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New here and just had my surgery 1/21/22!

RuthieD

Member
Hello everyone, my name is Ruthie, and I just had my laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on Friday, 1/21/22 (ie: 3 days ago). I have been "stalking" this American Bariatrics support group for close to a year, and feel like I know some of you already, and I thank you for all the good advice and camaraderie that I got through osmosis.
I live in Boise, Idaho, and have a husband who is a very good egg, and two daughters - one in college and one a senior in Highschool.
So far, I have had nothing but good surprises. I had an abdominal wall nerve block that kept my skin and muscle fairly numb for about 36 hours after surgery, and was discharged from the hospital less than 24 hours after they cut on me! No nausea - was pumped full of prophylactic meds prior to and after surgery. Still tired and swimmy-headed compared to my baseline, but amazed at how good I feel. I took a walk outside for an hour yesterday and am hoping to do it again today. Stomach hurts to sit up from a sitting or laying position, which is just to be expected, and I feel most comfortable standing or laying stretched out, so my stomach doesn't feel too "pushed together".
The other wonderful thing that has happened to me is, originally I was not going to tell my mom about my surgery until afterwards or maybe never (only my husband and daughters knew). She has a knack for saying the wrong thing sometimes, and I was worried about her making me feel bad for my choice to have surgery, but in the end, I couldn't keep a secret and thought that she deserved to know that I was going under the knife, and - Anyway, it was a huge load off my mind to tell her, and she has been taking care of me so kindly, and careful with her words, and I am really glad that I told her, because I got this huge support person that I wasn't going to even accept to begin with. With the nature of our relationship, I am sure there will be bumps in the future and I won't always think she is saying the right thing (ie: reserving the right to complain at a date TBD!) - but right now, couldn't ask for anything better.
 
Hello Ruthie. It is good to hear such about an easy recovery. I feel like most of what I have read on here for newer surgeries is people being in a lot of pain. Or the pain lasting a while. Although, it hasn't scared or discouraged me it still makes me wonder. I have had 3 previous surgeries, all of which were issue free. Rapid healing and stopped pain meds early every time. Point is, I feel like I am healthy and do what the doctors say and push myself (within reason) back into the norm. for a safe speedy recovery. I keep telling myself that as I hope the same will happen this time, although I am 7 year older than my last major surgery. haha
 
Hi, Ruthie. It's always so nice to hear a story about extra support from unexpected places. I think those who love us, while they may not understand the choice, will always support us in the end. So, I'm glad that worked out for you.
Do you have an abdominal binder? I found that helped me going from prone/sitting to upright and back.
 
Ruthie, I am so glad that things are going great with your Mom. Your successful surgery is a great thing too, but I know first hand that when things go sour with your Mom, it affects everything in your life. My Mom is super judgmental, which is why I haven’t told her yet. Having a supportive Mom must be such a huge relief for you. I think that a positive attitude and outlook is such a big part of recovery. Sounds like you are on the right track! So happy for you.
 
It's really great to hear your story Ruthie (my late m-i-law's name also!). I'm happy that you have good family support. I had the nerve block also that lasted about 3 days. I only needed hydrocodone those 1st 3 days, then extra strength Tylenol ever since. Please stay in touch with your progress and any questions or concerns. Best of luck as part of the "loser's bench!"
 
Thanks to everyone for your welcome and advice! I do not have an abdominal binder - the nurse at the hospital was going to give me one before I left, and then we got talking about something else, and we both forgot it. I feel like every day is just so much better than the prior as far as pain goes that I am just going to manage without.
 
Hello everyone, my name is Ruthie, and I just had my laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on Friday, 1/21/22 (ie: 3 days ago). I have been "stalking" this American Bariatrics support group for close to a year, and feel like I know some of you already, and I thank you for all the good advice and camaraderie that I got through osmosis.
I live in Boise, Idaho, and have a husband who is a very good egg, and two daughters - one in college and one a senior in Highschool.
So far, I have had nothing but good surprises. I had an abdominal wall nerve block that kept my skin and muscle fairly numb for about 36 hours after surgery, and was discharged from the hospital less than 24 hours after they cut on me! No nausea - was pumped full of prophylactic meds prior to and after surgery. Still tired and swimmy-headed compared to my baseline, but amazed at how good I feel. I took a walk outside for an hour yesterday and am hoping to do it again today. Stomach hurts to sit up from a sitting or laying position, which is just to be expected, and I feel most comfortable standing or laying stretched out, so my stomach doesn't feel too "pushed together".
The other wonderful thing that has happened to me is, originally I was not going to tell my mom about my surgery until afterwards or maybe never (only my husband and daughters knew). She has a knack for saying the wrong thing sometimes, and I was worried about her making me feel bad for my choice to have surgery, but in the end, I couldn't keep a secret and thought that she deserved to know that I was going under the knife, and - Anyway, it was a huge load off my mind to tell her, and she has been taking care of me so kindly, and careful with her words, and I am really glad that I told her, because I got this huge support person that I wasn't going to even accept to begin with. With the nature of our relationship, I am sure there will be bumps in the future and I won't always think she is saying the right thing (ie: reserving the right to complain at a date TBD!) - but right now, couldn't ask for anything better.
yay!!! love those bonding moments when you dont want to shave off your mom's, or mother in law's eyebrow!!
congrats on the surgery, ive got one in college and one in middle school (8th grade) and am having a sleeve done in a week! woohoo.
 
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