ladykatie_

I'm 10 days out from surgery and I am not getting enough Protein. It's making me weak and unable to do hardly anything. I can't seem to stand any protein-infused products. After I drink or eat something with a high amount of protein, I feel extremely nauseous. I thought I was doing better with nausea but today has proven otherwise. I'm so frustrated. Should I ask my doc for nausea medicine? Should I keep trying different products? I feel like I've already wasted too much money on different protein products.

Sometimes I eat too much. Sometimes I eat too fast. Sometimes both. #wlsproblems, right? Instead of sitting there in an uncomfortable state, complete with foamies and such, I make myself throw up. Usually, it helps get the excess food out and doesn't hurt. I did it today and man, my insides are hurting. I was eating some Kraft Mac n cheese and studying for my insurance license, so I wasn't paying attention to how quickly/how much I was eating. I stopped to take a break, as I usually do whilst eating, and I had that uncomfortable feeling. I made myself vomit and it did seem more "violent" than other instances. Like my body really wanted it out (like after a night of heavy drinking or something). Maybe I'm just a bit sore from it all, but I wanted to know, is throwing up bad for your pouch? Is it bad for your rearranged insides? I was going to ask my doc, but I don't see him for another 3 weeks so I thought I'd get some input here. Thanks!

I think it's normal, personally. It still happens to me. There is a lot less of the gurgling but my pouch is always doing something weird when I am eating or drinking. I always burp or hiccup when I'm full or drinking too fast so it's kind of helpful in a way.

I was reading a girl's weight loss story on Instagram and she advised that one should not make big life decisions within the first year of WLS. Unfortunately my WLS came at a time in my life where a lot of big things were bound to happen... my sister (and best friend) moved across the country, I got a new job (which I love) and now... I'm contemplating divorce. I really don't want a divorce. I have thought about it before the surgery but I love him (and he loves me) and want to remain patient. There are, of course, many factors that I won't discuss here because it's really personal and private to me. My last and final step in saving our marriage is counseling. Marriage counseling and individual counseling. What do you think about making big life decisions while WLS is happening? Do you think everything should be put on hold? The WLS is going well, I'm getting my Protein in, everyone is supportive (even the hubby) and I feel so good. Physically. Mentally... I don't feel so hot. :/

My surgeon recommended RNY because of my sweet tooth. I know the "rearranging" of the insides sounds scary but this is the surgery that is the "gold standard" and it's been around a really long time. In my honest opinion, it was the best choice for me. I no longer crave sweets (or anything, really) and I've lost 40 lbs at about 9 weeks out, without any exercise (I had trouble with dehydration and Protein intake, but now I'm good and exercising!). My mom had the sleeve 3 years ago and she's lost over 100 lbs and kept it off. The only problem is, she fell into the habit of drinking soda and can't seem to get rid of her little belly in the middle. Granted, she's not one for much exercise (1-2 times a week) and again, with the soda and some bad eating habits. The sleeve is a newer surgery so not a TON of research has been done yet, as opposed to RNY. I'm not sure if it's easier to fall back into bad habits with the sleeve, but that's just my personal experience. I don't want my stomach to stretch at all. I wanna eat like a bird for the rest of my life! Lol. But I digress. As everyone has said, talk to your surgeon and see what he/she says. Also, it helps if the specific surgery is covered by your insurance.

I have this problem as well. My doc didn't seem overly worried about it. I guess I'm probably just eating too much or too fast, but it is usually with any kind of meat that it happens more often than not. I had some really soft roast beef tonight and it's just sitting in my pouch like a rock. It hurts a lot so I'm considering just getting it out and eating a Quest bar instead.

