Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Three days post surgery, and I'm freaking out...



Recommended Posts

After many months of waiting, tons of research, jumping through all the insurance hoops, etc., I finally had my surgery on Thursday, 8/19. Had to spend the night at the hospital Thursday night due to a hiatal hernia repair. Since I've been home, I've completely out of it... but what freaks me out the most is how nauseated I am. The nausea started right after surgery, when they took me for the barium swallow test I was hardly able to stand up and had difficulty trying to keep it down. I can't handle broth at all, I drank a little last night and was nauseated for the rest of the evening. The only things that stay down okay are sugar-free popsicles and Water, if I drink it slowly. I'm just looking for anyone who has had any similar experiences... right now, I'm feeling as if the surgery may have been a mistake (although I have lost ten pounds since Monday!) I just can't stand feeling so poorly all the time... although its only been three days, so perhaps I'm jumping on the drama bandwagon a little too soon!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You have my complete sympathy. Strangely, I was okay for a couple of days after surgery, then sick as a dog for a week. Drank nothing but apple juice.

It seemed to be just a purely mechanical problem: there's a damn band around the stomach, which swells up and you feel sick. As soon as the swelling goes down, you're fine.

As long as you can keep Water down (mostly), you're okay. Just try to rest as much as possible.

The good news is: it will be over soon.

I'm four months in and just got proper restriction. Now I'm feeling absolutely great and couldn't be happier with my band. Hang in there. It will get SO MUCH BETTER!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello I had surgery the same day you did & I understand exactly how you feel. Last night I was crying and felt like I made a mistake as well. I feel disoriented, confused, and frustrated. We have to take it one day at a time and I know we will survive. Let's think about the final results. You will be fine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I felt horrible for about a week after surgery. I was running a low grade temp and was nauseous too. Did your doc give you nausea medicine? That helped me somewhat. It wasnt until I started drinking my Protein Shakes that I started feeling better. I guess my body didn't like the lack of nutrition it was getting. Hang in there! It will get better!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Could your pain medication be doing some of it to you. I know for me I can't take any at all because they make me sick.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Could your pain medication be doing some of it to you. I know for me I can't take any at all because they make me sick.

I'm the same way. If your taking the narcotics I'd try to stop them and maybe get some nausea meds from your doc. I hope your feeling better soon.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I feel for you. I am 2 days post op and last night I had so much bloating and just a gnawing hunger-like pain in my stomach. I'm still experiencing it today. I am having to force myself to drink, and just take it very slowly. Last night I cried on my husband's shoulder, because I felt like I had made a huge mistake.

We'll get through this! Reading this forum has been a big help to me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry to hear that you're feeling so poorly. As it was stated in the other posts the nausea will pass. I was the same way. I couldn't even stand the smell of food for the first week. Once I got off of the pain meds (which I did almost right away) I started feeling somewhat better but it did take a week. After that I was ready to take on the world. Hang in there and you will be feeling better soon. Best of luck!!

Edited by jiminyt
spelling

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded 8/20, 3rd day post op for me. I am feeling like you do and thought I made a mistake!!! :confused: I can't keep ANY fluids down (water, chicken broth, gatorade) so I am feeling sick because I guess I am dehydrated as well. I can't even swallow 1/4 of a pill as it seems to get stuck in my chest and it hurts bad... then it will regurgitate and I will end up vomiting to feel better... Does anyone have advice for me? I am seeing my doctor in the morning... I went walking just now and ate some yogurt while I was at it, it did make me feel better, some regurgitation but the feeling of swelling is less now... I hope things will be better ASAP as I am losing hope....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded 8/20, 3rd day post op for me. I am feeling like you do and thought I made a mistake!!! :confused: I can't keep ANY fluids down (Water, chicken broth, gatorade) so I am feeling sick because I guess I am dehydrated as well. I can't even swallow 1/4 of a pill as it seems to get stuck in my chest and it hurts bad... then it will regurgitate and I will end up vomiting to feel better... Does anyone have advice for me? I am seeing my doctor in the morning... I went walking just now and ate some yogurt while I was at it, it did make me feel better, some regurgitation but the feeling of swelling is less now... I hope things will be better ASAP as I am losing hope....

sounds like your stomach is pretty swollen unless the doc put restriction on during surgery. I think there are docs that do that. Since it was a little better today, I tend to think it's swolen. It's good you are seeing the doc in the morning.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm sorry all of you are having these feelings but it comforts me to know I'm not alone. I was banded 8/16/10 and had to have an IV due to dehydration. My tummy stays full of gas and I am in constant pain because of it. Tried GasX but it only relieves it for a few minutes. Seems like my body keeps producing it. I cannot wear pants I wore prior to surgery because I'm so bloated. Has anyone else had this problem?

I keep telling my self that this will be worth it in the end once this passes. I have had my share of tears since surgery. I wish you all the best!

