Things you didn't expect after surgery

I would like to know if anything happened to you that you didn't expect after your surgery. Positive or negative, did anything surprise you? Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences!

May be a bit TMI but only having a BM every 3-4 days. That really threw me. But when you think of how little we eat. . . 

Not like the last poster! If left to itself my body would have done the same but I actually made sure I did have a BM every day! Still do! 

I hadn't expected the reactions of work colleagues who genuinely became worried about me. They didn't know I had had surgery and found it hard to adjust to the new me. When I was still up around size 12 or 14, people who were size 10 or even smaller started to tell me I was getting too thin! When I pointed out I was still fatter than they were, they accepted it. It was simply the change in me was so great that their perception was skewed. They meant well! It was not back-biting or nastiness. 

And a second surprise was that it actually is possible to get too thin, took me a while to accept that! But I did have to allow myself some regain. 

Your second paragraph is something I'm worried about.  I'm planning on shaving my head a few months post-op, for various reasons, and I'm worried people might think I have cancer due to the head + rapid weight loss!

To be honest, they may do!  Ask BetteB, she shaves her head every year in aid of a local children's hospice.    People get used to the fat us! So the slim us looks thin not slim. And if the weight loss is rapid, I think they may leap to conclusions. I think you need to be prepared for that. 

You're right, I need to be prepared for this so I don't just stammer stupidly!  Good suggestion :)

Having had my  RNY 6 days ago  this part is still very fresh for me.  

* I had been told and told about gas pressure from the surgery. Having never had surgery before I did not clearly understand this. There needs to be a new word for "gas pressure".  It is VERY much more than "pressure".

* My doctor gave routine shots every 4-6 hours the whole time I was in the hospital for nausea to counteract the effects of anthes. gas.  Not all doctors do this.  I am glad I got one that does. You should ask.

* I am glad I pre-bought things to have at home prior to surgery:  gas-x would be the best thing I bought. Adult liquid Tylenol, and all the vitamins I would need. Activia Light yogurt was appreciate when cleared for it 2 days later.

*  Did not know I would be SO weepy and emotional... it is like the first 5 days after having your 1st baby... very hormonal!

*USE the pain pump button at the hospital!  You do not have one at home!

* Find SOMEThing to keep your mind occupied during days 4- 12 post surgery.  Your mind is clear, but your body is not ready to get out in the real world for long periods of time- and a wandering mind  does not help the emotional spirit!!

VERY enlightening!!!! Thank you!!! 

Be very careful of the  liquid adult Tylenol, it is full of sugar.  I didn't read the label and

7 days post-op I had a major dumping syndrome from it.  Should not complain, my

only negative experience with my now 5 year RNY surgery.

 

How do you avoid the constipation monster....Im drinking all my water???

Please help!