December 2013 Sleevers Come In!

[xmarycontraryx 234]

I keep reading about an abdominal binder being used after surgery. Any feedback on this from those who are post-op? Or have any of your surgeons/nurses said to expect this? It's a bit of a new idea to me so I'm trying to wrap my head around what to expect. Thanks!

Im due for surgery on the 16th. I asked my doctor about it because I saw a few comments about it. He said its not going to hold you in like people think because your insides are still going tomove around. Most doctors don't automatically give you one but they are available upon request. Have you asked your doctor about it. I had a friend who liked the binder and also one who said it was uncomfortable and not worth it.

That sounds like a great idea! While riding in the car I feel like my insides are just bouncing around! Pretty gross!

[xmarycontraryx 234]

Are any of the early December Sleevers exercising yet? It's been snowing here so I haven't been able to get out for a walk so I've considered going to the mall or Target to get in a half mile or so. My Dr. only have restrictions on lifting weights so I supposed I could hop on a treadmill too if so desired.

[tsneed73 54]

My date is 12/27 with 1 week of pre op diet. Congrats and Best of Luck to everyone. Glad I found this site and all the December sleevers.

[blueslp 17]

Are any of the early December Sleevers exercising yet? It's been snowing here so I haven't been able to get out for a walk so I've considered going to the mall or Target to get in a half mile or so. My Dr. only have restrictions on lifting weights so I supposed I could hop on a treadmill too if so desired.

It has been cold and snowing/raining in NJ so I have been to the gym. Only thing I'm cleared to do is walk but it feels better than the freezing cold;)

[VSG AJH 499]

3 days post op and started shakes again. I hate them, all flavors, and don't know how I am going to get through the next 2 weeks.

Andrew -- have you tried unflavored Protein in Crystal Lite or in Soup?

[VSG AJH 499]

Making my hospital list of items to bring on Monday 12/16….

I have had recommendations for the following:

1) Your own pillow - also heard this helps cushion the seat belt against your tummy on the way home

2) Tooth paste/brush

3) hair brush/comb

4) Night gown - some say yes, some say no?

5) Robe - is it a good idea to bring a robe (I assume your butt hangs out otherwise when you are up walking)?

6) Slippers - are you in hospital socks and if so, are slippers needed? I have sock monkey slippers!

7) Someone mentioned a throw for comfort- don't they give you more blankets if you need them?

8) GasX strips - do they let you use these in the hospital?

10) Chap stick

11) Your own drinks - don't they give you sugar free drinks? How much are you drinking anyway?

12) Do they let you - or are you able to take a shower?

Would appreciate anyone else's perspective on what they brought or wish they had.

Getting excited to get this underway. Not sleeping that well, I keep waking up wondering how it will be. May be waking up from hunger though, LOL!

Cab -- I brought some PJ pants, a hairbrush, my toothbrush, my phone, and my charger. The only thing I didn't have and needed was Chapstick because the anti-nausea patch dries everything out, but they have me ice chips in recovery and Chapstick on the floor. They gave me everything else I needed: extra blankets and pillows, drinks and "food" (like Jello and broth), etc. I wore the same clothes out that I wore in, and I wore the hospital gown over my PJ pants. Would've been hard to wrestle with a gown over my IV tube, etc. not impossible, just not worth it to me. I was in the hospital about 24 hours and showered after I got home.

[VSG AJH 499]

I keep reading about an abdominal binder being used after surgery. Any feedback on this from those who are post-op? Or have any of your surgeons/nurses said to expect this? It's a bit of a new idea to me so I'm trying to wrap my head around what to expect. Thanks!

Oh yes! They put me in one post-op, and it was wonderful! Kind of squished everything in to hold it in place. It's the same idea as holding a firm pillow against your belly for pain relief/comfort, except the comfort is strapped on. I'm 10 days post-op now. I stopped wearing the binder 24hrs/day a few days out, but I only recently stopped sleeping in it. I'm a side-sleeper, and the binder kept my tummy snug so that side sleeping didn't cause my tummy to stretch tugging on the incisions. So thankful for the abdominal binder! If you want one and aren't put in one automatically, just ask at the hospital. They can get one for you, no problem.

[VSG AJH 499]

December 19th in Fort Worth, Texas!

Hey neighbor! I'm a bit north of you. Has my VSG at Baylor Grapevine.

[luckyyou0521 42]

I was sleeved on the 11th and I'm still tired all the time. Anyone else this way?

[Only1likeme 69]

I was sleeved on the 11th and I'm still tired all the time. Anyone else this way?

Hello sleeve sister. I was sleeved the same day and yes. the nausea meds make you sleepy so I asked for non drowsy. I'm still a little weak and plan on getting up and out today if I can. The big incision hurts the most. Make sure you are getting in your fluids.

[Bremartus 76]

So surgery was yesterday Friday the 13. Surgery went really well he took my lapband out and did the sleeve. I am not using as much pain meds today compared to yesterday. I have been up and walking laps around the floor and even went downstairs to see my children last night. Breathing is a little hard at times but they have me on oxygen. I have not drank anything since Thursday night should get ice chips and Water this morning excited it went will and can't wait to get home.

[Bremartus 76]

So surgery was yesterday Friday the 13. Surgery went really well he took my lapband out and did the sleeve. I am not using as much pain meds today compared to yesterday. I have been up and walking laps around the floor and even went downstairs to see my children last night. Breathing is a little hard at times but they have me on oxygen. I have not drank anything since Thursday night should get ice chips and Water this morning excited it went will and can't wait to get home.

[areyn 4]

So surgery was yesterday Friday the 13. Surgery went really well he took my lapband out and did the sleeve. I am not using as much pain meds today compared to yesterday. I have been up and walking laps around the floor and even went downstairs to see my children last night. Breathing is a little hard at times but they have me on oxygen. I have not drank anything since Thursday night should get ice chips and Water this morning excited it went will and can't wait to get home.

Why are u having trouble breathing?!? Who did ur surgery?

[luckyyou0521 42]

Hello sleeve sister. I was sleeved the same day and yes. the nausea meds make you sleepy so I asked for non drowsy. I'm still a little weak and plan on getting up and out today if I can. The big incision hurts the most. Make sure you are getting in your fluids.

Yes the big incision hurts the most. The good thing is that I haven't had any gas pain in my shoulder. This whole sleeping on my back thing sucks tho. Gonna try a shake today. They told me not to really worry about Protein this week just to make sure I'm staying hydrated. Good luck to you!

[jess9395 5,448]

Why are u having trouble breathing?!? Who did ur surgery?

Pretty common after effect of going under anesthesia. It's hard/painful to take a deep breath.