Question:
I am 5 days post op and feeling weak and sore
Maybe my expectations are too high, but I feel aweful. I find it hard to take in water because it makes me feel nauseous. I know some feel great at this time. Any suggestions to get my strength back? Still on clear liquids and have to get my daughter's help to even get off the bed or couch. — Happy I. (posted on May 17, 2003)
May 16, 2003
You are normal. I was the same way after my Feb. surgery. I am now four
months out and just now feel good. I still get tired really easy. i had
open rny.
— Delores S.
May 16, 2003
Sweetie--you will get thru this--take the pain medicine and as soon as you
are able take as warm as you can stand it showers or baths. If the
drinking of water is upsetting--switch to spearmint tea--and take lots and
lots of cat naps--with little meandering trips around your home on the in
between. This is the "taking in" phase and you really need to
rest and recover from this major insult to your abdomen from the
surgery,and your head from the anesthesia. Every day will get better. Hang
in there.
— Wannabe A.
May 16, 2003
Its normal to feel that way 5 days postop. I remember feeling that way
too. I had to have my husbands help to get out of bed and off the couch.
I couldnt roll on to my side in bed cause it hurt too much, so I had to lay
on my back. Whenever I took a ride in the car, I even had to have my
husband or mom buckle the seat belt for me cause it hurt to do it myself.
I kept saying to myself "why did I do this", but you know what,
it gets better. You feel awful now but it will get better, and youll start
watching those pounds drop. Good luck to you!
— Kris T.
May 16, 2003
Just hang in there - this is normal - It took me quite a while until my
strength came back. It was at least three months until I had 90% of my
energy back. Best of luck.
— GPoynor
May 17, 2003
You just had major surgery! It takes time for your body to heal. Just
rest, sip fluids (I drink fruit-flavored sf water and crystal light), walk
around the house frequently (or as much as you can) and you'll feel better
soon. Good luck to you!
— [Deactivated Member]
May 17, 2003
Dear Lisa - You are doing fine-- this is ABSOLUTELY normal!! Please take
the time to develop some patience with you and your new body because you
will have many times you will need it !!! I am a little over 2 months
post-op and a nurse. I am speaking from experience. You have had your
stomach completly redone, had anesthesia, been pulled, tugged, as well as
having major medicines-- relax BUT be persistent with your recovery. The
first few weeks are hard- but very worth it eventually. I am down 56 pounds
and several clothes sizes. It works !! Good luck with your patience girl
!!!!!!! :-)
— Kewpidoll
May 17, 2003
I was still in the hospital at 5 days post op!! I am now 4 weeks out and I
still don't have a lot of energy. I still have to take a nap at least once
a day and rest rest rest. It is all part of the healing process. I know how
you feel, though! You just want to start your new life, but that takes a
little time. Hang in there!!
— Jaimie L.
May 17, 2003
Gosh, yes. You are so soon out of surgery and it does get better. Every
day makes a difference. I was in the hospital for 4 days (Open RNY)and the
first week after I got home I was soooooo tired and weak from the
anesthesia and pain meds and lack of FOOD! Give yourself a little more
time, and do what you can. At first I could barely walk around inside of
my house. SOON I was able to walk around my yard, then up the block a few
houses. My doctor wanted me to work up to 30 minutes a day. I didn't know
how I was EVER going to accomplish that. I was a slow beginner, but truly
you get stronger each day. When I was FINALLY able to have REAL food (soft
boiled or scrambled eggs, cooked cereal) I took off! Hang in there and
know tomorrow's a brighter day! :)
— Ginger M.
May 17, 2003
Lisa,
As I told you, you just had major surgery and some weakness and fatigue
is to be expected. From what you told me earlier, I feel that you may be
experiencing some weakness, fatigue, and nausea due to slight dehydration.
Sip , sip , sip that water.. stay hydrated.. I think once you become fully
hydrated again, you will start feeling better.. Also , make sure you are
getting up and doing some walking as well as using that incentive
spirometer right now..
Take care of you.. and call me if you need me.. I love you bunches..
Love ya,
— Gina Landers
May 17, 2003
I'll be one week post-op tomorrow and I have been right there with you at
times. Although, I usually tend to feel yucky mostly in the mornings after
I first wake up and improve considerable throughout the day as I get up and
start moving around and going through my routine. My personal
"official" take on this is that, if you think about it, we
haven't eaten in nearly a week and our bodies have probably kicked into
somewhat of starvation mode. Ironically, we're intentionally depriving our
bodies at a time when they should be very well nourished. I'm sure in some
people that has to retard the recovery process and it's something that all
of the liquids in the world won't fix. It just so happens that people like
us end up with the short sticks, which probably has more to do with genes
than anything we are or aren't doing.
— Amanda S.
Click Here to Return