Just Needing to Share — Feeling Emotional Post-Op

[bogga]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to be real and say that today (5-days post op) has been a hard day. I’m feeling emotional, tired, and honestly, a bit overwhelmed. I had hiatal hernia surgery (and bariatric surgery) recently, and even though I know healing takes time, I didn’t expect the emotional rollercoaster to hit this hard. I’ve cried more than once today — and not always for a specific reason. Sometimes it’s the discomfort, sometimes it’s the loneliness, sometimes it’s just everything catching up with me all at once. I know this journey is supposed to lead to better health, and I do believe that. But today, I’m just in my feelings, missing normalcy, missing comfort food, and wondering when it’ll all feel a bit easier.

If anyone else has felt this way — emotional, drained, or just mentally foggy — I’d love to hear how you got through it. Right now, I just need a little encouragement and maybe a reminder that this phase will pass.

Thanks for letting me share.

 

[Lily27]

Hello, I hope you did find some support? I can tell you that this is normal, it's a time of hormone fluctuations, anesthesia after effects, and just generally feeling like everything got upended. I felt the same, but it will pass. In the meantime, there's not much you can do other than take good care of yourself, rest when you need to, stay hydrated as much as possible, and allow yourself extra time for everything you need to do.

 

[bogga]

Hi, thank you so much for checking in and for your kind words—it really means a lot. It’s comforting to hear that what I’m feeling is normal and that others have gone through this too. I’m trying to be patient with myself and now on week 3 I feel much better. Your message gave me a bit of peace today, so truly—thank you.

 

[Sandycarlbp]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to be real and say that today (5-days post op) has been a hard day. I’m feeling emotional, tired, and honestly, a bit overwhelmed. I had hiatal hernia surgery (and bariatric surgery) recently, and even though I know healing takes time, I didn’t expect the emotional rollercoaster to hit this hard. I’ve cried more than once today — and not always for a specific reason. Sometimes it’s the discomfort, sometimes it’s the loneliness, sometimes it’s just everything catching up with me all at once. I know this journey is supposed to lead to better health, and I do believe that. But today, I’m just in my feelings, missing normalcy, missing comfort food, and wondering when it’ll all feel a bit easier.

If anyone else has felt this way — emotional, drained, or just mentally foggy — I’d love to hear how you got through it. Right now, I just need a little encouragement and maybe a reminder that this phase will pass.

Thanks for letting me share.

 

[Sandycarlbp]

I’ll be having that same dual procedure in 3+ weeks. Thank you for being open and sharing your experience so far. I’m trying to go in with an attitude of openness: no specific expectations, hopeful but realistic. I’ll check back in after.

 

[bogga]

I’ll be having that same dual procedure in 3+ weeks. Thank you for being open and sharing your experience so far. I’m trying to go in with an attitude of openness: no specific expectations, hopeful but realistic. I’ll check back in after.

I just wanted to say good luck, and also be genuine about how I felt during that time. It honestly reminded me of the emotional roller coaster you go through during your period—everything just feels heightened. But truly, this too shall pass. It’s likely a mix of hunger, maybe hormones, and seeing everyone around you while also realizing how much of your past comfort—like food—used to help you cope. That’s a big shift. Your body is adjusting, and it’s not easy, but I really believe you’ll do great. Please feel free to come here and talk if you ever need someone. I found that I felt so much better after letting it out. I’m really grateful to have had a mother who listened and gave me space to be open with my emotions. Looking back, I realize it was just a moment, and I got through it. And you will too. You’ve got this. Sending you lots of strength and support.

 

[GiantsLola]

This will pass and thank you for bringing brave to share how you are feeling. With you mentioning the mental fog I would talk to your surgeon or primary and have bloodwork done. That way if there is a vitamin deficiency or something contributing to it, they can help remedy it. I hope you're doing ok.

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to be real and say that today (5-days post op) has been a hard day. I’m feeling emotional, tired, and honestly, a bit overwhelmed. I had hiatal hernia surgery (and bariatric surgery) recently, and even though I know healing takes time, I didn’t expect the emotional rollercoaster to hit this hard. I’ve cried more than once today — and not always for a specific reason. Sometimes it’s the discomfort, sometimes it’s the loneliness, sometimes it’s just everything catching up with me all at once. I know this journey is supposed to lead to better health, and I do believe that. But today, I’m just in my feelings, missing normalcy, missing comfort food, and wondering when it’ll all feel a bit easier.

