Settledownnow
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2015
- Messages
- 1,071
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.
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.