I'm losing it!

Hello. I hope this will help you feel a bit more "normal" and in not so much despair? I am your same age (basically) and I live in WA state. I had my surgery two days before you, on the 17th of December. I am a RYGB patient. I started was 293 at home when I left for surgery....I returned home 48 hours later, UP 14 pounds (fluid and meds). So, I arrived home at 307. I did a three week liquid diet, then a three weeks soft foods, then a full food diet, which I am still on. On Tuesday coming up (the 11th, I will be 8 weeks post op). I weighed 269.1 when I woke up, peed, stood on scale nude, as I do every morning. I have been as low as 266 in the past few weeks, but I have been swinging back and forth for weeks in the high 260's. I am totally upset, irritated, frustrated and wanna scream. I too, DON'T GET IT. I am eating NO MORE than 800 calories. I am keeping my meals at 1/3 cup in total portion/volume. I aiming for 80 protein daily, hit it most days. I am NOW as of a few days ago really watching the carbs that I take in (Bbq sauce, stuff like that)...and I realized I have been eating TOO MANY carbs, right along with getting in ALL of my protein and yet staying below the 800 cals a day. I have only been some occasional walking and work out videos for the first 7 weeks post surgery. I am doing more of that in the past few days. I bought a Fit Bit-One device on Friday and that is helping me get my head in the game. I feel like I am a slow loser. I think going backwards two pounds is awful. I know this Bypass is ONLY a tool. However, I really thought that I would get more bang for the buck if you will. I don't get it. Regarding calories, back in week 4-5, I hit a 13 day stall...NO LOSS....I called the office talked to my dietician..went went over my food journal (I journal EVERYTHING)...she said that I was taking in too many calories, even though I was hitting the protein quantity....I was...I was eating almost 1200 daily, just as you've said! I lowered it down to the 800 max and bang...i lost a few pounds, daily....and got out of the 270's and entered the 260's...but now, here I sit....stalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllled. I get in all my water, I take all of my bariatric Vitamins and supplements as needed. I am working on getting better sleep (I am learning how SLEEP and quality SLEEP makes a huge difference in our weight loss). This info may make you madder, but my hope is that you will see you are NOT ALONE. I was glad to see your posting and I could not believe how EXACT we are on our situation. If you want to talk off of this tool, I can be reached at karijoa@aol.com. My name is Kari Jo

Hello. I hope this might help you. I bought from Amazon (you can find in any drug store), a pill dispenser that is Sunday thru Saturday and has FOUR (4) spots for your daily pills. This allows me to seperate my Vitamins with Iron from my Calcium citrate etc. My boxes have Morning/Noon/Evening/Bed on them.....I normally take things around 9 am/1pm/5pm/8pm ish..........this dispenser is one big one that allows you to POP OUT that daily only and leave the rest at home...so, I have them on the go with me. I do my pills weekly along with my hubbys etc...it's easy, handy and I don't have to open up a zillion bottles each day, all day. For food ideas.....I am 6 weeks post op, gastric bypass. I have no issues with food. Doing a high Protein greek yogurt in am, lots of fish, shrimp, turkey and chicken. Plenty of cheese too. It's all about the protein first! I am doing 1/3 cup per mini-meal. I am doing three meals a day, getting in TONS of Water (all zero calorie) and getting in about 65-80 grams of protein per day. Sometimes, I only get in about 50 grams.......it's tricky, but it's working! I am 37.5 pounds down in exactly six weeks....and I am losing one pound a day right now, (for the past 7 days). I hit a 13 day stall and was so upset! I was eating too many calories. So, I am down to 800 cal's max per day and I am losing like crazy. Good luck to you!!

