Bloating, Water Retention, Heat, etc..Am I normal? - ThinnerTimes

SherryAnn · 08-30-2007, 11:04 PM

I am Post op, for about 19 mos. now.I have just moved to California (about 6 mos ago). I was from Vermont ( BIG CULTURE SHOCK!). Ok anyway, here is the problem(s).
I can eat more fat and sugar now, and not have dumping syndrom. Has this happned to anyone else? Worried cause it seems like "IT" is gone.

That Gas.. will it ever go away? Can I get it to be gone, or at least, get it to not be so bad?

I am having problems with swelling ankles and water retention... How can I make this better?

When I bend over,or even move, I hear a gurgling sound. I have been very bloated, and feeling like I have gained weight. My New clothes dont fit as well. I went to the Dr. for tendonitis, and I was weighed. I had gained 8 lbs!!! After 12 Mos of staying the same weight (178) it now said 188! Talk about failure feelings and wanting to do the whole eating disorder thing..
But anyway, Is this Bloating, Gurgle, Belching, thing normal? Has the Mesh perhaps opened or something? I am kinda worried. Mostly because of the Gargle, and hollow sounds. Then there is the feeling like I am a basketball, going to exsplode.. (Not exactly painful, just stretchy feeling).

Ohhh and another question.. I seem to recall a show or online video imformation thingy, about something called a TTI? A total body "fix" doing the whole plastic surgery thing at once? Is there something called this?

Will my medicare and medical, cover the costs of my plastic surgery for TT and underarms, breasts, and inner thighs? I feel like the incredible melting woman.

Wow, I have alot to ask I see. I hope it isnt cross threading.

One more thing, before I go...Before the surgery, I didnt want anyone to look at me, cause I was soo fat. I hated being out, had agoraphobia, etc.. the paranoidal "they are watching me" stuff. Then I started looseing weight. I felt great, looked good, Happier and healthier than ever before in my life.. (Then I lost my hair).
Now, almost 2 full years out, I am having depression, as well as the I dont want to go out in public, because of the way I look. I am embarrased. The skin on my stomache hangs down so far, I cant wear anything that shows body shape, cause its like I have this ungainly growth.. same for under arms, breasts, and inner thighs. I dont want to be seen. I am covering up, all of me, and embarrased to be arround people. Is this normal feelings? Is this happening to anyone else? I had hoped all this emotional baggage would kinda been packed away.. but it hasnt and is almost worse than it was to be "heavy". (278-175. Goal after TT etc.. is to be 155-165 ).

Thank you all for being patient with me. I didnt realise how many questions I had.. eeeks..

SherryAnn

Dave T in SD · 08-31-2007, 01:20 PM

Sorry you are having problems...

I don't have any answers for you, but I'm sure the nurses & Dr. Dyann will be in to answer the heavy duty questions.

Just wanted to welcome you to the TT Forum family.

Keep us posted on your new life in Sunny (humid

) San Diego!!

CeeCee · 08-31-2007, 01:43 PM

Hi SherryAnn!
1- See your doc about the swelling, etc. Sometimes this can be more serious than it seems. Do it now. (And the weight gain sounds like the fluid you're retaining too.)

2- I live in RI, grew up in MA, vacation in NH. What the heck made you want to move West out there with all those crazy people?

3- Only your ins co can tell you what they cover. Call them!

4- When you see your doc about the swelling, tell him about depression. There's help available, and it helps. Been there, done that.

5- Stop beating yourself up! You have done a great job so far!

LisaM · 08-31-2007, 02:02 PM

Probably worth seeing a counselor, I'm going. Dealing with some of the body issues, lots of the eating issues. I too gurgle like a water heater and have odoriferous emissions... gaining some of the weight back is also normal. You've had some good advice already on the plastics. If it helps, we're glad you're here!

SherryAnn · 08-31-2007, 03:53 PM

Thank you all for the responses. I have the psych things all lined up for the 6th. I have Bi polar type 2 and a whole buncha other letters behind my name As I am new in San Diego, I dont have a Doctor yet. Perhaps someone can give me some information of the Dr's in the Chula Vista area?
I moved to California, when I was going to be evicted. My online friend ( Whom is now my boyfriend ) said to me, "Come here and stay with me and Momma". And sooo, I did! laughs.
I am homesick sometimes for Brattleboro and Keene, but for the most part? I LOVE being in California!! The sunshine is good for my depression. There is more opportunity for me out here. I finally have a real life and not a existance. I have a job.. the first job I have had in over 8 years!!
Thats how good I am feeling about me now. I would never change the fact I had this surgery. It has given me my life back. No more diabetes,sleep apnea,agoraphobia, trouble walking,breathing. No more back problems. No more asthma.
There have been a few drawbacks for me. I still cant eat meat. Rare beef only in small am mounts. Shellfish is ok. But no other fish type food. Chicken and turkey are definate no no's. Hamburger, only sometimes. No rough vegitables I tend to live on Tofu, hot cerial, bread (bad bad!), and other things.
Its hard for me, I work as a Prep/line cook.Food is always in my face. I am now at the point, I need to honestly put the pedal to the medal and re-learn how to eat. This is going to be hard. In some ways I thought surgery,wake up, loose weight, never worry about it again!!
Wrong...its a whole lifestyle change. I have sooo much to learn!!
Anyhooo.. thank you all again for making me feel welcome. I look forward to learning all about you as well.

SherryAnn

Gina in NY · 08-31-2007, 06:59 PM

It is almost impossible to make a living up there. Especially if you shop at the coop and have a thing for Mocha Joes... We lived up there for 4 years and just totally ran out of money. Could not make ends meet, even though we owned our house!! My husband actually took a job at C & S we were so desparate, and of course, blew out his knee.

With him working full time and me working 30 hours a week with one child, we absolutely fell apart. The day I moved to NY, my job alone doubled our combined salaries in VT. And I haven't looked back!!

But what a nice place. We now make enough money that we go back every summer for a week or so and visit all our old friends. My kids go nuts for the Retreat petting farm, the farmers market - you know - all the spots!

Anyway, hope you are doing well in SD, I know it is a challenging time, but do not worry! If you want to PM me, I can send you a link to my PS photos. No matter what you look like, they can fix you up - I swear, but it is expensive and you're out of commission for a while. There is also only so much you can do during one surgery. I had a belt lipectomy and breast lift and it took 7 hours.

Anyway - had to respond to a fellow Vermont survivor.

Good luck!

Robin W · 08-31-2007, 07:31 PM

Now that you're in San Diego, you should check out some of the support groups thru this website (thinnertimes.com). One meets in Oceanside (quite a drive from Chula Vista) the 2nd Tuesday of each month. There is another is in San Diego (college area) on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. It's great hanging out with others who have been there/done that.

By the way, I think you've done great and have a lot to be proud of. Congratulations on your journey so far.