Ok everyone since we are getting close to December I figured I would go ahead and start us up a post op thread

I'm worried I'm not doing enough. I'm sleeping a lot and concentrating on fluids and protein. I try to get up and walk around the house every couple of hours, but I really only feel like laying around. I'm only 48 hrs out from surgery so surely its okay to take some time to heal rather than walking laps around the neighborhood, right?

I'm worried I'm not doing enough. I'm sleeping a lot and concentrating on fluids and protein. I try to get up and walk around the house every couple of hours' date=' but I really only feel like laying around. I'm only 48 hrs out from surgery so surely its okay to take some time to heal rather than walking laps around the neighborhood, right?[/quote']

Oh goodness..give yourself time to heal!

I'm having surgery next Thursday. What shakes' date=' food, liquid have been the best for you post op folks during the first 2 week? I want to get all my shopping for post op done this weekend.

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For me it was a few different flavors of crystal light, sugar free pudding, cream soups (i learned to avoid broccoli/cheese as it was very gassy but yet that might help move some of that after surgery), low fat yogurt..the Greek yogurt has more protein and you can always mix some sf jello in it for better flavor...decaf tea is nice...i also recommend taking carmex to the hospital!

What is a binder?

A binder is a tight wrap that helps kinda hold the stomach muscles...kinda like a girdle...its nice to wear for a few Weeks after surgery..really helps to keep you more comfy

What is a binder?

A binder is a tight wrap that helps kinda hold the stomach muscles...kinda like a girdle...its nice to wear for a few Weeks after surgery..really helps to keep you more comfy

Glad to hear everyone is doing so well, even after complications. I had surgery on Monday and came home yesterday. Doing pretty well but am grateful for liquid Loritab--I still need it every 5-6 hours. Still have a drain, but it will come out on Tuesday. I'm not worried about that because I had bowel surgery in January last year and when they removed the drain it didn't hurt at all. I didn't have a binder (I'm trying to cover all the discussion topics I've been following here, in case you can't tell).

Last night I had lots of trouble sleeping because I coughed and coughed. I don't have a cold or anything and I only cough when I'm lying down. I propped myself up with 5 pillows and it helped a little but I still coughed. If that goes on tonight, I may try sleeping in a chair. I don't have a recliner but I do have a couple of comfy stuffed rocking chairs, so it might work. I've been using the incentive spirometer. I can't imagine it's pneumonia, but it does feel like it could be bronchitis. I feel fine, though--no stuffiness or congestion or anything. I talked to the nurse today and she thought the doctor might want me to come in for a chest x-ray to make sure I don't have pneumonia, but I never heard back so he must have not been too concerned. Anyway, has anyone else had this problem or know what to do to get some sleep?

Good luck to everyone who is recovering and to those still looking forward to the surgery. It's no picnic but not really horrible. I had the band removed, which made my surgery about 4 hours, but other than that everything seemed to go well. Good night, everyone!

ask my surgeons clinic about a binder for my stomach after surgery' date=' they said NO do not get one or use one, not for a larpascopic surgery. they said if it was the old type surgery where they split you open then yes you would get a binder, but a binder should never be used for larpascopic, glad I asked[/quote']

Even though they tell you no please believe me you will feel so much better with it. Without I felt my so much pain.

Even though they tell you no please believe me you will feel so much better with it. Without I felt my so much pain.

Yes I think so too, I had one when I was cut open from navel to pube line when I had a full hysterectomy and it helped me so much. Kinda curios as to why they don't think so with laposcopic surgery?

I just had laproscopic and they gave me one..today is the first day I haven't worn it (3 1/2 wks) ..it made A big difference wearing it and not

Yes I think so too' date=' I had one when I was cut open from navel to pube line when I had a full hysterectomy and it helped me so much. Kinda curios as to why they don't think so with laposcopic surgery?[/quote']

My doctor didn't even mention it. Which I wish he would have because I could have been in less pain. A couple nights after I came home I could not sleep and I took a tee shirt and wrapped my belly and I finally feel asleep. Then my husband went out and bought me the binder.

Yea I may go ahead and buy one and keep at the house so when I return I will have it. Makes sense to me

I have heard that three weeks you start feeling better. I am hoping this to be true. I am personally tired of the crying spells. Wishing you well.

Thanks! I hope you start feeling better soon as well

I am so happy' date=' I only took 2 naps today. I just need to get some protein down. I have managed about 30g a day. Today Im trying for 40g, we will see how that goes lol. I have not needed any narcotic pain medication today and only took Tylenol twice today. I know its a small success but I feel like I have jumped a hurdle. Well getting ready to walk upstairs and take a shower, going to a Christmas party....wish me luck. You all are doing great!! Sometimes success comes in small increments. I am not weighing myself daily. I weighed the day after my surgery and going to weigh on Tuesday. (I did sneak on the scale and I lost 5lbs of water weight curiosity killed me lol) Praying for you all!![/quote']

Ohhh I'm so glad to hear of your progress! Congrats

Ok soooo feeling better and here is my full update as I'm pretty proud of myself! I went in on Monday and everything went well... This was my first surgery so I was really nervous! I did we'll getting up and walking around and using the breathing thing that I was able to go home Tuesday! Wednesday and Thursday were sore and today I finally got out of the house to see my daughters Christmas program. I was trying to convince myself to not weigh myself until my 2 week follow up but I couldn't resist. So I hopped up on the scale and I'm down 12.5lbs! I've had moments of "damn I wish I didn't do this!" So I think seeing that was very helpful hope everyone is doing well!!

Even though they tell you no please believe me you will feel so much better with it. Without I felt my so much pain.

I did not have a binder and I was completely fine without one. My doctor does not use them.

Lisa :-) surgery date: Dec. 4th, 2012