HELP... DOWN IN THE DUMPS AND NEED ASSISTANCE IN GETTING BACK ON TRACK.

Hello, I will be 5 years post op on 9/29. I am feeling very discusted with myself. When I originally had the surgery everything was great!  However, three years later, I ended up with a bowel obstruction, major infections, and once I thought that was over with I find out that  I have 2 large hernias that must be repaired along with the gall bladder removal. So I figured that this would be right in right out, get the problem fixed and go on with my life. Well it turns out that I now have nerve damage where they cut me, and I've been put on medications that have terrible side effects including slurred speach. I have since gone off of one of the medicaitons due to the lingering effects, however, when I try to do sit ups, or bending, the pain is horrible. I am so discusted. I know that I need to get back on track but I am having a hard time doing so.  I have gained approx 14 lbs. You may say that it is not that much to worry about but since the hernia surgery, my waist has expended 4 inches I am asuming to the incertion of the mesh. Sorry to go on but I guess the best way is to explain why I am down in the dumps so I can work on getting back to the life I had before the obstruction.
I am open for suggestions, and I would love to find a weight loss buddy.
Mommoo

Sorry that you have had so much trouble. It sucks. But think of it this way you are alive and you are not the same weight nor the same size you were before your surgery the bypass that is. And as far as size goes I don't rely on size but health do you feel that you are healthy. Do you still look in the mirror and say you don't even know who you are. Well I say buck up thing will get better and time will go on. So be happy with who and what you have become. And don't worry about size just be healthy.

Sometimes people swell for up to a year after major abdominal surgery. Especially involving muscle repair. How long has it been?

Hello Sally,
It was a year on August 3rd.

Hi there, I'm sorry you are having such a rough time! I keep reading stories of people with  complications after 3 years out and it is so scary. Don't waste time feeling disgusted with yourself-try to focus on how well you've done, and just take each day at a time, to get your nutrition and exercise and supplements in. If you think about getting back on track for the rest of your life it can be overwhelming-just take it hour by hour, until it becomes a habit, then day by day, etc. It takes at least 30 days to incorporate new habits, so be patient. As for the 4 inches on your waist-it's probably swelling from the surgery and will eventually go down. I hope you will join our Accountability posts-it has helped me SO much to get back on track, knowing that I have to be honest about every bite. Nobody here will judge you-it's something we do for ourselves, to encourage and learn from each other. Take care and don't despair-you can do it! You've already done so well, this is just a bump in the road!

I can sort of relate to the weight gain.  If you read my post (long one) 2 weeks ago about having a pain pump implanted???  Anyway, due to about a 10 lb. weight gain and the pain pump swelling I had to go from an size 8 to a size 12.  It can be very depressing. I felt HUGE!  But I'm feeling better about it now.  So  I understand.  If you want an e-mail buddy write me at [email protected].  I would be happy to have you as a friend and a confidant (sp?)

Hugs,
*Carol*

Hello Carol,
Thank you for your support; I will definatly be emailing you in the near future. I will also have to look for you prior posting. I think this site is probably where I should have came for support instead of looking to family members who have no incling of the complications that weight loss surgery can bring. Thank you once again and I will surely be in touch.
Huggzzz,
Marie

Carol,

I read this, and I totally agree with you, because this lady posting this could also be me.  Not the surgeries she has had, but I have gained about 15lbs, and it IS VERY DEPRESSING!!  I am with you, and her, I gained back from stupid hormone pills, and cannot get it off.

I was a size 4/6, now an 8/10/12 depending on cut/kind of clothes, and I refuse to buy new ones.

I am exercising, and eating right, and just am stuck!

Thanks for an uplifting email, I am feeling better ready everyone else's posts.

Love,

Deb

Schmessa,
Thank you so much for the post. I am still happy about being 67< less than I was (I had lost a total of 80#), I guess it's just hard for me to have to take a step backwards when I was feeling so good.  You are absolutly correct, I need to focus on accountanbility, and exercise, and I feel I can do so with great folks like you.
Thank you again.
Mommoo

God bless family members.  Me, I don't have any family, they have all passed.  They never got to see me thin and I never got to grow old with them.  Geesh, that comment brought back a lot of memories.  WOW!  Anyway, this is a GREAT site with or without family members to help you along.  Remember WE have ALL been where you have been.  WE ALL have something in common and understand each other.  I started coming here about a year before I had surgery and haven't stopped coming at all.  I don't always post, but I'm always there.  I have a picture to post, but can't figure out how to do it.  Someone wrote me, but I don't understand the directions.  Crop this and crop that.  Yikes, I guess I will just got pictureless........

Hugs,
*Carol*