I've Been Sleeved!

Went in on June 28, spent 3 nights in the hospital and now I'm home.  Both surgeries were successful, and I feel amazingly well.  I have no appetite for any of the clear fluids I'm allowed, but I can tolerate plain water.  There is a bit of nausea every so often, but nothing I can't deal with.

What astounds me is that the sleeve portion of the surgery gives me no pain or discomfort.  The drain is a PITA, but that's about it.  The hernia surgery is where I feel a bit of pain and tenderness.   I'm please that just 5 mls of liquid pain meds take the edge off........though I've used it only once -- last night, my first day home.  Coughing stresses the incisions near the hernia repair -- I have a little fear when the coughing gets extra strong.

I had no "buyer's remorse" when I woke up.  The only thing I wasn't pleased with is that I gained 8 pounds in the hospital.  Intellectually, I know I didn't gain fat, just fluid retention from the IV, but I feel like I have to start the weight loss already in the hole.  

So, for those of you waiting to have your surgery, take heart.  It's not a problem, you can do it and come home feeling pretty normal.  For now, the only problem I have is trying to get 64 ounces of water in each day.  I'm lucky I can get half of that.  

I'm so grateful to have been able to read what others went through prior to my surgery......it really helped a lot.  I hope now I can be a source of help to those considering this surgery or to those who are scheduled and still unsure of themselves.



 

 Glad to know you're home and doing well!

Thank you!  You're one day ahead of me...........how is it going for you?  Good Luck on your journey.

 I'm doing really well!  Much better than I expected. Thanks for asking.  Blessings!

 Glad you are doing well.  I also have to have hernia repair when I have my sleeve - not sure which I am more nervous about.  I'm older so I worry about recovery.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Thank you.  Is your hernia repair for an umbilical hernia?  It's not awful; more tender and sore than painful.  Coughing makes me crazy because I fear the mesh will come loose --  I'm sure it won't, but while I'm hacking away, it feels like I'm going to break stitches!

Please don't worry about recovery due to age.  I'm going to be 65 at the end of this month and I feel like my recovery from these two surgeries is less than what I went through with both my c-sections 30+ years ago.  We are women -- we are strong!  I do take a nap in the afternoon......about an hour or so, but otherwise, life is as it was before...........minus food, of course LOL  You'll do fine!  Good Luck  

 Congratulates on a successful surgery!  Glad to hear you are doing well!  Happy healing (and sipping)!

Thanks so much.  How are you doing now that you are a week out?  Nineteen pounds already?  WOW -- you're loss is wonderful!!!  Good Luck on your journey 

Glad you're doing well!  Man, you think you'd be down at least a little bit, considering they removed much of an organ! ;)  Glad you're looking at it realistically and realizing, though, that it isn't really a true gain - don't let it get you down!  Can't wait to see your progress - take care of yourself.

Many thanks!  Yeah, you'd think this would have taken a lot out of this old girl, but I'm learning that age is just a number when it comes to the mental stuff.  I'm just so excited that I have the opportunity to get a tool to help me get these comorbidities to improve or go into remission -- I think that plays a huge part in my attitude.

You must be so excited with your surgery under a month away.  I wish you all the best.