Update 3: RNY to DS healing (long)

Settledownnow

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Jul 28, 2015
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I am now about 13 weeks post-op from RNY to DS surgery. I am writing out some of my experiences for those who may be thinking of RNY to DS surgery. This is a big surgery that comes with significant risks. My general health was good before surgery with the exception of high BP. My surgeon told me that my health and surgery history was "not exotic" and the revision was something he does on a regular basis. I took that to mean I was a low risk for complications.

About 3 weeks after surgery I was diagnosed with two gastric leaks that resulted in very serious complications (sepsis, pneumonia, liver abscesses and more) and a one-month hospital stay. This resulted in three liver drains, VATS, chest tubes, and other tests and procedures. I was under anesthesia for various procedures 7 times during my stay (plus once more this week).

After my hospital discharge, I was taking large doses of antibiotics and several other medications at home. About 2 weeks ago, I became medication free. The infection appeared to be gone.

As of this week, I am free from all tubes and drains! I had the two gastric stents removed via EGD this week. My feeding tube is now out (finally!). The home oxygen tanks should be picked up during the week, and I plan to kick the visiting nurse to the curb next week. I still have follow-up appointments with the infectious disease doc, liver specialist, pulmonary doc, and CAT scans for the next few months for continued monitoring of my recovery.

I am down 50# (257 to 207) and am able to meet my protein and water goals. I am so glad to be rid of those 50#. The post-hospital recovery was faster than anticipated, but still challenging to regain my stamina and strength enough to take part in routine daily activities (like showering, dressing, feeding dogs). I look forward to beginning an exercise program and swimming as soon as the hole left by the feeding tube closes up.

I lost my job while in the hospital and have started interviewing for a new job. I have a promising job lead and hope to start working again within the next week or two. Not sure if I can handle FT work, but I am so broke from not working for 3.5 months, I have to find the energy.

I said to the liver specialist at my last appointment, "I never expected anything like this would ever happen to me" to which he replied, "No one does." It was a "duh" moment for me, but what I needed to hear. I am happy to be getting my life back.
 
I'm so glad you posted this. I think of you often and wish you had not had to go through such a terrible experience, and I'm relieved to learn that you are now so greatly improved. The energy will come back with time, and of course you need to have some $ coming in but try not to overdo it, as that could set back your recovery. It's so sad the things we have to go through to lose weight, isn't it! Someday...
 
I'm so glad you posted this. I think of you often and wish you had not had to go through such a terrible experience, and I'm relieved to learn that you are now so greatly improved. The energy will come back with time, and of course you need to have some $ coming in but try not to overdo it, as that could set back your recovery. It's so sad the things we have to go through to lose weight, isn't it! Someday...

Thanks for your response, Larra. I am so thankful for having the support of my family and everyone here. My family reminded me that I have always been a strong person and I will recover. The hardest part was realizing that this surgery did not only affect me, but also my family. I am so sorry that they had to worry about whether or not I was going to die, travel out of state to see me, and stay with me after discharge to help take care of me. The surgery took a psychological and financial toll on them as well. There are times when I feel very selfish for putting them through this. Now, I am focusing on putting this behind me, taking myself off the hook, and moving forward with life.
 
What an ordeal you have been through! Revisions are nothing to be taken lightly. I am happy to know you are on the road to recovery I hope it is smooth from here on out.
 
What a scary story, but I'm so thankful it is having a happy ending. Being alive IS a happy ending, however I'm not discounting how stressful it is to be out of work and still not have energy to do much. I second the reminder to not push too hard too soon and cause your body more problems. Things will work out. As for feeling bad you put family through this, it was not in your control (the complications) and you did it initially to help your situation so don't feel bad. I'm sure you'd have done the same thing for your loved ones, family does what it takes. Getting 50 pounds off will make moving around easier and the energy you do regain will go further!:geek:
 
What a scary story, but I'm so thankful it is having a happy ending. Being alive IS a happy ending, however I'm not discounting how stressful it is to be out of work and still not have energy to do much. I second the reminder to not push too hard too soon and cause your body more problems. Things will work out. As for feeling bad you put family through this, it was not in your control (the complications) and you did it initially to help your situation so don't feel bad. I'm sure you'd have done the same thing for your loved ones, family does what it takes. Getting 50 pounds off will make moving around easier and the energy you do regain will go further!:geek:

I tell myself the same thing Susan. Sometimes I catch myself on the guilt trip and I have to remind myself of what you mentioned.
 
Thanks so much for sharing this with us, and congrats on the recovery trend (finally) - you more than deserve it! Wishing you continued success with your newfangled innards. :)
 
I've been traveling and only been on here sporadically in the past two months so missed the horrific details of your ordeal. Good grief, girl. You've been to hell and back. I'm so glad things are looking up and wish you luck in job hunting.
 
Hey @Settledownnow haven't heard from you for awhile. I think about you and your post-op struggles often. How are you doing? Better, I hope.
 

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