I'm Home From Surgery

Hello everyone, I got home yesterday afternoon after having my lap gastric bypass surgery on Tuesday at Norwalk Hospital. This was my first surgery ever and thank goodness the nurses and staff were so nice and sympathetic. I did freak out about 3 times, crying hysterically and not really knowing why. It definitely hurt to cry that hard, but I didn't have much control over it. The surgery went just fine and I'm on clear liquids every 15 minutes that I'm up and awake. I've walked a couple of times in the parking lot, but my leg cramps are one of the main reasons I needed this surgery, so I'm not going to push as hard as I might with lots of walking right off the bat. I did crush up a Quinine pill for foot cramps and took it with chicken broth. Now that was vile!!!! I'm glad I have done this, but I'm fighting some depression and trying not to think about the foods I so heavily counted on every day. I do miss them so. I won't be eating them - that's for sure. My doc says that my new pouch is 2/3 the size of a golf ball. I believe it! I have painful burping every time after having my 2 oz of clear liquids, but they are getting less painful. I actually did this! I think I'm in shock! I can't wait for a number of weeks to pass so that I see some results and hopefully they will make up a bit for truly missing "my beloved food" so much. I'm still pretty emotional, and I expect that will lessen as the days go by too. Have a great week everyone! Love, Linda.

Welcome Back Linda I know everything seems strange right now but it will all begin to fall into place pretty quickly. Just sip slowly and the burping should ease. I find that when I eat too much I will either burp alot or have a very runny nose! Kind of weird but hey.....You know what after a while you won't even be missing all of those foods that you used to love. Most of the time I don't even think of it anymore. There are occasions but they are not all the time and for the most part manageable. Just heal and relax right now. You are on your way!!! Linda

I'm so happy for you. Sorry I can't really relate to what your experiencing right now since I am just begining this. I wish you a very speedy recovery and if you ever need anything just let me know. I'll do anything I can to help you out. Gina

Linda! YOU DID IT!! I am so happy for you. Listen, this depression will pass, I remember I had it too, I'd start bawling for no reason and I think probably getting addicted to Lifetime Channel didn't help. Anyway, I promise things WILL get better, you'll notice each day, that's one of the wonderful things about this surgery, you don't have to wait very long to begin reaping some of the benefits. So like Linda says, be easy on yourself, let your body and your mind heal. This was a huge step for you and you were shaky going in, so tell yourself this mantra when things get rough. "I WILL be able to cross my legs" I WILL be able to sit in any chair I choose. I WILL like the person I AM INSIDE!!! Oh, and Linda, I hiccup when I am full! It's so funny. Especially lovely when I am out in a restaurant love, Cheryl

Hi Linda, welcome back!!! I'm glad you are home and feeling so great about your decission. Maggie

Welcome home!! As the other ladies have said, your depression will ease and you'll adjust to this new lifestyle. I was very down for the first few weeks, but I can tell you that 6 months later I am so much happier and very glad that I had the surgery. I have energy again! Best of luck to you. Kathy F.

Hi Linda, Congratulations on a successful surgery! Everything will fall into place. Try not to worry about the things that you can't control, and concentrate on the wonderful changes you are making in your life. The first few weeks are difficult - but once you get to chew food again, you will feel better. You will find that you don't really miss many foods, and that eventually, you will be able to eat many of them. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 - 84 lbs.

Welcome home, Linda! Like everyone else said, the depression will lift, and before you know it your old friend food will be replaced by new friends...shopping for smaller clothing, sitting comfortable in a booth, movie theater, etc and my favorite, shopping. Yes, I mentioned it twice, being my new best friend I thought it deserves to be repeated! Keep us informed, we all care! -Deb

Linda, Welcome home. Hopefully, as the weight comes off, the leg cramps will go away. I know I'm gonna be a crier too! I never was one to cry a lot until I got pregnant with my first child and then! It seems the older I get, the more emotional I get! Oh well, that's my perogative as a woman! Good luck losing! Christine

Hey Linda: Glad to hear that you're home and that things went well. I know that you'll do fine and that your feelings will begin to even out. Every day is a challenge, a new experience, and most of all a chance to learn. I look forward to meeting you at the next support group meeting. See you there! Bob