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Im now 4 weeks post op

Gemroc83

Gemroc83

Member
So last I wrote I was nervous about the surgery ....now I’m 4 weeks out and I’m having a really tough time mentally and emotionally ...I think I wasn’t in for how overwhelming this was all gonna be ...I have no energy is still hard for me to swallow and eat and drink and I’m severely constipated.....there’s just certain things I had no issues with before that I find myself having issues with now ....I almost think to myself it was “easier being overweight “ because this is all harder than expected...please tell me others have experienced this and that it does get easier
 
It will get better. There are sooooo many things going on in your body right now physically, physiologically, and psychologically. This isn't always "easy" journey, and every person's path is a bit different, but what you are experiencing is not uncommon at all. That doesn't make it less frustrating, I know, but you are not alone.

The energy should come back after you start including regular foods again. During the first few weeks, most of us are in a state of ketosis, so it's using different energy reserves than normal. You are also healing from a massive biological change, and that also takes a lot of energy to accomplish. Your body is figuring out a lot of things right now, and some people adjust more quickly than others. There is no "normal" way to get through the first couple of months.

Here are a few things to keep in mind. Once you start losing true weight (the first few weeks is mostly body fluid loss and some fat and muscle), you will start noticing so many good things! How you move, how you sit, stand, walk, etc will start getting easier. If you had any comorbidities, those will probably start improving. Clothes will start to get more loose. Your energy will increase, little by little. Your perception of how things like have been better if you remained overweight is skewed right now, but it will become clear that you made a good decision.

Be prepared for stalls in scale weight loss around this time. It's normal for many people. How you lose weight over time is going to be unique to you. Don't focus on the "average" expectation or what other people might experience. As long as you stick to the recommended diet plan, stay hydrated and incorporate some strength exercise, you will lose fat and reach your goal and you will feel great!

Even if the numbers on the scale don't move sometimes, your body is still changing. It is still burning fat and it's composition is changing. Our bodies are not designed to lose weight, they are designed to protect it, so stalls and biological adjustments are going to happen for most people. Don't get discouraged. Say on track and you will succeed.

Reach out to your bariatric team for support as often as you need it. Reach out for support online, like this forum, as often as you need it.

This journey is not a cakewalk. It can be downright painful (physically and mentally) at times, but for a great majority of us, it ends up being one of the best decisions we ever made.

You can get through this!
 
Hi Gemroc
I too am one month out - my RNY surgery was on 9-28-20
Here is how my month has been
First week - felt much better then expected - by end of first week I was back to making easy dinners for my husband - while I had broth and jello
Second week was a lot harder - really bad constipation set in and I had no energy - I wanted to nap all day - so I pretty much did
I talked to surgeon about constipation - I took the stool softner they sent me home with and mirilax in my tea each day and about 3 days of Dolcolax - Only 1 dolcolax each day - not the max dose- between all three medicines things started moving on about day 5 !
I was finally empty and it felt great - that was the toughest part of my journey to date
I was so afraid of popping my stomach open from pushing too hard - I seriously thought I was going to have to go to the ER
I just toughed it out until meds kicked in - It turned out doctor was right - since then I take the one stool softner and one does of Mirilax each day Regardless - and things are all good. The stool softner obviously softens and the Mirilax keeps things moving - problem solved
By mid second week I was on creamy liquids - I would also puree Campbells soup - like beef barley - beef sirlion burger and bean and ham
My god - that pureed soup was basically liquid but it tasted like real food that is what got me thru week 2
During week 2 I also thought I was good to go out to the grocery store - made it halfway thru my list - started sweating super bad had to get in line And leave store - by the time I made it to the car I thought I was going to throw up and was surprised at how weak my legs were
Guess I wasn't ready to go out and about yet- came home and went back to bed
Start of third week pretty good - get to eat soft foods now - YAY - refried beans and turkey taco meat are my favorite
By mid third week I am having lot's of nausea - Im sure it's related to vitamins it's either the B or the Iron that gets me - trying to figure that out now
Other than those few little things I am feeling better then expected and super happy I did this
Oh ya - also got gout in my big toe on week two - it's a common side effect and horrible tasting meds made it go away
overall I am down 22 pounds in a month - wow
If someone would have asked me - hey your gonna get nausea / gout and constipation - I would have said ok lets do this
I will most likely be getting rid of my high blood pressure / pre diabeties status and will be able to move more comfortably
And I am 55 years old so it's a little hardner for me than some of you younger folks
Since we are at the same stages - let's keep in touch - it's nice to hear how others in the same stages are coping
I go back to work tomorrow - am both excited to "Be normal" again and anxious about how it will go
Desi
 
