People Not Feeling Well after WLS

I just had surgery 5/2, but so far so good. I am not hungry and don't eat much. Do well to get my protein in. Food just doesn't seem that important anymore. No complications. 

Oh to weigh the odds. I am currently pre-op and would in a heart beat exchange the feelings of always being tired because of re-cooperating from a major surgery as rny which is only weeks to months as apposed to the constant fatigue and pain from obesity. At least the surgery gives me hope for changes. Currently i am so sick of the life restrictions i face daily socially and physically from obesity and figure that it can only be uphill. I am more than aware of the complications this surgery can bring. I am not minimizing real complications from the surgery but also do not minimize the complications of obesity. This is a chance to reverse life threatening illnesses obesity causes and if I could do it without surgery I would not be obese. In a nut shell this is a second chance and it does not come without risks. The percentage of risks is much lower than the risks of obesity. This is only my opinion, but based on all the posts I have read it is still just a low percentage of ppl having issues as apposed to ppl having life changing successes.  Like previously stated ppl having issues are coming here for support to be told it will get better and from what I have read it does get better in time. I have not read of any major complication such as leakage or life threatening issues that will not in time heal.     

I had surgery 3 years ago and everything is going smoothly. For the first month, I took it easy, napped a lot, and followed my plan to a T.  I slept on a recliner for 3-4 weeks. It was painful, but not much more than gall bladder surgery. My biggest issue was the work I needed to do with my brain lol. Seriously. You have to change your habits and do a lot of thinking about it.

I was tired for a good while after surgery, but after about a month my energy returned.  What happens with a lot of folks is they feel things they aren't used to feeling.  Water feels different going down at first, eating feels different, burping feels different.  You might have different fullness cues--some people hiccup or get a runny nose where they didn't before.  Some people feel these things and panic.

Overall, my recovery was pretty smooth.  I did run into a constipation issue that turned into an impaction about a week and a half after surgery, so make sure you talk to your surgeon about how to avoid that.  I did throw up once because I ate too much (and then immediately felt better after doing so) and I did have one incident where I sneezed really hard and was convinced that I'd ruptured something.  I did not.  Other than that, it's been pretty smooth.

Don't panic if you feel something new.  Just because your new stomach/pouch/whatever gurgles when you drink water doesn't mean you've torn something. :D  Now, if you either poop or vomit bright red blood, that's a danger sign and should be addressed ASAP.  Most other things...meh. 

Jen

Thank you for all of your replies!  It is nice to hear about great outcomes and improved quality of life.

Hi,

I am only one year out, but I am doing great! I too shared your concerns, I almost canceled my surgery due to them. But after realizing the majority of people do well and you only really hear from a few with issues, I went forward with my surgery. The only regret I have is that I didn't do it sooner. I trusted my surgeon and my PCP, but only you know what is best for you. Best wishes on your journey!!!!

Thank you for your words of encouragement.  I am definitely going ahead.  My height is the same as you and starting weight very similar so hopefully I will be successful like you!

It is a major surgery. They mess up your insides... I was surprised how well I felt so soon after it - a few weeks after. Just because the visible scars are small - it does not mean it is not a major surgery. 

On outside - your body can be fine - but it takes a while for things to heal.  Think of a small cut on your hand..it takes time to heal and it created a scar... Now multiply that by 10.. 

Don't forget - it is a major surgery... You may not to feel very good for a while. Or - your body may give you a break and you may feel ok very soon after. 

I had surgery 4 months ago today, and had ZERO complications.  I didn't even take any pain pills stronger than Tylenol after leaving the hospital.

The secret is to listen to your doctors, listen to your NUT's and take advice from those who are here and have been successful years out from surgery.  Start eating healthy foods NOW!  Don't wait until Sept. 8th.  Get your body ready for this transition, so you're not doing a total 180 within a few days.  Stick to low carb, high Protien foods and get your water in every day.  Exercise a little each day- so by the time you've done surgery, you're used to it and it's part of your routine.

Good Luck!

Thank you for the suggestions - everything you said is helpful.