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Why does my wound itch? The skin contains specialized nerve fibers that detect when the dermis is being irritated and send signals to the spinal cord, communicating that there is an itch. This is known as "mechanical stress". Wound healing also elicits mechanical stress that activates itching. As it heals, the cells around the wound proliferate, which means the margins around the wound grow and migrate inwards toward the base. In fact, the cells follow an electrical pathway at a voltage that is different than the margin so they can tell where the base is. The cells then unite at the center, attach together and contract to pull the wound shut. This process creates a mechanical stress that activates the itch nerves and tells the spinal cord to scratch. The dangers of scratching Scratching a wound that is trying to heal can cause damage to the new tissue that has grown to replace and repair the damaged tissue. If this happens, it can slow the healing process, which leaves your body susceptible to wound infection longer and can result in excessive scarring. Additionally, it can cause potentially harmful bacteria on the hands to transfer to the wound, again putting you at a higher risk of developing an infection. To find out more, including tips to reduce itching: https://advancedtissue.com/2014/10/understanding-wound-healing-itching-dilemma/

As surgical wounds are healing, there are often some distinct changes that occur to the skin both around and near the wound. A few things that one can expect – and things to watch out for: https://advancedtissue.com/2013/12/3-ways-know-difference-healing-infected-surgical-wounds/ A study was conducted that looked at patient incision care and other discharge concerns. The study found that knowledge of incision care and amount of information received about incision care were rated low. The five most frequently mentioned postdischarge concerns included bowel trouble at home, wound pain at home, looking for wound complications, watching for wound infection, and activity limitations. (This study is 12 years old. Hopefully, knowledge of incision and discharge care has improved drastically.) https://www.o-wm.com/content/bariatric-surgery-patient-incision-care-and-discharge-concerns

Yes, I was Elmered. (You know what I mean.)

I had a bypass on June 13, 2018. I have had virtually no appetite since day one. Appetite Zero. I'm not even close to meeting my protein and fluid requirements. Dismal levels of both, really. I probably take in fewer than 250 calories per day as well. This is not on purpose. The only thing I am able to maintain with any regularity is my vitamin regime. And because I have more malabsorption issues as a bypass patient, I take the risk of deficiencies very seriously. Taking vitamins is effortless. Eating not so much. I've been told not to worry, so I am not stewing about my protein, fluid, or calorie deficiencies any longer. I've been assured that this is temporary. How long is temporary? How many more days, weeks, months? My "problem" is not about gagging or restriction or any of the other reasons suggested. It is only my appetite. Food is an afterthought. I only think about it in terms of "I guess I should probably try to eat something today." It's not that I've forgotten the look, taste, and enjoyment I received from certain foods in the past... Chipotle's hard-shell chicken tacos with tomatoes/cilantro, sour cream, and extra cheese come to mind... but I just don't have the craving to follow through with cooking favorite foods or seeking them out (like Chipolte's where my daughter has always offered me with an endless supply of gift cards for an occasional eating-out treat.) I'm a scratch cook. I can cook just about anything I put my mind to... but I have little interest in cooking anything now. I have an empty nest which means fewer mouths to feed. It's just my husband and me, so I mainly cook enough to satisfy his primitive "need to eat", but, for me, it's become a mindless chore and a bore. I have replied to other posts on this forum with pretty much the same words... mainly because very little changes from day to day. I know there are those who struggle with something at the other end of the spectrum: intense hunger. I can understand the frustration with that problem, too. Perhaps I should feel "lucky" that I have no appetite. I don't actually feel lucky, but I'm willing to accept my lack of appetite as temporary and a version of normal.

I am also 8 months post RNY. Surgery December 14 and presurgery wt was 195. 208 two weeks prior. I’ve finally hit my goal of 140 but I really had a hard time stomaching some of the foods you mentioned. Still do! Chicken and beef still gets “stuck” and hurts, and I can’t handle the sweetness of protein bars anymore! It sounds like you can tolerate a lot so you may be overeating and not realizing it. I’m a grazer so this is the only way I can get enough protein in. I hope The keeping track of intake helps you! I’ve revised my goal to 130 but I’m stalled right now so it may not be doable. Good luck!

My program required clearance from cardiology, psychology and attendance at 3 group classes as well as a one-on-one meeting with the nutritionist. I saw the surgeon for the first time on 12/26 and the longest wait was for the nutritionist (3 months)...they have since hired a second nutritionist. I finished everything in early April and was offered a date mid April but wanted to take a trip with my husband for his birthday and did not want to be on a preop diet during that time. Had surgery 5/2 and I was lucky that my insurance covered it 100%. There was no weight loss requirements but I was encouraged to start making changes in my diet which I did. I only lost about 6 pounds before I started the preop diet.

You have both,halves of your fears under control, this is good. But please remember yours will,be a Jultrim healing, may not spectacular, may not be showy, may even be as large as the next person, but it will be Yours. Croos the T, dot the I, follow the basic rules, get plenty of fluids and the world can watch the contrail from your personal jet self and EVERY THING IS GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT! This part,i can promise. Go in with peace and calmness, and believe we have you cushioned in a blanket of 💘 love.Bariatric Pals take care of their own!

I threw up a lot after my WLS. It was three days of vomiting bile. I threw up the entire ride home from the hospital. I do not respond well to anathesia. I was terrified but it was OK. No burst staple line. You will totally lose weight! It’s impossible not to! I was so scared of my surgery and if I had known then what I know now, I think I would have been more excited! I have had my own issues and complications but WLS is an amazing tool! This is an amazing opportunity! Make the most of it!

Guys... (and Gals!)... I can run. Like one of those fit people you see running on the side of the road. Except the fit part of course. But still I’m RUNNING. It’s been years. I knew I missed running, but the absolute feeling of accomplishment I have is insane! Now admittedly I can’t do it for very long, but I’m okay with that! Today I ran 2.12 miles in 30 minutes. Not impressive to normal joggers but for me that’s AMAZING. I am having a very proud NSV and I hope everyone else is having a good night!

You may need to share what you are doing to get some responses. What is your diet? Are you tracking your intake? Do you exercise? If you are asking for advice these are things people will want to know!