Home but not doing as well as expected in recovering.

I'll be honest, I've always bounced back from previous surgeries even an open hysterectomy years ago. I guess I expected to do well this time particularly since I made the decision while still considered a lightweight by many, although seriously obese. I am 43 yo and presurgery weight of 253. I weighed 238 this morning. I had my surgery on Monday and spent monday and tuesday on pain meds and anti nasua meds at the hospital. I was released on Wednesday morning. I spent the day wretching and finally talked the doctor into readmitting me on wednesday evening. The meds got the vomiting under control and I was released again with oral pain and nasua meds. I hurt like hell, sleep a lot and am only getting in a few shakes and some water, anything else and I vomit. I know everyone is different, but I would love to hear from others that recovered as slowly and maybe some things that worked for them. I need to start spring semester on Monday at college and am very concerned, I'm not going to be up to it even with hubby chaufeuring me around. Help!

Hi Sharon, Every day gets better and better - keep that thought in your mind and visualize yourself as stronger and moving about. My surgery was the 11th and the first few days were bumpy but I saw progress every day. I am surprised that so many doctors suggest food right away, mine does not and I am thankful as there's no way I could have had anything excep****er, warm tea, broth, and diluted juice (but it gave me gas). It was 8 days after surgery before I ate anything and for the first two days it was simply cottage cheese and no sugar applesauce. Dont worry if all you can handle is liquids, allow yourself to heal. Sleep is the best thing, I was pulling in 15 hours a day for awhile. Its the best time for your body to heal and take those pain meds, they gave them to you for a reason. Its more important to take them and move/breathe deeply than to abandon them too quickly. Good luck with school on Monday. Even if you only show up to class know its a big step that you're there and you'll have plenty of time to read and catch up and anything that was said. Congratulations on your weight loss - almost 20 lbs is amazing!!!! We're here routing for you! Be strong, Tiffany

Hi Sharon I was on anti nausea IV meds at the hospital around the clock and since home I have not had significant nausea but just today while some symptoms are getting better - others are emerging----I do sort of feel physical hunger pangs now and I am getting a nausous feeling in my head primarily when i smell foods. Lots of things like broth and tea were fine yesterday but today my taste buds seem to be different and most things taste a bit off flavor and unappealing. I hear that is common when on anesthesia to have the taste of things change temporarily. Plus ketosis - whenever that gets into full force can change the taste of some things. My pain has lessened but i am still quite uncomfortable and had been hesitiating taking the narcotics but I plan to take them a bit more liberally the next few days at least. I haven't slept very much at all since the surgery--- I am longing so bad to get in my own bed and sleep on my tummy----but i can't do that for a while. I found in the hospital the anti-inflammatory IV medication did wonders for me as far as pain control---it worked much better than the morphine pump i had which didn't touch much pain and eventually made me have more pain as it created nausea. The oral pain med i have now---roxicet- is tolerated well (no nausea) but it only takes a bit of the edge off the pain. A lot of my pain is transient gas though so it sudden and intense for a few seconds but then I move around or expel some gas and I feel much better. I have been on clear liquids only since the surgery on 1/17. I can't imagine staritng back to work or school so soon after surgery. The only advice i can think of is speak to your instructors or dean at the school and explain the situation to see what the options are----perhaps some of the courses can be taken online temporarily and they might waive the attendance issue temporarily. Sending you positive thoughts Hugs, Karen

I am glad I popped on here. I had surgery on Tuesday, home yesterday but have had the same problem. I swear last night I vomited whatever meds and food I ate throug the day. I was a tad scared of the volume but called the doc. I also haven't had a bm yet which I know is part of the problem. If it wasn't for that I would feel better than expected but the burp and barf thing is worrisome. Glad to hear others have it as when you research and learn so much about something, it is easy to pop into the idea of the big complications. Pat

It was a few days before I had a BM and I was in pain from the gas. They finally suggested milk of magnesia, within 15 minutes of sipping it I had the best gas release of my life and then 5 hours later the BM started and those gas pains went away!

Sharon, I am sleeping through a lot of my nausea and pain. Sleep is an excellent healer. Like the others said it gets better everyday. I wish you a speedy recovery Deb

Today was a little better. I took pain meds last night and am not pushing to get more in. I think 3 shakes with 22 gm protein and one 20 oz Fruit 2 O plus is good enough for 24 hours right now. I have also taken my chewable centrum, caltrate 600 plus and b12 today. I am going to take more naps today as well, although I did push myself to shower. I feel worse if I miss a day. I have been concerned about taking the pain meds as I have not had a bm and understand they can cause problems. The doctor said to call if I have not gone in a week. It seems a long time especially since he did not require a bowel prep or liquid diet pre-surgery. Please keep posting with your updates. It has helped me tremendously just not being alone in my struggle. I know no-one wants to frighten anyone from having the surgery , but a more realistic day to day outlook on pain and recovery is very helpful. with sincere appreciation, Sharon

Easy does it on the food so soon. I was on clear liquids for a week and did the Isopure mixed with Crystal Lite to get most of my protein in at first. Lots of broth, sf jello, diluted juice, water, etc. Peppermint tea helped with the nausea a bit. And please don't let yourself get too constipapted. I did and was miserable with bloating and gas. Rule of thumb, 2 days no POOP call the doc. And take the pain meds, that's what they are for and sleep, sleep, sleep. The body heals itself while you sleep Hope you're doing better soon. And yes, everyday gets a little bit better. Regards and hugs, Ronna

Although I had a different procedure, it has taken me time to get up to what I need for fluids and protein. My surgery was Jan 9 and the first full day home I only took in 18 oz of fluid and 14 grams of protein... Now I am almost to the two week anniversary and I am at 48 oz and 40 grams of protein. You have to work your way up. Once you start getting up and moving more, you'll want more to drink!! ::hugs:: cyndi

My first few days were just like yours - I even went back to the hospital as well for pain and nausea. It will get better, I promise. Just like others have said, everyday gets a little easier. Just keep walking, take your naps, but for me anyway, I was more nauseas the more I slept. Tomorrow it will be 2 weeks for me, and I am not suffering from anymore side effects. My scabs are almost healed, I don't have the tremendous gas pain, no more pains on my insides - absolutely nothing. I'm even eating very small amounts of "normal" food with my family (mostly for my kids' sake). Hang in there.... you WILL feel better soon!