Question:
what to expect right after gastric by-pass surgery?

how bad ia the pain. is it hard to move around? how about eating and driving?    — annrouse (posted on May 24, 2008)

May 23, 2008
Expect to need pain meds. Everyone's pain level is different. You should have liquid meds to take. Moving around is a little difficult at times, especially getting up from a low couch or chair. MOST OF HOW YOU RECOVER IS UP TO YOU. The more you move, the more you comply with getting your fluids and protein, the faster and better you will recover. Remember, it's temporary, the pain goes away. Good Luck!
   — Shirley D.

May 23, 2008
I am a year out and have met goal weight, we are all different, but in my case, minimal pain, driving within a week, played 18 holes of golf 5 days after RNY . Be sure to follow your doctors eating plan regarding eating and you will do good! I was only in the hospital overnite, out by 11:00 am the day after. I believe a lot is in your attitude going in. Be positive. Make a list of reasons on why you are having this done and refer back to it whenever you get down. Good Luck!
   — blossman

May 23, 2008
I had RNY WLS nearly 6 months ago. The pain was strong wenought that the first time out of bed, about two hours after surgery, I just couls walk to the Bathroom and back. Later that night I walked around the nusing stations, and th enext morning around the entire 8th floor. They want you to get up and walk. You got pain meds and when you take them you sleep. I went home and walking was not an issue, but I took pain medication they gave me for a week. After that, I drove to work every day and did my job without problems. IO was on liquid and pureed food for about 1 month, then soft foods for a few weeks and finaly on meats and cooked vegatables. First 6 weeks you might ask yourself "What have I done?" and then you find out what you lost and the new tool works and before you know it the scars, whiuch are small to start with are shrinking as you waist shrinks and you feel great about your choice. I hear Lab Band patients all the time tell about their lack of weight loss so I am glad I did a RNY to start. I lost over 100 lbs in less than 6 month. Best of success to you.
   — William (Bill) wmil

May 23, 2008
Most patients tend to be in hospital for about 3 days total. I had pain pump if I needed it for pain. I used it twice during first day, but I really wasn't sure it was pain I was feeling. Probably just the gas from LAP surgery. That is where the most discomfort comes from. Second night in hospital, I needed shots to sleep due to gas discomfort. Your surgeon will set a protocol on eating program--probably liquids for 1-2 weeks, then either soft foods or pureed foods for 1-2 weeks, etc. I did not drive for about 4 days after I got home. Just as a precaution. I began walking for exercise about 2 days after I got home. I did walk around the home, but I'm talking about outside, down the block a few houses and back. This is how you work up to an exercise routine. If you find walking difficult, get a DVD on chair exercises--designed for elderly care facilities, but works well with those who may have mobility problems due to being to heavy to walk very far. As you lose some weight in coming weeks, then you should start walking when you can. My story is on my profile page. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

May 24, 2008
I guess it really depends on which type of surgery you have. I had the laproscopic surgery and had very minimal pain. Two days in the hospital and was walking around about two hours after I got out of recovery although I had to push that dang IV bottle with me as I did not get the IV until the day I was released from the hospital. I have a 20 pound baby boy and was told I could pick him up so that was great. As far as eating, I guess it is different for everyone, I have been on liquid and cream of chicken soup since my surgery (only 11 days out) but 21 pounds lost already. I have to wait until next Tuesday's Dr visit to be able to change the menu. Driving is no problem as long as you are not on pain meds. Best of luck to you.
   — criehavendude

May 24, 2008
I had my laproscopic gastric bypass on /5/13//08 and I am surprised at how mobile I was the first night and next days to come my doctor only allows 3-4 cib and fluids a day no soup or anything else however i am walking everyday going to the zoo etc. The biggest problem for me was pain but not from what i expected i had really bad gas pain and all you can really do is walk and eventually it may take a day or so but the gas does pass and the pain gets better the other thing i was concerned about is when i was done with surgery i did not urinate a lot and i was getting a lot of iv fluids but the nurse assured me in time it would get better so i waited and it did. I wish you the best of luck and hope this helped
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 24, 2008
I really was not in that much pain. I started walking at the hospital and that helped a lot. To me it felt like stiffness instead of much pain but then I am 61 years old so it could have been old age. My sister came to help me in case I needed someone at home but the second day home and we went shopping. I did get tired and after a couple of hours we came home but was back out the next day. Follow your doctors advise and walk, walk, walk as much as your body will let you. Congratulation's and I know you will be happy with your surgery. I had gastric by-pass the end of January so am only 4 month out and feel great. So happy I did not listen to those that told me it was way to painful and just to diet and I would lose the hundred plus pounds. Down 67 of those 100.
   — Bernadine Morse

May 26, 2008
I had no pain when I went home. I took no pain meds at all and I was cleaning my house the 2nd day I was home. I was supposed to but I did. But everyone is different.
   — Joanc