I’m really glad to hear your doing better snd it’s not just me ....I’m getting so discouraged because of how I’m feeling and not just physically also mentally ...I actually did end up in the hospital for the constipation seeing as I was scared to push and damage something and finally I went ...I have to admit I am not taking my pills everyday seeing as I’m so turned off to eat and drink because it just seems I’m feeling yucky afterwards....I miss the energy I used to have prior now I just seem to be always tired and down ...I will obviously continue to push forward because I have no other choice but it’s really good to whar im not the only one with these struggles because that’s what I feel like some days ....my husband has always been fit and skinny so it can be hard for him to relate with reason .....i also appreciate ur kind words or does mean a lot ...yes let’s please keep in touch
 
I am 7 weeks post and still feel pretty crappy after every meal but its worth it. It takes the body a while to adjust to its new system and the crappyness at this point only lasts half hour max, most days less.

I have lost almost 40 pounds and very close to being under 200 for the first time in over 8 years. I also for the first time in a very long time can do things with my kids again that I couldn't, feel much healthier, starting to have more energy, and feeling more confident in myself. This overall makes the little things at this point worth it.

It took me 2 weeks before I could swallow without killer pain and almost a month without any pain. Give your body time.
 
tonigonzalez said:
Hi, guys I have a question. Any of you feel back pain? Today is my second week and in the last three days, I have been feeling a burning sensation on my back. Is this normal?
Click to expand...
Where in your back? Lower or thoracic region, other? I have had issues with some intensely tense muscles between my shoulder blades and spine. My physical therapist theorizes that it is probably being effected by a few things: posture reason 1: my belly isn't holding me up in front so my back muscles are responding to new forward bend. Posture reason 2: I work on a laptop and look down a lot. Other issues with changes in body composition may also be influencing the pain.

He said it is not unusual for back pain in different areas to show themselves during rapid weight loss as muscles are adjusting to the "new you." Nerves are getting restricted and unrestricted in areas, etc. It doesn't take much body change for things like this to happen.

He gave me some exercises and stretches to do, which seem to be helping, and I've set my laptop up with a docking station and larger monitors that are eye height so I'm not looking down. It seems to be working. I'm also trying to be more conscious of my posture, etc.

You might contact a PT and discuss exactly what you are feeling and come up with a plan to combat it.
 
I'm sorry you're not feeling great. Speak to your surgeon about the constipation. They can recommend something or they can prescribe something if OTC isn't working. Your energy will come back as your body heals and it starts getting easier to eat/drink. This process is hard. I had a set plan for those things I expected to struggle and instead struggle with things I had no idea would bother me at all. I know it's hard to keep looking forward when you're struggling in the now, but it does get better. It gets pretty great, actually. And being overweight would have become a longer struggle later, rather than a temporary one right now. You can do this.
 
WazzuCoug said:
Where in your back? Lower or thoracic region, other? I have had issues with some intensely tense muscles between my shoulder blades and spine. My physical therapist theorizes that it is probably being effected by a few things: posture reason 1: my belly isn't holding me up in front so my back muscles are responding to new forward bend. Posture reason 2: I work on a laptop and look down a lot. Other issues with changes in body composition may also be influencing the pain.

He said it is not unusual for back pain in different areas to show themselves during rapid weight loss as muscles are adjusting to the "new you." Nerves are getting restricted and unrestricted in areas, etc. It doesn't take much body change for things like this to happen.

