DebLW

Hi all - I'm 2.5 weeks out. I had to go back to work 2 weeks out to the day. I have a high-stress desk job, and I'm 53 years old. I am so exhausted that I could sleep every moment I'm not at work. I've noticed that a lot of you younger folks have bounced back relatively quickly....how about you fellow middle-agers? Thanks for sharing any input. Deb

I was sleeved on 1/23 and had my drain out 1/28. At the time, one of the incisions, the one a couple of inches below my cleavage was bothering me, but the surgeon said that it looked OK and to keep it clean, etc. It continued to bother me, and over the past weekend, I noticed that the area around it felt hot when I changed the bandage. Further, it oozed yellow/white pus with a little bit of pressure. Monday, I went to my family doctor to have it checked out. They cultured the incision, and today, it came back positive for MRSA! Fortunately, my family doc had started me out on Bactrim DS, which is one of the antibiotics known to be effective for MRSA and regular staph infections, so I am three days into treatment. I am freaked out and scared to death. Has anyone had this experience? The wound is looking better.

Angelamarie, except for the fact that I was sleeved on 1/23, it could have been me writing your posts. I have been sooo hungry. I can't express how much I appreciate Jenny and the others who have responded to this discussion.....you have most likely saved my sanity. I was beginning to wonder if I had made the biggest mistake of my life.

Hi all - I was sleeved 1/23 and had my drain removed 1/28. I have been changing the dressing over the incision twice daily, after a light flush of hydrogen peroxide. The incision itself is larger than any of the others and even four days later, looks moist and "open"..... it is not puffy and red, but I should have thought it would begin to close already. Any ideas? Thanks so much, Deb

It's pretty open....it's not actively bleeding, but I am getting some yellow discharge on my gauze. It just doesn't seem like it's closed at all since the drain was pulled. I get kind of weak in the knees when I look at it, because I don't know what I'm looking at inside of it.

I think it depends on how long the hospital keeps you after surgery. Most of us have two-night stays before discharge. I live alone and were it not for the fact that I have four dogs (none of them small), I would have been able to go right home. As it was, I stayed at my parents' house for two nights and then I was fine. I think you'll also be just fine....and you'll probably enjoy the peace and quiet. But have your phone by your side, just in case. Good luck! I'm 8 days out and starting to feel human again.

I don't have any practical advice or knowledge to share, but I'm SOOOOO sorry that this is happening to you. I hope that it can be quickly resolved. I shudder to think about what could have happened to you had you not been persistent in being seen...you must have been nearing life-threatening stages of dehydration. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Deb

Can't believe I'm sharing this, but....I was sleeved 1/23 and hadn't had a BM until today. Then, it literally felt as though a floodgate had opened and I had diarrhea at least six times. I can't figure out why, because I have had no solid food. But one positive side effect was that my horrible left shoulder pain finally subsided. And I'm starving! What's up with that??

I'm sure that it is pretty common....but I've been so enthusiastically pursuing this surgery for the better part of a year, and I'm scheduled for tomorrow. Tonight, I am geeking out, hoping and praying that I am doing the right thing. I am one of those people who have things happen to them that don't normally happen to the majority. It doesn't help that I'm the last surgery of the day, and I don't have to go into the hospital until 2.......please keep me in your thoughts? Thanks so much, Deb

Thanks, Kirk! Hey, how are you feeling?

I started my pre-op diet yesterday in anticipation of my 1/23 surgery. Today, I had a Protein shake for Breakfast and another for lunch. Beginning late this afternoon, I have had absolutely miserable diarrhea! I have never had a problem with dairy in my life, so I don't think it's lactose-related. I'm actually hoping that it's a brief bout of flu and not an intolerance to Protein shakes and powders......has anyone ever had this happen to them? Deb

I'm so scared for you, and I pray that you have gotten yourself to the ER before it is too late. Believe me, many of us understand money issues....our messages have been strongly worded because we are worried and we care. PLEASE, PLEASE let us know how you are when you can. Hugs to you, friend.

Hi everyone - This is my first post. I've got a surgery date for January 23. I've been reading lots of your messages, and they have been so very helpful to me. I just heard that following surgery, patients are unable to take medications? I'm on anti-depressants and high blood pressure medication. I truly need the anti-depressant. How will I be able to keep taking it if I cannot take pills? For how long following surgery is this typically the case? Thanks so much for any insights. Best, Deb

Thanks so much for responding.....and how are you feeling? Deb

Hi - Deb in Michigan here. My date is January 23.

We will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending our best thoughts for a speedy recovery, Allison. Please let us hear from you when you can! Hugs, Deb

Whew.....yes, I absolutely intend to bring this up to my surgeon at my pre-op appt, but it is still a few weeks away, which left me lots of time to stew. Thanks so much, Ailly...and by the way, your pup is adorable! Deb