THERE'S ONLY SO MUCH YOU CAN TAKE...

I'm being tested. Big time. In my head, I believe I've turned a corner with all this weight stuff, intellectually, emotionally, psychologically. But I gotta tell ya, I'm feeling pretty damned lousy - not feeling sorry for myself, just not feeling well. The pain from the TT and hernia repair is tremendous and has not eased up. It's left me feeling extremely exhausted and I just can't find a means to alleviate the pain and discomfort. It will be 2 weeks on Tuesday. What I am really starting to feel frightened about is the weight gain -- I know, I know, my last post indicated I had a handle on this, but I just don't get what's going on here. I back in the 160s, something I thought I would never see again. I weighed 152 the morning of the surgery on July 5th; he removed almost 8 lbs. of skin and fat. How in the hell can I weigh 162 now? I'm really hurting and the pain has me on an emotional roller coaster, mostly going down hill pretty much every waking moment of my days. I am supposed to go back to work on Monday and, well, I just feel like hell. For those of you who have had this surgery, is what I'm experiencing typical? I'd really appreciate your help -- in the meantime, I'm going to go and have myself a good cry. Thanks guys. Maureen

Hey Reenie...I'm SO SORRY you're feeling so bad! Have you called the doctor back? I don't know what the weight gain is about, the only thing I can think of is fluid you may be retaining, and the fact that you're not as active as before the surgery. If you were told that the pain would be subsiding at this point, I think you should consult the surgeon. Please keep us posted and I hope you are back to your old self again soon. Take care of yourself....prayers are on the way....Joanie

Thanks, Joanie. I am seeing him Monday late afternoon and will certainly be more assertive in discussing this with him. Reenie

Slow down, Sweetie! Think about it--what is swelling? It is retention of fluid! As you heal, the swelling/fluid goes away. You have not eaten yourself into weight gain. Don't panic. Look at that lovely flat tummy and smile. So sorry that the pain is still there, but it won't last forever--really! Maybe the hot weather is making us all itchy. I ended up working on my computer today from home instead of the office and got so angry about work that I started tearing the carpet out of my eating area (well, I wanted tile!) Maybe you need a construction/destruction project! It did make me feel better! Hang in there. We all depend on you! Hugs! Joy

Ah, Joy, thanks for grounding me. After I had myself a good cry last night, I shook it off and took matters into my own hands. I realized a couple of things that have bothered me about the guidance (or lack thereof) I've received (or not) in recovering. First, I was not instructed to use a binder of any kind to provide support around the middle. In all my research, binders are highly recommended and regularly used post-op for TT's. So, I dug out my WLS binder and put it on - and experienced some relief almost immediately. Secondly, I really assessed my body for fluid retention and it seems that it's all pooling in my upper and lower legs - they are huge, elphantitis looking. My ankles have disappeared. So, the good news (I suppose) is that this must be water retention/edema. I asked my husband to help me put on those leg stockings -- which, again, I was not instructed to use but am wearing them now with some additional relief. I love your idea of a construction project -- my bathroom would really appreciate a makeover! Thanks, sweetie, I needed your words of encouragement. Love, Reenie

Reenie, Are you using ice for pain relief? This far out my "pain" felt like serious muscle soreness. I think it's time to contact your surgeon if ice and pain meds don't work. The swelling is the cause of your weght gain...don't despair...it's not fat!! Please rest and try the ice. Va

Va, I wasn't told about ice therapy - do you mean apply the ice right to the abdomen area? How do I do that, with ice wrapped up in a towel or something? Reenie

Yep! Put the ice in a plastic bag, seal it (ziplock/twist tie) put it in a pillow case or wrap it in a towel and apply to the painful area. Alternate 30 minutes on/30 minutes off. Are you using antibiotic ointment on your belly button? Va

Reenie, I had a hernia repair in August and it topped WLS by far in the pain department. It took several weeks before I felt anything close t normal (and that was without the TT) I had a second hernia repair yesterday and am having similar pain along with horrible itching all over. Hang in there, it will get better. Be sure and keep in touch with your surgeon regarding the pain and honestly, don't try to be a martyr....take your pain meds round the clock for now and as Va suggested, use ice packs...those seem to help me some. Whitney

Thanks, Whitney. It sounds as if you've had a rough patch of things post-WLS as well. I've asked Va how to use the ice packs - I wasn't told anyting about this. My stomache area isn't nearly as swollen as it was last week, although it looks as if my "new" belly button is infected. Very red and painful. I hope your hernia issues are behind you now! Take care, sweetie. Reenie