terry1118

I don't think your surgeon would clear you for work either. You would still be on narcotic medications, and you will have driving and physical restrictions. Generally you need 2-4 weeks for recovery, although my surgeon leans more towards 3 weeks. This is major abdominal surgery!

Had my surgery this morning, everything went smoothly. Was in my room by 1pm and took my first walk by 1:30. I didn't make it very far, about a hundred feet, because I was a little unsteady and nauseous. Pain level about a 5 or 6 but not from the surgery. It was the damn gas. Slept for three hours (dreamt of drinking water). Made some phone calls, then took my second walk, two laps around the halls this time! :-) Pain on a scale of 1 - 10 is around 2. So far so good! Biggest issue I am having is thirst but I can live with it. :-) Nursing staff is awesome, by the way. Love Toby Hosp.

Good luck to you! :-)

How is your back Dorian? Any improvement yet?

Thank you! I took a nap this afternoon and did some reading in the sunshine on my deck a couple times. I'm keeping a food and drink log and I have to say it's not looking good. I think it was a little too ambitious for my first days home. I'm going to scrap it for a few days and concentrate on getting fluids and rest. :-)

Also, for home, I didn't stock up on much. I had crystal light, yogurt, whey protein isolate, Atkins ready-to-drink shakes, broths and cream soups. I bought enough to get me through one/two weeks. I didn't know what I could tolerate afterwards. Today is my first day home. Liquids are really all I want, broth is delicious! The yogurt I tossed after a few bites.

I packed a robe to wear over the Johnnie when I walked the halls. I had bought new slippers but didn't need them because Toby Hospital provided non-slip slipper socks. I brought my glasses and a case, and also my contacts and solutions. For toiletries I brought shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant, all of which I didn't use because I was not allowed to shower. I brought toothpaste and a toothbrush and lip balm which I did use. I brought a hairbrush. I brought my tablet w/charger and my phone w/charger - I used them both. I brought a book but only used it while I was waiting pre-op. I brought my own pillow (a tip I got here). The pillow helped me sleep more comfortably and protected my tummy on the drive home. It was suggested that I bring my WLS manual, which I did, but I never had to look at it. After surgery you cannot eat or drink. When you are allowed to eat and drink they provide all that you need.

Surgery Thurs morning, went home 8:30 Friday night. They needed to see me take a couple meals first (lunch and dinner). And you had to be peeing enough, easy enough once they allowed liquids. Also walking on your own and the pain controlled. So much easier to sleep in your own bed! I'm a little weak but walking short distances and keeping down food, (yogurt w/protein powder, broth, that's it so far). No nausea, or puking yet. Good luck to you when your turn comes around. :-)

Also, I'm so bloated! I feel like a blimp. My fingers look like fat sausages, my ankles and knees are swollen, and I look like I'm pregnant. Can't wait for that to go down!!!!

My surgery was Thursday. They put me on the scale when I took my first walk and I was up 13 lbs. Thank goodness some of you have talked about that here so I was not surprised. I'm going to stay off the scale for a week.

Pain is still minimal. I slept really good last night. I took a shower this morning and that felt awesome, too! The bandages are off and the incisions look good. Now the gurgly gas is starting, my insides are all rumbling and the gas is coming out. Not painfull though. I hate this bloated feeling from all the liquids but the nurses assured me it'll be gone in a week or so. I wonder... is the Fluid retension the reason they make you take off your wedding ring? All in all I feel pretty good, better than I expected for two days out. Hope it continues on. Hope everyone else is feeling good, too!

My surgeon is Dr Colocchio. My experience here has been wonderful so far. Awesome nurses! I'm sipping on a medicine cup of Water and it's like HEAVEN after feeling so dry yesterday. They weighed me this morning and I was up 13lbs. Thank you to everyone who talked about this. I was mentally prepared for it and I know it's only all the fluids they've given me since yesterday morning. I literally have NO PAIN at all right now, and I haven't needed the morphine since last night! I keep waiting for it to be more painful. Could it be I am one of the lucky ones?

I understand. But, honey, think about this. If your husband loves you now, why wouldn't he love you after? You are YOU inside. :-) I've been overweight since I got pregnant with my twins almost twenty seven years ago. I KNOW my husband loves me... and my kids do, too. But I don't like myself and I'm not really enjoying my life. You will be a happier wife and mother if you feel good about yourself. There is lot of rough road still ahead but I can SEE the light at the end of the tunnel. I bet you can too, or you wouldn't be here. Hang in there.

My husband high-tailed it out of here and went to the gym! :-)

Good heavens! Where can I buy that? I don't think we have anything like it here...

Someone suggested putting a scoop of Protein Powder in a small bowl each morning and adding a little to everything you eat and drink throughout the day. By days end you've added 25gr protein without even thinking about it. I'm going to try it.

But in the winter you can finally wear layers without looking and feeling like a 'blob'. Am I the only one who refuses to wear layers because they always ride up and expose the unlovely parts of me? I want to wear a bulky sweater, scarves, and a wool peacoat!

Thank you! :-)