Wanted to ask a few questions

Hi,

I also posted this on the RNY Board too.  I had RNY 8/19, had complications of pneumonia and a prolonged stay.  Came home Monday afternoon, and felt awful yesterday.  After I took the Levaquin started to feel better when my temp normalized near 98.4. 

Today is the best day yet, although I still feel weak and somewhat lightheaded.  I'm getting water in.  Breakfast I had 3 ounces of chocolate protein drink, lunch I had 2 ounces of Cream of Asparagus soup.  Should it be taking me 30 minutes to eat the creamed soup?  It is not taking me that long as it really doesn't seem like that much. 

I have no problems getting the water in.  Still can't tell how full the pouch is or even where it is at this point. 

Hubby said I should take the pain med if needed and to rest and stop pushing myself.  I go back to work tomorrow, but I have a home office and can rest when I need to.  I plan to start off with 2 hours.  Hoping tomorrow is even better than today.

I want to be sure I'm doing things correctly.  Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.  Thanks to everyone who answered my post yesterday.  All of the information and support is truly appreciated.

You're right on track.  A half hour is just about right.  It was certainly taking me a long time to get the foods down.  You know when you're pouch is full because (at least I did) you'll feel a heavyness in your chest like between your rib cage, almost a pressure.  If I eat too much or too fast I get it, and it's a horrid feeling.  Really, take it easy tomorrow.  Don't push too much, especially since you had complications.  Trust me, you'll know when you've put too much into your pouch, so you must be doing ok with it for now.  You don't want to have that full feeling, just be satisfied.
Take care Deb.
Jan

Yeah, it's going to take awhile to get your protein in. I remember spending a half hour doing 2 oz. of a protein cream of tomato soup, and by the time I was done, it was cold. I was supposed to do the whole pouch of the protein supplement, and I couldn't. I felt like a failure on the first day, but the bariatric center nurse said don't worry, just get in what you can.

Take your time ... you are doing things a little differently than I did, but every doctor is different in what s/he wants out of post-ops, so I won't assume what yours wants.

I think you are doing just fine. It is going to take you a while to get things down...you aren't that far out of surgery. You have to get use to your new pouch and in time you will. Everything takes time to get use to. You might not get all the protein in and that is alright for now. You just have to get in what you can and know that in time it will come. Just make sure you don't push yourself..after all you just had major surgery and pneumonia. Your body will certainly rebel if you push to much. If you can't tell when your pouch is full then you must be doing alright...otherwise you would know and chances are you won't like it either.

debbie- as for going back to work--give yourself frequent breaks- walk around sip potty- whatever- and if need be- siesta!!!!! naps are perfectly normal--if you over do you will do no one any good!!!!!!!!!

You got good advice from the others. I just want to say hi and I am so sorry you have been so ill.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs....connie d

I'm sorry you have had such a difficult time.  You probably have not been out of the hospital long..
I think your husband has the right idea - take it easy, if you at all can.  Now is the time to give your body a break. Even if you had not had pneumonia, you had a major operation.  
Do you know it takes a month to even get the anesthesia completely out of your system?  A surgeon told me that several years ago.  

I  was lucky that I did not have to go to work .. I work for myself and can rearrange my schedule when necessary.  I have taken my time, which has been important because I too had complications from surgery.

Water is most important...  You don't want to get dehydrated.  And a little bit of protein drink sounds fine.   Have you tried pureed foods?
My 'best friend' has been sugar free popsicles (not the cremesicles).   The sf popsicles 'count' as clear liquids, and are easy to get down, and taste good.. 

Thanks everyone for such sound advice.  I'm working this morning, but may take a break after another hour or so.  I have to have a Coumadin level this morning, so it will be my first busy day since surgery.  I'm feeling better this morning, thank God. 

Have a great day everyone!  I hope each of you are well and good.

Blessings