5 Weeks Post Op and a Couple (well 4) of Questions / Concerns

Hello Folks;

I am 5 weeks Post Op - tomorrow and I've been having some ongoing issues and I am curious if others have experienced similar situations.  Here is a brief outline...

1) Gout - I've had 2 major attacks in the past 2 weeks  (Gout is something I rarely experienced and I'm ensuing I don't eat anything that may  contribute to it)

2) Foot Pain in Arch -  I have a pain that is making walking extremely difficult which impacts ability to do much exercise. It's been there about 2 weeks now, nothing seems to work to get rid of it or kill the pain...

3) Although I am aware of the 3 week stall, I've been sitting at virtually the same weight for the past 2 weeks with minor +/- fluctuations but no real movement.

4) NO feeling of hunger - I'm never hungry and when I'm full, the only sensation I get is a pain on the left side of my gut near the bottom - that's when I quit...

I'm sure that all of this is typical, but I thought it would be fun to hear from others in case I am missing something. I am averaging 2 liters of water a day plus the meals based on the recipes in the book provided by the WMC in Ottawa, keep food quantities a close to what's recommend as possible (I never go over, sometimes I just can't put anything else down there ;) ).

Thanks;

bob

Hi there!

I have never had any history of gout but my blood tests have revealed a large increase in uric acid (a cause of gout). After some researching I learned that dramatic weight loss and trauma can lead to elevated levels, these could be mitigating factors in your experience.

I personally have never had a stall lasting longer than a week, when i sense one coming I try to mix things up a little. For instance I might drink a lot more water or completely change the food types/amounts I have been eating, the connection could all be in my head though.

As for hunger I still don't feel it (like I used to), I had left side pain early on - it was gas.    

All the Best,

Robert

Thank you Robert! Greatly appreciate the comment!

Bob

Hi Bob,

I don't know much about Gout or Foot pain.  I do know that at one point I had problems with back pain, and that was due to my back getting used to less weight.  Don't know if there is something similar with feet.  You may also want to check your shoes, that can cause issues.  Talk to your doctor or clinic about pain relief.

Stalls can seem like they are going on a long time, just keep on program and you'll get through it and start losing again.  Don't worry.

No hunger is typical.  It takes a while for that to come back.  Just keep on plan and make sure you eat when you are supposed to.  There will be some meals where you won't be as hungry. And you'll find that you react differently to some foods than others.  Some last longer, some seem to sit, some go through quick and you're hungry again sooner.

Cathy

HI Cathy;

Thank you for the information - I'll keep plugging away ;)

Bob

Your surgery date partner reporting in -- I too had a stall of 11 days, then a couple of pounds off and now stalled again. Constipation is still a huge problem despite heroic efforts. Nearly went to hosp in Minden today to get help. Prunes now on shopping list!

I noticed when I got home from hosp that my right foot which I broke 20+ years ago was hurting the same way it did when it was healing a long time ago. Walking has been limited.

Hey There;

Thanks for the message - I just realized as crazy as it sounds that where it's hurting is exactly where I broke it 16 plus years ago when I fell over one of the kids toys on the stairs and broke my foot LOL

Yea the constipation is a killer - We do the happy dance around here when I have one that happens on its own ;)

Cheers;

Bob

Hey there, are you back at work?  I would ask the centre about the gout and foot pain, they might have some recommendations.  I get very bad muscle cramps post op, never had them this bad pre-op.  Stalls are normal, I have stalled for 6 weeks several times so do not worry, just review your notes to make sure you are following their instruction and you will be fine. I know it sucks, try focusing on how your clothing fits and how you feel rather than the numbers.  As for hunger for most people it returns at some point so enjoy it while it lasts. Planning your menu in the morning can be very helpful so you get everything you need.  When I am getting close to full I will hickup or my nose runs, sometimes a burp warns me, you will get to know the signs with time.  You go to the coffee night this month?

HI Zizzler;

Thanks for the message - there is so much to learn! I am on week 2 back at work and loving it (not). The foot thing sure makes it difficult LOL. I'm following the plan 100% and not losing faith that is for sure.

I'm unable to attend coffee night as I'm going to be in Toronto next week which will be a challenge. I have a call in to the WMC to see what their suggestions are on how to survive business trips this early in the game...

Thank you for the note - I'll keep everybody posted on progress!

Bob

Ya, I found the first weeks back at work really exhausting, just tried to pace myself and eat small amounts more often to keep my energy up.  If I were taking a trip I would bring ready to drink protein shakes, plain protein powder to add to foods, sf water enhancers, sf greek yogurt, maybe a cooler to keep stuff fresh if you bring perishables.  I am sure he centre can provide some great tips.  Let us know how it goes on your trip.