Katie713

I read story after story about people who do get complications and have ALOT of trouble getting a proper diagnosis until the patient gets into REAL trouble and it becomes life threatening. Why is this so? I would think if there is even a remote chance of having a patient experience complications, you would go above and beyond to make sure the problem is diagnosed properly and that a suitable plan of action is quickly in place. Just today I am reading about people who can only tolerate 10-20 oz of fluids and nutrition and they are so weak, but the doctor keeps sending them home. I am just bewildered that a doctor would do such a thing. To the OP - sorry to hear about what happened to your sister. It is a horrific experience as you described it. I hope that at some time she recovers - even if that is hoping for a miracle. Of course you feel the way you do...you nearly lost someone you love dearly!!!

I kind of wondered the same thing - having this surgery at 56 years old, I often wondered how much healthier I would have been for most of my adult life - and yes how much better I would have looked all those years. I thought to myself, "If only"...but then, I snap back to reality and have begun to realize that this was the perfect time for me to begin this chapter because I was READY to change. I saw on this site, a short video of one of the nieces of a major bariatric surgeon from Mexico - it might have been Dr. Aceves who did the VSG on his niece who was a pre-teen at the time. She grew into a beautiful, young woman who maintainted a healthy weight over all those years and now is a huge proponent of VSG. To take it one step further, I have a daughter who is 28 and I think she would do well with VSG since she has had weight issues since she was a teenager and I know what she is going through. She has a young son, and I do worry about complications and so I think it would have to be a decision she would make knowing that it is a huge risk. She is very proud of how well I have done and sees me as a role model. This would not be a preventative surgery, it would be to lose the excess weight and hopefully be able to sustain it as she lives her life.

popsicle....I would continue to push through whatever doors need to be opened for you to have some resolution to your inability to get nutrition and fluids. This is a very unhealthy condition. Can you request a second opinion, or someone in a higher level of authority at the hospital or medical center where you go? You can't go another month like this. And at this level, I cannot imagine going back to work, you have an issue that needs to be diagnosed properly until it is proven that you can tolerate nutrition. Fight for yourself!!!

You're doing fantastic! 10 pounds since Thanksgiving....way to go !!!

Chitown...I like how you think!!

chitown....I need to get exercising too, push myself harder. I walk a few miles each day but it is not strenuous enough, my body has gotten used to it. I hate the atmosphere of most of the local gyms near where I live which is a college town, mostly jocks - young guys building muscle. I do plan to get a membership at the Y again, it seems to have a larger range of ages and a huge pool. Swimming is what sounds appealing to me. My breakfast is usually 1/2 c. low-fat cottage cheese with a little fruit. I noticed I have veered away from Protein shakes. I get most of my protein from real food now and an occasional Protein Bar. Do you still drink Protein Shakes? I'm 9 months out - so I guess I'm a veteran too. Works for me. I am so far really happy I had the surgery and feeling lighter on my feet, shopping for cute clothes and feeling healthie than I have in decades.

Amen to that BTB..... I am trying to get myself back to losing. I didn't gain weight over the holidays, but I didn't lose any either, and I grazed, a little of this, a little of that, and so on and so on. Got rid of snacky items that collected at my house over the holidays. I have 3 young adult children and 1 grandson, and they were all at my house for nearly two weeks, plus my girlfriend who came in from out of town for the holidays. I got a box of Sees candy from a co-worker. The kitchen was always alive with participation. Not the best recipe for a sleever like me. Getting back on track this week. The closer I am to goal, the harder it is to lose...but I know I have to keep up my momentum. Scold me if you think I need it. I promise not to call you both meanies.

Hope it goes ok. Seems like quite a few are having a very hard time getting anything down after surgery without a lot of pain or vomiting. Glad you are following up with your surgeon. Take care, let us know how it goes.

Texas...glad you went to the ER and are feeling better. Gosh we were worried. Hope you continue to do well.

The B vitamins turn urine an orange/or even greenish/neon yellow color. I saw this on Dr. Oz. - I would also have a urinalysis done to rule out anything else.

There has to be follow up for this situation. No doctor in his right mind should send a patient home who cannot nourish themself. The vomiting can cause damage internally as well. Have they given you anti-nausea medication? If this continues, I'm sorry to say you will probably have to be hospitalized for IV fluids and TPN nourishment until it can be determined what the best course of action will be for you. I'm sorry this happened to you. If your doctor cannot get to the bottom of what is going on, you may need to seek a second opionion. Don't be afraid to go to urgent care or the ER for fluids and to get the ball rolling on getting a proper diagnosis. Good luck to you.

