What was your first week pose-op like?

[skinny_minnie_wannabe 30]

I had my surgery on the 10th so I'm about a week out. I feel absolutely terrible. I'm so sick to my stomach and I have bad diarrhea. It is also very hard to consume all of the liquid, Protein Shakes taste TERRIBLE, and everything smells. Is this normal? How long does this last? It feels like it will never end but I know it will. I just have never been so sick in my whole life. Frustrated. Depressed. Sick!

[KittyKat848 93]

I am so sorry you feel so terrible. My first week was a bit rough -- I found that warm liquids were a lot better for me. I was also sickened by the Protein shakes (I started them after 4 days in the hospital on clear liquids) -- and I found that using a cup with a lid helped with the smell. It gets better. Just hang on my friend!

[PrincessErin 64]

My sense of smell was heightened, too. It still is. I'm 2 weeks out. I started feeling a lot better about 10 days out. Before that, I was really in a lot of discomfort and very tired.

My energy level is still low but I feel more like I can cope now.

[Sallyawbc 46]

Skinnie, what you are going through is very normal. You are still getting over the anesthesia, a whole bunch of drugs were dumped into your system and it can take several weeks for the body to get rid of them. It effects all of your systems including smell and taste. I was told to concentrate on getting your liquids down, even if all you can take is broth, you do not want to get dehydrated, that is worse than no Protein. Try warm lemon Water first thing in the AM, this helps sooth the stomach.

You should feel much better by day 10-12, sip, sip, take your drugs if you need them and do not push yourself. This is a major surgery and assault on your body. I'm at day 12 and went to the movies and shopping today. Very tired now, got winded putting clean sheets on bed. Hang in there, you will feel better, I promise you.

[terry1118 1,274]

The first week can be tough for some people. Surgery pain, gas pain, medication effects, diarrhea, heightened sense of smell, bad or 'off' food tastes, weakness, exhaustion, depression, nausea, head hunger, and 'what have I done?' regrets can all affect you to some degree or another. By the end of the first week most people feel remarkably better, some need another week or more to improve. We are all different and recover at our own pace. Make sure you sip, sip, sip! Initially this is more important than Protein. As you heal you'll be able to eat and drink more. Walking, even around your house, will help with gas pain and slowly increase your stamina. Get plenty of rest, too. Hang in there - it's worth it!

[terry1118 1,274]

The first week can be tough for some people. Surgery pain, gas pain, medication effects, diarrhea, heightened sense of smell, bad or 'off' food tastes, weakness, exhaustion, depression, nausea, head hunger, and 'what have I done?' regrets can all affect you to some degree or another. By the end of the first week most people feel remarkably better, some need another week or more to improve. We are all different and recover at our own pace. Make sure you sip, sip, sip! Initially this is more important than Protein. As you heal you'll be able to eat and drink more. Walking, even around your house, will help with gas pain and slowly increase your stamina. Get plenty of rest, too. Hang in there - it's worth it!

[MMurray26 2]

Hi I just read all your posts about the post op period. I'm so glad I did. It will help me prepare for what's coming next week. My supervisor at work is trying to rush me back after 2 weeks. No way! Thanks for education. My surgery is Friday.

[esskay77 785]

Different brands of Protein shakes taste very different. Some are great, some are horrible. I have one that the flavor is Gourmet vanilla and if you mix it with no sugar added apple juice, it tastes a bit like a pina colada! I have 2 different brands of chocolate. One is fine the other is disgusting.

As far as rushing back to work--listen to your doctor and listen to your body. I did go back before the 2 weeks was up and was fine. Could have even gone back a little sooner. Just a bit tired but not bad. But everyone is different.

Best of luck.

[terry1118 1,274]

Hi I just read all your posts about the post op period. I'm so glad I did. It will help me prepare for what's coming next week. My supervisor at work is trying to rush me back after 2 weeks. No way! Thanks for education. My surgery is Friday.

You might be ready, or you might not. The point is you don't know for sure. Some people are fine in a week and others need 2, 3, or 4 weeks. My doctor requires two weeks minimum for a job that doesn't require much physical activity and four weeks for a more strenuous physical job. I went out on FMLA just in case. It protects your job while you're out of work (important if you develops complications that delay you going back) and it allowed me to collect Temporary Disability. I felt fine after one week but stayed out two weeks. My concern was not having the stamina to work while I was on full liquids. I wanted to be on solids (pureed) before going back. See your human resources dept about FMLA.

[enjoyinglife 313]

My first week post-op was pretty mellow. I walked a mile outside everyday, took a few naps, and sipped fluids all day. I drank a lot of Nature's Best Isopure to get in my Protein. I took 3 weeks off work. The hardest part for me was the lifting restrictions. I wasn't allowed to lift weights, swim, or run for ten weeks. Hang in there, it will get better.

[skinny_minnie_wannabe 30]

Thank you everyone for your input. I know everyone deals with this differently. I started my menstrual cycle so I'm sure that has made things worse. I was sent home with a fooley and that has been a nightmare. Thank God they are coming by today to pull it out. I know that will help me feel better.