AZ/Janice

Hi, everyone is different. I had the gastric bypass 5/1. I spent 1 night in the hospital. I went back to work (office job) after 3 weeks & for me it was too soon. I had wished I had taken longer. I felt very weak & tired. I think part of that is because I am much older, I am 60. It seems that younger people were recovering much faster. I am now almost 2 months out. I am feeling better now & have lost 50 pounds. Good luck to you!

In one if my nutritional classes we were told that antidepressant medications can cause problems after surgery because of their side effects like nausea, abdominal pain, gas & a feeling of fullness. I have been taking Lexapro for a few years & since my surgery I have been struggling with eating solids & gas. It seems like i always feel full & bloated. I actually came home from work early today because I got bad abdominal pain trying to eat. I follow all the rules & don't eat anything I shouldn't. I also make sure to stop drinking 30 minutes before eating. My surgery was May 1st & I have lost a total of 39 pounds. I am not sure if I should stop taking the Lexapro or just cut down my dose & see what happens. Anyone out there going through anything similar? I love this forum because we are all in the same boat & can share our experiences with each other.

Thanks everyone for all your responses! I am going to see my PCP next week.

My surgery was 5/1 & I returned to work 5/22. It didn't take long to realize it was too soon. I live in AZ & it's really hot here so very easy to dehydrate. Plus I have back, hip & knee problems that I was on heavy anti-inflammatory medication for. Now that I can't take those med's I have to take a low dose of narcotic pain medication which really isn't helping. I am almost 60 years old so I think every one is different with different circumstances. My advice would be to stay out as long as you possibly can. Your body is going through a huge major change & it takes time to adjust. I have already missed three days since I have been back to work . Good luck on your journey!!!

I am having my surgery on 5/1. Last week I had a procedure done to my back to burn the nerves in 3 of my disks to relieve my pain. I also had a steroid injection in my knee yesterday because it buckled while I was at the hospital doing my pre- op testing & I had a hard time walking to get all of my tests done. I am praying that once I start to lose weight it will alleviate my joint pain. Has anyone had success with this & how long did it take (or how many pounds) until you started to feel relief? I am 60 years old so I don't know if it will be harder for me to go through this process because of my age. I would love to hear feedback.

Wow good for you!! I can't wait to meet my goal. It's a great feeling just knowing that finally it will happen! Congratulations!!!

You just had MAJOR surgery do give yourself a break. You will get stronger every day! Just make sure to take your vitamins, they made a huge difference for me. The first ten days are the hardest, then it gets better!

I had the same thing a week after my surgery. It takes time to get your strength back. I started drinking "smart water" that had electrolyte just like Gatorade does. That helped & also taking the vitamins. Just make sure you get your water intake in. I also made my protein shake with the chocolate premier, some ice, a scoop of SF low fat vanilla ice cream & a scoop of peanut butter in the blender. That was about all I could get down at first. I still have a problem with solids so I make that shake once a day. Hang in there I promise it will get better. I am 3 weeks post op now & feel great, you will do.

I am 7 days post op & I am struggling with protein too. I can't find a shake that I like. I am not a big fan of chocolate. Has anyone ever just ate Greek yogurt in place of the shakes? I would think as long as I am getting the protein in then that is all that matters. The hospital where I did my surgery has a very strict program & they do not allow exceptions. But it's my body & I think I am intelligent enough to make revisions if they work for me. Protein shake has 30 grams of protein & Greek yogurt has 16 grams so if I eat 2 yogurts during the day as snacks I would be getting 36 grams plus what I get from my 3 meals.

I am 5 days post op today, lost 19 lbs since 5/1 which I am so excited about! My heart rate is real fast, I felt it in my sleep & checked it this morning & it was 167. Has anyone else had this? I have my dr appt tomorrow.

I want watermelon! And a salad. It's funny how our tastes have changed. I can't wait to start some soft foods. I bought cottage cheese, fanning lite & fit Greek yougart so hopefully I can start a little of that tomorrow.

Good for you!!! I can't wait to get out of plus sizes. I haven't worn jeans in so long because they just aren't comfortable when your overweight.

I swear I will never eat jello again, lol! It just doesn't taste like it used to. I am surviving on chicken broth & SF Popsicles. I was going to eat a lite strawberry yogurt tonight because I just wanted something else. I changed my mind because I was afraid if the sugar content. It has 8 grms of sugar & wasn't sure if that would cause dumping. This is all so new I am learning as I go.

Thanks Wayne I will ask my doctor for it.

Hi I am 4 days post op & I have am issue with gas too. Hospital gave me a prescription for Prilosec but it is a capsule & my dr said no pills. My husband suggested a little baking soda in water, I might try that.

So I am 4th day post op. had some complications with anesthesia which was horrible but am doing better since I am home. Even tho my but said no SF Popsicles I am eating them anyway, lol! I am not a big fan of jello. I have a class on Tuesday & can start puréed foods after that. So happy the worst is over & every day gets better!

I was just wondering if anyone has experienced any hair loss. My surgeon told me it is very possible. I am just curious what to expect. A little bit of hair or a lot? Will I need to get a wig? How long until it grows back? My surgery is May 1 & I want to be ready.

I saw liquid biotin at Walmart so they do make it.

Wow good for you!!! You have done amazing! My surgery is Thursday & I can't wait to start losing! I know it is going to be a struggle but I welcome it with open arms. I can't wait to give up my cane & ease the pressure on my back & knees. I love this site it is so nice to hear everyone's journey. Thanks for sharing!

Wow you look fantastic! You should be so proud of yourself & I bet your daughter is proud of you too! Wow you look fantastic! You should be so proud of yourself & I bet your daughter is proud of you too!

My surgery is Thursday. My nut said clear liquids the first week do broth, SF jello. I don't understand why it's ok to have SF jello but she said no to SF Popsicles.

Thank you for the information. I bought a wig & a hair piece in case I need them but hopefully I won't.

Congratulations!! My surgery is 5/1 & I also feel like I have waited forever! 6 more days to go & it feels like its dragging. I just want to get started, I am so excited! Good luck to you!

You might have to stop taking it two weeks before your surgery. I would ask your doctor. You probably have a bunch of pre-op classes to go to so that is another great place to ask questions about medication. I have Blue Cross as my insurance & they have a nurse that is following me through the whole thing. She calls to see how I am doing & I have her number in case I have questions. Check with your insurance & see if you have something similar available to you. My surgery is 5/1 & I am so ready & prepared. I just can't wait to get started. Good luck to you!

I am really happy to see your post. I am having my surgery on 5/1, same as you, laparoscopic gastric bypass. I have been wAnting to hear what the first week is like. What is a jp drain? No one said anything about having a drain on all the classes I have attended. You sound like you are doing really well. Good for you! I think having a positive Attitude makes a big difference & you sound very positive. Good luck on your journey & keep posting on how things are going & how much weight your losing. I can't wait for my journey to start!