just back from my surgery today and I had a few questions

I am just back from my surgery today and I had a few questions. How long does the pain in the abdomin last? Should I not walk my dog, I am wirried her pulling on me might not be good. I never really feel full so what should my portion sizes be, I have been eating half a cup of sf pudding with protien shake stuff in them,

Thanks!

Welcome home! I wouldn't walk the dog if she will pull--doc just told me Tuesday no pushing or pulling or lifting over 5 pounds for at least a month.

I was told to eat 2-4 ounces 6 times per day, but the first week was was full liquids (I was allowed yogurt, sf pudding, broth, sf popsicles, and that sort of stuff) and after that was purees. 

Hope this helps. I definitely did not feel full and am still just starting to (surgery was 2/3) so I measure pretty carefully to avoid overfilling. Also I was told to only eat about an ounce every 10 minutes, so in other words, eat pretty darn slowly.

Hope this helps!

Denise

Congratulations on your surgery!  I probably had discomfort in my abdomen for about 2 weeks...it just depended on how I moved.....and it eased up as each day passed.   I think that the pain/discomfort is highly individualized. 

My "big" dog is about 50 lb and is a pretty good leash walker.  I walked her at about 1 week post-op and stayed close to the house incase I needed to stop walking.....and just walked as much as I could tolerate.  It might be a good idea to have someone with you when you walk your dog just incase you feel any pulling or pain in your abdomen. My surgeon didn't place limitations on my activity other than waiting 6 weeks to swim or lift weights.....it was all "as tolerated" for me. 

As far as the not feeling full, you won't start to feel that sensation until your stomach is healed.  It has to do with the nerves reconnecting.  I would recommend following your surgeon's recommendation for portion sizes since different surgeons/dieticians have different guidelines.  I had guidelines from the dietician about how many ounces/tablespoons I was supposed to be eating at a seating during different stages post-op........plus I was on a full liquid diet for the first week post op.   

Congratulations again!

This is all great advice thank you. I need to contact my dietician and rereaqd my material I received. I have a 28 od hyper pug that just turned 1 so I think I will wait a few weeks to walk her. She does pull a lot.

Thanks!!

Welcome home honey!!!!!!!! YOUR A LOSER...WOOT WOOT!!!

You will have that pain come and go but it will subside when you can move all of that air out of your chest cavity. Walk as much as you can sweetie. Maybe not the dog if she will pull ya. Take it easy for a while. NO LIFTING!!! NONE! Okay? And even when you are not hungry BECAUSE YOU WONT BE..........its important to DRINK! Sip water all day if you can honey and get those protein shakes or drinks.protein pudding etc in whenever you can. You need that protein!!!! At first you wont tolerate more then 2-4 ounces at one time. Although 3 days out I could take the Dannon Light and Fits and tolerate a 6 oz. But most people its 2-4 ounces.

CONGRADS TO YOU!!!! Let me know if you need ANYTHING!!! xoxoxoxo ~Jilly~

Hi, I am so glad everything went ok for you, I was wondering.  The pain and discomfort will last a little while at least mine did. As far as eating, I think unless they changed it the first week or so I was on liquids, then onto pureed food, by all means no matter what take it slow and don't pu****  Keep moving and drinking that is the key. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Take it easy.
Hugs
Terri

Hi Staci!!

Some folks on here were wondering about you - I'm glad to see you posting.  Everyone's given you really good advice, but the main thing you should do is review whatever guidelines Dr. A and his staff have set for you and follow them strictly.  Once you're on "normal" solid foods, that will be the time to test the waters and see what works for you and what doesn't.

Again, like everyone said, you're still healing, everything inside is still so swollen and nerves have been cut, etc., so it'll take a little time.  DO NOT, under any cir****tances, push the envelope and eat or drink more than is recommended - your pouch will tell you that it's not happy and then YOU won't be happy, either!

Hang in there and take care!

Hugs,

Thanks for all the great advice. I think I will be the last person to push the limits. The fear of pain from getting sick keeps me well in check!  I have been doing well on the walking. I have done 3 - 10 min walks on the treadmill. It is at a very low speed but at least I am moving. I find it more uncomfortable to be still then moving around. Today I have had 2 oz chicken broth, 1 protien shake, I pudding with protien powder (over the course of several hours) and 2oz of vegatable soup purred and many many sips of water. So I think I am doing well but I am trying to be on the cautious side with what I put in.

Thank you for all the great advice and warm thoughts!

Stacie

I'm pre-op so have no words of wisdom or advise, but wanted to say congrats on your surgery, ya LOSER you! :)

And, if you are FORCED to be the one to walk your dog, maybe someone can hook you up with a prong collar to discourage the pulling.  They are really not as mean as they sound.  They help me keep my wild golden retriever in check.

good luck!