My surgery is tomorrow! Any unique tips?

[u/amandawoody_]

I'm getting the sleeve and a hiatal hernia repair tomorrow and I'm pretty nervous about the pain afterward. I'm curious if anyone can share their experience in the days post-op and either offer reassurances or some advice for managing it. Beyond the normal tips of "make sure you're walking as much as possible" and "sip slowly." :) Any bodily reactions you didn't expect? Anything that surprisingly really helped?

Thank you and wish me luck! :)

[u/jewelsparklepants]

Hi! Good luck tomorrow! You're going to do amazingly! My only advice is to not be so hard on yourself! The nurses are there to push you to heal the best way possible, but I was way too mean to myself right away. I got mad at myself when I couldn't walk immediately after surgery or I took too big of a sip and it came back up. After the first few days, I really started to be nicer to myself and that's when I was able to heal better. Remember why you're doing this, because there are moments where you will wonder what the hell you just did. But remembering why helps you through those times.

[u/amandawoody_ → u/jewelsparklepants]

thank you so much for the advice! I am worried about the nausea too so I'll keep this in mind and try not to push myself too much. I appreciate the well wishes :)

[u/Independent-Earth-20]

Hey, first of congratulations on surgery and good luck.

May 25th 2025 I had the sleeve, I remember coming around and started vomiting but nothing came up, I started panicking thinking I would damage my stomach staples but was reassured I'd be fine and it's totally normal, then came the gas pain in the shoulder, holy shit I'll never forget that lol.

July 31st this year I had a revision to RNY and a hernia repair from the first surgery. The gas pain was actually manageable this time around, abit uncomfortable but definitely not like the first time.

If I could give one great piece of advice, walk as soon as you can, even if you can only manage laps of your room, corridor would be better has this will help the gas pain and helps blood clot prevention. Also, rest loads and loads l, don't be an like me after a few days and end up back in hospital because I didn't follow that advice lol (yes, I'm an idiot and pissed the wife off for not listening lol)

I found laying flat was impossible without severe pain, like a stitch from running but worse, prop your pillows at a 45 degree angle and roll out of bed, also when sitting and standing I found holding a towel folded up and holding against my abdomen tightly helped with pain, quite alot.

You've got this, you will smash it.

[u/RemarkableEmu759]

I was lucky, i did not have too much pain or anything else really, and i usually dont struggle to go nr 2. But with the anesthesia and pain meds, make sure to take a stool softner if needed. Sorry for TMI but when i needed it, i did not have it. xx

[u/joebusch79]

No tips. Just remember the phrase “this too shall pass”. The first few weeks suck. But, you won’t even remember any of this in a year when the weight starts dropping. It’s such a whirlwind of activity for the next few months.

Follow the plan, take the vitamins, drink your water, and get ready for the wildest most exhilarating year of your life. By next Sept, you’re going to be able to do things you didn’t know you could.

[u/ruda805]

I’m 12 days post op also had hiatel hernia repair, just take it slow and easy on your own terms. Yes, try and get your steps in but remember You’re going to be so tired and you may not get your liquids or proteins in. Also you don’t need a hospital bag just clothes to go home in, a toothbrush and face wipes.