you are going to be giving up your best friend for so many years, food.  Like i said its a rollercoaster of a ride.  Go into it with positive thoughts.  I am living my life and its an amazing ride for me.  I never have felt this good.  I am more healthy now then ever in my life.   Best of luck to you, sorry so long.  Keep us posted and ask ask ask as many questions as you need to. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a textbook uncomplicated surgery and quick and easy recovery! ALso read as many profiles as you can, that will give you an idea as to what everyone has gone through. LisaMarie

I definately stayed on pain meds for at least 10 days, and like Britt didn't sleep great till I could sleep on my stomach, which was at about 2 weeks out.

I have a great DH & two teenagers and they did everything, including the first 2 days home standing outside the shower handing me soap & shampoo! The support they gave me was fabulous & much needed.

I went back to work after 2 weeks. That was a little rough, but since it was 4th of July week, I got a break in the middle. And my daughter's interning for me over the summer, so she got to carry the bags. For those first 2 weeks, my advice is the same as everyone else's--rest, walk, sip, repeat!

I've gotton some energy back & just have a twinge where the largest "hole" is, on the left side.

LisaMarie is right on the money about positive thoughts,it makes a huge difference.

You'll do great!