One Week Post Op
I haven't written since just after my surgery because frankly.. I began to wonder if my decision to undergo RNY was a mistake. But I decided to wait for one week post op to see if I began to feel better. I would feel guilty of a crime if words I could not take back would discourage someone from this medical procedure that may be someones sole remaining lifeline.
First off all, I thank all of you who have kept me in their thoughts and prayers. I am sure it has helped in my recovery. I know that information posted here has really helped my prepare for my new life.
Now let me recount some of the days following my RNY on 9/21.
I woke up that night feeling groggy, but well enough to walk the halls of the Cleveland Clinic. I even placed an entry on this web site reporting that I was doing OK.
TUESDAY - DAY 2
I walked the halls again. Of course there was the usual awakenings very frequently, so it wasn't very restful. I was hooked up to the "pain pump" And probably only used it about 8 or nine times. I can't really say I was ever in pain per se. But as the days wore on I felt bloated and full of gas. i only ate part of the tasteless sugar free jello offered to me.
WEDNESDAY - DAY 3
Very early in the morning, the nurse asked me if I had urinated. I said not since yesterday. She became concerned about my hydration and wanted to shove a Foley (catheter) up into me. I fought her, but reluctantly gave in. I was, having trouble swallowing any water because of the pressure and bloating. Note that Doctor Schauer also repaired a hernia while he was doing the RNY. So I am not sure if that is a factor in the abdominal distress. By now I was drinking liquid Percocet. But It really wasn't helping alleviate that distress. All it did was make me tired and want to sleep all day and not walk four times a day as I was supposed to. I was beginning to experience flatulence.. but no solid stools.
THURSDAY - DAY 4
I was released that morning after meeting with the other surgeons. The hour and a half ride home was bumpy. I burped a lot more to ease the pressure. I didn't feel hungry at all because the pressure, but forced down protein shakes, and a Popsicle and water.
FRIDAY - DAY 5
Even though I didn't take any of the Oxycodone pain killer, I stayed in bed for 12 hours that night. Waking up occasionally to empty the container from my drainage tube. By the way... I would lean on the entry point of the drainage tube.. So I needed my dressings changed frequently and had to sleep on material to protect my bedding from the seepage. I may have only taken two short 5 or ten minute walks instead of the 4 recommended by my doctor.
SATURDAY - DAY 6
I still had difficulty finding eating worthwhile. My only goal was to drink 2 liters of water per day and eat 60 grams of protein. It was very hard to accomplish. I counted my water used to make the protein drink as part of those two required liters. My instructions were to seek medical attention if I could not accomplish the nutrition and hydration demands. I was beginning to wonder if something was wrong with my surgery. I managed to eat the protein but It was an all day affair. I had to devote all my waking attention to eating and drinking, in spite of the pressure in my abdomen. What helped me was the fact that my doctor said that I had 24 hours to drink the two liters. So when I woke up thirsty at night. I would sip some water.
SUNDAY - DAY 7
I was feeling a little bit better. So I added some Organic Cream of Tomato Bisque soup to my menu. I tested a teaspoon. then another, then another.. Five minutes later my abdomen began to ache. The only relief was to fall asleep. I guess that soup did not qualify as a "strained cream soup" allowed on phase two of my diet. But my wife and I walked three times that day, and on the last walk, we made it all around the block.
MONDAY - DAY 8
Back at the Cleveland Clinic, my drainage tube was removed and Doctor Derrick Cetin found my progress satisfactory. My wife and I stopped at Trader Joe's and picked up some more soups and Greek non fat plain yogurt. We also walked around the local county fair grounds. I had to stop twice to rest. It was very tiring. I drank three protein shakes. I also ate 6 oz of the Yogurt and it went down without causing distress. So I later drank 8 oz of low sodium organic chicken broth without repercussions. Although having the drainage tube was a gratifying event. I have to say that the high point of the day was my first real, solid bowel movement since drinking the preop liquid two days before surgery. What a relief.
By the way. I gained six pounds in the week since surgery. But because of a post I read on this site previously, I didn't panic. The doc says it was probably from all the I.V's that had been hooked up to me.
LESSONS LEARNED
Sip, sip, sip. I only thought I knew what sipping was. Now I know.
Walk, Walk, Walk, Yes. I believe it helps get rid of gas that makes eating and drinking difficult.
Patience, Patience, Patience. Perhaps the toughest lesson. But I find that it is key in my recovery.
This writing only reflects my experience. Everyone's individual situation may differ. If you talk to the various ranks of medical professionals, you'll find that even their advice may vary. I suggest you get the final word from your doctor if you can.
Finally, I want to thank the ongoing assistance and advice from the staff and surgeons of the Cleveland Clinic. They appear to love their jobs and really want my surgery to have a successful outcome.
First off all, I thank all of you who have kept me in their thoughts and prayers. I am sure it has helped in my recovery. I know that information posted here has really helped my prepare for my new life.
Now let me recount some of the days following my RNY on 9/21.
I woke up that night feeling groggy, but well enough to walk the halls of the Cleveland Clinic. I even placed an entry on this web site reporting that I was doing OK.
TUESDAY - DAY 2
I walked the halls again. Of course there was the usual awakenings very frequently, so it wasn't very restful. I was hooked up to the "pain pump" And probably only used it about 8 or nine times. I can't really say I was ever in pain per se. But as the days wore on I felt bloated and full of gas. i only ate part of the tasteless sugar free jello offered to me.
