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I did not experience severe pain - but muscle soreness. For me the much bigger issues were exhaustion, trying to get enough fluids in, hating the liquid diet, and mild blues post op while the weight loss was happening - it wasn't really noticable at first since I was high BMI (52). Honestly, the first 1-2 months were tough, but not due to pain in my case.

Pain after surgery varies so much. talk to your doctor, get an understanding of who will be your follow up doctor (mine was NOT my surgeon and this was not explained to me, so all the discussions about pain meds and such were not heeded - indeed not even passed on).
Make sure that your doctor had sent follow up instructions for your pain medicaton DIRECTLY to the head nurse on the floor you will be on and yes, they should be able to do this.
Not trying to scare you or anything at all! But the time just after surgery is important to have as much arranged as possible, this is when you will be sedated, possibly uncomfortable, etc. Handle it ahead of time.
Good luck.

For me it was very minimal. I used the pain pump the day of surgery and the pain was manageable. I went home the next day mid day and they sent me home with liquid vicodin and that was used the first two days then I was fiine without any meds. I felt worse coming out from the anesthesia honestly. I too, had no gas pain...thank goodness!

My pain was very manageable. I only took pain meds right after surgery and maybe once on day two. Walking as much as possible really helped manage the pain and keeping hydrated.

I was just sleeved last Tuesday (10/2). I was lucky; I never got the gas pains that so many talk about. Instead I was extremely sore. I used my pain pump fairly often the first night trying to deal with the soreness. By the next morning I realized within a minute or so of pushing the magic button, nausea would set in. During one of our pre-op classes we were warned that sleeve patients often have more nausea than the rest.
While I had outpatient surgery in April for my hand, this was my first surgery with general anesthesia and hospitalization. It really wasn't that bad once the leak test was done and the foley catheter was removed.
A week later it is still a little sore on the biggest incision I had but it's getting better. I no longer need a pillow to help push against when getting up and down from a chair or in and out of bed and I have been able to bend again.
All in all, this wasn't too bad of an experience. You'll do great! Just make sure you walk while in the hospital and let them know if you have pain or nausea instead of laying in bed in agony.

Hi and Welcome!
I have the same types of fears, I've never been in the hospital and only just recently had my first IV.
I've been reading and reading for months in preparation and have found a great deal of comfort from the reports of others. I plan on taking PdxMan's advice when I have my surgery on 11/6. Most people have written that it is not too bad, some gas pain but walking helps a great deal.
Good luck!!!
Good luck!!

That is what they made pain meds for. I kept on a regular schedule of meds so the pain never got in front of me. I've had dentist visits which were worse.
For me, all in all, it wasn't too bad at all.

Hi,
I'm new and on the process of getting my sleeve. I've
already did all of the tests. I'm going to see nutritionist and psychologist
Next week.
I'm ready for the sleeve. I think I've been ready for a long time. But I am scared about the immediate post op pain. Never had surgery or been in a hospital before.

Hi Mrs Hanson, I'm booked for my surgery 15/10 here in Australia very excited but nervous about the whole thing, on the Optifast diet ATM myself, first couple of days were a struggle but I'm liking the weight loss so far! Can't wait till after surgery and clothing sizes start dropping! Looking forward to going shopping in normal clothing stores! I think we've made the right decision, I decided I didn't want another 5 years of my life to pass me by.... Good luck and keep posting! It's been great on here to read and speak to ppl who have been through it and exciting to see the weight loss others have so inspirational!

Hello and Welcome.
It appears that you have a handle on it. Search the site for anything that you would like to know. There is an abundance of information woven through out. Much success to you as you meet your initial goals.

