Anxiety After Surgery?

[Carpe Diem 3]

Hi-

New to this forum. I was banded last Wednsday, so I'm about a week in. With my return to work, I've started to experience a good amount of anxiety trying to learn my new body, deal with complications, ect.

I've been having a rough time with things like Constipation, but I also feel hungry, a lot. I'm doing the liquids, and drinking quite a bit (having protien) but I still often feel week, tired, just out of it...

Is this normal?? I know a lot of other people on here have asked similar questions, but I can't help but feel as if I could have made a mistake? I knew these weeks of liqud/puree only would be hard... but this is much harder than I expected.

Any words of encouragement?

[Short and Chunky 230]

Carpe - yep, know the feeling. I was about 5 days out when I wondered what the H_LL had I done to myself and why. Some of that is the meds wearing off. Yes, you have a new life now. The mushies are not the greatest, but try to eat stuff you like (oatmeal, mashed potatoes, SF pudding etc) it is better than Clear Liquids ! You may not be able to have them when you begin eating food again (not allowed by my doctor). This crummy feeling is temporary. About day 10 - a cloud lifted, I began walking (for real), tracking what I ate and dedicating myself to ME for a change. That was 1 year ago (in July). I am now down 104 pounds and that is an entire person - a skinny person - but a person just the same. I would NOT go back - even for a large thin and crispy pizza with extra pepperoni. I feel healthier, I have my spark back. I can play with my grandchildren and not run out of air or gas.

I know you are a bit down and I do get it. I think most of us felt this way at some point but you can do this. You went through a bunch of tests and appointments before the surgery. So hang in there, have a glass of Water - put it in a sexy glass or something..make yourself feel special because you are!!!!! Good luck and stay in touch.

Melinda in Florida

[Sojourner 2,446]

Yes, what you are experiencing is normal...you've just had a significant surgical procedure done, and it does take a bit to have your energy return. Also, your hormones are gyrating as they adjust to the new terrain you have internally.

The pre and post op diets were difficult for me as well...and I want to encourage you to focus your thinking forward to the future. Life does return to a semblance of normal, with a few minor adjustments to the way and what you eat and drink.

Try to stay properly hydrated, and for me it seemed that having enough Water every day helped with minimizing Constipation. I still keep a bottle of Water with me at all times, and sip constantly (except during meals and for an hour after eating). Also, taking a stool softener should help. As you are able to tolerate it, exercise will help with having your mood return to what is normal for you.

Best wishes...

[thunderbeast77 59]

I can totally relate to how you're feeling right now, I too was banded last Wednesday and I'm dealing with cabin fever more than anything. I keep telling myself that this is the hardest part and is temporary. Like Melinda in Florida I just keep thinking about how a year from now how much better my life will be!

[colleenjoy 104]

I was banded about 2 months ago, and I felt the same way. The first couple of weeks I thought I had made a HUGE mistake. I was worried that I would never be able to eat "normal" again.

We went through a big operation, even though its done laproscopic it still takes a while to physically recover. At a week out you are still in the recovery period, please take it easy. we have also made a huge lifestyle change, it will take a while to adjust to that.

it takes a lot out of your body to heal and you probably still aren't getting a lot of calories in so it's not surprising that you are tired. I wasn't able to get in the required fluids and Protein until the second week. it took my almost three weeks before I felt like I was getting back to normal energy levels.

So yes, you are normal, everything you are feeling has been felt by thousands before you. You will get through it and after a while you will realize this was the best decision you've ever made.

Feel free to ask questions, vent whatever you need to do.

[fericito 138]

I keep looking at it as a few weeks (or month?) of terrible in order for a lifetime of happiness. Hang in there and we're always here for you - I'm going through it too, just 2 weeks post surgery but also ready for real food . Doing what it takes though for that lifetime to become now... it's nearly here. Hang in there.

[bornagain0619 1]

You should make broths and sip on those. My mom added boneless chicken , onions, garlic, squash and salt then she blended and strained it for me. Deelish and full of Protein and flavor. I was banded on the 19th of June. It was my very first time even getting an IV so go figure. On the first night I was home I could not even sit up and found such pleasure to slowly watch the progress. But like our other fellow banders mentioned....... There's light at the end of the tunnel. I know that while I'm still feeling some discomfort because of a hiatal hernia discovered and repaired on this same day, each day I feel better and losing 40lbs since the pre op (9lbs lost) and after my surgery makes it totally worth it. Hang un there love.

[Carpe Diem 3]

Thanks everyone - this really helps more than you know. As for pureed food such as mashed things, I thought I wasn't allowed to have those until two weeks of surgery? Today I'm going to try some Tomato Soup and see how I feel.