Have Questions, Need Answers, can anyone help?

I'm so ready for surgery, my anxiety levels are sky high! I'm just so worried that I'll be one of these people who don't loose the 100lbs. I'm wanting to loose. I'm also wondering how anyone has felt after surgery, what to expect, what should I eat afterwards etc... I know it's liquids, semi soft foods, but what worked(s) for some of you. I'm also stressing about the medicine they give for pain. I'm allergic to morphine, and that's what I hear they give. Anyone else allergic to morphine? And what did they give you in place of it? Any help to ease my anxious mind would be appreciated tremendously!

well, first of all which surgery are you having? I had the banding on the 19 of april. that was a friday, boy that night was bad...lot of pain and got sick..but you know you wouldnt be in the hospital if you were not going to hurt or be sick..it took me about 3 days to come out of it. and now I am fine. loseing weight. Thank God..I too was not sure if I would lose. but I am... as far as the foods go...well,,,it is realy what works best for you..for me it is sf jello sf pudding sf kool aid. I some times have a little grape juice..because I am not eating much. that has any caloiries. soups ( cream) no noodles, meat or veggies.. lets put it this way---if it can be chewed--it is a NO NO. sf popcicles.. youart.(sp) soft things. and that is only for a bout 2 weeks for most people. your doctor may say something different. and if you are allergic to morphine..just tell them...there are lots of other pain meds to be used...dont worry...you will be fine. write me back if you want...Lavena aka Sissie

Thanks for the RE: Sissie. I really needed the info. I will be stocking up on all the sf stuff! Any way to get a little variety helps. By the way, I'm having open RNY. This just sounded like the best way to go for me. Thanks again for the encouragement! Take care.........April

Hi April. I had open RNY on 1-29-04. I found out after surgery that I was allergic to morphine. Make sure you tell them you are allergic to it and ask them what they are going to give you. There are so many drugs out there so don't worry about that. I came home on Loratab but that didn't work for me, then I got Demerol and phenergan. As far as surgery, I didn't feel like a human being for two weeks. The third week was better and the fourth week I felt great. Expect to be really tired for at least the first week. The pain wasn't all that bad once I got home. I mainly took the pain pills so I could rest. As far as eating, that was a trial and error thing. Sugar-free popsicles were and still are a life saver. I would also get some flavored water, chicken broth or beef broth, sugar-free jello. I had creamed soups a couple of times but they didn't still well with me. You will never know until you try. Once I got to the pureed stage, I ate lots of scrambled egges (maybe half of one at a time). Also I ate mashed potatoes. I got sick of food real fast so I did eat lots of popsicles. Just take it one day at a time and you will do fine. If I can be of any help to you please e-mail me. Leanne

Hey Leanne, thanks for the RE: So you found out the hard way that your allergic to morphine also? It's the pitts that's for sure! What did they end up giving you in the hospital? I know you said Demoral and phenergan when you went home. That's really the only part that's got me really worried....the medicine. But you're right, they have so many to choose from, I'm sure there's something for me. How much weight have you lost so far? I've got to loose 100lbs. Good luck on your "losing journey", ha! Hope to hear from you again. April B.

I was sure after a lifetime of obesity, that even this wouldn't work for me. I am thrilled to say it did! Two years ago today I met with the surgeon for the first time, and weighed in at 334. I knew I 'could' be healthy at 250....but hoped for 220...andunder 200 was a goal I thought I could make if I worked really hard..now, in the lower 140's I am amazed at the LIFE I was missing out on! If you are willing to make the commitment to some life changes, this surgery will see you through. They have pain alternatives for you in the hospital, just discuss it with your surgeon before hand. I went home with no pain meds, but others go home with lortab or percoset or just Xstrength tylenol. Best wishes!