Can this surgery be reversed? - ThinnerTimes

jefrach · 04-16-2007, 06:29 AM

I was back at the hospital this weekend. Dehydrated and super-low protein and a wound infection in my neck from the central line. I stayed long enough to get some iv antibiotics but persuaded my doc to let me go home. I promised to do better with water and protein. I have tried and am still failing. I have spent over $300 on multiple varieties of protein. I have tried 6 flavors of Champion, the clear isopure 20 oz drinks, the 3 ounce tubes, anywhey, and a couple of other brands of powder, and slim fast low carb. I have tried making them into shakes. I have used water, milk, frozen fruit, bananas. Nothing is working. I think I would rather eat dirt than drink these things. I simply cannot will myself to drink the stuff. It took me about 6 hours to drink 20 oz. of crystal light. That is the most i have consumed in a day.
I have a bunch of medicines and vitamins to take, but I don't take any of them because they make me feel sick. some can be taken with food, some require an empty stomach. I have lost a total of 27 pounds in 2 weeks, and in my old life i would have been thrilled with that, but I don't even care about the pounds. I would give anything to go back and never have this surgery. I will agree that being overweight is unhealthy, but being dehydrated and malnourished is dangerous too. I don't want this life.
I called the psychologist I had to see pre-op and left a message requesting an appointment. I know i need help because this depression is going to kill me.

-Rachel

Kevin · 04-16-2007, 06:50 AM

You did the best thing you could do and that was to call the psychologist. No words can soften the depression your in right now. All I can say is that it WILL get better. You are still early out, things WILL improve so much. Let us know how everything with the doc goes.

mauldinmama · 04-16-2007, 06:58 AM

awwww Rachel I am so sorry things are not getting better for you! I wish I could do something or make a suggestion that would help. I will keep you in my prayers. Please don't give up theres has to be something you can tolerate??? What about broth?

JenBear7 · 04-16-2007, 07:31 AM

you are one step ahead of most, you realize you have a problem, and are getting help for it. From everything I read, this is not uncommon. I wish you all the best, and cant wait to hear from you when you are feeling better and not regretting the surgery anymore. There will come a day when you say you would do it again and again. Hang in there! ANd I think the psychologist is a GREAT move! Kudos to you for taking it!

MiladyB · 04-16-2007, 07:53 AM

As the others have said, Rachel, you are doing the right thing for yourself. Be proud of the fact that you've recognize that you need help and are doing something about it!

Right now worry most about the fluids....do sugar free Popsicles. Most people have found that those are a God-send. They don't have protein but they do have fluid and that is what you need especially now! For protein one of the cheapest ways out there is the powdered fat free milk. I would buy the sugar free carnation instant breakfast, make it with regular skim milk plus add in 1/3 cup of powdered milk, that will give you like 20 grams of protein in just 8 oz. Don't try to drink it all at once. If you have one of those little med cups see if you can drink one of those in an hour. In between, suck on ice chips, try the Popsicles or maybe try hot tea. For me, post-op, the warm liquids seemed to go down so much easier.

Please take care of your self, sweetie. Know that what you are going through really is very normal. Our hormones are all over the place and it isn't unusual to need to get on some anti-depressant meds, even if you weren't on them before. We are here, thinking about you and supporting you. You aren't doing this alone...you have us, the doctors, the therapists, the nurses....all are here for you and want you to have the best life you can possibly have!

fitbefore40 · 04-16-2007, 07:54 AM

Hang in there - You are still healing on the inside. I didn't try any added protein until week 4 or 5 - and even then, it made me woozy . . . I was on full liquids when I was at your stage. Cream soups, broths, jello . . . talk to the therapist, go one day at a time. You are in my prayers.

Bypassingme619 · 04-16-2007, 07:54 AM

Rachel God bless your heart sweety. I am glad you are reaching out and seeking some help through this. Have you tried crushing your meds up into some applesauce or your crystal light? You gotta get those on board. You not taking those could contribute to the way you are feeling right now as well. Keep working on it Rachel. I wish you lived closer so I could offer you more support. Do you have a could support system right now Rachel? My prayers are with you.

cnvh · 04-16-2007, 08:22 AM

The body NEEDS-- I mean absolutely MUST HAVE-- protein and fluids in order to heal itself after surgery-- not getting in nearly enough protein and fluids is probably the single biggest reason why you feel so lousy right now, both emotionally and physically.

I think you did the right thing in calling your psychologist, and whatever you do, keep that appointment!! But somehow, whether you force yourself to drink or you get IV's put in, you are going to HAVE to get in those proteins and fluids. I KNOW they taste horrible. I know your brain is telling you that you're going to have to drink them for the rest of your life. But I promise, there will come a day when you can get all your proteins in from "normal" foods again, and you won't have to look back at protein drinks ever again if you don't want to. But right now, YOU HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO GET THEM IN. Either you drink them, or you get IV's-- but you will never heal if you don't start getting them in somehow.

Miss Kitty · 04-16-2007, 08:56 AM

Hi Rachel,

Hang in there and keeping pressing forward! This will get better! As for liquids, try chicken broth, popsicles, tea, sugar free hot cocoa, iced tea, etc. Remember, even sugar free jello is considered a liquid. I made those up in dixie cups and had them several times a day. The first few weeks are hard physically and emotionally. I'm so glad you called the doc. Hang in there!

LisaBoston · 04-16-2007, 10:04 AM

Oh my, feeling for you right now. Remember that your head is playing games with you right now and its an emotional roller coaster. You don't want to have the surgery reversed...you worked hard to get it and its hell week (s) right now..things get much, much better.

I kicked myself early out for not being able to get in the liquids and protein that many speak of here. Do what you can. Popsicles are WONDERFUL and easy to get down and really help you. I know what you mean about the protein drinks..I didn't do them for months as I couldn't gag them down.

I did a lot of cream soups made with milk, jello, popsicles, propel and ice chips (I used a snow cone maker to crush ice). Do what you can..its a full time job now eating and drinking but believe me, its get SO MUCH better and you will be happier and healthier for it. You may not feel good for weeks to come, but there is an end in site and its a great place to be.

So focus on fluids, take your vitamins. The intestine is responsible for sending messages to the brain that things are ok. Seretonin is key, thats why you are feeling so crappy right now. Anti-depressants can help with this as does exercise...you may not feel like it, but if you can take a short walk (1 block) a few times a day, it does wonders..makes you thirsty too!

Keep coming here and we will help your through this. Take Care Sweetie.