Hi All,

I'm not sure how to begin, but here we go... I've been overweight my whole life, and 9 years ago I was at my heaviest , which was between 410-420lbs. Over the years I've very slowly lost weight, but never to the degree that would make me healthy. Last year I began to make a focused effort to gain control of my weight, which means I weighed 380lbs at the beginning of last year.

I am now 1 week post-op with the VSG, and my weight on my surgical date was 353lbs. I am now 339lbs, which is a loss of 14lbs, and I guess that's normal, not sure?? I'm experiencing side pain, and my stomach is still VERY swollen. I feel like I have 2 galIons of water strapped to my belly that I'm dragging around. I can't be physically active more than 15mins without pain, and shortness of breathe. I'm getting very frustrated because I want to began excercising!!! Is it normal to still be in pain when moving about a week after surgery?

First let me say congrats on your decision to take on this life changing journey!!! Yes,it is still normal to have a bit of pain at a week out. And it is also normal to be swollen still. Usually in the 2nd week,things start feeling better but everyone is different. You will be able to exercise eventually. Just do what you can,and rest. =) I will be a month out on Wednesday and just today I was able to do my first mile. I didn't wanna over work myself. Just remember to sip,sip,sip,walk,walk,walk and you'll be fine! Soon,it won't even feel like you had surgery,just you will be able to eat MUCH less!!!! =)

^{I agree with Allformy4 , one other thing. Keep your sodium intake down. It definitly helps with the swelling. I am 2= weeks out and am not ready to exercise yet. I walk but get winded quickly.}

congrats on your weight loss!

dont push the envelope! let thingsflow. take it easy! you just had major surgery & when overweight, it can take a toll. my story is complicated (i had complications) but im 2months out & have yet to exercise. not even once!

things will come in time. WHEN YOU ARE READY, you will know. in the mean time, relax! enjoy your pain meds & watching the weight come off.

First, welcome to the Loser's Bench!!!! You are doing great....Don't worry about working out right now!! I couldn't work out for 6 weeks.. Don't forget, you've had major surgery!!! Take it easy and stay hydrated!!!

CONGRATS! You are doing fine. Make sure you get your fluids because your body is only happy when hydrated. Then protein first, veggies, to be truthful, you will most likely be full by then. Have a fun day!

OMG!! Thanks so much for the feedback!

Congrats on your decision and goo luck on your journey!!

I am 8 days po. & My dr was Rey clear to not excerise Until week8, and even then at his approval. Until then I walk the dog 30 min every day. I get winded and dizzy but each day it gets better!

The side pain is a huge issue for me too. I was told today at my one week check up it'll e 6-8 week before that muscle stops hurting. It's a major muscle that is connected to any activity invoking your arm or waist movement and IT WAS CUT AND SEWN UP!!! I didn't know when I was released on day one and freaked out from the pain but also I was icing it and it was spasming and finally day four I went to THR hospital cause it felt like an alien baby wanting to pop out and that's when it was explained to me what they did!!! Oh dear lord start off with that prior to surgery will ya!????? Now I use a heating pad as much as possible an. The two days I've gone somewhere I use those temporary heating pads strips that stick to me. Ahhhh relief!!!

I started soft food today and it felt so good. I wondered how will I really know when I'm full cause I feel starved... And uhhhh oh I knew!!! Ouch!!!! But I'm learning like everyone else and am exciting for my journey.

I had a major issue for 4 days po getting any liquids down, let alone Protein liquids, so my loss for one week is 8.9lbs. I was sad, but being the dr said i was dehydrated when I saw him on day 4, I understand that the 64oz of liquid & 60g of protein we are to take in everyday aide in our weight loss. You'll stall, and your body will not cooperate so that an 30min of walking daily will be the key to weight loss and healthy living. Well that and our mountain of Vitamins, I start mine tomorrow;-)

Be gentle and hopeful towards you and you'll be a success!!!

I started exercising (swimming) shortly after my surgery (last June) and was so exhausted that I was seriously afraid that I might drown in the pool. I went back to work ten days post op, working 12 hour shifts in a busy Labor and delivery unit where I was a nurse. I was SO exhausted! I can not begin to tell you how deep the fatigue went! I called my doctor's office (Had my surgery in Mexico, so follow up visits were not a possibility) and was told to take it easy for at lest 6-8 weeks. That walking was OK, but should limit my exercising to walking for at least 6-8 weeks to allow things to heal internally. They emphasized that even though I did not have a huge incision (the surgery was laproscopic) that it WAS major surgery, removing the majority of my stomach, and that there was lots that had to heal internally. So I backed off the exercising and immediately felt better. Today am eight months post op and have lost 100 pounds. The last few pounds have taken FOREVER(!) but I am 8 pounds from my original goal, and working hard to get there. Hang in there, and remember that this is a life long (and life changing) journey. Enjoy the journey and don't wish to be done with the trip. It continues as long as you live!

And P.S. welcome to the Losers Bench!

Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)