2nd thoughts after surgery...is this normal?

First let me say, I'm sorry I don't post much. Since the surgery I have taken a job and work 12 hour days...3 days per week. Then I work at our business a couple days a week. I almost feel guilty to ask a question.

I'm 5 months out and down 71 pounds. I feel great. 5 months ago I could not have worked 12 hours a day, mostly standing. Also I'm walking at the Y on my lunch break for exercise. It is truly a new life for me.

Lately I'm having concerns. Little things are happening that make me worry. Two examples...a filling feel out of my tooth the other day and also I have got another cavity. I'm so concerned that I'm not absorbing calcium. I just keep having terrible thoughts that all my teeth are going to decay or fall out.

The other example, I have had a dull pain in my right hip. Also my upper back hurts slightly.

Really in themselves, these are minor problem. I'm just a little terrified that something worse is going to happen. And I keep asking myself, did I do the right thing by having surgery. Is something dramatic going to happen. I'm starting to second guess things.

Am I normal? (probably no) Anyone else have these silly fears. I do have my checkup in 3 weeks and I'll see what they have to say.

Thanks all, Penny

Penny,

Please do not feel guilty about asking ANYTHING!  That is what we are here for.

Now, let me preface this response by saying you should know me by now...I am very opiniated and do not have a problem telling you how I feel!

With that being said...here goes! 

What would  you have been able to do five months ago?  What health problems would you have from NOT losing the 71 pounds thus far?  Yeah, I have back and hip issues but I also had them before surgery.  They are better now on most days but I can live with it.  Second...I have lost two fillings since surgery...on the same tooth!  I did up my calcium by eating more cheese and drinking a lot more skim milk, too. That has helped.  I also get fluoride treatments and rinse daily to help.

A BIG thing to consider is...are you drinking a lot of bottled water?  There is no fluoride in that so tap water is best.  If you must drink bottled water then ask your dentist for a fluoride treatment every six months and rinse with ACT two to three times every day.  The dentist can also "paint" a treatment on your tooth to help with decay as well.  They do it a lot in children...Kara and my nephew both have had it done!

To answer another question...yep, you are normal...at least as far as I can tell.  We have all had second thoughts post op.  There is nothing wrong with that.  You are doing great.  Just remember to be your own advocate and discuss your concerns with your doctors and your dentist.  This is what they are there for!

Continue to do well and continue to ask questions!

Thanks Tammy,
I like honesty (but gently...I'm sensitive). You are exactly right...I'm in much better shape than 5 months earlier. I have talked to the dentist and I'm using a special fluoride toothpaste that you leave in your month for 30 minutes after brushing. I started that about 2 months ago and obviously is not helping. My next appt is in November. I am on a waiting list for an opening to fix that cavity.

2 cavities is not that horrible to me....I just have this fear that all of my teeth are going to decay or fall out. Does that ever happen? Will this get better?

 I do drink mostly  tap water, but filtered. I wonder if that takes out some needed flouride.

Thanks, Penny

PS...You still want to get together on the 9th???? If so, Can you pick a restaurant?

All of your fears are well founded.  A waiting list for FIXING a cavity???  I can't even imagine!  My dentist gives us his home number for problems when his office is closed!  I am very spoiled with my doctors.

Can't say that I have ever heard off all of your teeth falling out...but I guess anything is possible!  The toothpaste is a good thing...every little bit helps.  Maybe add the ACT fluoride rinse as well?  I do not know about filtering the water.  You might want to ask your dentist or doc on that one.  I would love to know the answer!

I am looking forward to the 9th!  I am working on a resturant.  I will let you know ASAP and if you want, we can meet at the hotel so you don't get lost!  We can either car pool or you can follow us.  Whatever works for you!

Yes a waiting list. They are booked until November, but if they have a cancellation, I'm on the list to call. Maybe I need to change dentist, huh?

Little change in plans...I am staying at another motel (will send in a pm). I am not staying at the Sheraton...just having the meeting there. (trying to save a litttle $$$)

See ya, Penny

Hey Penny! First, your fears are real and not silly. We all experience issues along our journeys. At one time or another I've had concerns and the best thing to do is express them as soon as possible.

Next, when you have your appointment be sure to voice your concerns to your doc. They will most likely do an exam and take blood work. We no longer absorb things the same ways and your concerns can be addressed and fears alleviated when you have your appointment and get blood work results back. They will indicate where your levels are and your surgeon will tell you what you need to do to get them where they should be if they are too high/low.

Then, dental issues are something that most everyone I know has or is facing post-op. My advice is to seek a dentist who is versed in WLS post-op issues. Keep up with all your appointments and with good dental care. Fillings do fall out and are easily replaced.

As for the pain in your hip it could very well be your body realizing you've got hips and your body is adjusting to the weight loss. Again, mention it to your doc. Something else to consider is you are working quite a bit. What type of work do you do? That could be a culprit. You may have to re-evaluate how your doing your job if its a physically demanding one. You might look into strength excercises to help alleviate the hip pain.

As for being normal....ha! I'm NOT so I cannot help you there!

Thanks Kat,

I work as a bank teller, but I've been there about 2 months and the back pain has just started. It is really not a major pain...I think I'm just being a little paranoid. (like my bones are deteriating or something). I am going to mention it at my next appt. I have my blood work on Oct 1st and my appt is on the 13th.

See ya on the 9th I hope, Penny

Hey Penny!  So the tooth isue does seem to be one that a lot of people experience.  My dentist told me (especially in the beginning) that some of the issues also has to do with the soft/pureed foods.  Talk the the surgeon or dentist about it.  As for the aches & pains, a lot of it could be your body adjusting to the new set up it has.  I went through a lot as my back, hips, legs, & feet adjusted to the new center of gravity in my body.  Lots of back pain as I was shrinking.  Do talk to your dr. about it.  Possibly if you are standing a lot more now than before, you may need better, more supportive shoes.

As for normal, does anyone really know what normal is? 

I am standing and trying lots of shoes. My favorite is Nike Air, but I cannot wear them to work. My next favorite is AirSupply , but I've only wore them 2 days at work...my back still slightly hurt.

That makes a lot of sense to hear about the adjusting...maybe that's all it is...I hope. Does your back still hurt since you have lost the weight?

Thanks, Penny

Hi Penny, I don't have any advice on the teeth, I have bad teeth anyway ;), but I know that I have some major hip and back pain, I remember when I did weigh****chers that our leader explained that our body has to adjust to the weight loss just as it did the gain, our joints and bones have to realign after all that extra they were carrying. As far as the whole feet thing, my mom wears a brand called SAS. They are a bit pricy, but last forever and my mom is on her feet quite a bit during the day as a special ed teacher, she also has serious ankle trouble from a car accident and the extra weight she carries. I had a pair I wore when I was pregnant and weighed over 400 pounds at the time. My feet felt better at the end of the day than with normal shoes. I think everyone is giving you some sound suggestions, and as we always say we aren't doctors but we can always lend an ear. Hope you get to feeling better. Treat yourself to a pedicure! I've many times wondered if I made the right decision and even when I look in the mirror and see my saggy baggy elephant skin, I know that i'd rather have that them have to miss my daughter growing up.