First Time Posting

Hi everyone, I have been "cruising" this site for about a month now. I have a surgery date of May 13th, for a Lap RNY. I am concerned about hair loss, vomiting (or should I say my extreme fear of vomiting) return to work (I have to be back to work 1 week after surgery, no other option). I am hoping to come home 24 hours post -op. I work at the hospital I am having the surgery at, my privacy is of utmost importance to me and need to get out of there before the whole world knows my business. My husband is very supportive, the rest of my family does not and will not know about the surgery, (my mother's best friend died 3 weeks post-op from complications). One co-worker knows, but no one else does, so I have little support and no one to to ask questions of (the local support gorup is held at my work). Any advice, comments, words of wisdom would be appreciated

Hi Jane So glad you found us and your not lurking anymore......I am 9weeks post op I have lost 70lbs and went from a size 26 to a size 18.... I don't think one week back to work after your surgery is a very wise idea have you talk to your surgeon about that.....if not please do..... I have not experienced any hair loss at this time and I hope I don't I do get enough protien in so the possiblity of it not happening is good.....but to my understanding it occurs after 3 month post-op..... No one at my job knows what kind of surgery I had I have not told any one about it so I do understand how you feel.....it really isn't anyones business...... I wish you the best through out your journey to a healthier and happier lifestyle... Again please do talk to your surgeon about going back to work after one week, I do think it is to soon....and working in the hospital you will be lifting things and you really need your rest after surgery..... If there is any thing I can do please let me know... Oh I almost forgot I have not experienced dumping yet either cause I don't test the waters Christine

Jane, In regards to your surgery, I had a open RNY, but I still think one week is not long enough for your body to recover. This is a major surgery. I had 6 weeks and that was just right. The first week is very hard, you will be sore and tired. I'm sorry you can;t have the support from your family that you need due to mom's friend passing, but you need support. I'm glad you came here, I'm new too. I have a lot of support with friends and family, but I think it's great that we can all help each other. I also have had no hair loss (thank god!) but as far as the vomiting goes, well....I have had my fair share!! It's not severe, but I know within minutes of eating if something is not going to agree with me. Everyday is different, one day I can eat something and it's fine, the next day it may not be. I had my surgery in Nov. so everything is trial and error. The best thing to do is keep a food journal. I have lost 110 pds. since surgery and have another 25-30 pds. to go. I wish you the best, good luck with recovery and I hope my info can help you a little! Karry

I had an open RNY and I was ready to go back to work within a week. However, my job is very low impact. I sit and type. I took an extra 5 days simply because i could. If your job entails lifting and heavy stuff like that, you need to reconsider your decision just for your own health. I don't see them letting you out of the hospital in 24 hours, but you never know. they keep us for 3 days for a reason. Please don't let your desire for privacy cause you to risk complications to yourself. And what's the worse that will happen if your co-workers learn of your surgery? You would be surprised. My co-workers were amazing. Each one of us reacts differently to the surgery. It was the easiest thing I ever had to recuperate from. But please - be careful with yourself. You are doing this to regain your health. Listen to your Doctor. good luck and God Bless

Jane, Hello hun and welcome to the board.... I am still pre-op so I can not offer that mu*****nowledge but I can alway offer my support.... This is a great place to learn and ask questions, all are so helpful and caring here. I am going to be out for about 3 weeks total, maybe more if needed but I only have a desk job so I am thinking that would be fine....please take your time and heal, this is not light surgery hun! I am also sorry that you are not getting the support from all your family, I know that can make this hard but you have so many that will help you through.....~hug~ Your hubby is the only one that really matters hun and he is with you so you go for it..... Take care.... Debra P