KeepOnRockinMe

Thanks! Yes the same surgeon did both of my surgeries too. He's very thorough so I redid the EGD and swallow test and had the ultrasound for the gallbladder. He wanted to double check that it was just the gallbladder causing me trouble.

Yes, I had my gall bladder removed 4 weeks after my VSG surgery.
I actually did pretty well. My VSG surgeon did the gall bladder removal, so he knew what he was working with and around. I didn't have any of the itching you describe. I just napped. (Note that I don't have a 16-month-old child to care for ... wow!)
It took me only about a week to "catch up" to where I was pre-gall bladder surgery.
And as far as the new scars are concerned, in a year you'll be hard pressed to find ANY of your scars from either surgery.
Keep your eye on the prize. That's the only thing that matters.

Thank you so much! This has been so rough on my family. Especially my 16 month old daughter who is still breastfeeding. I'm ready to feel normal again.

Dang! Poor girl! I didn't have that happen to me but I defiantly feel for you. I Hope you get to feeling better soon. God speed!

You are still pretty early in the process. Try eating smaller amounts every 2-3 hours and see if that helps. I am 9 weeks out and still eat several times a day. Mostly Protein still.

Just to follow up. I had my surgery on 12/2. Since then I've gone from 200lbs to 122lbs in 7 months. I was not on a blood thinner after surgery and I am STILL nursing my now 16 month old son. I did not need to supplement at all after my surgery and he is healthy as can be. So it IS possible!

ally126615@hotmail.com

I only took a pain meds for three days after I was discharged from the hospital.

I had no pain meds in the hospital and didn't take them at home either. I had some morphine right after they brought me out of surgery but then I spent 36 hours in the hospital with zero pain meds. If you are comfortable without them, I don't see why you couldn't quit taking them. I was struggling to sleep at night because I am belly sleeper so I took a couple for the first couple nights just to be able to sleep... I prescribed vicodin and it knocks me out!

I don't believe that the pain meds as prescribed will themselves cause addiction! Pain management helps with the healing process. You're already stressed out by having a 16th month old baby! Being a good mom also means taking care of yourself! Best of luck to you!

Speaking as an actual recovering addict, I say this. Know what you are medicating. If you can't honestly look yourself in the eye and say that you are doing it for the pain, don't do it.
The problem with addiction is that in many people it is a sleepy little monster. Once it wakes up, you got problems. Mindfulness and awareness are keys to staying safe. If you start chasing that delightful relaxed feeling, stop.
Transfer addiction is real and can set in quickly. Most of us had an addiction to food. Once we can no longer have food, it is extremely easy to subconsciously find another way to feed our addiction. I'm not saying that this is true for everyone but there have been plenty of documented cases.
I'm sure some people will say that I'm over-reacting, and that's fine. I just know from my own personal life experience and years of actually studying addiction that these things can happen.

ally126615@hotmail.com

Thank you guys for reassuring me! I don't take them at all during the day anymore, just one dose before bed. Hopefully in a few days I won't need them anymore

I take 1/2 a pain pill (oxy/acetaminophen) at night to help sleep more comfortably. I generally haven't needed to take them during the day. I think I will be able to eliminate the bedtime pill soon. Best of luck to everyone,

I was sleeved on June 26 and I have been off all pain meds for two days. I would say if you need them take them your body will tell you when you don't. You just have to listen.

I am 2 days ahead of you and still need narcotics at bedtime - I have one spot that is still tender.

I don't think taking your pain meds as prescribed makes you an addict. Don't worry about it.
I took all of mine that were prescribed. After a couple days, I didn't really need them during the day anymore, but I'm a tummy sleeper and was having a hard time sleeping on my back. So I would take a pain pill, put a pillow between my legs, and sleep as close to on my tummy as I could. They got me through the nights until I was able to fully sleep on my tummy again.
Oh, and I didn't become an addict

I switched to tylenol full time on day 5. Be careful. If you are concerned there must be a reason, so it's good to be aware.
I would also really try harder to protect yourself and don't let your daughter roll around on you like that for the time being.
Good luck to you.

You guys,
I had my one week post op check up. I lost 9 pounds, and the doctor said I could basically have most things as long as they're blended and not too thick. So I can add bananas, Peanut Butter to my shakes.
He also removed that gross pouch thingy. (My surgeon leaves it on for a week). Freakiest sensation ever! Glad that's over

Let's get this party started!
I'm Alexis, from the New Jersey shore, sharing my house with a 5 year old Great Dane and two cats. I'll be 31 next month (August 18th for those inclined to give gifts ) and have been banded since February 3, 2003. I was banded in NYC at Lenox Hill Hospital by Dr. Marina Kurian. The hospital was great, Dr. Kurian is amazing, and my surgery went off without a hitch. I'm a restaurant manager and just love my job, as tiring as it is!
In October, I weighed 345lbs. Somehow managed to lose 25lbs before surgery, despite many, many last suppers at the likes of Wendy's and McDonald's. Yes, Virginia, I AM a fast food freak. Although, not so much anymore. As of my last doctor's visit on July 11, 2003, I weigh 259lbs. So, if you count from my highest weight, I've lost 86lbs. Went from a size 28 to a size 18 and I'm not nearly finished!
I just can't say how much this band has done for me. Simply put, it's given me my life back.

I just got off the phone with a surgeon. They recommended I take immodium. Hubby just ran to the pharmacy and I took it. Hopefully it gets better. I'm doing so well on my liquids I don't want to get dehydrayed.

I was sleeved on the 25th. The first couple of days I was really sore and slept a lot. Today I am taking Tylenol only and feeling better. I am still struggling with liquids. So far I've got 40 oz Water down today and am working on my 3rd Protein Shake. I'm trying to get 60 oz water down before the end of today!

Are you taking a stool softener? My doc has me taking Colace every day after surgery and I had the watery diarrhea as well. I stopped taking it and my bowel movements were fine.

I'm still pre op but wanted to say congrats! Hope you feel better soon and get the answer to your issue.