is this normal?

[kkclowe 0]

Hello everyone.

i recently had surgery to have my lap band removed, hiatal hernia fixed, and the gastric sleeve done. surgery date was April 24th. i had the lap-band done over 8 years ago, and the first couple years had great success, but then ones i had to have a revision because it slipped, i had nothing but complications, one major one being a hiatal hernia which made my life a living hell. due to having crappy insurance i had to live with that hernia for several years, until i was able to get great covered through covered california. my doctor's office worked hard to get all three procedures approved, and i was determined to do the sleeve to get back to the days of weight loss. anyway, i was always a little hesitant with cutting up how we are naturally built and doing something that is irreversible, but several people assured me that its well worth it and very happy. fast forward to the waking up after surgery and the 3 1/2 days i spent in the hospital…..most days i had nausea, and some pressure/pain due to inflammation in my esophagus and stomach which made me start regretting doing this. did anyone else feel that way?? i'm still experiencing shortness in breath, where i can't take a full deep breath (well i can but its hard), and it hurts when i hiccup or sneeze deep inside around the area where my diaphragm, esophagus, and stomach come together. is that normal? two days after getting out of the hospital i've also developed a really bad sore throat, and i can't tell if thats normal or if i've caught something nasty. i'm also having some doubts about doing this….anywho else had similar feelings?? what should i expect in the coming weeks?? it's killing me that i have to refrain from doing my normal routine and relying on people to take care of what i thought were simple things in my life. what was the average recovery time that people had that allowed them to get back to normal activities like getting adjusted at the chiropractor, horseback riding, biking, housework, etc?? any and all input and advice is welcomed!! thanks!

[Teachamy 1,042]

I experienced most of what you just mentioned, and yes, it's normal. I had some regrets a day or 2 out of surgery, because it felt like I had given myself the flu! Then I felt like I had signed up for mandatory anorexia. I was weak, sleepy, and achy. But it got better everyday. By week 3 I had some energy, saw how much weight I had lost, and got back into a normal routine. The energy got better everyday too, although I do enjoy a nap now and then! So keep the faith, you will be YOU again soon.

[hopeful2 be slim 121]

dont worry you will be fine. follow the diet. and walk and hae more Water.

soon you will forget these days.We all have been through this.

all the best.

[miamax13 12]

I had the hernia repair and had the same issues. Still can't take a deep deep breath easily. Had some discomfort in the area where I thought the hernia repair was last week but that has settled down too. Make sure to drink your fluids!

[kkclowe 0]

thanks everyone. appreciate the feedback. bad sore throat is gone now but still congested. I'm in absolutely no pain which makes it hard to limit myself. i'm anxious to get back to my normal routine and going to my chiropractor for my back issues and jumping right back on the horse (literally, its killing me that i can't ride my horse!!). sometimes when i drink really cold Water i get a little pain and pressure as the water goes down, is that normal?

[DeniseNCC1701 306]

I had trouble breathing the first week, and found heating pads across my chest and shoulders helped a great deal. I also found that cold beverages didn't go down so well, so I stuck with hot broths, herbal teas and room temperature Water.

I know it's hard, and you're eager to get back to a "normal" routine. But don't push yourself too much, your body needs time to heal. You're going to be fine! Before you know it, much of this will be a distant memory.

Be well…