? For VSG Veterans

Here is my list of questions:

1/ What were the pain levels like after surgery? On a scale of 1-10? Was Dr. Savoie good at providing effective pain management?

2/ What do you think I should take for my stay in the hospital? I will be there for approx. 4 days.

3/ Should I take Gas X strips to help with the gas pain? I see these mentioned on other forums as a recommendation.

4/ What did you take that you thought was unnecessary?

5/ I am not too keen about running around the hospital in housecoat and jammies...what do you think I could wear as an alternative? 

 

Hi JJ, i had my surgery done on January 23rd, i wanted to give my input on this,

1. Pain levels were high honnestly but bearable your in good hands and they give lots of pain meds to help out, it starts out as a 10 for the first day or so, then it comes down to 8, when i started walking around though the excess weight pulled on my incisions that pain for me lasted 2 weeks. they only give light pain meds when you leave though as within 3-4 days the pain is much more managable.

2. ok so 4 days, this is the items i took/wish i had

change of clothes (loose fitting pants and underwear), a book(or a few), since you cant plug in things at the bathurst hospital a portable dvd player with batteries is good too, also i had incredible heartburn after my surgery and tums or rolaids will help ALOT the stuff they give you for stomach acid does not work well, and ear plugs are a must too, the problem is after the 1st day you are put in a room with 3 other people and its almost impossible to rest during the day without them.

3. gas pain is honnestly not an issue i found, burping is a natural part of the process it makes room in your stomach for food since each bite you take also includes oxygene its best to just burp it out per normal after a month or so its much more manageable

4. not quite sure i understand this question, but if you mean take to the hospital well i didnt have much and its best to pack light as you may move rooms frequently and dont want to have anything stolen/lost.

5. stretch/gym pants worked well for me, but they have large hospital shirts that are very accomodating as a top, also i wouldent worry about walking around that way, i sure didnt, the nurses make sure your covered well and help you to get dressed, personally i was more focused on not tripping or slipping on my walk and trying to keep the pain under control, believe me the last thing that goes through your mind is how your dressed.

 

Hope this helps! :)

Thanks it helps a lot. Good thing to know about the ear plugs and not being able to plug in electronics.

Gas X strips help(I liked mint flavor best).

Does anyone remember if you are allowed to use crystal light while doing the preop boost.. I need something with flavour!

Suzanne told me you could. She also said that sometimes people make popsicles or slushies with the Crystal Light and that can be used during the Boost stage. 

Thanks so much...  I tried calling but didn't get anyone on Friday and was hoping I could.  I've just been drinking water with it and although they don't taste very bad it's leaving a bad taste in my mouth...  I feel like I'm brushing my teet 10 times a day...  I found blending it with some ice works best...  I had a hard time getting it down right out of the bottle.  I also do not prefer milk or dairy type drinks which is making this interesting....  But the crystal light will save the day!!!!

I start the Boost in 2 days. I bought some sugar free flavorings such as raspberry, vanilla, and caramel to try with it as well.

 

How have you found this phase of the pre-op?

 

Smooth sailing now..  The first three days were tough...  I work overnights and am up in the day with my kids so I found it hard to plan my day and boosts..  Also, salt and sugar disappearing I'm sure didn't help much....  I would wean more off my coffee if I could do it again...  I cut way back but my work hours made it so hard...    Day 4 I woke up knowing I got this...  I'm not really craving and as silly as it sounds my mouth is kind of sore...  I find I'm brushing my teeth a lot to get rid of the aftertaste that lingers.  The shakes aren't bad... I just don't like the way they smell...

first, congrats again on getting your date.

my surgery was almost one year ago so im going to try to remember

1. i had a few extra days in because of dehydration prob and i had some pain from the surgery.  Now im not sure compared to what else because it was my first surgery since i was 5 but i had medication in IV until bout day four.  then it would be pill form. as the days progressed it became a lower dosage of course.  once i got home i took the low dosage dilodid for about a week.  alot of people say they dont take any at all, so i think it depends on what you are used to  or your tolerance.

2. when i was there i did have access to a plug in so i guess i was lucky as i could charge my phone. that is all i took to surf the web. brought a book. i go the tv so that kept me occupied too.  took some pj bottoms and a housecoat. def take your pillow. its nice to have it plus its great to travel with on your way home you can put it on your tummy.  didnt bother with any other clothes as i wore home the ones i wore there.  i took personal items (happened to be my TOM), and also toothbrush, comb, handcream, chapstick. socks and slippers. it all fit in one small bag but im sure i forgot something.

3. i took gas x strips with me but never used any, they perscribed "tecta" and i find this helps even to this day i never have prob. if my tummy is upset now these days, i take a bit of pepto.

4. i dont think additional clothing is necessary or a laptop unless you spend a lot of time on it now, you may miss it.  i had done my research before hand too so i really only brought things i really knew i would need or use.

5. i agree with the earlier comment on this. you may think it will be uncomfortable going arouns in your jammies but it wont once your there. i just threw my housecoat round my shoulders and had a johnny shirt on. sometimes i had my bottoms on but mostly that was it.  everyone is wearing the same thing there and it is comfy which at this point i was more worried about.  once my iv came out i wore my jammies and a sweatshirt.  and sliipers or socks with non skid thingys on them.