Miserable

I know it has been a while. I had my surgery 1/14 things went great, however, I developed Cellulitis and Sepsis one week after discharge. I was then readmitted for a week of IV anti-biotic therapy, had parts of my incision reopened and an abscess drained with a very long needle. I was sent home with open wounds and daily dressing changes. So I have not been too happy, the whole process has made me question why I did this, ie is it worth it. I miss eating like crazy. I never knew I was so addicted to food and all of my activities seemed to be centered around it. I went to the mall on Tuesday and headed straight for the food court, although I knew there was nothing in there I could have, I found myself sniffing the air like a desperate dog. Maybe things will get better when I have my 4 week follow up tomorrow and I get the official weight tally. Any who, I did find two delicious cookbooks written by gourmet cooks who have had weight loss surgery themselves. They break the recipes down into our eating stages, give detailed calorie, fat and protein intake. All are extremely low fat and high on taste. They are assisted by RDs and MDs The ingredients are very simple and easy to find. First one is Living and Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery - before & after by Susan Maria Leach and the second is Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery by Patt Levine and Michele Bontempo-Saray.

Martha, Sorry to hear about your struggles. Keep your chin up you will soon see some WONDERFUL results. All of our bodies are unique and we all heal differently. As for the food addiction I would strongly urge you to get involved in a support group. So many of us never realize how much of our lifestyle is involved with FOOD. You want to master this feeling and get it under control otherwise you will not be able to use this surgery as the way it was meant to help you. I have used this surgery has a tool to help me gain control back of my life and be HEALTHY. No matter if you have 5lbs or 100lbs to loose its tough to turn away from the temptation of food. In the next few weeks/months you will be able to start eating more solids and you will find that you can eat just smaller portions and healthier choices. Good luck to you and hang in there. Karie -130

Hi Matha, From the sounds of it, you got a stinky deal with all of those complications. Hopefully that will all be behind you now and you can move forward towards healing and the "good" parts of this surgery. I have to agree with Carrie. It is VITAL to be involved in some type of support group. The accountability helps tons and having others who are going through the same thing it invaluable. Many of us here in central Ohio attend one and find it to be a blessing. It sounds like you are working on making the right choices. Getting those cook books is a wonderful way to help change your eating. It is difficult those first few weeks after surgery to deal with all the changes you have to go through. Some folks need counseling after surgery. You may want to consider that if you continue to struggle. I am 10 1/2 weeks out and I can honestly say the pain will get better and eventually you will find yourself adjusting to the new way of eating. I do have to constantly ask myself why I am wanting to eat (am I hungry, bored, sad, lonely) and often have to force myself to walk away from the cupboards. Seeing the change in the number on the scale and having your clothing get looser is a big motivator. If I can help you in any way, just say the word. Hang in there. Hugs, Jaimee

Hi Martha, Sorry to hear of the complications you have had!!! But it sounds like your body is slowly, finally starting to heal up. The cookbooks sound GREAT, I am going to get at least one of those. I sound like President Clinton when I say "I feel your pain!" Went through the "what have I done?" stage. Went through the desperate, starving dog stage. Realized after surgery that I had a real food addiction problem. And a few other goofy stages... I am still struggling to get in all the water and protein; but I have lost 40 pounds and YES it is sooooo encouraging!!! You will be the next one to get some good news, I am sure of it. It is YOUR TURN. Sending prayers of encouragement and good health your way. Please keep posting so we can know how you are. Take care, Kitty B. RNY 12/13/04 251 / 211

Glad you are feeling better! Where in Columbus did you find these Cookbooks?

I am so sorry you had such problems. I had cellulitus before my WLS and I know how sick I was. I had diabetes too. Now I dont have any of those problems,7 months out and the love of food gets so much better. I promise,for 6 months thats all I it took me to feel like a normal person who knows what I can eat. Thats the hardest because we are so used to eating so much more. I have lost 90lbs and I dont feel deprived at all anymore. My health is great and I can do anything anyone else can do.I can eat anything but very small portions. Its funny after 56 years I want and love healthier foods. I still have small portions of what I love too. Good luck and everything you are felling is very normal. I am sure everyone goes through this. This to shall PASS. I promise and you will be so happy you had it done. Love,Cindy

I sure pray that you start feeling better. My surgery is the 25th and I am afraid of the after affects of surgery, the sickness. I've read where some people may have tubes down there noses, or worse. I have a good threshold of pain but the nose thing really scares me. I hope that Your feeling better but I am soooooooscared now with only 11 days away. Does anyone know also the recup time? I first put in for 2 weeks off now I was told at least 6-8 weeks off. I'm having the rouen-y surgery. Will I really need 6-8 weeks off to really start to feel normal. And what about driving my car after surgery how long before I can do that. I am rambling on so fast here, sorry, just nerves I think. Should I get jars of baby food to start off with. I go to my first support meeting tomorrow night.