how long did it take post op for you to feel completely recovered?
I'm about two weeks out from my surgery date and am just trying to get or understand some semblance of normal. I thought I was doing pretty good, so I went to church today, sat through 3 hours of meetings, and by the end of it, my stomach was killing me. How long did it take for the incisions to heal and the stomach muscles to be back to normal? also, did anyone cheat and eat real food before the end of the 2 week liquid diet phase?
dont cheat, because the insides take 6 weeks to heal. Follow the progression as advised by your surgeon. After my post surgry check, I was given the go ahead to eat a soft diet. This is major surgery, not something to mess around with. The staple line needs to solidify and seal closed, or it may leak, necessitating a visit to the OR again, and start over with the liquid diet !!!
I felt really good after a month to 6 weeks. Started a gym exercise program at 2 1/2 -3 months, slow start, increasing by 3-4 months, at 6 months full out all weight machines, no abdominal pain any more. Begin with slow walking to strengthen your core. Increase walking speed as you feel stronger from week to week. You will notice along with weight loss, increased confidence, and motivation. ;-)
I felt really good after a month to 6 weeks. Started a gym exercise program at 2 1/2 -3 months, slow start, increasing by 3-4 months, at 6 months full out all weight machines, no abdominal pain any more. Begin with slow walking to strengthen your core. Increase walking speed as you feel stronger from week to week. You will notice along with weight loss, increased confidence, and motivation. ;-)
Duodenal Switch- lap
Dr. Paul. Kemmeter Grand Rapids, Mi.
Dr. John Renucci, Plastics, Body contouring,Grand Rapids, Mi.
Start 255/ Surgery wt 235/ Current wt. 117
BMI-20, 135 lbs lost, 5'3"
It takes a good while. I would say it was approximatly month 4 or 5 that I began to feel "normal." Don't get me wrong, I felt much better physically much earlier, but trying to act on it, would give out quickly and completely (and frighteningly so). I mean, At almost 500lbs, I was used to measuring my steps and careful not to over-exert myself. Then quickly my body began to be able to do things . . . normal things . . . that I had not considered, like walking faster, sitting indian-style, getting on the floor when my brain told me . . . umm, seriously?.
One thing to keep in mind is that healing takes a lot of energy . . . a LOT of energy. I mean, similar to lifting weights, running a marathon, etc. That's the level of energy it takes to for the body to heal - even when you're resting and lying down. But, even though you don't feel the exertion while it's happening, you will quickly feel the effect when you push yourself too much this early. Pamper yourself, give your body time to do it's thing and definitely follow the diet prescribed by your surgeon for immediately post-op. Remember, we've gotten used to eating a certain way which is already warped and can be deadly for your system at this stage. Just be patient and give it time.
One thing to keep in mind is that healing takes a lot of energy . . . a LOT of energy. I mean, similar to lifting weights, running a marathon, etc. That's the level of energy it takes to for the body to heal - even when you're resting and lying down. But, even though you don't feel the exertion while it's happening, you will quickly feel the effect when you push yourself too much this early. Pamper yourself, give your body time to do it's thing and definitely follow the diet prescribed by your surgeon for immediately post-op. Remember, we've gotten used to eating a certain way which is already warped and can be deadly for your system at this stage. Just be patient and give it time.
Diva Jojo: SW: 440lbs -- CW: 274lbs -- GW: 240lbs
I was sore for several weeks. I never had a liquid diet phase before or after surgery. My doc said eat what I feel like and try only one thing at a time. If you want to try something soft, its probably okay.
Valerie
DS 2005
There is room on this earth for all of God's creatures..
next to the mashed potatoes
I didn't feel back to normal for at least a couple of months. And still didn't have much energy then.
And don't cheat, you can harm yourself if you screw up your internal stitches.
Take care and give yourself time. Walk some and then rest. A lot. This is major surgery for most of us since we are usually very overweight.
And don't cheat, you can harm yourself if you screw up your internal stitches.
Take care and give yourself time. Walk some and then rest. A lot. This is major surgery for most of us since we are usually very overweight.
I guess I should define what I mean by cheating..i just meant that I was thinking about eating some peaches or pears...something really lite but that tasted different than the soups. I have been on a liquid diet for a month, and it was killing me. Tomorrow is my 2 week post-op and the day I can introduce soft food. I can't wait for just 1 egg! Anyhow thanks all of you *****sponded to my post!
NoMore B.
on 3/20/12 1:41 am
on 3/20/12 1:41 am
Maybe he meant canned pears, they can be mushy. But they have no nutritional value, I wouldnt use the limited stomach space on them.
Do you like scrambled eggs?
Some things you can try early out:
Scrambled eggs
Cheeses
Ricotta cheese
Cottage cheese
Fish
They will all give you some protein.
Mashed potatoes or refried beans would also be warm and soothing on your tummy. Not much protein but might make you feel better.
Do you like scrambled eggs?
Some things you can try early out:
Scrambled eggs
Cheeses
Ricotta cheese
Cottage cheese
Fish
They will all give you some protein.
Mashed potatoes or refried beans would also be warm and soothing on your tummy. Not much protein but might make you feel better.
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