Help

My wife just recently had gastric bypass surgery. This is the 4th day after surgery. Right now she is feeling depressed because she's not seeing results in weight loss like she wants. I'm not sure what to tell her...how long does it take before you start seeing results? I think she's regretting doing the surgery now...I so want to help her through this new journey but I don't know where to start. It breaks my heart to see her feeling this low...and questioning her decision. Did any of you go through this? Do you have any advice to give me to help her through this time? We're going to a support group meeting next week, but til then I need some advice to cheer her up.

Thanks

It's totally natural for her to feel that way right now, especially because of the pain and discomfort she's probably experiencing.  I had the exact same feelings, but i promise you that it will all get better, and several months down the road, she won't regret having the surgery anymore, because results will be obvious believe me!  The first month is just really hard...

Hang in there! 

Health and happiness are just around the corner...

:) Evelyn

Awww, that is so considerate of you.  All I can say is, encourge her to do what the doctor told her to do.  Remind her she just had surgery and it is a recovery process.  Before you know one week from the day of surgery she will see some weight loss.  Remind her to get in as much protein and keep hydrated.  The body needs protein to heal as well to help lose weight.

I hope this helps.

Trisha

you are a wonderful husband being so concerned and  giving her so much support.  But after surgery you have lots of gases still trapped in your system that slows down weight loss.  Your body is shock so until your body gets used to the new system it say "dang i need to hold on to this for a while"  but then it realizes it has been remodeled and then say "heck i am cleaning house and getting rid of this excess" .  She needs to get up and walk and think of all the things she has to look forward too.  I had my surgery 4 weeks ago.  My husband laughs at me because i keep telling him things i have found like i found my ankles and cheek bones the first week, now i can touch my toes and tie my shoes with out bending over and making that grunting noise.....lol Also your wife has everyone on here for support.   I think we all go through our down times but if we have a good support team we can make through.  Also remember the challenges God puts in front of us just make us stronger when we make it through them. 

Tammey

Just remind her that she didn't gain the weight overnight and so she wont lose it overnight either.
I actually gained 13 lbs after surgery because of fluid in my abdomen from the surgery. So it took me two weeks to lose that weight gain first. My metabolism is sluggish anyway from Hypothyroid but I still managed to lose 3lbs every 7 to 10 days. I'm 4 and a half mo's post-op and have lost 55 lbs. May not sound like much but  I went from a size 26 pants to a size 20 and my 20's are loose :o). I have so much more energy and I was able to get off my blood pressure meds last week! Actually, I stopped taking quite a few meds I was on prior to surgery and no longer have severe back pain so the surgery was worth it for that alone. This is not a quick fix but a tool to use while you learn to eat smaller portions and make healthier choices. The most important thing to do besides ensuring she gets her daily protein , fluids, and vitamins.... is to walk, walk, walk!
I walked around inside my house until the kitchen clock showed I'd been at it for 5 minutes. Then I would take a break and do it again. As long as you get a total of 30 minutes walking in a day, that is enough to keep any blood clots from forming. It also rebuilds your stamina so after 4 weeks you are ready to do regular exercises like swimming. The weight loss will happen but you lose more in inches at first while your body adjusts to all the changes.
Tell her good luck on her journey and come join OH for support :o).
hugs,
TerSue

Hubby, my doc said it's not at all unusual to lose NO weight, or even gain, in the first few weeks, due to pre-op diet, IV liquids, swollen tissue, surgery trauma, etc.  But wild horses can't keep the pounds from coming off once the body gets regulated.  Also, right now her body and brain still has anesthesia running through them, causing the depression, buyer's remorse, sleep problems, weird dreams and more.  In a few days she'll feel surprisingly well.  You're doing a great job taking care of her by coming to OH!  Best wishes to both of you-- you'll both be fine.

Hiya, i went through the same thing...her body is in shock, believe me she will see some results very soon...please encourage her to make sure that she sips sips and then sips some more. Her body is just adjusting to the shock of having the surgery...all you can do is just tell her that most of us go through this. We have all regretted at one time or another having the surgery, but this is normal, her hormones are all over the place...it WILL HAPPEN! Just be there for her and encourage her, also tell her that she DID make the right decision but just to give it time and she'll see some results.. Good luck and please tell her to come on to OH anytime she feels down...we'll set her straight! We're all here for her.

you are such a kind husband... just encourage her and stand by her through out the whole process...  before long she willbe seeing results that will WOW her and you both... God bless to both of you...