gabrielle2014

I had VSG in Dec 2014 - last week I got very sick with an awful stomach bug where everything I ate went through me (sorry TMI). I didn't throw up but have been steadily very sick to my stomach. I went to my GP on Wed and she didn't think I seemed that dehydrated even though I have only been getting about 4 cups of Water a day. My upset stomach has gone away but now I can't get anything down - when I try to eat Protein I just spit it up i'm so grossed out by it. I can eat toast and crackers but the carbs are making me feel super sick after I eat. I feel very sick, shaky, and dizzy. I can't call my surgeon bc I just switched health insurance and won't have coverage for a specialist until Feb 1st. I don' tknow what to do or why I'm reacting so awfully to this stomach bug. Has anyone else had the stomach flu and how did you get rhough it? This is the worse experience I've had since surgery. Help?

I have never been able to stomach Protein shakes - its brutal. This is the worse I've felt since surgery. I just can't imagine eating - and I have to go back to school tomorrow. Just whining but I feel scared since its been 6 days like this.

Hi everyone - I haven't posted in a while but I thought I would turn back to the boards for help as I really need it. I had VSG on December 16th. I had a heart attack shortly after on December 22nd but there was no blockage and i recovered quickly. In the first 5 months I lost 60 pounds and felt amazing. I started at 244 and got down to 180. But since May or June I have been bouncing around between 176 and 178. While I obviously can't go back to my old eating habits I'm still snacking and eating horribly at times. I have found the little ways I can 'cheat.' I keep telling myself I didn't go through all of this just to lose 67 pounds. I want to lose at least 20 more. The surgery has changed my life in many great ways - my heart is doing really well - ankle pain is gone and I'm far more mobile. I started back at school in May and I am trying to change careers and I LOVE it. But it means that I'm in my car commuting 20 hours a week - working at my full time job 45 hours a week - and at school 13 hours a week. I'm so tired and stressed out. Though I know if I wanted to I could truly change my behaviors. I have worked out maybe 6 times since surgery. I have a slight handicap that prevents me from walking long distances but I know I use that as an excuse. I'm so upset and angry with myself for going back to some of my old ways and not working out. I'm angry I let myself have sugar and that I don't find the time to work out and lose these last 20 pounds. I'm worried that I won't be able to get back on track and lose the rest of the weight and that even if I work out it won't make a difference. No one needs to tough-love me bc I'm so upset with myself as it is. Is there anyone else out there that is struggling as well? I feel like I'm the only WLS patient that has reverted back to old ways. I have an appointment with my nutritionist next week and with my nurse. I'm hoping that will help. I was hoping to find a support group but they meet on the same night as my class. I could use some feedback about how to get myself back on track.

Renkoss - this is my biggest nightmare too. Well not entirely but close. I do buy the popcorn - and admit to being a bit addicted to it at this point. But I do NOT buy chocolate. Its at my office. They have bowls and bowls of it filled up all day long right in front of my desk (no not able to move it). I have appointments with my nurse and nutritionist on Thursday. I haven't seen my nutritionist since surgery and I think it will help if I make a few appointments with her over the next few months and weigh in, etc. A little accountability would be good for me. I wish there was a support group I could go to - she might know of one. But I know the group through my doc's office meets at a time when I'm at work or at school. I'm also hoping to join a gym this week. So I know that I need to be a bit more kind to myself but its tough. I wanted to really make this major life change - and I have changed many things - but it is scary how easy it is to fall back into old habits and eat poorly again.

Boy I cannot tell you how much this has helped me. Thank you all so much. I think I also need to connect more here and keep it more in my life. I became so excited to be more "normal" that I sort of don't follow threads and boards anymore but then I go home and I do have popcorn and I do have soda some mornings. And you know - I feel much worse because of it. But I love the idea that I'm STILL in my honeymoon period - that it is not too late for me to really get into the good habits I need to. I know that I am so much more hungry and irritable when I snack and eat sugar. And so I need to get back into a place where I don't have those things. Keep these posts coming - this is helping me so much!! others too maybe. THANK YOU!

Thanks Surfer. Man - I think just hearing that maybe I'm not as bad as I think I am is helping me already. I keep telling myself I haven't gained and so it can't be that bad but its just the stress eating and the snacking and not working out. But you're right - I need to schedule in the workouts and join a gym. I'd love to find a pool to swim in but I live on the cape and its hard to find. Anyway - THANK YOU! This is helping me quite a bit. Maybe its just letting go of the shame of it all that helps. Admitting it "out there."