Hello folks! I am now 6 weeks post op! I am doing great. During week 4 thru 5 I had a horrible stall. The scale was not moving. I contacted my surgeons office and talked to my Nutrionist. She went over my intake and my journal. I was on a three week of "softs". It was decided I was doing great getting in all of my protein on my days (80 grams). I was also getting in all of my zero calorie water/fluid...in fact I was exceeding it...I still tend to get 100-120 oz each day. I love my water! My problem was......I was eating too many calories. I was getting in about 1100-1200 on an average, daily. I was asked to take it down to 800 calories per day and still do my best to get in the same 80 grams of protein and the same water, at least 64oz up to whatever I can handle. I modified the calories and WHOA.......the scale has noticed the changes! NICE....losing one pound daily on most days. I have gone down 5 pounds in 6 days. I am sitting at 270 exact this morning and I was 307 when I came home from surgery (Surgery was 12/17-RYGB). I also cut out two mini-meals ...I was getting in 5 daily on softs and I am now just doing 3 per day and a small snack at one point if I need/want it. I am taking all of my bariatric vitamins and supplements like clock work. I think this is SO important!! Dumping: I have had a few small episodes of dumping. When it occurs, I find that I have consumed my food too fast in most cases. I do not have any trigger food that gives me trouble nor do I get sick (barf). When I have any dumping, I get a nausea feeling and sometimes a heavy fatigue. Those last less than and hour, then I am good to go. When I re-measured my body at the one month point, I lost 15" over all. I am a total of 37 pounds since surgery. I am expecting to ENTER THE 260's tomorrow! I wore a 44DDD bra today (Brand new took tags off with out my glasses on)...I thought it was a 48DDD. I was wrong! I wore a 1x shirt (OMG!) and I had on new to me/gently used jeans that are 24's....and they were LOOSE. I don't think I can get into a 22 jean just yet........depends on brands of course! The outfit I wore today (all of the above) made me FEEL SKINNY! I like this saying and I have used it for almost a year as I have been working on ME....I tell people that "I am less married to food, than ever before". For me, it's all about relationships and relationships with FOOD! I am not divorcing food, but I AM way less married to it now, than ever before. I hope this finds you all doing well. I love this forum/bariatric pal and I am thankful to see the comments, questions posed, the ideas, food for thought and NSV's. Kari Jo

Hello. I just sent you a personal message as well as commenting here. I have been stuck for one week and sitting between 274-276. It's driving me nuts! I am 4 almost 5 weeks out from surgery (Dec 17th). Dr. M from SWLS also did my surgery.

I'm not getting full either. I had my surgery 12/11 and am on pureed foods for eight weeks. A week after surgery I asked my doctor why I'm not feeling full and he said it's going to take a few weeks because you're actual body doesn't register the change yet. I'm doing everything I should and taking all my vitamins. Lacking about 15g of protein daily but I just can't get that extra in no matter how hard I try. My list of pureed foods is pretty strict so I'm going crazy and have no idea how I'm going to get through the next six weeks. I'm losing on average two pounds a day right now so hopefully I can keep that up for a few more weeks. I am allowed to have saline/low fiber crackers so when I feel hungry I eat one low fat cheez-it. I feel your pain though, definitely don't think you're alone. Hero...thank you for your feedback. I am losing between 2-4 pounds daily, and I am 12 days post op. I am glad to know you are feeling similar to me...the not getting fullness has worried me, but it seems like it would/could be hard to do with 'just liquids'. I am excited to get into pureed and soft foods soon...that will happen on Jan 9th at my three week post op. I am trying to be patient and behave. Somedays it's hard. Very hard.

I am 12 days post op (RYGB). I appreciate your detailed posting about your experiences. Since you are 7 months post op, you no doubt have figured things out and have a good handle of what is going on. I have been questioning if I am doing okay, and clueless about this fullness or not. I am on a three week post surgery diet. I get advanced to softs on Jan 9th. I love the fact you don't test the system, but rather eat the proper amount that is a measured set portion. I agree that should keep one from hurting, feeling miseralble and having trouble. That is the greatest words of wisdom I have read yet today.

I had RYGB on the 17th of December. I am 12 days post op. I have a very informative team in my opinion. I was told my new pouch is approx 5 oz in holding tank size, approx the size of an egg. Once I am done with my three week post op liquid diet I will be advanced to softs and so on. Once eating, I have been told that I should only be eating 1/3 cup at the MOST per meal. I am anxious to feel 'full' and get that sensation I will be looking for that I have not felt yet.

I am 12 days post op. I have done pretty good sleeping. On some night in the first week I was uncomfortable for too many hours in bed, so I moved to my recliner. I slept pretty good in the upright, relcined position. I have also taken two Tylonel PM pills at night about an hour before bed, to get sleepy, so I was ready for bed and SLEEP when I hit the sheets. I am sleeping better and better each night as I continue to heal.

