I just had my gastric bypass surgery on 7/16/12 and I am feeling horrible.  Ive gone to support groups prior to the surgery and everyone told me how easy it was after the surgery and that none of them felt hungry at all.  I am feeling horrible.  I have 6 incisions in my stomach that are all bruised and purple and very painful.  It hurts to get up, sit down, go upstairs ...everything.  I guess i wasnt prepared for it to be this hard.  I really want to eat something, I feel like Im hungry.  I havent had anything but juice or water in the last 7 days and I feel terrible.  I know the surgery is intended to help lose weight and be more healthy but at this current moment in time I feel like was this worth it?  My husband is trying to support me during all this but obviously cant understand what Im going through because he isnt overweight and hasnt had this surgery.  So I feel like Im going through this alone and dont know what to do to get me through this.  The thought of not being able to eat any actual foods for almost 2 months is very overwhelming. does anyone have any advice to get me through the next few weeks?

Does your surgeons plan have you on liquid for two whole months?  That's a really unusual plan.

Part of why you feel terrible may be from having only water and juice for seven days.  Why no protein drinks?  The sugar in the juice may also be making you feel ill.

I'm sorry you weren't prepared for pain after surgery.  It makes sense to me that when they cut you open and rearrange things inside, it is going to hurt.  Did you get pain meds?  If they don't seem to be helping, you can call your doc and ask him to call in a prescription for something else for pain for you.

It does get better.

The vast majority of RNY post ops have minimal complications or pain. That said, there will be some that my have more of a pain issue or complication that may be due to previous obesity health related issues.  OPEN procedures will take more time and involve more pain the the LAP procedures.  Liquids for 2 months isn't the norm for my surgeon, nor any I know.  I'd check with your surgeon about the diet to see if it's really 2 months on liquids. Usually my surgeon has post ops on 1-2 weeks of liquid then onto soft foods, like cream of wheat, scrambled egg, fish, etc.  Anyone you've met in the support groups you can phone and talk to?  It would likely help you get through the next few weeks.  The first 2 months tend to be the hardest for some post ops.  I'd try to do minimal movement for a few days, until your incisions feel ok. Make sure you watch for any signs of infection or fluid build up at the incision sites. DAVE

I  felt your hurt my surgery was also very painful... i suggest to stay in a recliner that should be more comfort for you... sleep there if you have too... i did... and those stairs try to avoid them. It's hard for you right now your so fragil.. I had my surgery about almost 4 weeks and still cant be sitting for a long time and still having alittle bit of pain.. Everyone is diffrent.. and I also had thoughts like you it or was it even worth it.. but I see now the diffrence in my body and in my health for the better and yes it is worth it.. so hang in there it will be better and is only natural to feel pain.. just try to stay more comfortabe as you can... at your stage my best thing was to eat lots of sugar free jello and sugar free popsicles..

 I had a lot of pain it gets better sleep in a recliner. Have u switched to full liquids?

Were you given any liquid pain meds such as Lortab?  If so, please take it.  There are no big gold
stars given out for how much pain you can take.

You might be dealing with the hunger pangs from the isolated remnant stomach;  you may only have a 2 oz pouch, but the rest of your stomach is still expecting to be filled up!  It may take a week or more for the stomach to stop demanding food.  In the meantime, stay hydrated, and maybe do some protein drinks and s/f popsicles. 

In the meantime, walkwalkwalk, sipsipsip, take your meds, nap as needed.

You'll soon feel better, but if it gets too rough do call your surgeon's office.

If you are only on juice or water for 7 days....then YES YOU ARE HUNGRY!

I was on clear fluids in the hospital and once I was home I was on a full fluid diet whi*****luded protein supplements.  It is the protein that curbs hunger.  After the first check-up 1 week post op I was cleared to move to the pureed stage. 

Could you check with the nutritionist about this.....getting weaker from not having nutrition is not good.

Judy

Get some protein drinks in you. I didn't have the best recovery from
my RNY. After talking with the nurse we discovered I was the one
who was not doing my job. I needed protein and water.

Also anesthesia really messes with your emotions, BIG TIME!
For several weeks to a month, so don't rule out that your feeling
this way because of the anesthesia.

Give Time, TIME!  Let your self heal and get some protein and water
in.

Dani

I totally concurr that U need protein drinks in order to heal .  Try to get the ones with  little fat so U can still lose (  I like isopure myself ) .  Also  arent U allowed to start mushies soon ?  Ull feel a lot better with a bit of food in ya  .. just dont ever go over the prescribed amount ( 1/4 cup ) so Ur pouch and stoma will heal small.  

you can get a post op menu from here if Ur surgeons office forgot to give you one ... or U can and should ask them for post op eating guidelines .  

My surgeons office forgot to give them to me too .. and they HAD them all along 

Sorry to hear how your feeling. I had surgery on that same day on a liquid diet but can have protein shakes,sf pudding, applesauce, and popcilces I would cal ask your dr if something like that aloud. I dont really enen get hungry i force mysellf. mailny worried about being hydrated as of now and protein or do you mean food you actully get to chew because it take time for everything to heal. I feel pretty good for having the surgery except gas. As for bruised stomach I have that all in time I sleep half the night in my bed then switch to my lazyboy. wish you luck but just make sure some of your hungry is not dehydration best of luck hope it get easier for you

I had my surgery on 7/16 too.  It's definitely not a fun week.  Pain, discomfort, crying, etc.  I read about people going to parties or on trips or back to work.  What???    I haven't been hungry in the least.  I think because I've needed to force down those protein drinks.  My sleeve actually feels tired toward the end of the day from processing the protein and sports drinks.  Check with your nutritionist to see if you can start the protein drinks.  Everyone has a different plan, but two months is longer than I've heard.     Just try to stay positive.  Focus on the parts of your body that don't hurt and the parts of your life that are good.  It will get better every day.

So sorry to hear that you are going through that. I went through the same thing. It was horrible! I was depressed and crying every day for weeks after surgery. You will eventually start to feel better with time. I am 7 weeks out of surgery now. Probably about my 6th week, I started to feel somewhat normal. My BF wasnt very supportive as well. He just could not grasp what I was and still am going through. Let me know if I can be of any more help or support. Stay strong and focused and you will make it.