Surgery Tomorrow

[earnestclark 4]

My surgery is at 9:30 tomorrow morning. I've read everything and 'know' what its like but what can I actually expect? Will I have pain that slows me down and how long will that last? I will say that 10 days on Meal Replacement has changed my outlook. I used to have a large focus on what to eat but being on Meal Replacements has forced/allowed me to focus more on things that are important. For me that is a HUGE change. Any advice out there?

[Vickybli 64]

Good luck tomorrow - you will be in my prayers tonight. As for the pain it varies from person to person but for most of us it's not very bad. Just the stitches pulling and itching but totally tolerable. Most people go home the next day. Me - I started off at a very high weight and I also had my gall bladder removed at the same time so I was in ICU for tive days and then another day in a ward but even so it was not bad at all and I was up and walking on the afternoon of day one. So I don;t think you need to worry much. Let us know how it went.

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

Hi Earnest. I'll be praying for a safe surgery tomorrow. Like any surgery, when you wake up you pretty much feel like you've been run over by a big Mack Truck. It's difficult to swallow fluids and your stomach is pretty sore. The hospital will bring in a tray of food, none of it will look appetizing and it none of it will smell good but they will expect you to consume part of it. Most people go home the second or third day and the broth you fix at home will taste better. Each and every day makes a noticeable difference as far as what you can consume and how you feel. Take the first week slow and let your insides heal. Week two you will have energy and excitement for the journey. Good luck and have a safe recovery. You're gonna love this after the first month. lol

[one_more_time 145]

Best wishes and a speedy recovery! When I was awaken after surgery... I felt extremely drowsy of course from the anesthesia. My throat was a bit sore...the doctor told me prior to surgery that there would be a breathing tube inserted down my throat to help me breathe during surgery, but taken out as I woke up and started to breathe on my own. Like some one mentioned above...my stomach felt VERY sore...and it did hurt. I actually felt the pain in my back as well for some reason.

The first week... I walked pretty much humped over because 1. I still had my staples in and 2. my stomach felt SOOOOO tight. As the days went on the soreness and tightness went away and I was able to stand up straight while walking. I had dthe PCA Pump while in the hospital (morphine) and it helped me out tremendously. My advice to anyone is to stay on top of that pump and when its time ... use it. I noticed when I would wait too long to push the button and my pain started to intensify it would take longer for the morphine to work.

I would say after about my second week... I was good to go. I have a little (tighness/soreness) on my upper left side. The nurse told me it would be that way for awhile considering that is where my doctor did most of the work and that is also of course where the stomach is located. It was very hard to swallow even Water the first week. I was only able to take in about an ounce every 15-30 minutes. Practice sipping slowly...waiting about 5 minutes in between sips if you can... (just to be on the safe side). Right now I am still learning to do that... along with eating VERY slowly and chewing my food a lot before I swallow. I am also thinking of purchasing a baby spoon/fork set the next time I go to Walmart... to help with taking smaller bites of food.

Sure you will do very well...

[Carlotta1 401]

I never had pain after my surgery.. Just a little gas felt in my shoulder. Just be patient with the post op eating protocol.. Don't eat something ahead of schedule otherwise u could make things worse. If u need to be a stage longer than what was on your food plan..than be it. I had to stay on the liquids one week longer cause purée did not settle with me at first. if u have pain right after surgery. Remember "This too shall pass". Think positive.. And dream about your new healthy future that is yet to come. Blessing your way.

[Fishsticks 6]

My surgery is the day after tomorrow, Tuesday! Looks like we will be traveling this road together. I'll be thinking of you and sending you good vibes, prayers and healing thoughts on Monday.

<a href='http://www.bariatricpal.com'><img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/tickers/207864-fishsticks/bodyweight.png?ts=1394400432' /></a>

Edited March 9, 2014 by Fishsticks

[sizzsooz 38]

Hi there, mine is wed. Still nervous.

[earnestclark 4]

Thanks for all your support. Sizzooz and Fishsticks, looks like we will be our support group. I'll update you as I can.

[sizzsooz 38]

Yay! A support group! Thank you! I'm having trouble figuring out how to respond but I think I've got it now. I didn't have to do a pre op diet, but I did buy most of what I'll need for the first few weeks. Its weird because I have been a diet coke addict for decades and yesterday I just up and started drinking flavored water. I guess I wanted to be sure I could do it! Good luck tomorrow!

[sizzsooz 38]

So Earnest on Monday, Fishsticks on Tuesday, and me on Wednesday! Good luck to you both! Please let me know how you're doing.

Thinking about you both tonight

Edited March 11, 2014 by sizzsooz

[sizzsooz 38]

Hey there, I'm getting ready for surgery tomorrow. Really hoping you're both doing well! Prayers coming your way. I'll check back when I can.

[earnestclark 4]

Had surgery 2 days ago and I'm feeling good. Didn't even have to use the pain pump. Came home yesterday and I'm just a little sore. Good luck to you both. Let me know how you are and where you live. I live in San Jose but my home is in Cottonwood CA (near Redding). Good thought for all of you.

[sizzsooz 38]

Hi Earnest! So glad you did well. Me too, just excited to leave the hospital later today. I'm sleeping comfortably, just hard in the hospital sometimes. Good luck to Fishsticks today! I'm in Las Vegas.

[sizzsooz 38]

I'm in Las Vegas, doing great! So glad you are to Earnest! Good luck today to Fishsticks!

[earnestclark 4]

I am so lucky. Had so little pain I never even used my pain meds. Walking upright and feeling better every day. Thanks for all the support and looking forward to hearing fom sizzsooz and fishsticks about how they are doing. Lost 13 lbs up to day of surgery and 2 lbs since. Looking forward to some real food and no more Meal Replacements.