Yes this is totally worth it! It takes a good six weeks to heal since you've had major surgery. Your only job at this point is to rest, sip, walk, repeat. You shouldn't be drinking which is why you might not feel well. We don't drink, we sip. Tiny sips! I used a tiny one ounce pill cup until I got used to sipping. Try different temperatures of water to see which works best. I liked room temp pre op and ice cold post op. Some prefer hot/warm. Pain is part of any major surgery. It does take a week or two for the intestines to stabilize. You are exhausted because you had major surgery and because your body is working to clear the anesthesia and medications. Any pain medications just add to that. Like I tell everyone, the head part is the primary part of our journey, not the weight. All kinds of learning opportunities will come up for you for healing. So if you didn't work through it pre op, mourning your old unhealthy lifestyle is part of the journey. It takes a good six weeks to really feel normal again because, once again, you've had major surgery. Be gentle with yourself. Treat yourself like you would like to be treated by someone else. Love yourself. You are worth it!

If you haven't already done so, check out the "what newbies need to know" post.

Thank you! I needed to hear that. I went to bed last night thinking how whiny I sounded. I guess I don't know anybody personally who's done this and unfortunately I live in the middle of nowhere not close to any in-person support groups. I think a big part of my emotional issues is that I had an issue with one of my depression meds and had to be off it for a few days-then being in the house on the couch and not being able to do much when I'm usually a little worker bee didn't help. I think maybe I was just a little shocked too because I had to diet and prepare for about 8 months but then all of a sudden surgery was here and it went so quick! We've got med cups but I think I was taking too big of sips like you said so since then I've stopped that. It was so nice to wake up to that message and my outlook on the day to come is perfect! And let me say again if anybody is pre-op or considering surgery do NOT let this scare you. Most of my issues are in my head. Plus I know I've already lost a good amount of weight and my skin has improved so that's good haha! Thank you and I will go read that post!

Hi I too just left the hospital yesterday but I have been fine I bought a back rest pillow and my doctor who was really great told me to keep ice packs on my stomach which has helped also. The pain is there but it minimal and yes sip not drink they gave me a bunch of 1 oz cups and I use those. And if you didn't get any nausea pills tell your doctor because those have also helped.

Mandapanda,

Lcat has already said everything I would have said! I just want you to know that I'm cheering for you - and it will be totally worth it!


JJ

ps: Hot, herbal tea in the morning helped calm my cranky pouch.

Hey everyone! The pain is almost nonexistent now and mentally I'm doing well. This support group has helped immensely knowing I'm not alone!