What is it like right after surgery?

[adora 0]

I'm trying to figure out where and how I am going to need help post op and I am just not sure what to expect during recovery. I had my daughter via c-section, is it similar? In that there really wasn't a lot of pain as long as I didn't over do it. I know that I won't be able to lift my daughter for a while, but what about getting down to her level to play. If i try to get on the floor and up again will I be able to, will it hurt? what about picking stuff up off the floor? Do they have to give you pain meds or is it so negligible that pain meds are not needed? can you tell I'm a planner?

[laurenjane 35]

Hi @adora. I'm a planner too and I wasn't sure what to expect after surgery either. Everyone's experience is a little different, but most people have a rough time the first week after surgery. I was on pain meds that first week only, and not a whole lot either. I think I still have half the prescription left. The worst part of that first week for me was the pain caused by the G-tube I had. Once that was removed at my 1-week post-op appointment life was SO MUCH better! Until the G-tube was removed I would get very sore towards the end of each day, especially if I had done any type of lifting. You're not supposed to lift anything over 10 pounds. I made sure not to lift anything over 10 pounds, but even anything lighter (like a purse) would tend to cause soreness. So, having said that, I wouldn't plan on picking up your daughter for several weeks. Hopefully you will have some help at home. Don't overdo it, stay ahead of the pain with your pain meds, rest, drink as much as you can, and you'll do great!! Good luck!

[Sajijoma 1,324]

I talked to my surgeon about what to expect from the recovery, because I have to have a plan in place with 7 kids. He told me the recovery will be very similar to my gall bladder surgery. So, what I had then was my abs completely were sore like the day after doing about 100 too many sit ups, and on the side where my gallbladder had been it felt tender like I had been kicked in the ribs, but I was up walking as soon as the anesthesia wore off. It was sore for a few days to the point you probably wouldn't want to get down in a floor, but I could take walks outside and less than a week after surgery we took a cross country trip and I didn't have any pain or discomfort at that point. I actually didn't take pain meds other than ibuprofen when I got home, because I was a new nursing mom and I needed to get back to her before I lost my supply so by day 2 I was basically pain free and doing well. So hoping lightning can strike twice and I can have a recovery as fast as that, although that was 13yrs ago at this point and I'm older so who knows.

[Marie Car 6]

Wow, i had a c-section and was walking to the mall on 4th day...im hoping that this wont be much different. what is a g tube?

[laurenjane 35]

@@Marie Car, a g-tube is a gastrostomy tube. The g-tube is inserted into the "old" portion of your stomach through one of your incisions. Not all bariatric surgeons use them, but mine did. In bariatric surgeries, the g-tube has two purposes. One reason it's used is for drainage. After you get home from the hospital, if you're feeling naseous, you can drain fluids from your old stomach. It's other purpose is a "back-up" if you aren't getting enough liquids in after surgery. You can add liquids (Water or clear Protein drinks) through the tube into your old stomach.

I was a little grossed out at the thought of using my g-tube as either a drain or feeding tube, so I never used mine. But I was relieved that it was there just in case I needed it.

[Marie Car 6]

DOES IT HURT TO DRINK AFTER SURGERY/?

[laurenjane 35]

It didn't hurt to drink after surgery at all. I was surprised. I couldn't drink anything for 24 hours, until my upper GI study was done. After the study was done and it was confirmed that there weren't any leaks in my new pouch then I was free to drink Clear Liquids. I was super careful at first, not knowing what to expect. Fortunately, getting liquids in after surgery has not been an issue for me at all. I'm extremely thankful for that because I know lots of people are not as successful.