ImReadyforThis

I'm on Day 4 of of a 14-day pre-op liquid diet where I have to drink 4-5 Bariatric Advantage shakes per day. The problem is that the shakes make me sick (diarrhea and nausea). It's not just the taste, but the smell and texture too. Anyone else experience this too? Should I call the doctor's office? Any suggestions?

Not sure if this already happened, but I'd be up for joining too.

I'm in The Chicago area and would be interested. I have mostly sizes 22-26.

Hey there, I had very similar complications around 2 weeks after surgery. I basically vomited anything that I tried to take in for nearly a week. Finally, after a visit to the ER and an appt with the surgeon, I was hospitalized for 6 days where they focused on rehydration and did a bunch of tests. (Ct scan, scope, blood work, upper GI). Ultimately it was kind of a catch 22, where because of the vomiting, everything was swollen and that's why I couldn't keep anything down. There were other issues, but that was the reason I was throwing up so much. So by being on an IV for more than a few hours, it allowed the swelling to go down and for me to be able to drink again. It was a tough process, and I still get sick everyday (I'm 6 weeks out), but I am eating and drinking now and mostly feeling ok. Hang in there! PM me if you have questions or need anything.

Thanks so much for this fresh perspective. I can barely get 2-3 bites in every time I try to eat, which can be a little frustrating. But you're right, it's keeping me in check. Thanks again.

Hi Chelsea: I don't think that sneezing will hurt any.

Hi everyone: I was sleeved on 2/21 and did fine at first. About a week out, I was hospitalized with abdominal pain and nausea. They couldn't find anything physically wrong and treated the symptoms and sent me home. Today, I woke up with the worst nausea I've ever had. I've vomited 9-10 times so far. Had an appt with my surgeon, and all he said was that this can sometimes be a side effect of VSG. Would have been nice to know that beforehand. He also prescribed nausea meds that haven't helped and had me go get 2 liters of Fluid through an IV. I'd love to hear if anyone has or is experiencing this. It would be great to know that I'm not alone.

Hi Shirlyn: Thanks so much for sharing. I'm following your advice: drinking and puking. I had IV fluids on Monday, and the nurses were pretty horrible. Made me look like someone beat me up. They missed the vein, so water was leaking out of my arm after I got home. The Zofran was making me vomit, so the dr. has now issued a prescription for patches. I don't want to put all my eggs in this basket, but it's been so awful that I really am. I hope this works. I'll keep you posted.

Steph - thanks for sharing your experience. It's my personal observation that many of the conversations on this site focus on the super positive/no complications recoveries such as yours. As someone who was unprepared for the potentially tougher and slower recovery, I very much appreciate HMB's post reflecting a reality that at least some patients experience post-op. I'm not trying to put you down or anything, I just appreciate finding other people who haven't had as smooth of a recovery.

HMB- Thank you so much for posting this! I'm 11 days out and am sort of following in your footsteps. Seeing that I've had a really bad week, it's really encouraging to see that even with all the pain and frustration that I'll hopefully feel really good in a few short weeks. Again, thanks so much!

Thank you Ashlynn. It helps to know that I'm not alone. It can be frustrating bc it often seems that a lot of folks here haven't experienced any of this, and I wish I was progressing faster. It kinda sucks to be on clear liquids about a week and a half out, but I have discovered a whole new appreciation for ice water like never before.

That's how I feel too. It feels like my surgeon is narrowly focused on the procedure itself, but he's basically lost when it comes to after care. TBH, I got much better care at the ER on Saturday than I did yesterday after meeting with him. So far today, I'm feeling a little better. I threw up a few times overnight and still feel a but queasy, but I've had some Water and have kept it down for about an hour. I hope today is better...

Thank you, Linda. (Btw I'm Linda too).

So it took a while, but I think that part of my pain was because my sips weren't small enough. If I pucker my lips like I'm about to kiss, then my sips are much smaller and my pain/cramping isn't as bad. I hope it works!

So I'm 7 days out of surgery and am still feeling pretty bad. Honestly, I'm scared that I didn't make the right decision. I've had some moments where my desire to eat other foods around me outweigh the importance of this new journey. What if I have these moments and can actually eat? This is the first time that I've really questioned my strength I see this through. I've had such a hard time getting in the recommended liquid and protein, have lots of painful cramping and now I'm nauseated to boot. I really hope it's going to get better, but I'm feeling pretty down right now. Mostly because I haven't figured out how to listen to my new stomach. Sometimes the pain is really bad. I had my follow up appt yesterday and the surgeon said that I was doing fine. So why do I feel so bad?

Can you try cutting them to make the smaller? You can also crush them, but in my experience cutting them makes it more palatable.

Hi everyone! I was sleeved on 2/21 at st. Alexius. Overall I think I'm doing ok. Still getting to know my new stomach and learning how to read the signs. I've lost about 8 lbs since the surgery and I have my first post op appt today. I'd love to keep in touch with a local group. Thanks for starting this thread.

Hi everyone: I was sleeved on feb 21. I had a little pain, but overall it was a very positive experience. The staff at St. Alexius was really great. I've been home for a couple of days and still adjusting to it all. Lots of gas and I think related has pain, but I'm not sure. Having trouble getting all the protein and fluids in but I'm getting more in every day. Thanks so much for starting this thread. It helps to know about how others are experiencing the same thing.

Are you also with the Kane center?

Hey there Blissful! I wish I could say that she was helpful, but after asking me if I'd tried various combinations (which I had), she recommended that I add Peanut Butter to my shake. I told her that I'd try it, but I'm skeptical. I'm pretty sure the product is the problem, not what I'm mixing it with. I'll post an update later tonight.

The surgeon requires that patients use only the BA brand for the preop diet. But I'll call tomorrow and see if they have any suggestions. Thanks everyone!

I'll definitely give Donna a call. I have chocolate and vanilla. I have a nutribullet, so that's what I used at first. I'd add fruit and some kind of liquid. Followed several recipes, but they all made me sick. Then I figured since that wasn't really helping it go down, I started using the shaker with either Water or milk. I just chug it now. I ordered the same exact product but unflavored, with the hope that I can mix it with broth and maybe that would go down better. It should get here on Tuesday. End game! Got it! Thanks!

You hit the nail right on the head with the Kane Center. I've tried drinking them with Water, milk and almond milk. I've tried several recipes on the print out and they have all had the same effect.

Hi! I'm pre-op (hoping for an early February date) and have been going back and forth about telling my family. Most of the friends I've told have been supportive (sometimes after a short time, but they ultimately came around and have been great). My family, on the other hand, tends to be judgmental, gossipy and negative. I know that I should tell them, but to be honest, I don't want to. This is an exciting yet scary time, and I feel that dealing with their reactions will add more stress. Has anyone dealt with anything like this? If so, can you please share your thoughts or tips? Thanks.

Thanks everyone! I've spent so much time disconnecting from their toxicity that I just don't want to open the door again. Glad to know that I'm not alone with this.