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dizziness post op/managing school/travel/work



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so i just typed out this very long post then deleted it by mistake (whoops!!!)

So very long story short, I got a band in 2009, and it never worked. After years of pelvic pain/different docs, a CT finally showed that the band broke. A new surgeon suggested the sleeve, and I was excited to start the process. Unfortunately, I now work 2 jobs, have classes for my masters, and I am interviewing for medical school. My doc agreed that there wouldnt be a "good" time to get the surgery, and that I just needed to make a week to get it done. I chose this past week, and everything went pretty smoothly. I needed a hiatal hernia repair, but all in all there was relatively little pain (except for the removal of the JP drain (OUCH!). Now that I am home, I am feeling SUPER dizzy. I know that i just need to give myself some time, but I just don't have it. I pushed exams/interviews until next week (which my doc okayed since I am young and should recover fairly quickly), and feel pretty stressed that I am not feeling well enough to study. I know- I am pushing myself too hard. I get it. If I was giving myself advice, it would be to slow down and let myself heal. And if the dizziness doesnt get better, I promise I will slow down. But is there any suggestions anyone has/what liquids worked best to feel less dizzy? I have been pretty good about drinking ~8 oz every 2 hours and using my spirometer.

Also, I would LOVE to connect with a "mentor." I live in north jersey and work in NYC.

Last,did anyone have bad pain with the hernia repair? I have no pain besides of the incision right below my sternum, and I am wondering when this goes away?

I have to say, I really appreciate that I've had this experience. Many physicians never experience what patients do, and it is really eye opening to actually be the one in the hospital. With the band I never even stayed overnight, so this was new for me. I'll hopefully use it in the future to empathize with my patients.

Thanks everyone!

Allie :)

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Trying to figure out how to reply w my kindle. Wow, you are ambitious but sounds like me in vet school. I had Vsl on 10/13. As well as unexpected hiatal hernia repair. Hurts/clenches w. Swallowing. Almost every time. Surgeon said that is from hernia repair. How long???

I feel better after Protein Drink and warm broth. Dizzy if I walk too far. My advice- study very gently..:) or in small segments. Good luck.

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I had a hernia repair and that area hurt the most... I had my sleeve 8 weeks ago. I had it on a Wednesday ... Took Thursday and Friday off and Monday was Labor Day ... I am a teacher ... Went back Tuesday . Felt good ... No pain ... Tired.. Very tired but I could deal with that ... You have to drink your Protein and water.. This is why you are dizzy.... Have your shakes and drink. I drank crystal light in my Water and lots of broth.... And rest... Study on the couch... Pamper yourself ... You don't want problems down the road . Good luck. I am in Tampa or I would buddy up with you.

Alyce

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Some of your Fluid intake should contain electrolytes and try to increase your Protein. Good luck with your interviews!

Edited by BitterSweet*

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      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
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      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

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        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

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