Thoughts at 6 days post op

And I'm just now finally finding it comfortable enough to sit at the computer.

Some pointers that come to mind at the moment.

Morning of surgery (8/12) I was 242lbs.    When I got home friday (8/15) I was 248.   As of yesterday morning I was back to orginial of 242 but then BAM!!! This morning I was at 235.  No idea what happened overnight, must have some major swelling that went down or somethinig..

I'm a little surprised at how much pain I'm still in.  I've always thought of myself as having a high tolerance for pain.  But WOOOOHHHH boy I still hurt.  I'm not even sure what it is from.  It's not near an incision or anything like that.. just a deep "stabbing" pain from within and it's more in my back than anything?? 

Having to sleep in a recliner because it's he!! getting up from laying down position, I'm a side sleeper and I find it very uncomfortable and hurtful to be on my side, and laying flat on my back.. well that's just not working either.    I'm wondering how long it will be that way??  Hopefully not too long.

I'm still having major GAS issues..  it just does not want to seem to come out.. I can feel it moving around and hear it gurgling around..  I actually think this is the major cause of my pain that the moment.  I've tried the milk of magnesia stuff that the nurse said to take, it help a little but but it seems like it just made room for more of it to develope because it does relieve it for a short time and then it seems worse than ever.

I've been doing well on getting the liquid in, although getting in all the protein is hard to get in at this point.   I really feel I'm doing the best I can do, but still lacking so it's a little frustrating.  I've been doing all liquids of course, trying for 3 small protein shake a day..  Looking at my diet list the surgeion provided (it gives week by week instructions with sample menus and list of foods we can have).. I noticed that we can have cream of ___ soups as long as we strain out any little pieced of chicken or whatnot from them.   I did a little bit of cream of chicken for lunch and that was like the best thing i've ever tasted  :)  Well at least in the last 3 weeks since being on all liquid diet.   It sat very nicely

I'm surprised at how "nice" the incisions are already looking.  I just had this image of well umm  "gapping holes" but it's nothing like that and they are healing very nicely.. not the slightest bit red or anything.

Well think that is the main things that come to mind right now

Glad to hear you are doing well!!  Sounds like your surgery was the ideal surgery.  Keep up the good work!! 

Yes, its sounds like you are healing nicely....just remember that there are things to heal inside too.  Just follow the rules and things should go smoothly....your weight will fluctuate wildly at first.  Your body has to adjust to everything.  Keep up the excellent work!

Rosemary

I am glad you are doing Ok. It is great to read comments from people that are so early out of surgery. It is helpful to me (who has not had surgery) and others to get an idea of what to expect each day. I know everyone is different and affected differently but it gives us a general idea of what to feel and expect. thank you!
I have my initial info session date on 8/28. I wish I was on the post op end now! I am 40 and have that chronic knee pain(osteoarthritis). It hurts every day along with an ankle that I pulled a ligament on 2 years ago!

Keep us posted on how you are feeling. I also like to read about what people are eating early after surgery.

Lisa

I'm glad all is well with you.Everything you describe is normal.As the days go by ,every day gets better.The full realization comes after about 6 months.There will be ups and down with your weight.Remember the body had to react to the rapid weight loss.You will hit a stall when the weight stays the same for a while.Then all of a sudden,BAM,you start losing again.I have lost 148 lbs and It all came off 1 lb at a time! It's amazing how those lbs add up.Remember,we didn't gain the weight all at once so we won't lose it all at once either.Just don't push the recovery time.Eat as instructed by the pros.I wish you the best of luck,Bob

Congrats.  I am 4 months out and still having a hard time getting my protein in, but I cant stomache the shakes.  The gas kiled me for over a week...the worst pain.  Try Gas-X strips...the cinnamon.  Take 2 at a time, they work so good.  Try to walk a little and get that gas moving, gas pain really stinks!  You will start to feel better soon, take it slow.... you seem to be doing great.

Your post could have been written by me.  I am 7 days out right now.  I have been in the recliner with major gas and then back pain when I stand.  I am also very "weak" no energy.  i had some sneaky gas/diarrehea (sp?) that actually helped the pain feel better.  I think most of this pain right now is from gas. 

I have been okay with the liquid but still having trouble with the protein too.  I just switched over the the SFCIB and that seems to be more palatable.  Crystal light fruit punch has been pretty tasty too. 

Get one of those neck pillows for the recliner-it will make your neck and back feel a little better. 

Yeah, I can't wait to not feel like a piece of dog crap.