3 days Post op

Hi all, I have been on the web site for months reading, lurking and learning, but never posted. I had researched pre-op so much and was convinced of my decision- so I charged forward. I had surgery Thursday and everything is great. My surgery was short (55 minutes) and my revcovery has gone so well. I have been up and walking everywhere around the hospital for 2 days and came home today and climbed stairs, showered and feel like I may sleep in my bed and not the recliner like I planned. I only feel a little unprepared about post op eating and didn't buy much because I know everybody has said they didn't tolerate certain things, so I ignored that part! I have protien shakes and my mom made me pureed chicken. Any tips? I am eating too fast and my only problem is little aches in my new tummy and a litlle headache, but I have been off pain meds completely since Saturday morning. I wonder if I will do too much? I just feel like I could go back to work in a few days! I scheduled a 3 week leave. Does it get worse from here? I had no complications at the hospital. I just hated the Heparin shots in my tummy every 12 hrs! I would love any advice about what to expect first week or so. Eating tips and things that worked weel for you? thanks! Debra 261/254/140

Hi Debra, I was warned against going back to work too soon, only because fatigue can be a problem. I was told that when I felt ready that working part-time might be a good idea - maybe a few hours in the morning several days a week and then building on that. You definitely don't want to move too fast, you can risk injury that can debilitate you far longer than 3 weeks. Eve

Well I am 5 days post op so I am 2 days ahead of you and I planned ahead too much. I have all these nice bland yogurts and drinks and protein powders I can't have because I found out I am lactose intolerant since surgery. Also can not take over about 6 grams of sugar without dumping. So, my suggestion, is take it easy, and test the waters...log what you eat and what happens. If you can tolerate light yogurts with no diarrhea....great. Cottage cheese is another thing that is good if you can handle it...when you eat a fruit with syrup or something with over 10g of sugar, wait and see if you get any of these signs: rapid pulse, tightness in chest or shoulder, diarrhea, and or headache with a couple hours. If you do you are "dumping" . I have found my taste and smell are out of whack...everything tastes different and everything smells bad to me. I am doing great every other way, came home without pain med...oh yes....I dumped 3 times on tylenol liquid before I realized what it was...too much sugar. Good luck...I just went to the store today (yes I drove already!)and picked up some soy products to try and some babyfoods to try to get in protein before I see the surgeon on Wednesday and will get a different protein powder.

I also have had a smooth and fairly easy recovery. Surgery for me was March 16. Was walking the halls March 17 and home on the 18. Slept in bed since the first night home. Had some help here with my Mom in from New York but I walked the stairs to do laundry, didn't carry the baskets and she left today. Took a half hour walk outside yesterday and was out of the house today for about 1 1/2-2 hours. Eating is a pureed diet. Have been eating high protein yogurt, cottage cheese and Atkins shakes. The shakes take me around 45 minutes to finish all 11 ounces. Also am drinking and drinking as much water as possible. I am taking full advantage of my 3 weeks plus 1 for spring break to be off from work. Hope all continues to be well.

I will take it easy going back to work and hopefully can do email and things form home if I feel like it. I appreciate all the advice and glad to hear others are doing well also. I just didn't expect this!! thanks to all that have replied! I really appreciate the food tips, there was definately info I didn't know about!

I was also wondering... when is it ok to get out and walk, like really walk around the block, etc, not just around the house? any other first week post op exercise tips? thanks!