How much pain with revision?

[kblubyu]

I am an open revision from RNY to DS on Feb 7 with Dr. Keshishian and will be flying to CA from VA. I have been reading all the posts here for awhile, but use my IPad and for some reason cannot post with it. Dragged out the old laptop to chime in here. I had also posted this question at OH. I know I will have pain with the surgery but am wondering how much pain you had on awakening in recovery? Does Dr. K ever use a pain ball or epidural? Also, I don't have my consult until the Friday prior to surgery, so do I need to buy specific vitamins ahead of time?

Thank you!

[clpeltz]

I didn't have Dr. K, but had an open revision from RNY to DS in April of 2011. My original RNY was done lap in May of 2008. Comparing those two, the pain was less with the open surgery. There was, of course, pain upon wakening. I had a morphine pump to use for pain control between regular doses. I didn't skimp on it at all, and you shouldn't either. The quicker you get the pain controlled, the quicker you can get up walking and that will help with pain as well.

[Girlrocker]

I had my open revision from RNY to DS on Dec 15, 2011 with Dr. K. My lap RNY was in 2002, I had a complication and second, open surgery 4 weeks later, open hernia repair a year after that. The pain was comparable for me in all the surgeries. Which, considering the scope of a RNY/DS revision, is amazing. The first few days/week are always the hardest. I had a morphine pain pump but actually preferred liquid lortab, and I needed some liquid tylenol for headaches. I was in the hospital for 5 days, and stopped taking pain medication the day after I came home. Try not to anticipate, think about it too much Also, below is a link I posted on the revision board, a 3-week update. I think the world of Dr. K. I'm sure he scheduled your consult like that to minimize your travel expenses.

As for vitamin supplements, they're pretty hard to get in the first couple of weeks post-op. Get a chewable multi and calcium citrate, that's what he'll recommend, to get started. Then you can look at Vitalady and add, your labs will determine what else you need. Is someone traveling with you for your surgery? I live 15 minutes away from the hospital, so if you want someone to talk to who has been through this, I can send you my info. You're in excellent hands with Dr. K!


weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=fix&thread=908&page=1

[kblubyu]

thanks so much. I have read all your posts, so followed you on your journey. I would have loved for you to come to the hospital, but my surgery is in Delano as my family lives in Fresno. I tell you, I am just dreading the recovery room pain. I am totally prepared to die, have taken care of all my business, but it is that level 10 pain upon waking that I can't handle. Some anesthesiologists have believed me and the dreamy, floating sensation was such a relief. Oh well, I am desperate for this surgery, so it's not a deal breaker.

[Girlrocker]

{{{{Kathy}}}} First, thanks for the kind words. Delano is a fine hospital, I can't say enough what good hands you are in all around. We all have our fears - mine happens to be needles. I'm a super hard stick, so what I dreaded most about surgery was the blood draws, the IV, the every 4-hour heprin shots after surgery! Our tolerance to pain is different for each of us. The first time you wake up is pretty much an oy vey, but you'll be so out of it, you'll nod off again, that is, until they wake you up to walk You will be horrified by the notion but walking is important for circulation, and good for the pain and you. Having our affairs in order, particularly for major surgery of course is a good idea. You'll have a pain pump which you can hit and don't be shy about asking for something else if you need it, rate your pain.

But try to...Breathe! It truly is a very small blip on the big radar that's about to be a second chance. The first week of recovery is never fun, and it will pass before you know it. If you would like a virtual angel, let me know, I can send you my info for your family or whoever is with you at surgery.