If anyone else has felt this way — emotional, drained, or just mentally foggy — I’d love to hear how you got through it. Right now, I just need a little encouragement and maybe a reminder that this phase will pass.

Thanks for letting me share.

 

[mycalsuite]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to be real and say that today (5-days post op) has been a hard day. I’m feeling emotional, tired, and honestly, a bit overwhelmed. I had hiatal hernia surgery (and bariatric surgery) recently, and even though I know healing takes time, I didn’t expect the emotional rollercoaster to hit this hard. I’ve cried more than once today — and not always for a specific reason. Sometimes it’s the discomfort, sometimes it’s the loneliness, sometimes it’s just everything catching up with me all at once. I know this journey is supposed to lead to better health, and I do believe that. But today, I’m just in my feelings, missing normalcy, missing comfort food, and wondering when it’ll all feel a bit easier.

If anyone else has felt this way — emotional, drained, or just mentally foggy — I’d love to hear how you got through it. Right now, I just need a little encouragement and maybe a reminder that this phase will pass.

Thanks for letting me share.

Your emotions are entirely typical. Your body is recovering, your hormones are changing, and you've just undergone a significant life transition, so the first week following surgery may be an emotional roller coaster. Feeling depressed, exhausted, or even doubting your choice is acceptable.

Rest, drink plenty of water, and keep in mind that healing is not only physical but also mental. You'll see little gains every day, even if they don't feel significant at the moment. The difficult part is what you're doing, and things will improve. Treat yourself with kindness; this stage will pass.

 

[ChiMoon]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to be real and say that today (5-days post op) has been a hard day. I’m feeling emotional, tired, and honestly, a bit overwhelmed. I had hiatal hernia surgery (and bariatric surgery) recently, and even though I know healing takes time, I didn’t expect the emotional rollercoaster to hit this hard. I’ve cried more than once today — and not always for a specific reason. Sometimes it’s the discomfort, sometimes it’s the loneliness, sometimes it’s just everything catching up with me all at once. I know this journey is supposed to lead to better health, and I do believe that. But today, I’m just in my feelings, missing normalcy, missing comfort food, and wondering when it’ll all feel a bit easier.

If anyone else has felt this way — emotional, drained, or just mentally foggy — I’d love to hear how you got through it. Right now, I just need a little encouragement and maybe a reminder that this phase will pass.

Thanks for letting me share.

Hi Bogga,

I swear I thought I wrote this post because that is precisely how I feel. My surgery was on 10/27, so I'm in my second week, and it's getting almost harder because I thought eating and. drinking would get better, but it hasn't. Regret is the word that keeps coming up in my head. My doctor is an excellent surgeon, but his bedside manner is nonexistent. I went for my one-week check-up, and I felt like he couldn't get me out of his office fast enough. He had asked me if I spoke to my nutritionist, which I did earlier that day, but for whatever reason, I couldn't remember her name, and so he told me to follow him to the nurse's office and asked her if I had seen my nutritionist, which she said yes to, and then he gave me directions to the exit..I was not in his office for more than 5 minutes..He made me feel like I wasn't prepared enough to talk to him, and so I was not going to waste any of his time. But that is pale in comparison to the reflux I have had to endure. It's unbearable!!!!!!! I tried mashed potatoes, and I'm talking a teaspoon amount, and I wanted to jump off a cliff. That was a few days ago. Then I tried even less of tuna fish smashed up really well, and I prayed for death. I'm scared to try anything now except for my watered-down protein shake and butternut squash puree. I'm looking at a very bleak future if this is all I can eat. I wish you the very best and I hope u start feeling more like yourself. BTW- I cry all the time now; I'm very emotional as well!

