Top 5 Things To Know Post Surgery

[bestnester]

Hey wonderful people! I am having surgery tomorrow, and would love to hear from you experienced sleevers what your top 5 things you would want others to remember or know or keep in mind for post surgery. Anything from liquid intake, to emotions, to pains.

Thanks for all your amazing advice and encouragement!

[dribblerone]

good luck girl! mine is the 21st,, I know u are super excited, I will be checking to see what the sleevers have to say as well

[sleave31st]

My biggest issues: 1) nausea/vomiting while in the hospital. I couldnt keep fluids down, I had to literally take mini sips out of a small kids mesuring cup. Ask for nausea meds if you experience this. I also did better on warm liquids like decaf hot tea, but everbodys different. 2) Walk. walk, walk as much as you can to get rid of the gas 3) I developed what I would related as ptsd. I got major ups and dows even went on meds for it. So if you experience this seek a counselor to discuss your feelings. 4) Take it slow, dont rush trying to eat things you shouldnt- follow your dr's orders. 5) Give yourself time- you will most likely not lose for first couple days or weeks due to excess fluids from being in the hospital and the excess gas pumped into you. Good Luck onthe surgery tomorrow. You'll do great!

[bergamini]

1. If it hurts or you are nauseous, ask for meds
2. You are going to be nervous, this will pass
3. It will feel overwhelming when it's done but feeling "normal" is just around the corner
4. Walk as soon as you can, both in the hospital and when you get home. Walk, walk, walk.
5. Have fun!

[Anissa Christine]

My top 5 "need to know" list for post-op:

1) This surgery is 20% physical, 80% mental
2) Being healthy & happy isn't a contest...do not compare yourself to others!
3) Although you will have moments you feel sorry for yourself...do not dwell in those moments. Acknowledge them and move on. And keep in mind if you spend too much time feeling sorry for yourself you are taking time away from focusing on your long term goals.
4) Realize this sleeve is a tool..it is NOT a magic solution. You MUST work for your sleeve (i.e. eating healthy and exercising)if you want your sleeve to work for you.
5) Take your picture (full body) EVERY 30 days. These pics will keep you sane as your mind struggles to catch up with the rapid physical changes.

Those are the top 5 from my perspective!

Best wises on this incredible journey!

[Lucy61]

1 - If when eating w/the sleeve you feel bad, get foamies then it's - Too Much, or Too Soon, or Too Fast
2 - Liquid stage - buy regular soup you like, cook as directed, then drain off the broth for your clear liquids
3 - Walk as soon as they will let you after surgery - I was in my room 2 hours and up and walking, and I tried to walk at least once an hour, even in the middle of the night if I couldn't sleep, I'd walk
4 - Take a pillow to the hospital w/you to hold against your tummy when you are on your trip home
5 - Take chap stick too (you can't drink anything till your leak test - usually the next day
6 - sip - sip - sip and this may be a tablespoon at a time in the beginning, you'll feel parched but this will pass and you will be able to drink more as time passes

[Legit Loss]

God bless you and keep you on the journey you will take
One that took all this time to create
The sleeve is a friend in times good and bad
A lifesaver I'm glad to have..

[nkemji]

1. know that the pain will get better daily
2. following all the instructions to the t
3. keep hydrating yourself
4. walk as soon as possible following surgery(i didn't and suffered for it!)
5. your taste for water may change (mine did)

[TracyEllen67]

All these are great! I want to add to always remember, it will get better! Any frustrations you feel in the first few days or weeks will get better. Every day you will feel slightly more yourself. Good luck!

[carolynodien]

Take your measurements NOW! When the scale stalls, check your measurements because you WILL see a difference even if the scale doesn't move! It was a great comfort to me during stalls.

[ms2tweet]

Get outta bed and walk walk walk.........the faster you get moving the better you will feel . Remember you may grieve for food but soon it will be over. You will need lots of support. Good luck !!!!

[YummyMummy2b]

I am loving all this advice also - I am being sleeved on 27th feb and I am petrified yet excited!!!! May I ask why is walking soo important- other than the excersise benefit? I don't get it?

[christine53]

it helps you pass GAS! and boy you will need to, all surgery is that way, you want them to pump you with gas so they can see what they are doing

[Miss Jay]

good luck girl! mine is the 21st,, I know u are super excited, I will be checking to see what the sleevers have to say as well

Hi Lori, I am from Tennessee as well, where are you having your surgery? My day is May 30th, in Mexico...Good luck with your sleeve, be Blessed, Welcome to the site .......Miss Jay

[smr76]

What a great thread! I am getting my sleeve on Feb. 26th and it is great to read these.