Set Back

[DianaG 0]

Hello all,

Sorry that I haven't been back on this forum since I was banded on July 27th, but have had some recovery problems.

To bring you up to date, I did the pre-surgery diet precisely as I didn't want my surgeon to see a fatty liver and pull out!

Well, it turns out that he was able to see that I had absolutely no fat associated with the liver,but found out that I have a liver that is larger than most people. He briefly thought about pulling out, but he told me later, that no matter how long, or how much more dieting I did, that liver would not shrink any more.He decided to proceed with the band as he knew I really wanted it and needed it and that if he didn't do it then, I probably would not give him a second chance..... Unfortunately, the liver was so large that in getting it out of the way, it was lacerated twice and started oozing blood. That left me with a huge hematoma and a lot of pain. The surgery was on a Monday and he didn't let me go home from the hospital until Thursday.

I have had a lot of gas pain, surgical pain, pain due to the bleeding, etc. My husband has been a marvelous caregiver. He even woke me up twice during the night to get me up and have me walk all over the house (using my walker). That did start to help the gas pains ( also took Gas-X). The gas pains are much better. I also have had pain around the liver, but that has cleared up. The main pain I have now,is that when I lay down, it hurts around my stomach for a while....feels like something pulling. I put a small pillow under my tummy, on one side and lay on the opposite side and that helps a lot. Anyone else have that problem around the stomach? I have had no port pain.....Thank Goodness.

I know I haven't been getting enough to eat, just not hungry, and although I am loosing weight, I am also loosing strength and am fatigued. Yesterday, my husband got so worried about my lack of energy, he fixed me Peanut Butter and honey and for dinner a baked potato. I also was getting dehydrated, so I really made an effort to drink a lot. I feel better today. I have not been able to stand any of the Protein powers...but can drink ensure and instant Breakfast..Just no appetite.

So that is my saga so far. Anyone else have any of these problems? I just hope that I can really start feeling better soon.

Thanks for letting me ramble on.

[isaviolinist 11]

Hi Diana -

I am very sorry to hear of the complications with your liver. :biggrin: I can relate - I had gall bladder surgery when I was 18 or 19 and they cut my common bile duct. They had to convert from lap to open. I was in the hospital for over a week and in so much pain, not to mention I had a huge incision (which is now a huge scar) where there was only supposed to be a few tiny hidden ones.

It sounds like you are back home and doing okay. Just remember to get your nutrients. Are you taking a multi-Vitamin? That can help as well.

Good luck with your healing, and even though you are feeling so tired, congrats on your weight loss!

[KarenIn 2]

Hello all,

Sorry that I haven't been back on this forum since I was banded on July 27th, but have had some recovery problems.

To bring you up to date, I did the pre-surgery diet precisely as I didn't want my surgeon to see a fatty liver and pull out!

Well, it turns out that he was able to see that I had absolutely no fat associated with the liver,but found out that I have a liver that is larger than most people. He briefly thought about pulling out, but he told me later, that no matter how long, or how much more dieting I did, that liver would not shrink any more.He decided to proceed with the band as he knew I really wanted it and needed it and that if he didn't do it then, I probably would not give him a second chance..... Unfortunately, the liver was so large that in getting it out of the way, it was lacerated twice and started oozing blood. That left me with a huge hematoma and a lot of pain. The surgery was on a Monday and he didn't let me go home from the hospital until Thursday.

I have had a lot of gas pain, surgical pain, pain due to the bleeding, etc. My husband has been a marvelous caregiver. He even woke me up twice during the night to get me up and have me walk all over the house (using my walker). That did start to help the gas pains ( also took Gas-X). The gas pains are much better. I also have had pain around the liver, but that has cleared up. The main pain I have now,is that when I lay down, it hurts around my stomach for a while....feels like something pulling. I put a small pillow under my tummy, on one side and lay on the opposite side and that helps a lot. Anyone else have that problem around the stomach? I have had no port pain.....Thank Goodness.

I know I haven't been getting enough to eat, just not hungry, and although I am loosing weight, I am also loosing strength and am fatigued. Yesterday, my husband got so worried about my lack of energy, he fixed me Peanut Butter and honey and for dinner a baked potato. I also was getting dehydrated, so I really made an effort to drink a lot. I feel better today. I have not been able to stand any of the Protein powers...but can drink ensure and instant breakfast..Just no appetite.

So that is my saga so far. Anyone else have any of these problems? I just hope that I can really start feeling better soon.

Thanks for letting me ramble on.

Diana I'm sorry to hear about your set back. Please remember how important it is to get all your Water in each day. If you don't drink enough Water you will have fatigue. Also, keep in touch with your doctor about these issues. We are here for support, but we aren't a subsitute for a doctor. Hope to hear that you are feeling much better soon.

[greytz 4]

Diana, Wow how awful for you. I am sure you will have pain for awhile and the important thing for you know I would think would be just to allow the healing to take place and do what you can to make yourself feel better. Your band is in there and will be ready for you when you are able to begin your nutrition and exercise. Best of Luck to you and keep the faith. I am so glad your husband has been supportive and helpful. I am sure it makes the world of difference in your recovery.

[DianaG 0]

Thanks for all the encouraging words and helpful advise. I greatly appreciate it!

Violinist, I feel for you having to have your gall bladder out at such a young age and to be left with a major scar!

So I am following ya'lls advice and am resting, drinking as much liquid as I can, making sure I am getting enough food, and generally letting my body heal and let me know when it feels better! I do feel better today than I have during this whole 3 week ordeal.

So thanks again for everything, You have really helped me!

Edited August 20, 2009 by DianaG
made error in a name