early post-op depression

[Guest guest]

For those of you pre-op or recent post-op, I can only relate my

experience. I am now 10 weeks post-op and feeling better everyday.

But that is not to say that it wsn't difficult in the beginning. I

spent a number of hours crying my eyes out in my bedroom.For the

first 2 weeks I experienced a lot of regret, pain, and anger at

myself for doing something so stupid as to let someone slice me open

and rearrange my insides.

I was not physically prepared for this surgery. My initial

consultation was on Dec.26th and I had surgery on Feb. 19th. I did

not follow my surgeon's pre-op exercise recommendation and therefore

had a difficult time getting up and down. For all you pre-ops, do as

much as possible to strengthen your upper body. You don't realize

just how ofter we use our abdominal muscles until they don't work.

Adding to my frustration, I was in the Dr's office once a week for

the first five weeks. I had problems with my incision sealing over

drainage areas and becoming infected. Dr. had to reopen these areas

to allow the drainage to continue. I also contracted a minor staff

infection which was treated with atibiotics. To top that time off, I

also came down with a terrible dose of bronchitis. The coughing and

sneezing did a real number on my abdomin.

The light at the end of this dark tunnel was great blessing to me.

By the end of six weeks I had loss 40 pounds and my fat mass was

decreasing very well. Then I plateaued for the next few weeks. I

didn't lose any more pounds, but was encouraged when at last month's

group meeting I found that I hadn't lost any pounds, but my fat mass

had dropped and my lean mass had increased. That was great news, if

not still a little frustrating. I had read other posts that some of

the post-op had experienced plateaus, but it can be so maddening,

especially so early.

As of this weekend, I have finally begun to see some pounds come off

again. I know we shouldn't jump on the scales every day, but it's

hard not to when it is just staring you in the face every time you go

into the bathroom.

I am feeling so much better and much stronger also. At first it was

hard to walk to the corner and back. Then I pushed for a mile and

was exhausted when we got back to the house. This past couple of

weeks our walks have extended to 1-1/2 to 2 miles. I'm still tired

when I get home but the recovery time is much quicker.

I am eating most anything I want. There are still some foods that I

loved pre-op and can't stand post-op. I even had homemade fajitas,

refried beans and spanish rice for dinner with no ill effects. The

the weather warming up I'm trying to find some new foods to eat that

are lighter and cooler. This has been a bit more of a challenge. I

have always moved to a diet of fresh fruits and veggies with the

onset of spring and summer. I'm going to have to find some new

sources of protein that sound good when it's warm outside. As I find

some recipes I will add them to the ones I have alread placed in the

files.

Thank you also to those who responded to my request for advice

regarding an initial consultation refund. I did not send the letter

registered mail, but did post a copy of the letter onto the Patient

Coordinator's e-mail. I am hoping to see some action on this matter

very soon.