Post Op and confused

Hi I know I haven't posted this weekend. Well It is Monday, my husband went off to work, and I managed to get through another day post op. My staples are annoying, I am physically cold, and I have a lot of mixed up feelings about my new life. Since surgery on 01/28/04 I haven't been able to eat, have sex, or go to work. People say the first two weeks are the worst, after that it starts to get better. I thank God for my daughter who calls or visits me every day. I do not make a good patient, feeling a little under par is scary. I could use some words of encouragement. I need to hear from people who are sure they did the right thing.

Hi Susan! I know what you mean about feeling out of sort. I had my surgery on 1/26/04. I haven't had many problems with drinking but I'm hoping that when I see my doctor Friday I'll be moved to the next stage. I don't make a good patient either but hang in there. It does seem to be getting a little better every day. I had a tough time with the binder I had to wear. I'm at the point now where I feel comfortable enough not to have to wear it. There are times though when it feels like the incision is pulling I'll put the binder back on. Take time with things. Especially going back to work. That will come soon enough. It's important to concentrate on getting your fluid and proteins in as much as possible to help you get back to your old self. I went out yesterday for the first time to a Bridal show at Mohegan Sun and by the time I came back I was really tired but it also felt good. If you'd like to talk to me privately email me at [email protected] I'll be glad to talk with you. I think the more of us that keep in touch who are close in surgery dates the better it is support wise. Don't be discouraged. There's a few of us that are going through the same thing right now. Take care. Lucy Houle

Hi Susan, I had my surgery on 1/26/04 and the first 2 weeks are rough. I know what you mean about the mixed feelings. It is scarey at to know that there is no going back. Change is scarey. I was upset for a couple days thinking I could never eat what I want. I just began eating yesterday and life is getting better. Walking is a big think, takes your mind off eating. We have all made the right decision for our health. Everyday will get better I promise. You can always email me is you need to talk or anything [email protected]. Hang in there. The best things in life take patience and determination. Please smile and know you did this for you and your life will soon change. Hang in Patty

Good Morning Susan! I know what you are feeling. Had my surgery one week ago. Had plenty of people at my house when I came home on Friday but come Monday, I was flying solo. I think boredom will be my biggest challenge over the next 2 weeks while I am home. I suggest you get yourself as comfortable as possible... turn up the heat, sit on a heating pad, put on your warmest robe and do whatever you want that doesn't cause you pain. I feel this is truly a temporary inconvenience and know that eventually I will be able to eat most of the foods I enjoyed previously. What I will learn during this period is how to manage portion control and retrain myself to eat the way I should have all these years. Even though I had a bad night last night with a little tummy pain bothering me all night, I still look forward to what's to come. Hang in there Susan. It's all up hill from here! Lyn

Hi Susan, I had my surgery 10/6 and while it is just 4 months ago, it seems like a lifetime becuase I've gone through a lifetime of changes. In the beginning I would think "What the BLEEP did I do to myself?" and I felt this way for the first month, maybe even 6 weeks. Once you turn that corner though theres no looking back and there is no other feeling except happiness and gratification. And yes, you too will feel this way, all post-ops do! I would enjoy the time off, take one day at a time, LISTEN to your body and follow your Dr's instructions to a T. Walking helps, even if it's a little at a time. I'm in New Britain, not too far from you. If you need ANYTHING, please let me know. Someone to listen, someone to vent to or a walking partner. Email me at [email protected] and I'll give you my number. Hang in there, we all know what the early stages are like, but it is WORTH IT!!

I had the surgery 3 months ago; I remember the beginning and it was soooo emotionally draining. You can't eat, you miss your foods, you don't have energy, etc. All I can say is I think just about everyone goes through a stage where they're miserable about their choice, but it does get better. Once you're out & about and can actually practice the eating you learned about before the surgery, you'll have more confidence in your decision and you'll be happy you did it. Hang in there!!

Susan, hang in there! I had a little bit of a rough time when I got home, I couldn't take the pain meds, they made me dump!! Then I was always cold ; this is because of a low fat diet and that the fat is leaving the tissue around your major organs! Then the third week after the surgery I was slightly depressed! I missed my best friend ( FOOD) By the forth week, I was loosing, not in pain, was eating solid food and could have sex again, and wanted too! I am three month post -op and have lost 43 ponds and have gone from a size 22 to a tight 14. This is what has kept me going! Exercise of all things really helps. I enjoy it now ( never thought that would happen) I have to make myself go every day. But I always feel like I am doing what I need to for me and my health. Hang in there it does get better!! Cathy Marques

Susan Susan Susan, honi.....it WILL get better, I promise. SEX?? Your thinking about sex? You are WAY ahead of me even thinking about it!! lol ok, seriously, try these things. Try putting a small pillow between your knees when you lay down, it will relieve a little of the pressure on your staples. Do use the heating pad as suggested, the cold feeling will wear off, but the heating pad REALLY helps! Also, as already suggested, keep telling yourself, THIS IS TEMPORARY, it WILL pass and it WILL get better, you have to hang in there! Some people breeze through some don't. I didn't either. I had infections, strictures, and thought it would never end. I didn't lose much weight either and thought "what did I do?" You DID do the right thing, for sure. Please please, I will send you my phone number regular email. Call me if you need to vent, anytime! love Cheryl

Daer Susan, I haven't had my surgery yet, but I did want to lend my support too! Hang in there! This is a complete life change. Look at it this way,it took you your whole life to get heavy but now the rest of your life will be healthy! It will take a while I am sure. Just keep thinking about the good days ahead! Good luck, Christine (You better save this message for me when I have my surgery, I'll be needing encouragement too! LOL)

Susan: I am 8 weeks post op and couldn't be happier about my decision. I have lost 61 lbs. so far and I am ecstatic. I did have some emotional issues right after surgery. After all, you have chosen to give up something that has always been a comfort to you...food. Trust me. It gets better everyday. You get more energy as time goes on. Don't doubt your decision. You have definitely done the right thing. Good Luck. Donna