Happy Days!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I've been seeing a lot of post about people struggling. There are post about bad hospital experiences, people dealing with crazy pain, gas, Constipation, nausea and the like. I think if I was a pre-op newbie I would be scared silly. So how about a thread with some positive tales? Lets let people know it's possible? I know they happened, I've seen a few random post here and there.

I'll start:

I had my surgery on 9/18/14. Other than not being able to locate a vein for my IV in my arms everything went smoothly. I was up and walking in recovery. I had no pain and required no pain medication while in the hospital. I told them to take away the morphine pump after the first day. I was a little sore, but no worst than something between a menstrual cramp and what your abs feel like if you have a really zealous day at the gym. My doctor had me on prophylactic stool softeners and generic prilosec from the first day in the hospital. I stayed on the colace for 30 days and the prilosec for 90. I've had no constipation and no gas pains. I was able to move my bowels by 2 days after discharge. I have had no nausea. I was cleared to drive at 2 weeks. Cleared to resume Water aerobics once my incisions scabbed (~3weeks). Until then I walked for 20 mins once a day.

Overall I feel really good and I'm happy I made this decision. My doctor's protocals are a bit more on the conservative side, but I think they helped make my experience go smoothly and positively.

So let's hear it! What's your surgical tale?

Edited November 16, 2014 by Blerdgirl

[mz.newlife54 103]

Thank u for starting this thread. I had surgery November 11. Everything went smoothly. I did need pain medicine. It has gotten better as each day passes. No gas pains after first day. Im just concentrating on getting all my Protein in. I was able to drink two Protein Shakes today. I eat greek yogurt broth and sugar free popsicles. I have no regrets in making the decision to have this surgery..

[Elode 8,093]

My surgery went smoothly! I was in pain when I came to but they got me on some meds fast and that was better. I had nausea the 2 days in the hospital but only when I got up to pee..ect. I have a full bottle of nausea med I have never had to use since leaving the hospital. The first 3 days home were a little rough I'm not going to lie but once my surgeon upped my pain pills to oxycodone I was a-ok!! I stopped taking them at about 5-6 days. I haven't had any issues with foods or fluids it just takes time To get it all in. I have no hunger. I think the 14 day pre-op really prepared me for that! I took my drain out after 7 days (best thing EVER) and staples came out last week I take everything day by day, I don't live on the scale only weigh on Mondays. I'm down 28 lbs in 29 days so happy about that of course(including my Pre-op) I am ready and prepared for the plateau so I may not even weigh for the next 2 weeks just to avoid the stress.....keep it a "surprise" . If I could give some advice to a newbie I would say 1: make sure you have orders for all the meds you will need BEFORE leaving the hospital...ask about pain pills, anti nausea meds, anti-acids, your Dr may or may not prescribe them routinely ASK don't wait until you are sick and hurting! You may not even need them but then again you may! 2: surround your self with a good support system if possible. It's very possible to do it on your own but it helps to have people in your corner (like us) and last but not least: even when it's hard and maybe starts to suck remember the feeling You have now and how bad you really want this, why you wanted this, and have limitless goals! Don't underestimate yourself Or your body's potential. Don't stress! Your body has been through a lot,allow your body to heal Be patient, do what your suppose to do and eventually you will succeed Good luck!

[CheleLynn45 615]

Thanks for starting this thread. I had my surgery on 10/27. My surgery went well, I did take longer in recovery than most, but I don't really remember that to much. I was on my pain drip and I used it every time the light turned green. I didn't feel pain but they had said to try to stay ahead of the pain so that is what I did. I was up and walking around 9pm on the day I had surgery. My surgery was at 2pm.

My hubby stayed the whole time I was in the hospital and that was a huge help. I just felt more comfortable with him there. I went home Tuesday around suppertime and didn't need any pain medicine at all once I got home. And by that first weekend I was getting in my Protein and my liquids. I was surprised by that. My incisions were all good and are pretty much healed up now.

I walked everyday and most days I did get my hour in. It did make me feel better I am sure of that. I have been back to the gym and working on getting my stamina back. I had a good 2 week post op appointment and was happy about that. Everything I introduced to my sleeve in the soft food stage has gone well. So for that I am grateful. So I am following my doctors orders and doing two shakes a day and one small meal. I usually have my meal at dinner time with my family.

it hasn't bothered me to cook for my family and then eat my little bit of whatever. There is no way I want to mess this up, I didn't got thru all this to not follow the rules and so far following the rules has been working.

[mz.newlife54 103]

Congratulations and keep up the good work.

[Kimber0721 9]

Hi, I had surgery on 10/22. Just like someone else the worst part was trying to get in an IV before surgery -- I think the 9th attempt was successful. Still have those bruises. Tylenol while in the hospital and once home no pain Meds. I found a little Reglan and Pepcid took care of any discomfort. Went Back to work in a week. Cleaning house in 2 weeks. Enjoying my purée/ soft food until the next stage. Just need to up my Water intake and exercise. Hit the first plateau but by reading all of these posts I am staying positive about it. No regrets.

[mz.newlife54 103]

Hi. Just wondering what u are eating in your pureed phase? I start friday. One more day on full liquids.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Hi, I had surgery on 10/22. Just like someone else the worst part was trying to get in an IV before surgery -- I think the 9th attempt was successful.

That was me! Glad they got yours in. They used my neck!

@@mz.newlife54 - There's a thread on pureed foods here.

Edited November 20, 2014 by Blerdgirl

[MrsMurky721 130]

It's so nice to see this thread. My surgery is in less than a month so of course I have been stalking through BP for everything that may possibly happen after surgery. Mostly I see negative things. But apparently some people have no problems!! Thank you for lowering my anxiety level!

[mz.newlife54 103]

Thank u. I have a pamphlet from my surgeons office but i wanted to get some more ideas since I'll be on this phase for four weeks.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

It's so nice to see this thread. My surgery is in less than a month so of course I have been stalking through BP for everything that may possibly happen after surgery. Mostly I see negative things. But apparently some people have no problems!! Thank you for lowering my anxiety level!

I had none. No pain, no gain, no nausea. Walking in recovery. Hospital staff were lovely. Feeling great and losing weight! That's why I wanted to start this thread.

Edited November 20, 2014 by Blerdgirl