open RNY in 7 days; scared of recovery/pain

One week from tomorrow (on the 27th) I will be having an open RNY.  I wanted lap, but I also wanted THIS surgeon (and I do carry LOTS of my weight up front), so there it is. I'm excited to have the surgery and get my life back, but I'm starting to freak out about the big incision and the pain on TOP of trying to get the water and protein in at first.  I'll ahve a G-tube for 2 weeks, so that will assure that I stay hydrated and nourished at first, but there's still the issue of the seriousness of the surgery and the pain... I could use some encouragement about now (especially from those who had open instead of lap). Lora

OK First thing first. YOU ARE IN GREAT HANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had OPEN with Dr. Rita and she is GREAT as you alredy know.  I my open with Dr. Rita was back in 11/17/2003 and here are tips I have for you. Get some LONG TONGS and baby wipes you will need them for the bathroom. You will not be able to turn to wipe (Sorry if TMI but if we don't pass along who will). Take your PAIN MEDS by the clock. DON'T let the pain catch up to you. I only took them for 3 days once I was home but when I did I took them like clock work.  SIP & WALK. I know you've heard this 10000000 time so here it is one more.  Start getting EXTRA PROTEIN in NOW and right up to surgery date you will heal better and might not have as much hair loss. I didn't lose any hair.   Remember you protein shakes count as food and liquid so sip them and make sure they are ICE COLD they taste better that way. You can even use Carnation SF instant breakfast mixed with milk or the new Slim Fast optmia or  high protein. EAS  Carb Control is another GOOD one.  WEAR YOUR BINDER  that helped a lot also. You can also use extra long maxi pads instead of the gauze pads and tape. Cost less also. Just adjust the pad then wrap the binder around. I never took the stickie off. The binder will hold it in place.  GET YOUR REST once you are home. Naps are GREAT you might need help for the first few days but then after that you should be ok.  No matter if you have Lap or open this is still major surgery and it takes a lot out of you.   I  really  felt good after about 10 days and even drove myself to my 2 week check up/drain removal/staple removal.  But then I still came home are rested.  That's all I can think of for now.  Here's my email if you like.  [email protected].  Good Luck,  Robin

Hi Lora, Dr. Anderson did my open DS two years ago and a hernia repair two weeks ago.  I can tell you that Kettering Hospital is wonderful with pain control.  I not only had a morphine drip, but also an apparatus that had little tubes under the skin around my incision that had a fanny pack that injected pain meds all around the surgical site.  Outside of the difficulty getting in and out of bed, I had very little actual pain.  The nursing staff at the bariatric ward is fantastic (I was lucky enough to be there even as a smaller hernia patient).  What I really loved is that Dr Anderson likes to glue the incision instead of dealing with stitches.  What that means is very little itching and quick healing.  My incision was healed in two weeks, scabs gone and everything. Don't worry, Doc Rita is a champ.  If there was ever a way to get a good experience with this, she and Kettering hospital will give it to you.

lora- i had open by choice- and i am glad that i did- the biggest problem i had were some spasms when i would try to get out of bed in the hospital--they gave me a shot of something and wow- they stopped!  be sure to roll onto your side and get up gently! you have gotten excellent suggestions and reviews of your doc and hospital--please take deep breaths and know that you are in good hands! post op pain is nothing to be afraid of- do as robin suggested- take your meds on time everytime as needed--do not let the pain build up ( my hubby does that and i get so angry with him!). my prayers go with you into surgery and for a speedy recovery!

Thanks to all for the replies.  I really appreciate the encouraging words and positive experiences with open surgeries.  I think I was letting some of the info/comments of some who had lap procedures (and would "never" submit to an open surgery) get into my head.

I know I am good hands, both with Dr. Rita and with KMC (I have had several other surgeries there (a couple done by Dr. Muth, whom I think is a terrific person and surgeon))...Thanks, Valerie, for the positive feedback on the "pain ball" -- they told me they would use one but I have not encountered anyone who actually had experience with one... that makes me feel a lot better. 

Ok, deep breath... I can do this!  (I'll just need some of that "courage medicine" as soon as I get that hospital gown on!)

Lora

just remember that we are here holding your back! the back of your gown that is!!! you will be fine--we're here waiting for you on the loser's bench! when i chose to have my surgery done open vs laproscopically--it was becuz my doc was going to get in there and actually touch my organs- my gall bladder etc- and i wanted to be sure that he saw what he needed to--somedays i do have a tinge of regret at the scar but it is almost invisible and i do wear it proudly!!! and i don't plan on wearing a bikini in my 53 yr old future! i had had lap for my tubal ligation years before and had a terrible time with the gas escaping thru my belly button and burning---so it is a personal thing. i think tha the choice of doctor etc is utmost and it sounds as if you are in awesome hands! sending prayers and hugs!

The pain ball is "the shizzle"....but when you get up to go to the bathroom, you need to be careful not to pull out the little tubes.  I just hung the fanny pack on my IV tower as I walked around.  I did manage to pull out the tubes on my second day both times...but fortuneately, I didn't really need it anymore.

You'll do great hun. I just had Open RNY on 2-20-07. I have to second things that have already been stated. Make sure that you're taking meds by the clock. I let mine laps and I felt horrible.  Make sure that you walk. Walking is hard but it helps you heal faster. Remember to ALWAYS carry a pillow with you. If you have to cough, sneeze or if you're hurting, you'll need to hug the pillow. I brought one from home and kept it with me. If there's anything I can do let me know. [email protected]

Oh -- I just wanted to let you know that you don't need much at the hospital.  Use a second gown as a robe if you want, and go commando -- the last  thing you want to worry about is pulling down your panties while you're hooked up to tubes and such.  They'll give you toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shampoo, soap, etc.  The shampoo is baby shampoo, so if you're high-maintenance like me, bringing your own shampoo wouldn't be a bad idea.   OH!  Someone will come by trying to sell you some tongs to wipe your hiney with.  You can buy your own for $2 if you must in the kitchen aisle, or wrap some paper around a wooden spoon.  Just test your reach yourself if you think about it, so you're not pressured into buying their little overpriced gadgets.  I was able to reach just fine, but found confidence using flushable wet-wipes to make sure my weakened reach was effective.  I liked them so much that I still use them today. 

I never bought tongs nor had anyone offer the advice or try to sell me one. I just leaned a little and was able to do things ok. I just stocked up on wipes and they was easier than toilet paper. Plus it just made me feel cleaner.