Question:
Does anyone have trouble sleeping/relaxing post-op?

And I dont mean from pain or discomfort. I am 2 1/2 weeks post and even when I am very active during the day, I can't sleep at night. I can't seem to relax because my skin feels like its crawling! Its really a horrible feeling. Is this anxiety or something? Anyone else have this problem?    — emilyfink (posted on July 1, 2002)

July 1, 2002
Emily I had the same problem, I would get in bed and the skin on my legs would feel so strange like it was disconnected from me, It did go away after awhile, I do not know what caused it, but it happened when I was having the biggest weight loss, hot baths helped me somewhat. Sorry I have no good answer what causes it, but wanted to let you know it had happened to me also, Now I am 8 weeks Post (-50 pounds) and I do not have that problem anymore. Hugs
   — Jeri P.

July 1, 2002
Could be a delayed reaction to the anaesthesia? I have heard lots of people describe their reactions like that. It may be anxiety, hormonal disturbance, who knows what else?!? Your body has really been thru the wringer with major surgery, sudden weight loss, emotional turmoil, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if you are having some anxiety. I had a few problems sleeping right around this time, too. I would wake up in the middle of the night afraid to go back to sleep cuz I was convinced I wouldn't wake up! I made it thru the surgery just fine with minimal pain and no complications. Don't know WHAT was going on in my head! LOL Try talking to your WLS dr or your PCP. They may know better but I think lots of weird things happen 2-3 weeks post op. They usually pass with time.
   — ctyst

July 1, 2002
I had the same problem , only it was my arms that felt really weird. After countless nights of no sleep I asked my doctor for something to help. He gave me Restoril (sp?) After using that for about a month I was fine. I don't know initially what caused this sleep problem. Maybe it was the anesthia or maybe it was anxiety from having the surgery and having to learn how to eat again.
   — Kim B.

July 1, 2002
I too found it impossible to fall asleep at night for the first few weeks... not sure at 6 weeks post-op that I am totally cured, but it is getting better. Because I thought this was an individual problem, vs. something that other WLS patients experience, I treated it myself with taking the prescribed painkiller (percocet) AND a Xanax before bed. Knocked me right out. After like two weeks, I realized this was not a long term solution and asked my shrink for some help. They gave me a script for Trazadone. It is non-habit forming, because I suffered from this before surgery as well, but could mask it with a glass or two of wine. For time-zone business travel, I was prescibed Somanix and Ambien, in the same class as the restoril mentioned in the previous post. This stuff is amazing -- you literally take it IN BED, because it works FAST! Peak benefit is achieved at an hour, but you will have been asleep for half an hour by then. After four hours, it is out of your system -- no hangover effect the next day. Good luck!
   — Karen F.

July 1, 2002
Hi Emily, I'm four weeks post op today and I can relate to your post. I didn't sleep well in the hospital, even with my CPAP on and was so looking forward to getting home.. but I found that even being back in my own bed I couldn't sleep for any length of time. I'm getting better about it, last night I had about 6 hours without a total wake up, but boy come about 4:30 or 5 AM I am ready to get up, then I'll nap in my chair in the afternoon! Up until a couple of days I would wake up every 30 minutes or so just PARCHED so now I put a big sippy cup of ice water (with a lid on it) within arms reach. So I guess what I can say is that for me, it got better.. you're just a week and a half behind me, so hopefully it will get better for you. Until then, keep a good book at your bedside, come read the message board or pop in a movie, and try not to worry, you'll be just fine. God bless! ~Peace
   — Joscelin

July 1, 2002
YES! YES! I have that weird crawly sensation on my legs when I finally lay down to rest. I HAVE to take my Trazodone (prescribed for my fibromyalgia's sleep disorder) in order to be able to sleep. It's like "restless legs syndrome" or something. I don't get it in my arms, just my legs. At first I thought it was withdrawal from the two weeks of liquid Vicodin I took after surgery. But now at 8 weeks post-op I still have this going on. I did not have this pre-surgery. It's very weird and very annoying. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 1, 2002
I am almost 3 weeks post op, and I definately get this. Even when I'm tired I get this really antsy feeling in my legs and butt. It has been getting better slowly, but it does make it very hard to fall asleep. Don't know what causes it, but just know you are not alone! =)
   — Jennifer Y.

July 2, 2002
I had the same thing and it turned out to be the anti-nausea meds my surgeon routinely prescribes. Mine was called Reglin. It took a couple days to get out of my system and then I was fine. So stop taking your's and you should do fine hopefully. Let me know if you wish, I'll be interested. [email protected]
   — Kelly R.