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How should I care for my wounds? There are usually 5-6 small abdominal incisions; each is covered by steri-strips and translucent bandages. These may be removed or left on at discharge from the hospital. Either is acceptable. A small amount of bloody discharge from the incisions is normal and is usually seen through the bandage. You may shower immediately if you have the translucent bandages. Steri-strips will be removed in our office at your first postoperative visit. If they fall off they do not need to be replaced. What may I eat at home? When you arrive home you should remain on a liquids and pureed food for one week. You may eat cereal with milk, soups, tuna fish, mashed potatoes, banana, milk shakes, and cottage cheese. In the second week you will be advanced to cooked vegetables, toasted bread, cereal with milk, pasta and cooked fish. In the third to fourth week you may be advanced to: dry bread, chunks of meat, hard fruits such as melon and apple and dry foods such as crackers. If you encounter a food that sticks in your esophagus, go back to eating softer foods for a few days. As the swelling in the esophagus subsides solid food is better tolerated. Most patients can eat all foods by 3-4 weeks following surgery.
* Boost or Ensure may be used in the first two weeks to supplement your diet and prevent weight loss. ** Remember a 10 Ilb. Weight loss is the average during this
period How should I eat? The way you eat after surgery is as important as the foods you eat. With all meals, but particularly with foods like bread, steak, and chicken, eat slowly, take small bites, and follow with sips of liquid. Allow each bite to pass through the esophagus to the stomach before swallowing the next. Eating too much food, too fast may cause a delay in the passage of food for several seconds, causing pain and occasionally vomiting. A few bites of food or sips of liquid may fill the stomach, because part of the stomach was used in creating the new valve, the capacity of the stomach is smaller. This is a temporary condition because the stomach tends to dilate to its original size over a few weeks. In this period plan to eat 5-6 small meals per day, instead of 3 larger meals. When may I resume regular activity? All usual physical activity may be resumed as indicated by your ability. Initially, you will be tired after short periods of activity but in time your energy level will increase. This is normal. Remember that although you do not have a large incision, you have had major surgery so plan on frequent rest periods. You may expect to return to your normal activity level and resume work in about 2-3 weeks depending upon your type of work. You may drive about one week after hospital discharge. More importantly you must feel well, be off narcotic pain medications and be able to move your feet to press the pedal. Remember that you are responsible for your safety, as well as that of others on the road. If you feel you would like to participate in sports, please contact your doctor. If you are still in school, you may go back to school about one week after you have been discharged. What should I be concerned about? The doctor or nurse should be notified if you experience the following: discomfort that becomes worse, or is severe, excessive drainage from the incisions, redness or swelling of the incisions, temperature greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation which continues for more than 1 to 2 days. You are also encouraged to talk to your surgeon or nurse if you have any questions about your surgery or recovery. |
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