end of day 4

 first of all do you count the first day. I have not had bm yet i have been taking the colace.  Not to concerned .. I am still uncomforatable, not horrible I am still taking pain meds, mostly at night. I hate the drains, do you pin them low or high on binder.  I sometimes feel pulling from them I am sure its normal.  I have not looked at anything and have not taken a real shower.  Just wanted to touch base with everyone

I didn't count the day of surgery- the next day I called 1 day post op. I hated my drains, and was SO happy to get them out this morning. I pinned them as low as possible on my garment- it had little flaps a the thighs. It sounds like you're doing good!

Morning Antonietta,
I had a lower body lift 3 weeks ago, I had 5 drains. I pinned mine to my binder, and was fine.
 
**For bathing: it helps to have a shower hose (have another person with you for your first few bathing adventures, its overwhelming the first few times)
- I pinned the drains to a laniard (sp?) around my neck when I would bathe my lower half, and positioned myself inside the walker.
- I used a walker in the shower, and i would lean over tub and rest my upper body on the walker to support me so I could wash my hair and neck (washing my hair helped me feel human).
- to shave my legs ( didn't happen until a 1 1/2 wks later), I put a chuck (pad) on the recliner, a little tub of water, fresh clean sponge, and body wash, and razor of course. What I could reach I reached, or had my daughter help with.

I took a fiber cereal and blended it into my protien shake or into my yogurt , plus the stool softener 3x a day. On the 3rd day I had a BM, which took me 45 minutes (*but it was without straining), just sitting in that position helped to get things moving. I continued with the stool softeners for a few more days until I felt my BM were more normal. You will be a amazed how wonderful you will feel after you have your first one!

Rest, get your protien in & a little more PROTIEN, as it helps us heal (when under stressful conditions everyone *not just WLS patients needs more protien in their diets , and surgery is STRESSFUL).

Feel better,
Prek3
Carmen

I clipped my drains on a lanyard around my neck. Made it easy to shower and change clothes. Hang in there!!

Laura

I stepped into a garbage bag and my hubby taped it around my upper stomach under my brst.  I tucked the bottom under my binder and took a shower (thank god) and washed my hair.  My surgeon laughed at me cause he said he wouldn't have expected anything less of me.  He knew I would figure out a way to take a shower. 

I have a hand held shower which is a blessing.  Just pin your drains to your binder and go for it.  Make sure someone is with you in case you get weak.

Carla