Will I ever feel better?

[toomuchrose 47]

Ok folks, I'm gonna whine now, sorry. I hope someone can reassure me that at some point I will feel better, because I'm nothing but miserable now.

I was banded on 5/20 and spent 2 days in the hospital violently nauseated. I thought maybe it was the anesthesia or the pain pump, and they gave me anti-nausea drugs. After being home 2 days I had to go back to the ER because the nausea and diarrhea were really bad. I got a Rx for more nausea meds and periodically felt better.

I kept saying that at least I didn't have incision pain and I was healing well. I was told not to take the steri-strips off, that they'd fall off on their own, but they never did. Last Sunday i saw that I had red flaring around one incision and it was oozing. I had my 2 week check up the next day and the nurse took the strips off to reveal red rectangles under each one. I am apparently allergic to them now. One incision is open and looks nasty to me, but the doctor said it was only mildly infected and should heal ok, just watch to see it doesn't get worse. so now I have a visiting nurse coming in to pack it and monitor it.

I'm still having debilitating nausea about 2/3 of the day. This morning I woke up sick and had to really force myself to eat 1/2 a mashed banana and some Greek yogurt. I'm following my dietary instructions exactly. I'm not hungry at all, on the contrary, I find most food repulsive and have practically no desire to eat. I'm getting around 350-400 calories a day. I'm getting the recommended fluids, but not quite enough Protein. I feel very weak and almost faint. The only food that seemed to help has been 1/2 vegetable broth, 1/2 minestrone Soup in the blender. After eating that I feel much better. I think salty, savory things would help, so I'm wondering if it's a electrolyte problem?

I see other people on the same timetable talking about going to the gym, working, going to restaurants, etc. Wow! I'm too sick to do anything. I'm starting to get really depressed and think maybe this whole thing was a mistake. I'm down by 31 lbs. and when I got weighed, I didn't even feel glad, just miserable.

Were any of you this sick for this long? Maybe it's because I'm older? I've had other operations over the last few years (joint replacements) and didn't react this badly. I like the people at the doctor's office and they are listening to my problems, they just keep telling me to check back if I feel worse and keep getting my liquids.< /p>

[enjoythetime 1,457]

I'm sorry to hear you've had such a tough start, but whoa 31lbs in a month is great!! I know right now you're miserable but I assure you this too shall pass! You will get everything evened out, it just takes some longer than others because we're all so different. Whatever you do, don't give up. Is there anyway you can add in an extra Protein shake maybe add in some fruit? Or maybe mix some Protein powder into your yogurt or your broth so that you're bumping up those calories and Protein? ? 350-400 calories simply just isn't enough to keep your body going which is the reason for the weakness and truth be told probably most of the reason for your nauseau! At first it was hard for me to get alot of things in too, but day by day little by little you are able to get more and more in. Definitely stay in contact with your doctor. You're doing the best you can with what you can and that's all you can do. Just hang in there! Hope things smooth out for you soon!

Edited June 4, 2014 by enjoythetime

[Jack 855]

hang in there toomuchrose, each day 'should' be better & better.....

I too developed a rash from the tape adhesive enough so they won't use in on such as fill-stick puncture sites.

I was 59 at surgery but didn't feel like you describe. Certainly I would make my Doc PERSONALLY know how I felt & would come sit on his desk until satisfied he had examined & explained WHAT is going on.

Good luck & cheers in your journey.

Edited June 4, 2014 by Jack

[Bandista 7,466]

Sending best wishes your way -- what a rough start. You have been through a lot with the nausea, etc. I hope your body is settling down from whatever it reacted to -- could it be a pain medication you're on or a reaction to the anesthesia? I loved my Popsicles during the healing phase -- MinuteMaid Soft Lemonade. Try to stay hydrated and move around, gentle walking and a lot of sipping, can you tolerate a nice chicken broth? You will be feeling SO much better. You are worn out but you'll be bouncing back now and jumping for joy at this big initial loss. No way to do it, of course, but still a nice chunk off.....

[toomuchrose 47]

@@enjoythetime Thanks. The 31 lbs isn't since my surgery, it includes the 5 months of qualifying diet. I was down about 14 when I went into surgery, The day I came home I weighed 6 more than when I went in due to IV fluids, so it was a seesaw, but since surgery, I've dropped about 18. It got hard to keep track, but in all, I've lost 31 as of now. I agree that I'm just not taking in enough calories to keep myself going. This week I'm making smoothies with Muscle Milk, Greek yogurt, fruit and almond milk, but I just had one and it made me sick!

@@Bandista and @@Jack, thanks for the kind words.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

@@toomuchrose, I'm so sorry you're having that rotten nausea. Like others have said, be the squeaky wheel and get relief. Always follow your doc's eating plan, but if you are and only certain things in that plan taste good right now, then just eat those. Like your savory Soups. Don't worry about perfect nutrition yet. Worry about healing and hydration and keeping your banded stomach protected. Good luck.

[lynz 39]

Sending you healing prayers. Try Vitamin Water for electrolytes.