Five Days Out

[Janny]

Well, I know lots of people won't want to hear this, but I think this is the hardest thing I have ever done. I had the sleeve and hernia repair and found the recovery very hard. I threw up everything I sipped on the first couple of days, and the surgeon thought the hernia might be too tight. He sent me for a CT Scan to be sure, and I spent all afternoon trying to get the contrast down. I finally did it, and the results came back ok. So he says the hernia again reduces the amount of space for food to go down, and it will take me longer than expected to progress.
My biggest issue is anxiety. This is an old problem that has been sorted for years and now it has raised its ugly head again. I know I have done the right thing, but can't help panicking at the thought that I have messed myself up for all time. In my head I know it will be fine, but the anxiety doesn't fade. It's really hard. I hope things get better soon.

[rhondap46]

Be patient and give it time. As they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day". You are a work in progress. Take your recovery one day at a time. I wish you much success.

[sociologist]

Hi Janny, I suffer from severe anxiety and panic attacks as well. I am being sleeved Nov 18 and while under control with medication, the anxiety now is sky high! I do know this is a temporary reaction to my life changing decisión. When the panic starts, I use positive affirmations like "you have done the right thing"; "you aré getting healthier everyday"; and "this feeling will pass". Maybe something like that can help:-) Good Luck!

[greenmomma]

Days four and five after surgery were the hardest part of the entire journey for me and that includes having to be rehospitalized on day 10 due to a diverticulitis attack. I am not a medical professional, nor do I play one on TV, but my guess is that at that point, you're likely off pain meds, the anasthesia has left your body, you are still on liquids so getting little to no nourishment (I was lucky to get 100 calories a day after surgery) and emotionally you come to the realization that you've made an unalterable change to your life. That's a heck of a lot to digest (pun intended). Hang in there. It's going to be okay. I promise that every day will get a little better. You'll heal a little more each day. You'll get a little more nutrition in you each day. You'll realize that you made it through the day before and woke up again to fight another day. Plus, you have all of us to help you. You can do this!

[Janny]

I'm sooo glad to report that things are improving. I'm getting stronger, and today I had two ice cubes of liquidized Chicken and veggie soup. I also went to Boost Juice and got my favourite mango tango crush (without the passionfruit) and added a protein booster. So I've managed to drink half of it over the day, and with the liquids and protein things are on a more even keel.

One thing I have learned is that the support you receive on this forum can be a lifesaver!! Thanks to everyone who responded when I needed it most.

[susan_b]

I'm so glad to hear you are doing better Janny and that you were reassured by the support you get on here. Day by day your body will heal and you will be able to advance a little further. Trust in that. Thinking of you and sending you warm wishes.