Just Returned from Hospital. Need Advice.

Hello Everyone. I returned home after having RNY at Vanderbilt on this past tuesday.  Still in quite a bit of stomach discomfort. Also tough to get in appropriate water.  Anybody have any suggestions?

Congrats on your surgery!  I found my recliner to be the best place to sit and sleep for the first couple of weeks post-op. As for the fluids, just keep a bottle of water or Crystal Lite with you at all times and constantly sip, sip, sip.  Sugar Free popsicles are also another source of fluid.  You can also make SF Jello using one or two of the 3 oz. protein shots in place of some of the water to help get in fluid aand protein at the same time. I use the cherry, strawberry or mixed berry SF Jello and the fruit punch flavored protein bullets (I get them at WalMart - 26 grams of whey protein per tube).

Another thing - WALK, WALK, WALK. It will help you tremendously. Just take it easy, but do it consistently and several times a day.

So, your new agenda for the immediate future is - WALK & SIP, WALK & SIP, WALK & SIP!!  Hang on for a wild ride!!

Congrats and good luck to ya!!

Thanks for the advice. It is gretly appreciated.

I had my surgery on 11/3 and that first week was the worst for me.  I found that bracing myself with a pillow really helped some of the discomfort.  I sat up as much as possible because that was the best position for me, and then just held the pillow in place.

When it came time to sleep I had some problems because I've always been a stomach sleeper.  I got a body pillow and braced my left side with that and was able to sleep on my right side but low enough to let my body think I was on my stomach.

I still have some trouble getting in enough liquid.  No matter how slow I drink, or how small my sips are, I get pain when the liquid is going down.  The only thing I can suggest on that is to just keep trying.  It's easier said than done, and I know it's hard to remember when you're in the middle of the discomfort, but it really is just temporary and we're on the road to much better lives.

I wish you all the best, and let me know how you're feeling!

Thanks for the advice. I can lie down virtually pain free, or I can stand up virtually pain free, but moving twisting the torso between lying, sitting and standing is quite painfull.
Foodwise, I can get in about 2/3 of a sf popsicle or two-three tablespoons of jello.
Good Luck and thanks.

William,

I ate a lot of chipped ice flavored with Crystal Light.  That helped me get my liquids in.

Preacher Mike

thanks, i'll give it a try. I appreciate it.

Sonic saved my life I love their ice

I order a Large unsweetened tea I add slenda and sip on that...no straw

When I am done I chew on the ice

so its like double the water intake

I still do it to this day

William Congrats on the WLS, Vandy has a great team. Just remember at this stage your liquid protein counts as liquid too. I found the first few weeks hot liquid Decaf Tea or Decaf Coffee went down esier then cold liquid? Bullion is also good. The protein jell-o Bama spoke of is good and GNC sells a protein pudding thats pretty good. Best of luck and keep moving..... C'ya Bob

Thanks, right now jello, sf popsicles,water ,tomato juice seems to be going in ok. Stomach discomfort seems to ease by the day.  Thanks, I'll give the tea a try.