The Other Side of Surgery

Oct 31, 2010

Well, I made it! I have survived surgery and am now outfitted with a brand new super-economy stomach! I went in for my RnY on Monday the 25th, and came home on Wednesday afternoon. (Haven't been ready to get online until today).

It is quite amazing, actually, but I can see it will take me some time to fiure out how to use this new "part". Since I am, of course, only allowed liquids (which for me is broth, sugar free jello, skim milk, and protein drinks) my main problem has been deciphering the various pains and pressures. I'm getting the hang of it, though. When I drink too much, too fast, or in too big a swallow I feel pain. It feels a lot like the pain I felt right out of surgery, however, so it took me a day or two to figure out that I was actually feeling fullness. I am finding myself worrying now that I have stretched my pouch out already. I realize, however, that this is probably not the case. It is just my mind messing with me.

So now, the big challenge is how to get my 60 to 80 gms of protein AND 64 ounces of water in every day. I have been averaging only about half to three-quarters of those goals. I was told in the first week to just do my best and work up to it, but next week (after post-op visit on Wed.) I will be adding all those vitamins and soft foods too.  I wonder if telling when I am full BEFORE it hurts will be easier with solid foods. Hmm.

The surgery itself went well and I have so far, as of my 5th day, experienced no complications. I will say, however, that just as I have read from many others, it hurt quite a bit more than I expected. Much of this is due to the air they pump into you in order to see and move there scopes and instruments, and as I have also read, the best (maybe only) way to get it out of you is to walk, walk, walk.This really does work.

And for anyone reading this who has not yet had their surgery, I would suggest that you write yourself a letter about all the reasons you are doing this--you know, all those things that you know for sure that will be better afterward, and take this letter with you to the hospital. Pack it in a place where you will be able to easily access it because you WILL forget why you put yourself through it.. You WiLL be sitting there overwhelmed and in pain wondering what the heck you have done. And when you are there like that, that letter WILL help you get through it. This is what I did, and it helped me. I don't say this to scare anyone. I am just being real. And those feelings don't last for long, but if you have a way to get trhough them and stay positive it helps a great deal.

Thank you to those who have taken the time to read my post. I will be updating more in the days to come.

Happy Fall-O-Ween Keep the kids safe!

PS: I am already down 7lbs (in five days) from my pre-weight!

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