Question:
Had surgery on Mon and cant sleep

My gastric by pass was Mon Nov 23 and Im not getting any rest. Please help me. Is this normal? I was up 21 hrs yest. Im soo tired and hurting and trying to get in my fluids and protein drinks but I cant sleep.    — suzette N. (posted on November 29, 2009)


November 28, 2009
Congrats on your surgery. I'm wishing you all good things and many successes!! I would call your dr's. office--maybe they can offer some tips, or prescirbe you something. I also had a difficult time sleeping when I first came home. Is it pain related? I found I was most comfortable in a recliner, kinda wedged between some pillows. Laying flat in bed really bothered my left side. Also, I wore my big support band (day and night)and that seemed to help as well. Another tip, which I didn't think about, but later wished I would have, was watch how much pain med (I had roxicette [liquid percocet]) you take during the day and take a dose right before bed. I should have skipped a dose or stretched it out more during the day; the nights were worse and if I had rationed better, I could have had some "left-over" to take only at night towards the end of the bottle (I hope that made sense!) Once I ran out, they wouldn't give me a refill, and I had a rotten time at night. Every day gets a little better, and although I'm a newbie (Oct 8, 2009 was my surgery)I think/hope you'll feel better soon!
   — maryjo68

November 29, 2009
My surgery was Nov. 18. The liquid pain med I was given when released from hospital was hydrocodone acetaminophen (aka liquid Vicoden, Lortab etc.). I take that if I need something to make me sleep. However, you might check with your doctor, to find out if the pain you're having is normal. Wishing you a rapid recovery.
   — Janell C.

November 29, 2009
I had the same problem after RNY, I'd pace, sit down get up pace some more. The anesthologist related it to the drugs given during surgery. I was wired for about a week.I was given Lortab elxier and it did help the pain. Sleep when you can! Sip Sip Sip.
   — Nurseducky

November 29, 2009
Hi Suzette - I had the same issue - just plain restless, my arms seemed to vibrate at night. I couldn't sleep and I was exhausted. I decided to take a sleep aid as per my surgeon's offer. call your Dr. and get the aid, you will be sleeping better, healing faster and feel better really soon.
   — TerriTeresa

November 29, 2009
I had the exact same problem - lasted about two weeks. I thought this would be the type of energy i would have from then on, but it was just the first two weeks - I was an insomniac. I now (5 months out) sleep beautifully and without my c-pap (for sleep apnea) all better :) Good luck to you!
   — ericahamel

November 29, 2009
I slept in a lazyboy chair for over a week. You just need time to heal.
   — Sylvia M.

November 29, 2009
Sleep disruption is very common after major surgery and deep anesthesia. This will most likely correct itself over the next few weeks. Ask your doctor for sleeping meds if you feel you need them. I take a generic form of ambien and rozerem.
   — rkurquhart

November 29, 2009
I find that the codeine makes me very wired. The pain wasn't that bad except when I would get up and down. So I stopped taking it. Just supported my left side when I got up and down. Started sleeping and feeling much better. Sleep is essential for healing. Maybe try just taking plain liquid Tylenol if you feel you need something for pain.
   — Elizabeth K.

December 1, 2009
OH BOY!! I didn't sleep for almost a month. Every BODY is different - but this is what happened to me. When you lose weight rapidly - your body releases all of it's fat cells back into your body. Your fat cells carry your hormones -thus releasing a bunch of hormones into your body at one time. That is why a lot of people have slight depression or have hibernation syndrome after WLS. I couldn't sleep. My PCP offered (probably EVERY) sleeping pills - but none worked. I had about a two week time span where I didn't want to talk to anyone, check messages, go on the computer or communication with anyone via any medium. I got through that and finally slept - once I was so exhausted that my body shut down and I slept for almost two days straight. I got reset and then was OK. I still have bouts with insomnia since surgery. I will be 3 years out this coming Feb 2010. It's a small price to pay for my new lease on life. Good luck.
   — jammerz




Click Here to Return
×