Glad to be home...finally!

pmhunt73 · May 9, 2010

It seems like forever since I was last on this site preparing for my surgery on Wednesday, May 5th. Not only did I have the sleeve, but my gynocologist also did 2 additional procedures after I was sleeved. I was under for about 3 hours and do not recall anything from the first day in the hospital. Recovery for me as been very difficult, as I have had extreme pain in my chest from the gas. Breathing into the spirometer was a daily challenge because it felt like daggers stabbing into my chest. I often questioned the nurses if I were having a heart attack. They pretty much kept me on liquid lortab round the clock. Swallowing Water, broth, etc was very hard and I could feel it every inch as it went down into my stomach. Getting up and walking was a huge challenge considering my entire torso was sore and swollen from both doctors portions. All expectations of being released on Thursday were soon crushed as the doctor said I was no where close to being ready to go home. I was finally released Saturday. Between the constant changing of IV sites, the heparin injections in my stomach around the clock, the CAT scan to rule out a pulmonary embolism, and the uncomfortable positions in the bed, I was ready to head home. Yesterday evening was much better, but this morning I woke up feeling just as bad as I did on day 2. I slept in my comfy bed without an incline, and what a mistake that was. Today I am feeling very weak and passive. I am extremely thirsty and can't seem to drink enough water to quinch my thirst. Just looking forward to getting some normalcy back.

educationrulz · May 9, 2010

I'm glad to hear that you made it home. Being in the hospital can be stressful, even when you know you need to be there. Definitely try to get more walking in your daily routine. I can only repeat what others have said here about walking after the VSG, but I know from experience after my C-section and fibroid removal surgeries that getting up and around did me a a world of good. Laying around too much seemed to accentuate the painful areas. You should be feeling better in no time based on everyone else's experiences. Keep us updated and congrats on getting your sleeve.:thumbup:

imagine.dream.inspire · May 10, 2010

Sounds like you've been through a lot. Take it easy and relax a bit. Do keep up with your breathing exercise, walking (will help so much with gas), and Fluid intake. Glad that you are back home safely. :001_smile:

lmmore · May 10, 2010

you poor thing. You've been through alot this week. I'm sorry you have the chest pain gas. I was lucky not to have that, but many people do. You remind me that when I got home from the hospital, I was looking forward to my "heavenly bed" , but i was very uncomfortable. Even though the hospital bed was not the best. I found the incline seemed to help me manage, and when i didnt' have that at home it was harder for the first two days. It will get better for you, each day now, but try not to get dehydrated, even if you have to into ER and have them hook you up to saline for a few hours. Best wishes.

LAN2k · May 10, 2010

You went through a bit of an ordeal having other procedures done simultaneously. At home I propped up lots of pillows along with an extra comforter on my bed so that I could lie with a slight incline or even lean back in a semi sitting position. I knew that lying flat wouldn't do for the first few days. Walking does help with gas pain and swinging your arms up above your head and down even while in bed also helps. I think you are going to be fine and well adapted to your new way of life with the sleeve. Best wishes for a smooth recovery and success with your weight loss.

BJean · May 10, 2010

I slept sitting up for the first 6 nights because my doctor's surgical assistant said that if you sleep lying down and favor one side or the other, the gas would settle in your shoulder or side. That had happened to me when I got the band and I knew I didn't want to feel that pain! I don't know why they don't explain better what helps you deal with that. Like the walking. It is such an amazing help to get rid of the gas pain and swelling discomfort.

If you're feeling like posting you're doing better so good for you! I've learned that each and every day brings some improvement. Before you know it, you're going to be forgetting all about the bad and painful moments you went through and looking at your scale with a big smile on your face. Good luck!

ouroborous · May 10, 2010

I'm glad to hear that you're home and healing!

pmhunt73 · May 10, 2010

Thanks for all of the comments and support. I know this will be a long journey but well worth it. Trying to walk every few hours is challenging, but I know it has to be done. I guess because my diet is so limited right now, I am still feeling extremely weak. Hope that passes soon.