Question:
I FEEL MISERABLE, PLEASE HELP.

I'm 3 weeks post-BPD/DS and i still feel miserable. I have no energy what so ever. I'm easily exhausted and my heart races at the slightest physical exertion. The smell/sight of food makes me sick. I throw up easily and can't seem to eat. I have morning sickness-like symptoms (but i'm 100% sure i'm not pregnant). I'm just so tired all the time !!! Will this ever end? I really regret having this surgery right now. :(    — Laura R. (posted on July 18, 2003)

July 17, 2003
First of all let me say what you are going through is normal and I have the utmost sympathy for you. You need to eat, that is why energy is so low. You are probably not getting enough protein. Start with some type of protein. Take small sips of it. Also drink some water so you don't get dehydrated. Try to do liquids as much as possible. This will pass in a few weeks but not if you don't get your protein in. Also don't forget your vitamins. Once again, let me say that I am sorry you are sick. A lot of people go through this and it does get better. Try to stay positive.
   — snicklefritz

July 17, 2003
Honey, you just had MAJOR surgery...how did you think you were going to feel? All of your reactions are within the 'normal' range. Even I, who has a cast iron stomach, threw up occasionally and some food smells made me sick too. Here is what I suggest: sleep at least 8 hours per day, take an afternoon nap. Walk around the block three times a day, increasing the distance a little every other day. Eat cooked vegetables smothered with a mild cheese, eggs any way you like them, frozen yogurt, yogurt with honey and fruits. Take your supplements. There is nothing wrong with you that a month from now won't fix. Also, make sure you throw a little iron loaded food like baked beans and spinach in. I ate a lot of Boston Market's mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. My doc said no meat for 7 weeks, but at four weeks I could have shrimp, tuna, and chicken. Remember feeling nausea can come from not eating enough and fatigue can come from not being active enough. It is a vicious cycle. So be gentle with yourself and take it one day at a time...Good Luck!!! It is definitely worth it!!!! I rode 28 miles yesterday on my bike and remember when I couldn't walk 25 feet without having to rest and catch my breath!
   — merri B.

July 17, 2003
Hi Laura, welcome to the switched side!! You are going to LOVE the DS and will look back on this time and wonder how you could ever have doubted yourself. I promise! What you are going through is perfectly normal. Remember, you have just had MAJOR surgery; it is normal to feel tired and weak! Take lots of naps and don't feel guilty or like a failure--it's NORMAL. In 3-5 weeks you will wake up one day and suddenly feel terrific; it seems to happen that way for everyone. For now, the biggest thing is to drink enough water. This will help, and probably cure, the nausea. Carry a water bottle at all times and sip sip sip all day, one sip at a time. Also eat something, protein or not, whatever sounds good, one bite at a time; I remember clear soup was very comforting at this stage. As soon as your stomach feels better, concentrate on protein, any old kind that appeals to you; your tastes may change so experiment with all sorts of different things. Also get up and move around, slowly, every hour or so. Although you are supposed to go for a walk, simply walking across the room is enough if you're feeling shaky, but it is important to move to avoid blood clots. Your hormones are all out of whack right now and adding to the depression; this too shall pass! Be sure to do things like showering to make yourself feel better. Make a list of all the things you're going to do when you're feeling better. Put some things you can do soon, like taking a walk with your husband (who sounds like a sweetie!); checking them off is a real morale booster! For more support, read and post to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/duodenalswitch/ and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS-Support/. And feel free to email me. Chris, DS 6/11/02, 378-230, 57/35, sz 38/18.
   — Chris T.

July 19, 2003
Ahhh, Laura. I can't add anything more to the great advice all the previous posters have given you. I just want to echo that this WILL pass and you will soon feel WONDERFUL! Hang in there. (Open RNY 10/30/02 down 175)
   — Ginger M.

July 19, 2003
I know what you are going through. I had surgery 5/5/03 and I was feeling completely exhausted. I think it is just the body's way of adjusting. You body is somewhat in shock and it will take a few weeks to feel somewhat "normal." I tell ya what worked for me. I felt so tired and all, and I think it was because I wasn't getting enough protein. It is recommended by my surgeon to supplement with proteins until you are able to eat a bit more. I drank the Pro-Complex but then felt my stomach not handling the milk very well. I then switched over to a pre-made drink I found in the vitamin part of the grocery store called "Advant Edge." It is a small little box and comes in a chocolate flavor. They contain 15 grams of Protein and really gave me a boost. I drink them in place of breakfast. Now, I add a little fresh fruit. Another think I did was of course take my multivitamin along with vitamin B12 and drank alot of Chicken Noodle soup (NOT CHUNKY). The soup is very soothing and digests great, plus it is loaded with protein. For a while I was drinking chicken noodle soup everyday for a month. Now I have gone onto other things. Try the soup though. If you can't handle the soup try another high protein item. Good luck. It all passes. I have so much more energy and feel so much better. I have lost over 75 pounds (that is pre and post surgery) Actually over 40 pounds since my surgery and I am glad I had the surgery. Check out my website WWW.diaryofafatlady.com
   — Julie B.

July 19, 2003
I just want to add this - did you contact your surgeon or PCP? It could be harmless or typical as the others think, but symptoms like these must be run by the doctors first (and I RARELY say that). All the best, and our prayers are with you!
   — Postop_nurse

July 19, 2003
I agree with Barb X. Surgeons expect and want phone calls from early post ops. They want to head off any problems before they become serious.
   — faybay