missheathyr

I haven't been on here in a while. had my surgery a little over 10 months ago and have lost about 84lbs. Overall, I've had a pretty great experience. Luckily, I've never suffered from issues like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My surgery and recovery went pretty smooth and I have been continuing to lose weight slowly but surely. My weight loss pretty much comes to a halt when I am not eating enough. However, I have developed a problem with drops in my blood sugar as well as Protein deficiency. My main concern is the hypoglycemia. I still have a very hard time staying on track with scheduled meals and Snacks. Sometimes I do forget to eat or I just cannot stomach the foods I need to eat. My doctor told me that if I don't maintain my blood sugar eventually I will just pass out. The last few weeks have been especially difficult and I have been experiencing a lot of issues. Today, I finally realized that I am not eating as often or as much as I should and after taking my vitals and eventually narrowing it down to my glucose levels I took my glucose tablets I felt a lot better. So my questions are: Has anyone else dealt with hypoglycemia or protein deficiency? What did you do to remedy the issue? How do you stay on schedule with meals and snacks? What do you eat when you feel like you can't eat anything but you know you have to eat? Any other suggestions are welcome too. Everyone is so great on this site I really appreciate all of your input and help. Thanks!

I am 6 months out now from my surgery and I have lost 75lbs. I have been very irritable, fatigued and shaky lately and sometimes I feel faint. My blood pressure is always fine (I've never had an issue with it anyway) and my bloodwork always comes back good. But I do still have trouble hitting my Protein goal. Could this be hypoglycemia I'm experiencing? Has anyone else had this issue?

Thanks ladies. Although there are people in my life that have diabetes I've never had these kinds of issues before so it helps to get some insight. I have been prone to drops in blood pressure and anemia since my teen years but nothing like that seems to be the issue. Thanks again!

I am entering week 9 and I feel the same way. I have lost 32 lbs total since surgery (keep in mind I weighed significantly more than you and that does affect the totals since it's based on percentages). I don't feel like like I've lost anything, I'm still exhausted a lot of the time, I just hurt myself today by picking dog food of all things and I don't see a change when I look at myself. But, my doctor and nutritionist say I'm doing great, my blood work is good and shows no deficiencies, my hubby says he can see and feel the changes in my body all the time, I even took the extender off of my bras and I fit into clothes in my closet that I was never able to wear. Everyone, including my doctor's office, have told me that these feelings are normal and that I may not really feel like I've made great strides until the 6 month mark when the weight loss has been very significant. My nutritionist suggested taking pictures of myself every few weeks and comparing them because we can't seem to see the progress that we've made by just looking in the mirror each day. Maybe this will help you as well. Just know that we are all on a journey to better health and this journey justs take a bit more time and care

Well I am 1 month post op today I am really thankful that I did not have any big issues and that my surgery went better than expected and my wounds healed up great. I am also grateful for my husband and friends and family who have been so supportive (at least most of the time, LOL) and my doctor and his staff who are pretty great. And I am really thankful for all of the wonderful people on this site that make this journey a little easier. I am a little discouraged because I lost 15lbs in the first 2 weeks and now the scale barely seems to move. I have lost a total of 24lbs. and most of my pain is gone, except when I overdo it. The one thing I cannot seem to get under control is my energy levels. I am so exhausted. I have bursts of energy and then I'm down for the count. I am exhausted but not sleepy, so naps are a rarity. I can't walk around the neighborhood right now, like I used to, because of the humidity which really affects my asthma and no breathing=no fun. So I walk around the stores or the house where there is A/C. Or I try to do an exercise video. But I still feel like I am not getting enough exercise. So any tips on how to get more activity in would be nice My other issue is that I am bipolar and my medication just rips through my stomach now, whether I take the liquid form or the tablets, and I get diarrhea. It's very painful and I would prefer not to but if I don't take my medication for a few days I become a sobbing mess. I take my Omeprazole first thing in the morning. I've tried taking pepto chewables before my medicine but neither seems to help. Any suggestions?

I'm not sure. I had my surgery July 21st and I have lost 22lbs so far. My doctor said I'm doing great and right on track. I do think it varies per patient though.

I am 4 weeks post op and have the same problem. My nutritionist said it's normal and can take time. It's especially hard because I can't drink the protein shakes. Luckily I bought unflavored soy protein powder before surgery and I add that to a lot of things. It can make soups a little funny textured. However I think that the best thing is to add 2 tablespoons of it (27g of protein) to the sugar free pudding mix when you prepare it. I make use the protein, the pudding mix and 1%, milk, it comes out creamy and yummy, my husband even loves it. I also top it with a smidge of light redi whip to make it special. I also make sugar free cocoa or mochas every day. It's 8oz milk, 1Tbsp cocoa, and 2 splenda. Sometimes I add cinnamon. In the mocha I add instant decaf coffee crystals tand extracts if I want something like a peppermint mocha.

Well folks I am 9 days post op today! I have to say the most remarkable thing I have discovered is that I no longer have nausea. I had all day pregnancy like nausea for years, and it was miserable. I gagged all of the time and vomited a few times a week. I am guessing that the hernia repair during my procedure fixed that situation. I don't know but it is amazing! I have way more energy than I thought that I would. Although, I still have a lot of pain and have a very hard time getting comfortable. I really wish I would've purchased a recliner. I also have a ton of burps and it is painful when you have this big hard ball of gas in your stomach. Passing gas seems to be a challenge for me and for the first time in my life I wish it wasn't, LOL. But it looks like from what I've been reading the burping could be my "full" signal among other things. And I am down 13 lbs since my surgery date! Now my questions 1. How can I get rid of some of this gas? I have tried the Gas X and I am already on 20mg of Prilosec. 2. How much exercise or moving around can I actually do without setting myself back? It seems a lot of people say moving helps a lot with the gas and I also am hoping that exercise will help me heal faster. 3. How do I not feel so thirsty? I am so thirsty! My mouth is so dry even though I have been hitting my 48-64 ounce mark every day (protein grams is another deal). 4. What else can I do to get more Protein on the liquid phase? I cannot seem to stomach the Protein shakes they are far to sweet for me and cream Soups with soy Protein powder is getting old fast. 5. Are there any other suggestions anyone might have to get me back to me? I am tired of looking at this messy house, teenage boys aren't much help and the hubby can't do it all, LoL. Also, my dogs feel neglected because I can't do anything but pet them because they are too heavy and hit against me too hard when they play. Thank is advance for all your help!

