What was I Thinking?

[ukcatsfan 0]

5 days from surgery and I am thinking to myself. What is the world was I thinking? I expected this to be a difficult process, but I had no idea that it was going to be this difficult. I can barely drink anything that isn't Water. I'm can feel the liquids pass through my band and the incisions in front are killing me. I have come to the conclusion that this is going to be the most difficult challenge I am going to have to face in my life. How hard should this be? Drink a little, take your vitamans, and exercise. Heck the 2 weeks of full liquids pre op were so easy compared to what I'm dealing with post op. I ask you, in your present place in the process, do you feel you would do this over again? I can't say at this point I would....... Yes I wanted an extreme approach to weight loss, to get healthy for myself and my family but this is really really tough!:laugh:

[Maggies 0]

I just had my surgery on the 29th of Oct., and I feel great. You should start feeling better each day. I had no problems drinking anything, I just made sure it was 1/4 a cup to begin with. As for the incisions, same with them, each day they will feel better. The pain that lasted the longest was where they put the port but within a couple weeks it was gone. I did have a problem with diarrea for a while, but I guess that beats being constipated. Good luck and just believe this was a good decision for you and it will be. Maggies:shades_smile:

[Spendi 0]

You did this for a reason. Stop doubting yourself. Look at the stats., I don't see many major weight loss people who keep it off on other plans. That's why I did it.

IMO, you made the right choice.

[trayrenee 0]

You might want to pop in and see your surgeon. I am 5 days post surgery and I have no problems drinking --- well I'm only on broths, juices, Water, tea etc. But maybe you are on a different liquid diet then I am. I'm only on Clear Liquids.

But I don't feel it going through my band and my incisions are not painful at all. They itch a lot. But no pain. I'm not even taking Tylenol anymore.

So you might just want to check in with your doctor.

Hope you feel better.

Tracy

[laurigee 545]

When people say its a quick or easy fix, neither is true. I have been banded since 2006, and can tell you that if I would have worked this hard prior to the band I don't think I would have been so overweight. The band has been my lifesaver, because it has given me the extra push that I needed. But it is Work! You should start feeling better physically every day. But, you will go through a tons of ups and downs as far as emotions and weight go. Don't put a time line on anything, remember what one persons body does may not be the same for you. If you remember that it will make things easier. Good Luck and keep us informed on your progress.

[MissBS 3]

You will feel better soon. I felt good after about a week and great after two. I agree that if you are still having trouble getting liquids down or the incisions don't get better soon, you might want to call or go in and see your surgeon. Do you have a post-op visit scheduled?? I have not doubted my decision for one second and I would do it over again in a heartbeat. I was feeling pretty bad before my surgery - all that extra weight that I was carrying around made my quality of life not so great. I feel SOOOOO much better now and it is exciting to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Try to stay focused on why you chose to have this done and take good care of yourself!! Keep us posted on how you are doing. Becky

[gonnaloseitall 0]

I thought the same thing. I was 5 days post-op and I was in so much pain. I went to the doctor and I had an impacted colon. Ouch! Everyday since I was cleaned out, I've been better. My incisions still hurt a little, but they are getting better every day. Good luck. You did this for a reason & everything will improve.

[TheAmira 0]

I know what you are feeling. My surgery was 11/17 and I dont feel there was enough depth as to what REALLY you will experience in the next couple of weeks. Whats done is done. Focus on daily goals, broken down into hours to try and get everything in you NEED to heal and begin feeling better. Had a few moments of human today :laugh: Chin up...and focus focus focus.....

[AliNSanDiego 1]

I felt horrific for the few few weeks post-op. I kept telling everyone I wish I didn't do it. If it would have been an option I probably would have had the doc remove my band that first few days post-op. Everything HURT...I was miserable!!

Then I started feeling better as far as surgical pain and had EXTREME fatigue. I could barely keep my eyes open after working for a few hours.

