Post op blues - what have I done? Please help.

I had surgery Wed 7-05 and since I've been home I have the blues. Does everyone feel this way, is it normal and how do you overcome this? Does it just take time? It's so easy to loose focus of why I did this in the first place. I know I needed it to live a full life and be healthy, I just have to remember that. Please encourge me!

I know how you feel Pam. I was so used to eating........all the time that I had too much time on my hands to think. I went outside a lot & walked. That got me away from food & I would increase the walk every time. I missed crunching & eating food. The 1st month is the hardest. You're on a special diet & your stomach is still healing & the things you use to eat now make you throw up. I keep a "losers journal". I weight every Sat & record it & add up my weight loss. 1st I had to clean off the scales cause they hadn't been used in a long time. Now my friends & family call me on Sat for the update! I never thought I'd get excited about the scales but I do now. Take it in small steps. You didn't get to your weight overnight so it's going to take time.You have wow moments every week. I can wear my wedding rings now & get into clothes I haven't seen in years. A postive attitude is very important. You'll be losing lbs but gaining a healthy future. It's all so worth it!!

Thank you Ginny, you are right, and all of the reponses really does help me know I am not alone. What a difference it makes. I feel better today, I was having a down moment yesterday. Thanks again.

I haven't had surgery yet, but that is exactly the same thing I keep reading from others that have, but they end up writing later about how good they feel, etc. I have to call Dr. Gellers office tomorrow and make my surgery appt. I think it will be in August. I hope you get to feeling better. Michelle

Hey Michelle, did you get your date? Let me know when it is. I hope you have the same nurses I had at Suburban, they were great. Thanks for your reply. I don't know how I could get through this without OH.

Hi Pam, It's totally normal to feel that way. This is just something thats gonna take time, You just had a major surgery and you're gonna have to adjust to the way things are now. I can assure you everyday it does get better, I was really weak for the first 3 weeks after surgery but each day I could feel my strength coming back. It's the greatest feeling when you can look into the mirror and see yourself changing and hearing other people compliment you on how good you're doing. So far I haven't had the head hunger that alot of people experience but it did hit me during the first week, Just try to stay positive and think ahead to how much better your life is gonna be. I've lost 124 pounds since Feb 20th, Off of all meds I was taking, No longer have sleep apnea, and I feel better than I did 10 years ago. I didn't have any complications like some people have, but everyone I've talked to that has experienced complications said they would go through it all again and I would too. So if you have any questions about anything just let us know or email me anytime, I'll be glad to help ya. Take care and I hope you start feeling better.

Hi, Pam. It is perfectly normal. For the second wee till the sixth week after my RNY I was so depressed and really questioned why I had done this to myself. I told everyone who asked that I regretted having done this to myself. Then, like magic my mood changed. The weight was falling off and my energy was better. The pain was almost gone. I just felt so much better. I do not regret having this surgery at all now. Give it time and be patient. Talk to someone if you have to. It will get better in time. Cyndie

Hi Cynthia, Thanks for your post. I read your profile and you and I have alot of similar things, weight and all. You are doing great & looking great and keep up the good work. I guess I am lucky, so far I haven't thrown up. I am being very careful with what I put in my mouth. Making usre it's all soft mushy stuff and I am measuring every serving. It's working so far. Thanks for the encouragement.

Tony, thank you. You are an inspiration. Yeah, the head hunger was kind of with me yesterday and I had to shake it off. Going through all these changes really does mess with your emotions. I appreciate all of you helping me on OH.

Hi Pam It is so normal. You feel like crap. Find something to keep yourself busy. I would look on this site at the before and after pictures. That way I knew where I would be in a year. Also there is the site for people who had surgery the same month and year as you. This way you can see how other people are doing that had surgery at the same time. But I do remember asking What have I done but you know it is all worth it. Good luck, Keep your chin up. Jane 296'166/154