Hey Everyone!!! VSG scheduled for 3/12/2015.
Congratulations on you upcoming surgery! I just had my VSG yesterday.
Here's some practical advice....bring very little. I brought moisturizing Chapstick, face moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, cell phone w/ charger, and my glasses. You will be in a Johnny the who time you are in the hospital. When you go to bathroom or walk around, the will give you a 2nd johnny to use as a robe.
I wore clean clothes to the hospital that I will wear home. They include: extremely stretchy pants (no tight elastic waist), a tank top (so you don't have to wear a bra), stretchy underwear with a very forgiving waist (I.e. Hanes or fruit of the loom makes "comfort waist" without an elastic band. I also would wear slip on shoes ( you will have difficulty bending over). Your belly may be swollen and if your surgery is laparoscopic, the 5 incisions tend to be 1 near belly button, 1 on each side of abdomen, and 1 under each breast. That is why I was so specific on the clothing.
As far far as pain, I would compare it to severe menstral cramps. If you experience discomfort they will give you meds through your IV, so you get extremely quick relief. The same with potential nausea (which is common with VSG).
The first couple of times you get out of bed is uncomfortable, the nurses will explain how to properly get out of bed. Walk the halls a bit in the hospital, it helps get rid of the gas they use in the surgery. When gas is present, you'll feel aches and pains in shoulders, back, or stomach. As you walk, the gas moves around and you will either start burping or expelling gas.
Try not to worry too much. You will be okay. The staff will keep you comfortable in the hospital and you will be sent home with pain meds.
Best Wishes!
Laurie
Congratulations on your surgery date. I was worried about the pain too. The worst pain was Gas pain in my left shoulder. My abdomen just felt that mild soreness you would have if you had done a bunch of sit ups. Be sure to take some carmex or blistex (something for dry lips) with you. I also took Gas X thin strips (check w/ your doctor to make sure this is OK), I took house slippers so my feet would be comfy while walking. I spent 1 night in the hospital so I also took my iPad so that I could read and check email etc when I was not able to sleep or walk. I had a little button that I could push for pain medication if I needed it. You were able to pu**** every 10 minutes if needed, but I didn't need it that often. When you get home keep yourself hydrated! You will be so much healthier in just a few weeks! Congratulations!