I took a bit of a break from the forums because I was obsessing a bit. Went out of town (so soon after surgery?!) and that was craziness. It wasn't fun at all... but it wasn't horrible? Anyways... I know how it feels to be bulimic because as I slowly introduce "real" food, I eat too fast or too much, and the food hangs out in my throat... so I throw up the excess. This happens A LOT unfortunately. I am trying to be careful! What can ya do... just suffer through it. On the positive end of things, I have found several ways to get Protein in each day and I'm lovin' it. My doctor was very disappointed when I went in (July 10) and I told him I wasn't getting enough protein in (20g-30g) per day. So he made some suggestions, etc. I also saw the psychologist the same day. That helped immensely to regain focus and be more positive. Follow up appointments have been scheduled with both, as well as a NUT, which I have yet to see. SOOOOOOOOOOOO I tried Syntrax nectar Lemon Tea flavor Protein powder. SO GOOD. Tastes like an Arnold Palmer. Here's my little process: Mix the protein powder with purified Water (room temp), pour over ice and squeeze a fresh lemon into it and voila... Arnold Palmer. I love it because I'm getting 23g of protein AND roughly 12oz of water. Bonus! My mom also showed me this awesome smoothie recipe (she had the sleeve 3 years back and she's just getting back on track). It's super easy but this early on, I can drink about a quarter of a smoothie. The other problem with smoothies is that they melt and refrigerating/freezing them doesn't work so well. HOWEVER, if I drink as much smoothie as I can, take a break, then get back on it, I am able to get 25g of protein within a few hours. I will take it! Some days it doesn't work with the schedule but that's why I have my protein Arnold Palmer that I can take anywhere. Speaking of, I am investing in a BUNCH of these travel cups with straws (I know, straws are supposed to bad) and they work extremely well on the go. I can drink my protein or eat my smoothie on the go and it is very, very helpful. Needless to say, I am OVER pre-made, "milky" Protein shakes for the moment. Not to say I will never have them again but for now, they are on my "DO NOT CONSUME" list, along with a few other things that my pouch isn't ready for. In conclusion: I am about 8 weeks out from surgery, I've lost about 37lb so far, I am getting 60g or more of protein in per day and my next step is getting 30 minutes of cardio in. Also, I've come to the realization that I don't need to be so down on myself for failing or not doing what I'm supposed to, as long as there is an effort put in every day. Mentally and emotionally, it is difficult but now I am on the up and up of my process and I am happy that I finally have a good grasp on my lifestyle. BABY STEPS!

It. Helps. So. Much. I basically slept surrounded by pillows actually. Once I figured that out, I could sleep.

I hope your doc or surgeon put you on an acid reflux medication. My surgeon requires it for all patients for at least 6 months after surgery. Until you talk to the doc, take a TUMS.

BABY STEPS! First step: Get your Protein (60g-80g or more) per day. Get your 64oz of fluids in. If you feel you absolutely must work out, do it for 10-15 minutes a day right in the morning. Honestly though, I can't really work out that much right now because I'm focusing on the first step still. That part is tiring enough, lol. My doc and psych said not to beat yourself up about it, it was a major surgery. So I'll just keep on doing what I'm doing. In conclusion, more protein=more energy.

Good question, I just eat whenever. Early, late, as long as I'm getting protein and fluids right?!

Totally has happened to me since surgery a few times. I have no idea why and I keep forgetting to ask my doctor. I have no issues with it and it doesn't smell funky. From just Googling it, it doesn't seem like there could be any sort of issue.

Wellll, almost 8 weeks out and I tried a small bowl of protein Cheerios and a little milk... it made me so full and kind of upset my stomach. I think it's safe when you are cleared to try all food.

I went to see my doctor today. He said my incisions have healed great and addressed all my concerns (constant diarrhea, belly pain, Protein intake, etc.) and I was relieved to hear I'm not having any abnormal issues. Yay! I was curious about something so I decided to ask. Whenever I read about people in the pre-op stage for their surgery, they usually have to go on a diet for a few weeks before surgery. I've also heard of that before when I was first looking into the surgery. I did not have to do this before my surgery. So I asked the doc and he said that recent studies have found that it doesn't make a difference in many cases. He also said that some studies found that patients were malnourished prior to surgery because of the diet. He continued explaining to me why a lot of doctors still required their patients to do this. I was pretty surprised. I said it seemed like such a common practice. He responded that he is constantly keeping up with bariatric practices, reads several medical journals, attends classes, etc. and it was his belief to not have people diet before surgery. Does anyone feel that their pre-op diet (if you had one) helped with the surgery? Did it you feel it would make a difference? I'm just curious is all. The point is moot now that I've had the surgery. Interesting to see what people think.

