Question:
Help with the post op blues?

I am 11 days post-op (Open RNY), and I feel like I have made the biggest mistake of my life. My surgeon said yesterday to that it was okay to start introducing regular foods slowly. Preferably starting with soft foods. I eat three or four bites and thats it, I am full and sometimes get stomach pains. I drink out of three ounce cups and if I drink too fast I hear a gurgle. I am sure this is normal, but it is very depressing. Will I ever be able to eat like a "normal" person? Most importantly when will that feeling of excitement kick in and the blues go away? At my ten day check-up yesterday I was down 11 lbs?    — KLandrum (posted on May 26, 2001)

May 26, 2001
kristin, i too had very bad post op blues. i have depression so it didnt surprise me too much. At 11 days i was still very tired and a bit sore it it was hard taking care of my daily routine...i have 2 kids, 2 & 5. It truly did get better every day but it took me till about week 7 or 8 till i felt great and got a lot of energy. I am now 12 weeks out and have almost eliminated my depression meds. I know it's hard but try not to focus on the depression...it only makes it worse. when you feel blue, try to call a friend or get out of the house or any other way to occupy your mind. i hope this helps and i am sure you will start to feel better soon. Good luck!!!
   — Kathy831

May 26, 2001
Wow, I've been in a blue mood since yesterday. I'm 12 days post-op and I expected to go through a blue period, But geeze, the only thing that helps when your in it, is to know that it is temporary.(so i've heard). I know i have too much time on my hands and too much time to think about THINGS and I have the holiday blues. I'm still weak from surgery, my breathing is not as strong as it should be and i get weak fairly easy. It's getting better, but ........ Anyways, I thought it was just strange that I was going to check this web site for the same exact thing you are talking about. GEE, you think maybe it's just normal to go through the blues. I 'm going to assume that things get better and hang in there. Thanks, your post did make me smile. and by the way, just a word of thanks to everyone that makes this site work. What a blessing it's been.
   — Sue H.

May 26, 2001
Kristin, hang in there it does get better. I felt the same way at about 10-11 days also. I think a lot of it has to do with our diets right after surgery. We go from eating large amounts of food to being on just liquids for the first two weeks. I started feeling better once I went for the 2 week check and I was down 42 pounds plus after two weeks I was able to start on pureed foods. I too could only get a few mouthfuls of food in at first. As your stomach heals you will find you will be able to eat more, never like before the surgery, but definitely more. I had my surgery on 4/13/01, so I am now just getting back on solid foods and I feel like a new person. Good luck and write me if you have any questions.
   — Barry R.

May 27, 2001
I went through a really bad day 16 days post op. All I did was cry and sleep for over 24 hours, could barely drink never mind eat. All I kept thinking was that I had made a huge mistake... I was told that it was withdrawal from the pain medication. That made sense to me because I only stopped taking them 3 days before that. Tomorrow makes 21 days and 20 lbs and I have felt really good since then. Hang in there, Kristin it will get better!!
   — Kim M.

May 27, 2001
The post op depression is a very normal thing to happen. We are all addicted to food, and when we have the surgery, we no longer have that vice to fall back on when things are going rough. I, myself, was an emotional, stress and binge eater, and now I dont have that. It was very rough for the first three months as I also had very severe complications with my surgery. It does get better, but the detachment from food does still come up from time to time. If it gets to be too much on you, seeking a counselor who specializes in eating disorders does help 150%. They can help you find other things to do to cope with the stress that we go thru everyday. I hope this helps.
   — Linda R.

May 27, 2001
I am 19 days post op and felt the same way as you. For one thing I was afraid to take my anti depressants as I was afraid the pills would get stuck. And eating and drinking hurt! But it is getting better... although slower than I would have hoped for. Remember, we put our bodies through a "horrible ordeal". But they WILL heal! We just have to be patient. I don't "burp" as much when I drink water now. That started improving a couple days ago. That was a relief. Anyway, hang in there. It WILL improve. ;)
   — Danmark

May 27, 2001
Kristin, I am 15 months postop and can eat pretty much whatever I like, but of course not as much. I am still losing 1-2 pounds a month, I am 12 pounds from goal weight, and I am really enjoying life. Hang in there- you will feel better. I went through the depression too, and my advice is to baby yourself. Find new ways to comfort yourself other than the food. Hot baths, candles, walks, (for me- flannel!), reading a good book- ANYTHING that makes you feel better- naps too! If I can help, even just to vent, feel free to write. It stinks, what you are going through, but it is the storm before the calm- it gets better:)
   — M B.

May 27, 2001
I am 1 week post op and I cried all day today. I just got Direct TV and cried when I found out it doesn't come with ABC, CBS and NBC I call Direct TV and yelled at them and cried at the same time. I was happy when I saw your post and the responses!
   — [Anonymous]