One Week Post-Op

Today marks one week post-op sleeve surgery for me! I get a ton of questions about the procedure, and if you're here, you're probably considering VSG and looking for answers. Read through the following Q&A and let me know if there's more questions that I can answer.

Is there a lot of pain?

For me, the first few days were uncomfortable. I wouldn't really say painful. Getting out of bed was rough and of course I had twinges of pain when moving. But during my one night hospital stay, I was up walking the halls and getting up to use the bathroom with no problems. I stopped taking the pain meds three days ago, so it was four days after the surgery. Now I have no pain unless I'm coughing or bending over! Keep in mind though, everyone is different. YMMV!

How long did the procedure last?

I had to be at the hospital for 11:30am, they took me back and prepped me immediately...and also took me back to the operating room immediately. I'd say I was in surgery by 12:35pm. My husband said it took about 45 minutes and it was all over. I was in my room by 2:00pm! That's what I call efficient.

How hard is the post-op diet?

Not going to lie - it's been tough for me. I'm dealing with a lot of head hunger, emotional hunger even though I'm not actually hungry. I just feel like I need to be eating, know what I mean? My requirements right now are getting 32 ounces of water/liquid to prevent dehydration, and getting at least 60 grams of protein via shakes and supplements. I'm still in the full liquid phase and will be for two days yet. The first two days home from the hospital are clear liquids only, but that was a breeze considering I was still medicated and sleeping a lot more! I can't wait to move to soft foods and eat a scrambled egg.

Which meds/supplements are you taking?

I bought a huge pill organizer because at first, it's a ton of pills. The Rx meds for the first two weeks include Carafate, Reglan, Protonix, Colace, and Zofran. I'm also taking a bariatric multivitamin, sublingual B12, and calcium citrate which I'll take daily for the rest of my life. For a list of my favorite supplements, see this post.

Did your insurance cover the procedure?

Keep in mind, everyone's plans will be different. But mine covered the procedure completely since I met my deductible earlier in the year. The requirements for my insurance were a BMI of 40 with one co-morbidity, which for me was chronic hypertension. You could also qualify with a BMI of 35 with two co-morbidities.

What are the diet phases?

Some doctors and insurances will require a two week liquid diet pre-op plan. Luckily mine did not! Post-op is 2 days clear liquids, 7 days full liquids, 21 days on soft foods, and then resume a normal diet as tolerated after those first 30 days. "Normal diet as tolerated" is much different from what I was eating pre-op. My stomach holds 1/4 cup at this point and I'm eating three times daily. I have to hold off on eating tough meats like steak and pork, as well as raw vegetables until at least three months out. And bread, pasta, rice? Even longer, although I plan to try cutting it out altogether. The raw veggie limitation is going to KILL me because I absolutely love salad and snacking on carrots and broccoli.

Would it be weird if I said at this point, I almost feel like I had nothing done? Pretty unbelievable considering I was terrified of having the surgery done. It's been pretty smooth sailing except for the little things I've mentioned. My incisions itch like crazy but I suppose that's a good thing because they're healing. I'm a little weak and exhausted but that's to be expected when you're not eating. Overall things are going well and I'm grateful. ❤️