Can anyone tell me after two weeks post-op what they experienced?

I am interested (since I am 2 weeks post-op) what some of you experienced emotionally post-op concerning having WLS. I have learned so much thus far from this site. I have learned that many people (correction some people-everyone is different), experience regret initially about having the surgery, but after 2-3 weeks this usually changes for the better and they would do it all over again. Can you help me understand in words (if I am talking about your experience) what happens to cause this change? I am learning, and would appreciate any input anyone has to help me with this. For me, the ultimate goal is to shed the weight, but understanding the process the mind goes through is interesting as well! I think it is so important for people considering this surgery to hear honest answers also. Thanks for your help with this! LMW

I hope someone can shed some light on the subject! Thanks again. LMW

My initial difficulties came with grieving for the foods that usually gave me comfort. My DH even went through some of the grieving period too since food was such a big part of our fun...going to new restaurants, etc. One of the ways that Gregg actually showed me that he loved me was by buying me chocolate. Dad did too. Another reason for my regrets was my strong fear of bad health...mal-nutrition, fatigue, not to mention the fatal possibilities. Every time I had an ache, I thought I was dying. I know it's completely contradictory to our reasons for having the surgery...better health, but I was feeling light headed and tired for a good deal of the time, so I was afraid I had made a mistake. During the first year, if you were around me much you would know if I tried to eat something new that disagreed with me, if I overate even a little, or if I ate something off limits. At about nine months, I complained to my parapro, that my nausea and need for restroom "runs" were ridiculous and tiresome. My very slim and precious friend reminded me that this had been the best year ever for me as far as health issues and energy level. This year I PLAYED with my students again!!! She could see it better than I did. BTW, she had NOT wanted me to have the surgery. She had cried when she asked me not to do it. I did not overcome my regrets in two weeks, but I can honestly say that I would do it again...in a second. Now I am at the point where I can eat a "little" of anything, but if I overeat, I know it. That's exactly what I wanted...a tool to know when I was full. I am going to make the best of this gift, and I am forever thankful for it. Sorry this is SOOOOOOOOO long! Hugs, Becky

Ladies, thank you so much for being willing to share your experiences. It is so very helpful to me. It helps me to know what I might expect in the future. I too, work at a school as a part-time parapro, part-time office person. I know what you mean about playing with the kids. I look forward to having a better year now. Even walking easier and not hurting as badly. I also relate to the grieving of the foods I have been used to over-enjoying!! I am sure it will take a while to adjust to many changes. My husband and I also enjoyed that aspect of life at least twice a week as we tried to go out together. I still have not figured out an answer to that yet. However, when you hear about others being successful it does give a person hope. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your stories. One of my biggest concerns, is going back to work because teaching can be very demanding (as you know) and it seems when your body needs you to cooperate with this WLS--it doesn't mean when you get the chance! It means now. I will continue to pray for healing and guidance from the Lord. I have not told anyone yet at work except my boss. It should be interesting telling my co-workers. I figured I needed this time to figure some things out without involving lots of folks. Sorry so long--Thanks again. LMW

After surgery my first thought upon waking up was what the he** had I done to myself. The first few weeks were a difficult time - that really emotionall didn't get a lot better for the first few months. There are hormones stored in fat - and when you loose weight rapidly these hormones remain in your system until the rest of your body can catch up and release the hormones. Remember the "ultimate" goal is to loose the weight - but you're going to have issues that come along during this fantastic ride to have to deal with. I hope some of what I said has been helpful!!!!

Wow, very interesting. Thanks for informing me of this. I will need to be on the "look out" for these issues. I was not aware of this. I still would like my family and friends to like me as this weight loss progresses---if possible!! Sincerely, LMW

Now for another aspect of this... And i know there are as many who did as I did... as though who go thru the emotional stuff... I had my surgery, and other than waking up hurting, which I knew I would cause I am such a whimp when it comes to pain, that I had expected it. In my first couple of weeks and months, I was in such disbelief... I couldn't believe how easy it was for me... I was never hungry, and that was a fear pre-op for me that I would be starving, and not be able to eat. But for me that never happened. And my surgeon puts you back to solids at day 12, with the instruction to chew, chew, chew... So my ability to eat came back very quickly. When I did eat, I never got full either... so either I was eating enough, and not overeating, or just those hunger sensors took awhile to start working again. I was well over 4 months post-op before I ever felt hungry for the first time. I never have had to deal with any issues of head hunger. This is another surprise to me. But one that I am thankful for. I did get sick a couple of times... not chewing meat up well enough and it got stuck. But no other issues... no depression, no regrets, and I don't think I ever even had the thought cross my mind of 'What have I done to myself'. I'm not sure if I have been one of the luckier ones, or if this is more of the norm than not. I know we so often hear the bad aspects of everything on the news, etc, and we don't often hear the good stuff... But it really is out there... And I am proof Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 285-189-155 (-96)

The initial rapid weight loss can get your hormones out of whack and cause some of the emotional issues. I was already on anti-depressants, so didn't have them!! It should get better with time. Yes, it's normal to greive for foods & comfort & other things, but try to remind yourself what you have GAINED not what you have lost. So, hang in there!! Don't worry about asking questions - all of US sure have!! We are here to !! Ann in Duluth