Question:
I need to know exactly what you all felt like immediatly up to two weeks post-op.
I'm young, (21) and I've never had any kind of surgery before. As a matter of fact, I've never even been in the hospital before!!! I'm a nursing student so I have a pretty good idea of what's involved, and the doctors tell me being young is on my side. I need someone or a lot of someones preferably to tell me exactly what they felt like immediatly after surgery (lap RNY) pain, wierd sensations, and whether you were able to get up, walk around, shower etc. soon after surgery, if any other young people had the surgery your experinces in as much detail as you wish to provide me would be so greatly appreciated. Help Me! I'm scared!!!!!!! Thank you! :) — Amanda W. (posted on June 26, 2003)
June 26, 2003
First, remember that everyone is different with how they handle pain and
how fast they heal. I had Lap RNY 4/2/03. I felt miserable the first 12
hours after surgery, mostly from the anesthesia. I went home after 24
hours. I was very tired. I have a history of severe allergic rections to
morphine drugs so I took liquid extra-strength tylenol for pain. I was
uncomfortable but ok for the first week. The discomfort was from the JB
tube, not from the surgery. Once the tube was removed I was feeling great!
The JB tube was putting pressure on my diaphram and I had to sleep
"elevated". I was off the tylenol by week 2. I was back at work 7
days post-op. I had no problems (I had 2 C-Sections in the past) with
walking, showering or anything else. I was tired alot which is normal
because your body needs time to heal. By the way, you have to get up and
walk after most surgeries (including this one) to keep from getting
dangerous blood clots. Best wishes!
— M B.
June 26, 2003
Hi, Im 23 and I just had my surgery almost 3 months ago and I was fine. I
was in a lot of pain in the recovery room but I was still knocked out,
infact I was really knocked out the whole day of my surgery. The next day
was fine I was up and walking and moving around. I did have an open RYN my
opening was only 4 inches long but I have also had two C-sections and those
didn't bother me at all. Im sure you will do just fine and if your in tons
of pain or need some make sure to tell your nurse so you don't get into
much pain. Good Luck. Teena(RYN 4/8/03~down65#)
— Teena P.
June 26, 2003
I meant JP Tube not JB Tube. Cheers!
— M B.
June 26, 2003
I had turn 30 just 6 days before my surgery (5-19-03) so I am a little over
5wks post-op now. The first day (was in ICU) was the worst for me and the
pain meds in the hospital made me sleep but did nothing for the pain. The
second day I was able to go to a private room and I remembered one of my
friends and also my surgeon saying to "Walk....Walk....Walk!" and
I did. It really does speed the process along. By the thrid day when I was
released I could move around pretty good but still very sore like I had
done a few thousand sit ups....lol! but the pain medicine my doc sent me
home with was much better than that in the hospital for me(liquid lortab I
think) it seemed like it worked almost instantly well, at least within 5
min. Each day I felt less and less sore as long as I keep moving and
walking I waited most of the day once before I walked and I felt stiffer
that ususal. I kept Reminding myself that I was not SICK I had SURGERY and
although you have to be sure to let your body rest so it can heal you have
to move around and don't baby the pain. I went back to work at 2 weeks out
and I am doing fine.Good Luck! OpenRNY 05-19-03 sw282/cw260/gw160
— prettygreen13
June 26, 2003
I had my Lap Rny on 9/17/02. I was in the hosp for 6 days due to some
fever of unknown origin. I felt pretty miserable. I would say I felt like
I'd been run over by a truck for almost 3-4 weeks. I'm 32 so I'm a little
older than you. I've also had 2 C-sections and I felt better, quicker
after my C-Sections. Maybe that's because I knew I had to take care of
those babies. The worst pain I felt after coming home was from the gas
trapped inside my body. No one ever told me about that. Sometimes after
lap surgery the gas they inflate you with gets trapped in places. Mine was
in my left shoulder then travelled to my abdomen. Finally after much
walking it worked it's way out. You will do great and if you have anymore
questions in specific just ask, I'm happy to help as I can. Take care.
Hope this helps some.
— Robin V.
June 26, 2003
I was 26 when I had my Lap RNY on 12/18/02. Even though I had had a
previous c-section and my gall bladder removed, my surgery went fine.
