I’m so excited to start my chapter

COUNT DOWN 64 DAYS

I am so glad to be reading everyone is doing well, remember you just had major surgery- give yourself grace! My surgery is on the 13th just 3 more days and I can’t believe it! It feels like it took forever and no time at all to get here, I am excited to see what’s next for me, I just want it to be here already I am getting very eager to get on that hospital bed count back from 10 and wake up in my hospital room

14 minutes ago, Acrostic35 said:

I am having surgery in 8 days time and am a little concerned about what I am reading. I had planned on driving myself home - about 80 minutes drive. But it seems some people are either not able or being told not to drive? The other thing is work- I am returning to work the day after I am discharged. I could possibly put it off for a couple of days although as I am self employed I need to go.

Everyone’s surgeon seems to give different guidelines. Mine won’t allow me to drive myself to or from the surgery and told me absolutely no work for at least two weeks and no heavy lifting for a month.

Awwwww - Maggie, your enthusiasm really makes me smile. Acrostic - i would really think twice abut driving straight after surgery. My surgeon did not recommend that owing to the lingering effects of the anaesthetic and also that I had undergone major surgery. I took 2 weeks off and the third week I plan to take it real easy xx

33 minutes ago, Acrostic35 said:

I am having surgery in 8 days time and am a little concerned about what I am reading. I had planned on driving myself home - about 80 minutes drive. But it seems some people are either not able or being told not to drive? The other thing is work- I am returning to work the day after I am discharged. I could possibly put it off for a couple of days although as I am self employed I need to go.

I was not able/allowed to drive after surgery. Someone had to pick me up or they would not discharge me. I took 6 weeks off from work. My surgery was May 9.

Hi Rolaware - your surgery was May 9th? Would love to hear how you are getting on ?

30 minutes ago, sharonwg said:

Hi Rolaware - your surgery was May 9th? Would love to hear how you are getting on ?

Hi

31 minutes ago, sharonwg said:

Hi Rolaware - your surgery was May 9th? Would love to hear how you are getting on ?

Hi @sharonwg yes my surgery was May 9. It was Excellent! Thank God!!! The only complaint I had was gas after surgery & that lasted about 3 days. I was in the hospital overnight & after my sallow test the next day I was released to go home.

I never experienced any pain at all....thank God. I was sent home with pain medication & gas relief and I never had to use any of them.

Walking truly was the BEST thing to do to get rid of the gas. For the 1st week I walked inside my house & around my backyard.

On 06/10/2023 at 15:03, Acrostic35 said:

I am having surgery in 8 days time and am a little concerned about what I am reading. I had planned on driving myself home - about 80 minutes drive. But it seems some people are either not able or being told not to drive? The other thing is work- I am returning to work the day after I am discharged. I could possibly put it off for a couple of days although as I am self employed I need to go.

What surgery are you having? I had gastric bypass Friday June 2 and was discharged the next day. I took one week off and plan to return to work this Monday. My issue wasn’t pain but dehydration after having diarrhea for almost 48 hours midweek. You never know how your body is going to respond after major surgery.

I do know that you are not allowed to drive within 24 hours of anesthesia, and after abdominal surgery you need to be able to quickly apply the brake to stop your vehicle (doing this would probably hurt too soon after surgery). I would plan to take at least a few days off if at all possible.

So I am having a sleeve done on the Sunday and out of the clinic on the Tuesday morning. Is driving painful or discomforting ?

I think perhaps driving is just inadvisable but obviously, its your choice honey. Perhaps you should have the discussion with your medical team who know you better xx

Rolaware - thanks for the info. I too had no pain and also no gas after surgery. Are you enjoying the results one month on if you don't mind me asking?

4 minutes ago, sharonwg said:

I think perhasharonwgps driving is just inadvisable but obviously, its your choice honey. Perhaps you should have the discussion with your medical team who know you better xx

Rolaware - thanks for the info. I too had no pain and also no gas after surgery. Are you enjoying the results one month on if you don't mind me asking?

@sharonwg no I don't mind at all. I'm always happy to share & help in anyway I can.

YESSSS I am enjoying the results I'm down a total of 26lbs since my liquid diet of 2 weeks prior to surgery and since the surgery. On Monday I go for my 2nd post surgery visit with my surgeon. I'm excited about that. I've been on a soft diet and I must say it has been pleasant....everything that I have tried my body is accepting it. I make a conscious effort to chew EVERYTHING like 30 times before I swallow....I've heard horror stories & I don't want to experience that.

I wait the 30 mins in-between before drinking my liquids. I'm determined to make this work so I'm being intentional with what I do. I also meet a young lady we had surgery the same day by the same Dr & we live about 30 mins from each other so we have developed a nice bond & we check up on each other 2x a week and share tips, struggles, concerns etc

2 hours ago, Acrostic35 said:

I am having surgery in 8 days time and am a little concerned about what I am reading. I had planned on driving myself home - about 80 minutes drive. But it seems some people are either not able or being told not to drive? The other thing is work- I am returning to work the day after I am discharged. I could possibly put it off for a couple of days although as I am self employed I need to go.

I had the sleeve last year and I had to take 2 weeks off work. No way was I able to drive myself anywhere. I had a hard time walking and sitting up. I would say wait until you're surgery is over and you're at home to decide how long you'll stay out of work. Everyone's pain tolerance and mobility after surgery is different. You might do great. Or you might be like I was and in A LOT of pain. It's hard to predict. But I know the severe fatigue after the surgery gets most of us and makes it almost impossible to go back to work right away.

4 hours ago, TRClark23 said:

Everyone’s surgeon seems to give different guidelines. Mine won’t allow me to drive myself to or from the surgery and told me absolutely no work for at least two weeks and no heavy lifting for a month.

I think it’s best you have a Plan B and have a driver take you home. I had my surgery June 7. I stayed in hospital til June 9. Today June 10, I am still taking pain meds. I would not dream of going to work until a week later. And i have high tolerance for pain. Good luck to you if you can do it. Also get a pillow to go home to place over your stomach while in the car you will need it.

4 hours ago, Maggie rose said:

I am so glad to be reading everyone is doing well, remember you just had major surgery- give yourself grace! My surgery is on the 13th just 3 more days and I can’t believe it! It feels like it took forever and no time at all to get here, I am excited to see what’s next for me, I just want it to be here already I am getting very eager to get on that hospital bed count back from 10 and wake up in my hospital room

Yes it will come quickly. Have everything prepared so it will ease your transition when u come home.

4 hours ago, sharonwg said:

Awwwww - Maggie, your enthusiasm really makes me smile. Acrostic - i would really think twice abut driving straight after surgery. My surgeon did not recommend that owing to the lingering effects of the anaesthetic and also that I had undergone major surgery. I took 2 weeks off and the third week I plan to take it real easy xx

I agree too!

2 hours ago, SleeveDiva2022 said:

I had the sleeve last year and I had to take 2 weeks off work. No way was I able to drive myself anywhere. I had a hard time walking and sitting up. I would say wait until you're surgery is over and you're at home to decide how long you'll stay out of work. Everyone's pain tolerance and mobility after surgery is different. You might do great. Or you might be like I was and in A LOT of pain. It's hard to predict. But I know the severe fatigue after the surgery gets most of us and makes it almost impossible to go back to work right away.

I agree too! It’s major surgery!