had surgery six days ago

Hi everyone, well it's six days since my surgery and I'm feeling so weak and tired.  Dr. Hornbostel found a hernia in my belly button so repaired that as well as my bypass.  My blood count when I left the hospital was only 8.5 and I guess it's suppose to be around 10-13.  I've been taking my Opti-Source faithfully and my calcium.  No drinks taste good and I'm struggling getting my liquids down.  My hands and feet have been freezing the past few days which is really weird because I'm usually very hot blooded.  I think all of this is playing on my mind.  I keep scaring myself that I'm wasting away.  Today I had two tablespoons of cream of chicken soup even though I'm not suppose to yet.  I just thought it might get my strength up a bit.  It seems to stay down good.  Another thing that is kinda gross is I keep having really loose stools probably eight times a day.  Is this normal?  My weight loss is going well.  I had to do the two weeks liquid diet before surgery and have loss 23 pounds since then.  Any advise would be greatly appriciated. Thanks Julie

Hi Julie.  I know just what you mean about the cold hands and feet - I was so hot natured before surgery but stay colder most of the time now.  That might be from taking in so much fewer calories than we were used to.  I also had the loose stools problem until just about a week ago, I think it was from not having any solid foods for so long.   My doc said it was normal for the first little while.  Just keep up with your fluids and things will get easier each day.   Sounds like your weight loss is coming along fantastic.    Just remember that it's hard at first, but of course, if you have any questions or doubts, it never hurts to call your doctor to talk about it.   I am only 5 weeks out, so I'm not exactly a pro at this yet, but I hope something I've said helps a little.  There are lots of good people here who will respond with some great advice.   Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.  : )

Hi, Julie! I had my lap rny on 3/5/07.  I have lost a total of 111 and am offically 2 pounds under my goal.  I didn't have a hernia, however, my blood count dropped and I had to be given 2 pints of blood.  Thankfully, I had 2 pints of my own blood drawn prior to surgery and was able to use that.  I had a 102 temp by the time I got home of 3/7/07 and had pneomia (sp?).  Dr. H put be on an antibotic that night.  Within a couple days I felt better.  I don't remember having cold hands and feet back then.  I now have cold feet most of the time.  I do remember having loose stools for quite awhile after surgery.  I also had a period every two weeks for a couple of months.  Thankfully the loose stools and the 2x monthly periods resolved themselves within a few months after surgery. I'm glad you're taking your Opti-Source and Calcium faithfully.  I hope you are getting in your protein shakes and at least some of your water.  As Mama Jan and Lovely Lana would say, sip, sip, sip! Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your progress! Debbie D.

WOOOO HOOOO .....Another looser on the bench!! Congrats Juli!! Hang in there sweetie..it takes a bit of time to get use to the changes you will be going thru..Including eating such smaller portions...But you will do great and it sounds like you have a great start on the weight loss....Keep up the good work... Luv & Hugs..Tammy~ammy