Hello,

I was banded one week ago today. It has been a difficult recovery. Major discomfort, nausea and many tears...but I am looking forward to brighter days. 6 lbs lost...that is something to smile about...a lb a day so far.

Can someone help me with the emotional stuff? I did not think I would be so emotional after surgery.

PinkGirl,

I am so glad you posted. I was banded on the 25th and I believe everything has gone as expected, but tonight I am sitting here feeling like I want to cry and I can't figure it out. I know most of my problem is that I am terribly impatient and want it all to happen yesterday. My husband has been excellent, as everyday he reminds me that I need to be patient and just do what I have to do. If it wasn't for him I know I would be even more emotional. I also think anesthesia may be contributing to emotionality. I remember the last time I had surgery I remember getting very depressed for about a week afterward.

Last week I was very uncomfortable and had a little nausea, like there was a lump in the back of my throat just about to come up. I have found that getting up and walking really helped me. One day I just walked around my backyard for about 15 minutes until the feeling passed.

I think I may have also lost about a pound a day, but impatient me thinks that I should have dropped at least 15 on these clear liquids.

Anyway, you are not alone. I found a friend that lives near me who was banded at a different hospital the same day. While we have not met face to face we talk daily through e-mail and just connecting with someone that understands help. Keep me posted on your progress.

I was an emotional mess.

I still kinda am. Im also going through some rough stuff personally. I have a close friend who was banded a week before me and she has also ben a little more emotional. I think its a combination of weight loss, hormone changes, and grief.

We can do it. We can also cry if we need to and not be ashamed. so if you feel like crying do it!

Thanks for responding. I don't feel so alone now. My husband told me the same things you are saying. He has been more of a blessing to me this week than he will ever know.

This week has been better so far. Pain has subsided. I had to have a hernia repair at the same time. shakes and nausea are better as well. Again, thanks for responding. Well, let's keep in touch as we go through this journey:thumbup:.

Hi and thanks for the response.

I have cried and feel better afterwards, but I haved vowed each time I feel emotional to get up and walk from now on. I can kill two birds with one stone...cry and get some exercise at the same time...LOL.

This is your 3rd week post op? How is the mushy diet going?

Mushies are going well. I'm still emotional lol Ive also been having my TOM since before the surgery so Im gonna blame it on that. but really things are getting better I guess. im learning to cook in smaller quanities since it is only my daughter and myself at home and the freezeris getting full. my bf has also been a great source of support even though he is out of state. well he tries anyway lol. after you are able to eat more substantial food u start feeling a little better each day.

Quick question. I can't figure out how to post the ticketfactory band on my site. Could either of you tell me what to do? Thanks

Went for my post-op visit today and everything is fine. he wanted me back next week for my first fill and I opted to wait one more week. I want to make sure I am healed physically and mentally before I start the restriction process.

I had the lap band on 10/27. Like you, I have been very emotional. I think in some strange way, I'm mourning the role food played in my life. I haven't cried, but I've been irritable at times. I know it will get better!!

Any type of permanent change is stressful. :mad2: Let's face it, many of us have used food to deal with life's issues, or used it to Celebrate...or both...it has been a central part of our lives for a long time. That is something that has to change if we want something different for our futures, and now that you have the band it will.

Once you get past your recovery period you will find ways to enjoy higher quality foods in lesser quantities, each much slower, savor each morsel more. I have heard many people say they enjoy food even more because they are not obsessing about it they can just enjoy the small amount they do eat and be done with it.

It is very important to remember also that ansesthesia will often effect you in an emotional way...I have had 4 surgeries in my lifetime and it does it to me everytime. Just try and talk to yourself nicely when you feel low, telling yourself that this will pass, healing is hard and stressful and you have to allow yourself to feel that. Grieve for your loss if you need to as well. It's ok. It will be ok, and one day, like so many others you will look back and say...yes it was hard but it's the best thing I have ever done for myself.

We are not super beings. We don't have to go through it all alone. We need support and love from others and from ourselves. We are regular people doing something extraordinary for ourselves. It will eventually be worth all the pain you have gone through.

I am pre-op myself but I have had the fears that I will go through all of this and it may not work but I have to remember that I got to the point of wanting surgery because I am truly ready to take control of every aspect of my life and as long as I start treating myself with the love and respect I give to everyone else I will not fail myself.

Just remember why you are doing this and that YOU ARE WORTH the effort, the discomfort and the changes it will take to master your own destiny. Say it outloud to yourself if you need to. YOU ARE AWESOME! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! :frown: