Is the sleeve the first surgery for anyone?

[slimmingdani 57]

It was my first surgery, and I was soo scared too. I almost cried waiting in the pre-op room while they were getting me ready, but I didn't. It was alot easier than I was expecting. The biggest thing that I wasn't expecting is when you first wake up your chest feels very heavy and you can't take very deep breaths. Other than that I pretty much expected everything. I'm sure you'll do great and goodluck!

[shelbyshumyers 12]

It was my first surgery ever... I was sleeved on feb 13th... I was teriffied and I crude as the wheeled me into the OR... But it was so much easier than I expected! I would do it again in a heart beat! The worst part was the gas pains after surgery my chest and shoulders was very uncomfortable the only thing that helped was walk, walk, walking!!! Other than that the first 2days were the hardest! When you can start drinking just take it slow and sip, sip, sip! Good luck!!!

[shelbyshumyers 12]

It was my first surgery ever... I was sleeved on feb 13th... I was teriffied and I crude as the wheeled me into the OR... But it was so much easier than I expected! I would do it again in a heart beat! The worst part was the gas pains after surgery my chest and shoulders was very uncomfortable the only thing that helped was walk' date=' walk, walking!!! Other than that the first 2days were the hardest! When you can start drinking just take it slow and sip, sip, sip! Good luck!!! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

*cried*

[Colemon70 87]

Ahh thanks for your info. It helps so much hearing everyone else's feelings and experiences. When i hear a bad story I have second thoughts and feel like I want to chicken out! I can't. I'm glad you are a wimp and are doing well. I'm a wimp too!!

[prettylittleheart 95]

Lol from one wimp to another - the way my surgeon put it when I said I'm terrified. 1) he told me the risks and complications of being overweight are far more frightening. 2) every surgery has a risk. 3) you read so many stories about people who get in their car and never return home because they didn't survive a collision and then he looked at me and said - 'are you going to stop getting in your car?' Fear is normal. He also said he'd be more worried about me if I wasn't scared about the surgery. I took an anti-anxiety as needed throughout the process too. It helps.

[Colemon70 87]

Very true. I know this it what I need to do. Im going to look into the anxiety meds too.

[TheCurvyJones 721]

It was for me. I was terrified. No big woop. Seriously, after they give you the meds to relax you, you'll be a-ok.

[tiffanykj 48]

This will be my first "real" surgery. I've had 3 wisdom teeth taken out but I really don't count that as surgery. What was the most painful part? Any suggestions beyond sipping and walking?

This was my first real surgery. I've never had any other kind at all. I had it on Monday (3/4). I've only taken my pain meds at night simply to help me sleep. I was up and walking that night of my surgery after all the medicine was out of my body. It made me a little nauseous but they said that was completely normal. It is a strange feeling because I haven't had any hunger or cravings. I have a 1/2 cup liquids every hour and even that is too much at times. I was never really scared because I was so determined that this was what I wanted! The only uncomfortable feeling I have is when i try to stand up. After about two days its not so bad anymore. I must say this is and will probably always be the best decision I have ever made. Good luck!

[Banned member 320]

I've had my wisdom teeth removed also but this was my first real surgery and I was freaking out! I rarely have panic attacks but when I was sitting on the bed being hooked up to IV's and they were coming in and out asking me questions before surgery I started to feel anxious. My arms started going numb (this never happened before), I felt like I couldn't breath, etc. I stayed calm but I couldn't stop moving and squirming in the bed. My surgeon said that I was having a panic attack and that he's talk to the anesthesiologist to quickly give me some meds. I felt like I wanted to get out and breath some fresh air but I knew I couldn't because I needed this surgery. Once they gave me the calming meds I was fine. It was like night and day and I was no longer nervous but I was still fully conscious and aware of what was going on. I remember a lot more than my friends did. I remember climbing onto the operating table and them asking if I want my arms strapped down ( I said no and for them to wait until I was knocked out). I remember the mask and the cold air and then drifting off to sleep.< /p>

The worst part for me is when I woke up soon after surgery and was in a lot of pain. I couldn't stop coughing. I felt like someone had punched me extremely hard in the stomach and it took my breath away. I do feel traumatized by it and I don't EVER want to get surgery again. I know that I will definitely get a breast lift and Tummy Tuck but I will ONLY do it if I can have them both done at the same time. I don't want to get one procedure and then come back 3 months later and get the other one. If I ever need surgery in the future I will think long and hard and try to find alternative treatments but I don't regret my sleeve surgery because it was the best thing I've ever done.

[VSGKirk 855]

VSG was my first surgical experience as well. I was nervous, but what helped is that I was the 1st surgery of the day, so the pre-op process was such a blur. The staff always kept me informed throughout the process and before I knew it I jumped on the O.R. table and was out in less than 10 seconds. The next thing I remember is them telling me that I was a done. I was so happy, I couldn't stop smiling. I had to peek inside my gown just to make sure they did something because I didn't feel any different.

[CharlaMae 20]

I'm still pre-op. I had an emergent c-section back in 2006. Recovery was rough, and the surgery was not planned, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat because I got the most amazing gift in the world...my son <3! Now with this (planned) surgery I have time to build up anxiety and plan. But I see the end result of this as a gift too...improving my health & quality of life, as well as adding years to my life to spend with first gift

I think a good attitude and a positive outlook to the future put you steps ahead for a quick and healthy recovery!

[kimbernada 190]

This wasn't my first surgery... I had my tonsils taken out when I was 17 or 18. In all honesty, getting my tonsils out was way worse than recovering from the sleeve surgery. (Or maybe the pain meds were just that much better for the sleeve surgery!!) LOL If it weren't for the horrible heartburn that I had the day after surgery, I don't think I'd have much to complain about. Once the Prevacid started working, the heartburn was gone. We boarded the dogs for two weeks and we don't have any kids, so I had two weeks to focus on what to eat, etc. The hubs worked from home for a couple of days and then I made him go back to the office. I slept a lot, read some, watched some television (The Dead Files, Ghost Adventures, Haunted Collector).

The one thing that I found similar between the two surgeries is that I can't stand certain smells that I used to like. When I washed my hair the first time after getting my tonsils out, I used a Shampoo with a green apple scent. (I can't stand that now.) When I showered the first few times after my sleeve surgery, I used a Bath and Body Works scent called Country Chic. Yuck. I can't stand that now at all. Now I use a Dial antibacterial body wash that seems to keep any odd body odors at bay. (Body smells really bother me now. Mine and my husband's.)

[fyre_storm 1,412]

This was my first surgery ever. It was terrifying! Lol but well worth it.

[Newme48 104]

My surgery was on February 5th. Please take the walking suggestions seriously. There are TWO gas pains. The CO2 gas used to inflate your belly to do the surgery is the cause of the shoulder pain. I knew of the pain from other people describing it but did not realize how intense it would be the first night. The absolute Best thing I ever did was get up and walk the first day post op. When I realized how much better I felt after walking, I was walking around the nursing unit every 1-2 hours. Request your pain meds. Don't let the pain get out of control because then it will be hard for them to work when you do take them. Good luck to you. The pain is temporary. I was great after day 3 or 4. You will do fine!!

[Garlandfam 12]

This was my very first surgery...I think the worse part about it is the gas pain...I was up the first day walking the hall. Walking was not that bad of course I moved at a slow pace but I was up and at em!!! I can't say I wasn't scared because I was scared shitless! I am 5 days post op and glad it is over with!