First week post-op-others experiences??

I just had rou-en-y (sp?) last week and went to my first post-op doc appointment.  I have lost 2 lbs i don't know if that's because of swelling or?  Doc didn't seem to concerned about it and said as long as i'm losing it's great.  I know i'm just barely out of surgery but i thought i would have lost more weight since all i am consuming is liquid.  I haven't had dumping, pain, just stiffness in my stomach and feeling bloated.  If anyone is interested in sharing their post-op experience it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hi izzyb2oo, your stomach area is healing from being pumped with air during surgery. The two pounds is two pounds gone forever! Your body has jut been through major surgery, and the IV fluids cause retention, and just it may take up to a month to actually feel the new 'normal'. Helpful pointers:  you may likely become very emotional, as estrogen is stored in fat cells, and as you rapidly lose, those levels will affect the emotions.  Hopefully you're seeing a licensed psychologist to help sort out emotions, especially this first year of amazements! It's quite the head trip, wrapping the brain around the reality of the new shrinking you! Try not to get into the habit of daily weighing, as now being two years out (as of Friday) there are times the scale varies four pounds in a single day. Most importantly, be sure to take your measurements regularly, because down the road there will be times your clothes will be looser, and the scale may seem broken, showing no loss. Getting a monthly pic is a wonderful way to 'see' yourself getting smaller, and will help your head 'get it'. You'll be losing inches more so than pounds sometimes. Journaling is good for sorting out your feelings, good and bad, and it's really interesting later on to go back and read things you'll actually forget about down the road!   Enjoy the ride!  Reminder:  get into the habit of sipping, sipping, sipping, walking, walking, walking!  I'd been advised the first six months are crucial toward establishing healthy habits.  Nobody knows when the appetite will return--sometimes four months, sometimes six, though I was very fortunate not to feel genuine hunger for fifteen months. You'll do  just great! Take care of you, and we're here for you any time hon!   Hugs galore, Patti

Hi Patti,

Thank you so much for your inspiration and congratulations on your new life!  I am in the habit of checking the scale i must confess and i am in the process of getting into counseling to handle my emotions right now.  You had a lot of great information that i'm going to put to use.  Thanks for your reply and thanks for the support!  Have a wonderful day

Izzy

I actually felt really good phsyically after surgery except for the bloated feeling but walking really helped.   I think the worst part was the first two weeks after surgery was the mental torture I was in.  I became super obsessed with food not eating it but looking up receipies and watching Food Network.  I had to go back to work early because I just couldn't get my brain to stop thinking about food.  I really learned how much before surgery I had turned to food when I felt anxious so I had to find a new outlet to calm myself.  It got better as time went on but for sure those first few weeks are the toughest.

Hi Kathy,

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and helping me in the process.  I find myself obsessed with food as well.  Since i dont eat it i'm constantly looking online for recipes but i can't see the food network. . .the food looks too good.  I totally turned to food pre-surgery when i felt anxious, depressed.  I am going out for walks trying to redirect my thoughts to something else.  And i am in the process of getting into counseling to help deal with my emotions as i have been crying a lot for no reason.  Even though things are kind of up in the air i am still glad i had the operation. I know this is a new way of life for me and i can do anything. 

Have a awesome day!!

Izzy