Sleeved on Monday 9/22. What I wish I had known!

[auntjanny 289]

I am happily home sipping on Crystal Light. I was sleeved robotically on Monday. I have read a few WLS books, been a frequent reader here at BP, and have attended support group x2. I was not prepared, as stupid as it sounds, for how huge a surgery this was!! My post op groggy lasted almost 20 hours, so I feel as if I lost some time and was behind the eight ball.

Getting up and walking was easy. I was given a belly binder and that helps keep all the pieces to gether. Walking cannot be over emphasized. It moves the excess gas all around decreasing back pain, or wherever it chooses to manifest itself.

Bring as little to the hospital as possible. Chapstick. It cannot be overemphasized!! just bring chapstick. I wore the same clothes home that I arrived in and that made things simple.

Do the deep breathing and coughing. I developed a fever pretty quickly that was over 100 and it was an added distraction. My blood sugar went up to 199 so I was put on insulin. Despite no history of diabetes, this is not uncommon.

Truly, each "day" gets better. significantly better. The nausea was so terrible I could not imagine it going away, but, I have not had an issue with it since home.

Best wishes to all.

[Kathy812 794]

Thank you, very good information. Glad things are getting better.

[#9grammy 274]

Welcome home, thanks for the info it's really helpful. Did you just wear the hospital gown? I have a 2 night stay when I get mine done so I'm just wondering. Do they keep the IV in you the whole time?

Take care

[KristenLee 60]

Thank you for the updates! Truly helpful listening to your experiences!! Continue to get better!!

[Myonlybattle 65]

I had a 2 night stay as well and as annoyed as I was pre-surgery that I had to give up 3 days of my life (instead of those lucky ones who had day surgery) it ended up being great and I feel like I had a good start to recovery. The IV stayed in until after the leak check (day 2) and after I could show that I could drink Water. You can still walk around with the IV in, it's attached to the wheeled pole. I brought a pair of pajamas and wore those instead of the hospital gown, it's much more comfortable to be walking around in PJs than that open gown! Other than that all I needed/wanted was my phone and laptop (phone would have been enough) and a charger. The hospital gave me chapstick as soon as I got to my room, but I would pack one to be safe. My surgeon won't discharge until you can drink an 8 ounce Protein shake, which is the goal for day 3. I had no problems with recovery but I was still in pain, especially when I coughed, for the first couple days. Good Luck to all of you!

[waitingtoexhale 174]

Thanks for sharing and glad things are getting better

[newxina 20]

Thank you for the 411. Wishing you much success!

[Kathy812 794]

@@auntjanny & @@Myonlybattle

I read a post where someone was going to purchase a heating pad. In your experience, did you feel you needed one or did you use one?

[auntjanny 289]

I just stayed in the hospital gown even tho I bought a cute pair of pjs. IV stayed in until the very end. Passing gas was a big deal with regard to getting to leave! I did not need a heating pad but am always concerned with heat increasing infection so I still have not seen the need. Phone and charger and Chapstick. I did not need slippers... Just had the socks over the Ted hose. I totally forgot about the leak check. That was over quickly. I had no visitors. Use the short time you are there to walk and nap

[Kathy812 794]

@@auntjanny, thanks for responding. Good point about heat & infection. I think I'm going to pass on it too.

[LuckyOne53 36]

I appreciate everyone sharing their individual experiences. It somewhat put ease to what's unexpected and unanswered. I was told not to bring any clothing. I would prefer my own jammys to walk around the hospital :-( ok my checklist is complete. Almost feels like I'm packing for a labor delivery date. Lol.

[Myonlybattle 65]

@@Kathy812 I also didn't use or need a heating pad. Agree completely, keep visitors to a minimum and rest and walk!

[Kathy812 794]

Thanks for your response myonlybattle