One month out with bad habits forming.

I've been off the board for about a month now.  Since my surgery on Dec 4th I have lost weight and have caught a cold that put me back on the couch for a week.  So all total, I was on the couch for 3 weeks out of the month.  So awful.

I'm on the other side of the cold, but have found that this weight loss stuff isn't very easy...well, maybe I should say that the after care isn't easy?  What I mean is that when I find things are not yummy, tolerable, or plain icko, I tend to not take them/eat/drink them.  So, then I go without.  PNC makes you wait 4 - 5 weeks to have MASHED food.  I have been eating pureed food.  My vitamins aren't yummy, and my liquid prescription is not so fun either.  So, needless to say, I don't take my meds when I should.

I sleep until 10:30 most every day.  I have no job, but am looking.  I'm weak from not drinking often enough, not eating often enough and maybe blue as well.  I have not had any energy to go to the weekly coffees and I'm not getting out much. ****il now).

All the above being said, I scold myself and try to get into a routine.  If I talk to someone about it, most reply with authoritative scolding about taking meds/eating/drinking.  I need a sympathetic ear/coaxing due to already feeling picked on from having the cold and pulling muscles from coughing so being limited there too.

Exercise has been null as well due to the recovery I have afore mentioned. 

Is there any one out there who has gone this route and struggled, overcome, and has some kind advice?

I developed bronchitis after having my 2nd child via C-section, so I know what you're feeling in that regard - just been cut open (at least several small cuts), and coughing and feeling like crap while trying to nurture this new little life (in your case, your tool).  Much as you love and want only the best for your new little life (your pouch), you want to feel better too, dammit!

Sound understanding enough?

I'm afraid I can't tell you it's okay to blow off your water, your supplements, your protein intake.  YOU KNOW that's what you signed on for when you decided to have surgery, so anyone who tells you otherwise is NOT your friend. 

Do you want to end up back in the hospital with an IV because you've become dehydrated? 
I doubt it.

Do you want to take the chance that you could suffer eventual brain damage because you didn't like the taste of your vitamins? 
I doubt it.

Do you want to take LONGER to heal and enjoy the benefits of your tool because you don't get your protein in? 
I doubt it.

I'm not trying to be a b*tch, but what you WANT to hear and what you NEED to hear are two very different things.

You don't have to like your new relationship with food, water and supplements - lots of us go through the whole "buyers remorse" deal!  Even nearly 3 years out, sometimes I really wish my pouch didn't limit the amount of (fill in the blank) I can eat.  But YOU SIGNED ON FOR THIS.  Vitamins taste gross?  Too bad.  You don't have to like them - but you DO have to take them!  Finding it hard to get your water in?  Try some of the different mix-ins!  Wallyworld has the best selection and prices.  Try them cold, try them room temp, you can even try them hot.  JUST GET THE FLUID IN.

If you are already having trouble committing yourself to what PNC taught you, what's in your little handbook, you are setting yourself up for a lot of frustration, possibly failure, potentially even worse. 

PLEASE take care of YOU - 'cuz that's what WLS all boils down to, putting whats BEST for you, FIRST.  Any and all "sacrifices" you make to respect this gift you've been given will be IMMEASURABLY WORTH IT!!!

Hi Teresa, I am banded & have not experienced being ill after surgery, but can only imagine the discomfort & pain from coughing. I do agree with Darla. You need to try to get your protein & water in, which will help you recover faster as well as give you energy. I'm not going to scold you, we all need a sympathetic ear from time to time. Hope your feeling better soon!

Kristy

Sorry you got sick right after surgery, that stinks!  The quicker you can force yourself to start moving more the better. I waited too long to begin exercising, even just 20-30 minutes of walking a day.  I believe my muscles paid the price. I had no energy for the first few months after surgery due to my lack of movement. 

I'm not going to tell you not to take your vitamins cause they're important. Find one you can tolerate because this will be life long.  In the scheme of things if you're struggling with water, protein and vits, I say make water #1 focus, protein grams #2, vitamins 3.  The more protein you get the better you'll feel, same with water, and lack of vitamins contributes to a host of physical and MENTAL issues.

