Sleep in the Early Post-op Period; Getting Stopped Up

Fenton · January 30, 2008

Hi.

I was here about a year ago, but was rejected by Empire because my BMI was too high. In May they rescinded their upper limit cut-off, so now I'm heading back into the procedure. I'm waiting for my approval now, but there shouldn't be a problem, so I'm Full Steam Ahead for getting banded in early March by Dr. Fielding in NYC.

I have two main concerns:

1. sleep in the early post-op period. I'm a hefty fella, and sleep on my side and propped up because I think I have reflux problems. When can you sleep on your side after surgery? I know you end up with hulking great holes in your sides; when is it practical/convenient to lie on your side during the healing period?

2. Constipation. Every time I go on a diet and reduce my intake, my gut immediately grinds to a halt. Even Benefiber doesn't seem to help much. Does anyone have any advice? I'm worried that, particularly in the early post-op period, decreased intake will have disastrous effects on my picky constitution. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks,

Fenton

trapped inside · January 30, 2008

Hi Fenton,

Everyone is different, I am BMI 38 and was able to sleep on my side that night with the help of a pillow. Thats what I would suggest for you. And remember to move slowly when turning in the night. It was ouchy for me the first month but I was also a stomach sleeper. Do you have to consult with a dietician? That would be your best bet for keeping on top of the Constipation problem. Start drinking more Water now. Good luck in your journey!

Chrisann · January 30, 2008

The first full week after surgery it was actually more comfortable to sleep on my side, and I always sleep on my back, I think it was my body wanting to comfort itself by putting me in the fetal position. HOWEVER, every time I tried to roll to the other side, my fat went first and then the muscles and boy it hurt like hell. It was the incisions on either side, not the ones in the middle that were hurting. I used a heating pad that first week right over the incisions over my PJ's, and took my meds religiously at night so I could sleep and stay sleeping if I moved.

After the first week, things calmed down alot.

vballmom · January 30, 2008

Fenton, I have a high BMI and I bought a bed pillow with arms and slept sitting up in bed the first two nights. I also have sleep apnea and used my machine everynight and was able to sleep on my sides about the third night. I think you can drink prune juice for the Constipation. I also have Reflux and Ive only taken my medication a few times since surgery. Don't worry it will all work out. Best Wishes

lovekatz1975 · January 30, 2008

I also had a high BMI. I was able to sleep on my right side right away, but it bothered me to sleep on my left side. Now, 4 months out, I have no problem at all, I even sleep on my stomach.

By the way, Dr. Fielding is awesome. Dr. Ren did my surgery.

lovekatz1975 · January 30, 2008

I forgot to add, I still have problems with Constipation. Just drink as much fluids as you possibly can. And move your body. This is what the doctor's office told me to do.

Fenton · January 31, 2008

Thanks, guys!

Encouraging news on the sleep issue - sounds like it'll be pretty manageable.

But the other, man, I don't know! I mentioned my concern to the nutritionist, and she recommended Benefiber, but I think I need something else. I'm particularly worried about not being able to keep up my Fluid intake in the first days, and starting a cycle from which I shall never recover!

aubrie · January 31, 2008

I slept on my right side about 3 days post op. I slept on my port incision side about 7 days post op. I have always used a body pillow, and it sure helped after surgery. I also had a very small pillow in bed with me. When it was time to roll over, I pressed it firmly against my tummy to roll. It kept the fat from rolling around and pulling on the stitches.

I have the same digestive problems. The anesthesia and the hydrocodone always block me up after surgery. I was even hospitalized a second time after surgery once for blockage. It was worse than the original surgery!!! Now I start with citrucell a day or two before. I don't use hydrocodone anymore as a result, so I just stuck with tylenol. I still got pretty stopped up. I called the doc 5 days later in pain. He ordered milk of magnisia, but you can't do that all the time. the Constipation is a problem for me post band as well. Sometimes a little prune juice before bed helps. Stool softeners help. Once you start eating well again, chew an apple really well at bedtime. Before banding, I was regular as clockwork. Now it's a daily effort. I feel your pain..... Irregularity makes me so cranky.

restrict2008 · January 31, 2008

I too am having such trouble- I had a small movement about 10 days post op that I really had to work for- and that is it. (banded 1/15)

I put Fiber in almost every liquid i drink- i even put it in my Jello. I am drinking Miralax, and now started taking the chewable Fiber tabs as well (i am concerned they might stretch my pouch- any thoughts?)

yesterday I even did an enema with very little luck. i am very concerned that I am impacted. that is the trouble when you get your surgery far away, now I have no one to go to. :frown:

does oatmeal count as a mushy? or can it expand and fill the pouch- i was thinking of making it somewhat soupy! (i start mushies tomorrow)

i walk tons and drink all day- i was worried this would happen post op and just sat there in pain trying not to use narcotics. I mostly took tylenol. I sure hope this gets better.

vballmom · January 31, 2008

Restrict 2008 Yes oatmeal and cream of wheat are mushy, Enjoy I know it will taste so good after being so restricted. I really like the cream of wheat it is much smoother than oatmeal.

restrict2008 · January 31, 2008

thanks- maybe real food will help move things along!! tomorrow morning i will have some oatmeal! (i know we are supposed to use high Protein foods first but I think i will make an exception)

michellepom · January 31, 2008

Hey there,

I was just banded on the 29th. My doctor told me I can dilute applejuice and white grape juice, I haven't gone number 2 yet, but I don't have any pain. I took a couch cushion and some pillows to sleep on at night. That has helped some. I am a side sleeper, but so far, I'm too sore to do it. But the hospital beds keep you sleeping in a sitting up position, which is really comfortable after surgery. Good luck!!

shortgal · February 1, 2008

sleep position should only be a temporary problem. some people sleeep in a recliner for a few nights when they first get home, but if you're taking a few days off from work, an afternoon nap will help with any night time sleep deficit.

the Constipation is a problem, but in the first couple weeks many people are on liquids only, so you will not have much as far as solid material in your colon. Pain meds given at the hospital can cause constipation and Vitamins with too much Iron can bind you as well.

Discuss this problem with your surgeon for a solution and remember less food in, less poop out. I now use benefiber regularly, not just if I feel stopped up, as by then, it's too late. I add one teaspoon twice a day to my bottle of Water. Directions say 2 tps twice a day. I only need half that, maybe you'll need the full dose.. A dose of Miralax also helped me a few weeks after surgery before I started the benefiber. Actually, it worked a little too well.

All these little problems can be worked out and overall with time, you'll be healthier than ever!

P.S. I had acid reflux and had a hiatal hernia that was fixed during surgery and no more reflux now! Your reflux might be greatly improved by a change in your diet. Discuss all this with the surgeon, he'll advise you.