Hi, I am a newbie

Hi, I am Elizabeth. I am a mom of two girls (11 years old and 21 months). I had gastroplasty done in 2003 and was just revised to the DS on 11/01. First couple of days were really rough. I wasn't really feeling up to anything besides laying and attempting to not move due to pain. However, I woke up this morning and feel so much better. I hope that it is not a fluke.

I am not really having any problems. . .yet. However, I wanted to go ahead and try to establish a support system if I and when I do. I traveled to Mexico for my surgery (since I was self-pay) and although I don't regret it, the follow-up care is really not going to be there.

I guess I do have a few questions. . .hehe.

1. I am doing a good job on staying hydrated, but I think the Gatorade and PowerAde I am drinking are also giving me diarrhea. Could that be or is diarrhea just to be expected this early on?

2. I am on a clear liquid diet until Friday, so the only thing I can think of to get calories in is chicken broth and sugar-free popsicles. Any other suggestions?

3. Medicines. . .I am off all pain medicines except children's liquid Tylenol. I am still really sore. When should I be able to swallow regular Tylenol?

4. I am so tired. Showering tires me out. Can anyone give me any idea when that will get better?

5. Any idea when I will be able to sleep on my belly again?

I think that is it for now. Thanks for all your help.

Elizabeth

1. Diarrhea is pretty normal in the first few weeks although the sweetener in those drinks could be aggravating things.

2. Egg drop soup is great early out.

3. IMO tablets should be OK when you're cleared for solids it not sooner - double check with your surgeon.

4. Tiredness was the worst for the first month for me. Once you're eating more and pooping less you should be feeling a lot better.

5. I think I had drains until I was 3 weeks out and I was good after that.

Hang in there it gets better. Use this time to ensure you have all your vitamins lined up. Vitalady does a mostly chewables pack you can have early out.

Welcome aboard!! 

--gina

Welcome,

Diarrhea is normal at this point. Remeber, liquid in, liquid out. :/
As a mom of two toddlers, I understand how exhausted you must feel, especially as new post-op. It will get better...this is just a blip in the process.

Switch to water and see if it helps a little but you will have the diarrhea at first anyway because you have no solids going in. You will feel the tired shower feeling for a few weeks. I could not sleep on my side for a month. I started my vits and taking tabs when I could eat solids.