Eight Weeks Post-Op

I can’t believe it’s been 8+ weeks since my de-bulking surgery. I am recovering slowly but surely.  I have been pretty conservative and eating mostly a low fiber diet but I have been adding a lot of new foods and eating out more with no problems.  Last week was the first time I felt my stomach growling or had feelings of hunger.  I am still having an issue eating enough to maintain my weight. I am still losing a pound per week.  Overall, I’ve lost about 18 pounds since my pre-surgical appointment in early September.  My bowel movements have mostly stabilized to one a day – basically back to normal there.  I still have not had a salad or any raw vegetables.  I guess I will consider myself fully recovered when:

1.    I am not eating/drinking any protein powders or shakes to bulk up my diet

2.    My weight stabilizes

When I went for my Sandostatin shot on Friday, I asked the nurse practitioner when I might get my appetite back and stop losing weight.  She said it could take up to 6 months!  Holy cow, at this rate, I’ll be emaciated by then!  I’m sure that won’t happen as I am continuing to improve. Most of my clothes at least fit or are loose now and I’m fine with that. 

Over the past few weeks I have also been less tired and am sleeping normal hours. I was having gastrointestinal problems with eating and drinking at the same time right after surgery. Now, those problems are gone. I still don’t have my stamina back and am working on getting and keeping my energy up.

I will be returning to work on December 17^th.  That is exactly 12 weeks after surgery.  I wanted to stay out through the holidays but Dr. Clancy’s office said that they could not allow me to be out any longer.  Going back in mid-December will give me a chance to take it slow for a month or so before the year-end busy time gets going.  I’ve really enjoyed my time home recovering and I don’t really want to go back to work.  Unfortunately, I’m a bit young to retire and probably not sick enough to go out on long-term disability.  The break has given me some time to think about what I might want to do when and if I do retire. I might be able to swing working part-time and have the best of both worlds. 

My 8 weeks off has been quite stress free and my diet has been very controlled in that I eat most meals at home. When we go out, we choose the restaurant carefully to be sure I will be able to find something that will agree with me.  Working will be much more stressful because of the hours, travel and lack of control of my eating situation.  I have another 3+ weeks to enjoy the time and recover and I’m going to savor every moment.

Have a great Thanksgiving!