I wanted to share my experience for those who are going soon! My surgery was 4:00 pm I was dying of thirst at that point. I was number 7 of 8 that day. Texas General was awesome and all the staff was nice and helpful. The nurse would always brings pain meds immediately and after taking meds any pain would leave quickly. When the doctor got in there, he had to repair an hiatal hernia which he reported was very bad so the surgery took 2 hours as opposed to one. I felt sorry for number 8! After surgery I was in recovery room for one hour-I don't remember any of this! When they got me to room they gave me pain and nausea meds. I had an awful time waking up so I was not up and walking as fast as they like. I dozed in and out the rest of the night and waked in between. I was surprised to not hear any of the other patients walking, I think I heard one do it the whole time I was there. I walked at least once an hour and did the blowing thing every hour. This was probably the hardest thing to do, my lungs felt so weak. I was discharged at 2:00, since we had a 3 hour drive to get home the nurse gave me pain and nausea meds right before we left. I have managed to get a lot of Water and ice chips down but nothing else. Everything hurts when it hits my stomach which doctor said was because of the hiatal hernia repair. I am home now with Tylenol III, Zofran and a pain pump that is sewn in just under the skin, it numbs my stomach and incision sites so I have not had any pain there. All my pain has been water hitting my stomach and my lungs after I do the blowing. felt bad for the lady next door to me because vomited non-stop. Apparently, she did not do well with the anesthesia. Does anyone have any question for me?

Nope no questions but congrats on getting done and over with!

Did you get the pain pump because of the hernia repair? How long will you have it? Was the hernia repair planned or was that a surprise?

When do you start your Protein drinks? Glad everything went well...sounds so far so good!!

How long did you stay in hospital? Congrats

Congrats. Wishing you a speedy recovery. I am scheduled for March 18th. Like most, I am excited and nerves. Hope mine goes as well as yours.

congrats!!

I was at the hospital 24 hours. The pain medication is a bulb in a fanny pack that I am wearing around my waist. As soon as the bulb of medicine is empty (probably about 2 more days) then I can remove myself. It makes my incision and stomach numb. I still have Tylenol III for pain. The hernia was a surprise it was not picked up on my EGD. I am going to try and get a Protein shake down today. It may take me all day to do it. I am getting up and walking every 1-2 hours and using my spirometer every hour.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Have you been hungry at all?

Not at all! My husband is eating around me it is not bothering me. It is going to take some work to get a Protein shake down because I have 0 appetite.

Oh my I'm really getting scared I want to back out!! I just found out yesterday that I have a hernia as well, so he will have to fix it as well. I am so so nervous!! 5 more days and I'm going to "pain hell" I pray

No I have no regrets. This pain is just temporary and only about a 5 at the end of my medicine. I did have to sleep in recliner at home but that is ok. You can do it! Are you using Texas General?

Congrats! Hope you get to feeling better soon!

Nikki...I am also feeling the same as you..I am one week from today and second guessing my decision. Just came from my pre op testing..passed with flying colors...girlnatvregistration desk was like you aren't big enough! Are you serious? I want to run away but I know I won't...i hope anyway.

Ya'll can do it! I was much better today. I got out of the house briefly and showered which was great! I got one Protein shake down, took most of the day but I did it. I will try to do 2 tomorrow.

Congratulations! I am always glad to hear about a smooth surgical experience, I am two weeks out still. I have noticed that many people, like yourself, return home and sleep in recliners...just wondering why? Anyone else experience this?

I tried to get in the bed but I sleep on my side which was not going to happen and it takes a lot of stomach muscles to get out of bed. The recliner I can rock and slide out of. I am feeling much better today so I am going to try my bed tonight.