Has anyone had their gastric sleeve performed at a surgery center and sent home that day? I am curious about this. Thanks.

I had outpatient and it was awful. Most folks at this practice do great with it, and I was the exception, of course. The problem came down to me not being able to manage the pain or nausea at home. I dry heaved for a long time, and could not keep the pain meds down or the anti nausea meds. Landed in the hospital for two days. Know how you react to anesthesia. I did not, as I never had it as an adult. If I had known, I would have made better choices for pain and nausea meds.

I did....first few days are a little rough

I emailed my surgeon with my fears and I feel a lot better. I am so glad that i found this website because I love hearing about other people's experiences. Sometimes I feel so isolated and afraid. I am terrified of blood clots and leaks--but I guess most people are. Any advice on how to lessen the chances of blood clots or complications is also welcomed. Also, what kind of liquids did you all find most helpful to have on hand? Could any of you actually drink a Protein shake?

Thanks,

Leilie

The best way to lessen blood clots and complications are to follow your surgeon's post-op instructions.

That means:

taking the prescribed medications (blood thinners, actigal, etc.);

using your incentive spirometer (I had that an another device for my lungs I just don't remember what it's called. I had to use both of them before and after surgery to help avoid pneumonia), DVT leg compressors (or whatever they are called) and other devices;

getting up and walking frequently;

staying hydrated;

getting enough protein;

following your pre- and post-op food plan;

etc.

Basically, do everything you are asked to do. Your surgeon's primary goal is for you to have a safe and healthy surgery and recovery.

As to liquids and Protein shakes, it depends on your surgeon's program. Mine included premier Protein Shakes and ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken Soups as options during my clear liquid phase. I also used ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates during Clear Liquids.

I consider most Syntrax Nectars clear. Isopure also has clear Liquid Protein in a variety of flavors.

In addition, you may want to have on hand: decaf tea, Herb "teas", bone broth, Water enhancers, crushed ice, and sugar-free Popsicles.

Staying hydrated and getting in all of your protein are critical for healing.

Thanks so much inner surfer girl, i actually want to try Isopure--it has 20 grams of Protein per bottle of 20 oz of liquid. I also can have clear broths and clear liquids. How long until you could have something like almond milk?

Leilie

Almond milk was allowed during my full liquids phase.

Went to an International Center of Excellence in TJ. I had surgery at 3pm Friday and discharged at 9am Saturday, so not much more than outpatient. Felt great the next day. No nausea. No pain meds needed. Went shopping next two days. Went in on Monday to have drain removed before flying home.

I was on clear fluids those first 3 days.....Popsicles, chicken broth, pedialyte, diluted fruit juice and decaf herbal tea. Got some isopure at GNC while I was there but it made me gag. I had no problems with the Syntrax nectar drinks. Once on full liquids I drank all the previously mentioned things plus Protein shakes, V8, Siggis and Kefir drinkable yogurt, and tons of pureed/strained soups with unflavored Protein powder added. Warm liquids went down better for me and a big cup of Sleepytime tea was a welcome, soothing bedtime treat.

Thanks so much, I always find that I have one more question in this process. I am so glad that this forum is here!

I went in at 11AM and went home at 5PM. Probably could have left at 4 I if I wanted. They put me in my recovery room and let me drink a bit and then waited for me to urinate. Once I did that they took out the IV and old me I could leave when I wanted. I wasn't quite ready to go, but I knew when the IV came out they were pretty much done with me. To be honest I'm not sure what staying in the hospital would have helped.

I had mine outpatient. The doctor here in Louisiana came to check on me that evening and the two days after I was fine. Mine was also self pay. Best to you! It is do-able.

Blossom Bariatrics does outpatient Sleeves. They have some good videos on youtube that might be helpful to you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUBEXcmtR5g

I had mine on the 28th in a surgery center and was sent home hours later that night...as long as you're walking and showing signs of life it's safe to go home the same day

I was scheduled to do outpatient and then my surgery got moved to a hospital. 2 weeks before I decided to stay overnight and THANK GOD I did. I honestly don't know how people do outpatient. I have a high tolerance for pain, but this was something else. You are so uncomfortable and I had a horrible reaction to the anesthesia and was throwing up all night. Stay over if you can.

i did mine late in the afternoon and was discharged early the next morning (a little before 9am). Surgeon did the leak test as part of the surgery. I could have gone home same day, but they want to make sure patients can walk and get fluids down before they go home, so they keep everyone overnight.