3 weeks post op and I'm having a hard time.

[Kats Journey 11]

Hi everyone,

I had surgery on Feb. 2nd. I weighed 243 at my highest. I'm 5'3. My BMI was 43%. I was 235 on surgery day and 242 again after surgery! That was discouraging but expected with the Gas and swelling I guess. I am 220 now and feel I'm doing pretty good with that but, I'm having a very hard time getting my fluids in and wanting to eat. I think I'm about 40 ounces a day and that is only because I have 2 Premier Protein shakes and really only eat Soup. I do pretty good on my Protein. I am still very sore left side and center upper abdomen. I did have a very bad Constipation incidence last week. It was horrific. No more pain killers for me after 5 hours in the bathroom. My surgeon told me to do an enema, 4 laxatives and Miralax in Water. But it took 5 hours. It was so painful. I'm thinking that is why I'm so sore. I'm just wondering if anyone else had to sleep in a recliner 3 weeks out. I miss my bed so bad. I live 3 hours away from all my follow up apts. which are once a month, next one being on the 14th of March. Until then, I would love any advice any of you could give me. Thanks so much, Kat

[James Marusek 5,244]

It's hard in the beginning after surgery. But it does get better. It took me around 6 months to reach my happy state when all the problems (big and small) melted away. When it comes to sleeping I found that placing a pillow between my legs helped. This becomes more important as the weight begins to drop off. I am 33 months post op RNY gastric bypass surgery. I wrote a short article that documents my experience. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

[Kats Journey 11]

Thank you so much James! I'm starting to feel better. It is kind of frustrating to me that I am still so sore 3 weeks out and most people are back to their normal routines minus heavy lifting after 2 weeks. So about 6 months huh? Geeze! I am fortunate to have 6 weeks off before I go back to work. I am a school bus driver and CDL requirements are that we can lift 50 lbs. and my surgeon said nothing over 15 for 6 weeks. So, I'll just go with the flow! I tried the pillow between my legs but for some reason when I try to lie down semi flat it makes my stomach cramp (left side) and it's just not comfortable. It is getting better though! I will most deffinitely check out your link. Only you responded to me so I called my nutritionist and she said, " It will get easier and it's a learning process. Just take small sips often throughout the day and you will find it becoming a habit". She stressed how important it is to get fluids and Protein in even if you are not hungry. I knew all that, I just need to focus harder. I was blessed with being able to do this surgery and I just don't want to mess it up. Thanks for responding! Have a great day! Kat ​

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@Kats Journey

I am sorry you are having a tough start but things will get better everyday. For me I started feeling back to my old self at the 8 week mark. I remember because I went to Las Vegas for 11 days. Other than dealing with food and Water I felt fantastic!

It took me until 7 weeks before I could get all my Water and Protein in. This is normal because of all the swelling. You just do the best that you can.

Oh and I still get very constipated. I take a generic stool softener with laxative twice daily just to stay regular. I think this is a side effect of the diet and RNY. As long as I take my stool softeners I have no problem.

I should also say I am on narcotic pain medicine which doesn't help but even before that I had to take stool softeners once a day.

Hopefully things will get better soon for you.

[Kats Journey 11]

Thank you! It's good to know what I'm experiencing is not out of the norm really! As soon as I saw your Swan ticker I had to go back and use that! I collect swans and that is adorable. Congrats on your success. I cannot wait to be there! I have been taking Miralax in tea daily and haven't had any issues since. Knock on wood. I never want to go through that again. I am going to get ingredients for some of Jame's recipes from his link above. They sound amazing. I enjoy Soups most right now. Thanks again for the encouragement! I appreciate it! Have a great day! Kat

Edited February 23, 2016 by Kats Journey

[Learningtolive 109]

I take a stool softener as needed, was told to take if I haven't had a bowel movement in 48hours. I barely take it, I find with getting my required Water intake I've been doing well in that regards. I had pain for weeks, still have a bit now and I'm like 5 weeks out. I take a Norco if needed, or if I need to drive I take a Tylenol gel tab. Try distraction if you can. It will eventually get better, pain is expected but with healing WILL go away.

[Kats Journey 11]

Thanks Learningtolive ! Before I had surgery I was on a Miralax and Prlosec regimen because I had a bowel blockage 2 years ago and also have Gerd with non dysplasia Barrett's Esaphagus. I would get acid reflux even just drinking Water before surgery. Glad to report... not a bit since. Nice to meet you! Have a great day!