The Real Deal

Hi, everyone. My first time posting but I've been reading and think this is a great site. My bypass surgery is in about a month. I'm nervous about all the complications. How much pain are in you after? Can I go back to work (office job) after a few weeks? Do you have to have a tube in your nose and a catheter? Tell me the real deal, experts! Thanks!!

Denise, I had a lap RNY and went back to work after 3 weeks. I had minimal pain, mostly just trying to find a comfortable position while sleeping. The outside didn't hurt much, just little holes, but remember, your insides have been totally re-routed and there will be a little pain there. I didn't have a tube in my nose, but did have a catheter for the majority of the day after surgery. Once I felt well enough, I convinced them to take it out and got up and went to the bathroom and for a very slow stroll around the unit. The hardest part was eating (or not eating,lol). I survived on sugar free popsicles for several weeks, drank a lot of broth and cream soups. The first week was kind of hard because a lot of things upset my stomach, but you learn what you can and cannot have. You'll do great! Just remember that in a very short time you're going to look and feel great, it's worth the few weeks of pain. I have no regrets. Julie RNY 2-13-04 starting weight 277 As of 12-3-04 152 and still losing.

Denise, I had a lap RNY and went back to work after 3 weeks. I had minimal pain, mostly just trying to find a comfortable position while sleeping. The outside didn't hurt much, just little holes, but remember, your insides have been totally re-routed and there will be a little pain there. I didn't have a tube in my nose, but did have a catheter for the majority of the day after surgery. Once I felt well enough, I convinced them to take it out and got up and went to the bathroom and for a very slow stroll around the unit. The hardest part was eating (or not eating,lol). I survived on sugar free popsicles for several weeks, drank a lot of broth and cream soups. The first week was kind of hard because a lot of things upset my stomach, but you learn what you can and cannot have. You'll do great! Just remember that in a very short time you're going to look and feel great, it's worth the few weeks of pain. I have no regrets. Julie RNY 2-13-04 starting weight 277 As of 12-3-04 152 and still losing.