Are there any guys in here?

Just joined forum today, Surgery scheduled for 10/27. Dr. Hutcher open surgery. Anyone else, especially guys have any advice? What to expect after surgery? How long before you were able to go out an back to work (desk job) What did you eat?

Hello and welcome!  I am a patient of Dr. Hutcher, too.  He is the best!  I owe this man my life.  There are a couple of guys on here.  Joe Green from Colonial Heights is also a Dr. H patient.  You may want to send him a message.  I know he is busy with work but will respond as soon as he sees this.  He is awesome, too! 

After surgery you can expect some pain and gas, protein shakes for two weeks and a lot of walking and sipping.  I took the full time off allowed by my employer (6 weeks) and needed every bit of it.  I was tired at first then had tons of energy then went back to being tired all of the time.

For what to eat...honestly...not much.  I did not want anything and the thought of food repulsed me for over a year.  I had "head hunger" at first but then even the thought or smell made me gag. 

Good luck!  I am here if you need anything.  I live very close to St. Marys so let me know if you want visitors and again, WELCOME! 

Thanks Tam!

Welcome. I had my surgery in Washington but I still wanted to pipe in here. Since I am now in Petersburg. I took 2 weeks off of work and went back to light duty and half days. I am a photographer and it took me about 6 weeks to be able to go back to work full time whi*****luded getting up and down quickly and laying on my stomach and back up. Sometimes I was a little slow but I was back to myself before I knew it. I made sure I always took plenty of water, protein and healthy foods. I was a major nibbler because I could only do a few bites here and there.

Good luck to you.

Brandy

I hope I can get back quicker than that. I can do really lite work for a while. I own a computer business and also do some photography. I actually am suppose to do 2 jobs the week after surgery. I don't know what to do, I cannot loose these customers. I have been doing their corporate meetings for 9 years. Basically just shoot head shots of store managers. I have help to setup everything, basically just push the button and give instructions. The computer end it no big deal, I have technicians that can run service calls and I do the lite stuff.

Since these are such loyal customers, can you consider rescheduling them?  It seems it would be better to do so now than to have to cancel.  Dr. Hutcher did my surgery.  I could not have worked after a week, but you are more determined than I am.  I sure wouldn't plan or doing anything else besides the photo shoots.  Stick around, we are a nice bunch here.  Dr. H. is great and very proactive.  Check out the men's forum also.  :)  Best wishes and good health.  Loris

Hi there and welcome!

I had open and it took about 3 weeks before I really felt back to somewhat normal. I took 4 weeks from work (desk job) because it was what my employer gave me. The biggest thing is maintaining energy. I took lots of naps those first few weeks...but I also painted a room (week 4)! HA! (My doctor would have had a cow if he'd known...and for good reason!). 

I'd suggest that you get the rest your body needs and not try to fight it too much. It's a major surgery and the more you fight it the longer it'll take to recover. 

As for food, I was on puree for 8 weeks (Drs. orders) so it was lots of peanut butter, refried beans, applesauce and cottage cheese. I was never so happy to crunch a carrot at week 9. 

Best to you! 

I took 2 weeks off work (desk job).  I possibly could have gone back the 2nd week (I was in the gym every day), but it was slow going to get dressed and out the door,  Plus "eating" would have been more complicated and I still napped a bit each afternoon.  I could have pushed myself, but was glad I didn't have to.  Best of luck with your surgery and welcome to the VA Board!

Welcome to the Va Board!! I just had my surgery 11 days ago. It was Laproscopic not Open but I am back to my normal self and not stopping for nothing!! Good Luck. We wil move over and save you a seat on the loser bench. I am also available to check on you at hospital after surgery just let me know if interested

Hi! I'm not a patient of Dr Hutcher's but of his associate, Dr Bautista, who is more than awesome. You couldn't have picked a better practice to go through!

I had lap rny so unfortunately, I wouldn't be too helpful on the post op life of open patients. While everyone has their own issues, I really didn't have much of an issue with gas or pain. Guess I got lucky with that. Honestly, once the drain tube and on cue pump came out, I didn't feel miserable anymore.

Just wanted to say congratulations on your upcoming surgery. With Commonwealth Surgeons, you are in great hands. Keep us posted and welcome!