Catching up and need some advice

Hi everyone! I know I have been laying low and just doing some lurking since my surgery. I have been doing really well and am feeling better everyday. Not really sore anymore unless I twist too far to the left. I saw the surgeon yesterday and he says I am doing much better than he ever could have hoped for and as long as everything stays on track, I do not have to see him until my 6 month appt. I am officially below the 250 mark at 249! I CANNOT believe that! Here is where I need some advice. I weaned off of my meds before surgery. My high blood pressure meds are not the issue, I have been doing great without them... averaging 122/80. It is the anti-depressants. I really do not want to be on them and am glad that I have not had to take them... however, I have lost that medication to help me as well as losing my normal "crutch" of food. My boys do not really understand what is happening and why mommy cannot pick them up or wrestle with them like I was before and I can tell that it is taking a toll on them. This is breaking my heart. I have always been a very hands-on mom, and part of the reason I did this was so that I can continue to be that type of mom for a very long time!!! But, in the short term, I can tell that it is effecting them negatively. Nothing is going to change the fact that I won't be able to pick them up or resume some normal activities with them for a few more weeks... but how do I deal with the emotions that are surfacing and coming along with all of this? Am I the only one who is feeling like an emotional mess? I so value all of your input and opinions. Thank you for listening!!! Cherise

Cherise, I had the same issues. I have a four year old boy and an 8 month old boy. I really could tell that my four year old was sad and confused by my lack of physical contact with him. He was use to coming home from school and we would have "tickle time". We would wrestle on my bed and play horsey and of course he would get tickled (which he LOVES). I explained the situation to him and let him SEE my boo-boos. That helped a lot. We would spend some time snuggling or reading instead. Now I am back to "tickle time" but horsey will be out to pasture for a little longer. As far as the anti-depressants... please don't rush yourself. I have never had a problem with depresion. I am about the happiest person I know. until I had this surgery. Losing food as a crutch and friend is hard. the "head hunger" and comercials on TV are killing me. I am still strugling with "will I ever be normal again?" and "what have I done to myself?". I guess my point is to take your time and do it when you are ready.

Hi Cherise, I stayed on my happy pills. The surgeon suggested that I do. He said that the body goes through so much stress during this time and so many hormonal changes that It would be better for me. I agreed with him and I feel great. I was off them the first week and was a bit weepy. That went away once I was back on the Lexapro. As for your kids. You need to let them know what happened to mommy. And that she has some "owee's" on the inside that they need to be careful of. Soon enough you will be able to get down on the floor and play with them again. Reards and hugs, Ronna

Hi Cherise, I also have a young child at home, and I showed her my incisions as well, that definitely helped her understand why I had to take it easy. I have also found other ways to make her feel special, I read to her, I play board games with her, or we just snuggle together to watch tv or a movie. Find other ways to give your children the attention they are craving until you are better. Ask them for ideas too! I hope this helps! Karyn