January 2017 Surgeries

[Angeline]

sorry just seen this... how did your surgery go got worried when I never seen you comment on here.. feeling so much better lost 8lb since Monday so extremely happy... really craving food at the minute but trying my best to keep me occupied xx

I've been very poorly hunny sorry to worry you xxxxxx I've had three surgeries in four days and ended up on ITU and I'm still in xxxx

 

[Angeline]

Home at last! You know when they give you the consent form and you have to initial all the risks, even the rare ones? Well I've taken the hit on all the complications for everyone else. I start soft foods Monday because I lost a week in ICU. I've no idea what I weigh and quite frankly couldn't care less right now. What I do know is that I've still a lot of recovery to do but I should get a little bit better every day.

Hi hunny I'm glad you are home ...... I'm still in and not doing the best as I want but there it is xxxx I've had a nice stint in ITC and HDU and been on wards for five days xxx I didn't think it would be this bad as normally I'm good healer and bounce back!! It just highlights the risk factor of operation for me!!!!!

 

[Julia56]

Oh Angeline, I'm so sorry you have been through the mill like this. I had 3 surgeries in three days, 5 days in ICU and 14 on the ward. Hopefully you are through the worst now and slowly getting back on your feet. Did you end up with open surgery? What were the problems that caused the extra surgeries?

 

[SAM55]

Sorry to hear you have had such a tough time, and hope you will soon be on the mend x

 

[Louisex21]

I've been very poorly hunny sorry to worry you xxxxxx I've had three surgeries in four days and ended up on ITU and I'm still in xxxx

Oh Angeline so sorry your not very well. How come you had to have a stint fitted. Wish you a quick recovery xx

 

[Angeline]

had nine the 16th had severe wind for 4 days only just started feeling better. Fluid intake wasn't all that good up till today I've managed 1ltr with some stew juice.. head hunger is my main gripe at the minute but cooking for family seems to be helping it but I'm starting to miss food a little now but then realise that it's normal thought. Went for long walks yesterday and it seemed to ease my wind pain... people wanting to do this must read a lot into it and not just jump into and think it's an easy option because it's so hard not being able to eat with the family and having to change your relationship with food. Also not being able to drink before or after a meal.. you need to of tried other revenues before having a sleeve because psychologically wanting food and physically being able to eat it is so much harder... I don't regret it because I know why I had it done but doing my research first and feeling like this. Maybe I would of tried harder with diets xx hope your feeling better xx

Very open and honest and

had nine the 16th had severe wind for 4 days only just started feeling better. Fluid intake wasn't all that good up till today I've managed 1ltr with some stew juice.. head hunger is my main gripe at the minute but cooking for family seems to be helping it but I'm starting to miss food a little now but then realise that it's normal thought. Went for long walks yesterday and it seemed to ease my wind pain... people wanting to do this must read a lot into it and not just jump into and think it's an easy option because it's so hard not being able to eat with the family and having to change your relationship with food. Also not being able to drink before or after a meal.. you need to of tried other revenues before having a sleeve because psychologically wanting food and physically being able to eat it is so much harder... I don't regret it because I know why I had it done but doing my research first and feeling like this. Maybe I would of tried harder with diets xx hope your feeling better xx

love your honest and honest post @Louisex21 xxxxx ty xxxxxx I understand your journey as similar to mine and also know your a strong lady who will be good soon xxx baby steps xx

