Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Please tolerate my venting



Recommended Posts

Guest

I'm having just a horrible night and having a bit of an emotional breakdown-feeling scared, powerless, out of control. Right now, I feel like I made a huge mistake and have somehow made my life worse by having an irreversible surgery.

I've had a horrible time since I got home. I'm hoping this will all change and I can at some point reflect back on this post and declare myself a drama-queen.

I'm 5 days out. I still have a lot of gas and it doesn't seem to go away despite my walking and doing everything I should.

I can't tolerate Proteins yet and seem to be working out an ileus that I fear will never go away.

I still have muscle pains and not doing laps around the block like some of the other people in my surgery center. I feel like I'm way behind in healing.

The worst The dizziness. And by dizziness, it's more a lack-of balance. My blood sugar and pressure are fine but when I do my walks around the block, it's like I'm swaying, off balance and my eyes can't keep up. I feel like light-headedness I'd understand but this I don't.

I'm scared Ive forever messed up my body and Ill have these side effects forever now.

Feeling overwhelmed and scared, dramatic but-any words or advice would be appreciated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, Keatsy said:

I'm having just a horrible night and having a bit of an emotional breakdown-feeling scared, powerless, out of control. Right now, I feel like I made a huge mistake and have somehow made my life worse by having an irreversible surgery.

I've had a horrible time since I got home. I'm hoping this will all change and I can at some point reflect back on this post and declare myself a drama-queen.

I'm 5 days out. I still have a lot of gas and it doesn't seem to go away despite my walking and doing everything I should.

I can't tolerate Proteins yet and seem to be working out an ileus that I fear will never go away.

I still have muscle pains and not doing laps around the block like some of the other people in my surgery center. I feel like I'm way behind in healing.

The worst The dizziness. And by dizziness, it's more a lack-of balance. My blood sugar and pressure are fine but when I do my walks around the block, it's like I'm swaying, off balance and my eyes can't keep up. I feel like light-headedness I'd understand but this I don't.

I'm scared Ive forever messed up my body and Ill have these side effects forever now.

Feeling overwhelmed and scared, dramatic but-any words or advice would be appreciated.

If you have muscle pains that could be a sign of electrolytes being off. Did you bring that up to your doctor? That could also account for your dizziness.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest

8 minutes ago, perfektlynrml said:

If you have muscle pains that could be a sign of electrolytes being off. Did you bring that up to your doctor? That could also account for your dizziness.

To clarify, more muscle pains from the cut muscle, not so much all around muscle pains.

I havent had my post-op yet so haven't had blood tests, but due to being on pure liquid I've been drinking a ton of Pedialyte, which I thought was loaded with electrolytes?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, Keatsy said:

To clarify, more muscle pains from the cut muscle, not so much all around muscle pains.

I havent had my post-op yet so haven't had blood tests, but due to being on pure liquid I've been drinking a ton of Pedialyte, which I thought was loaded with electrolytes?

I thought you meant leg pain. Did you have an open procedure? If so I I have a suggestion that you use a small pillow pressed on your abdomen when moving around. It will decrease the pain. You’ll need extra time to heal if you had the open procedure.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Been there & felt the same way! You have just sent your body into shock! It will get better.
The dizziness could be from being dehydrated. It is super hard to get in all the Protein & Water in the 1st couple of weeks. It might take you most of the day to get a whole Protein Shake down. But in a few days it will be better.
Your stomach is still swollen & mad at you. Give it some more time!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are FIVE days out. Of course you have pain and issues drinking. I could hardly swallow Water at first. It will get better. I promise. Slowly but it will improve. Just take small sips as much as you can of whatever liquid you can tolerate. Clear Liquids. Hang in there!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry you're feeling so awful. I felt terrible when I first woke up from surgery and had a lot of feelings of regret. I was lucky enough to be feeling much better by the next day, so I can only imagine how it would be to feel like that for 5 days.

I'm not a doctor and I can't make any promises, but it is very, very unlikely you've messed up your body forever. You may take longer to heal than you hoped. You may have some complications that require additional treatment. But it is really rare to have serious complications, and even if you do, almost all complications can be fixed. I'm sure you picked a good surgeon who knows what he or she is doing. Have you contacted your surgeon's office? They want you to call if you're having problems.

