WLS Veterans---Should I Worry, or am I Just Neurotic?

[Sydney Susan 333]

It might help to realise that some bariatric surgeons would still have you on "nil by mouth" at this stage, because of the swelling in your tum post-op. All drs seem to have different requirements, so many - like yours - do progress their patients much faster. But if you were with my surgeon you wouldn't even be aware of the difficulties swelling can cause... Well not yet. So relax and allow some time to pass.

[KatInFL 216]

I was sleeved on Monday (July 1st), and when I was finally allowed Water and Clear Liquids, you'd think I was being offered prime seating at a royal banquet. I've since progressed to full liquids. The trouble is, when I swallow anything (except Jell-O, which seems to go down more easily), I can *feel* the sip traveling down my esophagus and landing in my sleeve. Like clockwork, every time, my sleeve goes into yoga/acrobatics. It seems to twist, bubble, gurgle LOUDLY, and it hurts!

I've tried warm liquids, cold liquids, sipping teeny tiny amounts of liquid--it doesn't seem to make any difference.

Help me out, surgery veterans--should I be worried? Will this feeling of twisty gurgling subside, or is this my "new normal"? I discussed it with my surgeon, and he just wanted me to keep doin' what I'm doin'...but he didn't offer any guidance or advice beyond that.

It's normal and will get better. I swear, the first couple of weeks post-op, I could feel every. single. drop. of liquid as it made it's way down to my tummy. It didn't really hurt, per se, but I could feel it all.

My tummy still gurgles and grumbles and chatters sometimes. Sometimes, it's a warning that my tummy is mad about something I just ate, other times it's just noise.

Keep in mind, everything is new and your body is adjusting. It's having to heal itself and do it's work.

~Kat

[taylokat 180]

Pulse of 60 is great! Keep up with the fluids. Things will get better!

[ChristineR 128]

My nurse recommended I take the pain medicine for a while to relax me so I can heal. Some people don't want to be on it but I took it to sleep for a few nights at home. If it helped your lowgrade fever that's awesome. You are very in tune to your body right now which is great even if it sends us into a tailspin. The noises and sensations should be better in time but just keep an eye on it and don't hesitate to call if you are ever worried.

[stacy03 50]

I'm right there with you ladies! These sleeves better settle down soon! (At least I hope so)

[Atlgadgetgrrl 6]

Double check your Pepcid - mine says do not crush or chew. It is supposed to dissolve in the intestine and can't make it through the stomach if crushed. Some formulations may allow crushing so ymmv.

Re: tummy racket: by day 5, it sounded like a bear had moved into a volcano in my belly. It has settled down 3+ weeks postop.

[Vixynne 695]

I will double check on the pepcid--thank you for that info!

[zenandnow 514]

Vix, I was sleeved May 16 and remember this well!! I also had a low grade fever for a few days but my Dr said it was normal for some people and it went away. He had me on omeprazole (Prevacid) which did help a lot. It was hard to swallow, but worth it. I'm 2 months out as of yesterday, and I no longer feel EVERY sip all the way down but I do still have some noises. Not as bad as others have posted, but my tummy talks!

Congrats on your new sleeve! The journey begins! Every day it gets better, even with the major ups & downs some of us experience in the beginning. I am slowly adjusting, and it is worth all the uncertainty and hard work!

[Vixynne 695]

My surgeon's NP was able to point me in the direction of Prevacid chewable tablets--two of them each morning is my new antacid routine. Hopefully they will be as effective as the tablets were, pre-op.

Today is my day 4 post-op. I'm able to get a little more Fluid in today than I have been so far; my fever returned as soon as I stopped taking liquid Lortab--so I asked and got permission to take liquid Tylenol instead. Fewer side effects.

I'm blaming my sleeve's noisy racket on a tiny, angry dictator who lives there. He likes to wear pointy metal cleats, stomp around when throwing tantrums, and tie my sleeve into complex knots to punish me for overly-large sips of anything at all.

(Picture Sasha Baron-Cohen in "The Dictator" and you have the general idea.)

[Molly3 495]

Hi Vixynne, to me it's all normal.....I experienced pretty much the same down to the fever! Everyday gets better & better......Hang in there!

HUGS-

Molly

[zenandnow 514]

I'm blaming my sleeve's noisy racket on a tiny' date=' angry dictator who lives there. He likes to wear pointy metal cleats, stomp around when throwing tantrums, and tie my sleeve into complex knots to punish me for overly-large sips of anything at all.

(Picture Sasha Baron-Cohen in "The Dictator" and you have the general idea.) [/quote']

I LOVE IT! Keep that great attitude, you'll be feeling better in no time, and losing like a champ!