newjrny85

This was a big decision for me and it took me a very long time to make peace with it. Along the way, I spoke with my aunt, my best friend who also happens to be my coworker, and my sister. Those three people encouraged and listened to me. My immediate family and beat friends know. Also, I work in a very small business in tight quarters and my coworkers have become like family. So, very few people know and I intend to keep it that way. For those who ask, I am eating less and exercising more.... Which are both very true. Good luck!

Hi everyone! I had my sleeve surgery on Jan 4 and this morning I woke up what I can best describe as pulling pain the left of my belly button. I spoke with the nurse practitioner at the surgeon's office who explained I have a large internal suture which is keeping my pouch and small intestine attached and that this suture will dissolve in 5 weeks. Anyone else had to deal with more pain in the third week? I'm in a bad shape right now and don't want to take anymore time off work. Thanks I'm advance for the comments

Good luck everyone!! I am almost 3 weeks post-up (Jan 4). My advice is to pack lip balm and GasX strips to the hospital. Don't get discouraged if you can't swallow plain water the day after which seems to have happened to a lot of people other than myself. Just remain calm and practice makes perfect.

Hi Missy! It's exactly as you're describing it. Tylenol Extra Strength is just not cutting it. I'm going to ask the doctor for prescription pain killer tomorrow.

Here are my thoughts for when I came home: -Pain was minimal but it's difficult to adjust to laying on a flat bed and I missed the handles on the hospital bed a little. My husband pulled me up every morning for the first week and he was the only one to pull me up where I felt no pain because he did all the work -I'm 30 years old and very active despite being obese so it was an adjustment to move slowly and to be careful. -I live in a second floor walk up and going down the stairs was not fun.... Going up was much easier. -Honestly, I only paced in my apartment which is pretty big but I didn't go for a walk outside... I was in pain and didn't have enough energy to do so for the first 5 days. -I was permitted to be on full liquids day 5 and I made lentil Soup, broccoli soup, butternut squash, and all of them are now in the freezer. -You don't realize how little you eat and I ended up making too much. -Make chicken broth ahead of time so you can put together Soups in no time by putting the ingredients in a pot and emersify when all cooked. -Drinking 64 oz of liquids is an impossibility. Drinking Water has become a major chore... I'm okay with gulps but sipping is much more comfortable. It takes me hours to finish a bottle of water which is so weird. -Each day you feel a bit better. -Let people take care of you -I had a BM 5 days post surgery -I took a Dulcolax a couple of days later, it was a bad idea. My doctor said when I begin to drink more water, my BM will become normal. -I went to post-op on Wednesday, 9 days after surgery and all was well. -I over planned and had too much fun this weekend hanging out with family and friends... I'm laid up now because the bigger incision hurts whenever it wants... I took a strong pain killer and don't plan on getting out of the couch til bedtime. -I walked for 30 minutes one morning this week and needed a 2 hour nap afterwards. Listen to your body and let it guide you. I had 2 ounces of chili last night which my doctor said I should begin trying chunky soups... It was an okay experience after much chewing. Best of luck to everyone!!

This is a great post and I have enjoyed reading everyone's feedback. My surgery weight was 320 and I was sleeved on Jan 4 and tomorrow will 2 weeks out. Here are things that I noticed worth mentioning for people who are prepping to go into surgery, the first comment is my experiences in the hospital: -I was pretty anxious and apprehensive until the day of the surgery, it really helped to read different threads on here, my favorite being 'You know you lost weight when...' Highly recommend it to make you relax and laugh a little. I read all of the 500+ comments. -The day of the surgery, I was oddly calm and cool... The pre-op nurse complimented me on being very cheery and positive. I was joking around with the nurses and the anesthesiologist who was a nice guy. -If offered, definitely get the abdomen tap (name?) In which the anesthesiologist will use an ultrasound machine to inject meds into muscles just below the ribcage. The needles are pretty long so definitely let them sedate the area first. Also, you may get brief amnesia from this particular anesthetic which was fine for me. -I had never been under general anesthesia and in the recovery room, I was extremely restless... I had the desire and the energy to jump off the bed and run. So, I was a very big pain in the butt to the nurses but just moaning and groaning and I continuously moved my legs. I sort of had no control over my body or my mind... I was not mean or nasty to the nurses but just was begging them to let me walk. It took about 3 hours for me to get to a hospital room and o was very glad to go for a walk and continued to walk every hour that night. -Day #2 was very difficult for me. I was having difficulty drinking anything as bubbles continued to move up my esophagus and giving me extreme discomfort. -Gas pains were painful but not as bad as described by others. The hospital provided a masseuse who came in and gave me a shoulder massage where I could feel bubbles moving down to my lower back. That is my big suggestion, get someone to literally rub you in a downward motion which will help. -I regretted the surgery the morning of Day 2... It was a very emotional time especially since I felt like I'd never be able to leave since I couldn't drink on my own. -Make sure to surround yourself with positive people, my family in the hospital and my friends visiting really kept up my spirits and helped me carry on. -Day 3, I passed gas and continued to do so... GasX strips my sister in law brought me the night before worked like magic. -I was in better spirits and was able to swallow on my own -Overall, pain I could deal with and luckily, very little nausea but (THANK GOD) no vomiting.

