Hi, I’m new to this group. Really struggling after my surgery.

[Tokash]

I had a rough recovery compared to most. I couldn't really swallow for a couple of weeks and slept in a zero gravity chair that I moved around mybhouse for several weeks.

If you are really as cold as you state you probably need to go get checked out to make sure you don't have an infection of any sort. While I didn't have those symptoms with thos surgery I did with one of my c sections. I ended up having an infection amd needed high dose antibiotics.

 

[Mal44]

I had a rough recovery compared to most. I couldn't really swallow for a couple of weeks and slept in a zero gravity chair that I moved around mybhouse for several weeks.

If you are really as cold as you state you probably need to go get checked out to make sure you don't have an infection of any sort. While I didn't have those symptoms with thos surgery I did with one of my c sections. I ended up having an infection amd needed high dose antibiotics.

Thank you for sharing! It puts me at ease that maybe this is just the way it goes. I went back to the hospital and I had no infection and no leak. They gave me juice and I felt better, my sugar was very low. My doctor started me on protein shakes early and it did help but I’m still so lethargic. Don’t feel like fainting all the time anymore but still so weak.

 

[Mal44]

Heh heh heh... Yeah, these days with laparoscopic surgery it is easier. But I had an open procedure with a 7" vertical incision in 2007. I could barely get out of bed. I actually had to phone my roommate once so he could help me get out of bed to the toilet! Believe me, your recovery is totally normal!

That’s horrible. I did have some pain but not nearly as bad as my other surgeries. I can only imagine how much things changed over time. Just the market of bariatric products is insane, I don’t even know what to choose. I was just thinking about those meal delivery services- it would be awesome if there was one specifically for people after the surgery. This group already put me in so much better spirits. Just having someone to talk to helps a lot

 

[Mal44]

You can buy whey powder at Trader Joe's and any health food store, even at most grocery stores. Blend this to your taste in dairy or juice. It's SO MUCH BETTER than those gross canned or powdered protein additives. And you know exactly what's in it!

I bought protein at Whole Foods called Orgain, hope it’s a good one. It also has all vitamins and stuff like that in it. If there is something better I’m open for suggestions, I need to learn everything!

 

[Mal44]

That's brilliant! Tofu is such a great food to use, in so many ways!

I dredge slices in some kind of breading after dipping in egg. Any leftover egg, I scramble into the frying pan, after browning the tofu slice.

If anyone here hasn't discovered tofu, it's an amazing food you can use so many ways. Even firm tofu is soft and goes down easy. You can soak slices or strips overnight is a soy- or broth-based marinade and chop it into salad or rice or mix into ground meat or scrambled eggs. You can mash it into potatoes or pinto beans. I'm a genuine old hippie & have been eating tofu for years. In towns like Seattle with large Asian populations, it's amazing how many ways you can learn to use tofu, including milkshakes!

You could mash it with your mom's puree and add basil leaves and garlic and Italian seasonings and spread it on a tortilla for a personal pizza. Possibilities are endless.

That all sounds great! Yea, it’s totally tasteless so you can hide it in almost any dish - or make it taste any way you want. I also have celiac which puts additional restrictions on my diet.to be honest all my body craves is meat and I’m actually almost vegetarian (besides some occasional meat). It’s so weird. But two of my favorite things in like are coffee and wine. Im kinda scared to ask when can I have any of those.

 

[Roni]

I struggled a lot early after surgery to get enough protein. My husband calls my eating snacking since a meal is too much. We eat out often when I order my food I order a to-go container as well. I am able to get a bowl of cereal in now and that was a challenge. Glad we have dogs to finish what I couldn’t in one sitting.

 

[Emacc08]

I feel for you. I had RNY almost 3 weeks ago, and am still on sooo much pain. I also have been in a weird spot mentally and major regret in my decision. I am forcing myself to eat every few hours to get my protein on, but feel sick immediately. I am fearful for the future. I also am struggling with my water intake. I fry and try and I still feel like it’s not enough despite tracking. I also have been trying to walk, which helps, but we just got slammed with snow. So that’s been tough.
i truly hope you start to feel better. & your doctors help you!

 

[Mal44]

So sorry about your celiac disease! That is such a challenge, food wise.

I don't know if you can have soybeans, but I was a vegetarian for 3 or 4 years, and discovering soyburgers was one of the greatest things of my life. I cooked the beans to a soft texture with onions and garlic, then mashed them into a mush. From there, I just treated them like hamburger, making patties, loaves, spreads, etc., with appropriate seasonings. I think I like soyburgers better than beefburgers.

As to coffee and wine, I don't think I'd want to go on living without them! I make one perfect cup of coffee for breakfast. If I can afford it when I'm out, I might pick up an espresso, but I'd have it for breakfast if I had a machine. I've gone through 3 or 4 in my lifetime. It is my favorite beverage.

Except a nice burgundy wine... Oh my goodness. Thank God and France for this perfect beverage.

No one ever told me to restrict these beverages, but even if they had... They'd-a had to fight me first...

