bakawaka

I have been eating so much salmon that my entire body smells like salmon so I am working I diversifying my protein sources. Tofu seems to be the very best - and the one that does not cause a bad body odor.

One of my colleagues commented that I must be a hypochondriac to have had surgery. He has a master's degree (no guarantee against ignorance). I calmly explained that no, obesity, high blood pressure an hyperlipidemia are dangerous conditions. I was surprised at my colleague's ignorance. Several people also have commented, "you don't look big enough to need surgery." Again, I calmly explain that I have class I obesity and that I do not want to become morbidly obese. It is very interesting that I have received these comments from other bariatric patients. Fascinating.

I love non caffeinated herbal teas and decaf coffer it I cannot tolerate much dairy in the coffee (think the surgery made me dairy-intolerant).

I have to have a snack. Today I had cantaloupe, honeydew melon and watermelon in very small amounts - chewed it very well an everything was fine. Without a snack I think that I get hypoglycemic.

I am finding when I get all food requirements and hydration requirements + vitamins, I am less fatigued. Fatigue is normal after surgery as it takes a long time for the anesthesia to exit the body. Plus our bodies need time and energy to heal.

Yes, I sometimes have moments like that. I am approximately two weeks post op and amazed at the diversity of food I am able to eat (that scares me bc of fear of returning to old habits).

Fatigue is my biggest challenge.

I am two weeks out and still have some swelling in the abdomen. It goes down a little each day. I still have to wear very loose clothing because of the abdominal swelling. I can feel that I am healing well. Oh I now smell like salmon since I eat it at every meal. Wishing the best of success to everyone!

I have to force myself to walk. I walk very slowly (the drain hurts). Once I start walking I am ok. But I truly have to push myself.

so sorry to hear about your complications and wishing you the very best for a speedy recovery!

I am two weeks post op and thus far have not experienced dumping. I've made sure not to eat or drink anything known to cause it. I am hoping that it is avoidable.

The nurse told me that the pulling out of the drain does not hurt but that removal of the suture holding the drain in place does hurt for some people. I've had my drain for two weeks so assume that there will be some pain involved. I dread it but I am so ready to get rid of this drain!

I asked my surgeon to remove mine but he said, "there's nothing wrong with your gallbladder" so he would not remove it. I'm sure I'll be seeing him again for gallbladder removal in a few months.

I use Optisource chewable vitamins for bariatric patients. I chew two tablets in the morning and two in the evening. That fulfills my iron requirement. It is literally called "Optisource Post Bariatric Surgery Formula." I am pleased with it.

I find this forum very helpful. I don't feel isolated knowing that others are experiencing the same things. I've learned a lot through reading the posts. It was easier to go through post-op recovery because of the posts on this forum.

My body just produces a lot of fluid. It's a bit frustrating. But apparently some patients just react that way. This meant that I had to stay in the hospital for five nights plus I have to keep the surgical drain for an extra week. The drainage is getting less bloody every day (this is a good sign). I am hoping to get rid of the drain on Monday. Otherwise, I actually feel great. I am able to eat solid food - such as grilled salmon or chicken as long as I chew it well. I have found that since I am eating protein in the form of solid food, I am losing more weight and feeling much better. The extra protein has literally strengthened me. But I also have found out that i no longer can tolerate any dairy at all. I think that I am lactose intolerant as a result of the surgery. Wishing you success!

Bananas might work puréed in the blender. Or add soy milk to make a smoothie with protein (or skim milk)

I have never vomited post op and I think it is because I kept taking anti nausea medication preventively as well as being very careful not to overfill the pouch.

I had to stay 5 nights due to low hemoglobin. I bled a lot. But finally I am getting much better. Wishing you the best of success.

I get better and better each day. I do have insomnia. I am irritable with friends and family and do not know why. I am working on my irritability. I am able to eat chicken and salmon if I chew it up very well. I tire easily. Otherwise I feel great. I love having the restriction. My body feels so much better eating small amounts of food. I still have a drain and it continues to drain a lot - it gets removed supposedly next week - two weeks with a drain (excessive bleeding was one of my complications causing me to have to stay 5 nights in the hospital(. I called the hospital management to express my thanks for the wonderful and dedicated care I received from the nurses. I will never forget how helpful the nurses were. Wishing

My entire abdomen is bruised and swollen after surgery - even in places far from the incisions.

It sounds like your friend is intimated by your act of self-empowerment. Self-empowerment in any form changes relationships.

i went ahead and chose to self-pay ($30,000 total). I viewed the surgery as an investment in myself. I cannot rely on insurance companies for my health. The insurance company does not care about my health. I hope that one day the American system will treat healthcare as a right rather than a privilege. Only we as citizens can advocate the necessary legislative change. There are groups that we bariatric patients can join to help make the necessary legislative changes regarding bariatric surgery.

Is there a specific advantage of gluten-free food for people who have had gastric bypass?