3 days out--tips to surviving first week at home??

I know! It's so weird how different programs are so different!

I have just gone through some of the same things as you, though mine was a hiatel hernia repair. My tips? 64 oz. of fluids per day is a goal at this point. Get in as much as you can a little at a time. Count those sf Popsicles, too. Yes, through all 3 of my surgeries warm or hot liquids went down easier so perhaps go that way. Internal swelling is individual, I had a lot after my band to sleeve revision and was able to get in very little fluid so had to have IV infusions due to dehydration. My suggestion is to log each bit of fluid and if it seems low, let your surgeon know. I got so weak that it was unbelievable and I didn't have small children.

For the gas pain after my sleeve the nurses gave me the simethicone drops you give babies with colic and it was a huge help, I used it this time, too. DO keep ahead of the pain. If your directions say to use it every 4 hours do it. If you keep ahead of the pain it doesn't get so bad. If you try to chase the pain you won't get good control. At about day 7 I no longer needed anything but each person is different. This is advice I have heard for years from doctors and nurses, not my own. You will know when you can stretch out doses.Baby yourself for a bit and you will be ready to tear into life sooner. BTW, days 3 or 4 tend to be the worst after any surgery, or in my case, even childbirth.

Good luck and congrats on getting it done.