Question:
Help! 3 weeks post-op panniculectomy and I can't sleep

This happened last year after my rny...I am 3 weeks post-op and I have the worst insomnia. I am absolutely exhausted - im not napping during the day and im not on any pain meds. Night comes and I just lay there. I might doze 10-20 minutes every few hours, but its a light and restless sleep. Anyone else have this post-op? How did u deal? I am soooooo tired and I go back to work soon - though I don't know how i'll function if I don't get some quality sleep! Any suggestions are helpful!    — Pamela P. (posted on November 24, 2002)

November 23, 2002
Standard Not-a-Doctor disclaimer applies. Tylenol PM or ask your doctor for something. I had the same problem after my VBG. And on top of it, I had head to toe itching! Good luck and congrats for getting this far in your journey!
   — Carolynn J.

November 24, 2002
I have always had a problem with bouts of insomnia. But mine seemed to be worse after my lap Roux en y in July of this year. I ended up getting some ambien from my doc. I think she gave me a weeks worth. It helped a lot. But I also got a suggestion from someone who had read my profile. It's a an herb called Valerian Root. It comes in a capsule so you have to empty that into a little liquid or something but it really did make me tired. The only downfall is that it's really stinky stuff and it doesn't taste any better but it does work. And if you are that sleep deprived I would definately take something whether it be the all natural way or something prescribed from your doc. I wish you good luck and sweet dreams! :)
   — Laurel C.

November 24, 2002
Ambien is nectar of the gods. Ask your doctor for a prescription. Take the pill and read or read this site for about 20 mins and you will be ready to sleep. When you wake up in the morning, you will be fine. No hangover. Happy Thanksgiving and good luck to you.
   — Steve B.

November 24, 2002
I was like you, sleep a little here, there, but light sleep, wake up for nothing. Light itching. It was the pain meds, of course--something I really didn't want to do without yet! I am also a fan of ambien, but a coupla things I've learned. If you take ambien, do not go into the kitchen, do not TOUCH the keyboard, do not shop, via paper catalogue or on line. Trust me, OK?
   — vitalady