@lilbear I would say to give yourself 6-8 mths. Since they had to stop the robot and ended up opening me up from belly button down. It may have taken longer. I was never in any pain. More discomfort. First week I was on round the clock Tylenol, Advil and a muscle relaxer.
It takes a bit for your body to adjust in that area. Small meals are a must, and I walked a lot. I also, had my own concoction cocktail for fluids. The first 4 mth's - Gatorade, Pellegrino Mineral water, coconut juice, white grape juice (no sugar)
It is uncomfortable to sleep on your sides for the first 2-3 mths My main complaint was feeling tired all the time and energy. The main thing that helped me boost my energy was red light sauna. Or just lying in the sun. When the Dr. said it was okay to take baths and swim, I was excited. Great to do all your stretching and low impact.
You will have loose stools and a lot of blood and you need to get big pads for accidents.
You will think it will never end. But it does! Once you start having normal BM's, control and no pain you will be happy!
Yes, I can eat what I want. But, you still have to make choices. You must get all your proteins, fruit and vegies.
I do not eat a lot of nuts. But, if I do it will be small amounts of what I like, and pumpkin seeds a great source of magnesium!
The only thing that has not changed is I am lactose intolerant. But, I can eat a small bowl on ice cream and only have gas. No running to the bathroom.
I can tell you that since the surgery my IBS IS GONE!