Blood clots

I had my RNY on April 9, 2009 and was doing pretty good except for shortness of breath  (SOB)which I thought was due to the fat breakdown.  I go back for my 2 week check-up and tell them about the SOB.  The next thing I know I'm being readmitted for blood clots in both lungs. The staff was great in getting me readmitted, tested and on treatment within a few hours.  I was in for 3 days and am now back home. I still get SOB and really tired doing very little. I'm really bummed.  I followed all the rules and it still happened.  I feel myself slipping into the dumps. I am excited that I have lost 26 pounds but I really want to feel better. I am trying  some protein drinks to build up my strenghth but they seem to make me too full. Has anybody gone through this???

Please don't get too down over the SOB and all you went through - thank goodness it was caught because that can be a very dangerous situation, and it can happen to anyone. My mother was in her early 70's and relatively good health when she had to have a hysterectomy - that went great - she was doing wonderfully - no problems. She didn't want me to come visit the one day but I decided to stop in on my way home (she was still in the hospital) and when I got to her room she was laying in bed looking terrible surrounded by doctors and nurses - she had develped blood clots in her lungs, too - it just happens. But like you they caught them early so she was fine, but had to be on blood thinners and had shortness of breath for quite a while.

Take it easy - listen to the docs - that is nothing to laugh about. You're not that far out from surgery so everything will make you feel full - don't worry about getting all your proteins in at this early stage - that will come. Sip lots of water, tho - keep your fluids up - take short walks if you can so you don't experience SOB - and you'll be feeling much better soon, I'm sure.

Take care - between the blood clots and the surgery its no wonder you're tired - I was tired for weeks after my surgery and I didn't go thru what you did. Your body has been through a lot - listen to it.

Kathy

Thanks Kathy!  I appreciate your words of encouragement. I'm not the most patient person.  My mind is saying go and my body is saying rest. I am listening to the docs as I do realize the seriousness of this.  I am really lucky as blood clots can be fatal. One of my fars is losing my hair so that's why I am really tring with the protein. I'll take you advice and ease up. Tjhanks again.  Sheen

Don't want to discourage you any more right now but chances are pretty good your hair is going to thin no matter what - its not just the proteins - its the shock of what your body is going through with the rapid weight loss and a lot of other things. Mine didn't start until I was 4-5 months out so I thought I had passed that 3 month window and was good to go - not so much, sadly. Mine got extremely thin especially around my face. My hairdresser worked wonders with styles so it wasn't too noticable - of course I thought it was horrible and much worse than it probably was. And remember, you won't go bald - it'll thin - you'll notice it - but it will grow back.

The GREAT news is that at about 6 months or so it all started growing back in as my protein and food intake became more stable and up to the numbers the doctors wanted - also, make sure you take your vitamins - they will help a lot. It looked frizzy for a while because I had so many different lengths of hair coming in (sadly my new growth was all grey, but that was fixed) - but my hair is now thicker and fuller than its ever been, and WAVY! I have always had stick-straight hair - not a wave or curl anywhere - now its waving and curling all over the place - really kind of strange.

Its all part of the journey and the process - some people are lucky and don't lose their hair and maybe you'll be one of those, but if you do look at it as an opportunity to try a new style or a new color! And remember - it will grow back.

Kathy

Hi My surgery was on March 20. I too have developed some complications which are improving. I realize how easy it is to get frustrated. You have spent alot of time and effort into this all ready and want to feel good about your decision and progress. Just don't lose sight of how far you have come. You will get there, your body just needs some time to heal and to catch up with all the major changes that have happened. Once you start to heal you will feel amazing I am sure, just try not to ru**** Instead of focusing on how you feel right now, try to focus on the things you have already accomplished, and on what your life is going to be like after you get through this healing process. Hang in there. I will be thinking about you. Belinda

Thanks for the wordsof encouragement! I'll try to take your advice and focus on what's ahead for me.  I'm looking forward to not having to ask for a seat belt extender and entering a room and not worrying about if I can fit into a chair!  I think the thing that is most frustrating is that I was  starting to feel pretty good 2 weeks out when I went for my follow-up.  Since they found the clots I have just been really exhausted.  My mind is saying move it and my body is saying whoa! I am listening to my body and letting it heal but patience has never been one of my virtues. What complications did you have? Thanks again for the pep upwords.  Sheen

Please don't get down in the dumps, the shortness of breath is normal after surgery and after pulmonary embollisms (i.e. blood clots in the lungs). 

I had a pulmonary embolism when I was 24 (I was overweight, on estrogen, and had a 15 train ride).  I was in the hospital for 8 days to resolve all of the clots.  When I got out, I still had shortness of breath and it took a few days to about 1.5 weeks to take really be able to take deep breaths, 

I had my lap band surgery on 4/9 with no complications whatsoever, but I did still have shortness of breath for about 1-2 weeks after surgery.  It is a very common affect of most upper body surgeries.  When you had your surgery they should have given you a spirometer so that you can use it ever hour to build up your lung strength.  If they didn't give you one, you can do the same exercises as you with with the spirometer by taking 10 deep breaths every hour and hold each one for about 3 seconds, then slowly let it out.  At first it might be very uncomfortable, so you might not be able to hold for 3 seconds, but if you keep practicing it your lungs will should get back to normal functioning soon. 

Good luck, and I hope you fell better soon. 

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  They did give me a spirometer and I did use it. I'll try it again.  The doc told me this would take a while to resolve but I'm not the most patient person. Right now my mind is saying go and my body is saying rest. I am resting but it is difficult. I lost 3 more pounds so that was some good medicine.  Thanks again. Sheen

Hi Sheen,

I'm sorry that you've run into this complication, but thank goodness that they diagnosed and treated you for it!  P.E. can be VERY dangerous - so don't push yourself.  You need time to recooperate and get yourself together again.  I hope that you start felling better soon - good luck!

My doctors were wonderful in getting me in and treated. thanks for the words of encouragement!  Sheen