RNY Recovery?

  Hi all -- I am new to ObesityHelp, but not new to WLS.

I had lapband surgery 7 years coming this June and lost a total of 167 lbs. I have regained some weight (around 60 lbs from my lowest), and am trying to get revision surgery (not because of regain, but because the tool is no longer properly providing me restriction, and is not helping me. Currently my band is almost empty, and when I get a fill - even as small as .75 cc, I cannot drink water).

I have had several surgeries since my LapBand and my mom was the one who took care of me. She did everything for me. In May of 2016, my mom passed away. I was and still am devastated. That was a large part of my regain, but that's another post.

I am wondering -- what should I expect for recovery? How long did it take? How much "care" did you need?

I don't even know if I'll be approved - my BMI isn't high enough, and I don't know if my insurance will cover it, but I'm going to try.

My original surgeon was the one who suggested a revision due to the malfunction (I also have severe acid reflux). He said he would be more than willing to DO the surgery - it's just a matter of getting it approved.

I cannot go see my original surgeon w/ my current insurance, though, because I've recently moved and he's now out of network... I'm very upset about this. I'm trying to find a new surgeon and have an appointment with a general doctor next week to get my referral.

I'd love to hear what your recovery and experience with RNY has been.

Everyone is different, but after my RNY I felt a little tender but I felt great.  I told my surgeon I couldn't believe that there was no pain with it.  I took it kind of easy for the first few days but I really didn't need any help.  I did have to have my husband drive me home, but he was also shocked at how good I felt.

I felt really good. I just felt sore and bloated. I also tired easily for the first week or so. I am almost 7 weeks out and feeling great. I am so thankful that I had the surgery.

Good luck to you!

I also had a smooth recovery. My husband stuck around the house with me the first few days, but he didn't actually need to do anything. It was more of a sense of security that he could drive me to emerg, or call 911 if anything drastic happened. But it was pretty straightforward. Took my pain meds, walked, sipped, slept for the first couple of days.

I felt weak and tired the first day.  After two days, I felt great and was sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop, but it never did.  I had surgery on a Tuesday, was driving and doing housework by Friday and back to work the following Monday.

I am sorry for the loss of your mother. I fell apart after the loss of my father. I like to think he is happy I finally made the decision to take care of my health.

As far as recovery goes, most of us are back at work after 2 weeks. I had 2 small children and needed help with their care, but I personally did not need any help. I was exhausted until about the 6 month mark, but I got through work just fine and then went home and collapsed. Most people seem to bounce back much more quickly, but for some of us, it takes longer.

Best wishes on your journey.

I was able to take care of myself for the most part. My stomach was very sore, as expected with any abdominal surgery. Don't be afraid to take the pain medicine; you won't get a trophy for not taking it! The pain medicine helped relieve much of my discomfort and helped me sleep. 

I went back to work after two weeks of recovery. I honestly think I went back a little too quickly. I had a few days at work where I got sick and had to leave early because I was still learning how to eat. I also felt nauseous and fatigued, and it didn't help that I had to stand on my feet for eight hours. I would say that the amount of time off from work varies because those who work desk jobs might be able to return to work sooner than those with jobs that include more physical labor. 

I'm 51yo... I didn't really need any help once I got home, but I did sleep in a recliner for about 10 days. It hurt to get up and down, but once I was up/down, I was comfortable. I went back to work 10 days later. I was tired, and worked 3/4 days for the first week... and came home and took a nap on the couch every afternoon... but by about 4 weeks, I was OK... still tired until about 3 months, but it was all doable.

No real lifting... so even grocery shopping can be affected, but you can manage if you have to.

I'm sorry you lost your biggest support  But remember, she's still with you, rooting you on!

I needed help for the first couple days.  I also slept in a recliner for about the first week because getting up and down out of bed was just too difficult.  The abdominal area is so uncomfortable for a few days because of the bloating from all the gasses they put into you during surgery.  I am now 7 1/2 weeks post op and feel great!