Rant Post-Op Issues

[Mews 37]

Please forgive me for ranting but if I don't get this off my chest I'm going to explode.

I am one of the few who are having a really miserable time with this surgery. My surgeon isn't helping matters at all. It was bad enough that I developed a blood clot but that was all my fault as I didn't take my shots like I was supposed to. That I'll take blame for but everything else has been out of my control.

First I had some serious issues with the low carb diet beyond anything like withdrawal. I was constantly on the verge of passing out and my mind was so mushy--one of the reasons why I didn't take my shots--that I could not function. My NUT told me I needed more sugar in my diet, which went completely against all the written materials they had given me. That not only confused me but made me angry. Everything I had bought immediately post-surgery was sugar-free.

Since surgery, I've been suffering from severe nausea. I feel sick no matter what I eat. Heck, this morning I threw up after just drinking Water. I've done everything I've supposed to: eat small, slow, and chew well. The minute the first bite hits my stomach the nausea shows up. Most of the time I can keep the food down but more recently it has been harder and harder. I've thrown up more in the past three weeks than I have in the past three years (and that's including all the stomach flus I used to get). Yes, I'm on meds for nausea (Zofran) but its not working. Also, I've had nonstop diarrhea, like four or five times a day. I'm trying to keep up my fluids but when even Water makes me nauseous it's hard.

What makes matters worse is the horrible gnawing pain I get in my stomach when I don't eat. I'm on Prilosec for GERD that I had pre-op but I've never had anything like this before in my life and the PPI isn't touching it. Whenever I bring up these issues with my surgeon he kind of blows me off as though it's nothing serious. He won't increase my PPI or change it nor will he do an endoscopy. It's clear there is something wrong, even if it's as simple as gastritis but he keeps on thinking that this will all go away with time. I'm sorry but it's getting worse, not better. I think I would know if there was something wrong with MY body.

I'm seeing my PCP next week about all of this. I would see another surgeon in the group but the office "strongly discourages" me seeing anybody other than my surgeon. I guess they don't want to clean up someone else's mess. At least I trust my PCP as I've been going to him for over a decade. Maybe he can help me.

On top of all of this, my depression got bad. I mean really bad. Pre-surgery I was diagnosed with moderate/severe depression but it was under control with medication. However, almost immediately after surgery I started a downward spiral. To be honest I'm not sure if it was the physical impact of the surgery or the psychological ones due to all the problems I've had relating to it. I'm in the process of switching meds right now and if you've ever been on antidepressants you would know how rough this can be.

I'm pissed about a few things. The biggest is that my surgeon is literally doing nothing. I've seen him a bunch of times and each time I come out of his office even more frustrated. Second, why didn't they tell me how bad this could be? If I had known what I would actually go through I never would've had this surgery. At the very least, he should try to be proactive in my health. The group claims they have a great support system in place but all this guy seems to care about is getting the surgery done and not much else.

While I know most people don't have issues post-op it's been hard for me. I'm incredibly proactive with my health. However, I just feel so alone. I've done searches on this forum and while I'm not saying I'm unique it's hard to find people who are going through what I am at this point post-op. Not getting help from my surgeon makes this worse.

I'm just sick and tired of being sick and tired.

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

I would feel the same way if I was in your shoes also. Have you tried going back to a liquid diet? Protein Drinks and broths. You stomach is having a hard time with the transition and your body has been in ketosis. Not that you've added sugar to your diet, you may be have dumping syndrome. I know how that really sucks! NOW, I'm not a doctor, but it wouldn't hurt to just go liquids and see if your feeling better. Please keep us informed as to how your doing. I love the Premier chocolate Protein drinks. Hang it there, it will get better!

[deekaspor 89]

I had a friend who was having the same issues. Her doctor told her to try and eat something before bed, even if it is Water. What is happening is your stomach is actually too empty and it is having contractions when you do attempt to put something in it. Do the shakes, wait about 1/2 hour then try some cottage cheese. It does get better and I am sorry your doctor is being an ass. You just need to get firm and say listen I am paying you (or your insurance either way your money) and you need to listen to me. The depression is normal also, however since you were already having a struggle with it, I suggest going to see a counselor.

[nabird77 29]

I am so sorry you are having trouble. Try and keep your head up - I know its hard (I suffer from depression, too). You will be in my prayers!

[Christine Kirk-Lopez 5]

I'm so sorry you are experiencing so many issues. I'm sure this is frustrating and I sincerely hope that your PCP will help you. I also hope that you will find answers and begin to feel better so you can enjoy all of the hard work you have put in to have this procedure. I'll keep you in my prayers and will be sending healing and good thoughts in your direction. Take care!

Christine

[skane10 64]

I agree with Dorrie. I would go back to some shakes that you can make yummy with some Torani Syrup, perhaps a little bit of fruit and yogurt and blend really well with some ice in it to make your shake not so boring. I would try a Protein Powder that isn't low carb to see if that helps. I hope you feel better soon.

[Sassygirl06 962]

I am so sorry you have had so many problems. I know you have probably heard this before, but I was in your shoes with the nausea, vomiting and diahrea for the first 2 months. I would drink Water and then have the slims or just throw up. The feeling that your own stomach is eating your stomach....and a bunch of other things. I can tell you that it seemed to get worse at first, then finally I started to feel better at about 2 months out. Now at 10 months out I am so thankful that I got this surgery. I know it is hard in the moment, but it will pass eventually. Hope it is sooner then later! wishing all the best for you! ((hugs))