That’s a relief to know I’d be able to enjoy them again! That just made me so happy. Do you know when it’s ok to bring it back? I’m saw some horror articles that people after gastric sleeve become alcoholics if they drink. I’m not even sure how am I still alive without coffee - I’m such a caffeine junkie

 

[Mal44]

I feel for you. I had RNY almost 3 weeks ago, and am still on sooo much pain. I also have been in a weird spot mentally and major regret in my decision. I am forcing myself to eat every few hours to get my protein on, but feel sick immediately. I am fearful for the future. I also am struggling with my water intake. I fry and try and I still feel like it’s not enough despite tracking. I also have been trying to walk, which helps, but we just got slammed with snow. So that’s been tough.
i truly hope you start to feel better. & your doctors help you!

Thank you for sharing. I guess I’m not alone! This is pretty much my situation plus crippling fatigue. I’m so thirsty- those little sips don’t cut it, even though I drink enough during the day. I crave to just have a glass of water. It got cold here so my forced air heat is blasting. My mouth is constantly dry.
I’m nowhere near the protein intake I need. I’m probably getting 40 on a good day. With water drinking and taking breaks - it’s like there is not enough hours to consume all that.
This is really not following the instructions probably but I dilute my food with broth. It has to be pretty runny or I’m stuck after one spoon.
It’s interesting, I have exactly same fears and regrets. Somebody else told me that they did too. Is it a part of the process? She said one day the doubt is gone and you start feeling good and excited for your weight loss! That moment can’t come soon enough because I’m in a dark place for 4 weeks. To the point that one night I went on Google and found this group. I’m so glad I did!

 

[Mal44]

I struggled a lot early after surgery to get enough protein. My husband calls my eating snacking since a meal is too much. We eat out often when I order my food I order a to-go container as well. I am able to get a bowl of cereal in now and that was a challenge. Glad we have dogs to finish what I couldn’t in one sitting.

I’m 2 days away from finishing mushy stage and I still eat just very runny stuff. Tried soft boiled egg, hummus - it’s like my stomach got cemented after one spoon.

 

[Mal44]

The world is full of misconceptions about post-bariatric eating. Personally, I've come to believe these "shoulds" are based in personal bias.

But it's always a good idea to do a taste test of any food to see if there's any negative response. My belief is very simplistic: if I could eat it before, I can eat it after. My plumbing was repiped, but food still gets from A to Z.

There's nothing I've ever eaten before that I haven't been able to eat after. However, there is the undeniable existence of dumping, which relates to sugar and fat. So go slowly, and don't eat what you used to until you're completely healed.

And in some cases, you may find you can't digest food unless it's virtually liquefied from chewing.

I don't want you to dive in and then discover your new plumbing can't handle a shrimp cocktail or lasagna. Go slowly, but if you love something, definitely give it a try. Your system is unlike all others, but proceed with caution.

Thank you, that makes sense. that’s where I am right now - I’m finishing stage 2 but I need to dilute everything and all my meals are still very runny. Even mashed potatoes and hummus must be diluted with broth- if something is too thick I can only have a spoon and it causes discomfort in my stomach.
This brings me to my biggest fear - the dumping syndrome. I keep seeing warnings about it in almost every article but have no idea what to expect. I’m pretty scared to be honest. Does it happen to everyone? I Had avocado few times during stage 2 and had no issues - it’s very high in fat. how does the dumping feel? People say they feel “sick” which is a very broad term.
These conversations are so helpful, I really appreciate your time.

 

[Mal44]

It's great that you dilute with broth. That's gentle on your digestion.

Dumping generally occurs in your INTESTINES. You feel very nauseated and then there's a downward pressure where you fear you're going to lose the contents of your bowels. But you don't, which is very uncomfortable. You may feel faint and need to sit or lay down. Trying to toilet may be unproductive and feel horrible. It's like nausea that goes up AND down at the same time. it's a very big feeling you hope you'll never feel again.

You may never dump unless you just gorge yourself on a lot of sugar and fat. If you were that kind of overeater, dumping will cure you of it PDQ.

Oh boy, it does sound horrible! I can’t even imagine the horror of experiencing it in a public place! How long does the feeling last? Is there anything you can do to make it go away faster? Is dumping a risk only at the healing stage or for the rest of your life?
I’m so sorry for so many questions- you’re so knowledgeable. You’re very generous with your time.

 

[Mal44]

No problem. This group was a godsend for me when I found it, and I've been here for years, learning from others and sharing what I can.

But dumping isn't exactly the same for everyone. I think it pretty much disappears after you're fully healed. But I've read a lot of posts from old-timers who still get it when they least expect it. I think the abbreviated digestive track can be sensitive for a long time. We all have a learning curve after surgery, and it can sneak up on you a year or two after.

Same with duration of discomfort. But I'm not sure dumping is the only reason for that. I was 56 when I had surgery. I didn't dump more than twice. But I can still feel bowel-sick, and I'm not sure if it's related, or just my 70yo digestive system.

It is pretty common in the first year, though. I think bariatric teams warn people about it in post-op instructions. And if you eat mindfully, you might avoid it entirely.

I hope others will share their experiences here. And I hope it doesn't happen to you!

