Question:
does it ever really get better?

I am about 3 1/2 weeks out of surgery. I am so sick of feeling terrible and not being able to eat hardly anything but liquids. I can do soft foods but I usually end up with chest and back pains and the only way to relieve this is by vomiting. I am a little bit discouraged because right now it is not a very fun way to live. I don't think I could take it, if I was always like this. Some days I can eat soft food and other days the same food makes me ill. I just need someone to tell me it does get better. I am not sorry I had the surgery, I am just tired of the way things are going. On the positive side, I have lost 20 pounds. Thanks    — Lois M. (posted on October 17, 2001)

October 17, 2001
I don't know if you will believe me here, but it does get much better. I also was sorry I had the surgery. I was totally miserable for about 6 to 7 weeks. I am now 12 weeks out and feel soooo much better. I feel like a normal person. I have lost 49 pounds and I can move and want to be out and doing things all of the time. What a life change this has been. It is a slow process, but it will be worth it soon. Keep your chin up:)
   — Dawn H.

October 17, 2001
Boy do I know that feeling...sick of feeling sick. My problems started the way you describe. I'd eat and I'd feel back pain and chest pain. It was just very uncomfortable. I would actually be happy to vomit because then I felt better. It progressively got worse, until I was vomiting about twice a day. And I thought that I'd never be able to eat normally....I'd always be sick...I'd ruin my esophagus like anorexics...etc. Then I finally insisted on an endoscopy and found my stoma had narrowed. They ballooned it out and I felt a little better. The first few weeks after were slow going still. I didn't throw up...but by this point I was too worried I would, so I was careful in experimentation. Finally now, about 4 weeks after my endoscopy, I'm starting to eat normally again. Or more normal than I ever have since the RNY. Still very small portions. But no vomiting or sick feeling. So, keep an eye on how you're feeling. If your sickness gets progressively worse or is daily, I'd talk to your surgeon about getting your stoma looked at. I'm so happy I did. I'm on my way back to my new "normal." Good luck.
   — Tracy L.

October 17, 2001
I am now 5 months post-op but I felt the same way you did early on. I was so discouraged and so tired of not being able to eat. People kept telling me it WILL get better and it DID. Please be patient (I know easier said then done!) You are adjusting to a whole new life of eating. For me I spent 38 years eating a certain way, I couldnt expect to change my habits overnight. But the continual vomiting due to eating too much or too fast helped me to learn. Even now I have my days where I still eat too quickly. As soon as I feel that heaviness in my chest I KNOW it's time to stop. You have to listen to your body. Any believe me it WILL get better. Best of luck.
   — [Anonymous]

October 17, 2001
Yes, it does get better...I promise! The first 6-8 weeks are the hardest. Just be patient, follow your docs orders and enjoy the rapid weight loss.
   — [Anonymous]

October 17, 2001
Lois, congrats on your surgery. There's something that I've found that may help you. Always try to relax before you eat. Don't hurry, don't discuss things that make you excited or upset while eating. Chew everything very well and eat slowly. I had always tried to follow this and I have never vomited. However, when I eat too fast or am upset, I get BAD PAIN and I have to stop eating immediately. Now I don't have to think much about this as it has become a habit for me. Best wishes to you!
   — Cindy H.

October 17, 2001
Yes, it gets better and better and better! I know this is a hard time for you, but know that in just a short time you will be feeling incredible!
   — Marnie K.

October 17, 2001
I just HAD to answer this post because I remember posting pretty much the same message about 3 months ago. Does it get better? YES!! It absolutley does! I am almost 6 months post op and I am feeling 100% better than I did in the beginning. I am able to eat a bit more (sometimes scary, but at least I'm not vomiting anymore!) and the variety is better too! It does get better, ride the wave...eat what you can and be patient. It WILL get better I promise. And keep looking toward that positive side - 20 pounds is wonderful - and you will keep losing! Your new mantra should be: It will get better, It will get better, It will get better. Because it will!! Good luck!
   — Wunderama

October 17, 2001
Lois... take heart. I am at 9 weeks now. At 3 1/2 weeks I was living on yogurt, cottage cheese and weak tea. And I could only eat 3 - 4 spoonfuls. Now I can eat almost anything, including beef, pizza, and haven't vomited in weeks. My portions are still small, but at least I'm not bored to tears and I can participate in society! It does get better. Eat small portions... even if it's just two spoons an hour... just to get the hang of it. You read lots of warnings against "grazing" and that's valid once you're healed up. In the first post-op weeks, tho, I had to graze or I would've starved to death. My tummy just couldn't process much at one time. It does get better. Just go slow. Congrats on your 20 lb loss...
   — Nancy G.

October 17, 2001
I wish someone had warned me about these blues when I had surgery. I probably wouldn't have listened anyway, though :) I was very discouraged at about the same point you are at. I was a little depressed and had a plateau at 20 pounds lost. I thought I had done all this just for 20 pounds. The liquid diet is no fun but as you heal you will be able to eat more and more. If it doesn't work today try again next week. Just be patient with yourself and listen to your body. If it tells you it's not ready for a food don't force it. It will heal and before you know it you will be eating more normally. On the bright side you will probably lose weight faster, too!
   — ctyst

October 17, 2001
I had surgery almost 2 weeks ago and I am fine. I don't know what type of procedure you had but things will get better. Your body is just adjusting to the change. Good Luck.
   — yodie123

October 17, 2001
I was going to write the same question this evening. I am so thankful you wrote it and I was able to see answers right away. I too am 3 weeks and two days out and throwing up all the time three times per day I guess. I am able to keep some food down ( bean buritto, yogurt, one pretzel at a time and even tried WOW chips today and banannas) but I feel some food and it feels stuck in my chest and the relief comes quickly when I make myself sick. I hope it gets better too. Usually to be honest I am trying food too soon I think. I have lost 35 lbs but I am tired of the vomiting. I made it from 10 pm last night until 6:30 pm. Usually it seems to be when I get home from work and I am used to eating quickly or throwing food in my mouth while I make dinner for everyone. I have found I like water and popcicles a great deal because they feel good. Hang in there and if you think of any tricks let em know too since I am at the same point in my healing and also am getting sick often.
   — sanibel C.

October 17, 2001
Just as everyone else says - it does get better. One suggestion is to go SSSLLLOOOWWW when eating. This has been the hardest change for me. I'm so accustomed to shoveling food in. The opening from your new stomach to your intestines is so narrow now. Given time it will open up more. But for now, slow is better. Congradulations on your weight loss. Hang in there!!
   — Wanda W.

December 4, 2001
Don't worry sweetie. You will begin to feel better but it can take a while. Everyone is different, OK? I know some people that got bursts of energy after they had their surgery. Me, I was dragging my behind around for at least 3 months and it still waxes and wanes 6 months out. Your energy depends on how you responded to various aspects of your surgery and how healthy you are in the first place. The very best that you can do for yourself and those around you is to be honest with yourself. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF however long it takes. The reason we do this is to loose large amounts of weight. You are not taking in enough nutrition to keep a knat going and you will be tired. There is nothing wrong with you. Do the best you can and be gentle with yourself. Type this message out and put it on your bathroom mirror. If you are like me at all you need to keep reminding yourself that good things take time.
   — Wendy S.

Click Here to Return