This is really hard.

[Ballinallthetime 6]

Day 3 post op today. All my muscles are very sore and it's taking me about 90 minutes to swallow 8oz of fluids. Getting up and down difficult but I'm able to walk at a snail's pace. Did figure out today sitting in my recliner is more comfortable than lying in bed. Anyone have suggestions for making this easier?

[Kissifur 244]

I am one week out and can tell you there are no secrets to make it easier but I can say I was just where you are now and it does get easier everyday just keep doing what you're doing. Walking and sipping I can already see a big difference in how much Fluid I can get in. Well I did get some advice that helped with Water "drink it cold" and that has been working for me. However my walk today was still just a tad bit faster then a snail. Truly it does get better everyday.

[pjpanda 129]

Don't be so hard on yourself. 8 oz in 90 minutes is awesome. It takes me around 2 1/2 hours to get 8 oz in and I'm 3 weeks out.

you may not hit your goals right away but that's okay as you are recovering from a major surgery. Give it time, and try to increase a little more each day.

[Ballinallthetime 6]

I am one week out and can tell you there are no secrets to make it easier but I can say I was just where you are now and it does get easier everyday just keep doing what you're doing. Walking and sipping I can already see a big difference in how much Fluid I can get in. Well I did get some advice that helped with Water "drink it cold" and that has been working for me. However my walk today was still just a tad bit faster then a snail. Truly it does get better everyday.

Thank you that does make me feel a little better. The Protein Shake today has really helped

[McButterpants 2,846]

You're doing great!

I set a timer to remind myself to sip every 5 minutes. Also, move as much as you can - I paced around the condo the first couple of days, then ventured outside and walked; adding a couple of minutes to each walk. It was slow, but it made me feel better.

I didn't have a recliner - I wish I had. Lots of people comment about how that is more comfortable. When you are able to move to a bed, try lots of pillows. I basically made a cocoon of pillows around me while I laid on my side.

You'll feel yourself getting better and stronger every day. I didn't get my minimum Protein or Water in for many days. I did what I could.

[BSU 61]

I would just echo that it gets better. Find out what works for you. Do not worry if you do not meet your Protein goals for a while. Just do what you can.

Edited June 13, 2014 by BSU

[ChavaBling 145]

My doctor gave me Norco, which is tylenol + vicodin. I was feeling great! I feel very blessed that I didn't have much pain...but it was probably also my every-6-hour regimen that I followed for the first week. So, pain meds, and walking! Good luck to you!

[momohime 121]

You're doing great so far.. it just takes time. It took me 5 hours to finish my first Protein drink. That was a lot of fun.....
There were two things that helped me. For the first few days, I was in a recliner.. but getting up and down still hurt a little bit. I got a small pillow and used it to splint with whenever I had to do something that put tension on my incisions and it helped me a lot. Also good for coughing/sneezing/deep breathing and what have you. The other thing.. I had a big insulated cup that I kept ice Water in. I only had to fill it up twice to get in all the fluids I needed for that day. I had a 4 oz measuring cup that I would pour what I was actually going to drink in, twice an hour or so.. that way my Water would stay nice and cool, and I wouldn't have to stare at this big glass of water that I just knew was going to take me forever to finish. Might seem silly, but having a smaller glass made drinking easier. I still felt like I was CONSTANTLY having to drink something, but I didn't dread it as much and I could at least see my progress.

I guess too.. if you're still sore from surgery, don't be afraid to take something for pain. If you don't have any prescription medication left or when you run out, Tylenol children's fast melts are a pretty good choice early on. The kid's liquid Tylenol was horrible to me, but the fast melts weren't too bad..

Anyway.. just keep going! You just had surgery after all.. totally normal to be going at a snail's pace for a little while after that. You'll feel better every day though.. At two weeks out, I was pretty much back to doing whatever.. so you'll get there!

[Cmiller1743 11]

As the others are telling you, you are fine, it takes time and gets better. I was the same and wondered what the hell I had done, but now I look back and smile. I know it's hard but, it was a much harder choice to get the surgery. I was sleeved in Nov last year and am down 95 lbs and take no meds and no CPAP machine. I fell great and can eat anything I want, just a lot less. I can drink Water just like I did before surgery (not after I eat, that's not going to happen) but with no Protein in my sleeve I can drink as before. I know it's hard but you have to think what life will be like in 6 months.

Chuck

Pre 430 lbs

Current 335 lbs

Goal 255 lbs

[Ballinallthetime 6]

Thank you all. I really feel reassured. My doc sent me home with plenty of drugs for pain and nausea but that hasn't made it easy. I've been in the recliner most of the day and I did go outside for a couple short walks today. All muscles ache I hope that goes away soon

[Kissifur 244]

If I can give you a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel after a week I am pretty much pain free barring a sneeze or cough here and there and I have not taken any meds in 2 days.

[Jennifer0609 83]

Using small pillow against the incision helps when getting up and down( even from a recliner) just hold it against the area that hurts and then move. use the pain meds and nausea meds. Each day has gotten better for me. Fluids are a challenge. Best of luck