Dr. Walton

Can someone who has Dr. Walton and has had there surgery recently answer this question so I can be prepared..... I got my pre-op sheet and I'm trying to get everything I need. It says for pain to get Tylenol Go Tabs or liquid..... Do they not give you anything for pain when you leave the hospital or do they do the On-Q ( I think it's called that? ) If not I will need to get something from my md here so I will need to notify him pretty quick as my surgery is on Mon... Plus I take pain meds anyway  for various conditions but stopped cause my surgery is coming up.... So will I be able to resume that after my surgery or can you not take pills cause it will hurt your new tummy.... I have heard so many things and they told me nothing yet up there at the doc office.... Maybe they tell you after surgery... I also take clonopin and celexa..... So basically what did they send you home with? And do you even need it? I have heard the only pain seems to just be gas which can be relieved with the gas-x strips..... Thanks for any info!!!!!!!!!      

Jennifer, I am anxiously awaiting the answers to your questions - my pre-op with Dr. Walton is one week from tomorrow. The only one I think I can answer from listening at the support group is that they are only using the On-Q pain ball thing for the RnY patients - not for VSG.  I was pretty disappointed to hear that because my friend who had the RnY with Dr. W. two years ago LOVED that little pain ball. Good luck with your surgery and your preparations!  We'll all be looking forward to hearing about your progress post-op! John

Thanks John,  you too,  and yes I LOVE Dr. Walton and his staff.... AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!     Good luck!  

Without knowing too much of what you are already taking I can answer a few questions: When I was released I was given a script for Liquid Lortab.  I didn't use it for very long and was able to save some for later when I needed it.  The pain ball was and I believe is only used in hospital for RNY patients.  It is removed before discharge.   Bring all of your medications to the hospital.  They will take them to the pharmacist and between Dr. W and the pharmacist will determine what changes will need to be made and if the formulations will be okay for you.  You may want to include your PCP or other docs office phone numbers in case they need to contact them directly.  That (I would think) would be helpful for them both! If you are going to have to travel a distance home, make sure you have a comfortable vehicle, clothes and pillows.  And take some meds before you depart so that you will be covered pain wise.  Stop often and make sure you continue your liquids so that you do not dehydrate. I was able to take mostly OTC pain meds within a couple of days after surgery.  So whatever works for you would be good.  I was released on Protonix for 30 days to help my pouch heal.   If you have any other questions, please be sure to call the Health Plex and verify the answers before you head up for surgery.  You don't want there to be any surprises!! You are in GREAT hands with Dr W and Dr B and the WeightWise staff!!  Let us/me know if you need anything.  There are a couple of you guys who come here who are having surgery on Monday!!   R

Ruth pretty much summed it up for ya. Take care and I will see you Monday, Rita

Hey Jennifer, I have my surgery on the same day as you are, except Dr. B will do  mine.  Maybe I will see you there!

Hi Jennifer, When you leave the hospital they will give you a prescription for liquid lortab.  I also got some liquid Tylenol for home, for when I really didn't need anything as strong as lortab.   They do not do the On-Q for VSG patients.  You can take pills after surgery, but you have to crush them and they taste nasty!  I did need the pain meds after surgery.  I am sure you will need some, especially because of your long ride home.  You will need to give them all of the medications you are taking now, and they will adjust how you need to take them.  I took mine in a ziploc bag and just gave them to my pre-op nurse, she will ask you for them.  You will do great.  It is tough in the beginning but it is worth it.  I am about 6 weeks out and loving it.  I can eat normal foods now, I just don't eat very much.  I am truly satisfied with small amounts, it is amazing.  Good luck to you, I will say a prayer for you on Monday!

Oh I am sooo happy for you! And I sure am glad to hear you are doing so wonderfully! I feel closest to you cause same doc, close dates!!!! Thanks for the info and I hope you are feeling great!!!!!! And those pounds are just dropping off ya!!!!!!!!   Jenn        

Jennifer and Liz best of luck to both of you on Monday.  Look forward to talking to you both afterwards.  And don't let Rita baby you all too much when you're up there hehehe.

Best wishes Liz and Jennifer on your surgeries this coming Monday.  You will be on the loser's bench before you know it.  Take it one day at a time and soon you will be back to eating food again.  Let us hear from you when you get back home and feel up to it.