However, I was in a lot of pain for the first 2 weeks and had to sleep on
the couch for 3 weeks. I went back to work in 5 1/2 weeks because I wanted
to take it easy. The only true uncomfortable part was dealing with the
drain for the first 10 days post-op. I did need help with showering and
dressing, but other than that, I could finally sleep on my stomach 6 weeks
post-op. Like previous posts, everyone is different, a friend of mine had
her WLS done Open and she was out shopping a week later! So it's good to
be prepared, even though you might not have the same experiences. Your
youth and the fact that you have not had prior surgeries does give you a
significant advantage, I wouldn't worry too much! You'll get through it
okay, and it'll be uphill from there! Best wishes for a speedy recovery...
— Christine F.
June 26, 2003
I'm not young (49) but it has been 8 months since my surgery (RNY) and I
feel very young now. As for the immediate time after my surgery. I felt
pain of course but nothing unbareable. I got up and down many times the
night of my surgery to peeeeeee! I couldn't go 5 mintues without peeing :)
The nurses said I set the record for # of cc's of urine. It is so
refreshing to hear that you are so young and doing something NOW about your
weight. I only wish I hadn't wasted all these years being fat. My recovery
was very speedy. You do get tired of the liquid diet after about the 2nd
week. I never want to see sugar free jello again. I really never got
hungry because the surgery does something to curb your appetite. I still
rarely get what I call hungry. I know I feel a bit like eating and I know
I have to eat, so I eat. Depends on what I eat as to how much I can hold.
I don't like meats much at all. I eat lots of fruit & cottage cheese.
I probably eat about 800-900 calories per day most days. Back to your
question, you do get a little diahrea for the first 6 weeks or so, but mine
wasn't bad. I have to this day yet to vomit. I followed my doctor's
insructions to the T and I think that is why I have done so well. If you
do that and remember the pain, depression and anxiousness will
pass.......you will do great. I am down 120 lbs in 8 months. It was the
best thing I have ever done for ME. I encourage you to do it and hang in
there. It is a life changing event (for the good).
— Peggy B
June 26, 2003
Amanda, 1st of all, congrats about doing something so young, I'm 49, and
have wasted most of my life battling my weight. The only other surgery I've
had was open gallbladder approx 10 years ago. Compared to that, this was a
cake walk. The only pain I had was caused by movement, which is to be
expected. Getting in/out of bed, the bathroom, in/out of a chair. Surgery
was Thursday, I went home Saturday, I was driving short distances Tuesday.
Every day the discomfort gets a little better. You CAN DO THIS!
Good luck, may yours be as easy as mine was. Linda
— lorien
June 26, 2003
Hi. I'm almost 4 weeks post Lap RNY. Let me tell you about something that
I had never been told about or read about -- I had the craziest most
painful sensation in my LEFT side, right by the largest incision. Thought
it was gas, and it probably was, but that was the ONLY thing I complained
about the entire time, other than the drain. But the left side pain lasted
for about 2 weeks off and on, and it was almost like a "stitch"
in my side -- you know the kind when you walk too much or laugh too hard?
Also, the drain -- UG. What a nightmare. But just get used to it hangin'
out with you. I felt a ton better as soon as I got home and was able to get
some actual sleep. I slept in my bed immediately - no couch or recliner for
me. Honestly, the last pain shot I had was about midnight the day of
surgery and I had the equivalent of two Tylenol a week later after I fell
out of my office chair -- but that was because of my back pain, not WLS
related pain. :) You'll do FINE!!!!!!!!! Don't be scared about spending
the night there - it's just not a big deal. :) Take care. Cheryl - Lap RNY
6/2/03 -- -38ish pounds
— Cheryl M.
June 26, 2003
Hi! I was 24 when I had surgery and this was my first surgery (lap rny) as
well. In all honesty I was more scared of all the needles (IV and blood
giving). But I woke up in a pretty good amount of pain but the morphine
took the edge off of that. They made me get up a few hours after recovery
to get moving. Even though I did NOT WANT TO GET UP, I had to admit that
after I did, I felt a lot better. My JP tube was annoying too and it
leaked alot and it hurt like crazy coming out but it only lasted a few
seconds. I also had a catheter and while it didn't hurt coming out, it
hurt like CRAZY when they had to put it BACK IN because my bladder was
lazy. I went home after three days in the hospital and didn't go to work
for two full weeks after that. I did sleep in my bed right away but had to
have pillows propped under my legs and back to keep me from lying flat. My
hubby had to wake me up before he went to work to help me get out of bed
because I could not do it on my own (only for about a week). Showers...I
think I just liked to be babied and had my hubby stay with me while I
showered, just in case I slipped or something because I'm clumsy like that,
but you can do that on your own. For the most part as was on my own while
hubby worked and was able to do day to day stuff on my own.
