[LillyGirl]

Hey everyone I'm 33 and just had an open RNY done on the 8th. I have been home (well at my sisters house) since the 11th. I'm finding everything extremely daunting I am in a lot of pain and horribly exhausted. I feel I can't find a comfy position at all. My whole body is killing me and every time I move my incision feels like it's being ripped open. I know I'm wanking a lot but I really need to vent to someone who understands. I am so defeated right now. I'm trying to put on a brave face for my family but all I really want to do is cry my eyes out. I'm in pain, I am depressed, I can't wipe my own butt, I can't sleep and I'm just in a sad state as a human being. When will my body start to feel better!? I have a vert loving and caring family but this pain is "normal" so says my surgeon, and I can't deal! :'(

[Nell]

Hello and welcome!
I'm so sorry you are having a rough time of it right now. Has your doctor given you anything to help with the pain? The exhaustion is normal, mine lasted about 3 weeks if I remember correctly and I thought I'd never get any energy back. But it does come back slowly but surely. Take care, don't rush things, just be gentle with yourself...I hope before long you will feel better. It's nice to have you here with us, keep us posted on your progress.

[frskelibra]

take your pain meds and rest you have been through alot physically and emoitionally i remember feeling the same way i think its pretty normal by the way congratulations things will get better soon i am sure some of the veterans and Doc will give you some good advice this is the best support site i have found everyone is so supportive and helpful

[pretty woman]

Did you get an Rx for pain meds when you left the hospital? Take one, or call and order some from your surgeon.
I had open bypass (unexpectedly)... I used the pain med when needed; still have a bunch left over=meaning I didn't use a lot of them.
But please don't be crying because of pain... goodness, daytalk to your doc again.
Every day, it WILL get better!! Promise!!
Walk a little, rest a lot and sip sip sip...
keep posting.

[Butterfly312]

Open bypass is no joke. I can just imagine the pain you're in at this moment. I haven't had my surgery yet but I can clearly remember when they did my hysterectomy. I felt like they had torn my insides to shreds. Even coughing lightly was excutiatingly painful so I know what you mean by pain. Just hang in there and know it will get better with each day that passes. Before you know it you'll be running 5k marathons as well and having so much energy you won't know what to do with it. My prayers are with you...get well soon.

[ragdolldude]

Open RNY has a lot more pain the the LAP procedure. Take your pain meds. If your surgeon did write a script for you, contact the surgeon NOW. You should have help around the home for the first 3 weeks or so. You should have lifting and reaching restrictions for these 3 weeks too, so make sure you don't overdo things. Try doing some walking, short distances to start. I began walking up my street 2 houses (which is 200 feet) and then returned home. I did this for a couple of days, slowly extending the walk when I know I could safely walk further. Depression is often an issue with post ops, as female hormones become very active which leads to radical mood swings. Taking Melatonin may help you sleep also. It's OTC and it comes in 3 or 4 strengths. You can buy lesser strength and take more than one pill if you don't have good results with one. Tryptophan may help too, another OTC. Make sure you have all distractions turned off, like the TV, cell phones, etc. Try drinking some warm milk, or if allowed now, take a warm bath right before going to bed. DAVE

[DarlingClaire]

I had my surgery the day after you did, open roux en y as well. Not being able to wipe myself is so embarrassing, I agree. Please take your pain meds and if the ones your doc prescribed aren't working well enough, ask for something different. Not all pain meds work the best for each patient. As far as a comfortable position, I bought a cheap recliner on Craigslist. I sleep in it. I miss being able to snuggle especially when I'm feeling so vulnerable. we can do this, though. We are stronger than we think. Look at all these folks who have had the same or similar surgeries and likely felt the same way when they first had their surgeries and now they are running races and living the lives we long for. One foot in front of the other and one moment at a time. We CAN and WILL get through this. :-)

[msmonica]

I hope you get to feeling better soon! Take it easy and just remember it will get better.

[nursesrock]

I can imagine you feel defeated, and yucky in general. As they say, this too will pass. Take the pain medicine you need, lots of people fear becomming hooked...nonsense. Take it now so that you can get up and move around some. That might seem like impossible, but moving around will make you feel better quicker and avoid some other problems like pneumonia and motility issues in your belly. Ice can be of great help along your insisions and tummy, see if that might help. Don't forget to get in your fluids and protein to help with your energy level. That still kicks my butt sometimes, even though I feel like I get plenty of sleep. It's normal to feel this way, so give yourself a break, relax and let those kind folks dote on you. Good luck and don't be a stranger!!

[judst]

Everyone has already given you good advice so I'll just say that I hope you feel better soon and I'll be praying for you. It will get better. Hugs