Shelly

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery 8-17-10 and told my anethesiologist about how easy I get nauseated and to please help with that going in, I have not had any at all and have only been given toradol for pain the whole way thru, now I am using children's liquid tylenol and that is working fine. I also had a hernia repair done.

I know for me the narcotics always make me so sick,goody for toradol.:confused:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Shelly, I was done on the 19th also. Feeling very bloated. I'm taking Tylenol extra strength. The narcotics make me nauseas. Also, have your doc write a script for you for Zofran SL for nausea. It is the only thing that stops it for me. Good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Shelly, I got dehydrated too and ended up in the ER for fluids. I also had a lot of gas up under my rib cage that was painful. I found that going up and down the stairs occassionally got it moving. My doc said that the Gas-x helps break up the gas into smaller bubbles that allow you to get them either up or out. It took me 3 days to get rid of it and start getting more liquids in. At first I thought it was my stomach that was causing me the problem but it was the gas. Once that went away I just had discomfort from the band and what I think was maybe bruising on my liver as it was tender. After a week, I was much better. Hang in there and force the fluids. If you can get a Protein Drink in it will make you feel better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hi everyone, i had my surgery on the 18th. The first 48 hours were absolute "hell" for me. I was so nauseated and bloated. I think what has helped me is to stay in an upright position. I slept in our den for the first 3 nights. I actually got to sleep in our bed last night. The problem that i have now is the soreness in my stomach. But i know that will go away in time. Honestly i didn't eat any broth for the first 24 hours because i was so nauseous, but then worked into my Soups, and the sugar free popsicles work really well, but i would suggest a 1/2 at a time and take it slow.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • KeeWee

      It's been 10 long years! Here is my VSG weight loss surgiversary update..
      https://www.ae1bmerchme.com/post/10-year-surgiversary-update-for-2024 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Aunty Mamo

      Iʻm roughly 6 weeks post-op this morning and have begun to feel like a normal human, with a normal human body again. I started introducing solid foods and pill forms of medications/supplements a couple of weeks ago and it's really amazing to eat meals with my family again, despite the fact that my portions are so much smaller than theirs. 
      I live on the island of Oʻahu and spend a lot of time in the water- for exercise, for play,  and for spiritual & mental health. The day I had my month out appointment with my surgeon, I packed all my gear in my truck, anticipating his permission to get back in the ocean. The minute I walked out of that hospital I drove straight to the shore and got in that water. Hallelujah! My appointment was at 10 am. I didn't get home until after 5 pm. 
      I'm down 31 pounds since the day of surgery and 47 since my pre-op diet began, with that typical week long stall occurring at three weeks. I'm really starting to see some changes lately- some of my clothing is too big, some fits again. The most drastic changes I notice however are in my face. I've also noticed my endurance and flexibility increasing. I was really starting to be held up physically, and I'm so grateful that I'm seeing that turn around in such short order. 
      My general disposition lately is hopeful and motivated. The only thing that bugs me on a daily basis still is the way those supplements make my house smell. So stink! But I just bought a smell proof bag online that other people use to put their pot in. My house doesn't stink anymore. 
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months ago.
      Surgery was in August of 2023. A bill shows up for over $7,000 in January. WTF? I asks myself. I know that I jumped through all of the insurance hoops and verified this and triple checked that, as did the surgeon's office. All was set, and I paid all of the known costs before surgery.
      A looong story short, is that an assistant surgeon that was in the process of accepting money from my insurance company touched me while I was under anesthesia. That is what the bill was for. But hey, guess what? Some federal legislation was enacted last year to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and you don't have to put up with it.
      https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
      I had to make a lot of phone calls to both the surgeon's office and the insurance company and explain my rights and what the maximum out of pocket costs were that I could be liable for. Also had to remind them that it isn't my place to be taking care of all of this and that I was going to escalate things if they could not play nice with one another.
      Quick ending is that I don't have to pay that $7,000+. Advocate, advocate, advocate for yourself no matter how long it takes and learn more about this law if you are ever hit with a surprise bill.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Some days I feel like an infiltrator... I'm participating in society as a "thin" person. They have no idea that I haven't always been one of them! 🤣
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • ChunkCat

      Thank you everyone for your well wishes! I totally forgot I wrote an update here... I'm one week post op today. I gained 15 lbs in water weight overnight because they had to give me tons of fluids to bring my BP up after surgery! I stayed one night in the hospital. Everything has been fine except I seem to have picked up a bug while I was there and I've been running a low grade fever, coughing, and a sore throat. So I've been hydrating well and sleeping a ton. So far the Covid tests are negative.
      I haven't been able to advance my diet past purees. Everything I eat other than tofu makes me choke and feels like trying to swallow rocks. They warned me it would get worse before it gets better, so lets hope this is all normal. I have my follow up on Monday so we'll see. Living on shakes and soup again is not fun. I had enough of them the first time!! LOL 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×