Post-op Day 1...NEED help

[NewLife4Jen 28]

To anyone and everyone,

I just had my gastric sleeve done yesterday...YAY!!!!!!! I had a long road, one that I just recently spoke about in a recent thread. Anyway, long story short....I had a band done in 4/2012 and only could ever keep liquid down. I got sicker and weaker as time went on with emergency room visits. The original doctor said nothing was wrong but no testing done except for a CT scan in the ER. He said it was fine. I sought a second opinion, may tests done and the band was badly eroded and the port was encapsulated in to the muscle. I had that sll taken out and repaired Dec. 5th, 2014. I was approved to have the gastric sleeve done (as it was not my "choice" to have the band out).

Well, surgery yesterday. Many things are a bit better this time(less overall pain compared to Dec), However, I came home today and I am so sick. I did as I was instructed trying to get my Water and Protein shakes down (2 ounces at a time). I guess I am so swollen, I have been gurgling in my chest along with intense, "feels like a heart attack" kind of chest pain. I went to the bathroom once hoping that it would come up but it isn't like the band and it didn't. Now, I have a raging headache. The gas pain is also excrutiating. I am walking as instructed. I know this passes (excuse the pun) as I have been through this before. It is just hard, I hurt and am emotional at the moment.

I did try the papaya-pineapple enzymes which is the only reason I can write this tonight. Any advice?? I am in so much pain(yep, took pain meds too (Lortab liquid)

Thanks in advance,

Jen

[lslblues 45]

When you say two ounces at a time, are you drinking two ounces at once? You should be taking small 1/8 oz sips. I had quite a bit of pain and could feel every little sip, but just kept drinking tiny sips. I started out taking about 10 minutes to drink 1 oz on day 1. By the end of day 2, I could drink 1 oz in about 2 minutes. If you feel pain/pressure, it sounds like you are trying to drink too much too fast. My doctor also said don't worry about Protein the first couple days - get the fluids in. My guide actually has a table saying Day 1 after surgery - 40 oz Fluid, 10 grams Protein. Day 2 50 oz Fluid, 20 grams protein. Building up to 80 grams after a week. The Protein shakes did not sit well with me at all right after surgery. Apple juice, room temp Water, and strained egg drop Soup sat best for me.

Days 2-5 were pretty tough for me. I'm now at day 8 and feeling great - it will get better.

[BryBro63 410]

The beginning was a little rough for me as well...but please take heart and be patient...it WILL INDEED get better and easier as things heal and you start adjusting to the changes. Getting through the first week is the hardest, and things will improve from there. From what you're describing, those are usually pretty common after effects of the surgery. Just be sure to take everything slowly...slow moving, slow drinking, and be sure to get in pain meds as needed and get in your Vitamins.

Wishing you the best success!!

[LSF 264]

I was banded on the 4th- 2 days ago. My surgeon had me only drink Water 1st day post op and start the Protein Drinks on day 2 which is today. I just got my first shake down. His instructions are to drink a shake over an hour, then the next hour water etc... I have to follow this for the next week and after day 8- to start adding soft/mushy foods. This surgery was also revision surgery for me

[LSF 264]

I forgot to mention - once I started drinking the Water, I started getting really bad gas but I don't have the shoulder pain like I did from the band surgery.

[GEAUX SAINTS 143]

I guess everyone's different. I'm 3 days out and can, literally, drink anything. Yesterday (my first full day home), for example, I drank 78oz, including a Protein Drink. I do have some gas, nothing I can't live with. My doc said drink as much as you want since liquid doesn't stretch the sleeve. I've already consumed 44oz today and it's only passed noon! Good luck to you as you head towards you goal!!!

[LSF 264]

While I'm home I'm getting into the routine of just drinking the shakes as my 3 meals (they are 30grams each) and sipping Water between meals or eat some Jello

[GEAUX SAINTS 143]

Good deal! I'm not even sipping anymore!!!