post-virus recovery - need some encouragement

[apythia]

Hi all!

I've been MIA awhile. I spent December in and out of the hospital with what they think was a stomach virus, but now they think it is something I need to see a specialist about. Anyway, couldn't eat, couldn't drink. Everything came back out one end or the other. I had no energy. I slept all the time. Finally they put me on Zofran to control the nausea. It worked after 3 days, which I am so very thankful for. I still vomit and have other... uhm... issues, but at least I can attempt to eat.

The problem is my GI tract is so swollen, I can only eat about 1.75 ounces at a time. I get my liquids in now, but I have to fight really hard to get anywhere near 60 grams of protein. I am getting about 600-800 calories before vomiting. I am slowly starting to dance again. About an hour and a half a day slow instead of my pre-sickness 3 hour hard practice daily.

I know I need to eat more, and specifically protein, but I am having such a problem.

And to top it all off, when I finally could eat again, I gained 4 pounds in 2 days and it won't go away! I know it was because I was in deep starvation mode for nearly 5 weeks and my body needs to reset but it's so frustrating to deal with gaining weight on top of everything else.

I'm so disheartened right now. The past month was horrid and who knows what the specialist may find. I just wanted to at least not worry about the weight too, but no such luck.

I am going to see my family for the first time in 16 months in 10 days. I was at 206 4 days ago and was so hoping to be in Onderland by then, but now I am back and holding at 210.

Tell me it will be okay. Tell me if I work my plan, my body will recover and I'll get back on track.

[ncruthie]

First let me say that I'm glad you are doing better! You have to eat and if your body wants to hold onto it temporarly, let it! Eventually you will lose that 4 lbs and the rest! As far as going to see your family, I'm sure they will be thrilled with the transformation you have already made! Keep up the great work!!

[Ann2]

Oh, apythia! I'm so sorry.

I agree that you HAVE to find out what's causing all these problems. Someone else here (Katrina) recently had a life-threatening episode with diverticulitis. So non-WLS surgery-related stuff does happen. Do you have a good gastro doctor / specialist lined up to see? Another person here (Karen Jean) has a complement of autoimmune diseases that she deals with. I have no idea if either of these things relate to any of your symptoms.

Those who are medicos here (Toopie and others) will probably have a longer list of things to consider.

I just want you to get well and belly dance your booty off. BTW, it's wonderful you are dancing again.

[Lee6Lee]

You'll get better! You just had a detour. It couldn't possibly be fat, after all you've been through. You'll look fabulous for your family visit!

[apythia]

Thank you ladies! I am waiting for a referral so I can find a gastroenterologist and hopefully he/she can figure out what is going on!

[amt5298]

its probably iv fluids that have made you gain weight i know the two days alone i was in the hospital i gained almost 10 pounds it was horrible your body will get back on track and everything will be fine just a little bump in the road you will rebound and the weight will start to come back off promise

[Stacy'sSleevedLife]

I am so sorry to hear your having issues and so far out. I hope you feel better soon. I am happy you get to see your family soon. Take care and you will be in my prayers.

[poodge]

Oh Apythia-so sorry to hear that you have not been feeling well. I love your picture-what a beauty you are and I remember belly dancing when I was 15 years old-just a few years ago-ha ha . It was soooooo much fun. Anyway, praying your specialist is able to help you and that you get back on your feet. So positive that you are dancing again-that must feel awesome to you if your tummy would just let you enjoy it. Wishing you a speedy recovery.