6 days post-op, open RNY

Had my open RNY last Monday and came home from the hospital mid-day on Thursday...  The surgery was totally uneventful (although they did not put my IV in until just a few minutes before going into the OR, and I was a teary, scared mess.  The surgeon even asked me if I wanted to change my mind, but I told her that I just needed some of that "courage medicine"). The Pulmonary re-hab people insisted that I go home on oxygen because my resting level was only 89 (imagine that, you slice me open and it hurts to breathe deeply -- or I'm on narcotic pain killers -- so I usually don't).  I agreed, just in order to humor them, but when they delivered these mulitple "portable" tanks (in case of power outage or having to travel anywhere, etc.) plus a huge noisy filter, and 75-feet of tubing and signs for the doors, etc.), I put my foot down.  They made NO provision to have my level checked, or anything... if it was THAT important, wouldn;t they have arranged or someone to follow up?!?!?  ...  so I called the company to come pick the stuff back up.  As the pain gets better, so will my oxygen level.  Holy incisions, Batman!  My incision is about 8 inches long!  I was not expecting it to be quite so big, especially since I'm under 5'4"... :(  Pain-wise, and energy-wise I'm about where I expected to be, based on my experience when I had my hysterectomy... but I think the Vicodin I had then was more effective at pain-relief than the liquid Lortab.  The first bite of anything hurts when it hits the pouch it seems, but I have not had a problem with anything I have currently tried eating (scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, yogurt, protein shakes, etc.) except when I added some protein powder to some SF pudding.  Both times I ate a few baby bites and started to feel a bit ill so I quit and had something else.  (Wondering if this is a lactose issue...?) I'll be continuing to sleep in the recliner for quite some time to come, I haven't come anywhere near to 64oz of fluid a day (even with a G-tube), and who knows when i will be able to pad the incision enough to wear a bra again, but all in all, things are going ok. Thanks to all who helped keep me calm the week before surgery! Lora

Lora My prayers and thoughts are with you - I sure hope things claim down for you soon.  I had my lap RNY back in July at this time I still struggle to get the 64 oz of fluids in but it does get better day by day.. Keep your head high  Marta

The incision will FADE A LOT!!!!!!!!!!!! I know what you mean about being long.  I'm 4'10 but trust me it will fade in time.  Now for some strange advice. Get some cheap maxie pads for your incision. They are A LOT chaeaper than gauze pads and do the same job. You can use tape to hold them in place or your binder. The pads will also help when you get to wear your bra again also.  I know it's hard but really try to get your fluid.  I remember the first few weeks out I also had a hard time with milk and lactose but then it got better and now I drink milk almost every day. Remember to SIP AND WALK. Robin,  PS I also remember calling the office and Dr. Rita with some really DUMB questions but they didn't care. So remember to call the office if ever you feel you need to.

Hi, just  was looking at the site for the first time in months.  Saw that you were a local girl and thought I would introduce myself.  My name is Chris and I had an open RNY 2 1/2 years ago.  Things have gone very smoothly for me  and have had no bad probems . This year I developed B-12 deficiency and Vitamin D deficiency.  I did not have Dr. Anderson, but my doctor insisted on clear liquides for 2 weeks after surgery and then progressing to full liquids and then soft foods.  It worked well for me, so I would not hesitate to take it a little slower Glad you don't need the oxygen! I stayed in a recliner for quite awhile after a bad experience trying to get down and then out of bed. LOL, what a mess I was with that process!!!!