Need advice on recovery from triple bypass

[ok_now]

My dad had a heart attack and ensuing triple bypass in April.  Since the surgery he has lost about 30 pounds.  For the first several weeks he had virtually no appetite and was eating very, very little so it was understandable.  But now he's eating more, drinking Ensure and all that, but still slowly losing weight.  He needs to gain about 20 pounds back, I think.

He is 77 and was otherwise in excellent health before the heart attack.  It's now been a little over 3 months since his surgery.

Anyone have similar experience or any insights on this?  The doctors don't seem to have much to say about it.

Thanks in advance!

[trvlgrl64]

Hi Penny - Send me an email off line and we can chat - I think we live very close to each other!
My email is ***@****

Talk to you soon,

Barri

[anacyde]

My dad had his bypass at 47.  His weight has stayed about the same (he wasn't overweight), but I think a big part of that is age and being 30 years younger than your dad at the time of surgery.  As was mentioned, fear of artery-clogging foods and the common factor of depression are definitely considerations.  I hope he stays well!

[Awake and Unafraid]

I will keep your dad in my prayers.  I know you must be beside yourself with worry.  If I may offer some advice, remember when your dad is in recovery to keep talking to him and telling him how well he is doing.  I know that he won't be able to respond to you at first because of sedation and such but he can hear you and just the sound of your voice telling him how well he is doing will do wonders for him.  I hope you will keep me posted.  ((Hugs))

Penny    

[trvlgrl64]

Thanks for your posting - this wasn't my thread but it helped to see that your Dad had a 5 bypass and is doing well.  Mine is scheduled for one in 2 weeks and I'm just a wreck over it.  Hope your Dad lives a long and wonderful life (mine too!)

[ok_now]

Yes it helps a lot!  Yes, depression seems to be a standard part of recovery from bypass.

Thanks so much.

I'd be interested in hearing others' experiences, too.

[Awake and Unafraid]

My dad had a five way bypass several years ago and he lost weight too.  Mostly because he was so afraid that he would eat things that would cause his valves to clog up again.  I kid you not, he lived off of canned tuna in water and unsalted crackers for a year.  He eats better now as he has added bananas and animal crackers to his diet! HA!  He is still very health conscious about what he eats, gets plenty exercise and healthier than anyone I know.  

I think your dads weight will balance out.  It's only been since April and my dads doc told us that he may suffer some depression after surgery which if this is the case with your dad, might account for some of his weight loss.  Just keep an eye on him and make sure he eats healthy and he should be fine.

Hope this helps,
Penny