I've never had surgery

I just had my rny on 4/23 and I had never had surgery before either. It was so much scarier in my head than in actuality.  I don't even remember going into the O.R. I just remember them getting ready to wheel me out of pre-op. pre- op is where then put your iv in, change you into a gown, check you vials etc. after surgery I have vague memories of waking up in post-op.  it seemed like minutes apart but I guess it was hours. The nurse would ask me what my pain level was 1-10 then I'd fall asleep again. When I was finally moved to my room and actually fully awake they gave me my glasses to wear. Not long after the nurse helped me stand and I walked a lap in the all. The worst part for me was a really sore throat from the breathing tube that was in during surgery. Your not allowed to drin****il day two so it was hard to soothe it. They did give me a little sponge on a stick that I could soak in ice water then swab my mouth with it. That helped some. I walked a lot while in the hospital, people on this site said that helps with pain and gas so I walked a mile the first night then two more in the next 24 hours. I didn't have much pain at all. Wasn't nautious, overall way easier than I thought. You will do great 

I was allowed to drink as soon as I got to my room.  Some surgeons check for leaks at the end of surgery and then allow patients to drink right away.  Not only was I allowed to drink, I was encouraged to do so.  I was given ice chips, then water, then a Propel zero and a Cytomax protein drink, a sugar free popsicle and diluted fruit juice that afternoon.  They also brought me chicken broth, but I'm a vegetarian.  The dietician had told me they would have veggie broth available but it turned out she was wrong about that.  Anyway, I sent the broth back.  I might have had some sugar free Jello, too, I can't remember.  It seemed like were constantly bringing me stuff to drink.

Just ask for your glasses when you are ready. My experience is that there will be nurses checking on you frequently, so they will bring you whatever you need.
Try not to worry; it really isn't bad. I've had three surgeries and made it just fine.

In the recovery room you will become aware of your catheterization.

Oh yay. 

No big deal. Some get them some don't. They put it in while you are asleep. I prefer a  cath.

My surgery was only 40 minutes and I wasn't catheterized.   I've had several surgeries since and was only catheterized for one that was 8+ hours and it was removed way before I was aware of it!  

I've catheterized 100's of people and no one has ever said it was painful or uncomfortable to put it in or remove it - certainly nothing for anyone to worry about!

I had a catheter for my open rny and do not recall becoming aware of it in recovery, I remember waking up, the nurse said here is your morphine pump, hit the button, which I did and next thing I remember is being wheeled into my room.  I remember my bf and his mom talking and a nice lady from my surgeons support group bringing me a plant, but I couldn't open my eyes or respond.  Finally after a few hours I woke up enough to be coherent.  I hate everything about surgery and hospitals, but I find if you are nice to everyone they will be nice back.  I remember clearly a nurse sitting with me during the entire time I was in recovery from my tummy tuck, and this guy across from me was being mean and nasty and he nurses were sick of him, and here they were bending over backwards trying to find me a fruit juice I would not dump on.  Nurses are your best friends at the hospital,  treat them with the utmost respect.  Oh and if you never had surgery before I suggest asking the anesthesia doctor to give you everything he can to prevent nausea.  That was the best tip I got and give to everyone having surgery.  Oh yeah and the catheter was no big deal even taking it out.

The catheter was the ONLY thing I was worried about. Honestly, it was nothing. It sucked more when they took it out only because it was such a hassel to get unhooked from everything and go to the bathroom. haha I wanted my cath back! I never became "aware" of it in recovery.

The worst part of surgery for me, was when they wheel you to the OR and you have to move onto the bed. The doctor is giving you meds to go to sleep and just over all that was an awkward and uncomfortable situation.

 

Oh and getting my drain removed. It's been 7 weeks and I still have nightmares about it. fun!