September has been, quite honestly, a month we’d both rather forget. It’s been one health issue after another – the kind of month where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.
We wanted to share an honest update, both to explain the silence on the blog and to remind anyone going through their own post-surgery struggles that it’s okay to take a step back when you need to.
James’ Health Update
Before my gastric sleeve surgery, I struggled with insomnia for years. Post-surgery, it finally started to improve – until now. It’s come back with a vengeance, along with severe sleep paralysis several times a night. It’s exhausting, frightening, and has left me running on fumes most days.
To make things worse, I also developed pancreatitis – something that can occasionally happen after a gastric sleeve due to gallstone formation. Around 30–40% of patients experience gallbladder-related issues after surgery, and roughly 5–10% of those may develop pancreatitis. Unfortunately, I fell into that small percentage.
Between sleepless nights, physical pain, and trying to stay on top of work, it’s been a rough few weeks.
Kirsten’s Health Update
Kirsten’s had an even harder time. She started a new birth control in early September, which triggered a three-week-long heavy period. It led to multiple GP visits and even a collapse outside the clinic from severe blood loss. Thankfully, a nurse was nearby to help, but the experience left her with a significant iron deficiency, causing dizziness and fainting whenever she stood up.
Then, just as things seemed to be settling, her chronic condition flared up badly. At the time, we believed it to be Hidradenitis Suppurativa, though later medical reviews revealed it wasn’t that condition. Still, at that stage, we were treating it as such – trying everything from salt baths and tea tree oil to multiple prescribed medications.
Despite several GP appointments, different antibiotic courses, and even referral attempts, nothing seemed to work. The hospital couldn’t admit her because there were no available beds, leaving her bedridden for most of the month.
That meant I (James) took on the role of carer – helping Kirsten bathe, change, manage her medication, and keeping the house running while juggling work and my own health problems. It’s been draining, but it’s also reminded us how much teamwork matters in recovery.
The Mental Toll
Physically, September’s been rough. Mentally, it’s been even harder.
I’ve cancelled plans with friends more times than I can count this month. It’s created tension and misunderstandings – some people don’t quite grasp how difficult this has been, which leaves me feeling isolated and frustrated.
Then there’s the guilt. We had so many plans for this website in September: launching our YouTube channel, adding an Instagram feed, being more active on TikTok – even participating in a 100-mile charity walk. I still had 80 miles left to go when everything fell apart.
When you’re passionate about something, stepping back feels like failure. But we’re learning that it’s not – sometimes, it’s just necessary.
Looking Ahead
If there’s one thing this month has taught us, it’s that health and wellbeing must always come first.
We’ve decided that for now, the best thing we can do is focus on getting better – physically, mentally, and emotionally – before diving back into the blog. The plan is to take a break from posting until we’re in a position to give this site the energy and care it deserves.
We still have so many ideas and goals for GastricSleeveJourney.com, but right now, recovery has to take priority. Once we’re back on our feet, we’ll return refreshed and ready to continue sharing our story – with more insight, honesty, and lived experience than ever before.
In the meantime, we’re holding onto hope that October brings some calm, rest, and a much-needed reset.
Disclaimer: This post reflects our personal experience and health journey in September 2024. It is not medical advice. If you experience similar symptoms or complications after gastric sleeve surgery, please seek guidance from your GP, bariatric team, or a qualified healthcare provider.