Any April Sleevers?

[dsmith_rn 186]

I need help guys, I am not getting in the liquids. It's not because it hurts or anything, it's just that I have no desire for anything. No thirst, no hunger. I have to make a conscious effort to remember to drink. And it's the way they want me to drink. 1 ounce every 15 mins. I just can't stay with it. If I could just drink the whole four ounces and be done with it maybe it would be easier. But alas I am a rule follower who thinks the sky will fall if I don't follow to the letter. Have any of u drank four ounces at once. I was sleeved on April 22, is it too soon to try.

IDK if this will help you any, but my nose is all dried out from the oxygen I was on and kinda plugged up, so I've been doing a lot of mouth breathing. This makes my mouth dry and gives me motivation to keep drinking.

[webhopper 57]

I can do 3 to 4 oz in an hour. I have to sip sip sip to be able to get all my liquids in.

Even with trying really hard I'm still getting only 40 to 50 oz per day and my pee is orange. The thought of going to the hospital with dehydration scares me so I just keep trying and trying to get those liquids in.

Edited April 26, 2014 by webhopper

[Purple_82 12]

I need help guys, I am not getting in the liquids. It's not because it hurts or anything, it's just that I have no desire for anything. No thirst, no hunger. I have to make a conscious effort to remember to drink. And it's the way they want me to drink. 1 ounce every 15 mins. I just can't stay with it. If I could just drink the whole four ounces and be done with it maybe it would be easier. But alas I am a rule follower who thinks the sky will fall if I don't follow to the letter. Have any of u drank four ounces at once. I was sleeved on April 22, is it too soon to try.

I'm 11 days out. I don't get all my Water or Protein in! ;( I hear you on it being hard to go slowly that being said, I end up going a long time without drinking anything. I can't stand the shakes so I'm having a hard time getting in protein. I just keep trying to do better.

[dsmith_rn 186]

I'm 11 days out. I don't get all my Water or Protein in! ;( I hear you on it being hard to go slowly that being said, I end up going a long time without drinking anything. I can't stand the shakes so I'm having a hard time getting in Protein. I just keep trying to do better.

My docs not worried about protein the first 2-3 weeks, we have enough stored, and dietician says it's tough to tolerate at first so no Protein Shakes for me for awhile.

Maybe you will be better able to tolerate the protein in a few more days? Until then try not to worry too much, your body has what it needs.

HUGS,

Diann

[Purple_82 12]

My docs not worried about Protein the first 2-3 weeks, we have enough stored, and dietician says it's tough to tolerate at first so no Protein Shakes for me for awhile. Maybe you will be better able to tolerate the protein in a few more days? Until then try not to worry too much, your body has what it needs. HUGS, Diann

Thanks for the encouragement Dianne! You know I was wondering. Heck, I HAVE to have enough stuff up in here to make it through!!! LOL that gives me some peace of mind. Thank you! I appreciate it!!!

[katesuccess 990]

Congratulations to you new sleevers; dsmith, keewee, sslade! --and WOW at those 12 pounds! Glad you're all doing okay, even if some struggle with intake. I'm on for surgery Tuesday and can't wait. I'm not nervous or worried (I guess I'm a head-person about these kinds of things, and once I did my research, found the doc and made the decision, it feels like a non-issue). So glad you're all doing well - gives me hope and excitement for you and for my upcoming one. Great to know not to worry as much about the first few days of Proteins too. I was wondering how that was going to go. Had my pre-op on Thursday, and learned my doc uses drains though. They sound somewhat unpleasant, but maybe they won't be as bad as all that. Keep posting guys - all the info is so helpful and we're cheering you on from this side too!

[sslade1223 6]

I'm curious to know since my doc didn't use any. What are the drains for, how are they beneficial. Did anyone ask? Just wanted to know in case I should be suggesting docs who use them or not.

[dsmith_rn 186]

Congratulations to you new sleevers; dsmith, keewee, sslade! --and WOW at those 12 pounds! Glad you're all doing okay, even if some struggle with intake. I'm on for surgery Tuesday and can't wait. I'm not nervous or worried (I guess I'm a head-person about these kinds of things, and once I did my research, found the doc and made the decision, it feels like a non-issue). So glad you're all doing well - gives me hope and excitement for you and for my upcoming one. Great to know not to worry as much about the first few days of Proteins too. I was wondering how that was going to go. Had my pre-op on Thursday, and learned my doc uses drains though. They sound somewhat unpleasant, but maybe they won't be as bad as all that. Keep posting guys - all the info is so helpful and we're cheering you on from this side too!

Thank you, Kate! I got really nervous about a week before, but it was all Zen after that. I was all smiles going in!

I have to say I wasnt prepared for how awful I would feel the first 8 hours after surgery. I did throw up in recovery but no nausea since then. I haven't had unbearable pain, mostly just soreness up high where the hernia repair was done, but the anesthesia just made me feel tremendously sleepy and weak, like my arms and legs had heavy weights on them. I was worried because I couldn't stay awake l long enough to drink or walk. Once it wore off though I've done nothing but drink and walk. I've already had my 64 oz of liquids for the day and it's not even dinner time yet! It helps that I've been really thirsty, probably another effect of anesthesia.

I'm home now and I will say that having a body pillow helps tremendously with being able to lie on my side and be comfortable supporting my incisions. I haven't needed my heating pad yet; maybe at bedtime. My nurse advised me to take my pain meds on schedule the next 2 days even if I'm feeling OK since inflammation peaks on day 3, so that is my plan. Hope they don't make me nauseas, but I have meds for that too if I need them.