So I'm a newbie here and met with my surgeon for the first time today. I had orientation last week and was told that I immediately needed to start my preop diet and begin working out. I was really nervous at first but meeting with my doctor today really calmed those nerves. After failing at losing weight all my life I simply worry that I will fail at this too... I have to quit smoking which has proven to be not easy but this is important to me and I will make the commitment! I have my psychology appointment on the 31st and after that I simply have to hit my goal weight, get blood tests, and pass a nicotine urine test and then I am in the clear to see the case manager and schedule my surgery date. I must say that things will probably move much faster than I thought they would. I've seen so many people who have had to wait months but thank god I won't have to. (Btw I'm a Kaiser patient). I weighed in at 248.5 the day of my orientation (starting weight) and today at my appointment I weighed 241.5. So I have already lost 8 pounds in only a week of following the preop diet, pretty happy about that! My doctor set my goal weight at 238 so I only have 3.5 pounds to technically lose before I am given that go for surgery. My personal goal before surgery is at the very most 230. Any words of wisdom, encouragement, and guidance are always appreciated...! Thanks.

About your girls hair... I am 40 years old and I still remember my dad trying to do my hair when my mom was in the hospital....it was awful! Lol make sure he can brush it or you do it in a style the can keep for a week at a time so he won't have to give them awful memories like I have now some 30 years later! Lol he really did try tho....

I am doing fine overall but learning to live with the sleeve is much more difficult than I thought it would be! Just remember to sip sip and sip... About your bag: make sure you take an extension cord for your cellphone, slippers, gas-x strips Chapstick and dry mouth spray.. Those were all lifesavers for me

That's the plan. I'll be in NY -- even if it's just to sit with her. She's fairly weak; I had to carry her like a baby last week to the hospital...luckily my hubby's great with our girls. They'll be clean and safe but their hair won't be combed! lol
Thanks for the prayers...we sure need it!
How are you recovering? I'm packing my hospital bag now...not even sure what to put in there!

Hello Highschoolfigure,
We have a lot in common-I lost a brother to cancer in 2001 and my mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. That was the hardiest year of my life and all I did was eat thru my emotions..... You are stronger than you think and so is your mom! I will be sending prayers up now for you your mom and your husband and kids! I am 20 days post op and I can tell you it is not easy but this journey is soooo going to be worth it. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Also I took a month off and will go back next week. I have enjoyed spending my recovery time with my parents. Try to spend sometime with your mom while you are off...

Thank you

Good luck with your surgery, and the best to your mom.

Wow, I can't believe tomorrow's the day. I'm entering this path with mixed feelings. I'm glad to be having this happen, but my mother is really sick and was admitted to the hospital over the weekend. She's fighting cancer. I didn't tell her about my surgery. She was sad when I left NY to come back to DC. I told her I had something pressing with work that needed to be taken care of this week. My hubby will drive us (kids and I) to NY to visit with her next weekend. I sure hope I'm up to it. I have an extensive schedule and at the end of the day my surgery is the only way I could get paid time off. I pray I can get a full 6 weeks off and my mom can get stronger.
I haven't cheated much on my liquid diet. Just a couple times and I had protein(egg white or chicken) -- haven't had carbs in a while, so I'm down 13 lbs on my one week diet. I haven't had the desire to eat. Watching my mom fight this fight is the hardest thing I've ever had to do...right next to watching my brother lose his fight in July. I kinda figured my mom would deteriorate once she had to bury her first born.
So thanks for reading and good luck to all my fellow Oct first sleevers!! Tomorrow's our birthday!

Hi --- I'm from Nebraska, new to this site, though I have read many posts / blogs over the last few weeks in preparation for my upcoming surgery. I am scheduled to have the sleeve done on Halloween this year (2012). I am wanting a mentor / buddy with around the same goals as my own. I am a 39 year old female, I want to lose 113 lbs, which will get me down to 170. I know to some that is still pretty heavy for a female, but I have 160+ pounds of lean muscle mass. I used to be very athletic and active and that person is still hiding within. I have many emotions bouncing around constantly: I'm excited, nervous, and most of all scared of failure -- I've never succeeded with any other attempt I'm terrified that this won't be the answer either. If someone out there could be my support system I would appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Hoping to see a-new-me in 2013