I'm exhausted and in pain!
I was in alot of pain for the first few weeks, especially since I couldn't take the painkillers Dr. K prescribed (Norco)...horrid dreams and hallucinations. Plus, he also removed my gallbladder and fixed an esophegial ulcer, so I had extra going on inside.
I was completely exhausted the first week. Had to nap after taking a shower or doing my laps around the backyard or just going to get another bottle of water. Slept most of the time, except for eating time and walking time, which was difficult because I found out later I was dehydrated and would get lightheaded after just a few minutes. Didn't help that it was the middle of summer and 100+ degrees outside.
Just make sure you get your water!! Take care of yourself!
I was an open DS and didn't take anything by Tylenol after day 4. It seemed to work better. I had less pain than I expected. My first WLS hurt a lot more. I have had several surgeries though and knew that anytime you get sliced and diced you will have pain, hell a stubbed toe hurts, let alone getting cut up.
Hang in there, it does get better and the rewards are on their way!
Remember you just had MAJOR surgery. Listening to your body is KEY. If you are exhausted, heck even if you aren't exhausted, TAKE IT EASY. Cut yourself some slack. A year from now you will be so thin and have so much energy, you will be amazed.
As for my experience, food tasted like absolute dirt for months. Coffee was simply awful and I love coffee. Eventually all that changed. Now I am five years out, with 100% excess weight loss, and keeping it all off. I eat whatever I want, whenever I want. I still have good restriction, because I have always eaten small portions.
Take is easy. Take it slow. Let your body heal and get past the shock to your system.
Since this was over five years ago, I don't remember exactly when the taste issues turned around. BUT, yes I do drink a cup or two of coffee everyday starting at 5AM. It did take a while, and I am thinking it was about two months or so, before it stopped tasting like DIRT.
Before surgery I experimented with several protein drinks too. After surgery, the one I liked best, made me gag. So there you have it; my taste buds were definitely screwed up for a while.
My tastes for protein and sweets (especially fruit) did not alter at all. Apple chewed to mush was really good and satisfying. Same for any meat; I chewed it to mush before swallowing.
I am hoping you are taking some medical leave if you are employed. If NOT, then only do what is absolutely necessary and rest; be kind to your body.