Maybe it will help to remember that you put a lot of thought into the decision to have this surgery. I'm sure you had good reasons for it. They say you shouldn't make decisions when you're in a heightened emotional state -- like being in a lot of pain, as you are now. Trust the decision you made when you were clear-headed and not clouded by pain. You'll get back to that point again and this awful time will just be a blip in your memory. I hope you feel better soon!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was almost the same as you at 5 days out except I could get the Protein in. But walking--it was like I was in one of those fun houses and the ground tilted one way and then another. I have no idea what caused it, but it went away sometime over the past three weeks because I don't get that feeling anymore. You have had major surgery and your body needs some time to adjust and heal. The gas pains will go away, the incision pain will go away--take whatever pain pills your doc says you can have and be kind to yourself. It will get better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest

Thank you for responding. I needed to have a little tantrum and let it out.

I feel relieved by your responses.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Keatsy said:

I'm having just a horrible night and having a bit of an emotional breakdown-feeling scared, powerless, out of control. Right now, I feel like I made a huge mistake and have somehow made my life worse by having an irreversible surgery.

I've had a horrible time since I got home. I'm hoping this will all change and I can at some point reflect back on this post and declare myself a drama-queen.

I'm 5 days out. I still have a lot of gas and it doesn't seem to go away despite my walking and doing everything I should.

I can't tolerate Proteins yet and seem to be working out an ileus that I fear will never go away.

I still have muscle pains and not doing laps around the block like some of the other people in my surgery center. I feel like I'm way behind in healing.

The worst The dizziness. And by dizziness, it's more a lack-of balance. My blood sugar and pressure are fine but when I do my walks around the block, it's like I'm swaying, off balance and my eyes can't keep up. I feel like light-headedness I'd understand but this I don't.

I'm scared Ive forever messed up my body and Ill have these side effects forever now.

Feeling overwhelmed and scared, dramatic but-any words or advice would be appreciated.

Always call your team if you feel things are worse than better over time

Hoping for a speedy recovery for you ❤

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Keatsy said:

I'm having just a horrible night and having a bit of an emotional breakdown-feeling scared, powerless, out of control. Right now, I feel like I made a huge mistake and have somehow made my life worse by having an irreversible surgery.

I've had a horrible time since I got home. I'm hoping this will all change and I can at some point reflect back on this post and declare myself a drama-queen.

I'm 5 days out. I still have a lot of gas and it doesn't seem to go away despite my walking and doing everything I should.

I can't tolerate Proteins yet and seem to be working out an ileus that I fear will never go away.

I still have muscle pains and not doing laps around the block like some of the other people in my surgery center. I feel like I'm way behind in healing.

The worst The dizziness. And by dizziness, it's more a lack-of balance. My blood sugar and pressure are fine but when I do my walks around the block, it's like I'm swaying, off balance and my eyes can't keep up. I feel like light-headedness I'd understand but this I don't.

I'm scared Ive forever messed up my body and Ill have these side effects forever now.

Feeling overwhelmed and scared, dramatic but-any words or advice would be appreciated.

It will get better just takes time.. I was in pain for days...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, Keatsy said:

I'm having just a horrible night and having a bit of an emotional breakdown-feeling scared, powerless, out of control. Right now, I feel like I made a huge mistake and have somehow made my life worse by having an irreversible surgery.

I've had a horrible time since I got home. I'm hoping this will all change and I can at some point reflect back on this post and declare myself a drama-queen.

I'm 5 days out. I still have a lot of gas and it doesn't seem to go away despite my walking and doing everything I should.

I can't tolerate Proteins yet and seem to be working out an ileus that I fear will never go away.

I still have muscle pains and not doing laps around the block like some of the other people in my surgery center. I feel like I'm way behind in healing.

The worst The dizziness. And by dizziness, it's more a lack-of balance. My blood sugar and pressure are fine but when I do my walks around the block, it's like I'm swaying, off balance and my eyes can't keep up. I feel like light-headedness I'd understand but this I don't.

I'm scared Ive forever messed up my body and Ill have these side effects forever now.

Feeling overwhelmed and scared, dramatic but-any words or advice would be appreciated.

First ,,,STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS! We are in our own lane we are just on the highway together....Have you spoken to your healthcare team, when I your follow up? You are due to have whatever emotions you have. It could be anything. allergies dehydration, body trying to clear medications, anything.Follow up with your doctors office and hang in there . DO WHAT YOU CAN DO.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

"buyer's remorse" is pretty common during the first few days or weeks after surgery. I had it as well. If you're really worried, call your clinic - but a lot of this is temporary and you'll soon be very happy that you decided to have surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am not the OP but I am so very thankful for all of these responses. Exactly what I needed to hear! When did everyone start to feel like their normal self without the dizziness and incision pain?

Sent from my SM-F700U using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×