Question:
I FEEL MISERABLE, PLEASE HELP.
I'm 3 weeks post-BPD/DS and i still feel miserable. I have no energy what so ever. I'm easily exhausted and my heart races at the slightest physical exertion. The smell/sight of food makes me sick. I throw up easily and can't seem to eat. I have morning sickness-like symptoms (but i'm 100% sure i'm not pregnant). I'm just so tired all the time !!! Will this ever end? I really regret having this surgery right now. :( — Laura R. (posted on July 18, 2003)
July 17, 2003
First of all let me say what you are going through is normal and I have the
utmost sympathy for you. You need to eat, that is why energy is so low. You
are probably not getting enough protein. Start with some type of protein.
Take small sips of it. Also drink some water so you don't get dehydrated.
Try to do liquids as much as possible. This will pass in a few weeks but
not if you don't get your protein in. Also don't forget your vitamins. Once
again, let me say that I am sorry you are sick. A lot of people go through
this and it does get better. Try to stay positive.
— snicklefritz
July 17, 2003
Honey, you just had MAJOR surgery...how did you think you were going to
feel? All of your reactions are within the 'normal' range. Even I, who
has a cast iron stomach, threw up occasionally and some food smells made me
sick too. Here is what I suggest: sleep at least 8 hours per day, take an
afternoon nap. Walk around the block three times a day, increasing the
distance a little every other day. Eat cooked vegetables smothered with a
mild cheese, eggs any way you like them, frozen yogurt, yogurt with honey
and fruits. Take your supplements. There is nothing wrong with you that a
month from now won't fix. Also, make sure you throw a little iron loaded
food like baked beans and spinach in. I ate a lot of Boston Market's
mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. My doc said no meat for 7 weeks, but
at four weeks I could have shrimp, tuna, and chicken. Remember feeling
nausea can come from not eating enough and fatigue can come from not being
active enough. It is a vicious cycle. So be gentle with yourself and take
it one day at a time...Good Luck!!! It is definitely worth it!!!! I rode
28 miles yesterday on my bike and remember when I couldn't walk 25 feet
without having to rest and catch my breath!
— merri B.
July 17, 2003
Hi Laura, welcome to the switched side!! You are going to LOVE the DS and
will look back on this time and wonder how you could ever have doubted
yourself. I promise! What you are going through is perfectly normal.
Remember, you have just had MAJOR surgery; it is normal to feel tired and
weak! Take lots of naps and don't feel guilty or like a failure--it's
NORMAL. In 3-5 weeks you will wake up one day and suddenly feel terrific;
it seems to happen that way for everyone. For now, the biggest thing is to
drink enough water. This will help, and probably cure, the nausea. Carry a
water bottle at all times and sip sip sip all day, one sip at a time. Also
eat something, protein or not, whatever sounds good, one bite at a time; I
remember clear soup was very comforting at this stage. As soon as your
stomach feels better, concentrate on protein, any old kind that appeals to
you; your tastes may change so experiment with all sorts of different
things. Also get up and move around, slowly, every hour or so. Although you
are supposed to go for a walk, simply walking across the room is enough if
you're feeling shaky, but it is important to move to avoid blood clots.
Your hormones are all out of whack right now and adding to the depression;
this too shall pass! Be sure to do things like showering to make yourself
feel better. Make a list of all the things you're going to do when you're
feeling better. Put some things you can do soon, like taking a walk with
your husband (who sounds like a sweetie!); checking them off is a real
morale booster! For more support, read and post to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/duodenalswitch/ and
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS-Support/. And feel free to email me.
Chris, DS 6/11/02, 378-230, 57/35, sz 38/18.
— Chris T.
July 19, 2003
Ahhh, Laura. I can't add anything more to the great advice all the
previous posters have given you. I just want to echo that this WILL pass
and you will soon feel WONDERFUL! Hang in there. (Open RNY 10/30/02 down
175)
— Ginger M.
July 19, 2003
I know what you are going through. I had surgery 5/5/03 and I was feeling
completely exhausted. I think it is just the body's way of adjusting. You
body is somewhat in shock and it will take a few weeks to feel somewhat
"normal." I tell ya what worked for me. I felt so tired and
all, and I think it was because I wasn't getting enough protein. It is
recommended by my surgeon to supplement with proteins until you are able to
eat a bit more. I drank the Pro-Complex but then felt my stomach not
handling the milk very well. I then switched over to a pre-made drink I
found in the vitamin part of the grocery store called "Advant
Edge." It is a small little box and comes in a chocolate flavor.
They contain 15 grams of Protein and really gave me a boost. I drink them
in place of breakfast. Now, I add a little fresh fruit. Another think I
did was of course take my multivitamin along with vitamin B12 and drank
alot of Chicken Noodle soup (NOT CHUNKY). The soup is very soothing and
digests great, plus it is loaded with protein. For a while I was drinking
chicken noodle soup everyday for a month. Now I have gone onto other
things. Try the soup though. If you can't handle the soup try another
high protein item. Good luck. It all passes. I have so much more energy
and feel so much better. I have lost over 75 pounds (that is pre and post
surgery) Actually over 40 pounds since my surgery and I am glad I had the
surgery. Check out my website WWW.diaryofafatlady.com
— Julie B.
July 19, 2003
I just want to add this - did you contact your surgeon or PCP? It could be
harmless or typical as the others think, but symptoms like these must be
run by the doctors first (and I RARELY say that). All the best, and our
prayers are with you!
— Postop_nurse
July 19, 2003
I agree with Barb X. Surgeons expect and want phone calls from early post
ops. They want to head off any problems before they become serious.
— faybay
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