I have had a terrible sugar craving too.....that is my THING...I love sugar. I have had some Russell Stover sugar free mint patties and I just take a tiny bite, put it in my mouth and let it melt. It's full of flavor and it works. They have sugar alcohols, but sugar free otherwise. I have had no issues with them. I am also trying new soup broths...I just bought the Swanson brand Mexican Tortilla....it's not sweet of course, but it redeirects my sugar need/want and settles me down.

I have concerns. I ran this by two other new bariatric friends who had surgery Dec 2nd and Dec 3rd. I would like to throw this out to you all and see if anyone else has the same issue or worry that I do. I am a RYGB surgery patient. Surgery was Dec 17th. I have had no issues what so ever. I can drink, I can swallow, I can take my daily meds and all of my vitamins and supplements I am peeing, I am pooping. I am losing weight. I gained 14 pounds post op from fluid and gasses. I came home at the 48 hours point and I was 307. I was 293 at check in at the hospital...so, there is that 14 pounds. I have lost all of that and another 7 pounds for a total 22 pound loss since I left the hospital on the 19th. That is down 22 in 11 days. I think that is all fine, normal and okay too. I am pretty sure I am restless and irritated due to head hunger. I am kind of bored. When I feel great and I am forced to relax and lay a bit lower than normal, it drives me crazy! I am doing light housework and busy little stuff to keep me mind busy...but I feel like I can run a marathon. I understand that I am less than two weeks out of surgery and I must rest my body and be kind to the internal stuff that got a major modification. Per my doctors orders and nutrionist guidelines I am to be on a liquid diet ONLY for three weeks post surgery, until my follow up on January 9th. I am supposed to ONLY have my bariatric approved shakes (2-3 oz per hour, each hour) for an ideal total of 100 grams of protein daily. In addition I am to drink a MIN of 64 oz of proper hydrating fluids in the other part of the hours all day long, when I am not drinking my protein drink. I may also have SF popsicles and broth. I may NOT have jello, pudding, cream soups, eggs, etc....NOT until I am approved to advance my diet on/after the 9th of January. I have "cheated"....I call it tested the waters. I have had some bites of beans (chewed until they were thin and no bulk, no chunks.). Today I had 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce with a 2oz piece of ham pureed with it. (Might sound gross, but it was great flavor). I can consume SO MUCH more fluid that what I think I should. I have been told me new pouch is only egg size and should be a holding tank of about 5 oz. So when I drink all of my fluids all day, I am guessing it goes in and exits that pouch rather quickly and doesn't sit in there and hang out, like food would/will. I had NO ISSUES at all when I had my applesauce this morning. What is up with that? Shouldn't I be feeling full? Shouldn't I be having some restriction? I just don't get full. I don't get uncomfortable. I don't get a signal that says to STOP. I do NOT want to stretch this pouch out and I certainly hope for it to heal properly. I see others who's providers allow them all of the jello, pureed whatever, eggs, cottage cheese etc, at this point in the after surgery/post op diet. Are they doing damage to their pouches? I know each provider is so different, I get that. I plan on calling my office on Monday and letting her know my exact consumption's (I have it all charted and documented). What else are you folks experiencing that are freshly out of surgery, or how did this work for you earlier in the month, after you were post op? Your feedback is appreciated.

I have been seeing numerous comments about after surgery hormones. I am SO glad that I am not affected by that. I had a full/total (ovaries too) hysterectomy in 2012 and I have had no issues since my RYGB last week on the 17th. I have been a bit irriated a few times in general, but nothing major and nothing that feels like I am hormonally screwed up.

I wasn't allowed any fruit of any type on my three week pre-op diet. I wanted berries bad! I am currently eleven days post op (RYGB), I am on Protein Shakes & hydrating fluids all sugar free/zero calorie. So,no...no fruit for me just yet.

Today I wore a pair a pant that are firm cotton, zip, button and tie at the waist...they FIT...so, I put them on, with a new lacy cami, little jacket and cute boots. Felt great. Otherwise, I have been living in my many jammy pants and tank tops, no bra, no panties!

Look up www.unjury.com They have an flavored, unflavored and a Chicken soup one too, as well as all the wonderful vits and supp's we need.

