Question:
Is this pain normal?

Have you ever been frustrated because your not sure if what you are going through is normal and part of the healing process, or if it is something else? I saw my surgeon yesterday and he removed all my staples. I'm very happy that that was done, and as of this friday, I will be three weeks post op. I have had some heart palpitations or maybe gas trapped in my chest... I don't know what it is, and he said it was from the Gas X. I have 4-5 strips a day because I have gas pain. He said that gas pain isn't real. I started to add other soup with some cream in them to my diet, and I am trying to stay hydrated. When I woke up this morning, it was very hard to sit upright. After I sit up for a little bit, I move to the living room and try and become comfortable. I don't know if the nausea I feel is because I am hungry or eating the wrong thing. I drink my diluted apple juice and broth, but I don't know if its enough. My surgeon said I didn't need protein supplements, and I don't have anyone to talk to that can answer my questions. Its very frustrating. He said I should not have pain, but I still do through most of the day. It isn't as severe as before the surgery but after having the open RNY isn't normal that I hurt? I do have pain still, sometimes when I eat. I don't know if its still incision pain, if it's normal to have pain in your stomach... I just don't know. I have a booklet I got from the hospital, and I guess thats the only guidance I have. Still through out the whole thing, I am trying to keep a smile on my face and feel the blessing of being here! If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate it! Thank you.    — Andrea G. (posted on October 28, 2009)

October 28, 2009
I don't know how long the pain will last because my RNY was lap not open. As far as what you are eating, be careful with the apple juice. Even though it is diluted it still has sugar and no real nutritional value. The soups should be ok as long as you aren't lactose tolerant. I'm not sure why the surgeon says you don't need protein supplements unless you are getting at least 60 grams of protein a day, which I really doubt at only 3 weeks. I'm not sure what you are allowed to eat at this point. I was allowed to eat soft proteins so I ate cottage cheese. I got the no fat walmart brand and in half cup it has 14 grams of protein. Even if you get a couple of bites in it is protein. Is there a support group in your area? If so, get into that. Also, is there a nutritionist you can see to give you ideas as to what you can get that has protein? You need protein! Feel free to email me if you want and I will try to help in any way I can.
   — Dawn A.

October 29, 2009
YOu for sure need protein. YOu can use the Atkins Advantage for a quick fix, but do get some in. I would thin that one out, it is thick. Don't use straws for anything too. That will cause extra air/gas. I think you should still be on total thin liquids, nothing soft yet. YOur pouch is still very tender and swollen and putting food in it isn't making it heal any faster or easier. Baby your pouch. The titanium staples you have in your pouch are still healing. The flesh in there isn't even healed to the staples yet. Stay with liquids you can see through. Broth, tea, sugar free popcycles, jello, water, and protein. YOu won't be able to consume a lot of anything right now, just focus on getting any liquids in and protein. The amount of protein isn't important right now, but do get some. As time passes, you will be able to consume a little more as each day passes. Just sip, sip, sip, slowly and set you minute timer to sip every 5 minutes, otherwise you will forget, because you aren't hungry, so liquids are forgotten too. I can't answer about the open RNY, mine was lap, but I would imagine you would have some pain still. Take your pain meds they gave you, and don't wait for the pain to start before you take them. They work better if taken before the pain starts, every 4 hrs. Hope this helps.
   — Kristy

October 30, 2009
I'm very new to this , as in 3 days out but I ordered some stuff from Unjury (protein supplements) recommended by dietitian. They have flavors and some unflavored that you can add to applesauce or whatever to keep your protein up. I have heard of people being nauseated for long periods of time & some things don't sit well like you'd think they should. Good luck, hope all goes well for you, it's gonna take adjusting for sure!
   — Rachel P.

October 31, 2009
I have had some occasional incidents daily of naseau and heart palpitations or jitters. My surgery was Lap RNY October 20. My surgeon told me that these symptoms are part of low blood sugar and the adjustment of low calorie starvation mode. As for pain I had lots of gas pain in my lower abdomen and up to under my breast bone. I took chewable gas-x and didnt' find that to be troublesome. At 10 days out I have been told that my protein intake needs to be a minimum of 60 grams and better at 90 daily. I am to use two to three shakes a day to supplement my puree food stage. So, I think the advice others posted about boosting up your protein is correct. If your pain continues and doesn't lessen perhaps you should see your GP or see another doctor in that practice. Good luck!
   — Annette M.

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