What to expect after surgery

[chapellejoe84 7]

I'm having surgery tomorrow and I'm really nervous. What to expect after my surgery???

[Krystone 2]

What type of surgery you getting done?

[joeg 27]

I am 10 hr post op right now. For me there is a little gas pain in the stomach but it is nothing that cant be handled. I have already been up and walking 3 times today. The first one was with the nurse then she cut me lose to unplug my iv and go whenever i want. Good luck tomorrow im sure you'll see its not that bad

[carolynjackson 171]

Congratulations

[MsShortyDee 160]

Expect to be very cold

[tmayhan2001 20]

I'm having surgery tomorrow and I'm really nervous. What to expect after my surgery???

Me too

[teacupnosaucer 445]

You are going to be in pain. Quite a lot of pain. If you're being medicated with morphine, you will drift in and out of consciousness a lot and have weirdo dreams nearly every time you close your eyes. Your belly will be HUGE with the gas they used to operate on you laparoscopically, and that will hurt. They will want you up and walking as soon as possible to get that gas moving around and out of your body. Your goal in life is suddenly to fart a lot. Putting warm blankets or a heating pad on your belly will help with the pain and the gas, but the walking is key. It will be hard to sit up because it uses your abs. Try rolling onto your side, then pushing yourself up sideways, using your back and shoulders to lift your body instead. When you walk you may feel a "pulling" sensation on your incisions, or like your belly is going to fall off/open. It's not, but it feels that way. Walk with a pillow held to your abdomen, or just straight up carry your belly around with your hand to help alleviate that feeling. You can also try a post-surgical binder or control top underwear/shorts. Your mouth will be very very dry and you may or may not be allowed anything to relieve it. Try asking for mouth wetting sponges from the nurse, just in case. You will not get to eat or drink until after you pass your swallow test, which is where they make sure your stomach has no leaks. You will have to stand and drink for that procedure. My technician gave me a straw, but I did not use it because in our clinic we are not allowed straws.

Your sense of taste will completely change when you get your first meal. Things will taste too sweet. Eat and drink veryyyyyy slooooooowly, but make sure you're getting your fluids in so they can get you off the IV fluids and you can go home. Experiment with Water temperatures if you're having a hard time drinking it.

Nurses will come in and take your vitals frequently, and also give you MULTIPLE injections of blood thinners. Those shots leave a hella bruise, but after the first one they don't hurt nearly as much for some mysterious reason.

Stay on a pain med schedule. Ask the nurses to write down when your last dose was and how often you can have them. It's a good idea for the first night to ask for meds (or use your pain pump) as soon as you're due a dose instead of waiting for the pain to make you ask. If you stay ahead of it, you hurt less. If you're sent home with codeine, use it as necessary but try to taper off as soon as you can because codeine makes you constipated and the last thing you want is to be constipated, TRUST ME.

Within 5 days, if you don't have complications, the pain will massively subside. I am 13 days out and only rarely hurt.

[DaleCruse 756]

Understand that one person's experience does not equal everyone's experience. I wasn't in much pain and had no gas at all. I never had morphine and wasn't swollen either. Take each person's experience as an example of what you *might* experience. Good luck!

[evesta 67]

It is very individual but abdomen pain and gas are the main culprits. Honestly I'm usually fine after surgery for about 24 hours due to pain meds. I found there was more pain when you go home but it isn't anything unmanageable. I like to sleep on the couch the first few days or a recliner works great. My feeling about surgery is if they don't stick any needles in my back I'm good. Lol Thats my one phobia. Just walk early and often. I'm starting to get nervous too but I think it's more excitement. Good luck!!!

[teacupnosaucer 445]

2 hours ago, DaleCruse said:

Understand that one person's experience does not equal everyone's experience. I wasn't in much pain and had no gas at all. I never had morphine and wasn't swollen either. Take each person's experience as an example of what you *might* experience. Good luck!

I guess I should have phrased it as "I" instead of "you"

[it's time 4 me 14]

You will do Jess if they have surgery you have only eyes trip next two days is broth popsicles and liquid Water water water when you come home back to the same thing but water you buy your Protein Drinks in but you're still as your doctor tells you your just fine

[Christina.Rose 287]

I had pain the 1st day but it tapered off fast. The best tip I can give is be HYDRATED. Drink as much Water as you can until you aren't allowed to drink or eat....probably midnight. My mouth was sooooo dry from drugs. Bring lip balm and a comfy pillow. Ask for ice chips asap. Good luck!

[carolynjackson 171]

I had my surgery tuesday, had a lot of pain that is tolerable now. But the nausea was the worst, I threw up several times, the ensure high Protein made me sick it was so sweet. I have to say everyday gets better
Hoping to get discharged tomorrow.

[chapellejoe84 7]

What type of surgery you getting done?

Gastric sleeve

[chapellejoe84 7]

Thanks everyone... Surgery went well. Just in a little pain