Okay - clearly I don't know how to manage quotes - but my response was in the quote - LOL! Oh UmmZ - I hadn't read this before I replied. I'm so sorry you've had alot of stress at all but maybe we can support each other a bit to get ourselves back on track? I know there is no miracle to doing it - we just have to start. Its the starting I have a hard time with because I'm so angry at myself.

Oh THANK YOU so much for saying that. The girls from my group are all at the 100 pound mark and still don't eat sugar or carbs. And I know that I'm not gaining - but I'm also not losing. But I think it is because of the way i'm eating - not getting my Protein - snacking on popcorn - eating small doses of chocolate - not working out - not having my Water. I'm just so disappointed with myself. But your post gives me hope that I could break the pattern - that it isn't too late for me. I think I got to a point where I felt so good and look so much better - I've just gotten lazy. But I need to regroup and remember why I did this and get myself back on track. Even after all these months. I have to believe I can do it. I also need to join a cheap gym - I don't belong to one now and that is not good bc no matter how much I tell myself I will work out at home i Just never do. THANK YOU!

Hi Everyone. I need some support. I had VSG surgery on December 16th. I have struggled quite a bit to get fluids and Protein in both in the hospital and since I've been home. I stayed in the hospital for 3 nights and came home on Friday. Friday night was rough and I went into AFIB (Atrial Fibrillation) on Friday night. I took my regular dose, called my cardiologist just to be safe, and by yesterday morning it was gone. Yesterday was a good day - I had very littled nausea, got in 48 ounces of Water and almost 50 grams of protein. I took a nap but when I got up later in the afternoon I felt VERY ill. Very sick to my stomach. My afib started again last night. Now I have it full-force along with alot of anxiety. My cardilogist says only come in at a certain point - I haven't called my bariatric surgeon yet. But I'm very upset stomach and very out of breath and dizzy (I know this is afib since I've had it for several years). I don't have a fever or any signs that it is anything other than afib. I'm just confused about this - if I'm having a more difficult time than I should be because of the afib? If it is casuing my stomach to be more upset than it normally would. If it is causing all this anxiety? Very down and scared about this.

Hoping someone can help – I had VSG on December 16th. Other than some cardiac issues I’ve had no complications and am down 45 pounds. I feel great EXCEPT for extreme fatigue and sleepiness. I’ve been back to my surgeon who did all the blood tests and say everything looks great. I’m getting close to 70 grams of Protein in each day. I’m working out a few times a week. I am struggling with my fluids and many days only get in around 40 ounces – some days I hit my 64 and others I don’t get in 20. I’ve been to my PCP a few times – she is about to run a mono test (I’ve had it twice before – but since this is lasting months we don’t think it is mono again). I’ve been to my cardiologist who has cut me back on my beta blockers since I’ve lost weight – so that isn’t the culprit because I still feel very tired all the time. Anyone go through this or have any insight? I’m really struggling to function some days I’m so exhausted. On the weekends I have to be careful or I could sleep all day. Help?

You guys ROCK - thanks for all the replies. I have had a full blood pane done by BOTH my bariatric surgeon and my PCP. She sent me out for a mono test which I haven't had done yet because my work schedule. Ugh. I do get some carbs in each day - typically around 35 grams a day. I also try to have a tiny bit of fruit and veg each day. So I typically have a small salad at lunch and a small piece of fruit. I do find that I need more sleep sometimes - yesterday I felt pretty good all day but today I'm exhausted again. I'm trying to make lots of other changes like turning off my laptop and smart phone by 9pm - reading before sleep (because I've heard that using your phone or computer right before sleep can mess with the quality of your sleep). And it might be working a little. Thanks everyone! I will just keep going - hoping that I don't have mono and maybe some of these changes will help. I never needed the sleep before but maybe since surgery I do.

Veronica - My doc said this isn't normal and I don't hear alot of others (I'm in a few groups) going through this. They all say they have great energy. But you would think it would make more sense given what we can eat now. But it is just so odd to me to feel so good but be this tired. Ginger - my doc tested my B12 and D and both were good - I was actually getting too much B12 bc I read my sub lingual bottle incorrectly.