My hormones went crazy after surgery, if you feel down, perhaps inquire about an anti-depressant, or if you're already on one, make sure it's still the right type/dose post surgery.  I don't think extended release work post op. One of my medications had to be changed.

Maybe you just needed to vent. I hope you feel better soon and can start taking little steps to work on your water, protein and vitamins. IT IS HARD, but you can do it.   I think once you do you'll start feeling better all around.

HI I thought I would chime in on this.  The day after surgery (December 18th) I developed a cough and I still have said cough today.  The first tuesday I called the clinic because I was barely able to get 30 oz of water in me with out feeling sick and some discomfort.  I did try to get the water down by adding crystal light and other things to make it taste better. 

There are good tasting vitamins out there. I suggest you go online and order some samples and try them out before buying.  There are sites that give out recipes for protien drinks, and many of the online stores also do samples so you can try them before buying a big jug.

I have to admit that I've not felt the best and my exersice hasn't been that much, but I do try to a little every day.  You will have to push yourself, but remember you are doing this for your health.  You will get over this and will do well I'm sure of it, but you will need to do  a bit of research.

Hang in there,
Kim

Dear Teresa:

I feel your pain.  I understand that you are probably feeling depressed and perhaps you need to share those feelings either with a support group at coffee on Saturday or a professional.  it is normal to have those kinds of feelings.  We have, after all, just left an "abusive" relationship and are trying to deal with food on a more equal basis.  It makes it even harder to deal with it when the very thing we used to cope with painful situations in the past is the thing that we can not reach out to now.  Compound with that being alone and bored on a couch and isolated from people and support and you have a toxic ****tail. 

I too have the "i don't wannas" when it comes to walking and doing all the right things but I always feel better when I do.  I feel a lot better now that I have gotten out and socialized with others in our community.  I ecourage you to reach out just a little bit to others here (like you have now) and you will be amazed at how supportive they are. 

As for the vitamins and protein and the other essentials...  if you were caring for a child you would insist on them doing these things even if they did not want to do it.   You have given birth to a small pouch that will change your life for the better.  You need to nuture that little one and make sure it is taken care of and cared for.  It will make all the difference...

Kevin

 Hi Teresa,

Can I make a suggestion?  Get a dog.  It sounds like you may be depressed (I'm not a licensed professional! )  My experience is that when I sleep so much, my depression is out of whack.  But the dog, if possible, would help in so many ways.

1.  Nothing loves you more or as unconditionally as a dog.
2.  Dogs make you smile, a lot!
3.  Dogs make you remember to play.
4.  Dogs are happiest when you play.
5.  Dogs love WALKS!  
6.  Dogs LOVE WALKS with their humans!
7.  Walking is good for you and the dog.
8.  Walking will get you up, outta the house
9.  Walking will improve your blood circulation, improve your brain power and improve the overall way you feel.
10.  The overall way you feel will change drastically when you have a dog as a partner in action.

I just lost my dog.  She wa**** by a car and died.  I haven't been out of the house since.  I'm writing this thinking, "hhmmm....maybe its me that needs the dog!"  But, its something to consider.

You are weak and tired because you are not getting the nutrition you need.  It is amazing what a little protein will do.  I couldn't drink the protein after surgery.  This made it very difficult.  

I am also struggling after surgery.  I've finally connected with a support group.  It will get me out of the house, moving and talking.  I'm hoping it will be the kick in the butt that I need to get back on track before it is TOOO LATE!  I fear rupturing my little pouch more than anyone will know.  

Not sure if it helps, take it or leave it.  But I do wish the best for you.  Sometimes it takes baby-steps, but those steps help us.  We often need to find a way to help ourselves....whether we want to or not.

I have welcomed your advice and gentle chastising.  I have since gotten a little routine started with my pills, I have started looking for a dog that would be a good walking partner since my current 11 year old Papillon will freeze to death out there.  I am going to coffee on Saturday with the gang and a continuing to socialize.  Amazing how the mentality you get when you are all alone with your family is so lax since they don't know what is the right thing to say or do.  I think I resist them a bit more cuz "how would you know" creeps into my thoughts.  But here....you all know and it is great to be amongst you all again.

Thank you all for your great words of encouragement!