I'm scared

Post Date: 12/1/08 7:54 am Hi everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  It's hard to believe that it's December!  Good luck to all of you who have a December date ~ it's finally here. I need some help for myself.  I am almost 3 weeks post op and I am having some issues in my body as well as my mind and honestly it terrifies me.  I have lost 15 pounds since my surgery.  Does that sound about average to you all?  I have days that I feel great physically and then I can crash and burn in no time and lay on the couch for two days because I feel so bad.  No strength or energy.  I go back to work in 2 weeks and Im so scared because my job requires alot of energy and fast pacing.  In my mind I feel like I will never be "normal" again.  I feel like I will never feel like my old self and have been quite depressed about this.  I hope the surgery was worth it because my mind is really doing a number on me.  When I do have to return to work I will be 4 weeks post op.  What kinds of snacks do I need to take to work to be able to keep my stomach full and to stay on schedule?  I would appreciate any ideas or comments from anyone who can help.  I feel scared about the way I'm feeling. Thank you all - you always give such good advice. Debbie

There really is no 'average' when it comes to weight loss - we all have a different journey so its important not to compare yourself to others. Also the surgery is more than just weight loss - look at everything.. inches lost, things you can do now you couldnt before, off meds, medical conditions improved, feeling better etc. You will eventually feel more normal... you just had a major surgery afterall so keep that in mind. Its normal to feel cruddy after any procedure.. anesthesia is hard on the body. You will be fine going back to work.. just do what you gotta do ya know? I went back to work only a few days after surgery.. had no choice. It was rough at first but I pushed thru it. As for snacks it depends on what your surgeon allows... I was on soft foods at that stage so I ate things like yogurt, cottage cheese, soft meats (usually cooked in the crock pot or in soup), soups, soft cheeses (string cheese) etc.. just bring a good variety of what you know works for you and try and avoid trying new foods at work (just never know how it will work out!).
Just know that it will get better and keep focused on the future... take each day as it comes and know that it will get better and better as time passes!

Debbie,

in one of the support groups I went to they were discussing protien. One lady was saying she has some days she really feels bad. Those were the days she was not getting in all of her protien. One of the facilitators told her to go to GNC and get the protien power shots that are in the test tube containers. Next meeting this lady was talking about how much better she was feeling.

Are you getting enough protien in. I know you are only a couple of weeks out. Talk to the nutritionist and staff and see what they say. They are there to help you.

Tamara

I ditto everything Jennifer said. Most important is getting in that protein so you dont feel like your about to drop dead. I work at home so I have the kitchen here..but if I had to work outside the house I would make sure I had peanut butter, yogurt, protein shakes, protein bars..whatever your doctor says you can have..make sure its got protein!! hold your head up, things WILL get better

Darcie

I posted you a long reply awhile ago, Debbie, but I accidentally pressed my laptop's power button and lost everything I wrote!  Argh!  Here I try again...

As for your weight-loss, I personally had lost 7.6 lbs. post-op by day 10.  That would average out to 15.2 lbs. come day 20 if I continue to lose this way.  I'd say we are very similar in regards to weight-loss.  Please try to resist the urge to compare yourself to others because this is YOUR journey and it won't be the exact same an everyone, or anyone, else. 

I'm so with you on the energy level thing too.  By the time I am finished with a shower, I barely have the energy to dry myself, let alone get dressed.  I have been crashing on the bed under the covers for 15-30 minutes until I've regained a second wind before I do get dressed.  Part of the emotional me is saying, "I can't believe I went through this to have more energy and now I have less!" but then the logical me says, "Be patient, you've just had major surgery and will feel better eventually!" 

Make sure to get in your protein and your supplements, especially your B12.  Remember that depression can zap one's energy completely so if you feel like you are to a point that you need help with it, make sure to see your doctor.  I hope you see a huge improvement over the next 2 weeks!  {{{Hugs}}}