Alone..

Hi there, I am really having a hard time with all this right now and dont know what to do anymore. I have only been in the country a couple of years and really dont have much support. I have my husbands family here and my husband, but they just dont seem to understand how I feel going through this. I had my surgery on 2/17 and have lost about 40lbs which is a lot less than a lot of people however I am still very gratefull for this much. I am down 2 pants sizes and have a bit more energy as a result. I just cant seem to keep my spirits up anymore, I am eating about 20g of protien a day, and drinking about 16-32oz of water a day. I am having a lot of problems with vomiting and am finding myself scared of eating food. I have been told by people on here that I should talk to someone about this, however that is unfortunatly in my budget witch makes things even tougher. I am beginning to feel really depressed and dont know what to do anymore. I would really appriciate ideas on how to bring myself out of this rut. Many Thanks!

I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time Leeanne. I wish that I could give you a big hug & make ya feel better {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}} Have you spoken to your surgeon about not being able to keep anything down? You might need to be scoped. No wonder - you aren't feeling all that great w/such little protein & nutrients in your system. I understand what you're saying about the slow weight loss. I post about mine all the time - so I won't do it again - but let's just say you are leaps & bounds ahead of me! I think you're doing great. I also bet, if you were able to get more protein & water in, that your weight loss would pick up. Have you tried protein drinks? I know that most are awful - but there are a few good ones out there . . . don't give up. You might also want to talk to your doctor about depression . . . most of us seem to go through that around this stage. Is there a local support group there in your area that you can go to? Just know that you're NOT alone . . . you'll always have us . . . & you can feel free to e-mail me ANYTIME you wanna chat!!! ~Amanda P.S. Please keep in touch & keep us updated

Hi Leanne: Please, please, please talk to your surgeon. It may be something really simple and inexpensive to fix. It must be hard, first you have culture shock and now physical body shock. You are way ahead of me in weight loss when I was at your stage on the journey. Use the boards as much as you can to communicate with others and learn. Your situation is not unusual, I am 10 weeks out and still have some of the same challenges with food. Particullarly with quantity. I find myself afraid to eat sometimes. Actually, I find it easier not to eat. But we can't do this. You have to keep trying. Belive me the weight will come off better. Try setting a daily goal or weekly goal instead of trying to tackle it all at once. Example: get all of your water in this week. Once you have mastered that set a new goal the next week. Maybe that will keep it from getting overwhelming. And please, please, please talk to your surgeon. Eileen

Leeanne, Sometimes all it takes is a phone call to the office to get some advice. They should not charge you for that. You definitely need to get your protein up to a minimum of 60 grams a day and your fluids up to 64 oz. Can you do cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese etc. They are higher in protein and pretty easy on the tummy. If protein shakes are making you ill, try thinning them out and also making them with water. Some people develop lactose intolerance after surgery. Are there any support groups in your area that you could attend? They really do help and normally do not cost anything. For me, getting out of the house even for an hour can be a big mood lifter. HOpe you feel better soon. Mary

I am almost positive you are feeling down, due to the lack of water and protien. Legarthy, and depression are some of the signs of dehydration. I'm sorry about your vomitting. I have been fortunate not to have that problem. You might have a stricture, and I know that cost money, but if you have insurance they should pay for that, and my goodness, you want that taken care of. You will be in the hospital before long, if you don't. I hope you can find a support group of some sort near you. Hugs, Debbie -35.5

Thanks for all the positive words guys. Fighting this depression really is harder than I ever thought it could be. I'm trying to keep my hopes up, but not sure where I should start anymore, or even if I can dig my way out of this. Once again, Thanks!

leeanne im glad to see you are using this really good support system here...keep trying to connect with your surgeon and/or primary dr. the weight will come off that should be the least of your worries right now....i also have to keep reminding myself...ONE DAY AT A TIME! email me if u need to chat. kay dee