I am having surgery on April 21st. I am very nervous! My questions are... what do I need to bring to the hospital? How long did you take off work? And please rate your pain levels after surgery. My dr says it's a breeze but after reading some of your experiences I am wondering if it's as easy as he says!

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Congrats on your upcoming surgery!!

1. Things to take to the hospital: comfy clothes, lip balm, a small travel pillow (to brace against your stomach to help with the pain &for the ride home), cell phone charger, toiletries, I took Biotene mouthwash which was a life savior when my mouth was so dry. Those were the basic things I took. I have a tendency to overpack and took my makeup and nail polish and believe it or not I used both... Had to look good!

2. I took off for four weeks. That varies greatly from person to person. My job can be active and can get quite hectic so I was glad I waited. Plus the time gave me a chance to learn to eat and drink properly after surgery. Some people go back way quicker.

3. My pain levels were probably a 5 out of 10 right after surgery. I took the pain meds around the clock for the first week. I was able to walk right away. The more you walk the more it helps with the pain- at least in my case.

Overall, it's not a horrible experience for most. It's kind of like childbirth- the reward is so great we have a tendency to forget the pain!!

Good luck

Thanks so much!!

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I took very little to the hospital other than some loose sweat pants as I hate walking around in the silly gown they provide. The hospital provided lip balm, disposable tooth brush, tooth paste, etc.

Spent 2 nights in the hospital as the pain on day one was significant for me. Switched from morphine to fentanyl and bingo, no more pain. Slept a lot, watched some TV, and walked every 4 hours. Was happy to stop the opiates and was ready to go home on Sunday (surgery was Friday morning). It was a little scary the first day home as I no longer had the magic IV to take care of all of my Fluid needs. The area around the big hole (stomach removal) was sore for about 7 days total, just made getting in and out of bed difficult. I went back to work the next week (just in the office) and got on an airplane and flew 2 and 1/2 weeks later (surgeon just said no lifting a bag into the overhead storage area, so I checked it). 5 weeks after surgery took the family to Universal Orlando and the beach.

For me it was just 10 days of no fun, then 3 months of adjusting (tired more than usual), and then didn't really notice it at all as my adjusted life become the new normal.

Hey there ! I'm in Alabama too:) I just had my surgery the 30th of March. The only thing I really used at the hospital was my phone charger and extension cord for it . I was having bad gas pain so I stayed up on my pain meds so I barely even used my phone. One thing I would bring tho is your own pillow , those beds get uncomfortable and you'll want something in between your stomach and the seat belt on the way home. The surgery went great even though they found a hernia unexpectedly and had to repair it during . I have minimal pain now but that could be from my hernia repair or it could be gas pain. Idk but it's not horrible just uncomfortable . Also I work for a bank so it's not laborious and I plan on going back in another week.. The 11th I believe . Good luck ! You got this

Hey kaciii! Did you have surgery at alabama weight loss in Birmingham?

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At St.Vincents east with Dr.Schmitt . He was wonderful. The staff was very kind and understanding as well.

Awesome! I'm using dr miles

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What a small world