new to the board

[goldenc]

greetings,

My name is Charlie. I just had my surgery on Monday & I have to beleive everything went ok. I have not found any info on recovery here or what to expect. I can say that 3 days after the fact I am up and around but I do have a good amount of pain on the left most side by the bigger incision. It seems to be swollen above the incision but below the hole for the drainage tube. There is no redness or heat or any type of fluid around any of the incisions though so I do not beleive it is an infection.

So basical I am walking while holding up a portion of my tummy to releive the pressure of gravity which seems to work. I started with my protine shakes and vitamins as well as pain killers which I cut into 6 pieces to get them down. I have had good bowl movements but a bit of gas with the protine shakes. Any suggestions?

But my main question is the swelling above the main incision is this normal?

Charlie

[terrie]

hi charlie,

I'm not a doctor or do not claim to be, but from what it sounds like your healing normal. From what I remember thats where all my pain was on the left side, the big incision. I'm glad to hear your up and around thats the biggest part of recovery, keep yourself moving. Keep up with those protien shakes too!!
Your on your way to a happier, healthier life, congrads!! I'm almost a year out now, it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. Everthing is still swollen inside, give it time. Ask Dr. Allam when you see him in a few days. But I'm sure your fine. I hope to meet you at the meeting Tuesday.
Terrie

[NCatena]

I can say that 3 days after the fact I am up and around but I do have a good amount of pain on the left most side by the bigger incision. It seems to be swollen above the incision but below the hole for the drainage tube. There is no redness or heat or any type of fluid around any of the incisions though so I do not beleive it is an infection.

Charlie,

Glad to hear all went well. There is always a certain amount of swelling at that left sided wound site. It is where the most "work" is done. The fact that you have no redness or swelling, no fever, and are up and about are great signs! The left sided wound always looks pretty weird for a while after surgery. It will flatten out over the next few weeks. That being said, don't ever feel like you can't call Dr. Allam and ask questions!

I'll be back in the office on 2/27, but you can always post here if you need anything. I check it a few times every day. If I can be of help, I will. You can also send me private messages, if you feel uncomfortable posting something.

Talk to you soon!
Nanette

[goldenc]

Thanks for the kind words. Although I will not be there Tuesday because of my work schedule I will try to make the march meeting.

What is the normal wait to get staples out anyhow? I think is et something up with dr Allam for the 28th but my wife did not look at my work schedul b4 she said that. I will call and reconfirm.

[NCatena]

Hi Charlie,

Most people have their staples out in 6-10 days.Call the office and ask Sheila what he wants you to do. His first day back in the office is 2/28.

Take care, and talk to you soon.
Nanette

[Brian (RNY)]

Charlie

Congrats !! and you sound like your doing fine just dont push your self to much. Follow your booklet and just take everyday as a new day

good luck

Brian

[goldenc]

Thanks Brian, I tracked your story. Awesome! Although I do not plan to push myself I do have to return to work tomorrow as my asst general manager is going on vaca tomorrow. I will take it as easy as I an and probibaly work a few half days this week. I am feeling better every day as today I can get off the couch easier and tolorated 2 drinks with 60gm protine my chewable flintstones and some water for the Depecote. I did feel a bit dizzy today though I am thinking it is because I really have not eaten much since Sunday except some baby food fruit and apple sauce.

I will keep in touch and see if I can get a few before pics of me up.

[mssfire]

e2520
Welcome to the Loosers Charlie! Sounds to me like you're doing fine....you'll get better and better...believe me. Hope to meet you @ the March Meeting... AND DON'T OVERDO IT!!! Just take your time....things will get easier as time goes by. Time is your best ally.....

[Regina]

vxt
To The Group

It is great to have you here. Like everyone above me has already said just take it slow. Take each day as it comes and just try to do a little more each day.

I think that you are being wise to take half days when you start back at work. You will still be tired during the day. It takes time for our bodies to adjust to the changes it went through. So when you are tired Charlie make sure you rest. Remember even thought the incisions look like they are healing it is the inside that you need to be concerned with. That part takes longer to heal. So, try not to push yourself too much. Give it time. You will be surprised one day when you say wow, I went through the whole day, I have no pain, and I am not so tired.

Now as far as this board this is the place to come to ask your questions and state your concerns. Don't get me wrong if you have any questions or concerns call the office but here we can tell you what we experienced after our surgery. I am sure that when you post here someone will see it that same day and reply to it. I am always here many times throughout the day. So, post away.

Good luck to you and follow the plan. The more you keep to the plan the better each day you will feel. Again, Welcome.

[hawk1989 (RNY)]

Congratulations Charlie and welcome to our family.

Each day you will start feeling better. Make sure you listen to your body and when it tells you it has had enough, give it a rest.

Hope to see you at the March Meeting.

[elaine]

vxt

Hi Charlie,

It seems everyone has given you great hands on advise, so I'm just going to congratulate you on making your life saving change. Time will be your friend, and as you heal you will become more and more energetic and pleased with yourself. I was amazed at all my changes. Its nice to take a walk now and not think twice if my knee will give out, or my back will hurt, or if I will be able to keep up and breath at the same time.........now I JUST DO IT!!!

If you need help, this is the place for it and we will all be here to give it. If you ever need one on one, there is a list of phone numbers in another post, call someone. It can be confusing at first, and second......lol.Don't hesitate to ask questions.......over and over again also, until YOU understand it. Come to the meetings if you can, they can help. Hope to meet you at Marchs meeting........

~`elaine