1 And A Half Weeks Post Lap Band Conversion To Sleeve And Really Struggling With Emotions

[kyleebean 209]

I had a conversion from a very bad, bad lap band to sleeve gastrectomy on 11/27/13 (the day before thanksgiving). This was one of the most painful procedures I have ever had (Including an open spleenectomy and giving birth to my 11 pound daughter) My Dr. said I had a ton of scar tissue and it took them 2 hours just to root around the scar tissue to remove the band. When they removed the band, he said there was a lot of inflammation and it appeared my body was having a bad reaction to the band being placed in the first place. I had a lot of pain and discomfort and wasn't actually able to drink anything until the third day in the hospital because my esophagus and stomach were so inflamed. Then I caught pneumonia. After antibiotics were started and a lot of loving care from my partner and daughter I was able to go home on 12/1/13.

As of right now, I'm in minimal pain and only at night when trying to sleep. But I'm nauseous all the time and nothing tastes right. Starting yesterday I started crying for no apparent reason and that has continued into today. I'm not sure what to make of my emotions and am wondering if they are normal? On a positive note, I am down 30 pounds (if you include the 8 I gained having surgery from all the IV's) and I am thrilled about that.

[graphix1 6]

I had the same problem with my lap band and same emotions. My pain meds were the issue. I ended up getting different pain meds and nausea meds. Took me 3x as long to recover from my lap band removal as it did for my gastric sleeve surgery.

[Nurse_B 270]

My wish for you is that you catch a break!! What a tough situation, I am sorry you are dealing with so much pain. I'm dealing with a lot of emotions, first week post op. Even though I have been talking them through before surgery, my new reality has me really thinking about how I ended up here. Reality can be a hard pill to swallow when you can't ignore it anymore ( at least for me it has been!). Did they do just the band removal surgery, or both at the same time? Totally understandable you are emotional, your body has been through the wringer. Sending you lots of prayers of better days ahead!

[kyleebean 209]

I did have the band removed and the sleeve all in one really long 5 hour surgery.

[Nurse_B 270]

I did have the band removed and the sleeve all in one really long 5 hour surgery.

Holy cow!! You are a tough cookie!! Are you feeling any better today??

[kyleebean 209]

I am physically feeling better. Emotionally, I'm kinda a mess! Thanks for asking

[lovely momma 28]

I have a little fear about the emotional side of this too. I have used food for comfort for a lot of years. I just wonder what is going to happen once I am sleeved

[winter1961 2]

1 Week Post Opt. Band to Sleeve. I too have been very emotional and crying. I think its just the emotional journey we have had to endure. For Me it has been high anxiety of fear of the Sleeve Surgery and losing a big portion of my stomach. Maybe its your body expressing emotionally the loss of a organ? They say when you loose a limb that the opposite limb will express grief by pain.

I feel Great now, and don't regret the sleeve at all. I too had severe scar tissue to my Liver. Just hang in there and remember the purpose at the beginning of our journey was and still is to be HEALTHIER AND FIND HAPPINESS WITHIN OURSELVES.

[JanetBP 16]

Starting yesterday I started crying for no apparent reason and that has continued into today. I'm not sure what to make of my emotions and am wondering if they are normal? On a positive note, I am down 30 pounds (if you include the 8 I gained having surgery from all the IV's) and I am thrilled about that.

I understand. I'm doing the same thing. I could actually cry right now just taliking about crying. My daughter was supposed to pick up some flowers from my mom, it turned out to be a plant. I was so upset (because I had been expecting a big gorgeous bouquet for two days). I know, I know...ungrateful etc etc. But that just ruined me for the rest of the evening. I had already been crying on and off because my sister had said something to me about what I was going to get my mom for Christmas. The flower thing just pushed me off the edge. Could not seem to get myself together al all.

From what I've read here and there, this is pretty normal. Might not make sense but it's not ABnormal. Hang in there!!

[Am1e 48]

I am 5 weeks post op revision from band to sleeve. I have had several emotional lows. I think it is a combination of everything. Medications, anesthesia, the pre-op and post op diet. I used to medicate these emotions with food. But I am so happy because a side effect of the diets is freedom from food addictions, IF you just never go back. I am only 5 weeks out but I have switched from sugar to stevia. No soda at all. No sweet tea at all (which is my favorite drink of all time). If I just force myself to have 0 calorie sweet tea (stevia sweetened) from now on and never go back, I can be free from it. So when I am low I try to focus on the weight I have lost and the weight I will lose. Also a walk or 10-15 min on the elliptical will release the same endorphins that Cookies and candy would have. I have been trying to use exercise (easy stuff since I am only 5 weeks out) to replace my food addictions. I hope it works. Imagine going for a run instead of eating that tub of ice cream. I hope I can be THAT person.

[krazzierebel 17]

The band to sleeve surgery was the most painful experience of my life!! I had soooooo much pain day two and three! After the first week it was all better and no pain. Just discomfort from the drain! It gets easier!

[SleevedSteph 4]

So sorry to hear about your painful recovery! I think the scar tissue from the band makes a huge different. I was sleeved on Monday and the surgeon told my husband it was a quick and smooth surgery with no scar tissue. The sleeve has been easy on me so far but the band kicked my butt! However, that could change as I am only on day 4. My husband was mowing the lawn the day after his band surgery but he had scar tissue and he said he felt like a train wreck after his sleeve and he had severe pain where his port was and was slow moving and took him almost 2 months before he felt himself. He has had his sleeve for one year and loves it and has had no issues. Hoping you are at the end of your pain/nausea!