post-op 7 days and regretting it!!

I had my surgery on October 19 and I am now sitting here regretting it. I know I may not feel this way later on but all I seem to do is cry and beat myself up over doing this! I got out of the hospital on the 22nd and I haven't gotten any sleep or anything! I was just wondering if anyone else felt this way and how long did it take you to realize that you didn't make a mistake! Thanks Mary

Hello Mary, You can do this Mary. If you continue to be unable to sleep contact your surgeon and see if he/she has any suggestions. Depression can happen after major surgery. If you continue to feel blue/cry please let your surgeon know so that they can handle this situation. Surgery effects us all differently. Don't beat yourself up over your decision. I am sure you put a lot of thought into it before actually having the surgery. Believe in yourself Mary!! Best Regards Sharon Open VBG 10.28.03 -117#

Hi, Mary! Sharon is right, as usual! For me, those first few weeks were emotional, somewhat painful and I was confused as to what I could or should eat, etc. THIS TOO SHALL PASS!! The fact that you're not sleeping has a lot to do with your emotional state. Call your surgeon or PCP and ask them what you can take to get a good night's sleep. Once your body gets a few good night's sleep, you can probably discontinue any sleep aids. Tylenol PM works great for me on the occasions when I just can't sleep. But, call your surgeon!! In answer to your question, it took me about 3 weeks to decide that I hadn't made a mistake and that I COULD DO THIS!! So, hang in there. We're here for you!! Mary

Hi Mary, Hang in there! It really does get better. I didn't regret my decision at any point, but the first week was really rough until I stood on the scale and then it was so worth it. Now at five and a half weeks out I feel great and things are going really well. You will get through this rough patch! Just keep your eyes on the prize because staying positive will help you get through it all even quicker. Take care! Hugs, Sara

Hi Mary, Yes, what you are feeling is very normal. I felt pretty good while in the hospital, but when I got home I came crashing down. I called an old friend who had the old fashioned stomach stapling years ago and felt much better after talking with him. I did`nt know about this site at that time. I did take antidepressants, Effexor xl and felt sooo much better. It also helps with hot flashes! When you realize how much better you feel, when you can get up and down out of a chair easily, when you no longer become exhausted just from doing simple tasks, when your back no longer hurts, when your blood pressure goes down, I`ll go ahead and stop there. The list could go on and on. And of course you may not have had the same symptons I had, but I think you get the picture. I am 3 years out and life is indeed back to normal. Granted, I can`t eat near what I used to, but that is a good thing. I am just now able to tolerate some things, such as steak. I was able to eat most of the 7 oz filet at Outbacks recently. I really did enjoy it too. Hang in there. Talk to your doctor about the sleep, because that is important for your healing. Keep us posted and take care of yourself.

mary, every thing will be ok !! this happen to alot of people. talk with your dr. you will be so happy the first time you weigh in. that will make you forget about everything. keep the good work up. it is not a mistake. love, gloria -91

I want to thank you all for your responses and for being here for me in my time of need! I know I will feel better about the desicion that I made. I will just have to give it time. I feel better today.....went to walmart and walked around a bit and went and visited my mother so I think just getting out of the house was good! I go back to the Dr on Friday to get my staples removed and I will let you all know. I did get some sleep this morning which probably helped me alot! Again thanks!!! Mary

Oh Mary, I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling with these feelings. I can only comment on my own experience. I had my surgery the same day that you did, and I haven't had these problems. I wonder if perhaps due to different procedures? Mine was done laproscopic, so I only have 5 small incisions, and they haven't even been anything that I've noticed. If I were you, I would most certainly contact your surgeon and let him know of your difficulties. You may be dealing with depression, which I'm hearing is rather common among some after anesthesia. Wouldn't it be great if there were something that he could prescribe to help you cope with this? I am no professional, but I think that may be a start. Good luck to you, I will keep you close in my prayers. Julie