10 days Post-Op.

[Newness 3]

Hi everyone. Just wanted to put down my experience for that first week for those who need lifting up. =)

My personal experience was hell. Now that doesn't mean yours will be. I see people on here all the time who have truly stellar experiences! But for those of us who didn't. Here I am!

Firstly, if you've read my story, you know I"m a liver patient, more than a bariatric patient. In the hospital I had trouble with pain control, blown IV's and pretty much just existed on Water. I was there for two days. I had made my own bone broth and Jello and brought it with me. I didn't even use it I was sick.

However, after I got home I felt somewhat better. I had to find a comfortable way to lay on my back. That never happened. In the OR while laying on my back something shifted. It still isn't quite right. I attribute that from my Spondylitis in my SI joint. Chiro hopefully and my massage therapist will be able to help. Anyway, I was nauseated quite a lot the first few days and in a drug induced stupor. I threw up the second night home. That was a horrible experience. I am not one of those people who "ralph" very well. I think it was s combination of taking my liquid pain meds too fast. THEN I did my incentive spirometer, but I think I sucked in air. And out everything came! So be careful with that. That was day two, at home. I pushed through day three with a vengeance, because my grandmother always told me day three of a surgery is always the worst. And it has been.

Day four was better....everything seemed clearer and I was able to drink more effectively and even take a few liquid supplements. Not all, but some.

Day five. I felt this burst of energy. It was crazy. Mind was willing, body was not! So I walked around the house. Did try to bend, not a good idea... LOL. I was able to get all my Vitamins down this day. I was really proud of myself. But I was still short on the liquids.

Day six. Weakness.... I just felt like a wet noodle. I think it was from not getting in the requisite amounts of Protein and liquids for as many days.

Day seven. One week post-op. Woo! I finally "felt" hungry. Liquids didn't seem to be cutting it and I started craving fish. Which is a big deal for me because my liver disease had taken all hunger pains away for the past two years.

I called my doc's office and asked if I could tolerate the foods on Phase 3 if I could have them? They said yes. I was over the moon about that. Not knowing what I was getting myself into. LOL

Day eight. I decided to order the fish. I got sea scallops. And mashed potatoes. I was able to eat the scallop and about a teaspoon of mashed potatoes. It was heaven, it was also hell... I felt way full. I can tell you what they say about "real" food Protein staying with you longer, is the truth. These Protein shakes don't last long. I am still drinking two a day to get enough protein in.

Day nine. Same weakness. I just feel so weak. All over. And thirsty all the time. Ate scallop and potatoes again for one meal. Still got in all the Vitamins.< /p>

And today, day ten. I still feel weak. I'm hoping this will pass when I am able to actually get in all the protein at least a week in a row. I'm thinking the body has gone into survival mode or something.

Two things. I had a bowel movement without taking anything on the second day home, and then again on day five. So I'm not going to take anything unless I have to.

Second thing. I found this protein supplement called Reserveage, they taste awesome! Mix very well. Come in vanilla and chocolate. So that has become my go to supplement for protein. I still get individual packets of different flavors to shake things up a bit. I have an order into unjury that hasn't shown up yet. I'll let you know how that tastes when it gets here.

So I hope this helps someone. Keep pushing though those first days. It does get easier.
I'm excited about the future. =) Have a great day!

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

Glad you are feeling better. I had some pretty rough days for the first four days but by the fifth day I started to feel and see many improvements. I worked the second week so I did not focus on myself so much and somehow I got through it. Starting week 3 I began to really feel good. We forget tell people that but it's such a short period of time we feel bad that it's better and easier to focus on the good part. On to loser land we go.