SparklesE

My pain is very tolerable now that I'm on day 8 post-op. For the past week, I have had an ice pack on my largest incision 24 hours a day. The ice packs REALLY helped tremendously! 🥶 I highly suggest getting 2 or more and keep your incision iced to numb the pain/discomfort as it heals. Last night was the first night where I could sleep without an ice pack. So my pain is definitely minimizing. I'm only taking Tylenol, Prilosec, a cramping relief medication and a gas relief medication. While in the hospital, I had pain coughing as well. I also had slight pain when taking in a deep breath. At the time, I was laying down while coughing/taking in deep breaths. I found when I stood up- that pain was not there while I was in standing position. My nurse and I both agreed that it was muscle pain and not an issue with my lungs (thank God because I was concerned about blood clots even though I have no past history). I did use a Spirometer to practice inhaling throughout my hospital stay and to reinflate my lungs after being put under anesthesia. Congratulations to you, too! I'm sorry to hear that you're coughing more. I would monitor your symptoms and reach out to your nurse if you do not feel you are improving. God forbid it's anything serious- but you don't want to wait too long if you are having lung pain (blood clots, Covid, etc)... I wish you the best and keep us posted on how you're doing. Sending love and support ♥️

I feel for you both. That's different that your hospitals are not offering anything more than Tylenol. I did receive Tylenol and also had options to request narcotics for pain relief. The Tylenol was not cutting the pain for me, so I did opt for stronger pain medicine. My medical team also sent me home with 7 Oxycodon that have really helped me through the week. I'm on day 7 (post-op) and I feel 91% better! So HANG IN THERE! 😊 I'm looking forward to my first post-op appointment tomorrow. I can finally cough to clear my throat, blow my nose, and sleep for short periods on my side (I'm celebrating all of these little milestones!). 🤗 If you can- DO request stronger pain relief and DO use them safely as needed. Don't suffer. I have read a lot of members on here who share that they did not need them. I did. I never took more than one per 24 hours but it has aided in my comfort and recovery. My surgeon made to sure mention twice that they will not be refilled (for safety). That was totally acceptable/understandable. Gas is a beast and be sure to take some gas-relief chewables. My medical team also provided this for me while in the hospital and while here at home. It was interesting how purified water here in my home would create gas in my stomach versus juice or the water I drank while in the hospital. 🤔 You'll find certain liquids/juices do bloat and create painful gas. Be sure to ask about your gas-relief options because it makes such a big difference! Out of curiosity since there seems to be a lot of variances in the actual procedure- how did your surgeon close up your incisions? My surgeon (who is the Chief of Surgery at the hospital I went to) just used medical tape and not the surgical glue that I think a lot of others use. I was surprised by this. But I am healing up well so I guess it's all good...

I find it pretty interesting as well... The pre-op diets really vary from doctor to doctor. I was instructed to do a strict 10 day liquid diet (protein shakes, broth, tea, sugar free jello) and the day before surgery I had to switch to a clear liquid diet (apple juice, tea, protein water) along with a colon cleanse laxative... Now post-op, I'm on day 6 of the post-op clear liquid diet. Tuesday (after my 1 week checkup appointment) I'll be able to go back to drinking protein shakes, coffee, tea, as well as adding 2 tablespoons of grits, mal-to-meal, and yogurt! This diet lasts for 2 weeks. I'm really looking forward to this next phase! 🤗

I'm curious since you're very transparent with your diet: can you tolerate pizza or pasta?

You got this!! 💪 Surgery is going to go better than you expect and you're going to soar! One of my biggest fears prior to surgery was if I would ever enjoy food again 😔 and I was so happy to read on this board and to hear from my medical team (who have had bariatric surgery themselves) that in fact I'll enjoy it even more in a much healthier way! Wishing you the best!

I have! It is DELICIOUS! I imagine I'm dining at Benihanas when sipping it. 😆 I added a drop of Sriracha to it last night and I loved it even more. 🌶️ I'm someone who loves spice and heat and I'm so glad that post-surgery I can tolerate spicy flavors.

I'm feeling better with each passing day. Surgery was on the 1st, I was released the next morning. Day 3, my largest incision is still pretty sensitive. I cannot cough to clear my throat or else I'm in a good amount of pain. It feels like I'm going to rupture my incision. 😳 I can swallow Tylenol capsules and liquids with little-to-no issue. I am on a 7 day clear liquid diet post-op. At my one week check-up next week I will be able to transition to full liquids including protein shakes and malt-o-meal/grits (which I'm really looking forward to!!😛). Right now, it's just apple and cranberry juice, water, tea, broth, and sugar free jello. I've also been walking around and up and down stairs. There is minor pain when ambulating, but it's tolerable. I showered the first day home with no issues. I would say so far so good! 🙌

Hahahaha 😂 You know, since you asked, I will certainly consider completely my profile and stats... I will share that I lost 12lbs doing the required 10 pre-op liquid diet. It sucked- but it worked! I have not weighed myself since day of surgery- I'm trying not to scale watch but focus on the lifestyle changes and how I feel instead (even though it's tempting). 😉

Congratulations! I had surgery on the 1st and you're absolutely right! The first few swallows of liquid are extremely UNCOMFORTABLE! 😣 At three days out- some sips are better than others. I get this bottleneck feeling where the liquid sits and then all of a sudden fizzles down into my stomach... It's taking some getting use to...

It really is an interesting topic... I have a friend who is sharing with everyone (coworkers, friends, strangers, you name it 😆) and I'm the complete opposite. I agree with you 100%! I do not need any validation from those around me- the same way I didn't need any pressure or negativity while overweight and considering my options. I received the sleeve just three days ago! I'm slowly but surely feeling better physically and happy with my decision. Like you, this wasn't as drastic as a decision for me like others may feel. Nonetheless, it was the right decision for me at the right time and I'm looking forward to this journey of good health and feeling my best!

I can imagine that the news of your surgery date being pushed out is disappointing but hang in there! January will be here before you know it! Don't stress and enjoy the time you have this holiday season! You'll be starting the new year with an incredible gift to yourself! Something to look forward to! 🌠 I'm curious if the other November Sleeve Buddies are open about their surgery with their family and friends? Like you, I have chosen to keep this to myself to allow myself to process and heal without any unsolicited input/distractions from those around me. I'm doing this for me and don't feel the need or desire to share at this point...

To be honest, it doesn't! I'm generally not a fan of apple juice but a few hours after surgery it tasted really good/mellow with my stomach.

It absolutely is! I just returned home this morning from receiving the sleeve and I was feeling all of those emotions going in on Monday for the surgery! Overall I'm feeling good! The procedure went great, I had an awesome care team, and my pain is tolerable. The first sip of water post- procedure was scary and did not feel good (I expelled it back up). However, I've been sipping well since then... I highly recommend you have some ice packs on hand (because you'll need them) for the largest incision. I'm also on a clear liquid diet so having broth, water, cranberry and apple juice on hand is helpful as well! Cheers to all of the new and improved lifestyles beginning this month! 🌠

I'm scheduled for November 1st... 😅 I'm getting nervous but I'm glad to be taking this step in changing my life for the better! This liquid diet really sucks- but I'm committed and I keep in mind that it is temporary! It's also a little stressful going to the hospital during the pandemic... I'm praying for a successful surgery and to remain Covid free... 🙌 Please send positive energy and prayers! I really appreciate it! Wishing everyone the best! 🌠

I am also scheduled for November 1st! Wishing you both the best!