Question:
Depressed...Want a Reversal! Not even taking in Protein & Liquids. Advice Please!!
— Anita B. (posted on April 19, 2002)
April 19, 2002
Anita, I totally know how you feel. For the first 2 months after my
surgery, the only thing that kept me going was contacting doctors across
the country to have my surgery reversed! I couldn't drink...I was always
parched. I couldn't eat...I was so weak. I was dreaming about food, and
waking up so depressed because I couldn't eat or drink enough (let alone
any!). Although I'm still young, I can not think of one time in my life
where I felt as desperate and miserable as those 2 months! Everyday I
would say "what the hell have I done to myself?" For the first
two months I had 4 hospital stays, 2 strictures, a deep wound infection. I
had to take a towel with me everywhere I went because I would vomit all the
time. It was absolutely horrible! But, one day I woke up and I noticed I
could drink double what I did the day before. I could eat a tad more and
keep it down. The weight loss started to become evident in my clothing. I
started to drive my car again, go to the grocery store---everyday stuff
that I always took for granted. I wish I had the magic pill that would
make it all better. The only thing I can offer you is the wisdom that
things do get better with time. It just will take some patience on your
part. By the way, I'm 7 months out, i'm down 153 lbs and I'm only 33 lbs
till goal. Would I do it again? Absolutely! If you would've asked me
that 5.5 months ago? I would've cried and said Hell no! Actually, I think
I told many people that this surgery was actually invented by a psychotic
nazi! It does get better, hang in there!
— Kristin R.
April 19, 2002
Understand. Real food w/real flavor helped. I am 31 days out and just now
starting to feel even again on a regular basis.
— Yvette W.
April 19, 2002
I totally understand, but there is hope! I was nauseaus for the first four
months. I couldn't move (literally) without being nauseaus. I spent many
hours laying on my couch or on the floor in a fetal position trying to get
the nausea to subside. And then around the fourth month, it went away. I
was able to eat more and that seemed to make all the difference in the
world. I know this doesn't help you at this moment but I want you to have
hope that it will get better. I am now 11 months post op and have lost 136
pounds. I feel better than I have in many years! Hang in there!
— Brenda H.
April 19, 2002
I am not going to try and talk you out of what you feel is right for you-
the same way I would never try and talk someone into getting the surgery.
You will know what is best for you. I am also sorry to hear that you would
have liked an angel and didn't get one. I don't often read the message
board- and maybe had one of us done so, we would have been there for you at
that time. I definitly feel for you, I sympathize and wish I could take
away your pain. If reversal is indeed what you want then I would start
trying to get myself ready for that (like you did when you first decided on
this surgery). Start researching, preparing your body and mind. You DO
need to try and get protein/water in somehow- this affects me even 1.5
years out. I can tell when I feel low, depressed. I start drinking water,
eating right and in about a hour, it's like I am a new person. You also
need to be healthy to get the reversal! So as simple as it sounds, try and
follow your Dr.'s after care program to the T. It will help you come time
for another surgery. I also want you to know, my life, and many others
were totally different the first 3 months; perhaps it is hard for us to
write it all out the hills and valleys we all endured- but we did. Every
day, every hour is a new challenge! Once we start feeling GOOD, the
negative is not really thought of again. Even after the reversal you may
feel crummy due to anesthesia, etc. This could be just the way you
expirience any surgery? I know I was horribly depressed after my breast
reduction. Then again after WLS- so when I was due for Gallbladder, I was
prepared- and told myself, you are going to be wierd Karen- wierd! wierd!
wierd!, and you need to call the troops in for help. I did, and they did
and it was a nicer, easier time for me. They didn't let me get sucked into
my "shell" as I had before- but it took me telling them over and
over what I needed- since only I could express that to them- it was up to
me to "cry for help". The drugs/depression from my surgery(s)
only affected me for about 1 month- so I am hoping for you - you will get
some relief soon, in order to get strong enough should you go ahead with
the reversal. Do you have a support group? You need some one-on-one with
some post-ops- face to face! Is your husband helping? Any family members
who you can rely on 100%- I have no children, and I can only imagine the
"overload" you may expirience- taking care of your family has
probably always came first- now dealing with your own issues- you may feel
"how do I do it all?". The first and formost issue is you and
your health- the others may have to wait. Please let us know often- daily-
hourly- how you are- this may help (you and future posters). Have you any
liquid protein supplements? These are easier to get in- and sometimes it's
nice to have to make a production about what you're gonna eat, how much
protein you are or are not getting in- since all you do it pop a can
(Atkins etc.)... as much as you may thinking heading to pureed may help, I
think just drinking in your protein for now may be the answer? Just a
thought. Take care.
