New Around Here, Surgery Monday

Thanks Pan,   I'll definitely want to stay on top of the pain.  I've heard the quicker you're up and walking after surgery, the better.  I'll be sure to push that pain pump button!  I'll be looking forward to that first sip of water, that's for sure!  Steve

Oh Yeh, the gas.  Most doctors who do an RNY test their staples to see if there is any leakage.  They blow air into your pouch and into your GI.  This air is trapped and can only come out over several days.  I couldn't burp for a few days.  Some people can never do it again.  A few ways to get the gas out is to walk, bend over like you are tieing your shoes, try pushing it out with your hands.  The last one I know sounds wierd but a nurse told me that one.  Massage your belly alittle to have the gas move out of your belly.  Brian

haha, yeah I've heard about the gas.  I've had quite the gas on my preop diet, so I guess that's just a little preview of what's to come!  Great idea about massaging the belly.  I just hope people still want to be around me with my new found gas! lol

Steve, Welcome and good luck Monday.  Every surgeon is different, and the different types of WLS are treated differently.  I could not have anything in my mouth until after the leak test, which was third day after surgery.  The longest period of time in my life.  Also, be aware that your sensitivity to smells is heightened at first and like already said, your tastes will definately change.  It is a huge life change, but definately worth it.  Good luck.  We'll be thinking of you on Monday. Floyd

Floyd,

You bring up a good point about the heightened sense of smell...I remember on my second night I was moved to the abominal surgery wing from the ICU where I spent the first night (standard operating procedure at my hospital for those with sleep apnea) and the guy in the room next door was having his big open and infected wound suctioned for what seems like hours...The odors that wafted into my room were absolutely horrendous - it smelled like rotting flesh (I guess that's probably because that's what it was)...So I guess the lesson is always have your nurse shut your door when they leave, bring some earplugs because hospitals are so damn noisy - not very conducive to getting good rest...oh yeah, one last thing - I remember my nose being so dry from the oxygen tube they had me wear, it had a humdifier on it but it didn't help - so you might want to pack some nasal saline drops or something like that just in case - my hospital didn't have anything for me when I asked. Good luck!!

Hi Floyd,

Thanks!  I never thought about the sensitivity to smells, that's some good to keep in mind.  Thanks for the well wishes.

Steve

Hey hey Steve!  WELCOME to the Men's board and OH!  You'll grow to be hooked on this site man!  It's a VALUABLE tool of info!  Advice?  Remember to sip sip sip and to get your protein in.   Again, welcome to the boards!

Hi Randall,  Thanks for the warm welcome!  I'm alreaday getting hooked!  I think I'll do good with the sipping, I'm always thirsty as it is now!  I just hope I still am post-op! 

congrats steve the best thing I can offer it get up as soon as you can and start walking alot the faster you get walking the faster you get better!!! I was up a few hours after surgery and I had open   RNY on jan 13th 2006 and was home on the 16th  morning the pain wasnt too bad just getting in and out of bed . I rented a automatic reclineing chair. it mad it much  easyer to sleep and get up and down.. sip sip sip as much as you can and sip some more lol its hard to get all the water but it gets better as you get use to it. and oh yes the nerves come back and if they dont I would be very worried for you. its a big step but one I would do again tomarrow. I lost 210lbs the first year and have keeped it off so far by walking and doing what I learned here from thease losers. . I still go to the support meetings to show the outher men there that we are out here and do get r done too. I will be praying for a speed recovery and safe one good luck steve and see you on the losing side. Harry

Hi Harry!  Wow, 210lbs the first year, that's awesome, congrats!  I've started the walking here pre-op while I'm at work on my lunch hour, I already have it measured of how far a mile is around my neighborhood.  Hopefully I'll be able to build on that post-op.  Thanks for the prayers and well wishes, see you on the losing side!  Steve