of the days I can shop in the regular sizes, walk a lot and not get tired, have more energy, be more active, not worry about seat belts not fitting... I know there's a lot of these kinds of posts but when I'm having a bad day that's full of nausea and I'm feeling like a failure, this is what I think about. A small NSV for me is since I've lost 22 lbs., whenever I go to the store or go out and about, I don't get SUPER sweaty. I live in AZ so it's in the 100s right now, but I used to sweat for NO reason. Now, I only sweat when I'm in the heat for a prolonged amount of time. I don't sweat when I'm just walking around a store or anything. It's so nice.

I was discussing this with my hubby and he doesn't believe that a therapist would have anything to say that could help me. I just get so sad and depressed because I can't eat. I know the first few weeks are the most difficult in any case but when he eats normal food in front of me (especially some of my favorite things), I just get so sad. It's pathetic, I know. I don't know how to deal with that feeling. I still want to eat the bad food (not that I crave it, I don't think?) and I want to eat a normal size portion. I'm already sick of taking tiny little bites and getting so full on nothing. Then being hungry like 30 minutes later!! It's driving me crazy. I don't know what to do. I'm still on the pureed stage and I want to eat everything. Eating was such a joyous occasion for me and now it's just depressing. It probably doesn't help that I don't have a job at the moment and no real hobbies to occupy my time. I want to take a class or start a hobby but that usually costs money and I'm saving for going out of town in a couple weeks. I'm hoping that will distract me from all of this. Advice on how to deal is much appreciated.

STAY AWAY. You don't need her negativity in your life. If she wants to obsess over you, let her. It's creepy anyway. I'll be your friend.

This is why I have two goal weights. The first one is my high school weight, 180 lbs, and was a size 11-13 (junior's). My second weight loss goal is 140 lbs. I have no idea what size that would be since I think it was probably elementary/middle school that I was that weight. I remember I got my "curves" in 7th grade and I gained weight, then started high school around 170. 180 was my highest weight though. AND I THOUGHT I WAS SO FAT!!! Granted, everyone I hung out with was tiny. Anyways, whenever I look at pictures from high school, I say, omg, I'm so skinny! So to me, 180 is skinny. However, I'd definitely like to be in a size 8-10. I'd be beyond happy with that.

Get a good therapist. Now. Because you won't be able to rely on food anymore to bury your emotional insecurities. Remember to be patient... this too shall pass.

I think that's what I'm most afraid of. The "stuff" that comes up to the surface that I have to face. Things that are buried under food and all the comfort it brought to me. However, I genuinely want to know how to deal with these possible issues. I don't even really know what my issues are! Well... maybe I kind of know. I grew up with an evil step-mom (my dad has since divorced her) that abused my sister and I. She also taught all of us kids horrible eating habits (i.e., it was okay to have cake and ice cream for breakfast) that probably didn't help my case either. She was a crazy one that did weird stuff. I definitely don't want to get into it on here (bury, bury) but maybe it's that, among other things, that I need to deal with.

@moonlitestarbrite: It seems like men just don't believe in doctors. He wasn't opposed to me going but yeah how would he know? If, for some unknown reason, it wasn't helping me, then I would know and move on. I'm really hoping that therapy will help me adjust. Like you said, I don't have any choice, but I also don't feel like being sad all the time. Someone else recommended that book too. I'm gonna have to get it since my appointment is a month away. Every little bit helps! Thank you for your post!

Thank you so much for all the positive responses! I really truly appreciate it. I've just learned that my surgeon has hired an in-house therapist (the one that did my psych eval) and she now has an office in his office! I've made an appointment (unfortunately, it has to be after my vacation). However, it means she takes my insurance! I really liked her when I saw her, I was only hesitant to go back because 1) she didn't take my insurance, and 2) she was 1 hour away from me. Now I can see the doctor AND my therapist conjointly. I am so relieved knowing that I am not the only one who feels sad about food. I will have to suck it up for about a month (appointment is July 10) but I know I can do it. My mom and sister are very supportive and are always willing to listen to me when I'm in a mood. Thank you again, all of you!