WEDNESDAY - DAY 3
Very early in the morning, the nurse asked me if I had urinated. I said not since yesterday. She became concerned about my hydration and wanted to shove a Foley (catheter) up into me. I fought her, but reluctantly gave in. I was, having trouble swallowing any water because of the pressure and bloating. Note that Doctor Schauer also repaired a hernia while he was doing the RNY. So I am not sure if that is a factor in the abdominal distress. By now I was drinking liquid Percocet. But It really wasn't helping alleviate that distress. All it did was make me tired and want to sleep all day and not walk four times a day as I was supposed to. I was beginning to experience flatulence.. but no solid stools.
THURSDAY - DAY 4
I was released that morning after meeting with the other surgeons. The hour and a half ride home was bumpy. I burped a lot more to ease the pressure. I didn't feel hungry at all because the pressure, but forced down protein shakes, and a Popsicle and water.
FRIDAY - DAY 5
Even though I didn't take any of the Oxycodone pain killer, I stayed in bed for 12 hours that night. Waking up occasionally to empty the container from my drainage tube. By the way... I would lean on the entry point of the drainage tube.. So I needed my dressings changed frequently and had to sleep on material to protect my bedding from the seepage. I may have only taken two short 5 or ten minute walks instead of the 4 recommended by my doctor.
SATURDAY - DAY 6
I still had difficulty finding eating worthwhile. My only goal was to drink 2 liters of water per day and eat 60 grams of protein. It was very hard to accomplish. I counted my water used to make the protein drink as part of those two required liters. My instructions were to seek medical attention if I could not accomplish the nutrition and hydration demands. I was beginning to wonder if something was wrong with my surgery. I managed to eat the protein but It was an all day affair. I had to devote all my waking attention to eating and drinking, in spite of the pressure in my abdomen. What helped me was the fact that my doctor said that I had 24 hours to drink the two liters. So when I woke up thirsty at night. I would sip some water.
SUNDAY - DAY 7
I was feeling a little bit better. So I added some Organic Cream of Tomato Bisque soup to my menu. I tested a teaspoon. then another, then another.. Five minutes later my abdomen began to ache. The only relief was to fall asleep. I guess that soup did not qualify as a "strained cream soup" allowed on phase two of my diet. But my wife and I walked three times that day, and on the last walk, we made it all around the block.
MONDAY - DAY 8
Back at the Cleveland Clinic, my drainage tube was removed and Doctor Derrick Cetin found my progress satisfactory. My wife and I stopped at Trader Joe's and picked up some more soups and Greek non fat plain yogurt. We also walked around the local county fair grounds. I had to stop twice to rest. It was very tiring. I drank three protein shakes. I also ate 6 oz of the Yogurt and it went down without causing distress. So I later drank 8 oz of low sodium organic chicken broth without repercussions. Although having the drainage tube was a gratifying event. I have to say that the high point of the day was my first real, solid bowel movement since drinking the preop liquid two days before surgery. What a relief.
By the way. I gained six pounds in the week since surgery. But because of a post I read on this site previously, I didn't panic. The doc says it was probably from all the I.V's that had been hooked up to me.
LESSONS LEARNED
Sip, sip, sip. I only thought I knew what sipping was. Now I know.
Walk, Walk, Walk, Yes. I believe it helps get rid of gas that makes eating and drinking difficult.
Patience, Patience, Patience. Perhaps the toughest lesson. But I find that it is key in my recovery.
This writing only reflects my experience. Everyone's individual situation may differ. If you talk to the various ranks of medical professionals, you'll find that even their advice may vary. I suggest you get the final word from your doctor if you can.
Finally, I want to thank the ongoing assistance and advice from the staff and surgeons of the Cleveland Clinic. They appear to love their jobs and really want my surgery to have a successful outcome.
Max wt. 500+ WLS workshop 4/6/09 440 Surgery 9/21/09 324 9/21/10 218
Save $4 on Obesity Help magazine subscription using promo code: HERCULES
www.obesityhelp.com/store/action,addtocart/itemId,1/pcode, hercules /
Save $4 on Obesity Help magazine subscription using promo code: HERCULES
www.obesityhelp.com/store/action,addtocart/itemId,1/pcode, hercules /
Good post...realistic on what goes on. You were lucky...I had to keep that Foley in when I went home!!! Had it in for one week (couldn't pee). I was jumping for joy to get that thing out. It has happened before (usually from the anesthesia)...I never take peeing for granted now!!
A few ideas you may want to consider...I would put 1-2oz of protein shake on my nightstand...when I would pee in the middle of the night, I would have some of the shake. Each day should get better and better. As I have said before...Know the signs of a stricture and the signs of dehydration (you can Wiki or Google them). The pain near the bellybutton is where they put the camera. The gas problems should be gone completely in a couple more days. Each day should get better and better...more weightloss...so you can move better...so you lose more weight. Test all new foods...The pouch rules...as I'm sure you know by now. Hang on for the ride of your life. Brian
A few ideas you may want to consider...I would put 1-2oz of protein shake on my nightstand...when I would pee in the middle of the night, I would have some of the shake. Each day should get better and better. As I have said before...Know the signs of a stricture and the signs of dehydration (you can Wiki or Google them). The pain near the bellybutton is where they put the camera. The gas problems should be gone completely in a couple more days. Each day should get better and better...more weightloss...so you can move better...so you lose more weight. Test all new foods...The pouch rules...as I'm sure you know by now. Hang on for the ride of your life. Brian
Most Active
Recent Topics
