First of all, I want to thank every one who has posted on this board, I read everything for several months before I had the surgery.
I am a 53 yo female. who has had GERD since I was a teenager, and had been on 40 mg. of Nexium twice a day for several years. Last August I started having "burning" in my belly, and started the road to my surgery.
I had my surgery on April 9th, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I have had several abdominal surgeries, but was terrified about
how I would feel after this one. I came out of surgery able to swallow without ANY pain, and able to burp! I took one dose of IV pain medication and then switched to Lortab elixer. My main pain was the gas, I did feel like I had been kicked by a horse for the first couple of days...but that wasn't horrible. I had a catheter for urine, so they didn't have me walk to the bathroom, but I am a nurse, so I knew walking would help. I got up and sat in the chair for about
an hour and walked around my room several times the first night. I was served jello, soda, and tea the first night, along with straws. I had not read alot about
not using straws, and so I have been using them, without any problems. I guess it's because I am able to burp.
I am mostly off the Lortab now, only take a little at bit at night sometimes, as that is when I seem to have the most "pain". My pain consists of feeling very full, with a lot of pressure. Ocassionally, I also have burning in my stomach. Since I am getting close to the 14 day point, I have expected a little more pain.
My surgeon sent me home telling me to only have protein shakes and full liquids for the first 2 weeks. I find my self hungry at times, but only until I drink a little bit of the shake. I am unable to drink more than about
6-8 oz at a time, and that is usually over a 30-45 minute time span. I can't wait to have scrambled eggs and cottage cheese on Tuesday!
As I have said, I've had other abdominal surgeries ( 2 c-sections, tubal ligation and total abdominal hysterectomy), but this has been different to recover from. Not because there is more pain, but I am used to feeling a little better each day, and with this surgery it is a little more of an adventure. Never sure if I am going to "overeat", and there is also the "dumping" syndrome! But...for the first time in my life, I am really taking it slow and relaxed and easy with this surgery, I know it takes time to recover. I am taking 3 weeks off of work as I am a nurse, and sometimes it is hard to be able to go to the bathroom when you need to, or to find time to actually sit down and have a half hour to drink some soup or a protein shake. Fortunately, I am part time, and can afford to take the time off.
I stopped taking my nexium the day of surgery, and I have had NO reflux! I have even had tomato soup, which used to be a killer, even with the PPI's. I am diabetic, and my blood sugars have stayed in great control, the protein shakes work wonders. I have lost about
12 pounds, which is fine, I hope to lose at least 20 more. I think that by having this surgery, I have a new apreciation of what I "need" to eat, and how much.
I am so grateful that I made the choice to have the surgery, I prayed and prayed about
it. God, in His infinite wisdom, gave me the signs that I should do it, and for that I am extremely grateful. Yes, the post op diet is tough, but not impossible, I have faith that I will be able to eat normally again, and will hopefully even be a little healthier. Anyone who is contemplating this surgery, I say Go For It!
Post Edited (Timmy15fan) : 4/21/2012 5:47:15 PM (GMT-6)