July 2023 buddies

[Clary 7]

Apologies in advance for the long post!!

Hello everyone! I had my surgery July 12th! I am a little over a week post op! Here’s a little bit of insight for those interested!

Before surgery I was given a whole bunch of stuff as well as some antibiotics in which I had an allergic reaction to and made me break out in hives. It was super uncomfortable considering I was then wheeled to the operating room shortly after. I couldn’t do anything about the itching as I had to lay in a particular way and kept thinking “I hope they put me to sleep under soon” because it was soooo uncomfortable.

After waking up I could barely open my eyes, and at some point I stopped trying but I was still aware of my surroundings for a bit. I just remember shivering and feeling extremely cold. My entire body was aching and I kept getting these chills of pain run through my body. I was in and out so I didn’t even remember leaving the operating room and into the post op room.

If I am being completely honest the pain was at its highest the day of the surgery and thankfully the medications they gave me were strong or else I didn’t think I would be able to bear it. I pushed myself to walk about 3-4 hours after surgery even though I wasn’t pushed to, I felt like I needed to?? (Idk my brain was all over the place). I just couldn’t stand laying down for all this hours so if it meant walking to use the bathroom to get out of bed then so be it.

I kept trying to push through it and walk walk walk. They were not kidding about the walking and how it helps with gas pains. The gas pains were so bad for me, it felt like bloating(?) just everywhere..the gas pains wow..

My entire stay everyone was super nice and attentive! My surgeon was also kind enough to fulfill my request in taking a picture of my stomach after he took it out! (I personally found it very fascinating!!)

I was finally discharged the next day after being able to handle Water and Soup about 4oz for 5 hours consecutively. And I was very homesick and really missed my bed (and pets).

By day 5 though I felt pretty good and a bit back to my normal self for the most part.

Until day 5 I could NOT stomach regular water. For some reason I could not stand the taste of it?? It tasted disgusting and I had to keep drinking Gatorade or mixing my water with daily hydration flavored packets.

After day 5, I was able to stomach Protein Shakes (mixed with collagen) and was super happy about the progress.

There hasn’t been any complications and for that I am thankful, I didn’t check in sooner as I was busy trying to consume fluids every 15 minutes (I got tired of the timers soooo quick).

An app that has been a staple for me personally is Baritastic, love the easy platform and the visualization of the water goal for the day as well as being able to log in my weight. It breaks down my goal into little milestones and basically an all in one app as I can also log in food and tracks weightloss from before and after surgery as well! I also lets me keep count of the days after surgery and my BMI! Highly recommend this app, especially because it’s free

Apologies for the long post! I wanted to be thorough and detailed especially for those that are still waiting to have surgery! I cannot think about anything else to write but if anyone has any questions, please let me know! I’ll be happy to respond and as open as possible! I cannot wait to start puréed food though!! 😩

[Inspectorjh84 39]

On 7/20/2023 at 8:43 AM, RedE2goAimee said:

Going into surgery now. Nervous but ready!

You can do it....Give us an update when you can!

[Inspectorjh84 39]

On 7/19/2023 at 5:18 PM, wendywitch7 said:

I had VSG on July 6. Haven't had any issues getting my Water or Protein Shakes down. My dr has me on a clear liquid and Protein shakes until tomorrow and then I can move to the full liquid diet. So ready for a thicker substance.

My only issue is that my largest incision hurts when I move certain ways (mostly bending), Is anyone else still having incision pain?

We had the surgery on the same day, got to say I don't really have incision pain anymore. But I also recovered a bit more quickly than most, according to my doctor. I found the more I move the better and better I am feeling. Its that mental thing sometimes...Plenty of sun around the country, get outside and get moving. Makes you feel a million times better.

[Zombie_tea 10]

I had my surgery on the 12th, and I agree with the getting out there! My first week post surgery was cold and wet out (I’m in Australia), and it didn’t really help with my mood. Everything felt dark, but as soon as I could, I got ours wide for short walks and it changed EVERYTHING! I hope your pain diminishes and you start to feel more like yourself soon! It’s just a matter of time!

