24 hours after gastric sleeve surgery - concerns

[J&R 2]

Hi all

My hubby had gastric sleeve surgery yesterday, and I'm really worried about him.

He sounds dreadful on the phone, so weak. He said that every time he takes a sip of Water it feels like a lead balloon hitting his stomach, it hurts then he feels violently nauseous.

I wondered if any of you peeps had a similar experience? I don't know if what he is experiencing is to be expected, or if it means there is a problem. I haven't been able to speak to his dr yet to ask if its normal?

Thanks in advance 🙏

[Lefti 21]

The first 2 days will be the worst. His stomach is very swollen from the surgery. Very tiny sips of Water are best, bigger gulps like he's probably used to will feel uncomfortable. The nurses can give him anti-nausea medicine. This sounds normal to me. It will feel better each day as the swelling goes down. It's also good to train yourself to slow down and take smaller portions into your mouth.

[J&R 2]

Thank you Lefti, that's good to hear. Feeling a little more reassured now

I guess this is the start of a long journey for the both of us.

Do you know how long he should expect the pain to persist?

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[Lefti 21]

I was feeling much better by day 4, and drinking/eating continues to get a little bit better each day after that.

[Arabesque 7,525]

Your husband has just had a pretty big surgery. He is swollen, his digestive system has been altered, has been pumped full of gas to inflate his abdomen for the surgery, may have also been pumped full of fluids & has a lot of internal stitches &/or staples. Feeling pain, weakness, tiredness is too be expected. I know it’s scary but it’s very normal after surgery. The pain will pass (less than a week), the swelling will reduce (a few days), his energy levels will build, & he’ll generally feel better. Of course we all recover differently & the tiredness & lack of energy may persist for a while because he’s also consuming fewer calories.

Walk to get rid of the gas. Take the pain meds he’s been prescribed. Take it slowly. Rest or sleep as needed.

All will be good. He’ll just need time to heal internally.

[J&R 2]

Thank you both so much, this is very reassuring.

I brought him home from hospital yesterday. He already seems a little brighter.

His tummy is black and blue, and he says it is very sore. Seems to be more sore than yesterday, but I guess thats normal as the healing process begins. He doesn't have a temperature, so hopefully all good.

He's on a lot of medication including warfarin, metformin, lansoprazole etc so a lot to manage.

Thanks again 😊

[Candace76 212]

I was very week and tired the first 4 days, especially the first 2. I could barely keep my eyes open the rest of the day after the surgery.

His sips should be really tiny at first, too. He might do better with room temp liquids at first, but I think some prefer slightly cooler drinks or warm broth temps at first.

Wishing him a quick recovery & successful surgery.

Edited August 6, 2021 by Candace76
Clarity