Still whipped!!

Well, just hit week 3 postop...not much better than when I came home as far as pain and energy! Went back to see the team at Guelph on Friday and they told me I was only the 2nd patient ever that Dr Reed had to to "open" surgery on...apparently tried laproscopically for 2 hrs and because of the huge amount of scar tissue, he decided it was either a 12hr lap surgery or open me up..I know it was the wisest choice, but I'm  getting a bit down cause I'm not much better. The nurse said it's normal, but just showering takes so much out of me! I'm also really teary..especially when I'm in alot of pain or really tired. My incision is healing nicely, but I have all over abdominal and back pain!!
I have no trouble getting the liquids in physically, but have to consciously remind myself to do it.
I am down 20lbs, but stood on the scale today and was 2lbs heavier?? How frustrating!

Hoping things will start to come together soon!

The first thing I thought of when I read your post is "ouch". I cant imagine the pain you are in. It must be horrifying. I'm whiney about my 5 little puncture wounds... but open surgery must feel excrucuating. It took me a week and a half for the pain to lesson. It's still there but now not as much. With open though it will take much longer but relief will come. Hang in there - take your pain meds and sip as much as you can. The scale wouldnt budge for me for the first 5 days out. I was like wtf? But now it's moving. This is the hardest part to get through isn't it. You will do it.

It's pretty tough..not gonna lie! Hoping it gets easier each week! Thanks for the encouragement!

Hi Lori - I'm really sorry to hear that it's taking a while for you to recover - I can imagine how frustrating it must feel to you.  You know, when I had a hysterectomy a few years ago, it sure hurt for a while. I don't know if your surgery was anything like that but since it's an open abdominal incision, I'm guessing that it might be similar. It took awhile but the abdominal walls knit themselves back together nicely and the pain went away but I do remember being exhausted just doing simple things.  I'll say a little prayer for you.  Try not to get too discouraged - just think of how quickly those pounds are going to drop off and how terrific you are going to look!!!!

Deb 

Thanks Deb..hope ur right. I've had 2 c-sections, and and open hysterectomy, and they were a piece of cake next to this.

I remember many many years ago when working as a nurse on a surgical unit, we were told that general anesthesia takes a toll on your body.. by that I mean it takes about 6 wks after a general anesthetic before you start to feel "normal" and a good 3 months before you really feel good.. so hang in there, it takes a while for the body to recover from the surgery, for your energy to return and for the tiredness to go away. You will tire easily, you must rest when you can, and remember not to overtax yourself physically.. no lifting etc.. and the pain will gradually subside.
And the weight fluctuations.. it happens.. post WLS. I have days where I find myself up a couple of pounds.. for about 3 days straight I show that slight weight gain.. then it goes away as suddenly as it appeared. I am too old for "that time of the month" fluid retention..but mysteriously the fluid still finds a way to show up and make me mildly discouraged LOL

Just hang in there and the weight will come off and the clothes will get LOOSE and you will see great results. Patience is rewarding.

suzyq0052