[RedE2goAimee 11]

So far, so good. I’m home now. Surgery went well. I didn’t have a lot of pain just discomfort. Felt like I did a heavy ab workout the day before. My chest felt tight too, like I couldn’t get a big enough breath.

They had me on IV Tylenol and Toradol around the clock. My last dose was right before discharge today. I’ve only had Tylenol since I’ve been home. I’ve also been doing the incentive spirometry, which helps, but the most effective “treatment“ has been walking. I saw others say the same thing and it really does work!

I haven’t had any nausea, vomiting, or issues with drinking. They had me take a pre-op antiemetic and I was on Zofran around the clock. I have some oral Zofran for home if I need it.

I hope the rest of my July buddies have a good experience too! Good luck!

[dslay 2]

Glad you are doing well. I had mine yesterday also. Thought the nausea was going to do me in, but other than that it’s not bad. I went out to my chicken coop and around the house just trying to walk a good bit like I should. Hope you continue to do well!

[RedE2goAimee 11]

5 hours ago, dslay said:

Glad you are doing well. I had mine yesterday also. Thought the nausea was going to do me in, but other than that it’s not bad. I went out to my chicken coop and around the house just trying to walk a good bit like I should. Hope you continue to do well!

Sorry to hear about the nausea. That’s the worst. Did they send you home with medication to help? Have you tried peppermint or ginger tea? Glad walking is helping you. I hope you start to feel better soon.

[dslay 2]

3 hours ago, RedE2goAimee said:

Sorry to hear about the nausea. That’s the worst. Did they send you home with medication to help? Have you tried peppermint or ginger tea? Glad walking is helping you. I hope you start to feel better soon.

I have lots of zofran but I only got nauseated a little yesterday. Hopefully none today. 😁

[MLM072423 0]

My surgery is scheduled for Monday 07/24/23. I am extremely nervous.

[Marianne0430 1]

Hi everyone. I had my surgery on July 10 and I find some days are better than others. It is taking me a while to build up my eating as I struggle to keep down Protein Shakes. Interesting enough, I am able to eat Greek yogurt which has been extremely helpful. Getting my Water has been somewhat challenging but I keep sipping away. Best of luck to all that had their surgery or waiting to get their surgery.

[Marianne0430 1]

Hi everyone. I had my surgery on July 10 and I find some days are better than others. It is taking me a while to build up my eating as I struggle to keep down Protein Shakes. Interesting enough, I am able to eat Greek yogurt which has been extremely helpful. Getting my Water has been somewhat challenging but I keep sipping away. Best of luck to all that had their surgery or waiting to get their surgery.

[Marianne0430 1]

Hi everyone. I had my surgery on July 10 and I find some days are better than others. It is taking me a while to build up my eating as I struggle to keep down Protein Shakes. Interesting enough, I am able to eat Greek yogurt which has been extremely helpful. Getting my Water has been somewhat challenging but I keep sipping away. Best of luck to all that had their surgery or waiting to get their surgery.

[Marianne0430 1]

Hi everyone. I had my surgery on July 10 and I find some days are better than others. It is taking me a while to build up my eating as I struggle to keep down Protein Shakes. Interesting enough, I am able to eat Greek yogurt which has been extremely helpful. Getting my Water has been somewhat challenging but I keep sipping away. Best of luck to all that had their surgery or waiting to get their surgery.

[Marianne0430 1]

Hi everyone. I had my surgery on July 10 and I find some days are better than others. It is taking me a while to build up my eating as I struggle to keep down Protein Shakes. Interesting enough, I am able to eat Greek yogurt which has been extremely helpful. Getting my Water has been somewhat challenging but I keep sipping away. Best of luck to all that had their surgery or waiting to get their surgery.

[Amerime 33]

On 7/22/2023 at 9:32 AM, MLM072423 said:

My surgery is scheduled for Monday 07/24/23. I am extremely nervous.

You got this, you'll be back home before you know it. I had surgery on 7/6/23, no complications to date. Positive thoughts for you.