He gave me some exercises and stretches to do, which seem to be helping, and I've set my laptop up with a docking station and larger monitors that are eye height so I'm not looking down. It seems to be working. I'm also trying to be more conscious of my posture, etc.

You might contact a PT and discuss exactly what you are feeling and come up with a plan to combat it.
Click to expand...
The thoracic region is the most painful, I appreciate your response.
 
WazzuCoug said:
It will get better. There are sooooo many things going on in your body right now physically, physiologically, and psychologically. This isn't always "easy" journey, and every person's path is a bit different, but what you are experiencing is not uncommon at all. That doesn't make it less frustrating, I know, but you are not alone.

The energy should come back after you start including regular foods again. During the first few weeks, most of us are in a state of ketosis, so it's using different energy reserves than normal. You are also healing from a massive biological change, and that also takes a lot of energy to accomplish. Your body is figuring out a lot of things right now, and some people adjust more quickly than others. There is no "normal" way to get through the first couple of months.

Here are a few things to keep in mind. Once you start losing true weight (the first few weeks is mostly body fluid loss and some fat and muscle), you will start noticing so many good things! How you move, how you sit, stand, walk, etc will start getting easier. If you had any comorbidities, those will probably start improving. Clothes will start to get more loose. Your energy will increase, little by little. Your perception of how things like have been better if you remained overweight is skewed right now, but it will become clear that you made a good decision.

Be prepared for stalls in scale weight loss around this time. It's normal for many people. How you lose weight over time is going to be unique to you. Don't focus on the "average" expectation or what other people might experience. As long as you stick to the recommended diet plan, stay hydrated and incorporate some strength exercise, you will lose fat and reach your goal and you will feel great!

Even if the numbers on the scale don't move sometimes, your body is still changing. It is still burning fat and it's composition is changing. Our bodies are not designed to lose weight, they are designed to protect it, so stalls and biological adjustments are going to happen for most people. Don't get discouraged. Say on track and you will succeed.

Reach out to your bariatric team for support as often as you need it. Reach out for support online, like this forum, as often as you need it.

This journey is not a cakewalk. It can be downright painful (physically and mentally) at times, but for a great majority of us, it ends up being one of the best decisions we ever made.

You can get through this!
Click to expand...
 
I'm thankful to hear this as well b/c I'm deciding right now which surgery to have. I had the band 6 years ago .It had to go after terrible acid reflux. I wonder if the sleeve will do the same thing. If so, then I'm opting for RNY.which I'm so afraid to have.
 
Last edited:
ebonymc said:
I'm deciding right now which surgery to have.
Click to expand...

Ebony, I completely understand the challenge of deciding which surgery to have. I was originally planning on the band, but I met with a number of surgeons and interviewed them ahead of time. I made sure that all of the surgeons were familiar with all three procedures, I interviewed them in detail, and then I followed up with the American Medical Association and my state medical board to review their credentials.

The surgeon I ended up with was FANTASTIC! He took a whole-life approach to my case, and we discussed in detail all three surgeries, the pro's and con's of each, the recovery times, and life after each surgery. We quickly ruled out the band for exactly the reason you said it didn't work for you. Apparently, that is common, as is slippage and other complications. I was very worried about going full RNY as well, because it is such a huge change to the body and lifestyle. My surgeon explained that the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG or Sleeve) is essentially the first half of the RNY surgery. So, he said that if the VSG did not work for me, it was easy to go back and get the RNY completed. However, once you go RNY, there is no going backwards. Also, my surgeon did an endoscopy prior to my surgery to determine if I had a hiatal hernia (Hiatal hernia - Symptoms and causes), which causes a lot of acid reflux problems in gastric surgery patients. I did, so he said that while he was doing the sleeve, he could also repair the hiatal hernia, and hopefully save me a lot of distress post-op.

