BG-

So, I'm 6 weeks post op and this weekend all of a sudden, I can't get anything down without being in the bathroom immediately. Been on typical soft food diet - Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, egg beaters, tuna. This weekend had a protein shake and immediately had chills, dizziness, sweating, cramps and straight to the bathroom. Decided to step back and just have unsweetened tea and water. Both give me the same thing. Odd that the water of all things give me severe cramping and immediate need to go to the bathroom. I was at the tail end of a 10 day stall, so not sure if this is all playing a role? Have lost 6 pounds since Friday. Any thoughts?

Thanks all. Called doc and he suggested going back to clear liquids and try another protein shake once I can keep clears in. Had a couple sf Popsicles and water and those worked well, and got a protein shake down with minimal problems. Hoping mspatrice is right and it was a stomach virus of some sort.

Can't edit my original post, but think it is worth mentioning that I haven't had any issues during my first six weeks before this weekend.

21 pounds in 14 days is a lot! Everyone's rate of loss is different, but you're definitely doing well!

The Prevacid is fine. My surgeon prescribed me Prevacid for 3 months after surgery. If over the counter doesn't seem to work, have her ask her PCP for the prescription strength. Glad she's doing better!

My doc recommended and I take B12 sublingual. I'm not really down for non-required injections, so I get all I need through the sublingual tabs. They come in various doses, and B12 is non-toxic, so you can check with your doc or nutritionist to see what they think would be a good dosage for you.

Remember to breathe! Try to stay calm, and trust your surgeon and nurses. Take some lip balm, a comb, and a phone charger, and you'll be fine Congrats and good luck!

I only took 5 days off. Surgery on Monday, returned to work full-time (60 hours) the following Monday. I have an office job, so wasn't concerned about lifting or being on my feet or anything of the sort. I was able to get up and walk around as often as I wanted/needed and my energy was fine. My doc recommended two weeks, but didn't object to me returning after 1 week as long as I felt okay. Stay hydrated, get all your Protein in and walk around, and you should be okay - barring any complications after surgery.

I hope they gave her some anti-nausea meds. My first night in the hospital the pain meds were making me very nauseated and they were able to give me anti-nauseas to keep from throwing up. If they haven't offered, maybe ask for some? I hope she turns the corner soon!

I met with my surgeon 7 times before surgery. Four visits for Consult/Medical review/lab reviews/final appointment, and then 3 more since he acted as my 'nutritionist' during my required supervised diet. Then right before surgery he came into pre-op to go over any final questions. Then he visited me after surgery, and the two additional days I was in the hospital. And I see him for all my post-op appointments. He also conducts some of the monthly support groups. I'm really lucky I get to see him at every visit. I think I'd be a little terrified if I only saw him twice - first appointment and surgery and never again!

I also take a separate B12 sublingual, per surgeon's recommendation.

My surgeon recommended Nestle Optisource Post Bariatric Surgery Chewable Vitamins. Four a day, not too terrible tasting. You can get them over the counter at walgreens or probably any drug store.

Do you still have your gall bladder? You might be getting gall stones or gall bladder attack, which is common after VSG. You may want to look into that as a possibility?

Interesting he wants to do it separately. I didn't have any signs of a hiatal hernia, but did end up having one, and he repaired it during surgery. I even had to sign a consent to the possible hernia repair. Unless the hernia is drastic, I don't see why he would want to do it separately. Perhaps he's just extra cautious?

Don't forget about all the saline you had pumping into you while you were in the hospital. You're likely still retaining all that Fluid. I stayed at my sister's house for a couple days after I was discharged and when I got home 4 days after surgery, I had actually GAINED some weight due to all that fluid I still had in me. When I had my check up 9 days after surgery, I was down 13 pounds total in those 9 days. And then didn't lose anything for another 4 days. All of this is to say your body is adjusting to all the trauma it went through. My advice is to get as much Water as you possibly can, and if you're cleared for Protein shakes by your doctor, try to get up to at least his/her minimum recommended grams of protein. Try not to get discouraged, the weight WILL come off!

I started walking on day 3, by recommendation of my surgeon. After the first week I was allowed to do low impact cardio, mostly cycling, and climbing stairs. High impact cardio and strength training is not allowed for me until 6-8 weeks.

Is she trying cold water or hot/room temp? My first couple days I couldn't drink anything cold. Hot was best, and room temp was tolerable. Has she tried some broth or tea?

I am only 3 weeks out, but my doc has me between 600-800 for the first few months, and then no more than 1000 beyond that, and adjusting if necessary during my check ups every three months. Follow whatever your doc recommends. I'm sure it depends on your current weight and how much you needed to lose as well. I'm curious if you're drinking with your meals? I know I'm not as far out as you but I can't imagine our tiny stomachs being able to take 1500 calories a day this early on, otherwise.

If I could only sip all day, I'd never get all my water in. About two weeks out, I was able to take regular drinks, but certainly not giant gulps. I've only had one or two incidents where I took a big gulp and it was painful in the center of my chest for a few seconds, and then passed.

How's the Unjury unflavored? I thought the isopure would work for me, but it just makes every too thick (mixing with soups only) and is starting to upset my stomach!

I had trouble with minimum calories my first week, too. Doc said as long as I was getting as much protein as possible and all my water, I could work my way up. BUT, after the first week check-up, he said I really needed to try hard to get in at least 600 calories. If I didn't, my energy would suffer. Whatever your doc recommended minimum, try to work your way up to, so you can heal quickly and regain the energy to resume a normal life as soon as possible.

My surgeon required at least 3 weeks, with an option of 4 weeks on liquids (shakes). As much as I hate the shakes, I'm scared to move on to soft foods. I'm three weeks and two days out from surgery, and just today I tried some cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. I'm less concerned about weight slowing down (science+math on calories in/out have me covered there) and more worried about not getting ENOUGH calories. With the cottage cheese and yogurt, I can't manage more than 1/4 cup, so I have no clue how I'll get to 600 calories minimum even with one shake supplement.

As an additional option, my surgeon recommended Optisource chewables made by Nestle Health Science. They're not the best thing I've ever tasted, but they're bearable. I don't particularly like that I have to take them 4x/day, though.

I think compression socks and getting up and walking up or down the aisle frequently will be adequate. Ask your doc if you need blood thinners, too. I imagine if those who go to Mexico can fly relatively soon after surgery, you'll be okay. I had my sleeve done on 8/4 but won't be traveling until Thanksgiving, so fortunately I have a little extra time to get past the critical blood clot risk stage. Definitely check with doc though!

I took vacation time and was back in the office 7 days later. For about 4-5 weeks before surgery I was already drinking shakes for breakfast and lunch and lite dinner and told the few people who would even notice or care that I am on a very strict dr supervised diet (all true). I think a dr supervised very low calorie diet is all you need to say if you need to explain anything to anyone...which, really, you don't.