Hi and welcome to the group maryelmin! I can only speak from my own experience, but overall it wasn't too bad! The first two days post-op I was on IV pain meds and felt ok. They had me up walking that same night! I was weak and groggy but there wasn't much pain. I went home on day 3 and was on Percoset pain meds at that point. That was still fine! I could get around fine, shower, take care of myself (although it's nice if you do have somebody who can help with things). I just felt really tired. After the percoset ran out I thought: oh no I wonder if I'll feel pain now?! But you know what? It still wasn't bad! The pain was never that bad! It's just more of an exhausted and being out of sorts feeling but as the weeks go by you get over that too. I'm 5 weeks out today. I am still glad I did it and would do it over again. It's normal to be nervous and scared, but just remember why you made this decision to begin with, what your goals are and how much healthier you'll be!

Welcome Maryelmin! Completely normal to be worried, this is a big deal, but it's a great tool for us to regain our health, so balance your worries with hope for a better life.
I had the sleeve 4 1/2 years ago, and followed my doctors advice: take your pain medicine on schedule, whether you feel the need for it or not, the first week. It kept me comfortable enough to get my exercise and sleep in, both really important for healing. The first week, especially, you don't want the pain to get ahead of the medicine. It's easier to keep the pain away than to try and catch up after it.
After that, I only needed them a couple of times a day and I had several day's worth left over when I quit using medicine.
Stick to the schedule, walk as often as you can to move the gas out, sip, sip, sip your water and you'll do great!
Hint: start practicing drinking all day long now, it's easier after you've done it a while.

Mary...no doubt you're full of questions and apprehension. I think we all go through these feelings. Speaking for myself....I had a very easy go of it. I was home within 24 hours following surgery. My first night was a little rough, some slight problems breathing and sleeping comfortably. I was lucky enough to have help the first 24 hours at home. After that, I took it easy. I was able to care for myself and and my needs. I prepared well in advance by having the proper nutrition and other things in the house ahead of time. (A case of tomato soup, protein shakes, sugar-free popsicles and jello, cases of water, iced tea and camo!mile tea, vitamins etc...) Sugar-free popsicles are still my saving grace! As well a chamomile tea, which helps sooth a cranky pouch. If you have family or a friend who can stay with you (at least your first night home) don't hesitate to ask them for help. It's nice to have someone special looking out for you, at least that first 24 hours at home...longer if you have good friends and family!
Your English is excellent! Better than many native born English speakers! Wishing you all the best. Jo

Welcome and congratulations! The more prepared you are, the easier it will go as was my case. I had already started eating pre op as if I had already had the surgery and was drinking my water, protein smoothies and taking my vitamins. I did a month long system cleanse as well as mental and emotional work. Because I did this, I went into surgery in total peace. I really believe that is part of why I healed so quickly and did so well. The more prepared you are knowledge wise and mentally and emotionally, the easier it will be. I was not in the hospital even 24 hrs and had no complications. It hurt like hell! I had never experienced that kind of pain coming out of surgery groaning in pain as I was rolled to my room. Pain is to be expected with major surgery but Thankfully they soon got the pain under control. They had me up and walking regularly all night. I was the last surgery of the day and the second out the next day around mid day. I sipped while I walked. Walking is the best way to clear the gas from the bloating of excess air they pump in you. Walk sip walk sip walk sip repeat. They installed a pain pump in my stomach that stayed in a few days post op and was just an easy pull out. The first several days are just focusing on resting/napping, sipping water and protein and walking. It takes a good week for the anesthetic to work out of your system. Take it easy and ask for help. You will need it. I could do most things by myself but needed help getting up and down at first. By the first week you will be getting around much easier but it will still take time to heal. 4-6 weeks is common for complete healing. Give yourself time to heal. This is very important. Some days you will start to have energy and others not so much. I gave myself 4 weeks off and 2 weeks half time to get back into the swing of work. Naps will be your best friends and are highly valuable. Just be gentle with yourself and treat yourself as if you were taking care of someone who need your help. Attitude is everything in this journey. Having a vision of what you want and seeing and feeling yourself in that place makes process easier. Stay focused on what is working, be grateful and celebrate every victory. You can do this!

If you haven't read what newbies need to know, here is the link for some of what to expect.
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/forum/13157871-newbies-need-know

The pre op was the hardest part of the whole thing for me. The stay at the hospital was boring. They got me up the afternoon of surgery. The nurses walked me about with IVs attached
I didn't want anything to eat but was thirsty. I could only have a tiny bit of water per hour. By morning they took out the IVs. I was allowed to go anywhere on the floor. So I walked a lot. Felt great.
They sent me home with a bunch of liquid pain medication. I never took any of it and never needed any. I felt too good the first week to just sit. I got bored and slipped out to the garage and piddled with a motorcycle I was working on. That was a mistake, it made me sore.

As for pain, I had nothing worse than how your belly feels when you do too many sit ups. It was difficult to roll over in bed. My huge bulk at the time and being stiff in the belly.

I went back to work in a month. Doctor said I could have went to work in 2 weeks but due to the violent work place I work he wanted me to get well healed

All in all, the surgery was a breeze. I could go to the bathroom and take care of myself from the get go. Following the eating plan was easy because I wasn't hungry anyway. It was the best thing medically I have ever done!

Some people have complications but I didn't. I think the vast majority of people don't have any complications. We only hear the bad things.

I always tell people that there is nothing to fear and everything to gain. I could sell the RNY door to door!

I was an out of control type 2 diabetic. My diabetic doctor told me I had about 2 years left if I didn't lose weight. He sent me to see the bariatric surgeon. I had an RNY December 7, 2012.

Since then I have lost 130 pounds, am healthier than I have been in years. I am no longer a diabetic! I have a letter from the diabetic specialist that states the diabetes is Resolved. I took it to the DMV and passed the truck drivers physical. Now I could drive again if I want.

I hope there is something in all this that you can use. There is nothing to fear. Just follow your plan to the letter and all Will be well. .

Post often and let us know about your progress. Welcome to the group! And Congratulations on your decision to get healthy!

Hi Mary,
I too like you and probably everyone on here was nervous. I am 4 weeks post op RNY. I have no regrets. My surgery went well and my healing has gone even better. I did not have much pain at all. I did not have the nausea some people get. It was actually a very good experience for me. I wish you luck.

Thank you for all the kind words and great advices!

I'll start my pre-op diet tomorrow (one that I found on the internet, since my doctor didn't prescribed one...he said that it was not absolutely necessary, but it's better safe than sorry). I'm feeling a little more confident now.

About getting support... well, this surgery is my dirty little secret. Nobody knows that I'm doing it besides my fiance. Not even my mother is aware.

I'll go to a medical spa straight from the hospital and will spend 40 days there, they're specialized in post-op bariatric patients.
My excuse is that I'll take a short course in another city to improve my curriculum haha. It was pretty easy to convince my business partners about that. After, I'll just blame the 'terrible, inedible food' to explain the sudden weight loss and that I decided to adopt a healthy lifestyle because of that. Bad excuse, but it seems that it's the best that I can do.