Try to drink as much water as possible as oralmorph clogs you up trust me I didn't go to the toilet for 14days once. I still have it now but learnt to drink more.
I get what you mean u can read till your blue in the face but until your rite there you have no clue. I'm under no elusion its going to be an upsetting and angry time my partner said she will have the same as me to support me but I wouldn't want two grump women in the house that's asking for trouble lol
I have my appointment at clinic next Wednesday with my nurse if iv lost the stone they asked thennshe will forward me to the surgeon. I have been so good and weighed on Tuesday and so!show gained 2.5lbs!!!! I was so upset I have followed it to the letter drank more and done everything possible even done Jo wicks DVD and cross trainer and some weights but only did that one day as crippled myself for the rest of the week but gave it my all that day. Then to gain I was so upset and still have so much to lose for next week. But I'm on it and if I don't lose the weight then I can say I done myself proud. But won't be easy if she refuses to refer me.
Although i got a letter for an appointment with the surgeon for 16th march? So I'm assuming she referred me anyways knowing how hard im trying I don't know but I won't give up.
I just hope for my sake I lose enough as this feels like torture being messed about so much.
How are you feeling today any better? If you new what u do now would you still have done?
Have you heard from Angeline? How did she get on? Xx

Oh Angeline, I'm so sorry you have been through the mill like this. I had 3 surgeries in three days, 5 days in ICU and 14 on the ward. Hopefully you are through the worst now and slowly getting back on your feet. Did you end up with open surgery? What were the problems that caused the extra surgeries?

Oh Angeline, I'm so sorry you have been through the mill like this. I had 3 surgeries in three days, 5 days in ICU and 14 on the ward. Hopefully you are through the worst now and slowly getting back on your feet. Did you end up with open surgery? What were the problems that caused the extra surgeries?

I had my bypass on 19th and was sent home feeling sick on 20th. Vomited severely allday 21st and had severe cramps so get changed meds. Vomiting continued on to 22nd so hunny took me back to hospital A&E(3hrs!!!!!!) I was rushed straight in for emergency operation as bowel and stomach was so distended is was on verge of exploding and the vomit I was bringing up was stomach lining and bowel stuff....woke up in ITC where I remained after the third op (on 23rd ) for three more days. I've been in ward ever since xxxx

 

[Louisex21]

Very open and honest and

love your honest and honest post @Louisex21 xxxxx ty xxxxxx I understand your journey as similar to mine and also know your a strong lady who will be good soon xxx baby steps xx



I had my bypass on 19th and was sent home feeling sick on 20th. Vomited severely allday 21st and had severe cramps so get changed meds. Vomiting continued on to 22nd so hunny took me back to hospital A&E(3hrs!!!!!!) I was rushed straight in for emergency operation as bowel and stomach was so distended is was on verge of exploding and the vomit I was bringing up was stomach lining and bowel stuff....woke up in ITC where I remained after the third op (on 23rd ) for three more days. I've been in ward ever since xxxx

this is exactly what I mean people think this is an easy option! I know some people do think it like I'll have surgery and I'll be thin. Believe me it's far from the truth as you can see this operation is not just as easy as that. I haven't been able to eat since op not tolerate protein shakes ect and if I do I'm sick or get a stickie and then it's just a vicious circle I looked through rose tinted glasses and I'm not going to sit here and lie and say I didn't because I did! I thought I would wake up everything would be perfect and it's not! You have been through the mill and it proves this op needs a lot of long thinking and weighing up the pros and cons. I feel like crap day in and day out my hubby gets upset because I'm always ill and hates seein me so weak. I really hope you are on the road to recovery and proves that every body's op is different and anything could happen! I was getting worried @Angeline as haven't heard of you and gutted your having a bad time with it I really hope you have a speedy recovery xx

 

[Hannah2]

I've been very poorly hunny sorry to worry you xxxxxx I've had three surgeries in four days and ended up on ITU and I'm still in xxxx

@Angeline so sorry to hear that you have had a rough time of it. I really hope that things improve for you now and you are allowed home soon. All that vomiting doesn't sound good, did they explain why it had happened, or what they did to resolve it?

@Julia56 Sorry that you have also had a terrible time of it and that you have had to have an open procedure too which will take you longer to recover from. Again, I hope that they have now resolved the leak and you will be able to recover slowly from such trauma


You are all right that this is not something to be taken lightly and it is essential that people understand the good the bad and the ugly of what it involves both before, during and after the operation. I am due to go for an exploratory laproscopy on Friday as they think I have scar tissue/adhesions restricting the intestine - the only way to find out is to go back in and have a look!

