5 days post op and I'm freaking!!

Those that have had the surgery, PLEASE, I need your advice.  Had my sleeve done on 1/16/13 and I'm finding that I'm experiencing what seems to be very painful gas from my esophagus and new pouch, especially when I have a protein drink w/ skim milk (dr. had said it was okay) and sometime in the back.  Is this normal??  If so, will it go away soon???? 

Also, I am still experiencing a type of lightheadedness since day 3.  I've been told that it could be low protein/dehydration/or body getting use to no sugar.  I'm afraid to drive feeling like this.  I don't want to call my doctor's office everyday for each thing I'm worried about so I'm asking here first.  I will see my Dr. on Thursday, which seems like a lifetime away!!

I really appreciate the help and support.  Others say it will get better but  I really need the support at this time.  =)

Thank you!!!!

No abnormal, but many of us had no pain, no gas, and four yrs later no protein drinks..

I was sleeved on 12/18 and experienced all of the above got ppi from doc for gas and had to add more fluids and the dizziness will stop but was dizzy for a week stayed at home and didnt drive

It will get better! Try the protein drink without the milk and see what happens. Some find themselves lactose intolerant after surgery. If that isn't it then Call your doc, it is not an imposition to them if you are willing to leave a message about it rather than expecting a personal consult. I am sure you would never do that, of course. They do get a little testy if you call the emergency number at 3 am because you can't poop, lol.

For  the gas it also could be lactose intolerance. Give it a couple of more days and if it is leftover surgical gas it will dissipate soon. If it continues call your doc. It seems to me that around 5 days out is frequently when most expect to feel good and worry if they don't so you are not abnormal, here.

First don't be afraid to call your doctor every time something is not how you think it should be. I have not heard of the pain you are describing but it could be residual gas from what they pump into you to do the operation. Make sure you are walking enough. If it is always after you eat or drink, you may need to go in. I don't know what a leak feels like but this could be the issue.

I had the dizziness and actually slept pretty much all of day 3 and 4 to let my body recoup. I chalked the dizziness up to dehydration and low blood sugar. On the gas, you can get infant mylicon and that will help.. 1.25 is the dosage - similar to baby dosage or use Gas x Strips.. Try your protein with water.. I found Oh Yeah to be the most forgiving - it is what they gave me in the hospital.

It does get better.. I was sleeved on one Monday and went back to work the following Monday with little to no issues.

Good luck.

I was sleeved on 1/17, try Gas-X strips and walking! I have found the more walking I do the less gas pains I get. 

Ok, I was sleeved 12/12/12 and the CO2 they use to expand you will cause pain in the abdomen and up into your shoulder.  Stomach and esophagus is different.  It could be GERD I had problems w/that worse than normal.  I take Dexilant  a RX for GERD.  I would check w/doctor about that.  The dizziness could also be due to low hemoglobin.  You should def call the doctor and like stated before never be afraid of bothering them...If something seems off call.  Better safe than sorry. 

Hi, I am 6 days out & had similar pain....switched to lactose free milk & all is well.

THANK YOU to all that have responded.  I appreciate hearing what you have gone through.  Because of my bad lightheadedness, I haven't really been walking around.  =(   I also just started the fortified skim milk, which has 11 g of protein, just yesterday because I wasn't getting any protein in.  Did try the protein with the water.  Ugh!  I almost gag trying to drink it!  LOL   I would be shocked if I was intolerant of milk now after being a big milk drinker (1%). 

I do have a call into the doctor now, just in case.