5 days post-op update

Hi everyone. I had my surgery, open RNY, on May 1st. There were some complications post-op. I had some internal bleeding & my blood pressure went pretty low, then my blood count went low and my doctor almost gave me a transfusion. I had a fever of 101.6 for several days, but white blood cell count was good- so he didn't worry about infection. My surgery was Monday & I was released from the hospital on Friday. I guess I read so many people's posts about sailing through surgery & feeling so good they did not even believe they had surgery and shopping at Walmart the next day, that I did not prepare myself for the possibility of feeling this bad after surgery. My stomach is very bloated and uncomfortable. I don't want to scare anyone, but it's important to tell the truth. I feel pretty bad still & I definitely know when it is time for pain medication still. I've been walking short distances and trying to sip, sip, sip. It seems impossible to get in enough fluids. I am not hungry at all, but head hunger is still there. Like when I see my family eating pizza or all the food comercials, I think, "Man I would love to chew something.", but I'm really not hungry for it. Time to get back in the Lazy-boy. Love y'all, Darlene

Darlene, I'm glad you are home and very sorry that you had some post surgical complications. I sure hope they are behind you. I guess I was one of those who was out shopping the day I got home from the hospital but even then, I knew I had had major surgery.....for weeks I had to take an afternoon nap, which I had NEVER done before. ....and the head hunger it stayed on for much longer than I thought......and yes, I was so discouraged because I couldn't get in all the water I knew I needed.....but making and working toward small goals first will help you. Again, glad you are home....hope each day gets better for you. luvitsunnyv

Thanks Luvitsunnyv, I'm feeling a little better today. Darlene

Hey Darlene, I don't know who's profiles you were reading before surgery but it obviously was not mine. You're right, this is a very difficult and painful surgery to recover from. Just plan on being miserable for at least the next 6 weeks. That bloated feeling takes a long time to get over. Not to mention constipation or diarhea...we all seem to have one or the other. Weird huh? You're also right about the water intake. I know I didn't get in 64 oz of anything for the first 6 weeks and to be honest, its still a struggle now. Its hard to drink drink drink all day long....and we cant just make up for it in a few big gulps. I can promise you that it WILL get better. Eventually you will begin to feel like a normal person again with a normal life....who just eats really small amounts. I will pray for your quick healing. Just keep posting and let us know how you're doing. We've all been there. It helped me to talk to other people about it when I was there. We love you! Jacinda

Thanks Jacinda, I'm feeling a little better today. Darlene

Hi Darlene, I am glad to hear you are home and doing ok. I have been denied for wls, but I am working on an appeal. I just wanted to say Thank you for being honest. It helps me realize a liitle more of what to expect. I pray for a speedy recovery for you and no more complications. Have a Blessed evening. Tracy LeAnn

Hi Tracy, Riverview was a wonderful hospital. They treated me like royalty. I've never had such one on one care from nurses anywhere. Don't give up. The insurance co. wants to see if you are willing to jump through their hoops, they are hoping they can just wear you down. Don't lose sight of what you are fighting for. Hugs, Darlene