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Hi all, I did a search through the forum but couldn't find a situation that was similar as already got my gall bladder removed years ago and not a recent post-op. Is it 'normal' to suffer frequent, as in every few days for a few hours at a time, abdominal pain even 8 months after surgery? I get it on both sides at times, other times just one side. It was so bad last night on my right side that I couldn't lie on my stomach, which is my preferred way to fall asleep, as it was uncomfortable. I am not sure if it is usual or a side effect of all the issues I had post-op (leak, pancreatitis, infection, abscesses, allergic reaction to meds). I didn't want to go to the hospital if it is a normal occurrence following sleeve surgery that I just am expected to take a painkiller for, also I am terrified of being kept in hospital again.

Hello to all my surgery buddies, I've read some really amazing posts on here and just want to say thank you to all of you that show support to each other. It can be a very scary time, specially for those of us who are alone in our process to recovery. I had my gastric sleeve surgery on February 8th, I am 17 days post op as of this post. I still struggle a bit to consume even liquids. I burp a lot, and feel bloated all the time. I also have a constant feeling like everything slowly creeps up in my esophagus and just sits there. My pain levels are actually quite low, and my surgery incisions are healing quite well. I'm just worried about my stomach, my doctor wanted me to start introducing some solids slowly, but I told him no way I can barely tolerate liquids. So he has me on liquids for another week. I hope I am not one of the unfortunate few where the surgery will have long lasting complications and although I will lose the weight, my quality of life will be lowered because of all this discomfort. Thanks for reading, I wish everyone here a speedy recovery.

Hi Lark, I was in the same position. Returning to a highly demanding job, 12hr shifts, encompassing both sitting a a computer, walking/moving and high stress, I was exhausted. I had many fears, would I manage, would I be able to eat and drink? I decided to go back after 4wks as I needed to get over that hurdle. it was tough, I work nights and days, so going back for 3nights after a month of sleeping 9hrs per night was daunting. I managed, pre-planning involved making up a box of protein drinks, 25-50g tubs of snacks, and high protein non perishables and putting it in my locker. My fluid intake was planned out, 3 x500ml bottles of water, 1x protein shake. A couple protein balls in my pocket, lentil soup for my 1am break. I think I did around 12k steps that night. So yeah come morning I was shattered. since that block of nights, I’ve also been on days, which I always struggle with anyway. There was an added problem this time, of slight reflux in the morning, which was new to me. I found a few dry crackers (10g) in my pocket helped. I can drink when sitting at my computer and if o have to run to my locker for a 5min time out and a snack I can do so. the swap from days to nights and vice versa is not easy. I am considering asking for only days for the time being, which has financial implications but might be better for my health. Do what’s right for you. I wanted returning to work over with, so I’d not worry about it. This process has been one of trial and error for me. Good luck. I wish you well o your road to health. X

I have a very physical job as well and understand how hard it is. I've been out of work for 6 weeks already and due to complications and needing a lot of Iv infusions I'm going to be out another 3 weeks. Hang in there

Amazing transformation!

I’m doing ok. I had revision and it’s definitely not the same as I expected. It’s slow weight loss but at least it’s going down. Body take longer to heal compared to before. Over all can’t complaint. Thanks for asking!

Good morning! Glad to hear you both are doing well. I had my surgery on Thursday and came home yesterday. They found a hiatal hernia during surgery and went ahead and repaired that so I got two for one. I am doing OK as long as I keep pain meds in me. I’m not sure if the hernia causes more pain or what but, swallowing really does hurt like right in between my breasts. It took me a good half hour to get my morning pills down one at a time. I slept in the recliner last night and got more sleep than I did the whole time in the hospital! I agree about not feeling hungry. That’s kind of weird considering we haven’t had food in a long time. It’s great to have you all on the same journey with me!

Sorry just seen this now. Yes they were happy with the weight gain. Month 9 I did gain another 8 pounds (my appetite went crazy) so 15 pounds total. Baby was 7 pounds healthy and perfect! By 2 weeks post partum my weight went back to pre pregnancy weight. But then the holidays came and I did gain about 10 pounds, so I would just say be careful after you give birth and try to continue healthy eating habits.

Thank you. It was really getting to me and causing me to feel very depressed. I actually went to my doctor today for a follow-up and she says I am doing great. She thinks 5 lbs a month is a good goal for the revision and feels I am on track, it is about the big picture.

I will say this, Im 5 mos post op and I have lost "only" about 40 lbs. At first it was really getting to me about not losing fast enough.....HOWEVER, I don't have to take diabetic medication anymore, my clothes are too big on me. So I stopped worrying about weighing myself everyday and decided to just be in the moment of small victories. For instance, I bought a few XL shirts, because everything I have is now swimming on me, and when I got home and put them on, I was like "WHOA!" because they too are a little big :). I went from 3x to L/XL and I am still going. So don't stress yourself out and worry. Its happening and you will see soon.