I'm getting a little nervous here... not going to lie! Band came out on 11/24- I'm just able to pick up my 2 year old in the past couple of days... Christmas and then BAM, surgery.

So today begins my 1 week pre-op diet. My surgeon has us on liquids, Protein shakes and small healthy Snacks like greek yogurt or sugar free Jello and 1 modest meal (small portion of protein, very plain, and veggies). So not the worst. At least it allows some wiggle room for having a little Christmas dinner... my FIL's beef wellington is amazing!

Had Nutrition class last week, and I stocked up on Vitamins and a new pretty Water bottle (it helps). One of the things they mentioned is how tired you are after bypass... so, how long was everyone out of work? I've got a very easy job, I can literally sit in a recliner for my shift. How long until you were up to doing a load of laundry? Or going shopping? Driving? Sex? Housework?

Driving is a function of when you get off the pain meds. I used no pain meds after surgery and was able to drive around 4 days after surgery.

Two objectives prior to surgery.

1. Walk around 30 minutes each day beginning now and walk every 2 hours after surgery. That will minimize the pain and make the recovery process smoother.

2. If you haven't given up caffeine and carbonated beverages, do that now. I went cold turkey on my 6 diet Coke a day habit and suffered a week of severe withdrawal syndrome of severe headaches and body aches. Better to get over that now than mix it up with the effects of surgery.

I'm 10 days post op and I'm FINALLY feeling closer to normal. I drove for the first time yesterday even though I haven't taken pain meds since post op day 4. My brain has been pretty foggy, too. I never watched TV pre-op (too busy, couldn't sit still long enough), but now TV is about the most intelligent thing I can muster (lots of PBS - maybe that makes up for it ????). I've done a few loads of laundry, but I make my kids haul the baskets up and down the stairs. I'm finally feeling good enough that I may tackle the rest of my Christmas shopping today. I'm not straying far from home in case I poop out and need a nap.

Hey jingleboob it is definitely a life changing exp. I had my bad removed and bypassed the same day 12/18! I'm recovering well yes it's painful but the worst is that I had a lingering cold when I had the surgery and after it now the most painful part is coughing ! I recommend if you have a cold try to get better before going under its so very painful! Good luck on your journey how old are you? I'm 52

Edited December 23, 201510 yr by Maraki

Heating pad,hot water bottle for ice compresses....