Robot Lap Nissen + HH repair

Hi all!

I just had my surgery last Thursday the 5th of November. No complications and an easy overnight in the hospital. I feel good overall, no pain really, mostly uncomfortable and sore on the inside. My worst complaint is really the pain in the upper RIGHT back area. I'm sure that's still just gas from the surgery or referred pain from my innards being scrambled around. I am still taking pain meds about once or twice a day but have to chop my pill in fourths--it's a percocet and about dime size--and these small chunks are still prone to getting "stuck". Again, I know that's sure to be normal 4 days out but even my doc says it's unusual. Anyone else have this issue?

I'm on full liquid still but with little to no appetite and instant fullness haven't really been eating a lot. I'm not too concerned as I wasn't a big eater to begin with but I will def be ready for actual food when I can. No rush on that; I'm not interested in disregarding the doc's orders.

A little about me; I'm 44, female, retired from the Air Force after 22 years. I'm currently doing the same job I did while in, just as a civilian now. My husband is still active duty and we're stationed overseas. I suffered from GERD since 2002 and have been on meds since then, ALL of them at one point or another haha. Aciphex was the only one that truly worked for me but the AF discontinued it years ago so I've been experimenting with different combos since. I was on Prilosec AND Zantac from April until the surgery. I consider myself super healthy; I'm a fitness and nutrition nut but was "blessed" with faulty innards. From top to bottom my digestive system is just ridiculous (GERD up top; Diverticulosis down below [in the hospital twice for that--yay!]) along with reproductive organ issues but hey--I really can't (and don't) complain. My life is good, I just have to watch what I eat and make sure I know where the bathrooms are at all times

EDITED TO ADD: I've read a lot about returning to work. I was planning on returning to work on the 12th, one week post-surgery. I do have the option of taking more time. Generally, do most people recommend taking the max time one can take? I feel guilty not working. My job is ALL desk work and all my coworkers understand if I'm lazy about answering the phone across the room; I'm not concerned about the mobility aspect as much as the potential for a setback because of stressing my body with a full day of being "on" at all times. Thoughts?

Anyway, I've gotten great info from browsing through this forum. I hope to add my story to the "Success" thread in the near future!

Post Edited (agisfab) : 11/9/2015 5:52:31 AM (GMT-7)

Hi agisfab!

Welcome to the wrapped club!

My surgeon recommended I be out of work for 6 weeks and I made it a point to follow orders. While I have a desk job, I would have found it difficult to be back at work sitting at a desk after one week out of surgery. Even at two weeks, I wasn't walking up to full speed yet and was just starting to advance my diet; I don't think I would have had the energy to last a full day at work.

I would be cautious about advancing your activity too soon. You're still experiencing a significant amount of swelling at the site of the wrap and hernia repair. Even when I returned to work I found myself tiring quickly. I used the time to rest and recuperate so that when I went back to work, I could go back 100% without limitations or excuses :)

Be well and take care,
-TonyG-

Hi there, I too stand behind what Tony has recommended. I am in my 6th week and I am only returning to work next week (16 nov). I work at a desk, but just going out to the store for a couple of hours tires me out and causes pain in my diaphragm, back and then shoulders.

I am really surprised at how quickly many of us have been released from hospital. My stay was 5 days (I had a wrap and a hernia repair). I have been recovering at home since and have been listening to my body - with limited nutrition intake you tire easily.

Take it easy and my wishes to you that all goes well.

Wow 5 days Craine? Over here I know its standard to only keep people 1-2 days post LNF, basically once you swallow something, pee, and dont look like you are tripping out too hard from the anesthetics they boot you out the door, even when its done privately. Even for open surgery they only keep people for 4-6 days.