— Karen R.
April 19, 2002
You sound exactly like me. READ MY PROFILE. I am now 1 yr post-op. I
have had alot of complications. I would do it again. I have lost 142lbs.
I went from a size 30/32 to a size 14/16. You just have to take it one day
at a time. I too wanted a reversal, but as they say "This To Shall
Pass" I kept saying that to myself. I was even off work for 6 mos.
due to problems. Just look at me now, I even work overtime when needed, I
never even did that before the surgery. Chin Up. E-mail me if you want to
talk.
— lynbaby B.
April 19, 2002
My heart goes out to you Anita! On 02/26/02 I also had WLS, and ended up
in the same boat you seem to be in. I literally felt as if a black cloud
had swallowed me up, and I could not believe I actually had allowed this to
happen to me! I immediately scheduled my reversal surgery, and began to
feel like my life might actually go back to normal once the reversal was
complete. Fortunately, I did NOT follow through with a reversal! I am a
Christian, so even in the midst of my darkest times, I sought God and His
will (just as I had BEFORE my surgery). During this turmoil, I prayed a
prayer standing on God's Word (Micah 7:7&8) over and over believing God
would see me through; and all glory to God, He did! Hopefully you have
family and friends, and maybe a Pastor to rally around you for support,
strength, and prayers. It has been 7 1/2 weeks; I feel wonderful in every
way and have lost 36 1/2 lbs! Please give yourself time, and know that I
will be praying for you specifically! God bless and keep you!
Jackie Gibson [email protected]
— Jackie G.
April 19, 2002
Hang in there! What you are going through will get better,
really! I am praying for you. I am 2+ years out and just
had a tummy tuck and am feeling depressed. I was also depressed
after my RNY and hernia surgeries- I think our bodies respond
to the trauma of surgery that way. It does get better! I
am counting on that myself:) Good Luck!
— M B.
April 19, 2002
Please feel free and email me [email protected],
I will be your post - surgery angel... I will give you all the attention
you need. Don't worry, things will be much better once you start to
mentally accept what has happened to your body. This is a BIG deal, and
don't let anyone tell you anything different. You need to lighten up on
yourself, and give your self extra time to heal(mentally) and be extra nice
to yourself. IF you can try to get some self help books, some meditation
tapes, or books, to get your mind off of your surgery.... go to meetings
meetings meetings!!! I am sure there are WLS meetings in your area, they
are the next best thing to sliced bread! Try to get into come counseling ,
maby some anti anxiety meds temporarily until you adjust to your surgery..
I am not saying dope yourself up and get numb. Just something to calm your
nerves. Also, if you need to be admitted to the hospital, don't be shy be
sure to talk to your surgeon, call them at 4 am if you have to. TRY TRY TRY
HAS HARD AS YOU CAN PLEASE BE SURE NOT TO OVERLOOK YOUR LIQUIDS.. THAT IS
MOST IMPORTANT!!!! I would love to call you and talk to you, if you feel
comfortable, feel free and email me and we can email for a while, I don't
mind calling you on my expense - I am very willing to be your friend.
Sometimes others just don't understand. I hope that you are okay honey,
don't worry, things will work themselves out.. You HAVE to give it some
time. DONT DO ANYTHING DRASTIC (NOT LIKE YOUR SURGERY WASNT DRASTIC) BUT
JUST know in the back of your mind that your doctor will reverse your
surgery.. Just remember that is an option. I understand your dispair at
this point. BUT, just give it some more time...
PLEASE PLEASE EMAIL ME.. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO LISTEN/HELP/TALK ABOUT ICE
CREAM AND PIZZA. TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER.. ANYTHING YOU WANT. Just remember
to be kind to your self.
Namaste
xoxo
Kim
— Kim S.
April 19, 2002
Anita, I too, had problems eating or drinking ANYTHING! Just hang in
there! I don't know when you had your surgery, but I had mine 9/27/01, I
had to have my stoma stretched due to scar tissue, once that was done, I
was fine. Whatever the problem, I am sure it will heal w/time. I thought
I would never be able to eat or drink anywhere near normal again, but I
can. If you would like to e-mail me, my e-mail is: [email protected]. I
will be praying for you! Patti Meadows
— peppermintp
April 20, 2002
Anita, give youself time ! I went back and forth with foods and what it
boiled down to was I wasn't going to be able to eat anything my stomach
didn't want.... But as tim ehas went on things are as different as night
and day now.. but it took about 3 1/2 months.. I'm glad I stuck with it
though, down 122 lbs as of last week (4 months 1 week out at the time) and
feeling like a whole new person! Remember, you did this for a reason..
Good luck in whatever you decide!!
— Elizabeth D.
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