Howdy!

So - surgery was MOnday, had to be at the hospital at 8:30 and surgery was to be a 12:00. Hubby and I went to my room and I got into my gown and footies. I still had a cough left over from my pneumonia, so I had to have another chest x-ray and a breathing treatment. 12:00 comes and goes and I don't get taken to the pre-op room until 1:30. Now keep in mind, I am totally freaking out now. Since my original surgery date (june 5th) didn't work out because of me getting sick, I started thinking maybe it was a sign that I shouldn't do it. Then I read an update on here of someone living their moment of regret at day 6! What was I doing!!!!! Couldn't I just lose the weight on my own? This is crazy!

I asked for some type of drug to help my anxiety - nothing! I was freaking out!

They take me back, hubby is left in waiting room, I get a shot of heparin in my belly, a scopaline patch for nausea behind my ear, and they start my IV in the meat of my forearm!!!! Never had one there before! They take me to the OR, I scoot over onto the operating table...I am thinking 'NO NO NO" and they put the mask on me and I am out.

I wake up feeling nauseous. The pain wasn't bad, just sore - and they gave me meds for the nausea....it helped after a bit. I believe surgery and time in recovery was about 3 1/2 hours. So I was back in my room around 5:00. I started on some ice chips because I was so thirsty. I had a morphine pain pump, no drains, no stitches......

I got up to pee and walk at about 7pm. I walked about every 2 hours (because I had to get up and pee). I only drank Water or ate ice chips in very small amounts. The hospital food (broth, sorbet, tea) went untouched. Then they cut me off of all water/ ice ships at midnight so I could do the swallow test the next morning at 8:00.

Warning: The crap you swallow for the test is the devil's elixir! I had to swallow 3 BIG swallows of the nasty bitter crap, turn 4 different ways, then lay on the table as they tilt you back so your head in lower than your feet- and I understand why they do that - but the nausea was the worst after that. That was the worst part of the whole procedure. Terrrible - but glad I did it to check for leaks. At this time, they tried giving me anti - nausea meds by IV, but my vein blew out and it hurt like hell! They wanted to poke me again - but I figured I was going to be discharged in a few hours, and I was drinking fluids, so I politely declined getting poked again!!

I am at home now...did sleep in the recliner and take a pain pill last night. I took prilosec this morning (I was supposed to get Nexium - but my insurance wouldn't cover it and it was going to be $156.00!!) and had to do some disgusting and painful deep coughing this morning. Still had some nausea up until around 11:00am, now it is a brief feeling that comes and goes. I am drinking my water and have enjoyed the unjury chicken Soup (4 oz each time) twice now. My hubby also brought me some G2 grape gatorade on ice to enjoy. My tummy is growling and grumbling a little bit....but not too uncomfortable.

I haven't pooped yet - last solid meal was Saturday.....just can't wait for that!! I also haven't chewed up my Vitamins yet - might start in those tomorrow.

All in all - it was one of the scariest things I have ever done. I am glad (as of now) that I am through it and I feel like my new sleeved tummy and I are going to have to get to know each other. I am down about 5 pounds and my belly is still puffy and swollen.

I hope Ii have put in all the details.....feel free to ask me if I forgot something......

Laters!

Day 3 post op - I actually slept in my bed last night, was able to get one protein shake down and doing well on my water today. No nausea, but a little pain if I take too big of a swallow...I am learning my little sleeve!

I also had some home made potato soup (abut 2 oz.) that was great -

Down 10 pounds already, and my tummy is softer as the gas is getting out...

My intestines are definitely awake and working!

Hi,my sister did her operation last Tuesday, she is having nausea,vomiting,chest pain... i want to know when she's gone be better. i hate seeing her suffering....

I was also sleeved July 2nd. I have had diarrhea since Tuesday (day 2) and am going from sweating to shivering like a crazy person...despite what my temperature is. Anyone experience those things?

I would call my Dr. If I had anything like chills or cold sweats, that could be sign of an infection starting.

I have not had my surgery yet but my surgeon says that some people do have bleeding in their sleeve after surgery. He says blood in the sleeve will either come up or go down so you may vomit blood or have bloody stools. How long that will last, I do not know. If it lasts for several days, I don't think it would be normal. I would call the surgeon and ask them to put your mind at rest.

ShannonK, my sister, my friend! I am so happy to hear you are feeling a bit better! It will continue to get better and better as the days fly by! I heard a lot of people say they had diarrhea afterwards for a week or so, a lot of them attributed it to taking in so ,much liquid. Liquids in, liquids out kinda thing. I have no idea. I have my surgery on the 10th! I can't wait to join you on this journey!! So many of you are lucky. I will have a drain for two weeks and be on a liquid diet for two weeks, then I can move to mush! LOL It'll all be worth it in the end!!!

Hey Laura -

I used no pain meds today and no nausea! I will take one tonight to get good sleep - I feel like a baby that has its schedule backwards!! You can't get good sleep in a hospital! I have had thinned potato Soup with some Protein added as well as a Breakfast shake - so probably about 35-40 grams of protein today. I am doing good on my Water - just have to remember not to take too big of a swallow - gives me a brief sharp pain. My mom made me squash soup also - so I have some flavors to play with. I am already DREAMING about the mushy stage - bring on the cottage cheese baby!!!!! And Bean Dip!

I am also going to go walking tomorrow......I will let you know how that goes.

First few days blow - but they get better pretty fast!!!

Thank you for sharing your experience, wishing you continued strength in your recovery!