Home from the hospital!!

I had my RNY on Monday the 25th and came home on the 27th in the afternoon.  The surgery went very well and no complications!  And for it being my first surgery ever I really was not that nervous (maybe it was because I was up at 4am and at the hospital at 5:30 am and I was just too tired!)  But the whole process went very quick once at the hospital and next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery, and sleeping on and off again for most of the day.  I had such a wonderful surgeon and all the nurses at Hershey Med Center were great!  I was up and walking at 9pm same day of my surgery, it was rough but I knew I had to do it.  The next day I was walking even more I believe 5 times down the long hallways.  My family came in to visit me everyday and my husband was so great supporting me.  I cannot believe this time last week I was so nervous about it and just like my husband told me it would be over and done with quick and in one week I would be wondering what I was nervous about!  And he was right, each day keeps getting better and easier to move around- thank goodness the gas pains are starting to go away, ugggh that was the worst part!!  So I came home with no pain medication and have been doing fine without it.  I am still working on my protein intake, yesterday I was able to get in 39 grams, which I know is low- I need to find a protein shake that has more protein in it than carnation, I tried the unjury strawberry sorbet yesterday and about gagged- it was gross!  So I have heard that nectar is a good tasting one so I will try that one.  So now I am on the losers bench and I really have no regrets at all!!  I start pureed foods on Tuesday- I will be nervous to try foods for the first time again but anxious also!    Does anyone have any advice/ideas on exercises to start next week- I am trying to walk as much as possible now.  Thanks everyone for all your wonderful support!!!
Liz

welcome to the bench Liz!!! 

keep sipping and walking and you'll do fine

As far as exercise, since you are so early out, just keep moving.  Do a little bit of walking whenever you can.  Don't overdo it.  You are still healing and don't want to do any damage to your innards.  There are going to be days when you feel like you can move the world.  DON'T DO IT!! Not yet, anyway.  You are going to get tired very quickly.  Take the opportunity to rest when you can.

Sounds like you already have a great attitude.  Keep up the great work!!

thanks Lisa- it feels so good to have the surgery over with!  I stressed over it for so long.  I know I do not want to over do it, I was tired from taking a shower last night!

Welcome to the loser's bench Liz!

If you have no need for pain meds now, you're on the fast track, girl!

Moving around is the solution to the gas issue, and I believe can even prevent to much gas buildup, so take your little walks as much as you can! My dr. also recommended gentle side to side bends and gentle twists several times per day to prevent gas pains. Of course this weather isn't exactly tropical, but even if you can get out to walk up and down the aisles at a store or around the mall...it will help!  I would stick with walking as your exercise until you see your dr. - I was cleared for water aerobics and swimming at 3 weeks, and cleared for all other exercise at 6 weeks. Getting in the exercise habit now will pay off big time in the long run - you will actually come to enjoy the benefits! (I know, who'd have thought?)

The protein intake will build up a little each day.

Now, as for what shake to buy....there are some online sources that will send you samples of lots of brands and flavors. The nutritionist at my hospital let me sample several, too. It's sort of trial and error, every time you buy one, if you ask me!

Nectar in fuzzy navel is a nice change from the chocolate/vanilla routine and blends nicely with a little fruit thrown in.

I have had good luck with the GNC AMP protien - the chocolate is not so sickeningly sweet or chalky. However, the directions will say to use 3 scoops per serving for over 60 gm. of protein per serving. No,  no, no! One scoop in a glass of skim milk is fine.

EAS has a protein mix available at costco - a big bag is about $30. The chocolate flavor is a bit milder and richer - like a malted chocolate, sort of.

Some folks like the brand available at WalMart - but I had to toss a container of this one. Too sweet for me!

And don't forget to sip!

Thanks- I know I wi**** was warmer out to walk outside, but I keep making my rounds around the house!  The gas pains are pretty much gone- thank goodness   I have increased my protein intake to 50-60 grams, but I am aiming for 75.  I am going to head out later to find some protein powders that have more than the carnation.

wooohooo welcome to the losers bench

thanks Sandra!

Liz, also - just curious what area you live in, if you had your surgery at Hershey. I am in Lanc. County.

I live in York, we are close!!!

Welcome home Liz!  Glad everything went so well and you're in good spirits.  If you get the chance, try the OhYeah pre-made protein shakes.  It's 14 oz, for 32 grams.  I had at least one of those my first week because I was absolutely gagging on all the protein powder too.  I think it was something about not having to mix it or smell it that made it better for me.

I did a bit too much exercise on about the 4th or 5th day home and then basically was ready to collapse 2 hours later.  Just basic walking now and make sure to stop and take rests.  I wasn't sleeping well at night, so I was getting exhausted easily during the day.  Make sure to take it easy and not pu****  (Oh, and the gas will pass too ; )