5 days post surgery

First I would like to say all the pain is worth it. Doing good, already lost 16 lbs, which I was not expecting. I am excited. About the surgery process, I was taken to the surgery room fairly quickly. They put me on a table and had me breath into a mask. The next thing I know I have a nurse asking me if I am in pain and my wife standing there holding my hand. It was over, but I was so doped up I didn't even know it. According to my wife my surgery took about 4 hours, only because they also took out my Gall Bladder, because I had 2 1/2" stones in it. My wife also said I was in recovery for about 2 /1/2 hours but that first day after surgery was a blur because I was so doped up all I remember is sleeping. The second day they gave me pain meds about every 3 hours and by that evening made me get out of bed and take a short walk. That was painful. I took another walk about 4-5 hours later and it was not as bad. By the second day I was getting out of bed every 3 hours and taking a 10 minute walk by myself. I was release late in the afternoon the third day and back home, where I now follow the post op instructions of my doctor. I am getting better every day, it gets easier and easier to get out of bed and move around. I walk for 10 minutes every 2-3 hours, sip 1 oz of water every 15 minutes and stick to the Full Liquid diet that I was instructed to eat and take my pain meds about every 6 hrs, although I did reduce the amount of pain meds I take. My Doctor wanted me to take two pills every 4-6 hours, but that had me so doped up I could not function, so I cut it to 1 1/2 first thing in the morning, 1 every 5 hours during the day and 1/1/2 at bed time. That seems to work better for me. The only thing I did not know about, right after the surgery, was all the bloating in my abdomen and the amount of gas that I would be passing right after surgery. I have never passed that much gas in my life. But finally on the fourth day, following my surgery, I had a bowel movement and the pressure was greatly reduced. That was a relief. Now it is Saturday morning and I feel great. Like I said before it was all worth it., I just wished I had decided to do this a year earlier, oh well, better late than not at all.

Thanks for letting us know what to expect. I already know about the gas part. Everyone goes through that. As a matter of fact, I hear the gas pain is worse than the surgery pain. But then I am pre-op still so I don't know. My doctor has said that he wants me up and walking in recovery. I don't see how that's possible, but he says it is so I have to believe him. He's the expert. The more walking you do, the easier the gas passes. Thanks again for letting us know what to expect. It's unnerving going into unknown territory. Sandi

Thank you so much for posting your experience. It's always good to hear first hand. I will be going through mine this Friday. I'm still on that emotional roller coaster but I've been working toward this for a long time and I know it's the right thing for me and I'm more than ready to begin my life after surgery. Thanks again!

I'm also on Friday 2/15. thanks for letting us know about your experience. It sounds like it wasn't too bad, and that makes me feel a little relieved. Congratulations on making it through to the other side. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and rapid weight loss!

I'm glad to hear it went well. Thanks for posting this, my date is fast approaching and this is reassuring!

I am now 4 days post-op and came home yesterday afternoon. It's painful! The ordinary bed doesn't compare to the bed you have in the hospital. After a few attempts, I ened up sleeping in a recliner with pillows to pad me up for comfort. I only started passing gas last night and that was only 2 or 3 farts. But from the pain in my back and the bloated feeling I have I guess there is more in there. I wish I knew how to get it out. I have no appetite at all but I have been drinking Ensure. Today I'll do all warm liquids to hopefully help with the gas. I walked about 6/10s of a mile yesterday with 2 walks but I think I should have broken it up more as I was so exhausted after. It's tough but in a way it a constant reminder of the habits that will be changing.

hey u go Chris, I totally understand the gas issues trust me I am currently 3 days post op for the lapband, And the pain with that is definitely worse then my surgery pain. Everyone has been great with the advice and I am taking all of into consideration. I hope u have continued success in your endeavors!!!!

Great Post Christopher! I hope my surgery goes as well. Are you able to sit in a chair comfortably or is it just in bed or on your feet? Keep us informed please. I go in on 2/13. Aloha

Helo Reno, I am able to sit in a chair, however, if you sit for any amount of time you have to elevate your legs. At least up to 6 weeks after your surgery of you can suffer DVT. DVT is Deep vein thrombosis, also know as leg blood clots. I can get in and out of bed with ease now and walking it easier each day. I am up to a mile a day in two 1/2 mile sessions, 1 morning and 1 afternoon. I have almost no pain now. The only real pain I have in on my left side where they did all the work at and once in awhile in my stomach area where then snipped me. No stinging just sore like someone punched you really hard a few times. I have cut my meds to once every 6 hrs but only taking 1 pill now instead of 2. I think I will be on the pain meds in the next few days.