Sounds like you may have developed a stricture to me which is a narrowing cause by scar tissue. You'll need to have an endoscopy to have this checked out. If this is the case, they can usually dilate the narrowing using a balloon dialator. Don't let yourself get dehydrated and go without nutrition...if you have to re-book your appointment then insist they see you today if possible!

Along with almost everyone else here, my advice, get yourself to the ER. You need medical attention, an infection with green oozing is dangerous, and dehydration is serious and deadly. JUST GO. Take care of yourself so that you can get back to your beautiful baby.

You can order small bottles from amazon and they have a variety pack. Walmart has a few flavors and here in Calif, Smart& Final has them in full sizes. I would order from amazon, its so easy then you're not stuck with a huge bottle if you don't like it.

Gallstone attacks also radiate to the back. If it gets worse, head to urgent care or your surgeons office to have an ultrasound done. This is very common with weight loss surgery.

Told you

Let your personality shine through. Its good to go out and enjoy yourself and no one really cares about your diet, it starts to get in our head that they will be forming opinions, its easier to stand up for the truth and say healthy eating is extremely important to you and let it be. If you need to take home a doggy bag then do it. Don't say you are worried about your loose skin...you can address that way later if you become seriously involved. Put on your spanks and go out banging sister. Let your radiance shine and put a big confident smile on that face!!!

Cheri, Right on! I can't stand listening to the whining if you give a few words of caution, immediately calling posters the MEANIES. How can anyone have the nerve to infer that someone who has experienced complications is nothing but a negative nelly? I've heard posters call the best of the best bullys. It's ridiculous. I've been on this board for well over a year...and I look forward to the meaningful posts and the banter of those I've come to know via the internet. Those who's stories I followed while they were experiencing the best and worst of scenarios. I've learned a lot about myself, and this journey....and thank you Cheri for all you add to these forums!!!

Power Crunch bars are delicious, they sell them at some Rite Aids, and at Trader Joe's and GNC and Vitamin Shoppe and some 24 hour Fitness centers. They are like wafer Cookies. I think they have about 10-14 grams of Protein. You have to read the labels carefully some are very high in calories and sugar. Look for low carb versions. Luna bars are good too but not the highest in protein. So far the Atkins bars are still the best, not too many calories or carbs. The daybreak bars (cranberry/almond and Peanut Butter fudge) and really good at under 150 calories and about 10-12 grams of protein.

Seems like you have the classic symptoms of Celiac. Take care of yourself, I'm sure you want to be healthy, and knowledge is power. Celiac (SEE-lee-ak) disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is primarily found in bread, pasta, cookies, pizza crust and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. People with celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients. Celiac disease can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Eventually, the decreased absorption of nutrients (malabsorption) that occurs with celiac disease can cause vitamin deficiencies that deprive your brain, peripheral nervous system, bones, liver and other organs of vital nourishment. No treatment can cure celiac disease. However, you can effectively manage celiac disease by changing your diet. Celiac disease may also present itself in less obvious ways, including: Irritability or depression Anemia Stomach upset Joint pain Muscle cramps Skin rash Mouth sores Dental and bone disorders (such as osteoporosis) Tingling in the legs and feet (neuropathy) Some indications of malabsorption of nutrients that may result from celiac disease include: Weight loss Diarrhea Abdominal cramps, gas and bloating General weakness and fatigue Foul-smelling or grayish stools that may be fatty or oily Stunted growth (in children) Osteoporosis

I like the Atkins Protein bars, and they only have a few carbs. You may be the type of person that has to get most of your protein from real food, meats/fish/poultry, eggs and dairy. Just use myfitnesspal to track your protein and make sure you are getting at least 60+ grams of protein daily. Good luck.

I found finding that one thing I love to drink makes it easier. I drink a huge cup of coffee in the morning, then a protein shake, then 24 oz bottle of water sometimes with crystal light (1/2 pkg for light flavor) during the afternoon. In the evening I usually have at least 2-3 glasses of iced tea (Mio sweet tea) I almost always get in over 64 oz of fluids.

I think I'll head to Nordstrom's soon and try the Chantelle iggy. I've got every reason to go out and splurge on something I can really use anyway!! Who knows maybe I'll be ready to move down to a 36. Obviously they carry the larger cup sizes, so I'm stoked.