My turn this week -LBL

Thank you everyone for all of the advice, pictures, and encouragement. My surgery is Thursday and I am a bundle of nerves.  I'm worried about the stupidest things I think and so thankful for this board that I can read and re-read some good information. 

One more question for you.  When did you start colace?  I called the surgeon's office and they don't recommend taking anything ahead of time.  However, I could tell by the way the nurse was saying it, that it wouldn't be a problem if I did.  She just said, "it won't hurt you", but he doesn't recommend it.  Whatever.  I do not want to come home and have to worry about constipation.  No thank you.  I was thinking I would take it Tuesday and Wednesday?  What do you think?

I didn't start ahead.  I didn't take it in the hospital either - but started the day after surgery.  The third day I had a BM but it was VERY painful - I had to "work at it" if you know what I mean.  And my stomach muscles were not up to the task.

THe last three days I've been taking senekot-S on the recommendation of the home care nurse.  Yesterday I took the maximum dose (2am and 2pm).  Today everything worked fine - EASY.  No effort, so no pain.

I don't know that early is needed - but keep on top of it after.  Oh, and keep your water up - I really focused on that yesterday as well - and I'm sure that helped.

I think I will take it the day before and bring it to the hospital to take it the day of surgery or at least the very next morning.  I will focus on tha****er too.  Our WLS dr recommends miralax so I have some of that handy too in case I need some extra help.  Funny the things I am worried about.  Oh well. 

Let us know when you start driving and how that goes.  My dr said i can drive short distance as soon as I am off pain meds so I am hopeful that the 2nd week I can drive a little to pick my son up from school....found out that there is not a bus in our neighborhood because we are too close to the school.

Thanks muffin.  I did tell my dr several of the things you suggested from earlier posts.  I am not sure if he will do anything different or not but at least I brought it up.  I am going to take the colace the night before and do my normal liquid intake of about 80 to 100 oz.

I'm excited for you..!!

Sending prayers for a safe and uneventful surgery with a speedy, quick, easy, recovery..!!!

My advice for ANY surgery is to make it easy on yourself..Being constipated after ANY surgery is NO FUN...
I can only imagine how difficult having the LBL would be along with constipation..

The best to you, sweetie..!!

Thanks!!  I agree with you, I think LBL + constipation would be a nightmare.

Hi There-

Good luck to you on Thursday.  I know you will do well and I certainly understand your anxiety.  I had an allergic reaction to all of the narcotics I tried.  They gave me hives but the doc just kept giving me Benadryl.  I hated the constipation, hives and blurry vision so 3 days post op I switched to Ibuprofen and began feeling better immediately.  The first three days are really the worse because that's how long it takes the nerve endings to get used to the surgery.

You'll be back on your bike before you know it!

I will be thinking about you and wishing you godspeed.

Beth

Thanks Beth!  I went for a ride Saturday and kept wondering how long till I can do this again. 

So glad your time is finally here! You've taken good care of yourself- your surgery will be over before you know it. Post when you can to let us know how you're doing-