Nurse96

Best of luck to you!! Please let us know how you're doing post op! I'll be thinking of you!! You're almost there!!

I'm 6 days post op and still in a lot of pain. More pain than I anticipated. I'm not a baby about pain at all. In fact, I had 2 c-sections and a spinal fusion, and bounced back with no issues and hardly required pain meds. This sleeve surgery however, has been different. Two of my six abdominal incisions are so painful. The large one in my upper right abdomen is where the surgeon explained that he used some long loop of a suture that he anchored to something inside (details are sketchy, because I was on strong IV pain meds when he saw me the day after surgery and explained this) and he said this was "so I didn't get a hernia". That is my largest incision, and the pain there seems to be subsiding slowly. The site is about an inch wide and seems to cause an indentation on my abdomen that the other incisions aren't doing. I guess whatever he anchored it to is pulling it inward causing the "dent" in my skin. The most painful incision is the one on the far left of my abdomen, the lowest incision. It burns so bad every time I twist my body, bend over, lift my leg, touch that area, etc. I know that burning can be nerves regenerating but this pain is very severe and seems to be getting worse instead of better. I'm doing a little better with eating and drinking, although I do get sharp, stabbing pains in my sternum with most every swallow. I assume this is just post op swelling and will subside...? Any thoughts from any of you further out in your journey than me? I'm just checking if these things seem normal to those that have had surgery. I'm definitely in the "what was I thinking" stage right now.

Thanks for your response. I'm going to call the doctor tomorrow if this situation stays the same. I has planned on going back to work today but decided to wait until next week with all of this discomfort I'm having. I'm not putting anything on my incisions at all. The burning is a deep, internal type of pain. Also, when I had the swallow study done the day after surgery, the X-ray tech mentioned how slow the fluids were in traveling down my esophagus. At that time, I assumed it was due to swelling, but I assumes things would be moving along quicker by now. I just need to feel better. Thanks a lot for your support! I really appreciate your feedback. This too shall pass, right?!?!

Just sending out an update letting everyone know that things are well. The worst incision pain is the one where they pulled the stomach through. I got up and walked within 30 minutes after I left PACU. Slowly, but I walked! Honestly, the pain isn't too bad, but the IV pain meds handle it if it starts to hurt. So far, so good!

Ladybug, you might not want to be where I am this exact minute, LOL. I currently have a pounding headache, am itching to death from all of the meds I've been on, and my incisions are burning like crazy! But honestly, these are all just minor annoyances and nothing that I can't deal with. This surgery really has been a breeze so far. Now I'm just starting to wonder what size sleeve he gave me, because it seems like things may go down a little too easy for having just been sleeved two days ago. Try not to worry. The nerves really got to me the two days prior to my surgery thinking all of the "what ifs". I just turned it over to God and knew that he would see me through this. Take care, and stay in touch once it's your turn.

Have you tried any of the syntax nectar powders? They are fruity drinks mixed with water. In my Opinion, they taste really good with hardly any aftertaste. Also they're totally different from the milk based protein shakes that you're so tired of. Sort of like Crystal Light but a little different. The fuzzy navel flavor and roadside lemonade were my favorite. Hope this helps a little with variety. Also, have you bought any of the torani sugar free syrups? To me, those helped so much. My favorite preop was using unsweetened plain almond milk, some ice, a vanilla protein powder, and decaf coffee crystals (I found little individual ones that are little packets), and a splash of vanilla flavored torani syrup. Reminded me of a Starbucks drink, but still on our plan. The syrups can usually be found at HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, etc for about $6 or so per bottle. Hope this helps give you an alternative to the plain old boring shakes.

Best of luck to you, Karen!! Inward sleeved yesterday and it's really not bad at all. You'll do just fine, I'm sure!! Keep us posted when you can!

It'll be here before you know it!! But I know it seems to take forever as you look at that calendar counting down the days! Best of luck to you and feel free to ask if you think of something that you haven't found here yet.

I thought I posted something earlier today but my phone isn't too fond of this site, and I guess it didn't post. Darn, because I really could've used some encouragement today when my nerves were getting the best of me!! All of the "what ifs" were swirling around in my head, and I couldn't seem to turn it off. Now though, I feel much more content and confident about tomorrow. I know that God will be with me, and it's great to know that I still have this site to turn to for support on the not so good days. Thanks so much for your support so far, and I wish you all the very best of luck! If any of you have a minute and could say a prayer for me, if greatly appreciate it! Thank you all!

Well, tomorrow at this time, I should be in the operating room. It's crazy to realize that this day is actually almost here! I've had such an influx of emotions the past few days. My anxiety, worries and fears have really increased. I've worried about post op complications, losing too much weight and getting wrinkly and looking much older, not losing enough weight, losing too much hair, and about a million other worries. I don't know why I'm doing this to myself! Trying to keep my mind busy today and get all ready for tomorrow. Best of luck to everyone, and if you think of it, please say a prayer for me (and my nerves!!) Thanks!

Best of luck to you!! My turn tomorrow!!

Best of luck, Ladybug!! My surgery is the day after yours!! Let us know how it goes if you're up to it. Prayers for a great surgery and a smooth recovery!

