4 days out and feeling confused

Hey,  my name is Karen and this is my first post on this site.  I have been reading through several post for a couple of days now and i'm still confussed about how i am feeling.

I had surgery on the 11th with out any complications.  About 4:30 saturday morning i began having terrible gas pains along with cramping and spasms in my esphogus (sp). 
Dr. Walton and is his staff were wonderful  they worked with me and stayed with me until they found the appropriate combination of meds to give me some relief.  i ended up staying over for the second night and i am really glad that i did.  i would have hated to have gone home and had to deal with this on my own.

This brings me to my question..............How am i supposed to feel right now?  My family has been great with the support but i almost feel lost.  I'm not sure of the feelings i am having in my "stomach".  is is hunger, dehyration, or what ever else?  I know that i need to get my head in the right place and that will help me alot.  i almost feel like i am morning the loss of food.  I also know that i will only be on liquids for two weeks but it feels like an eternity.

Hope anyone can give me some suggestions on how to make it through the next 10 days.

Welcome, Karen!  I am so happy you found our wonderful little group here on OH.  We are a wonderful group of folks that genuinely care about one another.

Yes, you are almost certainly mourning the loss of your friend food. The liquid phase is really hard.  You will deal with head hunger- probably a lot!  I even dreamed of eating!  You are probably NOT physically hungry at least not in the normal sense of the word.  Hunger, now, will be fatigue and lightheaded feelings.  When you feel that way you should have a protein drink from the approved list you were given.

Use a heating pad on your belly.  It will help with the gas and make your tummy happier.  I felt like it helped with the inflamation from the surgery.  You can also use it on your shoulders if that is where you feel the gas pains.

You need to work hard on getting in as many liquids as possible right now.  As hot as it is you need to drink to make sure you don't get dehydrated.  If you have any doubt as to whether you are dehydrated call the nurse's station at Weight Wise.  You don't want to get in trouble with dehydration.  Those liquids you get with a needle are no fun!

I lived on the many flavors of crystal light (actually Wal Mart brand), Herb Ox boullion, hot teas, and decaf coffee. There are no real secrets to the liquid phase except tough it out!  It will pass! You get mushies in just 10 days!!!

Keep posting when you have a question.  There is usually someone around to help you.

Are you coming to support group on Thursday? It doesn't say where you live so I don't know if it is far away.  Support group always makes me feel better.

Denise

Hey Karen, Welcome to Oklahoma OH. I have been wondering how you were doing. The feelings that you are having are quite normal. You will make it through the next 10 days one day at a time. Some days it will be 1 minute at a time. The whole key is to find something new to do with your hands, brain and mouth. You are mourning the loss of food.

Just keep your eye on the prize because it is so worth it. Eat lots of sf popsickles and drink some of your protein shakes if you start to feel weak. I would encourage you to do alot of looking around on the Obestiy Help forums. There is a ton of useful information on here. Be sure and visit www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com . This is the site that I told you about with all of the great recipes and good tips for new post ops. Be sure and visit her archives. You can spend hours alone on her blog, and it keeps your hands and mind busy.

Most importantly, don't hesitate to come here and ask questions any time you feel a need to. You can also send me a personal message by hitting contact at the end of any of my post or by going to my profile and choosing send message.

Best of luck to you on your new journey. ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) Rita

Hi Karen,

I had the esophageal spasms too so I know exactly what you are feeling. I had to take very small sips at first, but I am happy to tell you that does resolve. Mine were gone by day 4. Everyday I am able to take bigger sips. Yes, liquids are the worst but it gets easier around the beginning of the second week, at least for me. Head hunger is the worst and most of us have feelings of regret at those times. Come here and vent when that happens -- I promise it helps. And yes, do try to come to support groups. I have found that the biggest help.

Hi Karen~ I am assuming you had a VSG from the sounds of it so it sounds like you will be on the liquids for 10 days.

My best suggestion is to mix it up with the flavors of the liquids to try to keep it interesting... it's not going to be easy, but once you're past it, it's gonna get better and better all the time.

I am 4 years *almost* out from my WLS and I can tell you it's been a ride well worth it...  definitely attend support groups if you are able to.  Good luck to you on your journey~ I know you'll do great!

 

Hi, Karen!  I had all your same feelings.  I know I had some depression and doubted that I had made the right decision for a bit.  I think it is a lot like an alcholic having to give up the bottle.  We do mourn the loss of our good friend "food".  We now have to use food for fuel and not for comfort or entertainment as we all have in the past.  We not eat to live and not live to eat.  I am 4 months out and still once in a while find myself a little angry when everyone around is enjoying certain foods that I have to stay away from.  It has gotten much much easier and I wouldn't go back for anything in the world.  For me my surgery was the best decision I have ever made.  I am down 115 pounds and now can say I live life and am not simply a by-stander.  I do hope you get to come to the meeting on Thursday at WW.  The Support Groups are awesome and the OH friends are amazing as well.  We will have a meet and greet at the Bricktown Brewery next Wednesday at 6:15 that you are welcome to attend as well.  Most of us are a bit "crazy" so to speak but we are a lot of fun and love them all!!  Don't think any question is stupid or silly...ask away.  You are ususally asking something some of us have already gone through and can give you our viewpoint or suggestions.  If you ever need to talk just let me know and feel free to call me.  If you want my number I will PM it to you.  Have a good one!  The liquid stage will be gone before you know it.  Welcome to the "looser's bench"!!  Debbie

Hi Karen, I'm Karen too.  I am 12 weeks out from VSG, and I really can't add anything to what everyone else has said, except, Sugar Free Budget Saver popcicles from WM are the absolute best tasting thing.  That is the only way I was able to make it through the liquid stage post -op.  There are cheaper than any others and they have the best taste.  If you need anything just PM me, or post a new topic.  Everyone here is awesome.
Good luck and congrats on your new journey.

I AM 3 WEEKS OUT AND ON MY SECOND STAGE OF MUSHIES AND I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. I CAN NOW HAVE A PIECE OF THIN DELI MEAT AND I THINK I AM IN HEAVEN WHEN I EAT IT. TO ACTUALLY GET TO CHEW SOMETHING OTHER THAN JELLO IS WONDERFUL. THE LIQUID PHASE IS THE HARDEST PART BUT IT DOES GET BETTER I PROMISE. I STILL WANT STUFF THAT I ATE BEFORE SURGERY BUT I KNOW I CAN'T. I WANT SOME PEPPERONI PIZZA SO BAD SOMETIMES I THINK I CAN TASTE IT! I KNOW IN THE END IT WILL BE WORTH EVERYTHING I HAVE GONE THRU BUT GETTING THERE IS A LITTLE TOUGH SOMETIMES. KEEP YOUR CHIN UP AND GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

Gas-X strips really helped me, too..and walking. Walking gets rid of that gas or at least helps move it along.

JELLO helps, too, and it comes in so many flavors.  And, I agree, take your little list to the store and get one of everything -- variety is the spice of life.  You'll do okay  -- I promise.