Good luck to you and feel free to ask me anything anytime!
— Lucky Gal U.
June 26, 2003
OMG I just clicked on your name and realized we live in the same suburb!
WOW!
— Lucky Gal U.
June 26, 2003
I'm almost twice your age :), but still did fine. The first 8 hours WERE
painful (for me), although I had the morphine. After that, it got sooooo
much better. I was able to get up, walk, pee, etc. The Roxycet took care
of the pain, and I was good to go. Went in Thursday, got home Sunday, by
Monday, I was taking the kids to get their hair cut (with a friend
driving). I stopped taking the pain meds w/in a week (except at night a
few times), I was back to work in under 2 weeks. I thought it was a pretty
easy recovery in terms of the surgery.
— mom2jtx3
June 26, 2003
i am 22 and had my lap ryn on the 16 that make me what 10 days out i was up
and walking that day next day i showered and was sent home on the third the
pain was not that bad with the pac pump and the pills the hardest thing for
me has been slleping i am not a back sleeper so i have had a few long night
.
— lynniec
June 26, 2003
I remember waking up in the recovery room and feeling around my abdomen - I
was sure at first they didn't do surgery! (lap RNY) I had oxygen on by NP,
an IV, a foley catheter, and thromboguards. As soon as I was conscious
enough, I asked for a small blanket, folded up. I held that against my
abdomen and proceeded to do the all-important coughing and deep
breathing.(The PACU nurse was impressed with my good cough effort!) I even
did ankle pumps! I had a morphine PCA, but I really didn't have much pain.
I finally got up to my room about 8:00PM that night. I got to sleep a
little now and then between all the things the nurses had to do. As soon
as I thought they were done with me for a few minutes, I would use the PCA.
My 02 sats were dropping when I slept, so they switched me to a mask and I
was fine. At 9:00AM they came and got me for my leak test to be done in
radiology. It was my first time getting up and I was able to do it
unassisted! That went fine, and I stayed out of bed the rest of the day. I
used my incentive spirometer about every hour and still did the coughing,
and walked the halls. My PCA was taken off that afternoon, and my catheter
was removed. (It was in longer than usual because my output was low). I
still got Toradol IV every 6 hours, and that kept me very comfortable
without making me sleepy. I went to bed after the nurses did the midnight
vitals and stuff. The next day, I was up before the docs started making
rounds! I got rid of my IV, got a shower, and got to go home that
afternoon. I had very little pain, overall. I think I did take a dose of
Roxicet before I was discharged. I had subcutaeous sutures and no steri
strips or anything. The sooner you get up and get moving, the better! I
haven't stopped yet! By the way, I am 47 and a nurse. Best of luck with
surgery and school!
— koogy
June 26, 2003
I felt like I was dead and still in pain! It got much better quickly,
though. Prepare yourself for the worst, and you will discover it isn't as
bad as you fretted over to begin with! Imagine pulling a watermelon out of
your nose. That hurts! But... that's what pain meds are for! Check out
both my profiles... maybe that willhelp some! :~) The first one is listed
under sharon brittain
— Sharon M. B.
June 26, 2003
Going LAP, your pain will probally be alot less than mine was. I was
feeling a hell of alot of physical pain (could'nt stand straight ether) for
about 5 weeks. But having LAP will cut down tremendously on your pain, and
being 21 is really in your favor. Perhaps you won't have so much loose skin
and one thing is for sure... you WILL heal faster by doing this while you
are YOUNG. VERY SMART INDEED. I started having surgeries at 31 years of age
(not counting tonsils as a child). My last surgery (so far) was at 44.
Believe me, every surgery, as the years go on, take so much more out of me.
Heck at 21 you may be doing cartwheels in a short time. lol (Kidding)
Anyway, your young age, and LAP will make for a reasonably easy recovery
provided there are no complications. And there is no need to dwell on the
what ifs. Just make sure that WLS is right for you, walk, stop smoking (if
you do), cut out sugar, and keep telling yourself positive thoughts, and
pray if you have a religion. The emotional and spirital side of getting
ready is just as important as the physical. If you are worried about
surgery, then talk to the anesthesiologist before sugery and relay your
fears. This is always something that really helps me. Best of luck!
