Post op instructions were to walk and sip. I took my Dog for a walk around the block this afternoon and felt like I'd ran a marathon. I'm doing pretty well on fluids and protein today, and I was feeling like I was ready to go for a walk, but it really kicked my butt. The shortness of breath is scaring me. I'm 5 days out, I thought I'd be feeling stronger by now. I think the hiatal hernia was more of a big deal then the gastrectomy.

5 days post op, I was able to sit in the car for 2.5 hours and go home from the hospital..... A walk around the block would have been impossible for me. Everyone heals at different paces, and it can take up to 2 weeks for your body to clear out the anasthesia. If the feeling of being short of breath doesn't resolve with rest, call your doctor! (I can't emphasize this enough!!!! SOB is a sign of a blood clot, and if it continues you need to be seen by a Dr!)

It is perfectly normal at this phase, your body went through a lot and will need to recover. When you first start being active again it takes a lot out of you but every time gets a little easier, then before you know it you will have more energy then you've ever had before. Good Luck, enjoy the journey.

If you feel like its more than just fatigue, like you can't expand your lungs all the way, you should see your doctor. Its not uncommon to get pleural effusion after abdominal surgery and sometimes it doesn't resolve on its own.

Check with your doc immediately shortness of breath is also a sign of blood clots I am not saying you have them but better safe than sorry. I had them with another surgery so I know what I am talking about. My doc has his patients go home with blood thinner shots for 2 weeks. Please call the office immediately. Let us know praying for you its just fatigue.