Dawn W.

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lisalove 20 years, 7 months ago

Hi Dawn, Try sleeping in a recliner. I am 5 weeks post-op and sometimes I still have trouble sleeping in bed. Good luck on your weight loss. God Bless. Lisa 382/346

Sassy Cathy 20 years, 7 months ago

Hi Dawn~ I just wanted to drop by and say that I'm sorry you're having some difficulties right now. I had a LOT of ups and downs emotionally after surgery and it really does get better. Just keep a positive attitude and surround yourself with positive people. That will take you very far! Walk a little every day, get your fluids in and most importantly take it one day at a time. You will do great! If you would like to send me an email, feel free! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts for happier days ahead! Just remember we are all here for you! ((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugggggzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Cathy

capnkman 20 years, 7 months ago

Hi Dawn. I am so sorry to hear that you are having a rough time of it right now. Believe me when I say, it will get better for you. It may take a little longer than others, but it will get better. I had open RNY on March 15, 2004 and then had emergency surgery to unkink my bowel on the 19th of the same month. I ended up having the RNY again that same day because all the swelling from the bowel trouble caused all my suture and staple lines to die from lack of blood. I have never been in so much pain, but I just had faith that things would get better and they did. I am now down 111 lbs and feeling better now than ever before. I am confident that you will too. Please check out my profile if you would like or drop me an e-mail if you want to talk. I would be happy to talk to you and try and put your mind at ease. It is not easy to go through by any means, but you will get through it. You just need to be patient. Take care now and be good to yourself...Captain K-Man

fishtayl 20 years, 7 months ago

Dawn- your good friend posted a message about you. I am sorry you have had so much pain. I too felt like an unlucky one after surgery. I had many problems and extensive pain. I am 1 month post op and still take Vicoden every day, but not as much as before. It feels like my muscles are pulling apart about 3" on each side of the incision about 4-5 hours after I take Vicoden. You must hang in there. I keep a close eye on when I am suppose to eat, drink, drink protein drinks, and take supplements. I have a kitchen timer and set it on 30 min each time I finish drinking and am pondering a meal, then after I finish a meal. (Ughh, and I never want to eat, but I always do.) It feels like I am the only person in the world going thru this hassle, but it will be worth it. I am frustrated with my weight loss, especially after I read the posts and remember patient's from my surgeons coming out of the waiting room and saying, 'I lost 14 pounds the 1st week'. I was all set for that then crap, I gained 18 pounds of fluid the 1st four days after surgery due to all the fluids, post operative bleed, and blood transfusions. Let me tell you a funny thing, I went to dinner with an older friend, (about 63) a month before surgery. She asked me what I was going to weigh after. I told her that my goal is 150. Two weeks after surgery I talked to her and she asked how my weight was doing. I told her about the fluid gain, and the loss of that plus only 10 more pounds. She said, "I thought you were going to weigh 150 pounds? What happened?" She actually thought I would come out of the OR weighing my goal weight. I tried to explain it to her and that there is no way anyone could come out of the OR smaller--you have to loose the weight. I love her to death, she did bust my bubble of loosing 10 pounds. Oh well. Chin up my friend. Like my Grandma use to say, pull yourself up by your bootstraps baby and move on. And don't forget to walk. Even if it is inside--like an obstacle course for me! You can email anytime or review my profile. Take care and make it the best day you can----Ginny

Suzann G. 20 years, 7 months ago

Dawn, I'm sorry to hear that your feeling bad, but I remember saying those same words for the first 3 months after surgery. I had my surgery done open and had the whole open wound problem and was miserable. I didn't sleep unless I was on a lot of pain meds. That was the only thing that helped for the first 2 weeks. After that, walking will do wonders for you. Yes, I said walking. It sucks to think about getting up and doing it, but you will be glad you did. It will help to move your bowels, it helps with gas buildup and will help you to heal. Trust me, been there, done that. I am not saying this is easy... It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life!!! But, let me tell you, the first time they weigh you and you have lost 10-30 lbs the first month. It is an amazing feeling and you just build from there. Dawn, this is the most amazing journey you will ever take. You will get in touch with the real you again and you will be a stronger person for it. Please keep the goal line in your focus and envision the finish line of a new lighter and healthier you. Don't get discouraged and don't give up. I will see you on the losing side of the scale.. Hugs and warm wishes.

prplgirl 20 years, 7 months ago

Dawn, I am glad that your surgery went well. I am sorry to hear that you are in alot of pain. Every one takes pain in a different way. I know for me, it was very painful, and I am not good with pain, but it does get better. After the first week, you will feel better, and better and better. By your 4-6 week, you'll feel so much better and you'll be happy that you went through this. You won't even remember all the pain. Just take it one day at a time, drink lots of fluids, and walk as much as possible. This helps out alot!!! Good luck! Tricia

jfort 20 years, 7 months ago

Dawn, I hear you are having some problems and I just wanted you to know that I just had surgery too (on 11/16/04). Yes, it hurts at first but it will get a little better every day, I promise. I looked at your profile page and found something you wrote that you may want to look at again! Be patient...all surgery upsets the body and will take time to heal...but once it does this is what you will have to look forward to!!! (Do these sound familiar????!!!!), keep those spirits up!!! * go horseback riding. * ride a ride at an amusement part and actually fit in the seats * wear a bathing suit in public * soak in a bathtub and FIT * BE ABLE TO WALK UP THE STAIRS TO MY CONDO WITHOUT FEELING LIKE MY HEART IS GOING TO POUND OUT OF CHEST!!!!!!!!! * Be able to shop in a normal store, even as much as I love the store Avenue * I would almost say I would like to try skiing, BUT without all this extra padding I might really hurt myself! * FLY - preferably to Las Vegas or Hawaii, but get on that plane and be comfortable!!!!! Good luck on your journey.... Jeanne

jennie145 20 years, 7 months ago

Dawn best wishes on your new jouney. Recovery will pass quickly and the pain will cease. Its hard to deal with the liquid diet but it is so worth the hard work. If you need to email someone please feel free to let me know. Jennie

MelPenn 20 years, 7 months ago

I just spoke with Dawn's mom and Dr. Roll said the surgery went well. She was resting and asked me to call back tomorrow. I'm glad she is finally getting some much needed rest that she so deserves.

kabarron1 20 years, 7 months ago

I hope all went well. Reading your journal, you really reflected a lot of the feelings I'm having about this. I hope all goes well for you and God speed your recovery.