Surgery Today

[Ky.hen 5]

Sorry to hear about your pain. I hope it eases up soon.

[DownInSocal 12]

WOW SoCal so sorry to hear you were in so much pain -- I can sympathize with you on the spasming - it sucks big time and you gave a great description of how it feels. I'm glad I didn't have the pain - I do remember wondering in recovery what the heck had I done as I was in some pain; however by the time I was fully awake, it was more uncomfortable than pain. Hope you get to feeling better soon -- walk walk walk is the best thing to do.

I knew you would understand about the spasms. It was so upsetting because my doctor and the other doctors (I don't know there seemed to be ton of them) just told me I was drinking too fast. Drinking too FAST? I am drinking 1/16th of an ounce every 20 mins and that is too fast? Stick it where the sun does not shine dude. I finaly got a nurse practioner to listen and help me. I was at my wits end and almost hysterical though.

Oh the other favorite excuse was my breath tube caused it. Umm no. It is when I swallow anything but my own spit.

Are you still having trouble? Can you ask for some valium? It really does help. It lessens the lengths of the spams (from start of spasm to finish) and how many you get. Obviously you can't take it all the time but a little dose at night might help get some dinner down.

[cajun 46]

Esophageal spasms. Ouch. I hear that they can feel like a heart attack, they are so severe.

It's a shame that some physicians don't really hear what is being said...glad you found a nurse to listen and get you what you needed. Maybe if you gently warmed what you are drinking, it would go down easier. I have read on this forum that some found it worked better than cold or room temp beverages.

Did they do a hiatal hernia repair while they were in there? If so, that might irritate things a bit more than just a sleeve procedure.

Anyway, I hope the night is better than today was, so you can get some rest!

[Malaika 50]

I knew you would understand about the spasms.

Are you still having trouble?

Yes, I still have trouble with the spasming; however, it is getting better and I have learned to work around it (most of the time) Can you ask for some valium? It really does help. It lessens the lengths of the spams (from start of spasm to finish) and how many you get. Obviously you can't take it all the time but a little dose at night might help get some dinner down. Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos did not offer any drugs for the spasming, they just said to stay on mushies longer and drink warm drinks before eating and that it should dissipate in about 6 months (only 3 months and 2 more weeks to go) Besides, unless it was liquid valium, I wouldn't be able to swallow it! (I hate taking narcotics anyway)

Esophageal spasms. Ouch. I hear that they can feel like a heart attack, they are so severe.

It's a shame that some physicians don't really hear what is being said...glad you found a nurse to listen and get you what you needed. Maybe if you gently warmed what you are drinking, it would go down easier. I have read on this forum that some found it worked better than cold or room temp beverages.

Did they do a hiatal hernia repair while they were in there? If so, that might irritate things a bit more than just a sleeve procedure.

Anyway, I hope the night is better than today was, so you can get some rest!

Yes, they are very painful. Early out I felt like even Water was getting stuck. That is why I had the Upper GI when Bearded had his sleeve surgery - I'd dealt with it for a month and it wasn't getting any better - that is when they found the spasms ... I didn't say anything in the hospital because I just assumed (dangerous!) that it was normal and part of the surgery. When it didn't get better, and in fact got worse, that is when I started complaining to Gaby.

I did have a hiatal hernia repaired so that may be what caused the problem -- Dr. Campos said one month out I still had swelling and that there was some scar tissue.

I'd say the past 2, maybe 3 weeks, things have started improving -- or I've learned to deal with it -- I ONLY drink WARM beverages in the morning until lunch time - I don't try to eat anything before then. At lunch I am able to eat pretty much anything as long as it is very moist (scrambled eggs still don't go down well and neither did potatoe skins). The same is true for dinner. I've also found that drinking something really cold will start me spasming, so I've turned to sucking on ice cubes-- I get the cold, but the liquid trickles down my throat and doesn't cause it it spasm.

Hang in their SoCal it does get better -- I think, finally, at almost 3 months out I am no longer having the thought "WHAT THE HELL DID I DO?" and am leaning more and more towards "loving my sleeve".

I am down 42.2 lbs. as of this morning and my surgery was 6/12/09.

Any other questions, feel free to ask - I'll be honest!

Edited August 30, 2009 by VegasAngel
typo

[DownInSocal 12]

Vegas if things get too bad ask for some from your PCP. You can use a pill crusher (my husband found one at our local CVS) to mush it to dust and then mix it with an ounce of Propel Water. I did not even taste it. The Propel covered it up. I understand not wanting to take narcotics but I think sometimes you just need relief from an ongoing problem. You have been dealing with this for so long. I was about to lose my mind after 24 hours of it. I can't even imagine going longer. You must be made of steel.

Drinking no cold liquids does help but my nurse mother states warm liquids can really get the juices flowing in the stomach. I guess we are in a catch 22. I feel like my new stomach is a baby. I have no idea what it needs sometimes. Are you hungry? Are you gassy? Are you acidy? Did I swallow to fast? Did I swallow too much? Am I in the wrong position? What on earth do you want?

I have zero regrets. I would do this all over again 10 times.

Oh no hernia or repair needed cajun.

[JageK 0]

I had a pretty rough time too, you're not alone! I didn't experience the spasms but I had unbearable gas pain! After they took my pain pump away, the only thing they would give me was the liquid Tylenol. Congrats on the surgery, it will only get better from here!

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Man, I am so sorry to hear so many of you are having problems. I have no problems what so ever, so I guess I better find some wood to knock on. I take a handful of pills with about 24 oz of Water every morning and evening, with no trouble. I better start counting my blessings.

[DownInSocal 12]

Daisy I think your body had been through so much with the band that this was a breeze. I was a virgin and not sure what to expect :drool5: I am also a big baby when it comes to pain.

[AJW 18]

It sounds like you did not have the morphine spinal, or did you? Because that really makes a huge difference in the pain levels. Dr. Aceves team uses that. I know you were here in the States for your surgery. I remember the anestheiologist telling me that this was a very PAINFUL surgery and that's why they do the morphine spinal. By the time it wears off completely, about day 3, you're no longer in pain. I did not have bad pain at all, just digestive upset as would be expected. I had a hernia repaired as well, but never had spasming. I'm sorry you had such a hard time, and hope you're better now.

[SIZE SEVEN 0]

Good Luck today...The next few weeks will be the toughest as you adjust to your "new life" but I can assure you, things get better every day! I am two months and two weeks from my surgery and feeling great! I am learning to eat new things and forget the old fried stuff (my sleeve doesn't like it therefore neither do I!). I am feeling better every day...Just remember, the first month will be the hardest...don't give up! Use this time to become a healthier eater and focus on your future! It's not easy the first month...your old self wants you to slip back into bad habits, but your "sleeve police" won't let you! Good luck today!!!! You're on your way to the rest of your great life!

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I am a big baby when it comes to pain too. I was fully expecting lots of it. My friend told me her port site was very painful for a few weeks.

Other than the first day, I really could not tell I had surgery. I am quickly reminded if I eat too much though.