Lack of Sleep

I had my RNY surgery last Saturday 10/2 and was released on Tuesday 10/5.  Besides struggling with the clear liquids only for two weeks I am having a difficult time sleeping I feel like I just don't.  I will read a boo****il late into the night (2am or  so) and then go to bed and try to sleep but i will just lay there almost wide awake.  During the day i try to take a nap but again lay there mostly awake.  Is this something that others have experience and will just pass?  So far my clear liquids diet includes premier protein shake (30g) SF jello cups, SFpopsicles and water.Not much variety!  If anyone has any experienc with my lack of sleep issues I would appreciate any input.  Also any creative additions to the menu would be appreciated as well.As  far as post surgery issues I am just amazed.  I do not have any pain just some discomfort around the stomach area.  I lay on my back or sides an I am fine.I am very careful not to exceed the 8lb weight limit my doctor said I try and walk as much as possible which at this point has been limited to around the house and yard.  I can't believe  how good I feel, although low energy of  course. I forgot to mention one other thng - indigestion!  I wonder with the limited food intake how is it I feel like I have indigestion usually comes on inthe afternoon.  I used to get indigestion a lot before when I was eating everyghting but now??  Anyway sorry for rambling. 

If you don't have any night time bathroom problems, I'd suggest an OTC sleeping pill.  I used to use ambien but had to stop because I did start having prostate problems --not caused by the med but precluded using it.  Or, you may want to try Tylenol PM.  If you do use that, remember to count that Tylenol towards your daily total.  You should not have more than 8X500mg pills in a 24 hour period.

My wife and I sleep to different aids.  She falls asleep watching TV in bed.  I sleep listening to music.  Since I use a C-pap, I have the mask on along with my headphones.

I think the anesthetic screws up your sleep patterns for a bit.. I also had really weird dreams. Are you still taking any pain meds? they can sometimes screw up your sleep.. Also if you are napping during the day you just won't need the sleep at night. 
I found the first couple weeks a little frustrating.. I too didn't have any problems and very little pain, but I had no energy.. If you are used to being pretty active, then laying around "recovering" may be the cause of your sleep problem.. Your body just doesn't  need the sleep..
I did a lot of walking in the beginning.. Just short walks.. but frequent.. That made me feel much better and I think it also made me tired enough to sleep through the night.

I was prescribed a pill for indigestion (like an antacid) in the weeks immediately following surgery. Everything has been rearranged, so it's normal to feel some discomfort and the food passes through. Also I think we are keenly aware of everything after surgery..
My guts still gurgle and groan constantly.. It's not painful.. it's just a new sensation.
J

I had trouble sleeping for about 3 weeks after surgery. I think it is the anesthesia and the trauma to your body. I did get caught up on watching the stuff stored on my Tivo. It will get better. 

Thanks for all your input's.  I too agree that perhaps the anesthesia and the actual impact of the surgery has something to do with the lack of sleep as well.  As some have suggested increasing exercise through walking may help.  Yesterday I did just that and noticed that i was able to take a short nap.  So I think that I will do more walking during the day and also go for a walk this evening. Thanks again..

 

 I had a similar problem.  The walking and Tylenol PM did help.  Try to avoid the naps during the day as between the anesthesia, the trauma of surgery, and then naps, your sleep cycle can get pretty screwed up.  Some warm milk right before bed (used to wash down the Tylenol PM) can be a helper too.

Good luck 

I t has been a while since I have posted, but lost of sleep was something I had to deal with after surgery as well. I never took anything for it I just sort of suffered though for about 3 weeks. I was lucky enough that I was off work for 6 weeks so I was able to sleep during the day, which never seemed to be a problem, to catch up and stay feeling rested overall. I think a lot of us deal with issue, but let me say that first it will pass and the positive changes you will start going though will far surpass any temporary discomfort. Congrats on your surgery, listen to your Doc and NUT and life will just keep getting better.