8 Hours Post-op: A Newly Minted Sleever Talks Surgery

[Josey Quinn 187]

It is 2:00 a.m., and I'm sitting in my hospital bed writing this post on my iPad. My surgery started at 3:00 p.m. yesterday. It finished around 6:00 p.m., and I was in my room for the night around 9:00 p.m.

Yesterday was a little rough because I had an afternoon surgery and had to wait so long without even a Protein shake. I don't remember much from the surgery itself. ???? I apparently was quite vocal in the recovery room. I asked for lots of pain and nausea meds, and this kept me in recovery for a little longer than usual. I'm glad, though, because I kept tight control of the nausea.

I got settled in a regular room around 9:00 p.m. It was hard to get comfortable in the hospital bed, but the pain was not terrible. On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst, I've stayed around a 3. This is definitely the least painful surgery I've had (out of 5 surgeries at various times in my life, including 2 c-sections). I do feel the sharper gas pain around my shoulders, but it's tolerable, and I have not taken a gas remedy. I was able to make several trips to the bathroom, so it's obvious my kidneys are working well.

I finally slept for a few hours. While sleeping, I left the ice pack against my new "holes," and managed to cold burn the skin a little. I don't recommend putting the ice pack directly against your skin. ????

Now, I'm quite awake. I'm uncomfortable, but the 2 ice chips I ate haven't caused a problem. My mouth is dry, but not intolerably so. After surgery, you'll want to wet a washcloth and clean your lips and nose. Mine were pretty grimy. Yuck. Chapstick really helps, too. I'm finally hit the little target on my breathing apparatus.

Overall, I feel like things have gone well. I have the barium test in the morning to check for leaks. I've heard that can be a little rough. I will report back.

It does feel great to be on the "other side." ????

[Rachel Pittsburgh 29]

Keep sucking on ice chips and I can't believe you made a post 8 hours after surgery! You are one strong lady! Good luck and keep moving and walking.

Kudos,

Rachel

[cindyw41 761]

So glad you made this post. My surgery is also scheduled for 3pm. Now I have somewhat of a timeline to go by. Hoping you're getting some rest.

[MIMISAN 404]

Glad you are a prolific poster because it helps all of us that have gotten there yet. I think you are doing great and can't wait to hear more.

Congrats on your new tummy.

[Josey Quinn 187]

Update on barium swallow test.

It wasn't too bad. I was really worried about nausea with it, but I didn't have any. The taste of the liquid leaves much to be desired, of course, but the doctor running the scan had me drink only 4 swallows. It was very quick. They gave me a cup of Water to rinse and spit the taste out of my mouth afterward. They said everything looks good. No leaks for me! Woo hoo!

Now, I'm waiting for my delicious chicken broth Breakfast.

[ocgirl15 667]

Wow you are doing great! I was sleeved Monday. Barium test wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was relatively quick. At that point I would have done anything for a slip of Water. They didn't allow ice chips.< /p>