Surgery coming up

[reenz07 16]

I'm scheduled on the 21st for sleeve surgery and I am nervous, anxious, and panicking. Anyone have any advice on how to mentally prepare for surgery day??

[kem91 38]

I'm scheduled for mine on the 15th and alternating between excited and anxious. For me, it's finding out why I'm anxious and trying to address it. Like if I'm worried about complications, I remind myself about what my surgeon said about rates of complication. I think one of the things that's helped most is watching post op videos and seeing the positive outcomes from the surgery. It is scary, but for me what could happen if I don't have surgery is so much scarier. I hope the prep for your surgery goes well, and just remember you're not alone.

[reenz07 16]

Thank you soo much!!!! I think I'm more scared of the anesthesia more than anything else. And this is a big change for me! Maybe I should look at videos to prepare myself. I'm looking forward to a big change in my life but also scared of the day of surgery. I hope everything goes well with you on the 15th! Please let me know how it goes

[kem91 38]

Of course! My favorite youtube sleevers are Chemistry Queen, Timetodeflate, and Clusie L. They're amazing anout talking about post op as well as results. They answered questions I didn't know I had!

[Geri Marie 235]

Well coming from someone who has had a few surgeries, the anesthesia is the easy part. I'm a little nervous about the complications, but then I watched an actual operation and now im super excited. My surgeon is the one in the area that teaches others so I'm confident.

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[kem91 38]

According to my surgeon the most common is infections in the incision sites. If you keep them clean and wear loose clothing that helps reduce the likelihood of it happening. Other complications happen in 1 in 300 to 1 in 500 patients. Gallstones happen in more than 5% (can't remember the exact number, sorry) of patients, but there is a medication you can take that recuces the number to less than 3% of patients. If you're ever concerned post surgery, call your surgeon. There are no silly/stupid questions, and it's better to ask and be sure than assume everything is fine.

[kem91 38]

Alrighty, y'all. Surgery was yesterday, home today. Worst part so far was just waiting to go into surgery. They started me on pain meds and anti nausea stuff just before surgery. Last thing I remember was the mask going on my face and being told to breathe deeply.

Then I woke up in recovery. I was mostly fine, but reacted a bit poorly to the anesthesia and was nauseous. Told the recovery nurse who helped me out until we found something to stop the nausea (ativan I believe). I was out of it for a good few hours, got into recovery around 6:30 and got awakeish between 10 and 11. Had an iv from pre op to discharge. I was taking some pills by mouth this morning. Overall I haven't been in pain, except for going from lying to sitting up. No nausea except as a response to pain meds. Didn't need anything at all today for about 3 hours. Keep in mind I'm 25, and my mother who is 30 years older had a different experience. I'm almost certain my age plays a big role in this.

Walking helps so much with gas pain, so walk as much as you're able to. It also helps reduce your risk of blood clots. Wear loose comfy clothing as your incision sites will be sore and things that fit tightly will irritate them. I brought a pillow pet with me, which was great to help support my belly as I sat, stood up, and rode in the car. Always ask for a nuse if you need one! Mine were incredibly helpful and a wonderful support. They answered questions and helped with getting meds when I needed them. If you're someone who has spiritual beliefs, lean on those. Praying to my spirit guides, goddesses, and wearing a raw emerald crystal made me feel so much better (even if medically it did nothing). Hope that answers your questions. If not feel free to ask more, I'll do my best to answer!

Edited August 16, 2017 by kem91
Typos

[reenz07 16]

Alrighty, y'all. Surgery was yesterday, home today. Worst part so far was just waiting to go into surgery. They started me on pain meds and anti nausea stuff just before surgery. Last thing I remember was the mask going on my face and being told to breathe deeply.
Then I woke up in recovery. I was mostly fine, but reacted a bit poorly to the anesthesia and was nauseous. Told the recovery nurse who helped me out until we found something to stop the nausea (ativan I believe). I was out of it for a good few hours, got into recovery around 6:30 and got awakeish between 10 and 11. Had an iv from pre op to discharge. I was taking some pills by mouth this morning. Overall I haven't been in pain, except for going from lying to sitting up. No nausea except as a response to pain meds. Didn't need anything at all today for about 3 hours. Keep in mind I'm 25, and my mother who is 30 years older had a different experience. I'm almost certain my age plays a big role in this.
Walking helps so much with gas pain, so walk as much as you're able to. It also helps reduce your risk of blood clots. Wear loose comfy clothing as your incision sites will be sore and things that fit tightly will irritate them. I brought a pillow pet with me, which was great to help support my belly as I sat, stood up, and rode in the car. Always ask for a nuse if you need one! Mine were incredibly helpful and a wonderful support. They answered questions and helped with getting meds when I needed them. If you're someone who has spiritual beliefs, lean on those. Praying to my spirit guides, goddesses, and wearing a raw emerald crystal made me feel so much better (even if medically it did nothing). Hope that answers your questions. If not feel free to ask more, I'll do my best to answer! [emoji4]

Thank you so much for all this information!!! Really helps as I'm sitting here so anxious and nervous. I'm Glad everything worked out for you!! How are you feeling now?

[kem91 38]

I'm so sorry I didn't see this! I hope your procedure went well! I'm now almost a full week post-op. I'm 10 poundsish down from my day of surgery weight. Thankfully having little to no pain, except when I sneeze. I can get up and down on my own now, usually without a support pillow, but sometimes that's needed. Taking zofran as needed along with gas-x to reduce pressure on my tummy. BTW post-op Constipation is no joke! Wish I had started trying to address it sooner. Staying hydrated and eating is kind of challenging, I'm getting really bored of Protein Shakes, plain greek yogurt, and Soup. Overall, I'd say all is well and I'm making progress in a good direction!

[reenz07 16]

Good for you so glad to hear!!!

[kem91 38]

Best of luck with your recovery, can't wait to hear all the good things coming your way!

[reenz07 16]

Best of luck with your recovery, can't wait to hear all the good things coming your way!

Thank you!!! Hope you're doing well. I had to stay in an extra night at the hospital. Hopefully I'll get discharged tomorrow!