Day 5 post VSG.

[JudyFL 7]

My surgery was Monday and I'm still waiting for the bells and whistles of the paradigm shift that is to be my new life.

The reason I am posting is I've read previous posts and some people make light of the surgery itself and how they bounced right back. I'm glad I didn't pay too much attention to what seems like wishful thinking. THIS WAS MAJOR SURGERY AND IT HURT!

i woke up an hour or so after surgery in my hospital bed with the requisite IVs, monitors and catheter. Never had a catheter (never had surgery before this!) and it was not painful or even uncomfortable. I was very fortunate that there were no sharp pains but I definitely felt like I went three rounds with a Mack truck and the truck won. I was given glycerin swabs for my dry lips but no thirst (thanks to IV fluid). I know I snoozed a bit throughout the day but HOSPITALS ARE NO PLACE FOR SICK PEOPLE. THEY DON'T LEAVE YOU ALONE!!! This was most annoying throughout the night when my vitals were checked every hour. I could not get a good night sleep. I am a side/belly sleeper. Needless to say, that wouldn't work! If they offer you shots of morphine via the IV, GO FOR IT. I was hesitant night #1 as always debate before even going for a Tylenol, but by Tuesday night that little black button was my best friend! I demanded of the night nurse on Tuesday that unless they could see I was flat-lining from the monitors hooked to my chest to PLEASE leave me alone. We reached a compromise that they would only check me every 3-4 hours. By Tuesday night I was able to rock over to my side a little by using a pillow to brace my stomach (by last night I was totally good with side-sleeping). Use that pillow to brace your stomach when getting in and out of bed

The swallow test was awful. I was still weak and a little dizzy when they took me to radiology. They liquid you drink is vile. It was kind of cool, however, to see it travel down your esophagus to your stomach.

Here's where I made my biggest mistake: When the tray with my liquid lunch was brought in I opened the bottle of Water for a nice big swig and almost choked to death. Take baby sips. I was spitting up phlegm and coughing for about 10 minutes. It has been a challenge to keep drinking and I know I was not able to get in my requisite 64oz yesterday. You just have to keep sipping all day. Personally, I have to drink sitting up, not even reclining, for it to go down. I find tea and broth easier to manage than plain water. I used to guzzle Crystal Light all day. I was told my palate would change; could this be the first sign?

When I got home I slept well through my first night with out pain meds (again, I'm not eager to use narcotics) I had such a hard day yesterday trying to get in my fluids I had no time to nap. Seriously! I also woke up with a cold and sinus headache. I went for a 10 minute walk and got overheated. Will dress in layers this afternoon. (I am in Florida) Today the headcold is better but the sinuses still hurt and I got clearance to take a non-aspirin decongestant. I've been cutting my pills (Prilosec) and mixing with greek yogurt and it goes down well. I actually swallowed the little red decongestant whole with water and had no problem but I don't think I'll press my luck with the Prilosec. That stuff is terrific....I was starting to feel the heartburn late last night. Again, sitting vs. reclining should be better for digestive tract. As I had no problem with the yogurt I'm tempted to eat some more but sticking to the prescribed shakes.< /p>

I had pains in my stomach from gas but not too bad. Didn't travel to back or shoulders like some patients. It's day five since surgery and my stomach is still a bit distended and the sutures really itch.

I am tired and achy and not thinking about going back to work until Monday when I'll be going P/T to my desk job. Very understanding employers who know I’ve had surgery but not what kind. No ones' business. (IMO this stuff is not for public discussion....my family and closest friends know what's going on...no need to tell the world....that's why you, my forum family, will be here to support me and vice versa)

Suggestions based on my experience:

Bring a pillow from home as the flat ones in the hospital are lousy. I washed mine beforehand. And you may want it for the car ride home.

Take one of those paper Listerine breath fresheners to pop in your mouth after the radiology swallow to get that awful taste from your mouth. Or even a tiny squeeze of your toothpaste! The bit of water they gave me did not cut it.

Bring an eye mask if you don't have a private room.

And one more thing: DON'T GET ON THE scale FOR A FEW DAYS....YOU WILL BE SWOLLEN AND RETAINING IV FLUIDS ETC. I feel my weight loss in the shirt I put on this morning that didn't fit two weeks ago!

[curvyweezie 62]

Thanks for the advice. I go in April 8 th. I'm really nervous.

[Zen 29]

Thanks for the detailed update very helpful. Good luck with your recovery.

[schristine1375 7]

My surgery is March 26 and I am nervous. I hope I'll survive and don't complain too much. I've had plenty of surgeries, ruptured appendix, gallbladder and csection. Unjust nervousness about the feeling sick part and the no energy. I want to be in a place wher eating isn't my priority. That I just eat cause u have to in order to survive.