 

[bogga]

Hi Bogga,

I swear I thought I wrote this post because that is precisely how I feel. My surgery was on 10/27, so I'm in my second week, and it's getting almost harder because I thought eating and. drinking would get better, but it hasn't. Regret is the word that keeps coming up in my head. My doctor is an excellent surgeon, but his bedside manner is nonexistent. I went for my one-week check-up, and I felt like he couldn't get me out of his office fast enough. He had asked me if I spoke to my nutritionist, which I did earlier that day, but for whatever reason, I couldn't remember her name, and so he told me to follow him to the nurse's office and asked her if I had seen my nutritionist, which she said yes to, and then he gave me directions to the exit..I was not in his office for more than 5 minutes..He made me feel like I wasn't prepared enough to talk to him, and so I was not going to waste any of his time. But that is pale in comparison to the reflux I have had to endure. It's unbearable!!!!!!! I tried mashed potatoes, and I'm talking a teaspoon amount, and I wanted to jump off a cliff. That was a few days ago. Then I tried even less of tuna fish smashed up really well, and I prayed for death. I'm scared to try anything now except for my watered-down protein shake and butternut squash puree. I'm looking at a very bleak future if this is all I can eat. I wish you the very best and I hope u start feeling more like yourself. BTW- I cry all the time now; I'm very emotional as well!

Hi Bogga,

I swear I thought I wrote this post because that is precisely how I feel. My surgery was on 10/27, so I'm in my second week, and it's getting almost harder because I thought eating and. drinking would get better, but it hasn't. Regret is the word that keeps coming up in my head. My doctor is an excellent surgeon, but his bedside manner is nonexistent. I went for my one-week check-up, and I felt like he couldn't get me out of his office fast enough. He had asked me if I spoke to my nutritionist, which I did earlier that day, but for whatever reason, I couldn't remember her name, and so he told me to follow him to the nurse's office and asked her if I had seen my nutritionist, which she said yes to, and then he gave me directions to the exit..I was not in his office for more than 5 minutes..He made me feel like I wasn't prepared enough to talk to him, and so I was not going to waste any of his time. But that is pale in comparison to the reflux I have had to endure. It's unbearable!!!!!!! I tried mashed potatoes, and I'm talking a teaspoon amount, and I wanted to jump off a cliff. That was a few days ago. Then I tried even less of tuna fish smashed up really well, and I prayed for death. I'm scared to try anything now except for my watered-down protein shake and butternut squash puree. I'm looking at a very bleak future if this is all I can eat. I wish you the very best and I hope u start feeling more like yourself. BTW- I cry all the time now; I'm very emotional as well!

I’m so sorry your doctor made you feel brushed off. That’s the last thing anyone needs when we’re already struggling.

I don’t know what your doctor or nutritionist’s recommendations are, but I wasn’t even on mashed potatoes — not even now, and I’m three months post-surgery. My plan was two weeks of liquids, two weeks of purées, and then two weeks of soft foods, while avoiding anything high in starch or sugar during that time. I was also told that it’s normal to develop sensitivities to certain foods after surgery, so hopefully that’s all it is and things start getting better for you soon.


Sending you hugs — we’ve got this

 

[bogga]

Your emotions are entirely typical. Your body is recovering, your hormones are changing, and you've just undergone a significant life transition, so the first week following surgery may be an emotional roller coaster. Feeling depressed, exhausted, or even doubting your choice is acceptable.

Rest, drink plenty of water, and keep in mind that healing is not only physical but also mental. You'll see little gains every day, even if they don't feel significant at the moment. The difficult part is what you're doing, and things will improve. Treat yourself with kindness; this stage will pass.

Looking back now, it all makes sense — just the sudden change in your body, and how your mind and stomach really talk to each other. But I’m feeling much better now, losing weight, and definitely less emotional. Doing regular blood work and keeping an eye on deficiencies really helped too. I really appreciate your support — thank you!

 

[dianeseattle]

Looking back now, it all makes sense — just the sudden change in your body, and how your mind and stomach really talk to each other. But I’m feeling much better now, losing weight, and definitely less emotional. Doing regular blood work and keeping an eye on deficiencies really helped too. I really appreciate your support — thank you!

I wanted to add one thing for anyone reading your symptoms. Please ask your doctor, nurse, team, or dietician if there are any medications you can use to lessen the pain or nausea. I know after I had surgery I was in incredible pain, as I'd had an open procedure that involved a 7" vertical incision in my midriff. My doctor prescribed liquid Tylenol with codeine, which would have made me sick if I'd taken it in solid form. It was yummy and calmed me down, as well as making the pain disappear.

