lizjones

thanks everyone! it's now been a week and it's definitely better. not great, but better. i still can't lay on my side (ahhhh!!!) and i still have some gas-related pain in my left shoulder but it's better. i'm really, really, really looking forward to putting this recovery stage behind me. i keep trying to tell myself that it's only been a week, but it's definitely hard.

My doctors told me the same things- that you need to give your body time to heal before you can expect any weight loss. And the fluid retention is REAL! I was 249 the morning of my surgery. The day after my surgery I was 255.5! That's more than 6lbs of fluid in a day! I was shocked to see that, but I was assured that it is totally NORMAL I'm now post-op day 4 and I still have lots of swelling and some water weight. I've decided to not even step on the scale right now and instead focus on getting well.

I was also told no to the NSAIDS- only Tylenol.

YES! I had the exact same experience. Before I even realized that I was out of surgery, all I felt was burning pain. I was also a groaning and crying mess!! I'm now post-op day 4 and it's a LITTLE better. I still need help getting up and down, but it's slightly easier. I'm also walking more and relying more on Tylenol than the big pain meds. I guess I'm just surprised by how much post-op pain there's been, but it's reassuring to know that others have felt this way and have gotten through it!!! I'm also doing better with "eating" more. I was having trouble getting in my 3 protein shakes a day, but today I actually woke up feeling hungry. I hope that taking in more protein will help with the healing. thank you all for your kind and thoughtful responses! I appreciate it, and it gives me hope!

oh wow, thank you for the tip! i'll try to push through the pain and walk more frequently! hopefully that will help.

Thanks for sharing your experiences! I don’t think I’m doing too much- I’m pretty much in recliner or in bed for most of the day. I get up (with significant help) to use the bathroom and take short walks to prevent blood clots. I’m not able to lay on my side at all and I can’t even sit myself up without help. It’s so frustrating and sore! It was done laparoscopically so I I expected soreness but I didn’t think I’d be so immobile and in so much pain. It’s justnbeen frustrating- I’m trying to take it one day at a time.

hi- i had the gastric sleeve on monday and was discharged yesterday (tuesday) afternoon. i think i was so focused on getting approved for surgery and overcoming my nerves to make it through it, that i didn't give a ton of thought regarding the post-op. i figured i'd feel tired and sore, but not like this. it's now day 3, the pain is excruciating when i get in/our of bed. last night i discovered that a reclining chair in our office is easier to get in/out of so i've been spending most of my time here. i'm still incredibly sore/in pain, but am staying on top of taking my liquid tylenol every 6 hours and pain meds every 4 (as needed). i've also started taking my vitamins. i'm doing pretty well with my water intake. i'm struggling with the protein shakes but i'm really working on it, because i'm hoping the protein will help my body heal. has anyone experienced more post-op pain than they expected? if so, when did this stage pass for you? thank you! liz

GOOD LUCK! I hope things went well.

Hi- I'm scheduled for surgery next Monday 7/9 at BI Milton in MA and I'm on 2 protein shakes a day plus 1 meal (protein + veggies + fruit, no carbs). No snacks, no caffeine, no alcohol. The first few days were TORTURE. I was lightheaded and dizzy and really cranky. Now I'm a week in and it's better physically but still hard emotionally/socially. I've decided it's good prep for post-op and it's getting me in the right frame of mind for surgery and the changes I'll need to make long-term. Hang in there! Elizabeth