I've been sleeved - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum

VegasAngel · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 11:14 PM

Hi all -

Well here I am finally -- I've tried to get online since about 4; however, I wasn't able to stay awake long enough to read or type anything.

Pre-testing was yesterday and all went well. Ernesto picked us up at 7 am this morning and we came to the hospital. We waited about 30 minutes as they were cleaning our rooms. Then they came and got Ruthi and tooker her to her room and I waited some more. Then the internest wanted to question me with regard to some of my allergies. Also informed me that my blood work showed a slight UTI. None of this prohibited my surgery, Thank God. So to my room I went.

Disrobed and got in the lovely hospital gowns provided by the hospital and waited. Dr. Aceves and one of his assistans (not Dr. Campos, he isnt here right now) came to see if I had any questions and give a brief synopsis of what he had talked about yesterday. Various nurses were in and out - blood pressure, temperature, Lucy to give me my happy pills ... and then we were off to the operating room .. I remember being wheeled into the OR and I remember absolutely NOTHING after that until they were waking me up in recovery.

I was taken from recovery to my room. And have pretty much been sleeping of and all all day.

My surgery went great - Dr. Aceves said it was a very easy surgery and he also repaired a small hiatal hernia. He said the entire surgery took 1:07 minutes and I passed the first leak test.

He has been in 3 times to check on me and Lucy was here a few times too. I've had one pain shot and that was just a bit ago when the pain moved from my left shoulder blade to right under my left breast. Thank God for my heating pad. I have taken a few walks - twice to the bathroom and twice around the floor .. down to to talk with Ruthi and Becki. Becki leaves tomorrow. Ruth and I are here until Monday. There is a gal next door to Ruth who had the lapband and she came from Arkansas. She didn't even know what the sleeve was, so we tried to explain it to; however, I don't she "got" it. She goes home tomorrow too.

I will be glad for tomorrow when I can have some sips of water, my throat is so dry from the breathing tube ... other than that I feel good (with the exception of the gas moving around - I think that means I'll probably start passing it soon ... walking definitely does help)

Well, I am going to go and try and read some posts -- I think I have about 4 pages worth. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers.

Elisabethsew · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 07:13 AM

Congratualtions on your surgery! I'm glad to hear you're both doing well and look forward to reading more.

dange25 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 08:30 AM

*big smiles* congrats chick!

WASaBubbleButt · #4 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegasangel1958

Hi all -

Well here I am finally -- I've tried to get online since about 4; however, I wasn't able to stay awake long enough to read or type anything.

Pre-testing was yesterday and all went well. Ernesto picked us up at 7 am this morning and we came to the hospital. We waited about 30 minutes as they were cleaning our rooms. Then they came and got Ruthi and tooker her to her room and I waited some more. Then the internest wanted to question me with regard to some of my allergies. Also informed me that my blood work showed a slight UTI. None of this prohibited my surgery, Thank God. So to my room I went.

Disrobed and got in the lovely hospital gowns provided by the hospital and waited. Dr. Aceves and one of his assistans (not Dr. Campos, he isnt here right now) came to see if I had any questions and give a brief synopsis of what he had talked about yesterday. Various nurses were in and out - blood pressure, temperature, Lucy to give me my happy pills ... and then we were off to the operating room .. I remember being wheeled into the OR and I remember absolutely NOTHING after that until they were waking me up in recovery.

I was taken from recovery to my room. And have pretty much been sleeping of and all all day.

My surgery went great - Dr. Aceves said it was a very easy surgery and he also repaired a small hiatal hernia. He said the entire surgery took 1:07 minutes and I passed the first leak test.

He has been in 3 times to check on me and Lucy was here a few times too. I've had one pain shot and that was just a bit ago when the pain moved from my left shoulder blade to right under my left breast. Thank God for my heating pad. I have taken a few walks - twice to the bathroom and twice around the floor .. down to to talk with Ruthi and Becki. Becki leaves tomorrow. Ruth and I are here until Monday. There is a gal next door to Ruth who had the lapband and she came from Arkansas. She didn't even know what the sleeve was, so we tried to explain it to; however, I don't she "got" it. She goes home tomorrow too.

I will be glad for tomorrow when I can have some sips of water, my throat is so dry from the breathing tube ... other than that I feel good (with the exception of the gas moving around - I think that means I'll probably start passing it soon ... walking definitely does help)

Well, I am going to go and try and read some posts -- I think I have about 4 pages worth. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers.

Muhahahaha! You are finally one of US! ;o)

Congrats on getting your surgery! I'm thrilled for you! You get your life back, you'll see.

I'm glad things seem to be going well for you!

Oregondaisy · #5 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 12:57 PM

I chewed gum the first day when I could not have water and Dr. Campos had a fit. He said it would be very dangerous if I swallowed it. I assured him that I have never swallowed my gum. It was very helpful to relieve the dry mouth, until I could have water.

I am so glad you're on the road to recovery. Now you get to start the wonderful
clear liquid phase.

So glad everything went smoothly!

