I really didn't understand what a SERIOUS surgery this is...

I read, researched and prepared, but really don't think I was prepared for what a serious surgery I was going to undergo.  I've always been pretty tough, but man do I feel like a wimp now!  Two weeks post-op and I still feel pretty crummy.  Still a bit of tummy pain, not to mention the gas/bowel issues, and then there is eating (or not!)

Needless to say, when we traveled to visit family last week, I was still feeling really crummy. Lots of pain, no energy, and not able to eat anything....of course the family thought there must be something seriously wrong with me. It was tough seeing them worry, but still not able to tell them about my surgery, although it was tempting. So, I am 2 weeks out now, and have lots 24 pounds...I CAN'T believe it! I figured being a lightweight, that it would come off much slower, but I am thrilled none the less.

I am having a really tough time getting in my fluids, not to mention the protein and vitamins. Drinking hurts for some reason. As soon as I swallow I feel it travel down my back, into the top of my stomach and then it just feels like a giant bubble sitting there for 10 seconds. Then the pain in gone. But it is enough to make me leery of drinking. I have found that a totally flat Sprite Zero over ice, seems to go down better than anything. Swallowing pills is tough, and I get choked or sick which is really abnormal for me. Then there is the whole eating thing...I have had to sort of bypass the soft food phase because it all made me sick. Finally just started listening to the totally weird cravings that I am having, and those things seem to go down, and stay down. I've never had cravings...even when pregnant, but I am having them now. Weird things, like melted cheddar cheese?!? I may only have two or three bites, but it feels good to have something in my tummy. Of course, the next day the very thought of cheese makes me want to yak.

In regards to the pain...it seems to change everyday.  For a while the pain was sharp on the right, then today it is way up high on the left.  I can't keep up, and every time it changes I worry that I may have a leak or hernia or something.   This does get better right?!?!?!

yes, it will get better.

the first few weeks post DS surgery are likened to being hit by a Mack truck.  You have had major surgery. It will take a while to get over the surgery, but think of it as an investment!  It is soooo worth it.  The incision will take a few weeks to heal, and the anesthetic will linger in your system for a while too.  You will be tired, so sleep when you can.

concentrate on the hydration - sipping, not gulping or even swallowing.  Sip, sip, sip!

As your stomach heals, you will be able to start getting in more of the vitamins and food.  Right now, if your swollen stomach can handle it, then eat it, even if it is just a few bites.  That's all you need right now.

 I experienced major changes at 4 weeks, 8 weeks then at 12 weeks.  At each of these points, I realized how far I had come and how much closer to "normal" I was feeling.  The 12 week mark was like night and day.  Plus the weight rolling off adds to the positive feeling.

I have never understood how anyone can agree to any surgery without a complete understanding of how serious it is going to be and what the ramifications are. I was debilitated for at least three weeks and expected worse. It actually sounds as if you are doing really well if you were able to travel and visit for the holidays. Eventually the pain will be s distant memory and so will all those pounds. Good luck to you on your adventure.

You and I seem to be experiencing a lot of the same issues.  I'm a few more weeks out than you (7 weeks), so my pain is pretty much all gone, but I still have trouble with wanting to eat, getting in enough of the protein shakes, and definitely getting in liquids.  I have this weird icky feeling in my tummy - kind of like acidy-indigestion most of the time.  I think it gets worse when I get hungry - but heck I can't even tell when I'm hungry.  Maybe that is what hungry feels like now.  I just remember my doctor's staff telling me to be patient, be kind to yourself, do the best you can and "Trust us.  You don't know it gets better, but we do!!!"  And some things have gotten better.  I think I'm starting to be able to drink a little more.  Some days are better than others.  I still feel "different" and hyper focused on me, my eating, my drinking, my bathroom "stuff".  I'm a chronic worrier, so every twinge I'm certain is a hernia or blood clot or leak or tear.  I drive myself crazy!!  My doctor assures me I am doing great, so I think I'm going to try to worry less, focus on the awesome results I'm having, and try to get rid of any "Stinkin Thinkin"!!!

I'm convinced it does get better - all these people who went before us can't be wrong, right???

Gail, I thought I was prepared!  I had read and researched for months.  Not to sound rude, but generally people are sissies when it comes to pain, so even though I knew they said it would be bad, I just didn't think it would be THAT bad!  :) Well, lesson learned! This is certainly something unlike anything I have ever experienced before!  The bad thing is that I have to push myself maybe more than I should just because nobody knows I had surgery.  Friends are a little concerned when they think you have had a "flu" for 2 weeks!

I am not sure I would want everyone to know I had the surgery, but all of my family (mom,dad, spouse, children, brothers sisters nieces and nephews) know. and my close friends know. 

Do you think it would have been easier if you could have told them?  My surgery is in less than 3 weeks. I too feel prepared, hoping not to be t-boned....

Michelle

While I started out just letting family/friends know, I've ended up telling the world! After all, I don't want to keep this "TO ME" lifesaving process in the dark. The more people that know what it is and what a success it is for most of us, the more surgeons will consider it. (THAT is my hope anyway, LOL).

Liz

Save this post and reread in a year!  Next Christmas you will be doing all your visits as a slim young woman.

Honestly recovery is a YMMV thing.  Some have a really hard time, others don't.  My big thing was when will I start feeling 'normal'.

And try a straw.  That bubble feeling may be from you swallowing air!

I am just a few days behind you (surgery 12/17) and I still feel pretty weak/tired too.  I nap every day!  Taking a shower wears me out!  I mean by the end I feel like I'm working out just conditioning my hair.  I struggle with my fluids (although they don't hurt).  The thought of anything powdered makes me gag.  My stomach is still sore.  Etc.

But I expected all this.  I was cleared for soft foods today, and that really put some pep in my step.  The liquids were breaking my spirit!  I just have faith that every day is another day closer to being healed.  

It will get better!  No one feels terrible forever.

I would love to use a straw, but seems like everything I read said NOT to use one!  Oh well, I will give it a shot...couldn't get worse!