Checking In

[Ali11]

Happy to share anything that helps @Faith-and-Hope 

Sorry to hear you've been having a rough day @oceangirl, sending you love. What do you usually do to help manage your anxiety? Is it just the doctor visit that's spiked it? So lovely to see all the support for each other in these threads 

[oceangirl]

@Ali11  I was anxious prior to the Drs but that seem to make it worse. I don't know what to do. I just wait for it to pass. I just can't cope with it atm. 

[Ali11]

I think many of us know that feeling, @oceangirl. I bet you can't wait to just get the appointment done so it's off your mind. It sounds cliche, but have you tried some brief meditation? There were some good reviews for the Headspace app helping with anxiety. You can set how long your session goes for, then sit somewhere quiet with your eyes closed and listen to the voice guiding you. We're all here for you, you've got this 

[oceangirl]

It helps to normalize the feeling @Ali11 . I appreciate your support, I really do. I do have a app on my phone- smiling mind. I am not sure if you're aware but I had surgery recently and some of the side effects from this is probably affecting my mood. I did have major surgery in Feb and my body is still healing. Part of the problem is that I am not drinking enough. I have started to get up to drink every 30mins for the last 1 and half hours. I am hoping to get to 600mls by midnight. I think if I don't improve I may look at going into hospital for a few weeks. 

[Ali11]

Sorry to hear about your surgery @oceangirl, it's good that you are aware that your body needs to recover. That sounds like a great plan to increase your hydration, have you thought about putting lemon or strawberries in water to help with the taste?  

[oceangirl]

I had gastric sleeve surgery thats why I am struggling with fluids. But also struggled in the past when I have been depressed. It concerns me because now I can't drink much at one time and I am now more prone to dehydration because of the surgery. I am doing well I have lost 23 kgs. I'm drinking Gatorade G active (berry) atm- not much sugar but does have electrolyte in the water. I am not able to eat much which might be affecting my mood too. I am not really enjoying eating atm.  @Ali11 

[Ali11]

That is a serious surgery @oceangirl, just pace and look after yourself, you don't want to drink more than you should. Has your medical team recommended ways to help you get through your recovery? 

[oceangirl]

Atm my fluid intake is down and has been for the last few days. I will be lucky to get to a litre today but pretty close. I followed a strict eating plan and now introducing normal foods to my diet. The recommendtions of the fluid intake more than 1.5 litres a day and 60 grams of protein. I also started on medication after the surgery its for reflux and also prevents stress ulcers. I am meant to stay on it for 12 months. The last thing was no lifting anything over 5kgs until 12 weeks post surgery. I am ok to walk but no exercises on the core that needs time to heal @Ali11 

[Ali11]

That's a very thorough recovery plan @oceangirl. Remember to be kind to yourself through the recovery and continue to talk to your medical team throughout this time. You've been doing some serious walking too right? 

[oceangirl]

@Ali11 

There were stages in the eating plan

clear liquids- you had to reach a certain volume before progressing to the next stage

full liquids

puree

soft foods

normal diet

The diet will take up to about 6 months to go back fully onto normal diet some people get there sooner and some later. Its imprtant to eat slowly and each mouthful takes a minute to eat. Its take me one hour to eat lunch and that includes having a drink- I wait 30mins after eating to drink. The reason being you push the food through your stomach too quick and you don't absorb the nutrients. The first few weeks are critical eating the wrong food could potientally cause serious complication. 

I went for a walk today but I ended up not finishing it with my friends- I would usually push myself but not today. I would have been in trouble because of not enough fluids and blood pressure might have dropped really low. I have been walking my dogs and getting exercise that way. And I had a gym session last week for the first time. 

I am seeing my surgeon next week and I wanted to dicuss with her what happen after the surgery because I had a reaction to the medication. And I want to work out which 1. I know I could ring the gas Dr but I feel more comfortable talking to the surgeon. I was thinking about ringing her rooms and seeing if they could get my drug list for me and that way she will have it with her.