Question:
How long did it take you to feel back to NORMAL again?

I am two weeks post-op and I just got my staples and tubes removed. Although with them comes out I feel much improved I still dont feel 100% back to me yet? How long did it take you to feel back to normal. Also my side hurts if I stand or walk for like longer than 10 mins...this happen to anyone else. I told my doctor and he just kinda poo - pooed it and said I was fine. Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 24, 2000)

September 24, 2000
Hi there. I'm 6 mos post op and I don't think I felt normal until about 6 wks. I went back to work at 4...which actually helped to get into a routine and less obsessed with "head hunger"...I was busy and productive and walking regularly. It took about two weeks after getting back to work. I still had the occasional incident where I ate too much or too fast....but those are far and few between any more. Take a deep breath and don't rush yourself into feeling "great"...it *will* happen before you know it.
   — Lucky B.

September 24, 2000
Hi. Gee, it took me a good 2 weeks following my surgery to even begin to feel HUMAN again. You have to remember that you body has gone through (and is continuing to adjust to) a very tramatic surgery. Yes, it will take several weeks you to begin to feel "normal" again. I recall thinking that everyday I felt about 8% "better" than I did the day before. I went back to work at 5 weeks post and the first few days were pretty exhausting, and I definately had to lie down and nap for an hour or so after coming home. Give yourself some time, sweetie, to "recoop". Little by little your strength and stamina will return. Do as much as you can AS you can but don't expect TOO much from yourself too soon. Make sure you keep up with your vitamins and your protein. Don't be afraid to rest when you have to. As for the pain in your side, again, give yourself a little time (a few days to a week) to see if the pain begins to subside or lessen. We do have some revision to our plumbing and there may be some "pulling" of muscles or internal stitching that's causing the pain. If it doesn't go away within a reasonable amount of time, definately call your doctor again. Good luck and God bless. cj
   — cj T.

September 24, 2000
This is a great question. I am almost 9 months post of from a DS. I didn't feel close to what I recall normal, until about 1 month. Even at that point, I did have increased mobility, but would tire out easily. Funny thing is that at about 5-6 weeks I sort of forgot what all my aches and pains felt like. I still don't recall what I felt like before..especially when I feel a new pain or ache...as my body is still adjusting. It is a whole new body..take your time and try to be very aware of the changes...it is truly amazing! PS...the Dr's are so numb to our complaints, though I don't think they mean to be! Just hang in there...you have done the hardest part already!
   — Jackie S.

September 24, 2000
I am 4 1/2 months post op and at two weeks I was wondering the very same thing! When I went for my two week check up and staple removal, I voiced my feelings to Dr Barba who took my hand and said...."I will see you back in three weeks and I'll bet you will feel 300 percent better" He was right. At three weeks I was sleeping better, at 4 weeks I was walking upright with out pain and at 6 weeks I was wonderful!!! I still throw up from time to time and threre are days I can't eat more than a mouthfull at a time without discomfort, but still...I have lost 95 pounds and feel great. Hang in there and give yourself some time to adjust. Before you know it..the weight will be coming off faster than you can take your clothes in..lol. Good luck. Judy
   — TWAPPED

September 24, 2000
Great question, I asked this of a friend of mine who had surgery and she said something very interesting to me. She said for me to prepare myself for a new "normal". That I would never feel like I did prior to surgery. So far as the pains and aches going it took about 6 weeks, the more I moved and exercised the better I felt. I had pains everywhere. A sharp pain here or there. The pain around my belly button, all of it did slowly go away. If I took my protein, vitamins and iron and followed my doctors orders I would get my energy back in about a month...and I did. I am also losing weight so my body feels different all the time. I am actually feeling lighter and you will too. I know what you are saying and it will happen. I had to remember that I was talking with people who were here on this site and were 3 and 4 months post-op. Here I came right out of the hospital wanting their results and I can't have that. You will feel better soon, I promise as long as you protect your pouch and walk and take your meds. oh..and stick around here at AMOS. Thanks for the question...Trina
   — Courtrina Amur W.

September 24, 2000
I am 4 1/2 months post op and at two weeks I was wondering the very same thing! When I went for my two week check up and staple removal, I voiced my feelings to Dr Barba who took my hand and said...."I will see you back in three weeks and I'll bet you will feel 300 percent better" He was right. At three weeks I was sleeping better, at 4 weeks I was walking upright with out pain and at 6 weeks I was wonderful!!! I still throw up from time to time and threre are days I can't eat more than a mouthfull at a time without discomfort, but still...I have lost 95 pounds and feel great. Hang in there and give yourself some time to adjust. Before you know it..the weight will be coming off faster than you can take your clothes in..lol. Good luck. Judy
   — TWAPPED

September 24, 2000
At 4 weeks I was feeling somewhat back on track. At 2 months, it was much, much better. Hang in there! You'll feel better soon! :)
   — Paula G.