Question:
Surgery was friday- unsure of many things- can anyone please help? thanks!

I just posted before about pain. I have to admit, i am only 22 and have never had any surgery before so i am a bit nervous and naive maybe, but i have great support from my mom and dad and boyfriend. But here are my main things my surgeon kind of didn't really help me to answer, and i am unsure on, can you help? I had LAP RNY friday morning and was released from the hospital sunday morning, a bit early i thought. <1> the pain is still quite unbearable, between the gas, incisions. i do walk off much of the gas which helps. but the pain hurts so much, my tummy rumbles so loud, i can literally feel everything rearranged, i know i had major surgery, i expected alot, i just read so many people felt barely any pain.<2> i cannot sleep for long periods of time, more than 3 hours w/o waking up, then i feel deepness in my chest, like lungs. i breather deeper and it feels better, but no more blood or phlegm comes up since the hospital. i do try to walk once every 1-2 hours to keep everything flowing. i even set my alarm at night, i am scared to develop clots or pneumonia. <3> how much should i really be getting in right now? i had 1/5 of a yogurt yesterday and 13grams of a protein(ISOPURE) drink along with 1 slice of cheese, and 50oz. water, maybe more. i managed to keep it all down fine, thankfully. i think i am doing fine there, i just am scared to get weak from not getting enough protein... sorry its so long, i just wanted info from my AMOS friends b4 i called the surgeon and nurses AGAIN...    — Lezlie Y. (posted on June 4, 2002)

June 3, 2002
I think right now you are where most of us were. I was told by many to just concentrate on not getting dehydrated. Even my doc said that the fluids were more important than anything. You're not going to starve to death. In the next few weeks you can concentrate more on the protein.You're going to fel weak from having MAJOR surgery.Don't expect to wake up and have incredible energy! : ) Hang in there, sweetie, you're doing great!! Donna in AL
   — Donna S. C.

June 3, 2002
Don't ever feel like you can't call the surgeon or nurses. It's normal to have pain, especially gas pain, following lap surgery! Have you tried taking a small swig of Mylanta? I was having severe gas pain after surgery and my doctor said I could take some Mylanta--what a relief! Having had major abdominal surgeries before (spleenectomy and appendectomy), I knew the difference between surgical pain and gas pain. The Mylanta really helped. Rest, eat and drink what you can and don't feel like you have to get everything in. It's only been a few days since your surgery and it takes time to start to feel better. I couldn't sleep very well after surgery either. I found that the Mylanta helped (because it was gas pain waking me up) as well as taking a pain pill at night before bed. I didn't need the pain pills in the day, but one at night really helped me get a better quality of sleep.
   — PT LawMom

June 4, 2002
Hi! I had Surgery 5/23/2002, and I to have terrible gas pain, even 11 days out I'm still not sure I did the right thing by having the Surgery, but each day gets better! As far as Protein, I am unable to get in what I need, I'm getting only a few grams a day, and have only been able to stomach the chewable vitamins a few times. My Dr. say's I'm doing great, it's one day at a time. Nothing terrible is going to happen if it takes you a week or so to get your protein up tp where it should be! (I'm jealous that your eatting cheese)....lol...Good Luck we'll all be just fine, in time!
   — Tambi B.

June 4, 2002
hello friend,you are right you just had major surgery don't worry about anything right now except drinking fludi's and resting.You can worry about all that other stuff when you start to feel better as each day goes on. and about the pain ask your doctor for some rockcett liquid pain medicine it worked wonders for me and take it don't be a marter.it will get better each day . good luck.
   — KIM B.

June 4, 2002
Wow! It sounds like you're doing everything by the book! Good job. <br> I wanted to commend you for getting so much water and your heroic attempts to get that protein in. <br> The gas will go away. I didn't have Lap, but I hear the gas is really really bad! It's just a matter of time for that one! <br> I really just wanted to address your pain. What I would do, is call your surgeon's office and ask for a stronger pain medicine. Tell them that how you are suffering and tell them that you need something more. My surgeon prescribed the Lortab Elixir. It made me very tired, but it took care of the pain. If that's what you have, and it's still not working, I've heard of others getting stronger meds. It's worth trying! <br> Good Luck and it will all pass soon, you just gotta stick it out!
   — Kristin R.

June 4, 2002
I love to watch a newborn success just launching! LOOK AT YOU! You're already walking, drinking your water, and taking in a good quality protein supplement! With as much protein as we're required to get, we're clear liquids for a week. So, you're way ahead of me. I like your atttitude. Wanting to do it RIGHT, wanting to be successful. BRAVO!
   — vitalady

June 5, 2002
I'M the poster-just wanted to say thanks for your help, it means alot. i am feeling a tiny bit better, but i know what i am feeling is normal. thanks :)
   — Lezlie Y.