[TennWoman]

I am scheduled for colon resection surgery on Weds, Sept 12. I have been online all night to find answers to my questions. I found this forum but there aren't too many posts.

I have anemia. It prompted a colonoscopy where they found a mass that was too big to remove. Biopsy showed no cancer, but I was told I needed the resection.

I am obese, 270 lbs. Has anyone had this open surgery that had a large belly? Did it interfer with the surgery? Being on the liquid/soft diet pre and post, did you lose weight?

In terms of pain, did you take meds? Did they help?

Does anyone know of any other websites that addresses this surgery?

Thank you for taking the time to read this and hopefully answering a question or two for me.

[UroDoc]

I have done surgery on men and women in your weight class. It doesn't make it any easier but not that much harder. The bigger issue will be possible problems with post operative healing since you will be at higher risk of wound infection or breakdown because of the large amount of fat under the skin which in general has a poor blood supply as opposed to muscle or skin. Also it will be important for you to take deep breaths and get walking as soon as they say it is okay, to decrease your chances of pneumonia and blood clots.

Pain meds do help, depending on your surgeon and anesthesia person they may offer you an epidural or patient controlled pain medication via a pump post operatively. You press the button to get the pain medication, it is set so you can't overdose yourself.

You may lose some weight with the liquid diet but it would depend on how long you are on it.

Good luck.

[Sharon]

I had a colon resection done on Aug.17th and am also obese. The scar begins about midway down the stomach and continues through the navel and a few inches below it. The portion above the navel is healing more quickly than the navel and below but I saw my surgeon this week and he said it all looks good. I am applying Vitamin E daily to the scar. (Just cut the tip off the Vitamin E capsule and squeeze, spread with a Q-tip.) The pain immediately after leaving recovery was very intense but I had an extreme drop in blood pressure and was unable to receive pain meds until my pressure started to increase. Once the pressure started to rise, I was given a morphine pump, which was wonderful! I was also given injections in my lower stomach everyday to help prevent blood clots. I was in ICU for 2 days due to the blood pressure issues and then moved to a regular room. If you get the morphine and begin to itch, let them know so they can give you benedryl. I was up the next evening sitting in a chair. I am a huge coward but moving to the chair and walking the hall was not all that painful. A central line was inserted near my collarbone instead of an IV line in my hand, which meant that blood could be drawn from it, injections given through it, as well as the IV liquids. I also had a catheter for a few days. I recommend taking some Depends with you to the hospital for "accidents" the first few days once your bowels begin to move unless your hospital will provide them. Mine did not. I was in the hospital for 10 days, on just water for 7 days and then a liquid diet 2 days before getting any solids. I find that I feel full after a few bites and don't have much of an appetite, but don't think I've lost much weight. After coming home, I have rarely needed to take any pain medication. I also suggest using lots of lotion on your backside (legs, buttocks and back) to prevent irritating your skin since you will be spending a lot of time on your back. I hope this has been helpful and wish you a speedy recovery.

[TennWoman]

Thank you Sharon. Everything you said was very helpful. I think it helps a lot to know what is coming. I had not heard anything about the depends but I sure will take your advice on that issue! I am glad that you are doing well.

[brendasbiz]

I lost 5 pounds but as soon as I started eatting I gained the 5 pounds back.