3rd day of my journey

I just wanted to write a little update about how this journey has gone for me so far, in case any newbies are interested. I got my VSG at 1:00pm on Feb 5th and remember coming out of surgery in quite a lot of pain, that was very short lived. They kept me in recovery for several hours due to my sleep apnea and a nurses' shift change, so I didn't get to see my husband until about 9pm. I don't remember much about recovery, so I assume I was well drugged and comfortable throughout that time. Once in my room, I did experience a sharp pain on only one spot of my tummy, so I kept up with the offered pain meds, and hugged a warm blanket. I slept on and off that night and the whole next day, as well as the following night. I was able to walk short distances to the washroom pretty much right away, but got dizzy when I walked out of my room for a few minutes. I had a hard time getting my crushed meds in, since we added them to some pudding, but it was just so thick, that it hurt going down. I mostly drank little sips of water, and had 120ml of carnation instant breakfast each day, which went down well. I tried a taste of some tomato soup yesterday and got my first experience with the infamous "foamies". 

I came home on the 7th (Friday), and have been feeling much better. I went without pain meds for about 12 hours before leaving the hospital, and I wouldn't recommend that, since I just took some Vultaren and feel SOO much better. Today, I've been sipping water and broth all day, and think I had about 32oz all together. I also had some cream of salmon soup with a tiny sprinkling of shredded mozzarella cheese, and that was just devine. It is a little difficult to figure out how to take the right size sip, since my normal amount hurts going down, but I'm learning to take it slower. Also, water is a little harder to swallow, so I find I need to let it warm up in my mouth for a couple seconds before swallowing. Either way, this sleeve is teaching me to eat slowly and take small bites, which is something I've never been able to do before!!

I am already down 10lbs since surgery, and I'm looking forward to working on getting my proteins and water intakes up. I had lost 30lbs on the preop diet and really saw that loss slow down in the last week, even though I was taking in about 300-400 calories tops, so I was worried that my post op loss would be slow. But, I'm excited to see how fast things start to go from here. It was also nice to hear from some of you on OH, that I could now join the losers bench. I'd been waiting to hear that for a long time!!

Thanks for reading and for all the encouragement. 

It's always interesting seeing the different surgeon's plans.  I wasn't allowed anything by mouth for 24 hours, then had to start with ice chips because you have to go slow with them and they reduce swelling, then I could sip water, but that wasn't until about 36 hours after surgery.  Once I proved I could tolerate water, I got to start my week of clear liquids. I also was told to avoid tomato based products for the first few weeks because of the acidity.

I'm glad things are going well for you.

I was reading your response and realized your Dr. Was Dr. Alvarez. I am scheduled for VSG on 4/24 with him.I know all my preop info from his office states nothing but clear liquids for the first  7days postoperative. How was your experience with him?

 Marsha

My experience was good, and I recommend him.  I had no nausea at all, and the pain was manageable.  I didn't even have gas pain, just incision pain, and I didn't finish the pain meds they sent me home with because I didn't need them.  The only thing I've struggled with is getting enough fluid in.  I am someone who does have restriction with liquid, so I keep not finishing my shakes and ending up under on protein and fluids.  I know this is a result of swelling and it is improving as the swelling goes down, I just wi**** would happen sooner.

One thing I've really come to appreciate is getting clear pre and post op instructions.  I've seen several people here, including some who went to US surgeons, asking questions because they didn't get instructions, or the instructions weren't clear.  That is not the case with Dr. Alvarez.  I got all the info electronically before surgery, they went over it with me at the hospital, and I was given hard copies of everything to take home.

It sounds like you are doing great! I was sleeved on 2/4. My pain as been pretty minimal, but I am taking my pain reliever as prescribed, every four hours in order to help me to rest during the day and at night as well. I am a bit of an insomniac and my surgeon and but stressed to me over and over how getting plenty of rest will hasten the healing process. 

That being said, I have noticed that my body wakes me up almost exactly at the four hour mark or when it's time for snoter dose. I find that interesting, like my body is craving the narcotic! I only have a day or so left of the stuff and I can't wait to be rid of it! I hate feeling loopy. 

Lol sorry for going off about the pain meds, bit that is one of my main problems. 

Anyway, 10 pounds in three days! This is phenomenal! I am not sure where the scale stands for me. I have a lot of bloating and I'm afraid if I weigh myself and see tha****er retention reflected on the scale, I might get discouraged.

I agree, already only a few days out and I am swallowing and eating so much smaller portions a lot slower than I have ever been able to in my life.

Congratulations and keep up the hard work! 

I had my surgery on Feb 4 and I'm jealous of ur cream soup.  I can't have anything like that until next Thursday. I'm full liquids for this first week. 

I had my surgery on the 3rd and I'm on full liquids for the first 14 days. I'm finding it painful to drink because I get what feels like a rock going down behind my breast bone. I got in 24 g of protein shake and about 30 ozs of water yesterday. It took all day of sipping. I also got very nauseous and had to take my zofran. I am still retaining a lot of the fluid they pumped in me, but that's usual for me. How are you all getting the protein in? It gives me severe gas pain because of the artificial sweeteners. Ugh!

I haven't mastered getting in all the protein or liquids yet. My surgery was Feb 4. I have found that putting unflavored protein powder in things like broth and crystal light is easier for me handle than the pre-made choc shake I was drinking before surgery. I'm just going to keep trying to increase everyday. Good luck on ur journey! :)

Greetings to all.
Had my vsg surgery on Feb5, it all went well. I was never
nervous or scared because I had planned and wanted this surgery for the pass two years. I had to wait this long because of other medical concerns. No pain, no nausea,
 no foamie and no gas, taking all my medications, drinking my shakes, sipping water, doing Jello and chicken broth, life is good. Resting and doing my walking. Sorry to hear some of you are having some difficulties after surgery. My plan is very simple clear liquids for two weeks, then I can move on to soft foods if I can tolerate them.
Wishing all a Blessed Day and a speedy recovery.

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Thanks for posting this!  Your account was informative and inspiring. I am really looking forward to surgery this summer. I have a question though. What are the "foamies" you refer to?