i'm 3 and a half weeks out...saw my surgeon yesterday, & according to him i'm doing exdcellent...i'm eating well, & i've lost over 30 lbs...but i am miserable...

i feel so alone, there's no one in my life i can relate to at all...i don't kno anyone who even weighs more than 185 lbs, let alone anyone who has had this surgery...& the holidays aren't shaping up tp be so great either...i used to cook the holiday meal all by myself...now, no one will even let me make anything (i think they're afraid of the sugar free/low fat/healthy feeod i might prepare) & nothing on the menu seems to be bariatric friendly...i can see it now, i'll be eating a lean cuisine in the bathroom alone during dinner...

i'm also in a huge amount of pain...i have diabetic neuropathy in my feet, it's debilitating, it's why i am on disability...the meds i take, neurontin & cymbalta, are supposed to be fine to take if i opem the capsules, but they're not working nearly as well as they did before the surgery...today i've had no relief at all, i've been in tears all day, & i have a pretty high threshold for pain...my pain specialist does not prescribe "pain" medicine, so i am at a loss...does anyone else have this condition?  is there something that works for you?

i'm not trying to throw myself a pity party here, but if i could go back, i would not have had this surgery...

hugs.. sending you an inbox

 I bet in about 2 months you will see things differently. You have whats known as buyers remorse..it happens to most all of us.  Once you get off a good amount of weight and start feeling better, you will be happy about it.  In the meantime follow your plan, sorry its the holidays because it makes it harder but eat what you can and contribute what you can to the meal.  And hey relax and let some one else do the work this year.  Next year is your turn again!!   

Think of Christmas as a family social day and not a food festival.   Eat your Lean Cuisine at the same table as everyone else and delight them with your love and personality!!!!!  

I know my mum takes Gabapentin (sp?) for her neuropathy - maybe worth mentioning at your next appointment?

This is the start of an exciting rollercoaster chapter of your life - you are in a dip at the moment, but in no time you will be soaring up to that peak again!!!

Kim

Hi Kay: You are not alone, sweetie...you have us. Also, our doctors are in the same practice and you have one of the best surgeons ever. Dr. Reardon is awesome. I would be very proactive about your health....and espcially addressing why you are in such pain. What works before surgery does not necessarily work after surgery. How is your diabetes? Hopefully it has subsided a bit. Use the resourses that are offered through the hospital. Be sure and come to the support group the last Wed of the month, except for this month. I drive 50 minutes each way to attend and they are so very helpful. Would you consider coming to the support group? There is a small group session with a therapist and a large group session afterwards addressing different topics. Please take advantage of the resources available to you and please know that you are not alone. There are many of us here, just let us know how you are doing.

 i know about the support group, & i plan to go next month...i do hope to see u there...i'm slow to open up around strangers about this, which is odd for me...i may have to change pain docs, which i'm worried aboutm since i think the one i'm with is one of the best in houston, but i need help & i know it...i hate the idea of being in a funk for christmas, because i have so much to be thankful for...& i love dr reardon, & surgically, everything is perfect...i just need to remember that this surgery is doing what i needed, i've lost a good amount of weight already, blood pressure is stabalizing, blood sugars are coming down & i'm  off of 2 meds...

i just wish i could keep all that in mind when i'm hating the fact that i had this surgery...lol
:o)

Honey, if you want to eat at the table with everyone else, there's no reason why you shouldn't.  My family all knew I'd had wls.  I simply put a small amount of turkey on my plate, with a tablespoon-
ful of potatoes, one of dressing, and a little gravy over both.,  I ate what I wanted as the family laughed and talked around the table..  These tiny amounts of food are NOT going to hurt you. 

Just remember, the day is about being thankful for all the blessings in your life, and your family is your best one.  The food happens ALL the time.

Hugs,

Keep your shoulders back and your beautiful  head up. Yes, you are in a slump right now. But, if your meds aren't on track-you may not be on track. I would try to talk to Dr. about meds. And look at how far you have come in just this short amount of time. I read alot of folks wish at times they could go back- but LOOK at how wonderful you really are doing... off 2 meds-YAHOO... I am pre-op and I sure can't say that.. I am taking mine each and every day. Happy Holidays and keep up the good work!!!!  Turn the frown upside down  and SMILE..

 It will get better.  Many people struggle with emotional and physical issues during the first few months post-op -- and it sounds to me like you may have some post-op depssion, which is quite common -- but it almost always passes by month 3.

I cannot imagine hving surgery right before the holidays.  I'm sure that makes  it much more difficult.  I had surgery in Auguat (in 2007) and even at several months out, negotiating the first Thanksgiving and Christmas was a challenge.

Hang in here.

Lora

 You are not a bathroom/holiday eating gal. You will sit at the table with your small portion. You will watch as others eat without breathing or talking. You will slowly eat and know that next year at Christmas you will be so much smaller and probably eating more on your plate!

You need to talk with your doctor about your pain. You get to have pain relief.

It gets better.
Deb T.