My surgery was three days ahead of yours, on Dec 17th. I am not "allowed" to eat those foods you are asking about. My doctor requests/requires that we stay on protein shakes and hydrating fluids only, for the first 23-24 days post surgery, until we see his staff and nutrionist on our post op appt. I have done several mini-taste tests of my familys foods....I am loving the different flavors as the bordem kicks in with the protein shakes. I have not had anything bulky and what I have "tasted" I have savored in my mouth and either spit out, or chewed it up a millions times more than my past "norm" and made it so it was broken down and basically pureed in my mouth. I have had some tender ham, potato salad (one bite) baked beans (5 bites over the course of 5 days), a few bites of a no bake cookie (over the past three days, not even a whole cookie gone). Just little bit here and there...little flavors to savor. I am having hot broth (making home made won ton soup broth-BROTH ONLY)....it's fab....plain ol' chicken broth is too bland and boring. I guess this is indeed "cheating". I know what I am doing and I know what I choosing. I am dropping pounds like crazy...lost 22 pounds in the past 8 days since I got home from the hospital. Mind you that 14 of that 22 is weight I gained while in the hospital for surgery. I am now feeling much better getting rid of those fluids and gasses. Now, I am 7 pounds into the weight that was on my torso, the day I checked in for surgery. I just finshed some of the following...CrystalLite, 2 oz of protein and some won ton broth. Over the course of an hour or so, I drank probably 13 oz total of all of that combined. I have determined I am feeling "full" for the first time since surgery. I know it's not bulky and just fluid, but I am full. I didn't feel this way until about 20 mins after my last sip of the fluids. I am worried I am not going to feel FULL earlier on as time progresses?

Hello. I had RYGB on the 17th. My surgeon requires we are on a liquid diet for three weeks post op. He has us drinking protein shakes and TONS of zero calorie waters and hydrating fluids. So, I am not officially eating food that is. I have had tiny bites of a few things. Soft laughing cow cheese, tid bits of ham and a tiny bit of beans. That is it. I believe the goal is to let this new tender pouch and bypass heal and not to compromise it by filling it up and stretching the pouch out by eating food. I would LOVE to eat MEAT often. I am craving it (head hunger only). I am not and have not been tummy hungry. On January 9th, at my post op, I expect to be released to soft foods. I have seen the approved list from another patient and it has the following on the list: cottage cheese, applesauce, deli turkey, puddings, jello, eggs, salad/bay shrimp and more. Of course any of the sweet like treats, they will be no sugar added and/or sugar free.

Hi Kbee. I am a RYGB (surgery was last week on Dec 17th). I am on a three week liquid diet...protien drinks and hydrating fluids. So, on Christmas, my family is doing brunch (Crepes, fruit, bacon and sausage). I will be brining my protien shakes with me and that is that. I will sip, sip, sip away....as they eat all that NUMMY food. No choice, but I must stay on track and heal, heal, heal. Happy Holidays-Merry Christmas!

RDC....We have very similar numbers and info. I had surgery on the 17th too (RYGB). I left home at 293. I got back home from the hosptial 48 hours later and I was 14 (yes fourteen!!!!) pounds UP, weighing in at 307. This morning I am 297. So, that is 10 pounds of the 14 pounds gained due to surgery. These gasses (I was laproscopic) and water (IV bags times a zillion) really added up! I too feel like I will never see 300 ever again!!! Thank goodness for that! I am just excited to get back to my weight of 293 that I was at pre-surgery and THEN I will start to shake the other weight. I am doing great with all my liquid protein shakes, water, vitamins and supplements. Where are you located? I am in Washington State...just north of Seattle about an hour or so. Take Care...Kari Jo (I'm losing it)

Hello. I had my surgery Tuesday... I am 5 days post op. I too have tolerated all fluid intake. I had lots of has leave my body while in the Hospital and am still getting rid of it. I had a BM while at the hospital too, the morning of discharge. I have had three more since I came home on a Thursday. I believe our bodies are working great! So much better to be functioning, rather than all plugged up and miserable. Rest, take your vitamins and supplements taking your protein and hydrate hydrate hydrate!

