MIL 6 weeks post op and we need help!

[Xorussell]

Hello everyone!

My mother in law is 6 weeks post op and she is stuck on the couch.
She is telling us that walking around the house us
Enough exercise. Can anyone fill us in? How much
Should we be pushing her to do?
What is the minimum at this point?
We think she is in a funk. Is that common after
Surgery?
We are very involved with her recovery so we
Really need this forum for support and advice.
Thanks in advance to anyone that give any insight.

Any info can help us at this point!

[Missy1973]

She should be walking at least 20 - 30 minutes a day. Being depressed is very common. The exercise will help with the depression. Get her some vitamin B complex, you can get it in liquid form. I hope she feels better soon!

[ACE]

Being in a funk can happen very quickly after surgery i think its because we are down for about 2 weeks healing so once the 2 weeks is up its already become habit to stay down and not push things. At 6 weeks out she is for sure in need of more exercise. You don;t have to do hard physical things you can maybe do yoga with her and help her get into it,. I find its a very relaxing way to get the exercise i need and it leaves me feeling great mentally and physically! I use Alison.com's yoga classes they are 100% free Yoga - Free Online Courses They are 5 and 10 min's each and they can really help a lot. Also help make sure she is drinking enough and getting b-12 that can help a lot with energy levels and the desire to want to do stuff. I hope it helps and you can be a great support for her!

[Ann2]

Why don't you invite her to join this forum? She might find the support here helpful and motivating for her.

[Xorussell]

Thank you everyone...she has very limited mobility because
Of her knees. We have tried swimming. Tried sitting type things.
Tried tried tried....but I feel that her getting
So bad that she needed surgery is a result of
Her emotional issues and insecurities. Yoga is a goal.
We actually threw away her "security couch"
Yesterday. Switched around the entire living room.
She actually donated 8 bags of old clothes!!
These things only happen when we motivate her
Like a life coach.
I actually bookmarked this site and taught her how to
Search for subjects she thinks are relevant
In her journey.
As I read some of your stories aloud, she cried...
All of your suggestions are great and I will show her
This entire thread so she can see how much support
Is out there. Thanks so much for your replies.
If anyone can suggest some specific blogs that relate
To her, I will share them.
Thanks for taking the time!

[Ema]

Let your mom know we are here for her as well as for you. Many of us on here are over 60 so she'll have company near her age. Motivate her, but please remember she isn't able to motivate herself right now.

Good luck!

[Ann2]

I'm 68 years old. Traveling out of the country now on business. Can you tell us more about her -- her age, a ticker for her, etc. And do ask her to contribute here if she would like to do so. Even if she doesn't type, you could (?) show her how to read the posts here herself. I think she would love it.

[Aquajog]

Look online for some "chair excercise " that she may be able to do.. Is she getting in the amounts of protein and fluid that she should .. Not getting enough of these 2 can make her feel sluggish and not want to do anything .

[Lee6Lee]

I would give her some Excedrine Migraine...has caffeine in it. It will perk her up and get her moving. Also good for pain.

[Ann2]

Lee, is Excedrine Migraine an over-the-counter med that VSG patients can use post-op?

(Just asking, because I've never heard of this combo before: aspirin + Tylenol + caffeine.)

[Joe Poppa]

I would give her some Excedrine Migraine...has caffeine in it. It will perk her up and get her moving. Also good for pain.

Excedrin is an NSAID and should not be taken on a regular basis after gastric surgery because it can help form ulcers.

I had a chat w/my PCP, if it is necessary, occasional use of certain medicines we should avoid is ok.

[Joe Poppa]

(In reference to my previous reply re: NSAIDs)

The following drugs are examples of NSAIDs or include NSAIDs in their formula and should not be taken after weight loss surgery on a regular basis:

Advil
Aleve
Amigesic
Anacin
Anaprox
Anaprox DS
Ansaid
Arthrotec
Ascriptin
Aspirin
Azolid
Bextra
Bufferin
Butazolidin
Cataflam
Celebrex
Clinoril
Combunox
Darvon
Daypro
Disalcid
Dolobid
EC Naprosyn
Ecotrin
Equagesic
Excedrin
Excedrin IB
Feldene
Ibuprofen
Indocin
Indocin SR
Indo-Lemmon
Indomethagan
Lodine
Lodine XL
Meclomen
Mictainin
Midol IB
Mobic
Motrin
Motrin IB
Nalfon
Nalfon 200
Naprapac
Naprelan
Naprosyn
Nupin
Orudis
Oruvail
Pamprin IB
Percodan
Ponstel
Relafen
Rexolate
Tab-Profen
Tandearil
Tolectin
Tolectin 600
Tolectin DS
Toradol
Uracel
Vicoprofen
Voltaren

Please follow your PCP's & surgeon's advice, not "Dr. Joe Poppa's".
I don't "even play a doctor on TV" (for those of us that are a little older and remember that commercial)

[Dawnrogers7]

I don't "even play a doctor on TV" (for those of us that are a little older and remember that commercial)

I have to admit, I remember that commercial. Thanks for reminding me! Lol

[Lee6Lee]

Excedrine Migraine is OTC. I use it occasionally for pep. I don't get migraines, but tried it once for arthritis and it was better than anything else. But since WLS, I don't have arthritis or pain in hips or knees. Guess it wasn't arthritis!

Thank you to everyone for being so kind and tactful about my prescribing medicines. You would think I was a junkie. Actually, I'm a squeakie clean Mormon!

[Joe Poppa]

Lee, you didn't say anything wrong, you offered helpful advice.
Nobody should "flame" you over that or even criticize you.

I'll err on the side of caution and not take the medicines we aren't supposed to on a regular basis.
But given that, I will temporarily take an NSAID or other medicine that isn't advisable to take post-sleeve, if I am in discomfort and that is all I have at home, until I can get to a pharmacy (everyone needs to speak to their own surgeon, PCP and/or pharmacist regarding that, given their own personal medical history).

Thanks.