I'm am so glad you both say it is going fast. I have only been home for two days and I'm already tired of being tired, LOL.

Cute dress! You look very happy and healthy

I am trying to relax so I can head to bed soon. It's not easy when you're anxious and your neck is sore from the IVC filter placement. I have to be to the hospital at 530am tomorrow for my surgery. I am not really concerned about the procedure as much as recovery. And although I know my husband and children are capable of surviving without me for a few days being away from them has me on edge. I guess I am just worried that they'll be worried, ridiculous right?

Well I am home now! They released me from the hospital last night at 8pm. Taking a shower before I left was the best part! I am much more comfortable at home. All of kitties came to dote over me and my lil terrier was over the moon to see me (she is very attached to me and was giving my hubby the cold shoulder while I was gone,LOL). I do have to keep the baby gate up in the hall to keep our 2 big dogs at bay. I can only pet their heads for now. I am tired and sore but have been doing well. My pain seems to be all on my left side where apparently they "do all the pulling" but the other incisions seem to be fine. I do also have a terrible headache on the right side of my head when my pain meds wear off, I guess the tube during surgery did a number on my sinuses. It is true, it hurts like heck to cough and a firm pillow across your tummy when you move is a big helper. I have been doing much better at home with drinking and "eating". Fluids have been easy enough I can do 1-2 ounces at a time and then I have to wait about 15 minutes before I can drink again. I have Protein shakes and such for my protein but have found that I favor the unflavored soy powder I bought at Clark's (I also bought hemp powder). My suggestion would be to bypass the pre-packaged stuff and head straight to the bulk section, it's way more cost effective. Just be sure to jot down the nutritional values. I have been adding it to strained cream Soups, I do not usually care much for the sweets so the savory options are better for me. Although the sugar free vanilla pudding has been another thing I like so far. Again I do about 2 ounces at a time, when I eat and wait at least 15 minutes before drinking. Thank you all again for your kind words and advice, I will continue to keep you updated

Thank you everyone! I am heading out to the hospital in a few minutes. I will keep you updated

@@BeagleLover I spoke with the nurse and she thinks I may be sensitive to the whey. Which I suppose I could see as I do not drink milk and get most of my Calcium from things like cheese and sometimes yogurt (that sometimes turns my stomach too) but mostly dark leafy greens like kale and spinach which we love. So she has emailed the doctor to be sure how he would like to proceed. In the meantime she put me back on my previous plan that I did with the dietician since I've been losing weight during that process and have continued to lose weight since my final dietitian consult. Which is fine with me, I even told her I'd rather drink broth and eat Jello till my surgery date than feel the way I did yesterday and this morning. Thanks again! I will let you know if the doctor suggests anything different

I started the pre-op diet yesterday which calls for 4 Protein shakes and one small meal of lean meat and veggies a day. I have no issue with the meal plan or the flavors of either of the Premier Protein Shakes I have. I am just so sick. It takes me about an hour to finish a shake, I try not to go too fast and I feel full after. I actually didn't even drink my last shake yesterday. I've been staying hydrated. But I had a headache most of yesterday and was vomiting. I normally have a lot of nausea (especially in the morning) and I tend to stay away from sweets (especially in the morning) because they add to the nausea. So today I woke up and vomited so I haven't drank any today because I am afraid to. I don't have the headache today and my stomach feels better and my energy is fine but I have just been drinking Water because I am afraid to consume it and get sick again. I left a message for my dietician but I could sure use some ideas. Thanks! *Also, my endoscopy had revealed a small sliding hiatal hernia and some benign gastric polyps.

@@BeagleLover Thank you that is a good suggestion. I already left a message for his office with the dietician and bariatric coordinators so hopefully I will get answer soon. In the meantime I will look up the Prosource and probably eat my solid meal for lunch since I haven't eaten anything today and I don;t know how long it'll be before I get a response. I'll post any updates as they occur. Thanks again!

My surgery date is July 21st. It's right after my birthday so I'll be 38. I'm going through my insurance, Blue Cross, and aside from a few consult co-pays and the co-pay for my supplements I have nearly no out of pocket, so we are thankful for that. I also kept it secret until I was scheduled, only my husband, our sons, and our close friend whose wife also had the sleeve knew. I didn't want to be discouraged or freaked out by our family and/or friends worries or horror stories. We also wanted us to get through all of the information and classes without that added stress. Today I started my Protein shakes. I actually ended up eating half of my solid meal this afternoon because my head has been pounding and I felt so horrible and it actually helped. I will talk to my nurse tomorrow and make sure that it is okay to split my meal as long as I stay within the dietary guidelines. We are all stocked up on Vitamins, medicine cups, lip balm, lotion, Protein Shakes, non-carbonated no sugar drinks, sugar free Jello and pudding, broth, baby food, etc. I am planning on making ahead meals and freezing them for my husband and boys so that they don't eat junk, although my husband is a pretty good cook, it just gets busy around here. I'm pretty sure that the next two weeks are going to fly by so I'm trying to pull it all together as quickly as possible. Good luck everyone!