This is why it is so important to ensure that you have aftercare available - that is more important for people going private and especially those going abroad for surgery.

I am a strong believer in ensuring that you have psychological support for after surgery - my psychologist has been invaluable in my recovery so far and in dealing with all the issues I had with food and how to look forward rather than always looking back. The mental demons around food need to be dealt with otherwise surgery is not the answer - we still have to deal with food and handle food and have a healthy relationship with food, without that, I don't think that the surgery will succeed for most people.

Anyway, a speedy recovery to those of you who have struggled so far with your journey - surgery is only the start of the steep learning curve, lifestyle change and way of life that we now find ourselves on. Onwards and upwards!

 

[Nearly there-1]

Very open and honest and

love your honest and honest post @Louisex21 xxxxx ty xxxxxx I understand your journey as similar to mine and also know your a strong lady who will be good soon xxx baby steps xx



I had my bypass on 19th and was sent home feeling sick on 20th. Vomited severely allday 21st and had severe cramps so get changed meds. Vomiting continued on to 22nd so hunny took me back to hospital A&E(3hrs!!!!!!) I was rushed straight in for emergency operation as bowel and stomach was so distended is was on verge of exploding and the vomit I was bringing up was stomach lining and bowel stuff....woke up in ITC where I remained after the third op (on 23rd ) for three more days. I've been in ward ever since xxxx

So sorry you have been so poorly. Hope your on the mend now and everything improves. Keeping you in my thoughts.

 

[Julia56]

I'm sure that in a few weeks from now we'll look back on this and it will seem like a blip along the way but up until now it has been an absolute nightmare that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Fortunately I haven't had problems eating and drinking as long as I take it slowly and leave plenty of time between the two activities. Foodwise I've just started week 3 as I lost a week with the extra surgeries and being in ICU.

I feel selfish that I scared my family so much. Everyone tells me that my husband was distraught. The main thing now is to get strong again and make this work.

 

[Hannah2]

@Julia56 you also need to remember that being the weight we all were prior to surgery meant we were at high risk of heart attacks or strokes. So although you had issues with surgery and your husband was quite understandably distraught, the end result now you are coming through the other side of the surgery and recovering, is that you will hopefully be much healthier with a much lower risk of a traumatic event in the future. This can only be a good thing.

 

[Sweetcheeks84]

Hi hunny I'm glad you are home ...... I'm still in and not doing the best as I want but there it is xxxx I've had a nice stint in ITC and HDU and been on wards for five days xxx I didn't think it would be this bad as normally I'm good healer and bounce back!! It just highlights the risk factor of operation for me!!!!!

I am so sorry you have gone through so much I really wish you well and hope you heal well and things get better. Stay strong and positive a positive mind does so much you made me think positive and look forward not back now its your turn. This iis the beginning of a awful start but from now things can only get better. Im thinking of you everyday wishing you well soon hun loads of love and hugs xxx

 

[Sweetcheeks84]

this is exactly what I mean people think this is an easy option! I know some people do think it like I'll have surgery and I'll be thin. Believe me it's far from the truth as you can see this operation is not just as easy as that. I haven't been able to eat since op not tolerate protein shakes ect and if I do I'm sick or get a stickie and then it's just a vicious circle I looked through rose tinted glasses and I'm not going to sit here and lie and say I didn't because I did! I thought I would wake up everything would be perfect and it's not! You have been through the mill and it proves this op needs a lot of long thinking and weighing up the pros and cons. I feel like crap day in and day out my hubby gets upset because I'm always ill and hates seein me so weak. I really hope you are on the road to recovery and proves that every body's op is different and anything could happen! I was getting worried @Angeline as haven't heard of you and gutted your having a bad time with it I really hope you have a speedy recovery xx

