I'm Struggling 6 days post-op, normal?

[mschacht 1]

Tomorrow will be one week since I had RnY Gastric Bypass...to say I'm struggling is a total understatement. I have this tightness/pressure in my belly (still have my drain in...pulled Tuesday hopefully), diarrhea (how does that happen when I'm barely putting anything in my body), and nausea...really, it's only when I try to get my Protein shake down which is unbearable. I can't finish one. I'm tired and weak too. Is this normal? Tell me it will pass! I need some light shed. Everyone tells you their horror story and I'm tired of hearing them because so far, I feel like I'm living in one. I'm sure much of this is emotional too. I worry I'll never eat normal food again! I've never been so excited to advanced to pureed foods so I can have yogurt! Any suggestions or advice anyone could give would be appreciated. Also, is it painful or bad when they pull your drain? Please say no.

[MrsGloMartin 198]

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear that you are struggling with this but trust me, it gets better as time goes on. I'm seven weeks post op and I still have occasional bouts of diarrhea so depending on how your body heals this may be normal. As far as the nausea and not being able to tolerate the Protein Drink, this too is normal. I can't tolerate any of them and I get my Protein now from what I eat (Greek yogurt, poultry, Beans, cottage cheese, fish). The pain will pass as you become more active but don't push yourself until the tiredness passes which happened for me around week four. Just try to walk around your house even if it's only going up and down the stairs. I pray that you will begin to feel better soon. God Bless.

[MrsGloMartin 198]

Btw, the drain hurts when it is being pulled out but it's just a brief tugging sensation as it's being pulled out of the incision. After it's out you should only feel soreness that does not last long. I pray that this helps take away some of your anxiety. You must remember you are only one week and your insides need time to heal. I promise you you'll be feeling much better soon.

[sillyolme1 19]

Tomorrow will be one week since I had RnY Gastric Bypass...to say I'm struggling is a total understatement. I have this tightness/pressure in my belly (still have my drain in...pulled Tuesday hopefully), diarrhea (how does that happen when I'm barely putting anything in my body), and nausea...really, it's only when I try to get my Protein shake down which is unbearable. I can't finish one. I'm tired and weak too. Is this normal? Tell me it will pass! I need some light shed. Everyone tells you their horror story and I'm tired of hearing them because so far, I feel like I'm living in one. I'm sure much of this is emotional too. I worry I'll never eat normal food again! I've never been so excited to advanced to pureed foods so I can have yogurt! Any suggestions or advice anyone could give would be appreciated. Also, is it painful or bad when they pull your drain? Please say no.

You are experiencing the gas they fill your abd cavity with for the operation..itll last 3??weeks? Walking helps...i was more energetic in the first few weeks than i am now at 12 weeks..being in Mexico helped! Location and weather makes a big difference....but walking really helps!! Dont worry about the drain...lol..Nooo it dosnt hurt. As for diarrhea I never experienced that at all...so wondering if its something in your shakes? Dont worry getting the Protein and Water in is pretty much impossible...but do your best! Watch for dehydration signs...dry skin...to headaches....As for eating normal...lol...remember this is a change in lifestyle...i had rny too..and im glad i will never ...hopefully..to be able to eat like I did pre surgery...so far down 53 lbs...its a struggle to get 65g protein in or 64 oz of water..im sure if i could get all that Water in id have lost more...lol.... but slow is good! Congrats on your surgery...get up and walk and do what you can for eating and drinking...remember diarrhea causes dehydration so need to drink more...if you r experiencing alot disvuss with doctor...im sure more of us got constipated lol bc lack of Fiber and nutrients the first few weeks..so diarrhea may be better? Loltrying to be optimistic...and yes your body may switch to Constipation soon...so important to monitor your bowel movements

[Sparklingbeauty53 202]

It sounds normal. Everyone is different and experiences different things. You just aim for getting your shakes in a sip at a time, change how you are making them-if with milk try almond milk, or Water. Sip every time you do one lap around the house. Sip every commercial...sips help and walking helps. Try sugar free popsicles to refresh you. Check in with the surgeon's office to report your progress and symptoms as they are there for you! Good luck and everyday gets better. Truly!

[healthyme1963 136]

Most of what you're experiencing can be called 'normal'. Everyone heals differently.

