It is now 4 weeks post surgery, and 3.5 weeks past when I was released from the hospital. I have gained back much of my energy, which is great. Still not gained back any weight, but that is due to my restricted diet more than anything else. Right now I am on soft foods, and what I find is that while I do not have trouble swallowing, my capacity for how much I can consume has greatly diminished. With liquids, I could eat a lot more, with more solid/soft foods, I find I can eat about a half cup; pressing myself beyond that leads to feeling uncomfortably full. But the recommendation is about 6 small meals a day, so that makes sense. I moved up my check-up appointment with the doctor. It was supposed to be at 6 weeks, but as I am feeling pretty good, and getting stir crazy at home, I decided to go in earlier and see what she says.
For those out there going through the same thing, recovery is a slower process than I thought it would be. I am not yet eating normally, but I am eating much better than before. Prior to the surgery, I was unable to even consume most liquids, and could eat only small meals before feeling the need to regurgitate. I have not thrown up at all since the surgery, which is excellent.
Physically, I feel almost at 100%. However, I still find that I get tired much quicker after doing small things like cleaning the house, or going out shopping. So overall, I still need to take it easy.
The suggested recovery time is 6 weeks. At 6-8 weeks I can start to resume a normal diet, and after 8 weeks I can return to working out/lifting/stretching/ etc. I will check in at that time to let you all know how I am doing.
Last comment/side note: I find it interesting how much the weather effects me. Michigan is mostly overcast during the winter, and on those days I find I just want to say in bed doing nothing. Today was sunny, and I was motivated to get out of bed earlier, and even grab coffee at a local coffee shop. Just think, if I had decided to recover in a sunnier state, I could have recovered more quickly!
