Question:
8 days ago I had a revision from VBG to Proximal RNY. It was a very difficult surgery
My stomach was adhered to my liver and had to be seperated and I had the largest hernia he had ever seen. Surgery took almost 7 hours. My question..1) I've been home since Monday and have incredible belching. One sip of water and I'll burp 6-7 times in the next minute. Happens will food (only eating a liquid diet( also and sometimes for no reason. Anyone else experience this and do you know what causes it. 2) Dr. said I would have alot of pain because of the size of the hernia, however I've found that one of my major concerns is that I can't get comfortable...have alot of both lower and upper back pain, right shoulder pain etc, I can't get comfortable in bed, on couch, easy chair etc. I've tried all types of pillows in all positions and nothing helps. Not sleeping well (5-6 hours a night broken up into 2-3 periods.) Has anyone else experienced this and what causes it and how long does it last?? — ellen R. (posted on September 9, 1999)
September 9, 1999
You're going to be uncomfortable for a while yet. I am two weeks post op
from a revision and my surgeon says 3-4 months before I'll feel 100% again,
but I am sleeping somewhat normally at this point, I just took a couple
tylenol p.m.'s last nite and slept pretty well. With the amount of work he
did in there you might take a while before you start noticing a little less
and less discomfort. Has he given you any pain meds to help? If not, ask
for some. You probably haven't had your stitches/staples out yet. That
will cause a BIG relief in the discomfort. Trust me I've slept better in
the two days since they came out that I had in a week! As for the belching
... are you sipping little tiny sips or big gulps? You need to be sipping
tiny tiny! You're still swollen inside and that doesn't allow much intake
at all without discomfort. You'll also find you're going to be eating and
drinking at different times. You shouldn't drink fluids at the same time as
you eat,
1) because you don't want to stretch the pouch and 2) because you want to
get as much nutrition in your system as possible. And you'll not do so if
you drink and eat at the same time. Speak with your Doc. I'm sure he'll
have suggestions for you too, based on your own personal experience and
your surgery. Best of Luck!
— Sherrie G.
September 9, 1999
Ouch! I burped & burped & burped. For weeks. It didn't hurt or
feel bad, tho. It seems to be common after RNY. AS for feeling sorre all
over, although I didn't attend my surgeries, my understanding is that we're
on a "plate" and they can tip us hither & yon to move organs
easily. Also, they part the muscles & such like curtains to get in
there to wonder around. And plant burps for later annoyance! But there
has been a terrific invasion, so of course, you feel as if you have been
hit by a train. You HAVE, trauma wise. Just don't let your body know you
authorized it, OK?
— vitalady
September 9, 1999
can only help with the "belching" aspect of your problem....I'm
having the same thing and I am six days post-op....my surgeon says it is
from the new pouch "rubbing" or "tickling" or
"irritating" your diaphram.....he says it will eventually
subside.....
— pam.leach
September 9, 1999
You've only had 8 days! You are lucky to be home in 8 days after revision
surgery. Give yourself some time. Walk around as much as you can and
remain calm. Time will improve things.
— Bruce B.
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