Hospital/Stigma of having WLS

Jan 15, 2011

I can't believe I am here again. The doctor put me back in the hospital on Wednesday of this last week. I had my surgery 18 days ago and have been in the hospital 13 of those days. Still had lots of nausea, vomiting, and pain. Got dehydrated again and without the ability to get liquids down, I understand why I had to be put in here again. It has been very hard to be away from my family. With an 8-month old and a 4-year old, they can't be here much. My 4-year old has cried the last two nights on the phone for me to come home. It has broken my heart.

They started me on a new medication which I think has helped, but the side effects of the medicine are...undesirable as well. I know this is going to be worth it and once I am feeling better will forget about these problems. My doctor has basically said this just happens to some people and I have a bad case of it (whatever it is). He said I may be able to go home tomorrow or Monday. So I guess the good part - I am down a little over 40 pounds - right at 30 of that is post op. I know I wont feel normal for a long time, but I sure am ready to feel better. 

Also, I have been thinking about the stigma of WLS. Only my inner circle of friends and family know what has gone on. I am so afraid for other people to know. Do any of you feel this why and why should we feel this way? A friend came by the hospital to see me today and he had surgery 4 years ago and said he has stopped telling people because over the last few years people have become so derogatory to having the surgery. 

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