Hi. I went back and forth all say trying to decide if I should post this or not, because I saw a similar post a few weeks ago, and in my opinion, the comments to the lady that posted were downright rude and condescending. I decided to go ahead and post, because this is supposed to be a forum of support for times when were having a hard time, right?!?! Please be kind to me if you choose to reply... I'm having the sleeve this coming Thursday and have been on a preop Atkins induction diet for the past 11 days (high Protein and low carb) Last week, I followed it perfectly, drank my Water, logged my intake, and totally kept my carbs to below 20 as instructed. I lost 12 pounds. However this week, as surgery approaches, I'm finding it harder and harder to stay on track, and much hungrier. I start my day off well and as the day goes on, I do worse and worse. I have eaten a big dessert or candy anything like that, but I sneak a slice of cheese, or a handful of sesame seeds in mindlessly. I was never much of a snacker at all, but these past few nights, I keep sabotaging myself and grabbing whatever foods I see. Is this "head hungger"? Or stress eating? I don't know. I just hope this doesn't mean that I'm not ready for the surgery and that I will fail once again post op. Wow is this a hard adjustment already. Anyone else ever feel this way getting so close to surgery, feeling stressed and finding it hard to stick to the preop diet?!?!

Hi Tonya! I'm not too far behind you! I'm due to have sleeve surgery this Thursday, 4/3. It's good to hear that you're doing okay overall. I hope the pain continues to subside. Hang in there and stay in touch when you can!!

Thanks so much, Pkdvm! It sounds like you are making some good decisions in advance that will help you be ready once your time for the pre-op diet comes. I did some of that (ordered several shakes to try, Vitamins, bought a vegetable steamer, indoor grill, increased my Water intake, etc.), but didn't really watch my carbs until I started this pre-op diet. I guess it's been a shock to my system or something. Best of luck to you in your journey! Look me up when it's time for your surgery and I'll give you a status update on how I'm doing if you'd like to hear it. Take care, and thanks again for taking the time to offer me some support.

Thank you so much for your support, Newbeginning2014!! I typed my response three times, and then realized that my computer wasn't connected to the internet, so I apologize in advance if my response shows up multiple times here. It's so nice to know that you can relate to the struggles that I'm having right now. As much as I tried last night, my phone wouldn't let me edit my profile...it was actually sunflower seeds, that I was eating nonstop, not sesame seeds. I have found that sunflower seeds must be a new "trigger food" for me. It seems like every time I walk into the kitchen, I have to grab a handful or two (or more). I have learned that I can't have them in the house anymore. They sure do taste good, but they are VERY addicting to me. Thanks too, for being so honest about the gelato. I can relate to that 200%!! It's like I'm so torn... On one hand I know how important it is to shrink this liver of mine before surgery, but yet on the other hand, I keep thinking that this is the last time I can eat certain things, and I really don't like that part! I know that's not true, and that in the future, I can eat most anything that I'd like, just in much smaller amounts, but right now, my mind can't seem to understand that idea. It's like I'm in survival mode or something! I'm hoping that tomorrow is better than today (which was much better than yesterday), and that before I know it, it'll be Thursday, and then I won't have much of a choice to eat like this anymore. I guess, in a way, it just solidifies my decision to have this surgery...obviously, this isn't something that I have been able to do on my own, and I do need this "tool" to succeed. It's so nice to have the support of someone who can honestly relate to how I'm feeling! When is your surgery? I wish you the best of luck in your pre-op diet (starting on my surgery date of all days!!), and hope you stay in touch when you can. Take care and thanks so much for letting me know that i'm not alone in this journey!

Thanks, Maples, for your response. I'm so glad to know that I'm not alone in this. I just keep getting so mad at myself, knowing that each day is one day closer to surgery and I'm still not following things as well as I should have. Today was better. I've really monitored my carbs, and did great until dinner time. I don't know if I let myself get too hungry, or why I seem to be famished after 5 pm. I did go over by about 5 carbs (I'm allowed to have 20 carbs, and I had 25 today), but not nearly as bad as I did a few days ago. I'm praying that I have my head on straight and that this mindset continues. Carbs have always been my downfall, so this is just a huge adjustment. I guess it's a good way to prepare for the surgery and how I'll be eating post op. Hopefully these first few months after surgery, I'll have trained my stomach and my mind enough to make much better habits by the time I start getting hungry again down the road. Thanks to everyone for your support. I know that I can do this, I'm just down on myself when I struggle with carbs especially. Best of luck to each of you in your journey!

Thank you both. I always start out strong in the morning, but it's like my willpower decreases as the day goes on. Like I said, I haven't had anything really "bad", but I've definitely had trouble keeping my carbs below 20 each day, especially the last few days. I'm wondering if I was doing better last week because I had better control of the carbs, and now that I don't, it's causing me to overeat (due to the carb cravings). Tomorrow is a new day, and I'll try once again. I appreciate the feedback. Thank you!

Please excuse the typos...darn auto correct!

Thank you, Patsypatrice! It's SO nice to hear from someone who has already been there!!

Hi Lynne! My surgery is at 10 am on Thursday. My surgeon says two nights, but I've heard of people just staying one night. Guess it'll depend on how I feel by then. I'm in SC. Best of luck to you, and please stay in touch!

Cari73, I can totally relate. Seems like we have a lot in common. I will be 40 in September, and my height is about the same as yours. I weigh about 215 now after doing about a week and a half of the preop diet (my surgery is this coming Thursday). I think we just have to go with our gut, and do this for health, like you said. I wish you the best of luck, and I'm so thankful for this site too. Such a wealth of great information and support!!

Thanks for the update!! I have surgery next week, so it's great to hear that you're doing so well! Wishing you a speedy recovery!!

Haha!!! Love the "used to be 300 pounds" reply! I may have to use that one! I'm a "lightweight" too, and get lots of looks and comments. My BMI is above 40 though, so they need to zip it! I'm doing this for me and I've researched things to the ends of the earth. Don't let those stares bother you!! Best of luck!

Best of luck to you!!! Keep is posted when you can!