Home From Surgery

[Joisey01 87]

I've about decided that I think I'm a success story already. I was sleeved yesterday. I went in very calm, rested and so ready. Even the doc was surprised at my calmness. He said he doesn't see that very often. I felt bad since the girl next to me in the pre-op room was having a meltdown.

I was the first surgery of the day. I was back in my own room by 09:00. When I was really with it, the first thing I wanted to do was walk. My hubbs was the GREATEST.

I'm not sure how it happened (probably because I was up and at 'em first) but at the 2 in the morning walk, I met up with a handful of VSG patients. I was whipping around the floor pretty quickly. I'd stop nearly everyone and gave them words of encouragement, helpful hints.

By morning I was considered the floor's head cheerleader. My reputation preceded me, I guess. It was so cool to see everyone out there getting their groove on!

THE BEST HELPFUL HINT:

I can't remember who told me this, but after surgery, may people can't pee. I was one those people. If you have trouble peeing, (I am NOT joking) put your tongue to the roof of your mouth and push. I swear! It works. Once you take your tongue from the roof of your mouth, your stream stops! This trick alone allowed me to finally pee. It's crazy, I know!!

I've also decided that the hospital is no place for sick or recovering people! I didn't sleep a wink last night. I would no more and fall into never never land then someone would come in to poke, prod, take temps and all that. It wasn't horrible or anything, but I didn't sleep at all. Why does the internist find it necessary to do a basic exam at 03:00? Really? That couldn't have waited until morning?

My largest incision gave me some grief. It was very weepy. That bandage had to be changed several times. By the time I was discharged today, it was under control.

Every single person I came in contact with from admission to discharge was THE BEST! I strongly believe that if you go in with a positive attitude, your outcome will be positive. By this afternoon, I had not only hospital personnel stopping by, but I had fellow patients stopping by to say hi and just chat. It was THE BEST experience!

Now that I'm home, I took a 3 hour nap. I'm finding that when I finally settle into a comfy position, I'm apparently not moving from that position. I'm waking up very, very stiff. But once I get moving, it gets better. The liquid Tylenol definitely helps. I'm not waiting for the pain to get out of hand. I'm trying to nip it in the bud. Hopefully tomorrow I'll need the pain meds even less.

My surgery was a complete success. I did have a tiny hernia that Dr. Kim repaired while he was in there. I don't feel any worse for the wear from it. One stop shopping! Can't beat it!

Water is going down nicely. I have had no nausea at all. I'm going to re-incorporate my diluted Crystal Light tomorrow to get the variety back in my liquids. I'm on liquids until my post-op visit next Friday. Sipping is VERY important! Constant sipping. It was very rough not having anything by mouth yesterday after surgery. I don't think my mouth has ever been so dry in my life.

The leak test was interesting. The liquid you have to drink is probably the worst thing I've ever had in my mouth. After that swallow, I was so afraid I'd throw it up. Luckily I didn't. I passed the leak test and was able to start sipping one ounce at 15 minute intervals for 4 hours. I passed that with flying colors, too.

I'm tired, for sure.

[iPrincess 39]

Glad you are well and home. Wishing you continued speedy recovery.

[ThinnerTiff 172]

Well i can say you made me feel less nervous for my surgery which is October 9th!!! Im glad you are home and everything went great for you! and hope you have a speedy recovery!!!

[imworthit 156]

Well i can say you made me feel less nervous for my surgery which is October 9th!!! Im glad you are home and everything went great for you! and hope you have a speedy recovery!!!

Ditto!! Congrats

[lauriehicks 7]

Thanks for your information. My surgery is monday... I am ecited and scarred. You did make me feel a little better. Good luck on your journey! Keep us posted..

[Angelmom 30]

You are truly blessed to have such a smooth and easy ride. Good for you! I had the opposite. Good luck with the rest of your recovery.

[HollyC 7]

awesome! congrats!

[Nick'sMom 54]

Thanks for your information. My surgery is monday... I am ecited and scarred. You did make me feel a little better. Good luck on your journey! Keep us posted..

Hi there - my surgery is Monday also. Good luck to you!! I feel the same...scared and excited but I know we will do great.

[deekelley07 7]

So happy for you I was wondering what dis you eat before your Surgery. When you were on your full liquid diet?

[SolizeTheGift 17]

What a great story!! Its good to hear that ur home and ur doing well. U have allowed my nerves to calm down a lil bit more. I'm in the position as a couple others ....excited but nervous at the same time. My surgery is scheduled for Oct. 5 and I'm counting down the days...13 more!!!! I wish you well and pray that you will continue to stay in good spirits and focused on this life changing process that's ahead of you. Be blessed!

[Angelmom 30]

Those going in should not figure that the easy road some people seem to have will be your road. Prepare for the worst pain of your life, mentally get set so you can deal with it, and then if you don't have that, you're lucky and it will be a gift. Know, and understand what you could be getting into, because I listened to all the people saying how pretty smooth it was, etc...and I had the exact opposite...and my case is really the norm.

[imworthit 156]

Those going in should not figure that the easy road some people seem to have will be your road. Prepare for the worst pain of your life' date=' mentally get set so you can deal with it, and then if you don't have that, you're lucky and it will be a gift. Know, and understand what you could be getting into, because I listened to all the people saying how pretty smooth it was, etc...and I had the exact opposite...and my case is really the norm.[/quote']

What was your experience?

[DEZ1975 170]

I had a wonderful experience like you too. Great hospital stay, relatively little pain, no post op nausea or issues. More people with great experiences should post them like this!

[imworthit 156]

I had a wonderful experience like you too. Great hospital stay' date=' relatively little pain, no post op nausea or issues. More people with great experiences should post them like this![/quote']

I think that sometimes maybe people are so happy with what they experienced they may forget to share with us. The ones with post op complications etc need the extra support and return. Im pre op and I plan on keep the board updated of my experience either way

[Joisey01 87]

Cindimca4 has a very good point all, Not everyone has a smooth sailing surgical experience. I don't want any of you to think I didn't have any kind of pain or anything, because I still do have pain.

I was stressing more than anything that I did not have nausea and vomiting. That was one of my biggest fears. My pain level does increase and decrease throughout the day. I'm getting out there and walking. Of course, this early in the game, the pain increases significantly.

My large wound stopped weeping. I have no pain at the 5 other incision sites like I do with the large one. The large wound has 6 staples and is significantly bruised. It's to be expected since it's the wound where my stomach came out of. All of my sites are nice and pink and clean looking.

Walking, drinking your liquids and managing your pain is very important. If you don't manage your pain, you won't want to walk or anything. I'm pushing myself to walk through the pain. I feel better after even though the pain level increases after walking. I'm slow moving, but I'm walking.

I thought I would have a problem with sipping vs gulping. It seems that it's an instinct to sip vs gulp now. I just ate about 5 baby spoons of Jello. The last bite gave me a bit of pain. I put it away. I'll try it again later.

Please don't assume you will go through the surgery and recovery without pain and nausea. Assume the worst and be surprised when it isn't so bad. Please read, do research and ask any question that comes to mind. No question is stupid if you don't know the answer.

I hope this helps. Good luck. You can always PM me if you'd like.