By: Neva Marjory

Neva Marjory — Tue, 14 Jan 2003 20:40:03 +0000

know you are excited and I also know how your
beau and mother are. I didn’t even tell my mother
until it was all over. She is also an RN. After it was
done there wasn’t anything she could do about it. I
hate to say this but I never researched this whole
by-pass thing enough to know there were different types
of surgery. I have what I refer to as the plain old
simple gastric by-pass surgery. No banding or anything.
From what I have read, your type of surgery is
becoming the most common. I have heard a lot of people
take chewable vitamins. I don’t dare take any pills
larger than a tylenol caplet for fear of blockage. Your
doctor should be able to guide you a long the way. I
have to take a high potency iron pill in the morning
and one at night. It caused constipation for about

the first year, but I haven’t experienced any
problems in a long time. I would suggest you take a high
potency Centrum with iron or something along that line.
As far as recovery….yes everyone is different. I
have told everyone to remember that this is MAJOR
surgery and to allow yourself eight weeks recovery time.
This would be time away from work. I was able to
function OK after three weeks but couldn’t lift anything
over 10 pounds for six weeks. You could probably
return to work after six weeks but would feel MUCH
better allowing yourself eight weeks. It gives you
enough time to build back up your strength and get into
a routine of walking, etc. As far as feeling
normal….that took about four months. I never ate the same as I
used to and I still don’t so don’t ever expect that to
be what you have learned is normal. You will be
learning a new normal. But after about four months your
stomach does not feel so foreign to you anymore. You
always thought your stomach was your best friend and you
become more conscience of it more than you ever have in
your whole life. Even drinking water becomes a strange
feat. You have to drink slowly and eat slowly and give
everything a chance to go down. You will no longer be a
bottomless pit. If I can help you with anything
else…please let me know. And remember before your
surgery…eat yourself silly….this will be the last time you
will be able to eat like this again so eat till your
hearts content and you will find you don’t even feel
guilty about it. It is a great time but then the weight
coming off is even greater. Take care…Helen

Comments on: Thanks Helen

By: Neva Marjory