Once I started eating more, things got MUCH, much better and the pounds began falling off steadily.

Now if I am asked, I don't hesitate to say I would definitely do this again! I am re-newed and feeling amazing!

Give your body some time to heal.

[LSF 264]

I was banded the day after you. I was in alot of pain and made sure I took my prescription pain meds at night and tylenol during the day the first few days. Yesterday was the first day that I took nothing during the day - not even gas-x. I can see how each day is getting a little better. last night - for the first time, I was actually hungry, craving food - Protein Drinks & Jello were not cutting it but I ignored that feeling and realized huw much better I was stasrting to feel. Make sure you are taking your pain meds and moving around as much as you can.

Also take something for gas - then try to get some Protein Drink in - just a little at a time. Good luck!

[crzytchr 3]

5 days from surgery and I am thinking to myself. What is the world was I thinking? I expected this to be a difficult process, but I had no idea that it was going to be this difficult. I can barely drink anything that isn't Water. I'm can feel the liquids pass through my band and the incisions in front are killing me. I have come to the conclusion that this is going to be the most difficult challenge I am going to have to face in my life. How hard should this be? Drink a little, take your vitamans, and exercise. Heck the 2 weeks of full liquids pre op were so easy compared to what I'm dealing with post op. I ask you, in your present place in the process, do you feel you would do this over again? I can't say at this point I would....... Yes I wanted an extreme approach to weight loss, to get healthy for myself and my family but this is really really tough!:thumbup:

Follow the guidelines from your surgeon. When you reach full liquids you will begin to get a little more energy. Are you getting any Protein intake from Clear Liquids? If you aren't able to drink the amount of Clear Liquids you need, you definitely need to call your surgeon.

Everyone bounces back from the surgery differently. Most recover quickly and easily, I did not. It took a little longer for me. I couldn't even get out of bed unassisted for 5 days. I couldn't stand up straight for almost a week. I was miserable.

Now let me say, I don't regret it at all. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am three sizes smaller and 50lbs lighter already. My husband says I carry myself differently and I have more self confidence. I eat about 1/3 of what I did pre-banding and I am never hungry. I am satisfied.

[HeatherO 7]

It gets easier, there comes a time when you just follow the plan and it doesn't even require effort. You just have to find the fill level that is right for you.

Did I have doubts in the early days post surgery where I was suffering and HUNGRRRYYYYY???? . . . absolutely, we all do. It is completely normal.

However, now that I am a pound or two away from 100% loss of my excess weight,, I have no doubts this was the right decision for me. There were tough times in the beginning . . . but after a while you learn, your tastes change, food becomes an afterthought instead of your world and life goes on . . . for the better.

Give it your all during these early days knowing that better days, and your eventual success, are right around the corner.

[krtork 0]

Hang in there it does get better. Make sure you are up and moving and at least sipping your Water. If you are having a hard time getting it down, I would call the dr office and let them know - no reason to be a hero!

Would I do it again, in a minute! I wish I could have had the band years ago. I feel like I am getting my life back and realize how much I missed out on the past 16 years! Each passing day will get better!

[ukcatsfan 0]

Today is day 7 and what a difference a day makes. I'm still sore at the port incision, but for the first time in a week, I was able to drink one Protein drink completely and I didn't get nausea.:thumbup:

I appreciate all the kind words and uplifting thoughts. Yesterday was a down day for me and I'm sure I'll have many more. I see my surgeon on Dec. 3rd for the follow up to surgery, but fortunately for me, my office is right next door to our bariatric clinic so tomorrow when I return to work, 1 I can weigh in and see what the result of 7 days on liquids has done and two talk with the bariatric coordinator for some tips on the post op diet.

Thanks everyone!

[TQUAD64 9]

Give it a couple of weeks and you will feel so much better. Your not even a week out, so you need time to recover. I had my surgery on 11/11/08 and today is my first day back to work and I feel great! Give it time, your body is healing and you will get better. :-)