Hello all. I am 4 days Post op from RYGB. I am doing what I consider GREAT! I gained 14 pounds from surgery, all those gasses (laproscopic) and Water (tons of IV bags of fluid) really add up. Little by little I can tell that is exiting my body, then I should begin to lose the actual "weight". I am only sore in the abdomen area. I have had NO PAIN at at all. Just tenderness, soreness and when I first wake in the morning, I'd say my belly area is stiff. I did get a bit plugged up feeling yesterday and took some MOM (Milk of Magnesia sp?) and that worked like a charm. Everyone should keep that product on hand...just incase. I am doing my 2 oz of bariatric approved Protein shake every hour and hydrating with zero caloried water and flavored drinkings in between. It's really hard to consume so much "food" (fluid) when you are NOT a bit hungry. I have had NO belly hunger and NO head hunger. It's been six days since I have "eaten" real food. I was thinking I'd be starving and dying for food and the hand to mouth function....I am not! So far, so good. Really looking forward to getting some of these extra surgery pounds offs, so the real LOSING can begin!!! Happy Saturday to all.

Hello all. I am 4 days Post op from RYGB. I am doing what I consider GREAT! I gained 14 pounds from surgery, all those gasses (laproscopic) and water (tons of IV bags of fluid) really add up. Little by little I can tell that is exiting my body, then I should begin to lose the actual "weight". I am only sore in the abdomen area. I have had NO PAIN at at all. Just tenderness, soreness and when I first wake in the morning, I'd say my belly area is stiff. I did get a bit plugged up feeling yesterday and took some MOM (Milk of Magnesia sp?) and that worked like a charm. Everyone should keep that product on hand...just incase. I am doing my 2 oz of bariatric approved protein shake every hour and hydrating with zero caloried water and flavored drinkings in between. It's really hard to consume so much "food" (fluid) when you are NOT a bit hungry. I have had NO belly hunger and NO head hunger. It's been six days since I have "eaten" real food. I was thinking I'd be starving and dying for food and the hand to mouth function....I am not! So far, so good. Really looking forward to getting some of these extra surgery pounds offs, so the real LOSING can begin!!! Happy Saturday to all.

Well I had my gastric bypass surgery at approximately 2 o'clock on Tuesday the 17th. I stayed 2 nights in the hospital and came home this afternoon at 1 p.m. I'm doing really good I'm a little flash in the face but I'm not the very I'm doing my breathing exercises and I'm just resting in my oversize recliner with the fireplace on and the Christmas tree live next to me. I would not say that I have had any pain at all, just really tender and sore especially on the right side where there is a drain tube that wasn't me until this afternoon. I am taking into ounces of protein shake every hour on the hour and I'm supplementing with lots of water Sobe drinks and vitamin water drinks in between just a good and hydrated. I gained about 11 pounds from the time I checked into surgery and of course all of that is the gases from the laparoscopic procedure and all the fluids I have had many many many bags of fluid in my IV in the last 48 hours. So far so good all is well and I will update as the days go on.

This is what i just posted to my peeps on Facebook........Good morning folks! This is the "stellar patient" (was just called that), checking in. I am doing fabulous! Have a mild headache, but no actual belly pain...just really sore is all. I just did a quick kitty bath, got my morning labs drawn & all vitals taken. My BP is perfect @ 113/68. I rested off & on from midnight until 4:30AM, but am wide awake now. Haven't used any of my handy dandy pain meds since about midnight (dilaudid). Sometime after 7:30 I will go for a barium follow test. All is good in Seattle! Happy hump day! Swedish Medical Center - Cherry Hill , Seattle

Today is Tuesday, December 17th. I am leaving home in 30 mins to check in at the hospital at 12PM (PST) and my surgery (RYGB) is scheduled for 2 PM. I am excited. I am emotional. I am nervous. I am anxious. I can honestly say I am not hungry though...lol...go figure. I have done EVERYTHING the doctor requires from me. All pre-work up and clearances. A three week LOW carb and HIGH Protein diet. An internal cleanse (mag citrate) and a clear liquid diet yesterday. I am READY!!! Today is another step along the way with this weight loss journey. I will check in later tonight or tomorrow and give a report. I thank you all that have offered feedback and support on this site since I have joined. I have met one new friend thru this that lives in my State (Washington). I have a great support system at home and I am so very thankful for that too. Please keep me in mind at 2PM today (PST). Thanks!!! Kari Jo

Hello! I am 36 hours away from my surgery time. I am really ready, excited & anxious!