Post operative blues can be a side effect of major surgery and general anaesthesia. If you have a history of depression, this post operative state can be alarming, particularly if you have been enjoying recent good mental health. Be reassured these feelings will pass after a few days as the effects of the surgery itself and the general anaesthesia are dealt with by the body. Remember that regardless as to weather you have had laparoscopic (ie through small keyhole incisions) or open surgery you have actually undergone major surgery and your body needs time to cope with the invasion. Add to this the lasting effects of the anaesthetic, and the realization that you have chosen to undertake a procedure that will drastically alter your eating behaviours at least three times a day, seven days a week for the rest of your life. This is a lot to take on board.
Feeling tired and lethargic after surgery is very common. Because you have had general anaesthesia time is needed to process the anaesthetic out of your system. Obviously more anaesthetic is required to put a bigger person to sleep, consequently it will take longer for the effects of this to dissipate, sometimes days in fact. So don’t feel alarmed that you feel as if you can’t get your head off the pillow initially, this is a normal part of the healing process and once the anaesthetic has been eliminated you will begin to bounce back. Rather than fight against it, enjoy the rest! You may be tired for a couple of weeks, so give in, and go to bed early!
It is important to remember that you are an individual and that pain and injury is a very personal experience. Your ability to recuperate can be affected by many things. Feeling low emotionally, recently enduring stressful circumstances, a low pain threshold in general, and many other factors can mean your recovery time will be slow. If you’re positive and highly motivated to get moving you will often find that you recover quickly. It is also worth remembering you have still undergone major abdominal surgery requiring the passing of instruments through layers of connective tissue, muscle and fat and your body needs time to readjust after the invasion.
What your experiancing is perfectly normal and it wont last forever. tell yourself you are a work in progress improving everyday and you will get there.
take care
carole