Question:
2.5 Weeks Out, Post Op Blues, Can Anyone Help?

I have been totally a wreck... I am happy because I am normally a happy person, then I start getting upset at myself for having the surgery, then I get upset about the foods that make me sick,then I get upset about being still on soft foods. (2 1/2 weeks out) Sheesh.. anyone can give me some supportive advice?    — dakotapuma (posted on March 16, 2003)

March 16, 2003
We just talked about this at our last support group meeting (about 70 or so post-ops present)... It's very common for both males AND females to have emotional changes after surgery. The men spoke of irritability and a lack of patience. The women spoke of emotional ups and downs. Your body has undergone a major change and it's natural to "grieve" the loss of your regular stomach. It WILL get better... Cyberhugs.
   — Kathy B.

March 16, 2003
I can relate. I am a worry wart, also. The best advice that I can give you is to remember that this is but a brief moment in your life. Soon, you will be much happier & healthier. Try to just enjoy the process. Remember that you are loved & you have made 1 of the best decisions of your life!! You have given your self the gift of a wonderful new beginning! Congratulations my friend!
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 16, 2003
Hi Colleen. I'm about 2 weeks ahead of you and I can totally relate to your problem. A couple of weeks ago I was still eating full liquids/very soft foods, still had lots of aches in my belly when I tried doing much, and didn't yet feel any weight loss even though I was down 27 lbs. I was getting cranky, to say the least. What worked for me was just getting as active as I could without going too far combined with looking toward the future. I've increased my activity level and can feel how much easier it is to move. That brings my mood way up. And even though I can't yet do even the physical things I was doing preop, I have been looking forward to the spring when my knees won't hurt like they did last year, when I can do more things outdoors with my young daughter, when I can hike, and just walk upstairs. I guess what I'm saying is, keep looking forward. And day by day, forward you will go! I feel so much better just two weeks later... more variety in my diet, more able to take walks, back to work, and breathing life deeply. Hang in there... tickle your kid, play hide and seek, take a deep breath and be very proud of yourself!
   — Diane M.

March 16, 2003
Colleen: Bear in mind two things: temporary sadness/depression goes with the territory; and "this, too, shall pass." I kept a journal of my WLS experience. The early entries attest to a very sad, blue mood. I remember there for awhile, seemingly nothing gave me any joy. Remember, we are spiritual/mental/physical beings. When one part is affected, the other areas are impacted. Keep the faith. Pretty soon you'll be all smiles.
   — ZaZa F.

March 16, 2003
I can totally relate here. When I came home after surgery the first time I was just a bit emotional but after the second homecoming from the hospital around 20 days out, I was a wreck. I felt very weepy. If I saw something inspirational, sad, happy, or for no reason, I would get emotional and even weepy. Imagine a 36 year old man, having tears well up in his eyes over stuff that usually only women feel emotional about! <p>It does pass and gets better. What made things better for me was when I started getting in more protien, water, and walking. I think the root of the emotional feelings is helplessness or the feeling of helplessness. During that period of time, I remember it took soo much energy just to do the little daily routine. Fustration and depression follows. <p>Take Care, Be Well, Be Happy!!
   — John T.

March 17, 2003
I remember being the same way. I would cry at commercials. When you lose alot of wieght in a very short time span your hormones go hay wire. Just hang in there and keep you kleenexs close. You will get through. I promise
   — spring A.