Question:
I am wondering about pain after Gastric Sleeve / Laparoscopic Surgery
I am scheduled for the Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Surgery on September 5 and am wondering how long I will be down. I was told that they recommend you take 4-5 days to rest, but that if you really wanted to you could return to work the day after you are released. Since my surgery is on a Friday, I was thinking of taking Monday off and returning on Tuesday. Anyone that has had the Gastric Sleeve Surgery - do you think this is realistic? How much pain are we talking? How long is there any significant pain? — Wendy M. (posted on August 22, 2008)
August 22, 2008
I have not had the Gastric Sleeve, however, I have had "open"
abdominal surgery, & have also had laproscopic abdominal surgery in my
life...... HUGE difference between the 2 methods with regards to pain and
recovery time. With my laproscopic abdominal surgery, I felt some pain
while still in the hospital, that was caused by the "drain" the
surgeon had put in the incision. As soon as she pulled the drain out, I
felt no pain, was able to get up and walk around and actually stopped at
the grocery store on the way home from the hospital (not kidding!). I am
guessing that you probably will still be a little tired by Tuesday, but
able to go back to work just fine, as long as you have a job where you sit
at least part of the time. If you have a job where you stand all day, or
work hard labor (like cleaning houses or something) then you'll probably
need a few more days to rest and would not be ready to work by Tuesday.
— Gina S.
August 22, 2008
I had VSG on a Wednesday and went back to work on Monday but only for 4-1/2
hours. I worked 5 hours the next day and back to full time the next day,
Wednesday. I have a desk job. You will be sore and uncomfortable for a
few days but after the 3rd day, at least for me, I got better every single
day. The Saturday after surgery I woke up and knew immediately that I was
better.
I was released after 1 night in the hospital. I do not think I would have
done very well at work the next day. But everyone is very different. You
may be really motivated to get back to work quickly and that makes a
difference.
It is so worth it! Good luck on your journey!
— GlitterGal
August 22, 2008
I personally think you need a little more time than that. I needed 2-3
weeks down. I went back to work and found I couldn't do it. But I have a
job that requires lifting. I have heard others that popped right back up.
I thought I would, but I didn't. Hope you have a speedy recovery.
— lesleigh07
August 23, 2008
I don't normally answer posts because I am so new and still learning things
everyday but I felt like that I could give some advice on this one. I am
postop from July 25th my first day back at work was August 22nd, I did not
plan on so long an absence but with this surgery there is no telling how
your body is going to react. You also have to remember even though you are
having a LAP procedure this is still major surgery. I was overwhelmingly
tired for the first 3 weeks or so and I am also one of the unlucky ones
that had horrible left-sided pain that was just relieved last week. I was
readmitted into the hospital on August 14 for dehydration because I could
not hold down anything, even liquids.
I know this will not be the case for everyone but I just wanted you to see
another side of the story. I know how hard times are for most right now but
if there is anyway you can take 2-3 weeks off for yourself I know you will
not regret it.
Good luck, Jackie
— RN2B2009
August 23, 2008
I had the VSG on 8/4 and I was sore after the surgery, not really in pain,
pain. I took 2 weeks off. I hope this helps you.
— [Deactivated Member]
August 23, 2008
The best person to ask would be your surgeon. Don't rush it, you'll have
stitches, and your body needs time to heal, I was told not to lift anything
over 15 lbs., and even if you sit at a desk it might be uncomfortable if it
presses against your stomach and incisions. Good Luck!
— KathieV
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