Hi, I am new to the forum and VGS. Just had my surgery on Fri June 14, 2013. I was releases from the hospital after my swallow test the next day and have a lot of pain. the anti-nausea gives me headaches while the pain elixir makes me nauseated. I guess I really underestimated the surgery. I didn't think I would be in so much pain. Can anyone tell me how long the pain takes to fade? I really need to go back to work as soon as possible but I can't if this feeling continues for too much longer. I am so fatigued as well.

It took me at least a week before the pain was gone. Mine was really bad. He had to go thru very old thick scar tissue and this is where he pulled the stomach out. As far as the fatigue goes that lasted a whole lot longer. Maybe you can work half days for awhile.

I was much like you in that I didn't realize how much pain I would be in. I took the pain meds for about four days that was all I needed. It doesn't last to long honestly. It begins to ease up pretty early on.and I am 13 days out and feeling better than I did before surgery! Wishing you all the best!!!

I went back to work today and worked longer than I had planned (8.5 hours) because I was so slammed with catchup work - and that's on top of a 3+ hour total commute. Surprisingly, being back in "the game" and drinking water all day kept me less exhausted than I had anticipated being. I was sleepy on my drive home tonight, but I feel good about making it through the day. I drank a double scoop protein shake with milk on my drive in this morning - perhaps the early surge of 50g of protein helped as well? Good luck!

I can't wait to be able to drink more. At 3 days out I can barely take in 60 cc's in one sitting before feeling that tight knot. Glad I found this site. My job is a unique situation where I started a new position so my last day with my old boss was Thur 6/13 and my first day at my new position/new facility (same company) is Mon 6/24. I am a bit scared because I will be in an all day orientation and then have a tour of the new facility which scares me because I am not sure if can make the tour especially if I am feeling the way I am now.

You just had your surgery last Friday, right? Are you walking any? Walking around the block really helps (even if its at night when its cooler outside). You should be ok for your new job orientation on next Monday......that's still a week away. I went to work after taking off 2 weeks, but I have a very physical job. My friend went back to work after this surgery after 1 week. You will probably still feel a little tired. Just be sure to pack your own lunch and take your water bottle. If you don't get your water in, you will definitely get fatigued. I know you can't get alot of water in now because it takes a couple of days, but still keep trying. Each day will get better and better. Your stomach is probably still swollen from the surgery now, so I know it's hard to get your water in. Just keep sipping, and sugar free ice pops are good too! Good luck on your new job!

Every day it gets better.....try to relax and take extra good care of yourself while you are recovering. I was ready to go back sooner than I thought, I didn't need the last 5 days of leave. I have a desk job though, YMMV.

I'm starting to walk tonight.... Haven't been able to take a deep breath until today due to the hiatal hernia repair...