Question:
Does Being A "Lightweight" Make Recovery Easier?

   — Katerina M. (posted on March 29, 2003)

March 29, 2003
I think so. I had lap rny. I was shopping at the mall one week post op and back to work full time two weeks post op. Read my profile for details.
   — Linda A.

March 29, 2003
NO NO NO it depends on the person. My best friend started at 258 and 5"4' and had a very rough time of it. She started out lap and ended up with open and had to spend eight days in the hospital and weeks before she could get out and about. Mine was only a little easier. I had open Feb. 10 and am still not doing great but better each day. My starting weight was 228 and my hgt is 5'2" so we were both what is considered lightweights. I think it depends on each individual person, age and etc. My friend is sixty and I am 56. plus I had another major surgery last year so that might be hindering my recovery.
   — Delores S.

March 29, 2003
Typically, (not always), it is easier on the surgeon performing the surgery if you are a LW. I was a LW and my surgery, and post-op experience were actually quite easy. I think too, that getting around again is easier when you are a LW. The term Light Weight still cracks me up.
   — Cheri M.

March 29, 2003
I'm a 29 year-old "lightweight" and am 10 days post-op. I felt great after day 5 and continue to do well. Some days are easier than others. Just remember to brace yourself if you need to sneeze. OUCH!! LOL. Good luck!
   — denisel

March 29, 2003
I personally do not think so. Recovery just depends on an individual person. I was a lightweight (250lbs) and young, but still had a hell of a time during recovery. Was in alot of pain and took a while to feel "normal" again. All very worth it ofcourse, but I don't think it helped me at all. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 29, 2003
I was a lightweight at 236 and had lap RNY - I'm also 47 years old. I was in the hospital 2 days and back at work full time on post op day 12. I think attitude is a big part of how you recover. If you think you will have a lot of pain and a difficult time recovering, you probably will. On the other hand, I made up my mind that I was going to get myself moving as soon as I could and I did - and I haven't stopped!
   — koogy

March 29, 2003
I recently read an article on the CNN site about a recent medical study on pain tolerance. The intial findings suggest that pain tolerance could be genetically based. I won't bore you all with the details (and that's probably because I don't remember them all lol), but the gist of the article is that your genetic bluepint determines if you have higher or lower pain tolerance. In the future the idea is to be able to determine the level/type of pain control a patient needs based on genetic makeup. This may not be exactly on the topic, but I thought it was an interesting article.
   — Leni M.