What was your post-op experience? Good and bad.

I wanted to get a feel for what to expect. I would like to know how many people had an easy go of it and what problems/solutions people who have had problems can tell me about. I am going in go under the knife in two weeks and want to start preparing myself mentally. Any input would be greatly appreciated:)

 The first week was kinda rough (especially the first 5 days). It was hard to get all my fluids in and i got dehydrated. I couldn't sleep in my bed for about 5 days as well. I had to snuggle up on my chaise.

I hated my jp drain. But don't worry everyone doesn't get them. Mine was in for 7 days and I had to drain it and keep track of the fluid amount and color.

Nothing really to severe for me. At least that I can remember so I guess thats good.

Just remember if you feel bad one day, the next day will be better. Be sure and walk alot. I even stood in place and walked. It really helps with the gas. And for me Isopure drinks from GNC were heavenly for the first few weeks because they have 40 grams of protein and is pure liquid. So it helped me get my fluids in as well as the protein.

Good Luck!!! You're on your way and you'll be fine!!!

Thanks for the advice. I was wondering where to get the Isopure. I wanted to sample some before and have some on hand for when I get home. I am glad to hear you were only uncomfortable for a week. That's still a long time when you are going through it, but I have heard of many worse stories. I will try to remember I need to walk and drink:)

My experience was easy peasy.  The doctors and hospital staff were wonderful.  I was afraid i would have a difficult time getting in and out of bed, but I did not.  Since I have been home, I have had some minor discomfort and i have taken the pain medication only a couple of time.  My biggest compliant is i feel like I am getting a Sinus infection and my throat is sore.  Hope yours goes as well.

That's cool. I am glad to hear your surgery went well. I am hoping for that too but trying to prepare myself for the worst.

Hey Crissy, I'm in NC also, where are you getting your surgery done?  I didn't have any major complications. Other than the expected discomfort.  When I first woke up from surgery though, I wanted water so bad, b/c my throat was so dry. At Duke they don't allow you to drink water for the first 12 hours or so I believe it was.  They would only give me wet swabs to try to alleviate the discomfort.  That was the worse part of my hospital stay.  Once I was home, it was a full time job to sip, walk, rest, repeat.  About two weeks out I started to experience esophagal spasms when I drank too fast or too much at one time.  That took a little getting used to, b/c "too much" could often be just one oz over what was recommended.  But after about a month the esophagal spasms calmed down.  I don't get them at all now at 3 months out. I wish you well in two weeks, I'm sure you're going to do just fine!

I LOVE North Carolina!! I am originally from Nebraska, so I just love it here!!

Anyway, I am going to have it with Dr. Aceeves in Mexico.

I have heard about the dry mouth. Thanks for the heads up though. I had forgot about that. I had not heard of the esophageal spasms though.

It sounds like you had a good go of it though. Good for you! I hope mine goes as well:)

Thanks for your post!

The only problem I had was some back/side spasms because my back muscles weren't up for the task when my abdominals were weakened.

Couldn't drink very cold liquids for a while (see the mention above of esophogial spasms - I only had 'em if the liquids were very cold).

Mostly, though, I did great. My biggest problem has been fear of failure - every time I stall I'm afraid I've lost all I'm going to lose.

Make a plan, stick to the plan, you'll do great!

Well it sure looks like you are not failing! 62lbs!! That's awesome!

I guess I will have to watch the cold drinks for a while. I am not sure my back can handle it either but I guess I will find out.

Thanks so much for you post and I hope your success continues until you meet your goal.

Hey Crissy!
This has been so easy girl! No ******g kidding. I was prepared to hurt, to be sore, to be wiped out, to miss eating. NADA! It has been easy peasy!!!! I had a lil tiredness around the 3 week mark and had to work on getting water in for a few weeks but that was it. And maybe a lil gas pain in my shoulder around 1.5 weeks out. Totally worth it! You're gonna love your sleeve, you're new hot bod and you more active life!