We're here for all your questions, and this is a great, sharing group!

Thank you

 

[Barb46]

Thank you. Im drinking Gatorade and smart water and cranberry juice for sugar. They are frantically giving me tests and some of them came back pretty low but not drastically low to explain the way I feel. I had two other unrelated surgeries this year and I’m thinking maybe I overdid it? My doctor doesn’t think so. He says that I’m “not having the typical recovery and that happens sometimes”.
I just woke up - I’m sleeping fully dressed, under 2 comforters and with space heater near by - I’m freezing and my body temperature is so low. If I don’t improve I’m gonna have to go back to the hospital. I was hoping somebody would share a similar experience.

 

[KarenWV]

That’s a relief to know I’d be able to enjoy them again! That just made me so happy. Do you know when it’s ok to bring it back? I’m saw some horror articles that people after gastric sleeve become alcoholics if they drink. I’m not even sure how am I still alive without coffee - I’m such a caffeine junkie

I stopped drinking caffeine prior to WLS per dr instructions. I was never given a timetable for restarting caffeine post-surgery. The main reason for avoiding caffeine was the danger of dehydration, esp early on. Because it is a powerful diuretic, I avoided it for the 1st few months.

For me, it hasn't been a problem reintroducing caffeine via flavored water enhancer containing caffeine. I regularly drink 80+ ozs of water daily, so I'm comfortable drinking one 16 oz bottle with caffeine added.

I don't consume any alcohol, so I can't give any advice about adding it, other than being very cautious about its effect on your system. If it were me, I would give your body lots of time to heal & stabilize before introducing wine or any other alcohol.

 

[Mal44]

Just wanted to say thank you and update everyone who gave me great advice. It’s not exactly following the guidelines but I stopped drinking my runny soups in favor of more protein shakes. There is only this much I can force in right now, so I figured I’m gonna opt for the more nutritious option. I do feel better! I’m more awake and got up few times today.
i also got on the scale finally - today is exactly 4 weeks and I lost 30lbs! I guess that’s pretty good?
I do feel better mentally thank you everyone for your support and advice!

 

[KarenWV]

Just wanted to say thank you and update everyone who gave me great advice. It’s not exactly following the guidelines but I stopped drinking my runny soups in favor of more protein shakes. There is only this much I can force in right now, so I figured I’m gonna opt for the more nutritious option. I do feel better! I’m more awake and got up few times today.
i also got on the scale finally - today is exactly 4 weeks and I lost 30lbs! I guess that’s pretty good?
I do feel better mentally thank you everyone for your support and advice! ❤❤❤

Wow Mal that is a fantastic weight loss! I'm glad you are working on getting your protein in as you are continuing to heal.

 

[Mal44]

Wow Mal that is a fantastic weight loss! I'm glad you are working on getting your protein in as you are continuing to heal.

Thank you!

 

[Woodyspond]

Hi, I am 9 years out. When I read your post, I remembered the horror of what I went through. I had dumping syndrome, I used to throw up so violently that I ended up in the ER twice. I had to have a repair, I had to have gall bladder removed, then on top of it I got appendicitis and had to have that repair. But all that I went through, I can tell you I would do it all again. I had terrible health problems and most of them are gone. I was on diabetic meds and I don't have to take them anymore, also statins for high cholesterol. No more. I ended up not being able to eat meat and that was a good thing because my lipids and cholesterol are all normal. Try to give yourself some time and figure out the best way for you to go forward. It does get better, I was older, 59 when I had it. Don't compare yourself to others. Keep in touch with your surgeon or his team. let them know everything even if you think it's stupid. It's not, they've heard it all. You will come out ok after time.

 

[Mal44]

Hi, I am 9 years out. When I read your post, I remembered the horror of what I went through. I had dumping syndrome, I used to throw up so violently that I ended up in the ER twice. I had to have a repair, I had to have gall bladder removed, then on top of it I got appendicitis and had to have that repair. But all that I went through, I can tell you I would do it all again. I had terrible health problems and most of them are gone. I was on diabetic meds and I don't have to take them anymore, also statins for high cholesterol. No more. I ended up not being able to eat meat and that was a good thing because my lipids and cholesterol are all normal. Try to give yourself some time and figure out the best way for you to go forward. It does get better, I was older, 59 when I had it. Don't compare yourself to others. Keep in touch with your surgeon or his team. let them know everything even if you think it's stupid. It's not, they've heard it all. You will come out ok after time.

Thank you so much for sharing! I’m so sorry you went through all of this, sounds horrible! It helps me a lot to hear about people having similar experiences as sorry as I am for your struggle. I think everybody around me who had it done makes it seem like A piece of cake “went out the next day, dropped 100lbs, life is beautiful” - so feeling so sick I was constantly worried that something is going wrong. I learned in this group that a lot of people is having a hard time. My nausea is back today, no idea why. But then also everyone says that one day you have a breakthrough when you start feeling ok and you get excited about this journey. I’m so waiting for this day to come for me - but just knowing that it’s coming totally lifted my spirits! People who think this is an “easy way out” - oh boy, they are so wrong! This is way harder than any diet/exercise program I was ever on.