So sorry to read your having a hard time too hun all this makes me feel so sad for you all. Has your dietitian not helped or offered you anything? This can't be safe if your not tolerating anything. I have been thinking how hard its going to be and been trying to get used to the idea of not eating like I do now. Still I will never know how truly hard it is until I have my op. I am so grateful for honesty and if I was just having this op to be slim I would run a mile (or waddle) now but I have had nearly 18 months to get my head around it and need this op for many reasons. Im just so happy and lucky I have people like yourself to tell us how it really is.
I really wish you a speedy recovery I will msg in a few days to see how you all are. Sending love and hugs xxx

 

[Sweetcheeks84]

I have my appointment with the MDT nurse tomorrow at 11am they wanted me to lose a stone to prove to them I am doing all I can due to my gain over Xmas. Well I weighed at fat club iinight and I lost 8lbs this week alone total of 10.5lbs in 3 weeks which isn't enough so feeling nervous but iv not cheated at all and gave it my all. I just hope its enough,
I will keep you all posted.
Wishing you all well and a speedy recovery xx

 

[Louisex21]

So sorry to read your having a hard time too hun all this makes me feel so sad for you all. Has your dietitian not helped or offered you anything? This can't be safe if your not tolerating anything. I have been thinking how hard its going to be and been trying to get used to the idea of not eating like I do now. Still I will never know how truly hard it is until I have my op. I am so grateful for honesty and if I was just having this op to be slim I would run a mile (or waddle) now but I have had nearly 18 months to get my head around it and need this op for many reasons. Im just so happy and lucky I have people like yourself to tell us how it really is.
I really wish you a speedy recovery I will msg in a few days to see how you all are. Sending love and hugs xxx

I have my appointment with the MDT nurse tomorrow at 11am they wanted me to lose a stone to prove to them I am doing all I can due to my gain over Xmas. Well I weighed at fat club iinight and I lost 8lbs this week alone total of 10.5lbs in 3 weeks which isn't enough so feeling nervous but iv not cheated at all and gave it my all. I just hope its enough,
I will keep you all posted.
Wishing you all well and a speedy recovery xx

That's a great loss and only a couple of pounds under your target well done your doing amazing, keep it up xx I actually think I'm very lucky considering Julia and Angeline have had a really rough time, I was a lot like I'm going to be thin and this is going to be a walk in the park, I was so wrong and I thought like probably like some people it can't be that hard surely but until you have had the op then reality kicks in. I have my mom constantly on the phone to me saying have you had anything yet? This is not good you not eating! I'm really concerned. Your going to make yourself ill. This is not why you had the op it's just falling off you!! This is what I've had lately then my hubby saying no wonder you don't want to eat because you have no energy and living off coffee is not healthy!! Then my sister I didn't want you to have the op you look ill and your upsetting me your going to end up really poorly!!. I've had a tearful week because I know they are right but I'm just never hungry because I'm filling myself up on coffee. Not sleeping I'm constantly in bed sleeping losing weight really fast gone from a size 24 to a size 18-20 and not feeling healthy but I do have great support and it's made me realise they are so very right and promised them I will try harder getting my protein in and slow down on the coffee. I'm having why have you done this to yourself? Moments but I said I was moaned at for over eating and now moaned at for not eating! I have changed my relationship with food by seeing it as "you made me fat" not healthy thoughts so booked an appointment with my gp for help to overcome this fear of food before I am ill or worst end up in hospital and I have kids to think about and what made me realise when my daughter said mommy why do you look poorly! That was the turning corner for me because now it's affecting the kids and I need to sort this out!! But the stickies that I had has made me very fearful of eating to.. I will get there and I know most people on here are right in what they said so it's time to phone Dieatician and bariatric nurse and see my gp tomorrow to get sorted. I don't regret this and I don't want to put people off I'm just giving my personal experience but every one is different in there experience on this journey and I now know I'm strong enough to overcome this!! I know I've gone from one extreme to the other but I will overcome this and get back on track I've realised where I've gone and going wrong. Because of being bullied all my life I've always had this brick wall built round me and never let it down because I'm protecting myself and I always think I'm right where now I'm ready to break this brick wall and start again on the right path of this journey as it's not to late and to listen to people!! Sorry for the essay and sweetcheeks don't worry you have done ace very proud of you. You have come such a long way and have faith in yourself you are doing so amazing xxxx

 

[Julia56]

I was going to suggest contacting the bariatric team as well. When you say 'stickies' what do you mean?

