3 weeks after open RNY; feeling horrible

Yesterday it was 3 weeks since I had open RNY.  Yes, I knew that open surgery recovery was going to be difficult (body trying to heal an 8 in*****ision (not to mention the actual RNY part) on VERY few calories per day), and I know it has ONLY been 3 weeks, but... The last couple of days I have felt like crap (and, to add insult to inujry, I haven't lost any weight in 3 days).  I have some gross stuff oozing from the lower part of my incision, so am taking antibiotics, and Dr. Rita says that I have some fluid buildup under there (which is why I have pain around my waist... which makes it hurt to do almost anything, including walk). 

I'm queasy before I eat, the first couple of bites/sips of everything hurt (then it's ok), and then sometimes after I eat I feel queasy.  No actual vomiting, though.   I'm SO tired after the slightest exertion and am growing weary of trying to force in protein.  The protein powders and protein bullets both make me gag (they didn;t bother me when I was on the pain meds, though!), and I'm so sick of chicken and refried beans.  At least I am not having any trouble with milk (thank heaven), and I can hide some of the protein powder in yogurt or SF pudding (only 1/2 serving, though... even the SF pudding has too much sugar alcohol).  I'm just tired and cranky from the continued pain, I guess... and -- sorry, folks, not directed at any INDIVIDUAL -- feeling extra cranky toward those who were able to have lap surgery instead of open. I've lost 26 pounds since surgery... and I am thankful for that, but I feel so crappy this week, and then my weight being "stuck" for 3 days (yes, they warned me there might be a mini-plateau about 3-4 weeks)... I guess I just need to vent.  Or maybe have a good cry.

Please reassure me that this will pass.

Lora

OK first off YOUR normal in wanting to vent or have a good cry!!!!!!!!!!! A lot of hormones are stored in our fat cells and we lose them FAST with WLS.  I know it's hard but really try to get in your protein. You will heal faster and now with a small infection you need all the protein you can get in.  Have you tried WENDY'S CHILI?? Or try cooking your meats in a CROCK POT. You can put different spices in with your chicked and give it a different flavor. What about very lean ground beef or ground turkey? You could mix it in with your refired beans and give it a different taste.  Pork in the crock pot is really good also, you could put just a little BBQ sauce on it great pulled pork just like Smokey Bones.  I know it's hard but try to only weigh yourself once a week.  Trust all of us who have been there done that, at about this time you think 'WHAT THE H@#! HAVE I DONE TO MY BODY'  Things WILL/do get better.  We're all here for you.  Robin

Yes,  It will pass!!  You will feel better.  At 3 weeks I thought I had ruined my life, but now I know I really saved it.  I remember not wanting to get up in the morning knowing I was in for a day of pain and nausea.  Just take one day at a time and life will slowly get back to a better normal. The first few bites/sips need to be ridiculously small so they don't hurt.  Eat whatever your body will allow you to.  I ate fat free hot dogs dipped in mustard, low salt pretzels, and lots of mozerella cheese.  And stay off the scale.  You're going to lose weight - just relax and believe it. I too resented all those who sailed through their surgeries and wondered what was wrong with me that I wasn't out walking a mile the following week, but everyone is different I guess.  Just give yourself time, keep moving as much as you can, even if it's laps around the house.   Take care and good luck! Cal

Lora,

What do you expect?   You had MAJOR SURGERY.  You know when I had my hysterectomy my doctor told me that it takes the body 1 year to heal completely inside.  And....it's just been three weeks for you. 

Just like Robin said,  get that protein in.  Have you tried the unflavored one?  You can add it to almost anything you cook.  Take it easy and don't be so hard on yourself.  Just worry about getting well.

Good Luck,

Peggy 

Thanks to all.   Of course, you are right... 3 weeks is not very long at all.  I was warned not to compare my recovery with those who had lap procedures, but I guess (despite my efforts to the contrary) I *have* been. I baked a turkey breast this afternoon, and had just a very small amount of (jar) turkey gravy to help with moistness, and it was SO nice to eat something different...! Lora

I was supposed to have Lap, but had to be converted to open in the middle of surgery. I had a lot of complications and was in the hospital for 10 days. My first 4 weeks home I cried every day. I had buyers remorse, was in pain, retained so much water I gained 30 lbs in the hospital and spent the first month getting back to my presurgery weight!! I ahd great support and was assured by my docotr that by the 3 month mark, I would feel great. Did I believe him? NO!! I could not ever imagine feeling better. I even had to have my incision cut b/c it was not healing right. I thought I would never feel better, then one day I noticed I was sleeping on my side. That felt great. My first walk was to my mailbox and back. Everyday I went a little furthur--like to the neighbors driveway. Small, small, small steps, bites and progress. You WILL get your energy back. Nap when you need to, walk when you can and be nice to yourself. Welcome to the journey baby! You know, yesterday was 3 months and I feel AMAZING.  

I'm sorry you had such a hard time with your surgery, but thank you so much for sharing.  It really DOES help to know that all this is normal.  I simply MUST stop reading posts from folks who had lap surgeries are are out walking a mile a day a few weeks later! LOL I just feel so silly for being so teary, when I KNOW that this was the best thing for me... but right now this STINKS and I am so afraid I will not be ready to go back to work on time. Lora

Lora,  I too had open RNY and so understand. I was not a nice person for just over a month. My pain meds and reglan was my best friends for awhile. Sleep when you feel like you need too. I slept alot and walked about 20 minutes after taking pain meds and I was able to get my walking in that way. SIP SIP SIP on water. That's gonna make a huge difference. You've got alot of water and fat stored up. It's gonna be moving around and going away all the time. If you noly check your weight once a week you won't freak out so much about  the weight. Sometimes just talking to someone that has been there and understand makes all the difference. If you ever want someone to talk to let me know and I'll pass along my number. I know it helped me and no one was really going through what I went through. So it was nice to come here and fine help. Hang in there, hun.

Lora,

You just had major surgery It will take time. Are you walking 3 times a day even if it is to the corner and back. You will feal better. Pattie

You are all very lucky who could eat any solid food at three weeks out.It took me almost 2 months to have any kind of meat.Be patient, things will get better.