Trying to help

[jacob33 0]

Hello so my friend is having the sleeve done next week. What can I do to help and support her after her surgery?

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[JamieLogical 8,684]

I always love when I see posts from friends and family just wanting to support their sleevers. Good for you!

In the early days post-op, expect for your friend to be in some serious discomfort, if not outright pain. And expect some grumpiness and mood swings. Try to be supportive, but not put any pressure on her to recover too quickly. Definitely do NOT eat any real foods around her. And don't bring her any foods that she isn't allowed for her current food stage. If you can, ask her to give you a copy of her post-op nutrition plan so you can familiarize yourself with what foods she will be allowed to eat when.

[jacob33 0]

Thank you, I will keep that all in mind. How much discomfort will she be in?

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[Psychedelic 6]

I had my sleeve done just 4 days ago. I honestly had no discomfort post procedure. Full liquid diet for the first two week. Just keep encouraging her. Let her do a weigh in about 3 days Post-operatively... S he will be motivated by the weight loss. At my 3 day weigh in I lost another 6lbs. Don't let other people dampen her spirit with stupid remarks regarding why she did it etc. You just be her support system.

Pşýč#3ðë|¡©

[Psychedelic 6]

O... The only discomfort post surgery is swallowing because the stomach will be sore and swollen from the surgery. Also if she swallows too quickly she will have discomfort.

Pşýč#3ðë|¡©

[JamieLogical 8,684]

Thank you, I will keep that all in mind. How much discomfort will she be in?

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It definitely varies from person to person. Almost everyone experiences gas pain. They pump gas into your abdomen to make more room to maneuver the instruments. That gas gets "trapped" inside the patient and takes a while to work its way out. Which usually manifests as pain in the shoulder or back. Some people have nausea and even vomiting. I personally had esophageal spasms every time I swallowed for the first couple of weeks until the internal swelling went down. There's also sometimes soreness around the incision sites and sore ab muscles (like you did 100 sit-ups) in the early days.

Oh, another thing I forgot to mention is that she will be really tired. Let her nap and rest as needed, but do encourage her to get up and walk around frequently. Just short little walks, nothing fast or long. Walking can help prevent blood clots and it also helps a lot with the gas pain.

[Christina.Rose 287]

Let her sleep!!! In any way you can help with her household chores or cooking for family or doing errands. I am wiped out exhausted and have significant pain from stomach to back. Maybe a back rub?.....I don't know how touchy feely you two are but my husband has helped me tremendously by gently massaging my back while I wait for pain meds to kick in. Oh, also, unless she is trying to eat a burger post op or go skydiving, dont pretend to be her doctor and micromanage what she does. Be helpful, not condescending.