Every hour that has gone by since those first 8, I have felt better and better. I'm sipping, taking my meds, peeing, walking, resting in between and using my incentive spirometer whenever I think about it, and I feel well on my way to recovery! You will be there soon!

Message me if you have any more questions, I'm here to help (and I'm a nurse, too! )

Diann

[dsmith_rn 186]

I'm curious to know since my doc didn't use any. What are the drains for, how are they beneficial. Did anyone ask? Just wanted to know in case I should be suggesting docs who use them or not.

The drain is to give excess Fluid a place to go after surgery. I'm not sure why my surgeon doesn't usually use them or what makes him decide to use one. They can be uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful.

[Purple_82 12]

The drain is to give excess Fluid a place to go after surgery. I'm not sure why my surgeon doesn't usually use them or what makes him decide to use one. They can be uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful.

My surgeon also does not use drains. I did have this ball thing with tubes in me while in the hospital but it had numbing meds in it and was taken out before I left. It is really weird how large the ranges are when it comes to different surgeons and the drain/no drain, extent of pre-op diets needed, and what people at after surgery - the stages, etc.

[mommamel 10]

I'm so glad to read all your stories and see you are all doing so well. My surgery is set for Tuesday, little wrinkle in the plan, went for preop testing on Tuesday and potassium was 2.9. Not good, so I'm on horsepill potassium supplements twice a day with retest Monday. Keeping my fingers crossed it will be better and no ramifications from it. My mom has not been well for a while now, diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years ago, my brother lives with her, but not being cooperative at all. Had to enroll her in hospice today, was hoping she would stay well til after surgery but not the case. Hoping she does well while I'm in the hospital. It's been a long haul for her, so I'm hoping for the best. Need to make a quick recovery, for her and myself since I'm finishing nursing school in three weeks, much to do! Hoping for no nausea and minimal gas pain. Figure I gave birth twice with no epidural, so I hope I will do well. My life is soooo crazy and exciting right now, some days too much to handle. Sorry for rambling, but feels ggod to let some of it out. Wishing everyone well!!! Keep posting, it makes me feel good to read them all.

[dsmith_rn 186]

I'm so glad to read all your stories and see you are all doing so well. My surgery is set for Tuesday, little wrinkle in the plan, went for preop testing on Tuesday and potassium was 2.9. Not good, so I'm on horsepill potassium supplements twice a day with retest Monday. Keeping my fingers crossed it will be better and no ramifications from it. My mom has not been well for a while now, diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years ago, my brother lives with her, but not being cooperative at all. Had to enroll her in hospice today, was hoping she would stay well til after surgery but not the case. Hoping she does well while I'm in the hospital. It's been a long haul for her, so I'm hoping for the best. Need to make a quick recovery, for her and myself since I'm finishing nursing school in three weeks, much to do! Hoping for no nausea and minimal gas pain. Figure I gave birth twice with no epidural, so I hope I will do well. My life is soooo crazy and exciting right now, some days too much to handle. Sorry for rambling, but feels ggod to let some of it out. Wishing everyone well!!! Keep posting, it makes me feel good to read them all.

Please remember you are having MAJOR SURGERY and take the time you need to heal! Nursing School is very stressful!!! Don't set your recovery back by trying to do too much, even if you feel well, you know this.

Sending thoughts and prayers your way,

Diann

[KeeWee 470]

I'm curious to know since my doc didn't use any. What are the drains for, how are they beneficial. Did anyone ask? Just wanted to know in case I should be suggesting docs who use them or not.

Yes I have a drain, and I'm suppose to keep this in until my post op appt on May 7. Its so uncomfortable and I believe the only things causing my "pain" issues. I'm scared often about infections cuz I watch the drain constantly. I just got off with the Dr. about the color I'm producing now. It went from red to a yellowish color that he assured me was normal as long as its straw yellow. Neon type yellow or any green color should be addressed.

I hate to look at blood so to have to empty this thing on my own and squirt it in a cup and measure it is too much...Ick. but other than that, maybe it contributed to the weigh loss but idk. I feel great other than stomach soreness but with 2 procedures at once, I would expect worse so I'm happy.

[KeeWee 470]

Congratulations to you new sleevers; dsmith, keewee, sslade! --and WOW at those 12 pounds! Glad you're all doing okay, even if some struggle with intake. I'm on for surgery Tuesday and can't wait. I'm not nervous or worried (I guess I'm a head-person about these kinds of things, and once I did my research, found the doc and made the decision, it feels like a non-issue). So glad you're all doing well - gives me hope and excitement for you and for my upcoming one. Great to know not to worry as much about the first few days of Proteins too. I was wondering how that was going to go. Had my pre-op on Thursday, and learned my doc uses drains though. They sound somewhat unpleasant, but maybe they won't be as bad as all that. Keep posting guys - all the info is so helpful and we're cheering you on from this side too!

Thanks so much, I can't believe it's finally happened to me, I feel like I hit the lotto! Or maybe more like I had an accident and won a lawsuit...lol. Still all bandaged up..good luck to all the up n coming!!!! Its your time!

[dsmith_rn 186]

How are you all keeping track of your Fluid intake? Paper and pencil? Remember it in your head? Phone app? What?