Gina from MA here...

[gina925]

Just sleeved on 1/4/17. That day was ok. Day 2 was horrific. I fought with my surgeon and had left over Co2 pain that would not go away no matter how much walking I did. I cried and wished for death. Now I am past that, on the road to healing and to a healthier me!

[Christie13]

The CO2 pain is extremely common. The amount of pain and time it takes to dissipate varies from person to person. The first week is the absolute hardest. And there will be bumps along the way. The most important thing I would say during the early recovery is to try to make sure you are getting as much fluids and protein as you can tolerate. It isn't easy. You won't really want them but you'll need them. Beware the acid reflux. It is also a very common side affect yet doesn't present like normal heartburn. When you are cleared for soft food and eventually solids, make sure you eat very small bites, allow them time to go down and register in your tummy, and don't overeat because it is very uncomfortable and can make you get sick. Most people can only eat a bite or two per meal and it takes a while before that goes up. I am 9 weeks out and still can only eat very small amounts so I have to eat more frequently. Not sure when I will get to the point where I have my meals and an occasional snack. What helps me is keeping a protein bar handy and having a small bit here and there. I still drink at least 1 (sometimes 2) protein shakes to meet my protein goal. For most people water is harder to drink than other liquids. This is going to be the hardest time for you so please reach out for support and any questions when you need it. Congrats on your new tummy. Treat it well and make sure you work it so it will work for you.

[jamma]

Day 2 is horrible. It found me lying in my hospital bed cursing myself for having this procedure. It's hard to believe it will get better so dramatically, but it does. I am 2 1/2 months out and cannot tell you how happy I am that I did this!

[gina925]

I am already feeling so much better! I can't wait to be 2 1/2 months out!

[Christie13]

I'm 9 weeks out and there are still issues but they are much more manageable.

[TarotAces]

Still pre-op.. but only 4 more days.

I'm really nervous about the CO2/gas pain. When it comes to gas pain I'm a huge baby.
(I can tolerate most other types of pain almost too well, just not gas.)

Here's hoping I'm one of 'the lucky ones'.

[gina925]

Ask for a much Simethicone as they can give you. Its in chewable form too. I did have a family member smuggle some in for me too. They will more than likely be giving you Protonix thru your I V. That helps too. Walk, walk with a bounce if you must but walk. My first night my surgeon,who by his policy, put all his gastric surgery patients in ICU over night was a blessing/curse for me. Since most of the other patients were unconscious and intubated I was out bouncing til my hearts content. But since they were all unconscious they're alarms were going off all night, that kept me up. It was so noisy! The following afternoon I was taken to a surgical floor and promptly crashed for 10+ hours. My surgeon was mad but when I woke I was ready to move forward and was extremely happy I was on the other side of the surgical part of it! You'll be there quicker than you think! Good luck!

[DesertGal]

I've watched a few videos of the surgery being performed, but last night I stumbled across one that I showed my husband. The first slice of the abdomen was done and a piece of equipment was inserted and they said it was 'GAS' they were administering. The video was shot kind of unprofessionally but I saw exactly how many slices into the body they do to enter the tools and camera. I'm not looking forward to the GAS either but I am more concerned with the nausea afterwards. My middle name could be Nausea!

[gina925]

Talk to the anesthesiologist. Tell them your concerns. All of my nurses were shocked by all the anti nausea medication I was given while I was under. My doc also continued anti nausea meds once I was awake and was I given one of those motion sickness patches. If you have a good doc and a good hospital they will do everything in their power to keep you comfortable. If nausea is your middle name than mine must be SUPER NAUSEA, because that was my major concern. Talk to the anesthesiologist, please! So far the only thing that has made me sick to my stomach was Vanilla Ensure that the hospital gave me. Yuk!!

[Christie13]

I usually have a terrible time with anesthesia. This time was probably my easiest. When I was awoken after surgery I was in a lot of pain and dry heaving for about an hour. After that, I was all good. I was taken to my room and slept off and on until the evening when I started walking around. The more I walked the better I felt.

[Jeanne Loves the Sun]

I know how you feel. My first 6 hours post op was the absolute worst! I'm an RN and know about pain control and I suffered terribly! It wasn't until they gave me toradol that I turned the corner. So I feel for you and am glad you're over the worst. That co2 pain isn't a joke.
Good luck with your recovery. I'm out almost 6 weeks and I feel like my old self again! Just a little lighter.

[Christie13]

I had an anti nausea patch I had to put on at 8 PM the night before surgery, a pill I was given that morning, and sent home with a prescription anti nausea plus whatever they gave me in the hospital. I would say it worked over all because my nausea was minimal. I remember a previous surgery that left me violently ill after the anesthesia. I was not given the same types of anti nausea that I was with this surgery. I am very grateful to my surgeon and anesthesiologist for the excellent care I was given.

[gina925]

Isn't it wonderful when the medical staff listens to you? I had my gall bladder out 20 years ago, no one listened to me and it was by far the worst experience of my life! I was so incredibly ill for days! Thank God for those who listen and understand their patients!