Four weeks today.....

Wow, I can't believe that it's been 4 weeks since my surgery and almost a month as of the 9th. I actually survived the three weeks of liquids. Being on soft foods may sound like a change, but at least liquids I was able to keep most down. I can barely get in 4 ozs of water a day, can't get in my protein, and everything I try and eat won't stay down. I know it's not from the surgery but with me and my potassium problem. I know if my stomach doesn't settle down soon, I will end up back in the hospital. I am having a port IV put in on Thursday morning. This way I can have blood drawn monthly, have potassium hooked up thru this IV. I want every one to be able to have this surgery. I may not be able to keep things down, but remember my potassium is critically low and I'm on chemo. I have only cried once and that was last week. I got really depressed laying in the hospital. I have no regrets. I would do it over again if I had too. I'm hearing from my family members who's had this surgery, and after 2 years, they are starting to put some weight back on. My niece had hers 2 yrs ago, last month she had her breast and stomach done. Now she's gaining weight again. I pray I never gain it back. I'm having too much fun showing off my new found flat stomach except for a little pouch of flab, and my energy. I can't wait to be able to go out and dance with my great partner. I can't wait to be weighed and measured on the 16th. Oh Happy Day. Love y'all, Kathy

Kathy, I'm so glad to hear you're doing well...aside from the potassium levels. You're such a positive person...always looking at the brighter side. I'm sure everything will settle back down once your body adjusts. Just keep trying to get in your fluids and protein. I think everyone worries they will gain weight back. I think some just have to work harder at keeping it off than others. I am absolutely determined to use my pouch to the fullest advantage. I've seen several people undergo surgery, do well for the first year, eating what they want and not exercising and then they start gaining it back because they haven't changed their behaviors. Just follow your dr's orders and get in some form of exercise and you'll be fine. I can't wait until I can do more exercise. It's strange...mentally I want to do all these things, but physically I just can't. I want to run instead of walk, but I know I can't run...scary sight to behold and my heart will surely pop out of my chest. Your stomach is already flat? That's awesome. I'm about to pull my hair out with all the waiting. I don't know how you did it. I've been at it for 7 months and yesterday, FINALLY, the hospital has everything they need to send to the insurance company. So, we'll find out something within the next few weeks...hopefully. Then, I'll have to do all the consultations, testing and pre-op stuff (IF I get approved) which means more waiting. Enough about me... Congratulations Kathy! I'm for you! *hugs* April

Hey Kathy, Good to have you back on the board. As for the regain of weight after a couple years, that is usually attributed to not following the program. We all have to remember that they operated on our stomach not our brain. After a while, we end up going back to our old habits that got us in trouble and led to obesity in the first place. This is just a tool to help us make a change in our lifestyle. We just have to use the tool the surgery created. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Toni