Im home and have questions!

I got home yesterday and have a wonderful friend, who I call nurse Jackie, taking incredible care of me. I thought I did great yesterday but boy today I feel like crap. Did any of  you have problems with your surgery sites? I had to have a drain from the first 2 days and now the incision site where the drain is hurts! Oh and even though I am 56 and haven't had a period in 5 years I have a raging period with lovely cramps. Anyway I wish I could go back and read all your original discussions because now I could use the info!!! Trying to get all the drinking in, who new it would be that hard to get those little drink down!! Apparently I lap my drinks like big thirsty retriever, at least that seems to be who I am getting all these air bubbles in me that I can't get rid of . Any ideas? I was reading about Janet and now I am totally paranoid! Blood clots in her legs?? This is one of my biggest fears. Anyway hope to get some words of wisdom but I need to WALK!!! Deb

Glad to hear you are home. I felt kinda yucky the first couple days, actually yucky doesn't really describe it...I felt kinda off, like "not myself". But that passed after the first week.

I did not take off the steri strips right away. I left them on for a few days after I got back from the hospital, and that was a big mistake. A couple of them were so infected and had pus. The steri strips irritate the skin around the incision. It looked awful, but I showed them to Dr. Tanaka at my first visit and he said it was fine and normal. It took a while before they shut completely and the scabbing stopped.

I didn't go for walks the first week. But I did do normal household stuff (ie. grocery shopping, cleaning, watering, etc). Just be active doing something if you're not up to walking.

And the air bubbles....It just means you are taking to much in at one time. Try and take even smaller sips. That should get rid of the air and the gurgles and burps. The first week I literally (maybe) got 6oz of water and a quarter of a protein shake for the entire day. Remember you're stomach is still swollen. There is only about 1 - 2cc's worth of space It gets easier as weeks pass.

Take care and enjoy the weight loss. The first month is amazing!

hi Deb......I don't know if this will get to you as you have to FRIEND me...but am glad you are home safe and sound and glad to hear that nurse Jackie is with you. I didn't have any problems with my surg sites and I left the steri strips on until they fell off by themselves, about 2 weeks. i am older than you and didn't have any periods although Sara has told me that she has had a period for a long long time since surgery so I guess that happens to some. Getting in the fluid is challenging so just go slow and let your body tell you what it wants. I found that I wanted to be UP and BUSY, like Becca, so I did housework and lots of small walks. Then I woud take a long nap. Be sure and take your pain med, that will help. One of the best things are the popsicles......yummy and fun to eat and are frozen fluid!!! So, keep writing and asking questions....each of us experienced this surgery and healing a bit differently so you will get ALL kinds of responses and ideas......hugz:)D

Glad to hear that you are doing well Miss Debra. Yes, the first few days are a little, 'off', to put it mildly. I knew I didn't feel my usual self, but I didn't have much pain so it was hard for me to realize that I couldn't do all my usual stuff.
I also left my steri-strips on until they fell off by themselves, eventually from having showers and such. No issues with pus, but the sites often felt a little itchy. This went away after about a week or so. When sleeping at night, my best friend was an additional pillow that I place to the side of my stomach so I could roll onto my side and still feel comfortable. The best feeling ever was when I was able to lay on my stomach!!!
I also wore my binder for a week after surgery. I liked the additional support it gave me while I moved around at work.
Walking is important, just a little at the beginning as you will tire easily, but it also helps to build you up for some major walking when you can. I've actually started training for a 5k. I'm doing the couch to 5k training program and I'm loving it. I have an amazing amount of energy now, who knew I ever had it in me!!
Just remember to take it slow. And ask any questions you may have.

Also, what did you get done, the RNY or VSG?

Thanks so much for all the suggestions and thoughts. I think I will try and make popsicles out of the protein drink too. I just had my first Popsicle and it was heaven. I went out and did a 15 min walk which helps release the gases and air!!!

I guess I was being unrealistic in how I thought I'd feel, it hasn't been week!

It is very inspiring to hear how well all of you are feeling!! Thanks Deb

Hey hun im sooo happy that you are doing good. I had my period for a month and was gone for like 2 to 3 weeks and it is back again! :( doc says it's normal but it's bothersome! Its really good to get up and walk around. You will feel great in no time! Zip Zip Zip the water slowly it gets better with time and the sound starts to go away little by little. Soooo happy everyone is doing good!!! hugs to everyone

Hi Deb-

I'm so happy to hear things are going well.  I hope we can all see each other soon.

Marianne

How are you doing?