I expected some discomfort but not the fierce jabs, like I am being stabbed repeatedly every time I sip anything. My procedure was on Monday. I had two hernias when they went in. The doctor fixed both hernias, one at my belly button. The other puncture wounds don't hurt at all. They just itch. I feel like I was sawed in half and put back together. Sometimes I cannot raise myself out of the bed because as I attempt to use those muscles, it feels as if I am going to bust wide open. Sorry to be so graphic but that is the most appropriate description I can use. Anyone else have this issue? My husband had his procedure exactly two months ago. He had no hernias and this was his first abdominal surgery. I have had four previous abdominal surgeries prior to my sleeve. I just knew I was going to breeze through this because of all of my "experience". But... then there were TWO hernias. Sometimes I feel like he expects too much from me in the healing department because he was up and driving two days post op. I am slowly creeping from one room to another. I am not a wimp either. This is PAINFUL. The other hernia was the hiatal. Is that what is causing me to have such trouble swallowing even water? My husband was drinking a bottle of water in five minutes and I am still trying to finish one 20 oz bottle of water since yesterday. I am using ice chips, as well but I cannot drink much at all. It is just too painful. My discharge nurse yesterday was not the warm and fuzzy type. She had her own procedure 3 years ago. So I ask her about the sharp pains and she smirks, tilts her head and says, "Get used to it. You wanted this, you got it." Nice, huh? Bitter much? Thanks in advance for any encouragement/experience/compassion you might be able to offer.

I am 9 weeks out and I still have a heck of a time with plain water, especially cold water. I drink warm/hot water in the morning and hot tea. I have barely any issues swallowing that but cold, plain water, forget it. I did find that I can drink Gatorade G2 without issue as well. Hopefully you can find seething that works for you. As far as the pain, everyone is different and every surgery is different. So just because two people live in the same house, doesn't mean the same recovery. And what motivates one may not motivate the other. Good luck to both of you!