4 1/2 weeks out - hitting a depressing stage

This is my first post, so please be patient. I had open RNY on 9/12/03. Everything is going great. I tried to go back to work 1/2 days after two weeks and ended up an emotional and physical wreck by the fourth day, so the doc told me three more weeks off. I feel ok - only a couple dumping episodes. I have a hard time remembering to eat, so I usually wait until I'm shaky and headachey before I realize. I'm trying to be more careful -- but it seems like I always have something in my mouth when I follow the schedule. I've been really down the last week. I've read through the manual given to me after surgery and it looks like it's normal, but I don't like being down here. How long do we have to wait before we can go back to the Y and exercise? I think that would help. The hardest thing lately has been my knee pain. I had hoped it would get better, but it hasn't yet. It has actually gotten a lot worse--probably from the increased walking. Any ideas? Well, enough grumpiness for now. Hopefully my next post will be more uplifting.

Tammy keep in mind the positives. You got the surgery done. You are on your way to success. It will not happen overnight and everyones body is on a different time scale. At the end of the day focus on something positive in your recovery like I did not overeat today, no nausea, I exercised more than the previous day etc. I believe in you.

I am 16 days out and understand how you feel. Just list the improvements in your life since the surgery and know there will be more rewards to come. I have trouble doing the walking because of my lung problems. My doctor even advised me to stop walking when my breathing became labored. Do not worry about being grumpy. Your honesty will help everyone because we have the same thoughts and concerns. Your honesty allows us to know others feel the same way. God Bless Cindy