So I'm finally sleeved! My husband finally came around in the 11th hour like most of you said he would (huge smile). But now, learning to sip, sip, sip is about to make me flip, flip, flip!

Getting used to the sipping wouldn't be as bad if the ache as liquids go down weren't so annoying. I keep feeling like every time I swallow, a gas bubble has to pass. I used to love cold beverages, but now only warm broth, hot tea & popsicles are what I prefer. *Did I mention that sipping is a real pain in my rear?*

So after only 4 days out, what do you guys suggest? I hate taking the liquid pain medicine because it knocks me out; however, my upper belly is sore without it (which makes it hard for me to get comfy). Help me fellow sleevers!! Help!!

Take the pain medication if you need it. I had a terrible time post op, but I felt better day 14. And it really does get better with time. Feel better soon!

Take the pain meds, rest is good for you. I took a nap or two everyday up until about day 14. Keep sipping whatever feels best, warm still is best for me in the am but then ice water the rest of the day is great. You will feel a little bit better each day.

Definitely keep sipping and definitely take the pain meds- that's what they are for- to take the pain away.

Relax- it gets better day by day. Glad everything else worked out. :-)

Take the pain meds, my nurse said don't wait for it to hurt. It took me 7 to 10 days to lie down on the bed because of pain on staples. Sipping will pass in time, at 8 weeks out I am drinking full glasses of water at a time.

I am ecstatic to read that hubby came around after your last post, I have to say, I knew he would -- men are so predictable . I hope your pain is a letter better and I'm happy that you're on the other side!!! I can't wait to be there with ya'll!!

Oh yeah, we are very predictable, lol. I am 9 days post op and I realize everyone is different. Some just pop up immediately after surgery like nothing is wrong. And to them there isn't. I was dry heaving for 36 hours post op and since then ok. I haven't touched my pain or nausea meds since being discharged. You have support here on VST, but I'm happy you have support at home too. Husbands (myself included) resist all change. Even for the better. Learning to sip isn't too hard. Now if you didn't have the Sleeve the way we consume would last successfully for maybe a day or two. A week if you have Zen-like patience. Also, see if a little throw pillow against your belly helps while you rest and sleep. I loved mine.

Congratulations!! You're 4 days closer to the new you!!

The first week or so I couldn't drink anything cold either. But now at three weeks post op I can drink cold Water again.

If you are in pain, take the meds, no need to try and be a wonder woman.

If it knocks you out, then rest. Your body needs rest to recuperate anyhow, and you might as well get the rest while you can.

I knew he would come around, told ya so!

hello there!

Yes the sip sip sip can be a challenge, your body is used to auto pilot and being able to gulp down a mouthful of anything. My tummy gives me grumbles usually the first sip or two and then if am full. As annoying as it may be at times I look at it this way; I can't go back and redo this if I screw it up. Patience is not my strong suit at all LOL, but in this I will be patience personified. If I am told to sip, sip it will be!

The soreness will pass in a few days; my surgeon told me that they insert a lot of air on top of the stomach and it stretches the muscles quite a bit. He says that it feels like doing sit ups for three days straight. I am 6 days post op now and last night was the first time that i was able to sleep on my side for a bit, whoo hoo! Continue to take your pain meds if you need them, keeping on top of the pain is better than waiting until you are miserable. Rest and relax until you see your surgeon two weeks out.

Good luck!

Thanks you guys! I now appreciate my pain meds & since I'm just one day from soft solids (my 1wk post op appt is Friday), so I'm keeping the sipping at a slow & steady pace. I appreciate y'all more than words can express!! Hugs!!

I am getting sleeved on November 3, and have been concerned about the pain after the surgery. The doctor made it sound like it just feels like you've done situps, but I figured it was more than that. What kind of meds have you used and what has worked?

I was taking liquid Vicodin. In all honesty, I was never in any real bad pain. I experienced subtle aches & minor discomfort. Your surgeon may not be too far off base with the example he gave. You'll be fine! Congrats!

So glad the hubby is being supportive! Congrats on being sleeved, and it really does get better and easier everyday!!

I can't imagine having a spouse that wasn't supportive! I am so blessed to have the support system I have...everyone knows what I am doing..even all 300 of my facebook friends know..and every single person supports my decision. I am very blessed...

My heart breaks for all the people who are doing this in secret or alone!

Support is what makes the real difference in this process! I am so thankful for this site and the people on here who keep it REAL!

I am happy that your husband supports you now ...soon you will look and feel like a MILLION DOLLARS!

Don't forget to try and walk, too - that will help the gas bubbles pass more quickly. I think that's why my recovery was so easy, I made myself walk right away (even though I felt like crap!). Congrats and hang in there!