Hi,

18 year old high school senior here ... Scheduled to get my VGS on March 24, 2015 and I am so so excited! I get my surgery exactly 2 months before senior prom!

So I was wondering what were your hospital stay must haves? Any tips to deal with the pain and food temptations? Can anyone give me an idea of how long I will be out of school and gym?

Luckily, I scheduled my surgery close to spring break so I don't think I will be missing too much school!

Also, I babysit for a 3 month old, one year old, and 3.5 year old after school... How long do you think I should take off? \

Sorry this is so scattered around! I am so excited to make this lifestyle change! I know that these answers will not be expert advice and I will talk to my surgeon, but the next time I see him is the day of my surgery next month!

Thanks so much!

Jackie

PS: I am new to bariatricpal so add me! <3

Congrats on your surgery! Just a few quick thoughts:

So I was wondering what were your hospital stay must haves?

Chapstick and an extra long cord for my phone charger. Don't overpack! The hospital will have what you need. Make sure that whoever is driving you home brings a pillow that you can put between your tummy and the seatbelt. Wear clothes to the hospital that are comfy and loose-fitting, and just wear them home. You won't need a change of clothes with you that way. And have a bra that is a soft, cotton, leisure-type bra that closes in front. Most surgeons will use an incision that hits right at your bra line, and something like an underwire right there will hurt!

Any tips to deal with the pain and food temptations?

Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications. Do not be a hero and try to refuse to take them. Take them as scheduled. Immediately after surgery, when they wheel you back to your room after recovery, ask to be placed sitting up in the easy chair or on the sofa in the room. That will make it easier and less painful to get up and down for your walking, trips to the bathroom, etc. And being upright (sitting, not lying down) will help with gas pains, as will walking as much as you can, as soon as you can, after surgery. The gas is from the CO2 the surgeon uses to inflate your abdomen and see properly for your surgery, and really the only way to get it out is to not lie around -- sit up, stand up, walk!

Food temptations -- many people find these vanish after surgery. I know I did. Still, some people do have them. Discuss with your surgeon a prescription for a PPI to help keep stomach acid under control. Make sure you drink a minimum of 64 oz per day -- you need it, and it will help with any lingering hunger.

Can anyone give me an idea of how long I will be out of school and gym?

That is up to your surgeon and you should discuss it with him or her. My educated guess is maybe 2 weeks out of school and then an additional 2 weeks out of gym, but that's just a guess.

Also, I babysit for a 3 month old, one year old, and 3.5 year old after school... How long do you think I should take off?

Again, discuss with your surgeon. You'll definitely need a few weeks to rest, and probably will be restricted on how much you can lift for anywhere 2 - 6 weeks after that. Since babysitting usually involves lifting the kiddos, you may be medically unable to babysit for several weeks, but your surgeon will determine how long.

Good luck to you!

Lip balm is number one.

A pillow for the ride home is also a must!

I over packed!!!lol!! I always do! for sure chap stick, I took my own heating pad I used it on my chest the minute I got in my room an kept it on all night. I took gas x strips..yes it helped mine to a point. still had discomfort but I also tried an sleep most of the evening I got in my room around 7 or 8 pm I want able to drink or even sip till almost 11 or so that night.I had hernia repair an every sip or swallow I had esophagas spasms..ugh ...I did take my own meds with me my own pjs..take the pain meds. my tummy never hurt. only a few of the small incisions walk as much as you can an soon as you can. I got up 4 hrs after surgery walked to the door turned around an got back in bed. an hr later tried again made it to the hall turned around went to bed. slept till 5 am woke up hubs an I walked fown to nurse station walked back. every hr I walked further an further till I was doing laps. I stayed 2 full days..needed IV fluids couldnt drink much..had no appetite at all. I was crinkling nose up at foods. I had 4 to 6 wks of being released from restrictions. its major surgery even though your not admitted long. but it'll take a good 6 months to heal the tummy. so give yourself at least a month to lift anything over 10 pds..plz ask your dr first. looks like everyones differant. it took me 6 months to get strength back. but I also have autoimmune diseases , 51 yrs old an stay at home. everyone bounces back pysically differant paces. best wishes! keep us posted...

Thank you all so much for your replies! I am so excited for my surgery and to be a part of this wonderful support system!

I packed enough to keep me occupied and well dressed. And instead I spent the entire time and only used chapstick, a pair of undies, and a toothbrush. That's it.

You may not have to be out of school that long. I had mine done on Wed & was back to work the following Tues. I'm a school nurse. Dr said since not lifting & not hard job, it should be okay. First day back I did great. 2nd day was rougher, but 3rd day back to feeling great. Maybe try 1/2 days so not missing so much? Good luck!!