I had the RNY from the beginning so, much of what I say may not apply, however from watching others go through it at the hospital and surgical group, I've found the recovery steps are much the same.

The big thing, is walking. Walking, walking, walking. I know it sounds counter intuitive, but it is important. I helps erm...get things moving after surgery. I helps with gas. You will have ALOT of gas post-op, and it will be painful at times. Walking helps get rid of it. It helps strengthen your core, healing the holes that they punched in your abdomen.

Don't be afraid to ask for additional pain meds. When I had surgery they tried to have me go without an on-demand pain pump. That ended badly. I got very behind in my pain management and was absolutely positive that I was dying for about the period of an hour while they got the pump approved and installed. So take my advice, don't wait until you are already having significant pain to ask. Morphine is great stuff!

For other non-recovery tips, I find one that many people make is to stock up on protein pre-op. Don't do it! You'll regret it. Your tastes will change. Crazy as it sounds, it's true. Instead, buy some sample packs so that you don't waste a ton if you don't like a flavor. You'll probably be able to drive on your own within about 10 days, so just plan on having enough sample packs for 2 weeks. This means probably some where 42 samples. Depending on the brand of protein you may need to take 3 of them in the beginning to meet your protein requirements.

Lastly, post-op the most important thing that you can do at home is sip, sip, sip. Your tummy will be very swollen, and won't hold much at all. Dehydration is the leading cause of bariatric patients to end up back in the hospital. You need 64 oz a day of water min. That doesn't include water in protein shakes, or caffeinated beverages (which you shouldn't be having anyway). And if your guidelines are the same as mine, you need at least 60 gm of protein daily from your supplements to start. So constantly sip that stuff too!

I had the VSG surgery in September of 2013. I have since lost 73 pounds. for me, the surgery itself could not have gone better. I was up and walking that same day. The nurses told me to rest up more but I wanted to move. I walked daily and felt fine. I never had any issues with nausea or vomiting and I didn't have much stomach acid problems either. I took the pain meds while I was in the hospital but not once I got home. I was only sore around the incision sites and everything else was fine.

the next few months I really focused on how (must chew slower), when (5 to 6 small meals a day) and what I eat (protein first, then maybe veggies or fruit). Drinking water is definitely a requirement but not 30 minutes before or after a meal. At first it was hard to get in enough protein and calories a day but that passes.

Good luck to you, I hope your surgery is uneventful and you see the success you are seeking.

I had VSG on 9/14/13. I was released from the hospital the next day and never required narcotic pain meds. Walked as much as I could the first few weeks. Doc prescribed full liquids for 2 weeks and purees after that. Everything went down fine. I returned to work 10 days after surgery. All in all, it went way easier than I thought it would.

Had my sleeve July 2011. Was sleeved on a Thursday in the morning, up and walking that afternnon, off all pain meds by Saturday morning and no complications at all. I did take the full two weeks off, but it was more so I was sure I had a good understanding of the food requirements and what I needed to take with me to work for snacks and meals. I'm almost 3 years out now and still bring my own breakfast and lunch most days. It's much easier to stay on track that way.

I'm going to be a newbie in 10 days!! I'm excited and a little nervous! Glad to see this group/post!!!