Pre-op testing done, first consulattion scheduled! Quick question.

What a journey so far! Last Friday completed all the pre-op testing (plus up-chuck of Barium liquids yuck!)- I have lost 29 lbs. so far from my highest weight of 310 - I have one more pound to go to meet the required pre-surgery goal weight. Finished all the required classes, PT and Nutritionist meetings and psych testing plus couples counseling for my partner and I (we have been together 15 years :-) ....whew it has been a busy few months!! I am finally meeting with my surgeon on Monday the 28th! Hopefully will get my date soon!
I am excited and nervous....even my inner butchiness is more confident these days ;-).

I was wondering, if anyone has had the gastric bypass procedure who has had the weight concentrated in the tummy area (like I do) - I think they call it "apple stomach". How was the recovery? I have heard that when the weight is in the stomach that it hurts more because of the location of  the weight? I am trying to anticipate how long I will need to be out of work. I realize that recovery is very individual. I have a desk job but am not sure if I give myself two weeks...if this is realistic. Any input would be appreciate. Also curious about the pain level.

Thanks! - Xico in NH 

Hey Xico!

You're doing great!  I was mostly an apple kinda gal myself.  I too have a desk job and I took 2 wks off for recovery.  Now, take what I say with a grain of salt because every body is different, but in general... you will feel discomfort in your stomach for a few weeks, but the first 5 days are the worst.  I personally had a hard time getting out of bed for the first 4 or 5 days as the muscles were healing up.  I never knew how much i used my stomach muscles until I didn't have them to use.  But each day post op I was feeling better and better.  I went back to work 2 wks after my surgery and was totally fine.  I'm sure you'll be fine.

Follow your doctor's orders and walk as much as possible post op.  In fact, most hospitals absolutely require that you walk in the hospital to ensure that you don't get a blood clot in your legs.  At first, you'll probably only be able to walk for a few minutes.  Don't worry!  each time you'll be able to walk more.

Good luck on getting your date!
~Maryn

Holy cow, 29 lbs PRE-surgery?!?!? That's great.

As you can tell from my pic, I started out carrying most of the weight in my stomach area. I, too, started with a high weight of 310 lbs. I really didn't have a lot of stomach discomfort post op. Had laproscopic surgery on Friday and was back riding my desk on Wednesday. And, I'm in my late 50's and have been carrying over 300 lbs for 10+ years.

I did find that it helped wearing a compression shirt (or at least a snug undergarment) after surgery. The stomach seemed to do better with some support.

But, be prepared for the weight to come off your face, arms, and legs before the stomach. At least that's the way it was for me.

My weight loss has slowed down considerably but I'm still dropping inches off my waist and abdomen. I'm very surprised at how the skin is retracting and being absorbed by the body. I fully suspected I'd have a "apron" of leftover skin below my waist. But even that is shrinking.

Best of luck and let us know when you get your firm surgery date.

I carried most of my weight around my stomach also but really didn't find the surgery to be very painful at all.  I took two weeks off work but honestly have to say that wasn't quite enough.  Between the nausea and emotions, I was a little overwhelmed that first day back.  If I had it to do over, I would be kinder to myself and take a little more time.