VegasAngel · #6 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 07:25 PM

Well, last night was a rough night. I didn't sleep more than a few hours at a time due to the pain from the leak bag (am sure there is a fancier name for it). That is the only pain I am having. This morning when I got to drink water, I drank two of the litte "shot" cups - making about 4 swallows out of each one. There was quite a bit of pain when I swalled, a bit of cramping between my shoulder blades and then I'd burb and all would be fine. I took a walk down to Ruth's room and we went walking around and back to her room. We were sitting there talking and I got incredibly nauseaus and broke out in a cold sweat. Ruth, bless her heart, having been a nurse took immediate control and before I knew it, I was in a chair, my feet were up, a cold washcloth on my face and anti-nauseau medicine being dispensed.

About that time Dr. Aceves showed up and had Lucy take my BP which was quite high so I was given a pill to help with that - after awhile I was feeling fine and since then, all has been well.

I passed the leak test with the blue drink (which I thought tasted like water downed prune juice) ... and after that I progressed to hot tea and juice. Plus had my IV removed with just a shunt.

I've napped off and on and walked off and on -- even ventured outside with Bob to enjoy the sunshine.

The only pain I have had today is from the bag and when I drank the water.

I can't wait for the drainage bag to come out --hoping the pain will go away when that happens.

Lisa B · #7 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 08:25 PM

Congrats on your surgery and that your feeling well. I'm glad there were no complications, and you passed the leak test with flying colors.

I'm not sleeved so I have a few questions to ask. if you don't mind me asking.

Why is there a tube for drainage? I guess i don't understand why you have that?

Were you sleeved in the US?

How many days do you have to be in the hospital after the sleeve surgery?

Get lots of rest and please keep us posted on your progress. I'm sure your going to do great!

I can't wait to have my lap band removed and get the sleeve or Rny... still deciding which way to go - but I'm leaning toward the sleeve now.

Have a good evening and take care.

VegasAngel · #8 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa B

Congrats on your surgery and that your feeling well. I'm glad there were no complications, and you passed the leak test with flying colors.

Thank you -- I have one more test to pass tomorrow. My doctor does 3 of them - one in the OR; the one today and the final one tomorrow where you view it on a flouroscope (?)

I'm not sleeved so I have a few questions to ask. if you don't mind me asking.

Why is there a tube for drainage? I guess i don't understand why you have that?

The drainage tube is there to drain out any loose bloods or fluids. One of the RNs on this page could probably explain it much better than I.

Were you sleeved in the US?
No, after months of research, I decided to go with Dr. Alberto Aceves in Mexicali, MX. And I couldn't be happier with my choice. He and his staff are excellet and answered any and all questions put to them. They were very friendly and very helpful. The hospital is immaculant and people are constantly cleaning. All of the nurses are extremely nice and very responsive. Although I have not been a patient in a hospital for 25 years, I have visited friends and family and I believe the treatment here is 100X better than in the us -- these nurses are not overworked and are very caring and compassionate. The cost was extremely less than the surgeon I would have used in the US and it was all inclusive- included all pre-testing, hospital, anesthesiogists, all test, drugs, a night in a resort prior to surgery. And free lifetime follow-up support regarding nutritional and other questions.
How many days do you have to be in the hospital after the sleeve surgery?

My surgery was on Friday morning and I will be relased on Monday. Dr. Aceves has checked on me no less than 3 times each day, as well as other members of his staff.

Get lots of rest and please keep us posted on your progress. I'm sure your going to do great!

I can't wait to have my lap band removed and get the sleeve or Rny... still deciding which way to go - but I'm leaning toward the sleeve now.

Have a good evening and take care.

Good luck on your decision -- there are alot of knowledgeable people on this site who can help you with any questions you may have -- they are very informed .. don't hesitate to ask; someone will respond.

Ruthi · #9 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 10:52 PM

Hi everyone,

2nd day hasnt been bad but then I slept all day. I could sleep last night due to bad acid reflux but that is better today thanks to medication. I passed my leak test too and Dr Aceves has been in a couple of times but I missed him once, he was letting me sleep. He and his staff have been exceptional as most of you already know. Internet access in this place sucks though. I have my own service but roaming is sooo expensive. One more day and then we are home.. I am officially a sleeve sister!

MacMadame · #10 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 11:26 PM

Congrats to you both!

As for the drain, some surgeons use them and some do not ... Mine doesn't, at least not for my surgery (I don't know about the RnY or DS.)

VegasAngel · #11 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 11:56 AM

Third test passed!!! Woo hoo ... now slowly sipping on chicken broth ... can't do the apple juice - gives me acid reflux, won't do the tang-like orange drink - tastes really nasty (in my opinion) so the tea and the broth are best - plus warm goes down easier than cold. Waiting for them to come and take out the drainage bag and my iv. Got a shower last night, boy was that nice. Had them load me up last night with anti-reflux, sleeping pill and pain pill -- had a GREAT night - slept all night and even was able to sleep on my side without any pain ... I am a side sleeper so that was very nice. Will be glad to be home in my own bed tomorrow night and be able to sleep next to my honey and see my babies (puppies).

Thanks for all of your thoughts, prayers and good wishes - they mean a lot.