I'm not from Houston but am here quite often to visit family. I'm doing my surgery with Dr. St. Laurent. Who are you using?

I was just sleeved 8/17 as well with Dr. Yu, and he did my sleeve and hiatal hernia fix. I'd have to say the pain from the gas isn't constant for me and was definitely worse right after surgery and yesterday, but I'm already feeling better. Walking and sipping fluids is very important. And it seemed no matter how gently I tried sipping at a time, I always felt like I was swallowing too much air and it built pressure up in my chest and stomach; today is better though.

I was also having issues with the little abdomen catheter pain pump, in that every time I got up and walked it made me feel terribly nauseous. It slipped out on its own while I was sleeping at one point (and once it's out, it's out) but I was much more alert and feeling way better once it was out, so I don't really mind not having it. I was prescribed a liquid Tylenol/codeine pain medication to take at home anyway and that's been much better.

ETA: I'm just south of Houston as well!

Edited August 19, 201510 yr by theother_onefoot

I suppose everyone really is different! I'm so happy to know that there are so many people in my area that have had the surgery. I'm doing mine with Dr. St. Laurent in Cypress, I don't know if I've already said that lol. But I hope you both heal well and thanks for making me feel better!

Today makes a week since I got out the hospital and it's a much better day.

One thing that I discovered is with the Protein shakes. I'm using unjury with soy milk (the lite or unsweetened). If I mix it in my nutri bullet and then start sipping it, it seems like I can't sip it slow enough. BUT if I make the shake and put it in the fridge for a while, it thickens up. And it makes it easier to drink slower.

Edited August 19, 201510 yr by monieanne

So how is everyone doing? Today makes 2 weeks for me. I'm mostly dealing with incision aches right now which is very tolerable. Gas now and then. My main issue is just being tired.

Tomorrow, I get to eat real food in pureed form. I'm sure I will need a Protein shake at least once a day to reach my protein goals. But I'm also excited because the introduction of food will be the true test of whether I will continue to need insulin and if so, hopefully not as much.

I also get to go to the doctor for my 2 week followup tomorrow so I will find out if I can go to the gym, even on a limited basis.

Edited August 25, 201510 yr by monieanne

I'm in Pearland. My surgery is sept 28 with dr Yu as well. I'm getting nervous and more excited. Let's keep each other updated. I had my EGD it went well. Insurance has approved so on the 14th I start the preop diet.

I had a hiatal hernia repair done as well. I'm sure you'll be fine. I'm actually surprised at how well I feel other than battling this gas pain. I really think "gas pain" isn't the right terminology at this point. It has to be some sort of phrenic nerve/diaphragm irritation. It is brutal though. I'm sitting here with heating pads on my shoulder and left diaphragm right now and I'm still hurting. My friend had the exact same surgeries with the same surgeon, facility, everything and she has been fantastic and pain free since Day 3 so you just never know.

Did you start walking right away after surgery? I think the sooner you start moving the better the gas moves out. I'm a transition lap and to sleeve patient. My surgery is tomorrow. I recall from the lapband not having much pain..but I was up and walking briskly right away. That's how I remember it anyway..it could be like childbirth...you only remember it briefly til the next kid comes along...hahaha. Hoping for minimal gas tomorrow...

Yes! I was up and walking within a couple hours after surgery and every 2 hours after that- even during the night. The lingering pain isn't caused by trapped gas from what I understand. It's caused by the CO2 gas used to inflate your abdomen irritating the phrenic nerve. I finally started getting some relief on about Day 12! Good Luck with your surgery!

Hi! I'm in West Houston and am scheduled to have my hernia repaired during surgery on 9/11. I'm on day 4 of the pre-op diet. Since I can't take any pills, does anyone have any suggestions on relieving heartburn? I've tried tums and alkaseltzer chewables, but they are only temporary. It's horrible!!

Edited August 31, 201510 yr by Gemini0621

I don't! I just suffered

Hi! I'm in West Houston and am scheduled to have my hernia repaired during surgery on 9/11. I'm on day 4 of the pre-op diet. Since I can't take any pills, does anyone have any suggestions on relieving heartburn? I've tried tums and alkaseltzer chewables, but they are only temporary. It's horrible!!

Why can't you take any pills?

I can't speak to her plan but I know my surgery plan included a 5 day liquid Preop diet with no pills and 2 week liquid PostOp with no pills. (Even prescription medications had to be crushed.)

Hi! I'm in West Houston and am scheduled to have my hernia repaired during surgery on 9/11. I'm on day 4 of the pre-op diet. Since I can't take any pills, does anyone have any suggestions on relieving heartburn? I've tried tums and alkaseltzer chewables, but they are only temporary. It's horrible!!

Why can't you take any pills?

During my 2 week pre-op diet, I'm not supposed to take any pills, unless they are crushed. I can only take Tylenol for headaches and pains, gummie Vitamins and I have to crush my blood pressure med.

Hi! I'm in West Houston and am scheduled to have my hernia repaired during surgery on 9/11. I'm on day 4 of the pre-op diet. Since I can't take any pills, does anyone have any suggestions on relieving heartburn? I've tried tums and alkaseltzer chewables, but they are only temporary. It's horrible!!

Why can't you take any pills?

During my 2 week pre-op diet, I'm not supposed to take any pills, unless they are crushed. I can only take Tylenol for headaches and pains, gummie Vitamins and I have to crush my blood pressure med.

Well that's a new one. I've not read of anyone who had to crush their meds before surgery. All of these doctors are so different with their requirements.

gemini0621 I live in West Houston area too. I am scheduled for surgery on Sept 30th with True Results. A good chewable acid reducer is Pepcid Complete. I think Walgreen, CVS, Target & Walmart have their generic versions.

gemini0621 I live in West Houston area too. I am scheduled for surgery on Sept 30th with True Results. A good chewable acid reducer is Pepcid Complete. I think Walgreen, CVS, Target & Walmart have their generic versions.

@@divasheart Thank you! Who is your surgeon?