Bandless............

Just had my band removed on Tuesday....sleeve surgery scheduled for June 6. I had a really hard time coming out of anesthesia (not unusual for me unfortunately).......my question is, since part of the problem for me is the pain killers really causing me distress, how long did others out there need to be on the pain meds? I didn't need any pain meds after the initial dose that they gave me in the operating room.......should I feel pretty comfortable that this will be almost the same? I have a pretty high tolerance to pain and would prefer to not be on the meds any longer than necessary.

I'm a combination of excited and anxious about this....second guessing my decisions (dumb) but determined to move forward.

Thanks!

I was on pain meds for only about 2-3 days, and my understanding is that much of post-op pain is from the gas they pump in during surgery so once that it absorbed or works its way out somehow, then the worst offender is gone.  Other than that, I was really sore (like doing a zillion sit-ups) for a few more days but it was tolerable. I didn't try to do very much for the first week - just rest, sip, and walk around a little.

It's totally normal to be anxious and second-guessing yourself (we've all been there), but you will be so happy that you started this journey.  Life-changing!

Thanks....that gives me a lot of comfort knowing that it's all workable.....Today is day 5 and other than a little bit of "ouchiness" I'm good.....and haven't needed any pain meds since immediately after the band removal.

Hi Anita,

I think it varies a lot with different people, but I was surprised to find I didn't need anything more than Tylenol after the first day.  I had little pain from the surgery or gas, and I didn't have any nausea thanks to the strong anti-nausea drugs I requested.  I felt like I had the flu for three days - headache and groggy, but by day 5 I was pretty much back to normal.   I was tired for a long time, and needed regular naps for months, but I was also in my 60's so that may have contributed.

Its normal to be both excited and anxious.  Just remember that most people come thru the surgery well.  Even those few who have complications will say it was worth it.  So try to relax and look forward to better health, appearance and energy.  You deserve it.

Carol

I am also in my 60's and I am planning on going back to oak after two weeks. Will I be able to do it?  I have a desk job, but I have to move around a lot which is a challenge because of back problems. 

As I said, it varies a lot, but I would have been ok going back to work after a week.  I was running a nonprofit from my home when I had surgery, and I was back to work at one week, but I could take a break and nap whenever I needed.  I was doing my usual 30 hours per week soon after surgery.

Carol

Thanks Carol. So, since I'm 70, I may need naps a little longer....LOL. I'm generally lucky in that I tend to recover pretty quickly and hopefully this will be the same type of situation. I appreciate your support and will also discuss the anti-nausea drugs with my doctor to see what he says.

I worried about my age when I decided to have the surgery, and I did really well.  My doctor didn't even mention my age in discussing options with me. 

When I had my tummy tuck, my surgeon was impressed with how fast I recovered.  I was up and walking a few hours after the surgery. The nurse said that people half my age didn't recover as well as I did.  I had surgery in the afternoon, and when the doctor came in to check on me the next morning, I was sitting up in bed, knitting and watching movies on Netflix.  He was so impressed that told his office staff  about it, and I became known as "the knitter" in his office. 

Here's hoping you have an equally uneventful surgery and recovery.

Carol

Hopefully you won't be on them long if at all. I have a high tolerance for pain also and I only used pain meds while in the hospital so that was maybe two doses and then I never even opened the bottle when I got home.

Thanks Kyzze......hopefully I'll have the same experience!