I went into surgery down 7lbs (due to my pre-op diet). The next day I weighed myself when I got home and was UP 7lbs! I was surprised at this since I'd only had ice chips, water, and a spoonful of nasty hospital sugar-free jello. As of now, 3 days post op -and still on liquids-, I'm down 8lbs. Anyone else experience anything like this? Also, sometimes when I burp it feels like half of it gets stuck inside me and then I feel this sharp pain in my left shoulder. Is that routine enough not to be unusual? I'm going to have a book of questions to call my Surgeon about tomorrow!

The extra lbs are the gas they pump in for surgery, I came up about 4lbs. I didn't have the shoulder pain but many do, so I guess it normal. Walk for relief, just get up and move through the house about 3 or 4 times an hour. Congrats!!

Katy -

The weight gain is very normal. It is due to the IV's you had, the swelling, the surgical process itself, etc. Do yourself a favor and stay away from the scale while you heal if you can. Your body has been through a lot and the next month or so is a healing process.

It is harder to burp after surgery, especially RIGHT after. You likely have swelling so all of your burp isn't making it through. (I'm not a doctor, that's my guess and experience from what I have felt as well). The pain could be from gas used during surgery, or it could be from the phrenic nerve (not at all unusual) if your burp has irritated your pouch. I get the pain radiating to the left shoulder when I've eaten a bite too many. That's just one way your stomach may communicate with you now.

Hope this helps. Good luck and don't stress over the scale right now.

Edited September 21, 200916 yr by bambam