My story

[MJ704 0]

Today makes 1 week since I had my VSG. I had surgery on 6-21-11. I began the pre surgery diet on 6-7-11 and my starting weight was 274.8 (I know it doesn't sound like a lot but it felt 100 lbs heavier). After the two week diet my weight on the day of surgery was 258.8 lbs. The first two days of my diet was the hardest thing I had ever done in my life!!!! Surgery went very well, no issues at all. I do have a couple of complaints..... NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT THE GAS PAINS.......OMG!!! I now know why babies cry for gas.. I am a 31 year old man, and I was doubled over in the bed like I was in labor with triplets... 2nd complaint..... My foley cath would not drain correctly,,,so in the middle of the night my bladder would be so full I had to stand up just to get it to drain (and it will let out about 400-500 cc). The pain from the surgery was not bad at all, the pain was actually due to the JP drain that was place (I believe) because once it was taken out, I felt so much better... The next day after surgery I had to do a swollow study to make sure everything was good. After 10-15 of standing and waiting for the radiologist to come in the room I was told to get a huge mouth full of the contrast and swollow.. He wanted me to take another gulp but after seeing me gagging and about to vomit he quickly changed his mind.. The pain from the study was so much I needed liquid pain meds as soon as I got back to my room. Needless to say I threw it all up and that HURT LIKE A S.O.B!!!! After discharge I went home,,passed some gas, took some pain meds and slept for like 4 hours...YOU GET NO sleep IN THE HOSPITAL... Drinking was very hard for me the first day or two after getting home. I was almost at the point of dehydration, and my Protein intake was next to nothing. I eventually made myself drink until I felt better. Diarrhea set in on the 3rd day, I was told it was due to the liquid diet (Liquid in, Liquid out) it finally resolved yesterday. Today makes a week for me and my weight today is 243.8. AND FOR THE GUYS.... They shave your stomach hair so I have been itching like a crazy man and I have 6 incisions that have the dura-bond on it so I can't scratch those areas. I have finally move to a pureed diet and it is not too bad (stage 1-2 baby food, bleended greek yogurt, refried beans).... Keep me in your prayers!!

[Nancy Rivers 24]

Congratulations on making it through the surgery and welcome to the forums! Thank you for sharing your story. So sorry you had such pain. Many people report having pain from the gas after the surgery. It will get better though.