Getting Sleeved 9/15! Need advice!

[Missy Ellen 17]

Hi fellow sleevers-

Tuesday is my big day! I can't believe it's here. I'm 61 yrs old single woman with no kids and all the co-morbidity conditions out there. I live alone and would love to hear from anyone who went through their recovery pretty much on their own. I'll have a relative for the first 3 days home. Is that enough? Thank you!!

[Sophie74656 1,572]

everyone's recovery is different. Personally I had very little pain. Getting up and sitting down hurt my incisions, but only for a few seconds. I did have to sleep at a 45 degree angle for a week because laying flat put too much pressure. Three days would have been enough for me

but again, everyone's recovery is different

best of luck to you!

[Missy Ellen 17]

Thank you sweetheart. I'm sure your right. Thanks for the tip on sleeping upright for a while. I have my mom's adjustable TempurPedic bed so I'll use that until I can lay flat. Praying for no complication????????.

[Miss Mac 6,261]

I got my sleeve on 12/23/2013 just after my 62nd birthday. I had help here, but could have gone it alone by having my supplies on hand and not trying to accomplish much housework that first week. I was sick to my stomach quite a bit, but did not puke until about six months out when I had the flu.

What helped me the most was my lift recliner which I got when I had spinal surgery. I put it to good use and slept in it a few nights until I was able to get up and down a little better. If I had not had that available, I would have propped myself up in bed.

I got bored in about a week and started putzing around the house a bit. We have a tri-level with stairs everywhere, but I was ok. Since then, I have obtained a Life Alert and a Fall Detector which I wear anytime I am here by myself. It gives me a lot of peace of mind, knowing that if I have a problem with no one around I can either push the button for help or else the Fall Detector will alert the alarm company if it detects a sudden change in elevation.

I did have one really bad night (when I had that flu) where I passed out in the bathroom and hit my head on the tub and ended up unconscious for several hours and ultimately spending the night in the ER on IV fluids because the flu had dehydrated me. Right after that is when I got my alarms.

If you need to go it alone, just make sure you have several days of supplies on hand and don't get in a big hurry to straighten up the house. If you have a cell phone keep it on you.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

I didn't have anyone at home and was fine with that. I made sure all the heavy cleaning and yard work was done beforehand, and had my housekeeper come by for a few extra visits to take care of things like changing kitty litter (due to lifting restrictions), vacuuming, mopping, etc. I didn't have a lot of energy but I didn't need anyone to take care of me. For me it was good to be on my own instead of feeling like someone was hovering over me, or that I needed to entertain company, etc.

[CynthiaAnn 59]

I had my sleeve on 8/18 and like everyone has said, it varies from person to person, but my recovery has been a breeze. A little pinching at the main incision for a bit, but that is almost all gone. I mowed the grass with a self-propelled mower yesterday and although a bit tired afterward, it was not a problem. I am 62 and was afraid I was too old for this. lol

[Missy Ellen 17]

Hi! Thank you all for your encouragement. I'm coming up on 2 weeks post op. It's fine being alone after my niece went home, but it has not been a breeze for me-I've had a lot of pain getting things down so I ended up getting IV fluids 3 days last week. My pancreatic enzymes were/are still? elevated from the jostling around in there as part of surgery, so I'm in pain from that. That's not fun. I'm very discouraged. All I want to do is take pain meds and sleep. I have a follow up apt on 9/30. We'll see...

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Hi! Thank you all for your encouragement. I'm coming up on 2 weeks post op. It's fine being alone after my niece went home, but it has not been a breeze for me-I've had a lot of pain getting things down so I ended up getting IV fluids 3 days last week. My pancreatic enzymes were/are still? elevated from the jostling around in there as part of surgery, so I'm in pain from that. That's not fun. I'm very discouraged. All I want to do is take pain meds and sleep. I have a follow up apt on 9/30. We'll see...

I am so sorry to hear about your complications and pain. I understand your discouragement but it will get better. Your hormones are probably in flux right now, too which doesn't help.

Hang in there, keep sipping your Protein and fluids, walk when you can, and you will feel better soon.

[chhavi06 1]

Hello MissyEllen,

I am looking sleeved buddies, we share the same gastric sleeve date i.e 15/09 as yours. How has your journey so far been. How much weight have you lost? Would love to be in touch with you

[angewil60 65]

God bless you I had the sleeve almost a year ago and I have 20 pounds to go to hit my goal at 100 pounds loss. It is hard but I more better and can now cross my legs. I am now wearing a 12 to 14 and I was at a 24 size before. It is hard but so much worth it.

[CynthiaAnn 59]

I have lost 34 lbs now and recently passed my 2 month mark, but have been at a stall for the last 2+ weeks. I have increased my calories from 700 to 900, made sure I get in the Protein on most days, as well as the Water. I know I need to exercise more, but am now caring for my husband as he recovers from brain surgery and getting him to almost daily appointments. The stall is giving me fits and very few foods even interest me at this time.