???Question of the day???

What was the hardest part of being a new post op for you? What is the most valuable piece of advice you feel you have to offer to someone who is about to have this surgery? If you are pre-op, what do you anticipate will be the most difficult part of your recovery in those first few months? How do you plan to deal with it? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For me, there are a few things I have to say that I have found to be the most difficult. I guess the hardest is that my surgeon told me that since I was having it done Lap I wouldn't have as much pain. I had heard of others having it Lap and going back to work at 2 weeks post op. I couldn't even imagine having to go to a job this past Monday. I am still napping and having to really pace myself at 2 1/2 weeks out. Also, I knew the liquid diet was going to be hard, but I had no idea how much I would miss chewing. The advice I would offer to those who are coming up on a surgey date is this. Do not expect your experience to be the same as someone else's. Relax the few days before and enjoy your loved ones. Try to have a variety of low calorie beverages on hand so you don't have to go out. It is much easier to get the fluids in if you have something you like the taste of. I, personally, am hooked on Crystal Lite Peach Tea! Plan on having good days and bad days and give yourself the leeway to have those. Walk! It is so important to get moving as soon as you can. Follow your surgeon's post-op plan and don't be afraid to call him if you are having a problem or you need a question answered. That is his job to get you through this part with all of the information you need to be successful at this. Make sure you hold yourself accountable by being involved in support group. This is VITAL to your success. I can already see how easy it would be to get off track and make bad choices if I didn't have that accountability. Good luck to you all who are having your surgeries soon. Also, if you ever need me to help you or encourage you, please e-mail me and I will be there if I can! Hugs, Jaimee

Spoken like a true trooper!! I couldn't have said it better myself Jaimee! It is a very individual thing. The common bond here is the support no matter how is goes for each of us. But, you covered it eloquently! I went back to work at 4 weeks (didn't have a choice on that one) but I could've used 4 more off!! It kicked my butt big time! The best part is that it gets better. It took us a long time to get to surgery, so we just need to be patient to get back in the swing of things, and it will happen! Take care! Val

Thank you for sharing your experience with us Jaimee. I really enjoy hearing about different peoples post op experiences. I do realize that everyones surgical and recovery experience is different, but it helps to know what happens in any case. Especially when someone has overcome a condition that another person thinks is fatal. Thanks again. Georgeann

Georgeann, Are you doing okay now? How is everything going since you returned from your own surgery? Are you tolerating things fairly well? I always enjoy seeing your posts on here. Thanks for contributing to our little community. Hugs, Jaimee

Hi Jaimee, My surgery was postponded ... see my profile entry dated Dec. 10th. I'm not able to change my surgery date ... any suggestions? Georgeann

Oh Darlin, I am sorry to hear that. I peeked at your profile entries and I see what happened now. Please forgive me for not being aware of this. I have really been out of the loop lately. Up until the past 2 days I haven't been online much. You know God has perfect timing and he probably knew something you didn't. I know it will all work out for you. Hang in there and keep the faith. I'm sending ((BIG HUGS)) your way. ~~Jaimee

Hi Jaimee, I am 6 days post-op so cannot speak with much experience. I am desperately hoping to go back to work at 2 weeks (desk job) since another person's very special vacation depends on me, and my time off work is without pay. But wow, I certainly don't feel like it yet! I agree, walking helps right away. I am feeling noticeably better each day, haven't had pain meds in a couple of days and walk around without starting in the "hunched-over" position. Hope to get onto my Mom's "gazelle" very soon, maybe tomorrow, for a gentle workout. I am taking antibiotics for a c-diff infection but since we jumped on this early, it should go away quickly. Currently drinking: ice water, decaf iced or hot tea with Splenda, Propel peach and kiwi/strawberry, sf Popsickles and Jello, broth. DH is cooking chili today and BOY does it smell good! But otherwise wouldn't even be thinking of food. Jaimee it was great to read your post about the school party, and how well you did. That had to be a *****allenging! But you did it! Will write again soon. Love to all, Kitty B. RNY 12/13/04 251 / 234

Kitty, have you tried the Crystal Lite peach tea? It is really good. Not as sickly sweet as some of the SF drinks out there. I think I will pick up some of the propel Kiwi/Strawberry. That sounds really yummy. Have a great weekend and take care.

The hardest thing for me as a new post-op was dealing with my legs...so pretty individualized issue. But it reminds me that loosing weight won't solve all your medical problems. Yes, I no longer have sleep apnea or high blood pressure, but those never posed many problems. My legs not only got my first surgery canceled, but 2 weeks after my surgery I developed cellulitis and 2 months later I developed it again and had to be hospitalized. Now having my legs wrapped limits my ability to exercise.

Sarah Margaret, I have to say that I think you are a very courageous girl. I read your posts all the time and I have followed some of your struggles with the lymphedema. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be. Yet you seem to keep such a positive attitiude as you continue to encourage others on this MB. Thanks for all that you do. I hope things get easier for you. Way to go on your weight loss so far. Your new picture is beautiful! Hugs, Jaimee