Congratulations!!!

Acher, I'm sorry about your difficult time... I hope you're all better! Take good care

Hi everyone! I had my sleeve on Jan 4 and yesterday, I went in for my first post op appointment with the surgeon. I'm doing well enough to come into work for a few hours today... It has been a challenge sitting in an office chair but I get up every so often and move around.

Good luck everyone going in this week!! Tomorrow will be 1 week post op for me. You will feel better as everyday goes on.

Hey everyone! What are some of the initial changes to noticed in the first month? I know some people have mentioned not having a lot of energy and some having a lot... People struggling with new relationship with food.... Just looking for initial feedback. Thank you!!

Hi Djmohr! Congratulations to you! The site has been very helpful especially with the pre op nerves and anxiety! My first appointment is on Wednesday which is 9 days post op but 7 days after leaving the hospital. So far, the recovery hasn't been as bad as o was expecting it to be... I have some pain in the incision sites and learning to follow the nutritional guidelines. Thank you for your feedback!!

Thank you, Kathy! Yea, everyone is different but I guess I'm just looking for some feedback on the first few weeks since I had my surgery 6 days ago. I'm home recovering which has been a challenge for a busybody/workacoholic like me. I'm doing pretty well, drinking was a challenge for me too and I stayed an additional night in the hospital. This app will not allow me to change the subject line but I did change the question since the responses have been more critical than helpful. I do appreciate your insight lol and I always wished I knew how to play the piano.

Hi everyone! I was sleeved on Jan 4 and just got home from the hospital. The most difficult parts of the process was immediate post-op and getting out of anesthesia. I felt very restless and agitated. The incisions are surprisingly not as painful as I expected. The only one more tender is the one above my belly button where the stomach came out of... The gas pains are the worst. I walked more on the first day than the second day but it absolutely helped. Also, gasx strips helped this morning as well. I'm having a difficult time getting liquids down my throat because bubbles come up. I may be swallowing too much air and the surgeon also explained that the pinch at the bottom of my esophagus is pretty tight right now and will stretch as it is a muscle. Otherwise, I am doing pretty well. I have a lot of family and friends who have/are visiting. I'm letting people take care of me for once.... And it has been pampering. Any suggestions are welcome on how to swallow better.... The surgeon suggested trying a straw which he said will most likely not work and he was right. I'm doing better than yesterday. Thanks, everyone!

Hi January Sleevers! Just had mine on Monday, Jan 4. I was in the hospital for two nights because I wasn't able to get fluids down my esophagus due to air bubbles coming back up my throat. I came home yesterday afternoon, feeling better than yesterday. Gas pains are the worst. Pack GasX strips.... They help!! Also, walk, walk, and walk!! On the day of the surgery, I walked a lot more than the next day and I still had gas pains. The day after the surgery was the most difficult for me.... Both physically and emotionally. So, be prepared for some doubts and some remorse as your healing begins.... It will all pass. I am so much more positive day 4 and ready to conquer all of the challenges! Best of luck to everyone going this month, please keep us all posted!!

How are you feeling?

Hi everyone! 2 days post op and just came back home this afternoon. The surgery went as well as expected, in addition to the sleeve, my hiatal hernia was fixed. I've been suffering from acid reflux and hopefully, this will help it. Gas pains were/are the worst. I'm also having a difficult time getting liquids down because of the air bubbles in my esophagus. It has been very discouraging and annoying. Today, I am doing better than yesterday.

Okay, thank you, again. I will go to sleep now. Will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Thank you so much for the list and the words of encouragement! I'm about 10 hours away and due in the hospital in 8 hours.... I'm anxious but feel ready.

Great tips, thank you!

Hi Everyone! Happy New Year! I'm scheduled for the sleeve tomorrow at 9 AM. My doctor ordered me to have a light Breakfast this morning and Clear liquids for the remainder of the day. So, I just had my "last meal" of scrambled eggs and some fresh fruit. The doctor's office and the hospital gave me tips on what to pack... Any suggestions? Thanks, everyone!

Thank you, Scott!

Thank you so much!

Congratulations!! I'm going in for my sleeve tomorrow morning at 9 AM. Very pumped!! And, still nervous lol. Any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated Thanks!!

I'm scheduled for surgery on Monday, 1/4. I just spent 2 hours reading every single post and I am very inspired by all of the success. Thank you for sharing your beautiful stories. You have made a difference in my attitude and I'm now looking very much forward to Monday and willing to take on the "unknown" post op. Thank you, again.