• You may be lactose intolerant, so try making your shakes with almond milk or Water.
• It definitely sounds like you need more Water also, especially if you're experience diarrhea. You don't want to become dehydrated.
• Have you started taking your liquid/chewable Vitamins and supplements? Your fatigue could be related to not having enough nutrients/vitamins.
• Walk as much as you can, this will help alleviate any remaining gas you have.
• Remember the golden rule of bariatric surgery recovery -

WALK, WALK, WALK, SIP, SIP, SIP

The first week or two can be a bit overwhelming because you are healing, trying to figure out how to get those awful shakes down, trying to get your water in and trying to get enough walking in as well.

Don't stress too much; we all recover at a different rate. You'll get through this recovery period. Good luck!

Edited June 23, 2014 by healthyme1963

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

I'm 2 weeks out today -- still feel a lot of fatigue (although I had pneumonia right after I came home and went back into the hospital for 3 day -- don't know if the fatigue is the surgery or the low calories).

Don't stress too bad -- like others have said, just try to stay hydrated. And, about the time you panic and think you can't make it another day, you'll get to progress to the next level and have more drink/food choices. The first week I probably didn't get 100 g of Protein the entire week between the hospital and not being able to stand those nasty clear liquid Protein drinks. But, when I hit full liquids I felt so much better because I could have the better tasting shakes.

You can do this -- and actually if you think about it -- you have no choice! But it does get a little better every day. Today is my second day back in the office and I felt so much better today I even walked with some ladies at lunch.

Hang in there, you can do this!

[Nattyboo 9]

I am scheduled for RNY on 7/9/14, this is my first time hearing about a drain!! Do all gastric bypass patients have a drain?

[Cherryhair 88]

I am scheduled for RNY on 7/9/14, this is my first time hearing about a drain!! Do all gastric bypass patients have a drain?

I believe so but the drain is not as bad as it sounds. It's for your own protection to prevent infection.

OP you will feel better soon. I swear I was mad at everyone on this board right after surgery. I felt like no one told me how bad it would hurt or how miserable I would feel- truth is everyone's experience is different but the discomfort will pass.

Edited June 24, 2014 by Cherryhair

[healthyme1963 136]

I am scheduled for RNY on 7/9/14, this is my first time hearing about a drain!! Do all gastric bypass patients have a drain?

Everyone I know that has had the surgery had a drain. It's really no big deal. It's not painful, just a little annoying. I was in the hospital 2.5 days after my surgery and the nurse removed it just before I went home. It doesn't hurt when they remove it, you just feel a little 'tugging' sensation. From what I understand, a lot of people actually go home with their drain and have it removed a few days later.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

@ I had RNY on June 7th and I didn't have a drain at all. Ask your doctor. He told me up front I wouldn't have a drain or a catheter -- both of which I was very happy about!

[Hugatime 10]

I am scheduled for RNY on 7/9/14, this is my first time hearing about a drain!! Do all gastric bypass patients have a drain?

The drain is nothing to worry about. I didn't feel anything at all when they removed it. No pain. Each person is different, but mine was easy. The catheter was unpleasant though, especially for guys. Good times!!!!

[golfergal 0]

Hi,

No, I did not have a drain. I live in Geneva, Switzerland so maybe they do things differently here.

[Nattyboo 9]

Thanks guys I will be sure to ask my doctor at my Pre-op appointment on July 1st.

[Writerjennifer 107]

Tomorrow will be one week since I had RnY Gastric Bypass...to say I'm struggling is a total understatement. I have this tightness/pressure in my belly (still have my drain in...pulled Tuesday hopefully), diarrhea (how does that happen when I'm barely putting anything in my body), and nausea...really, it's only when I try to get my Protein shake down which is unbearable. I can't finish one. I'm tired and weak too. Is this normal? Tell me it will pass! I need some light shed. Everyone tells you their horror story and I'm tired of hearing them because so far, I feel like I'm living in one. I'm sure much of this is emotional too. I worry I'll never eat normal food again! I've never been so excited to advanced to pureed foods so I can have yogurt! Any suggestions or advice anyone could give would be appreciated. Also, is it painful or bad when they pull your drain? Please say no.

The only time I have been nauseous is when I ate too much. I would suggest you review your surgeon's recommendations and make sure you're not pushing the shakes to fast.

Good luck!