Posted by seattlebill on January 04, 2008 at 07:50:49:

In Reply to: Re: post mma 6th day need a lot of help posted by HVMMA guy on January 02, 2008 at 14:27:51:

HV,

You have experienced some of the classic MMA recovery issues.

Good things that you've done are to have help around for the first few weeks, and to "get out of the house" daily. Getting out will have an amazing impact on your morale, outlook, and build up your physical stamina. Bit by bit, day by day !!!

It also helps if you are goal-directed. Going shopping with a list will help time pass and get you more exercise (without thinking about it) than randomly wandering around the block with the dog. Keep moving. Although you will have profound fatigue, your stamina will build up.

Funny thing about the blues (post-op depression)... rather than being a residual of drugs and medication , it is more attributable to having alot of time for introspection. And, when the recovery phase is long, and you are stuck at home waiting for your next liquid meal, there is alot that goes through your mind (or at least it did for me as well).

Staying active and being distracted is the remedy (as well as a preventative program) for mild post-op depression that we all face after this.

As for constipation...the key here is fiber, fiber, fiber. Tasteless, fiber that dissolves in liquid is best. I have my favorites (no, I'm not a paid spokesman)...Benefiber takes 1 tsp that dissolves tastelessly in whatever you are drinking (in contrast to other forms that taste gritty or require higher volumes). Do that twice a day, and the constipation will improve. Keep moving (walking, etc...) and that will help constipation too.

Best wishes,

Bill

Follow Ups:

---