Questions??

I don't want to sound bad for asking this and hope you will all ease my mind.  As you know, I just joined this group a few days ago as husband and I are having our first meeting at St V's next week and hoping to have surgery.

I have been reading a lot of posts about people being very tired and not feeling well and trying to get into the doctor and etc.  SO my question is,  does everyone usually feel tired and not feel good even months after the surgery?

I am sure a lot of you were like me, very very excited about the possibility of having surgery but also scared of what will happen so this is why I am asking.

I am also a RN so I guess I am trying to read too much into these symptoms I am reading.

Ease my mind ---Thanks, Terry

I had my surgery in Feb and have no problems. I had some initial problems the first few days after surgery with drinking or eating too much/fast. I think that those who do not have any problems do not often post. Most of the postings are from those who are having issues and are looking for support or to have their questions answered. When people are doing well they usually don't mention it, but they will let you know when something is wrong! There are many of us who have done well since surgery and find that we have increased energy and  feel better than we have in years. You may find going to a few support meetings in your area to be beneficial in meeting a wider range of people and listening to a wide variety of experiences.

Good luck in your journey. Cathy

Terry, I had my surgery in December, and haven't had any trouble at all. Alot of the trouble with those that are either tired or weak, is due to lack of certain vitamins and minerals that your body is missing due to the malabsorption factor after wls.  And, for those that haven't had any toubles at all, (such as myself) they are most likely tired due to the fact that now since they have lost so much weight, they feel well enough to get out and do so much more, thus the exhaustion from overdoing it physically.  Good luck to you and your husband in your journey into the future, healthier you!

Terry,
It's been 11 months since my surgery and I feel great!  I was tired for about a month after the surgery, but then I got alot more pep.  I haven't had any trouble getting in to see my Dr and her nurse, Marta, is a big help.    Now, if I start feeling tired, I just up my protein....either with a protein drink or a bar.
Good luck
Robin

Terry,... I know I was one posting about fatigue and not feeling generally well. I think to understand you need a little background. I suffer from a mood disorder anyway, and take meds for that, which control it really well, but make me a bit tired. I also work two jobs - one full-time and one part-time. I am married and have two children, one who has a disability. This summer in June, my family was flooded out of our apartment, we moved into temporary housing, my son had an exacerbation of his disability and was hospitalized for a week. I had a perforated ulcer and was hospitalized, wa**** by another car after coming home, and then moved into permanent housing. I think it's all just caught up to me. TIred for me, still means doing an awful lot, so I need all the energy I can get. I also want to be really healthy, so if I suspect my levels are off, I'm going to go to the doctor and get it checked out. I would rather make the appointment and find out how I'm doing, you know? I believe in being proactive about things. So that's my story.

PS. The perforated ulcer was the first and only real complication I've had from my RNY. I probably wouldn't have gotten it if I'd stayed away from the caffiene like I was supposed to. I let myself get back into the habit this year, and was up to 5-6 diet cokes a day. Not good for you. I am back off them, and after the first two weeks of headache, am doing fine now without.

Sounds like I just picked a bad day to read a bunch of messages   I have done a lot of research on the wls and this group is awesome.  I am really trying to be supportive of my husband also who is kinda nervous about the whole thing.  Guess I just needed to clarify how you were all feeling in general and if you have any regrets.


WOW Linda--no wonder you are tired and not feeling well.  I know the mood disorder has a lot to do with the physical symptoms, then add all the other stressors in your life and it can be overwhelming.  Take care of yourself.

Thanks to the rest of you for your support and encouragement.  It is amazing when I talk to people that have never thought of having the surgery, they tell you all the bad things and all the bad stories they hear.  You are right that when things go good, we do not talk about it but when something is wrong, everyone knows.

I know for sure though that I have to do this to get healthy.  As a nurse, you would think I would be but I honestly think it is time now for me to take care of myself the way I would my patients.  I keep picturing the diabetic patients I have taken care of over the years with amputations, on dialysis and blind and I do not want to get to that point.  My blood sugar is getting harder to control, my hips are hurting more and I have already had both knees replaced.  Plus the high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea.

Thanks again to all of you,  I wil definately pass all of your support and encouragement along to my husband Lyn.

Terry

Terry,

Thanks, I do try to take good care of myself. I found out today all my labs were normal, so that's good. I'm thinking I need more protein anyway though. for energy. I think that would help. So I'll try to eat better protein breakfasts.

Terry,

It seems like alot of u**** a tired wall at about 3-4 weeks post-op. I personally think in part that it's because we are feeling so well that we over-do it and forget that we ARE still recouperating from surgery. Also, we have to get use to getting enough protein in & if our B12 is low, or we get dehydrated, we can also be tired. At about 6 weeks though, the worse of that is usually behind us as we get use to getting our protein, water, and vitamins in.

Each person's journey tends to be unique..and yet similar. I know that doesn't make sence right now but it will eventually. If you read my profile, I've had some VERY unique things to happen and yet, individuals have experienced one or two similar things as I have. I hope to god none of them have experienced all of them though! I have never regretted having my RNY no matter what I have experienced. It really did save my life.

Sherri