— Danmark
June 26, 2003
I had surgery at 10 AM, and wasn't really aware of much until much later
that evening. I was fine standing up, and fine laying down, it was going
from one to the other that caused some pain. There wasn't a tremendous
amount, but I was aware of it. The surgeon left orders for pain medication
every 3 hours as needed, but I usually asked for it every 8-10 hours. I
was more comfortable sitting in the recliner than laying in the bed while
in the hospital. Good luck!!!
— Chris S.
June 26, 2003
I'm 17 days post op from lap rny....immediately after surgery my pain was
very minimal because of the morphine pump.Day 2 they removed the pump and I
was given vicodin...I had a hard time getting it down so I was in alot of
pain.It wasn't so much incisional pain because I only had 6 small
incisions but when you have it done lap they shoot you full of gas during
surgery and that caused alot of gas pain and pressure.I felt like I
couldn't catch my breath.So the first week was horrible... any movement
like getting up and down was difficult because of muscle cramping and
spasming.Walking helped the gas pain some but that lasted about 4 days.I
still have some muscle pain but everyday it lessens.It was a painful
experience but I do not regret it and I've lost 23 pounds in 17 days.
— jennifer A.
June 26, 2003
Cheryl~ I have that left side pain too...My surgeon says that's a very
common place to have pain because that is where the staple gun was.Then she
proceeded to show me the staple gun and I was like "hmm... no
wonder" ;)
— jennifer A.
June 26, 2003
HI. I WAS 25 WHEN I HAD MY OPEN RNY. IM NOW ELEVEN MONTHS POST OP AND
DOWN 136 LBS. I HAVE TO SAY THAT I FELT LIKE CRAP. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. I
WAS, HOWEVER, TOTALLY ABLE TO GET UP AND WALK ABOUT EVERY 2 HOURS RIGHT
AFTER SURGERY. THE MORPHINE PUMP HELPS, BUT ITS NOT ENOUGH TO GET RID OF
ALL THE PAIN. ITS MORE LIKE A DISCOMFORT THAN A PAIN. FOR THE FIRST TWO
WEEKS HOME, I STILL QUESTIONED WHY I HAD DONE IT. I SAID THAT IF I COULD
REVERSE IT, I WOULD. I REGRETTED HAVING DONE THE SURGERY. MY BROTHER WHO
HAPPENED TO BE 28 AT THE TIME OF HIS SURGERY, A YEAR AGO, HAD NO PAIN, WAS
OFF THE MORPINE PUMP BY THE FIRST POST OP DAY AND NEVER EVEN FILLED HIS
PAIN MED PRESCRIPTION. SO, EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. AT ABOUT TWO MONTHS
POST OP I KNEW I HAD MADE THE BEST CHOICE OF MY LIFE AND FEEL GREAT TO THIS
DAY. I ALSO HAVE A FIVE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER THAT GIVES ME A RUN FOR MY
MONEY. I AM STARTING THE RADIOLOGY PROGRAM AT SCHOOL IN THE FALL. I CAN
ONLY SAY IM GLAD IM DOING IT 136 LBS LIGHTER. BEING A NURSING STUDENT,
YOURSELF, YOU WILL BE GREATFUL WHEN THE POUNDS START FALLING OFF OF YOU.
GOOD LUCK.
— christina K.
June 27, 2003
I hated life and I felt sorry for my self my first two weeks out. I was
mad at the world. I had the why me attitude. I kept thinking why couldn't
I just loose the weight. But as time has went on and now that I have a
therapist I have fixed that attitude and I feel so much better about my
decision. Just remember the surgery is an emotional change as well as
physical.
— Jennifer M.
June 27, 2003
I am only 4 days post-op and doing GREAT! I had a lap/rny early in the
morning of the 24th, I was groogy that day but I used my morphine PCA like
a Jepardy buzzer "click" : what is, I'll be in pain in 30 minutes
Alex" Click! "What is what I don't want to feel in an hour
Alex".
I have to say the most important thing you can do is be right on top of
your pain, trying to be a hero will just leave you miserable. I feel very
good, I am walking a lot (which helps) still taking pain meds of course.
This whole experience has been 10 times easier than I ever imagined. Hope
that helps!
— Sarah S.
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