Lauren,
I can relate...to the feeling of the recovery process taking a long time...longer than many seemed to report here. For me, in part, maybe my age (53 at the time I had this done), was part of that, though I've always been active and had full days and lots of activities going on.

Still, while I loved, and still do love, getting my more confident self back, taking up less space in the world and being more energetic, that didn't come all at once.

I was one who has iron absorption issues. They don't usually concern themselves with that being a concern for menopausal women. Well, I did need concern, and thankfully early on, they put me on iron, then on more, and it took about 9 months to get up to the low end of normal. To maintain that, and have the energy I needed, I take 4 poly iron 150 caps. , per day. I make sure I get a B12 tablet in once a week, (which is fine for my blood work), and my usual vitamins, etc., faithfully!

All of that to say, while i was struggling with adjusting iron, I had very little energy, couldn't really extend myself in a lot of activities, was glad I didn't have little ones, or a job (I work part time now), that I had to get to because I just needed months to come back up to that "normal" feeling. I am happy to tell you it has happened, and life is very normal and I have all the energy I need, most days.

But during that time, I felt isolated a bit, and alone in the sense that even through the wonderful support I found and still enjoy here, I didn't find many who struggled with the iron absorption/lack of energy issue. Once that was taken care of, I felt more energetic, joined in more, and resumed the full life I'd enjoyed, only better.

Be patient with the healing process. Maybe it's not an iron absorption issue for you. Maybe you feel very different from your friends/family if you are the only one you know who's gone through this. Trust me, in time, whatever it is, will settle down, and you will have a contentment you'll enjoy.

In the meantime, hang in there.
Cindy

Hi Lauren,
I can relate too. I had my surgery on 9/22. On 10/6, I was hospitalized for 5 days with pericarditis-inflammation of the heart pericardium. The treatment for this condition is NSAID's. They consulted with a bariatric surgeon, gastroenterologist and cardiologist. They gave me the NSAID's plus lots of other meds to protect my stomach. Then 10/28, I returned to the ER with chest pain and shortness of breath. I was admitted with pleural effusion. They drained over a liter of fluid from my lung and released me. I was right back in the ER on 10/31 and was admitted another 4 days. Released Thursday. Today I feel like it's coming back. I wonder when this is going to end. My surgeon is not part of Kaiser and they have not been responsive to me about these issues. It is lonely because others can't relate. I just have to keep the faith. The good news is I've lost 20 lbs in 6 weeks.

I went through that the first few weeks. i am almost 8 weeks out and feel much better:) i hope you feel better soon

Thanks ladies.

It's been about 3 weeks and I still just feel very....BLAH!

My sister has gone through this so she's been a big support for me and I sort of knew what to expect. But knowing how she felt and then going through it myself are two very different things.

I just want to feel good about my decision and my physical state doesn't seem to be helping that too much.

Olandia, I'm so sorry that you went through all of that. I pray that you're feeling better now and have no more trips to the ER or hospital!!!

What you've been through does help to put some perspective on this. I know it could be a lot worse. Hell, I could have died on the table.

I'm just really frustrated and can't wait till I feel like Lauren again.

Thank you for your posts. They really do help!

yes, I can relate.. its one day at a time, you will feel like your new self as you go...

I hope you all get better. Now my chronic back aches don't seem as bad.

Lauren,

I am right there with you. I have my good days and my bad days. When I have my good days, I try to get everything in and end up having several bad days in a row. I am really just hoping that by the time I have to go back I will be up to full power again.

Hang in there, we will get there....

I'm feeling the same way. I'm almost 4 weeks out and I'm not sure what's wrong. I'm not mourning food. I'm quite happy with my food choices. I have an amazing husband and family that are very supportive. So I don't know why I'm so blah. I just don't feel happy or like myself. But to be honest I am so glad I'm not the only one going thru this. Once again this support group has helped me know I'm "normal".

I haven't reached the 2 week mark yet and I feel myself struggling emotionally. I am recovering from a major hernia repair and 3 days after I got home I came down with some nasty upper resp infection. (Note to self - never ask for chewable antibiotics!! The liquid has to taste better!!)

I don't have the energy to walk further than the garage. I'm having trouble getting much protein in - the shakes make the throat icky and the coughing worse. People call to see how I'm doing, but when they hear me squeaking, the conversations don't last long. I'm feeling a little isolated, but keep reminding myself this is just temporary.

I think we just have to try and keep perspective on where we are in the journey. It won't be like this forever. Hang in there --- you're not alone!

Linda

three months out and still alone alot off the time.

depression is one of those things that they say come with the territory and they have counslers for that special purpose. For me free if i needed it and i almost needed it for a adiction related to my surgery. (buying)

I bet there is something free in your area and your doc would know. or surguen's team of nurses. There must be a good group you can go to that is bariatric support group. We will need one for life. If not think of making one up. Get the backing of the surguens to keep you informed on things.

Like recently our surguens said powder protien isn't good for you. (well i take it and i am not sure in what text they said that) or with my kind of surgery i can only take ADECK vits which is furnished by my hosp (military) but my body absorbs centrum real well. (malasorbic surgery can only take things that asorb in ten min or its like you poop it out whole)
But the point is that a real live face to face support group might be good if not better for you. Have one along with this group. they can give you the touchy feely hugs we all need from time to time plus the social needs felt.