Four days out, not great, not horrible

 I had my laparoscopic DS on Friday morning, I was discharged Sunday evening.  Yesterday was my first full day at home.

I'm doing okay.  I'm not getting my 75 grams od protein, but I'm getting around 60.  Mostly liquids (milk, protein shakes).  No desire to eat at all.

Im torn on the pain meds.  They help, but I don't want to get backed up (I'm on liquid acetaminophen and hydrocodone).  I can't take pills, and the liquid from the colace pills is the worst thing I've ever put in my mouth.  Anyone have experience with milk of magnesia?  Does that help with narcotic-caused constipation?

The mornings are hard.  I'm struggling to find the energy to walk.  I try to walk laps around the inside of my house (too hot to be outside) but it's not a lot of activity before I get worn out.

I'm not sleeping through the night.  Maybe four hours at the longest stretch.  That's gotta be contributing to the lethargy.  Just discomfort inside.

My wounds aren't hurting me (although, holy cow, one of them has the biggest bruises I've ever seen).

On the whole, I don't regret anything yet.  Just looking forward to getting past this first month.

Dude, I think you're doint great for this point in time! Right now, food and protein are not important. Your body has protein stored up to carry you through the first few weeks. Keep the focus on fluids, fluids, fluids...but not milk! Milk is a complex food that is difficult to digest, and also, many (maybe most) of us become lactose intolerant with the DS. This is not a good source of either fluid or protein for you.
    It is perfectly ok that you have no desire to eat. That will come back, whether you like it or not. For now, try simple, easy to digest things like egg drop soup, maybe small amounts of ricotta or cottage cheese or soft boiled egg, that sort of thing.

Milk of magnesia should help for constipation of any cause, as long as the constipation isn't severe.

Sleeping and energy levels will improve - for now, don't overdo it.

And yes, the first month is the pits, but it WILL get better.

Larra

Hey Dude,  I had my LapDS a week ago today and I can relate but seem to be doing a bit better than you are.  Lay off the shakes for now and give your stomach a chance to heal first.  First couple of days, I was lucky to get 16 oz of water (half gatorade)  plus jello, 1 quarter of a scrambled egg, cottage cheese (could not eat it before day 4) and pudding - half an atkins shake in the morning and half a shake in the afternoon.  You are not hungry so don't push your tummy.   I could not sleep more than 2 hours at a time on oxycodone but I have weened myself off the pain meds and haven't taken any since yesterday.  I am no expert but please talk to your doctor before using milk of magnesia for fear it may irritate your stomach.  My first BM came on day 4 and now it's really, really not an issue. Most important thing is to make sure you stay hydrated.

Be patient

Renee

I really wouldn't worry about the pain meds causing constipation at this point. You're only taking in liquids, or pureed stuff at best. Take the pain meds---pain slows down the healing process.

And don't push yourself with the walking. Walk a little, rest a little, walk some more. At this poiint, it's not about burning calories, it's about preventing blood clots.