Again, we are here as a support group, but if your concern seems medical, please don't hesitate to ask a professional.

 

[ChiMoon]

Looking back now, it all makes sense — just the sudden change in your body, and how your mind and stomach really talk to each other. But I’m feeling much better now, losing weight, and definitely less emotional. Doing regular blood work and keeping an eye on deficiencies really helped too. I really appreciate your support — thank you!

Thank you for validating my feelings; that helps a lot! I'm trying to see the silver lining in this life-altering decision I made..Some days are better than others, but I'll be fine. I'm engaging in a lot of soul searching and reflection to course-correct so that I can emerge from this not only physically healthy, but also mentally and spiritually healthy. My husband and I were driving today, and the way the sun hit the back of the clouds, the clouds looked like they had a silver lining. I took that as a sign that this will be worth it, even though it doesn't feel like it now. I guess time will tell. Thanks again for sharing and responding. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this.

 

[ChiMoon]

I wanted to add one thing for anyone reading your symptoms. Please ask your doctor, nurse, team, or dietician if there are any medications you can use to lessen the pain or nausea. I know after I had surgery I was in incredible pain, as I'd had an open procedure that involved a 7" vertical incision in my midriff. My doctor prescribed liquid Tylenol with codeine, which would have made me sick if I'd taken it in solid form. It was yummy and calmed me down, as well as making the pain disappear.

Again, we are here as a support group, but if your concern seems medical, please don't hesitate to ask a professional.

Hi DianeSeattle- I hope you are doing well in your recovery! I am only 2 weeks post-op, and it is getting slightly easier. I have an appointment with my nutritionist this coming Monday, so I'll inform her of everything I'm experiencing. I do need to be mindful of my fluid intake. Because I haven't met my goals yet. Yesterday I was vomiting saliva-foam, which was really weird. It has happened on more than one occasion, so I'll ask her if that's normal or not. How long ago did you have your surgery, and how are you doing post-op?

 

[dianeseattle]

It's been 18 years since I had surgery and it's been life changing. Vomiting foam is not unusual if your stomach is empty. But if you're still healing and/or have stitches or staples, you should definitely get something for nausea, so you don't pop your incision.

I had trouble meeting my fluid goals sometimes. I did a couple of things that helped. First, I measured out my water and kept it in the refrigerator. My goal was to empty the pitcher by dinnertime so that lessened the stress of having to keep track of each glass I was supposed to drink. I also used a spoon to "eat" the water. Psychologically, this satisfied that sense of having a meal. Those things worked for me but might not help someone else. I'd just encourage everyone to turn your feelings inward and listen to your heart. It's enough that you're experiencing this great change. But you're also experiencing a serious loss.

 

[shelly0604]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to be real and say that today (5-days post op) has been a hard day. I’m feeling emotional, tired, and honestly, a bit overwhelmed. I had hiatal hernia surgery (and bariatric surgery) recently, and even though I know healing takes time, I didn’t expect the emotional rollercoaster to hit this hard. I’ve cried more than once today — and not always for a specific reason. Sometimes it’s the discomfort, sometimes it’s the loneliness, sometimes it’s just everything catching up with me all at once. I know this journey is supposed to lead to better health, and I do believe that. But today, I’m just in my feelings, missing normalcy, missing comfort food, and wondering when it’ll all feel a bit easier.

If anyone else has felt this way — emotional, drained, or just mentally foggy — I’d love to hear how you got through it. Right now, I just need a little encouragement and maybe a reminder that this phase will pass.

Thanks for letting me share.

Girl, I was just there a few weeks ago. I had several bouts that reminded me of pregnancy. Just emotional for no reason, crying without explanation. I’m no doctor, so I don’t know whether to say if that’s normal or not, but I certainly experienced it. It reminded me of crying at commercials when I was pregnant. Sudden waves of hormones would rush over me without warning. But I’m 5 weeks post op now, and that stopped weeks ago. It’s gotta be hormonal. At least that’s how it feels.