1 week post-op VSG

Nov 03, 2010

This time last week I was sleeping peacefully while my surgeon hacked away at my insides. If you read my previous post, my recovery was far from the easy painless recovery I had hoped for, but I have made big improvements since then. For those of you who have been through hopefully you can relate. For those waiting for your turn, their maybe some things below that you can benefit from.

I have been completely off completely off pain meds for about 3 days now, and am now back to work for 2 days (desk job).

As far as lingering pain, gas/internal discomfort/noisy bowel is like a constant low-level pain (1-2). If it hurts, then I stretch or walk or drink . Usually moving helps it move, too.

Be gentle with yourself regarding nutrition /water goals. My priority was 1) water & medicine,  2) vitamins, and  3) protein. It took me about 4 days before I could meet all my Dr. goals, and was a day of celebration.

Flavors  taste like 10x stronger right now. I can split those little crystal light individual bottle packets into 2-3 bottles and be totally fine. I really like Vitamin Water - it is the perfect sweetness for me, but is a bit pricey so I only grab it if I am out and forgot or run out of liquids. Because of the taste changes, plain water still tastes a little funny to me.  Don't buy a lot of any particular protein supplement before surgery, as tastes change, but don't throw it away if you did as you may re-acclimate to it.

I have a problem with really cold water, so I use a lot less ice for now. However, sugar-free Popsicles are still awesome.
We went to Boston Market last night. I had them drain the chicken noodle soup with a ladle so I got all broth. Yes it was probably more fatty and salty than I should have regularly but It was fan-frigging-tastic compared to the artificial protein and stuff I have had over the last 3 weeks. I would stay away from the tortilla soup - still to spicy for this tender tummy.

I am having a problem with milk. I get some cramping and quite a bit of gas within 15-30 minutes of drinking it. I was not lactose-intolerant before, so I really hope this goes away once I reestablish my gut bacteria next week with yogurt. I am on soy milk (similar protein, OK taste in shakes)  or almond milk (better taste, less protein)  this week. Milk is a "protein drink" I actually enjoy, so really hope I can get things back in order.

I had gag reflex several times during the hospital, but nothing really productive except some mucus. I have had no nausea except while riding in the car, unless I bring a drink. If I ride in a car without my drink I get this nasty foam in my throat. It is really bizarre, and I have read about these "foamies" here before, so at least I know it is normal, but feels far from it.

My incision sites are doing great. Had most of my staples removed yesterday. Mostly painless - just little pinches with a mild burning sensation/itchiness afterward. Sleeping with a shirt on seems to help with the irritation at night - which is when I notice them most.

My family would probably say that I have been grumpy and short-tempered this week. I wouldn't argue with them (about that).  However my outlook is MUCH more positive than it was 3 days ago. I may big improvements between days 3-5 and while the healing is slowing, I would say I am about 85% healed.

Doc has me on a Nexium suspension. If you have this, I suggest mixing it a little thinner (20-25 ml) letting it set 2-3 minutes then stir. Down it like a shot. DO NOT CHEW, add more liquid to the cup and repeat twice. I have had no problems with heartburn, but I understand this is mostly to allow my stomach lining to heal.

Doc put me back on blood pressure med yesterday, which I have to crush and is the absolute worst thing I have to do right now. There is no hiding that nastiness. I may talk to my PCP to see if their is an alternate form/med.

Oh almost forgot - I am down almost 10 lbs since surgery (+7 that I gained during surgery from all the fluids they pumped me with). It's kinda funny that I really don't even care about the weight loss right now. I am focused on getting what my body needs to live, and the weight is taking care of itself for now. Pretty damn cool.

WTG

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About Me
Dallas, TX
Location
36.9
BMI
VSG
Surgery
10/28/2010
Surgery Date
Oct 01, 2010
Member Since

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