Ultimately, I took my surgeons advice and opted for the VSG and repair of the hernia. I had my surgery on 1/22/20 and my recovery has been nearly perfect and relatively pain free. I have had no problems with acid reflux, and my only complications have been because I ate the wrong thing (like chips & salsa, oh man was THAT a mistake!), or too much of the good things. It has been 279 days since my surgery, and I am down 120 lbs.

So, here is my point... do your research, find a good surgeon that is interested in helping you on your whole-life journey, and tell her/him about all of your concerns post-op. Communication is the key to alleviating those fears! Good luck!
 
ebonymc said:
I'm thankful to hear this as well b/c I'm deciding right now which surgery to have. I had the band 6 years ago .It had to go after terrible acid reflux. I wonder if the sleeve will do the same thing. If so, then I'm opting for RNY.which I'm so afraid to have.
Click to expand...

Hi Ebony - welcome to the group!

I was fortunate enough to have reflux prior to surgery - yeah me!! I had RNY - gastric bypass 1/22/2020 and I still take Omeprazole 40mg twice a day. While it hasn't gotten any worse - it hasn't gotten any better either. Some people improve some don't. Others can end up with reflux because of surgery.

As far as what surgery to have - I originally went to my doctor wanting the sleeve. Because of my medical issues my doctor talked to me - not at me. Once we went over the surgical option we decided on the RNY - it offered better result for diabetics.

Research the surgical options - doctors in your area that do weight loss surgery. Once you select a doctor - they should be able to answer all your concerns and questions and help you select the surgery best suited for your particular needs.

Best of luck on this new life altering journey!
 
dianeseattle said:
Tracey, is there a medical reason why you have reflux? I mean is there something a doctor has told you contributes to reflux or some anomaly in your esophagus or something? This may sound dumb but I have always wondered and have never really understood reflux.

I've posted links to this connection before, especially the 10-year study of Omeprazole and it's contribution to Alzheimer's disease, but it continues to be a controversial subject. I have a prescription for it myself but I only take it when I am very nauseated because I'm concerned about its long-term effects. Here's a little bit from the National Institutes of Health:

"Overall, long-term use of PPIs has increased, leading to potential adverse effects such as nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron), renal damage, osteoporotic fracture, infection by Clostridium difficile, rhabdomyolysis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia [13]. Because of these adverse effects, their safety and role in cognitive function (including risk of developing dementia and AD) have been questioned lately. Several studies described association between PPIs and greater risk of developing dementia and AD in older people [9, 14, 15]. However, other study has not shown that PPIs were associated with greater risk of dementia neither AD [7]. In addition, a recent case-control study conducted in German primary care patients reported decreased risk of dementia with PPI use [16]. In fact, neuroprotective effects of PPIs have been recently described [17, 18]. Due to these controversial findings, and also the role of PPIs in progression from mild to severe cognitive dysfunction, the aim of this article is to review the relationship between PPI use and basic mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction."

Because I have had a number of medical devices or prescribed medications demonstrates negative effects on my physiology, I will not take a lot of drugs that used to be prescribed for me.

I am still taking one that is really advised against for neurological risk, but the alternative to daily maintenance with the drug is a surgical cure. I am at the point where I have decided that I am going to check into pursuing the surgical option. I'm just way too old to be compromising any of my abilities or bodily functions.

Here's the link to the government's summation about Omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors:

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Dementia: Physiopathological Mechanisms and Clinical Consequences - PMC

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, mainly encompassing cognitive decline in subjects aged ≥65 years. Further, AD is characterized by selective synaptic and neuronal degeneration, vascular dysfunction, and two ...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Click to expand...

Diane -

I was told it was brought on from asthma medication - antihistamines - and my being obese. I know that certain foods - spicy, fried, salty and more - can bring it on as well. Smoking can even cause it. Then there are some people that they'll never know what brought their reflux on.

All I know for certain is that if you don't have you truly don't want it. Most babies are born with it - my girls pediatrician told me that years ago. My 18 yr old was started on relux medication when she was 5 weeks old. It was brought on when she had aspirated pneumonia.
 
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