Ugh, the surgery went great but afterwards I had so much nausea. It took the better part of the DOS for the dr. to figure out the right cocktail of Rx to stop the nausea. We eventually got there. If I ever need surgery again I now know to tell the anesthesiologist to add more anti-nausea meds and to include a behind the ear patch too.

I had my upper GI scan later in the afternoon DOS (surgery time was 7:45 AM. Scan was 4:30 PM) and everything was clear. I was allowed to start my water intake around 6 PM. I am drinking 2 - 1/2 oz cups of liquid every 15 minutes. With the naps I am taking during the day I have not been able to get in the required post op amount of liquid. This morning, before my shake I am making sure I get in at least 8 oz of water.

Now that I am home I am struggling with pain at the port site as well as pain in my left shoulder. I am taking my pain meds (the children's chewable Tylenol gave me a stomach ache). I can also feel the band which is very odd. I am wondering how long it will take to heal and feel normal again. I see my surgeon Fri, 8/21, so I will ask him these questions then.

MNTwinmom seems like you went through a bummer post op. Sorry about that. I don't know if this will help much at all, but I was banded on August 4. It took 1 entire week before I felt 'human' The pain in the left shoulder still comes and goes but it is not a constant pain and I feel it less and less each day. As far as the port pain - I have to honestly say that I didn't experience it immediately post op, but I do now and it is just like I have a pulled muscle. Sometimes getting from a sitting to standing position i really feel it, but it is just discomfort - not pain. So in answer to your question give yourself a GOOD week. As I previously posted those first couple of days post op had me wondering if I had made the right decision. How people go back to work in 3-4 days was simply beyond me. I couldn't even stay up and moving for more than a hour or so. I go back to work on Tuesday, which is 2 weeks post op and I can honestly say I feel well enough to put in a good days work. I know you will hear it a million times, but do believe it - It does get better. Now I am looking forward to the next part of the journey - my first fill which isn't until September 11. Good Luck to you and trust me you will be on the road to your ole self real soon. Listen to your body!

Ugh, sorry to hear about the nausea. That sounds awful. I had the pain in the shoulder as well. According to the surgeon and nurses I had it's completely normal. I guess the gas they put into your abdomin for surgery can travel other places after, often your shoulder. There's really nothing you can do for it, but it will pass. I tried massaging or having others massage mine and it eventually went away. I take children's liquid tylenol. I don't know if that will be any better for your stomach. I still have slight discomfort at my port sight, but no pain besides that and I am almost 2 weeks post op. Each day it will get better as you heal. It depends on the person though. Def ask your surgeon these questions too. I see my dr. for my post op on Tues. and have a list of questions for him already. Best of luck.

Keep walking...it helps the body to absorb the gas bubbles that are causing you pain. Get in as much liquid as you can as staying hydrated is the most important thing right now. Ask your doc for an anti-nausea Rx just in case you get to the point of vomiting (can damage the band stitches if you're not healed). Good luck; you should be turning the corner soon! -BG

Thanks everyone! I am feeling so much better even after my hospitilization 1 week post-op (see most recent blog).