After Surgery

[Missariana39 2]

I am a college student who plans to go back to school 1-2 weeks after the surgery. After you are released from the hospital do you have any bandages, tubes or any visible showing?

[Rollergal 17]

From what I gather each surgeon is different. Some have drains some don't. I had 6 incisions, no drain and could have realistically gone back to work on day 4. I'm a teacher.

I've had 2 caesareans and this was a walk in the park compared to that.

For me, day 1 and 2 I slept a lot in hospital. Day 3 I had minimal pain relief and no energy problems. Day 4 I was off all pain meds and feeling pretty normal. Best of luck with your surgery.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I am a college student who plans to go back to school 1-2 weeks after the surgery. After you are released from the hospital do you have any bandages, tubes or any visible showing?

I didn't have a drain but I did have this ball/device that administered a numbing agent. It was wired into my chest, just under my sternum and hung around my neck. I only wore it for a couple of days until it was empty.

My incisions across my abdomen were glued, so unless I lifted up my shirt and showed someone they were not visible.

You may have some bruising where the IV was administered.

Also, since you are on blood thinners you may bruise easily.

One thing you may need to keep in mind as a student is that in the first weeks/month or so after surgery you may be mentally fuzzy. I was in a bit of a fog for a month which impacted my short term memory. This may be due to dehydration/lack of nutrition, anesthesia, and/or general stress due to the surgery and healing.

Also, keep in mind lifting restrictions. You won't be able to lift a heavy book bag for a while.

The best way to heal quickly is to be gentle with yourself and follow your program.

Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids. Take your Vitamins and supplements as instructed. Exercise (walking is great until you are cleared for more strenuous exercise).

If you need any accommodations after surgery, talk with your Dean of Students office. And, if you can't find healthy choices through food service, definitely talk to the manager of your food services.

Best of luck with your surgery and keep us posted on how you are doing.

[cooley22 5]

I am in school too although I do not have a surgery date, I do know that I will be in school when I have this surgery. My surgeon said he could do my surgery on a Friday since I do not have classes that day. But I hope I will be able to go to classes on the following Monday or Tuesday..

[orb7007 9]

Hey! I'm in college as well. I had surgery September 3rd and was back in school is the 8th! I felt great, I was run down sure, but overall I felt great. My mom stayed with me and drove me to class which was super helpful! No visible signs I had surgery though

[Missariana39 2]

A couple months ago I had surgery to remove a cyst. After the surgery, I had to take 2 weeks off of school to relax because I was still feeling weak and in a lot of pain even with meds. I hope I don't have the same reaction to the gastric sleeve surgery

[TnT123 3]

Everyone is different but I went back to work 3 days after surgery. I never had pain or discomfort.