Hey Delaware OH friends,
I haven't been around for quite some time...sorry for that.  I haven't even lurked.  I've struggled with several issues that I finally feel compelled to seek help with.

Since Summer 2008, I have re-gained 30 pounds. I am up to 188 pounds. I am so full of self-disgust, causing the depression, whch affects everything else in my life.  All I have done differently that may have contributed to the gain is snack on Rice Cakes, and I have 40 calorie per slice wheat bread from time to time.  I keep it in the freezer and take out one slice at a time, I use it so infrequently.  I also Sit.  I just plain SIT.  At this computer all day, doing absolutely nothing.  I'm not working anymore and won't be going back to the Back Bay Cafe:  Mark said some really naughty things to my son about me,and when my son brought this to me, i quit on the spot.  That was late July and I have done nothing since then.

The marriage is suffering as a result of stress...I have my adult married daughter and all 3 grandkids living here again, 5 extra people.  Sarah is taking college clsses and her hubby has just started work with Perdue.  I am trying to help them, once again, to get back on their feet.  I need to be available to watch the grandkids so their parents can remain in school and keep working.  It's their only chance to get it right.

Then there's Ed.  He is still clean, sober, and chemical free but he is still the biggest A-Hole to the people he lives with, but is so sickening sweet with his recovery friends and other family.  I just want to puke.  He treats us all like second class junk yard dogs but if a friend calls or he spends time with them, he is a completely different person. His whole demeanor and tone of voice/body language/facial expressions change instantly---it makes me sick.  It just adds to the stress. and I am about *this* close to divorcing him.

Now the possible hernia thing:  Since my abdominoplasty in November 2007, my upper belly has poked right out, appears as though theres a stupid basketball in there.  It doesnt hurt but gets real tight-ish if I get gassy or after I eat.  I can't lay on it...just uncomfortable.  I look 7 months pregnant and carrying high or something.  Nothing fits right and since the weight gain, I am back to stretch pants.  Anything I wear has to either come up over the "basketball belly" or ride on my hips...there's about a 2-3 zize difference.  I remember the tearing and ripping feeling I had for weeks while I was healing after the tummy tuck/muscle tightening surgery so I wonder if I have developed a hernia there.

I am just so depressed and distressed and feel out of control.  Since I have gained weight, I am back to having more pain in my back and hips and have to take more meds to keep it in check, and that crap does me in.  I don't know what to do.  I know someone out there will have some helpful advice.  Thanks.

You're right, your surgery is right around the corner!
I had my surgery Nov 26, 2007 at Christiana Hospital.

To answer some of your questions:
1-  Recovery was pretty easy.   I don't remember most of it, I was fading in and out from the anesthesia.
2-  As soon as I was released from recovery, my husband was right there for me.
3-  You are always in a private room.
4-  Nothing to eat right after surgery.  The next day you start your fluids, 1oz at a time.  Believe me, you are not interested in eating!
5-  The nursing staff is WONDERFUL.  They are great.
6-  My surgery was Monday and I went home Wednesday.
7-  No clue?  We have kids so my husband had to care for them.

My one advice for you is, when the staff comes in, in the middle of the night, have them get you up to walk or they will finish rounds and then come back to get you up.

Good luck!

I have not had my surgery yet, but I did work at Christiana Hospital for a couple years before I moved to my outpatient role....so maybe I can help you with some of your questions.... 

Patient rooms are pretty nice overall - the prettiest ones are in the E tower.....I'm not sure where the WLS patients are housed..... but I will say, I liked the room setups in the hospital as a whole.  Even the semi-private rooms are a pretty good size. 

The hospital will provide clears for you - since I'm sure they have to be sure you can tolerate them before you are discharged.  The nutrition staff are great.

And finally, with any hospital the nursing staff can be a concern.  All the nurses I worked with were great when I was there.  I only worked during day shift nursing....but they were sweet.  

I'm still trying to figure out how long I'll be at CH after my procedure......I have to ask Dr. Irgau that one. 

Hope this helps!  Good luck with things.....and what a Merry Christmas this will be for you!!  Grats!

Laur  =)

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/crossingtotransferaddictions/

Hi All,

The Holidays are here: more food, more alcohol, more shopping, more EVERYTHING!!!!

There is a new OH Online Support Group. The above link will get you there.
It's called Crossing Over to Transfer Addictions

This group discusses the issue of transfer addictions (also known as cross addictions) after weight loss surgery. there are millions of people who have undergone gastric bypass who are now dealing with issues of addiction transfer.

For a number of people, giving up overeating leads to adoption of a new compulsion. Addiction transfer occurs when someone is unable or unwilling to rely on one compulsion (for us, it was food) and so switches to a new compulsion (alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, shopping, internet, porn, etc) due to not having dealt with the underlying issue behind the compulsion.

***Please feel free (and safe) to join and discuss any and/all issues you have regarding Transfer Addiction. ***

WE WILL SUPPORT EACH OTHER WITHOUT JUDGEMENT!

 Hi! My surgery is scheduled for December 21-which is right around the corner. And I am scheduled for Christiana Hospital.  I have a few questions for those who have had their surgery already about Christiana Hospital

1-What was recovery like?  Did they have you in a private area, or where there others around?
2-Were your friends and family able to see you when you came out of anesthesia?

3-What were your patient rooms like?  Were you given a private room or did you have to share?
4-Were you able to drink anything after surgery?  Did the hospital provide soups/broths/jello?
5-How was the nursing staff?  Were they friendly or no?

6-How long was your stay (I know different insurances have different requirements. I'm on Medicaid)
7-Was your spouse allowed to stay overnight?

And you can give me any other thoughts of what your stay was like. I would like to know what to expect before I head in :) Thanks!