Would any of your concerned family come to follow-up appointments with you? It sounds like you need some knowledgable support rather than more criticism.

 

[starryeyed]

I hope you're having decaf coffee at the moment because you aren't meant to be having caffeine this soon out. Get on to your team and get this sorted. I had the same problems and ended up in the hospital and really wouldn't wish that on anybody. Take care.x

 

[Hannah2]

@Louisex21 it sounds like you have a plan of action and a way forward which is great. It isn't easy post op and it could be very easy to develop an eating disorder/fear of food. I went through that when I moved onto solids after a couple of horrible episodes where food got stuck. I didn't want to try anything new and just wanted to stick with soft food but I had to force myself because I didn't want to eat slop for the rest of my life. It was hard and scary and still is when I try something new - there is a lot I haven't tried yet - bread, pasta, rice, omelette, oranges are all on my list oh and pork, not had that yet! Eating out/being away from home is still a learning experience but this is what we signed up for.

I did have quite a bit of coffee (mainly decaf) at the beginning but I made it with all milk so at least I was getting that protein and fluid.

Oh and I didn't feel hunger at all initially but we were warned about that and you need to schedule your meals, snacks and drinks to ensure the hour in between - I had a timetable to follow initially and set alarms on my phone. It does get easier but you do need to plan things at this stage.

Are you taking your vitamins and calcium etc ok?

Fingers crossed you get support from your team and your gp. Well done for taking control back.

 

[Louisex21]

@Louisex21 it sounds like you have a plan of action and a way forward which is great. It isn't easy post op and it could be very easy to develop an eating disorder/fear of food. I went through that when I moved onto solids after a couple of horrible episodes where food got stuck. I didn't want to try anything new and just wanted to stick with soft food but I had to force myself because I didn't want to eat slop for the rest of my life. It was hard and scary and still is when I try something new - there is a lot I haven't tried yet - bread, pasta, rice, omelette, oranges are all on my list oh and pork, not had that yet! Eating out/being away from home is still a learning experience but this is what we signed up for.

I did have quite a bit of coffee (mainly decaf) at the beginning but I made it with all milk so at least I was getting that protein and fluid.

Oh and I didn't feel hunger at all initially but we were warned about that and you need to schedule your meals, snacks and drinks to ensure the hour in between - I had a timetable to follow initially and set alarms on my phone. It does get easier but you do need to plan things at this stage.

Are you taking your vitamins and calcium etc ok?

Fingers crossed you get support from your team and your gp. Well done for taking control back.

Thanks Hannah and yes it is fear mostly as We was out yesterday and my hubby had a full English breakfast he said do you want a cup of soup I said no I'll stick to coffee just incase. Your so right with fear. My kids are my entire world and they have start to notice something is wrong that was my kick up the butt I need to sort it out and vitamins not taking as there chewable and scared they will get stuck gp said it's ok short term but I need to start taking them. Woke up this morning with I'm going to do this and take my vitamins do everything by the letter now. I'm determined to get sorted and start eating well taking fluids properly and getting this protein in. I'm not worried about stalling with weight loss my fear is food. So I'm taking back control now and doing this and thanks hannah what you have said is completely right thanks chick xx

 

[Hannah2]

Well done @Louisex21 that is a big step! Don't focus on weight loss now, that will take care of itself, you need to concentrate on being healthy - start ensuring you are getting nutrition and those vitamins/calcium are important. Stay strong and focus on why you are doing it. If you suffer setbacks, don't let it get to you - focus on how far you have come and move forward. Take it meal by meal and day by day - just plan your day for meals and drinks. It will help. Good luck!