Home from the hospital

[Jensharley 9]

I had my surgery on Monday morning fully expecting it to be similar to previous surgeries if not a bit easier than some of my more intense surgeries. Things started off well until late Monday when I started having severe nausea. Due to a mis-understanding on the nurses part I wasn't getting enough anti-nausea. My doctor wanted them to give me zofan every six hours and alternate with phenergan every six hours so I would get meds every 3 hours to get on top of the nausea. They were just giving them every 6 hours and were not increasing the anti-acid either so I wound up with a large amount of acid which made me sick several times. Vomiting right after surgery is not fun let me tell you.

The swallow test Tuesday morning showed very little making it through my pouch because it was so swollen but there were no leaks thankfully. Doctor said lets keep up with the anti-nausea drugs and start liquids. Again the nurse misunderstood (by this time my doctor is really not happy) and all she offered me was a cup of Water. Wednesday morning the doctor came and said we need to see how you do on other liquids so Wednesday I started getting the clear liquid diet. I was determined to get out of the hospital so I was diligent on getting my fluids in. By Wednesday evening I asked to go home and the doctor agreed so I am home today and feeling 100% better.

There are two things I would suggest for anyone getting their sleeve. One, make sure you know what your doctor's plan to treat nausea is up front. Had I known I would not have taken the wrong answers from the nurse and I could have pushed a bit harder. Two, if something doesn't seem right (like having a stomach full of acid and a nurse is telling you nothing can be done about it) push to talk to the doctor. If I had it would have saved me a lot of pain and suffering.

I didn't go into all the gory details but I had other things that complicated things for this surgery. Would I do it all over again? Yes I would. I know this will all be worth it. Keeping my eye on the prize!

[Texasmom65 23]

Welcome to the Losers Bench Jen.

Sorry for all the nausea problems. I know that is not a good feeling. Hopefully now that your home, you will get to feeling better much faster.

[Nancy Rivers 24]

Sorry you had so many problems with nausea. Glad you are home and feeling better though!

[chumashlady 0]

Sorry you had a rough time with that, but thanks for posting so we're aware of what to watch out for. Good luck in your journey!

[Wheetsin 714]

That's a good suggestion. I had not thought too much about the nausea, but knowing the plan up front is great. Especially since I hate surprises and pretty much NEED to know what to expect.

Did you have nausea with your other procedures (i.e. is it your reaction to anesthesia, pain...) or is it just with your VSG?

[Jensharley 9]

I had not had nausea before so while I knew it might be a complication I wasn't expecting it. My doctor had the right plan for treating it but it got flubbed up by the nurse. I just think if I had known more about what my treatment should be I would have realized I wasn't being treated appropriately.

[Nancy Rivers 24]

It amazes me at how some people become nurses. My sister teaches nursing for a community college and tells me the stories of her students that she flunks out (who will typically appeal, and re-take the the class with a different instructor who doesn't care and just passes them). It's really sad. A person really has to be their own advocate - and even then sometimes have to be a little "insistent" to get the care they should.

[SeattleSue 25]

OH, that is too bad. I'm so glad you're feeling better now though. You've given some VERY good advice! Keep us posted and welcome to this side of surgery!

Susan