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

6penningtons, do not beat yourself up.  If you have never had major abdominal surgery before there is no way you could imagine what the recovery would feel like.  It is like telling someone that after they get their tonsils out they will have a sore throat - so they are prepared, in theory, for their throat to hurt, but the reality of how bad that feels or how hard the recovery is just is something only experience can teach you.  Sounds like you are doing well actually.  The biggest problem you had was trying to live a "normal" life on the sly in front of family and friends when you were still in the immediate recovery period from a major surgery.  Amazing that you were able to pull that off!  PattyL is right, re-read this post in a year and you will have a different perspective.  Hang in there, the DS gets better as time goes by.

I had my surgery 10/29/12 and while I was able to manage pain with Tylenol alone, I was very tired and weak for a good month-six weeks following. I went back to work 1/2 days after 3 weeks and that was enough to completely wear me out. I went back full time 4 weeks after surgery, and that was a chore to stay focused. After about the 6th week, I've noticed energy coming back, but I'm still in bed most nights by 7:30. (I work at 5 a.m.).

A couple of meds I'm on are larger capsules, and sometimes I feel like they get "stuck" partway down because I can't drink as much water with them as I used to. That's been my most difficult part - other than working on enough protein/liquids. I'm hoping that soon I'll be able to quit one of those, which will make it so much easier to take my bedtime meds!

Hang in there! I think it sounds like you're doing pretty well!
~Helen

Hi! I am two months out and can tell you this new life has been an adjustment. It took me 6weeks before I had any energy. I am still struggling with water, protein and vitamins. The eating is ok but the signals my stomach gives are confusing. I feel the same for hungry, need to use bathroom, and ate too fast. My weight loss is going well and I know I will improve my liquid's, vitamins, and protein. Keep up the great work and it does get better for all of us.

Wait a minute! 

"need to use the bathroom" ????

That should feel different, unless just everything is numb from the chest down.

????

Thank you guys for all the encouragement!  Glad to hear things are gonna get better, it is easy to get discouraged!

I felt I was prepared too.   Whoah!  It was a whole other story.  I had pancreatitis the first month - hospitalized twice (once for 8 days).  The pain was horrific!!!    According to the surgeon, I could go back to work within 10 days and drive.  That was crazy!  I was a sick sick sick girl!!!  My body rejected the surgery.  Even the surgeon who did my surgery said that I was a complicated case and one of his 1 in 5 complications patients which I had asked him before my surgery, what complication rate did he have...He said "Less than 3% (1 in 5 is a lot more than 3% just an FYI)".  Thankful for another surgeon who I had consults with via phone.  My PCP was my lifesaver.  Then I found a GI Dr who understands the DS.  I really thought I was prepared.  My friend who took care of me, Mother had the RNY.   They thought they knew what to do.  They didn't. 

I'm 4.5 months out nearly 5.  I have more good days than bad now.  I've had other things pop up.  I'm doing ok.  My body still struggles with the amount of protein I'm taking in - clarifying my kidneys.  I'm down 110lbs.  The weight is falling off.  Quite amazing actually.  I've given away 95% of all my clothes.  I've learned how to get by cheap with clothes until all the weight is gone.  I am still amazed at it all!

So, you are doing great compared to me.  Time heals all... As with anything...

 

All the best...