Hey Blerd - I'm getting all my Vitamins and B12 in and have started exercising a few times a week.

Thanks everyone! Canyon - I have had my thyroid tested - though not within the last 6 months. I'm just waiting for that test to come back. I think it might be dehydration as well. I have tried so many of those drops as well as powder and anything else to flavor my Water. I've tried tea and warm water - nothing works to help me get it down. I do a water challenge at the office to have a cup of water every 1/2 hour - which I just started about an 1/2 hour ago! LOL! But I really have a hard time imagining that being dehydrated could make me THIS fatigued. I seriously feel like I haven't slept in months - every day.

Thanks everyone - this is a great pick-me-up and motivator! I spoke with my doctor's office today and am having all my lab work done tomorrow and going in to see them on Monday. I'm so incredibly tired I could literally fall asleep at my desk right now. I hate feeling this way. So I'm excited to see what my labwork shows. I feel like something is going on. My 'Water challenge' has worked - I'm on my fourth cup of the day - having one an hour. So that is good. I'm tracking Protein and trying to get in at least 60 grams today. As for working out - I'm sure my lab work and doc visit will help me figure out what is going on and I can then get to the bottom of it. I just hate feeling this tired all the time. It makes it so hard to work and do much of anything. THANKS - I really appreciate the support and advice. Texaslady - great idea about the pool and I love swimming - I really should find a place where I can swim.

Hey everyone - I had VSG on December 16th. A few days later I had a mild heart attack - but otherwise I've done well and recovered very nicely. But I'm really struggling ... First, I cannot for the life of me get more fluids in. I can't stand drinking Water - cold, warm, tepid. I struggle with all fluids. I've tried everything: Mio, Crystal Lite, Protein shakes, Lemon - you name it I've tried it. The other big issue is protein - I seem to be so sick of protein I struggle to get in 40 grams a day. And worse, I can eat more now at 10 weeks than I could in the beginning. Not a ton - but I find some days it is easy for me to get to 900 calories a day. I still don't like sweet things or artificial sweeteners - but I can easily have an english muffin with my egg in the morning. Though that is the only bread I have in my diet at all. My schedule and life has been insane and I haven't worked out. That is a TOTAL lie I tell myself every day. That I'm too tired. I commute 3 hours a day and even though I can wake up at 5am to do 1/2 an hour, I never do. I am very very tired and run down all the time because I'm not getting my fluids and protein. I'm down 40 pounds but stalled for the last three weeks. I don't know how to force myself ---- The ONLY good news in all of this is that I know I have to. I know that I had this surgery to change my life. I'm feeling better in SO many ways. But I'm struggling. Anyone else have any 'gentle' advice? I've been beating myself up non-stop about the fluids, protein, and not working out. Its just perpetuating that negative thing I do to myself and I know I need to stop. And hating myself for that stupid english muffin with bfast. When I look back at how I USED to be - I know I'm doing great. But I"m not following my plan the way I should. And I'm disappointed in myself so much. HELP?

Oh my goodness - thank you guys so much. I can't tell you what your responses mean to me. No one I know is going through this same thing and its tough sometimes. I'm not eating horribly - Nothing on my lists of things I shouldn't eat. And most days I stick to 700-750 calories. But I'm doing things like having full-fat salad dressing on my salads - which have chicken or Protein. But I'm learning that the full-fat dressing isn't worth it. I also really miss veggies so sometimes I'll have those instead of protein. I do like having a 100 cal frozen yogurt bar a few times a week. So its stuff like that. I don't have any other bread - and I always limit my sugar to 15 grams. As for fluids - I'm having tea an awful lot more - always decaf - than I used to. And I do find warm Water is easier. Thanks for that - I just had some warm water. I think some of the problem is that because I'm not hungry I hate preparing my food - so then I don't and I rush and don't take the time to enjoy what I'm eating. Today I had a cobb salad with chicken, bacon, cheese, and honey mustard - it was AMAZING and I couldn't eat much of it at all. I guess this is a process. As for working out - anyone have any tips? How do I do this? I feel so tired all the time. I guess if I up my game with fluids and protein I'll have more energy? Right now I just feel like I could sleep all day. And weekends I actually do sleep ALL day.

I had surgery a few months before my 45th bday! Not alone. And honestly I think its really made me more sure of things and more ready. Even though I'm struggling at the moment, so many things in my 20s and 30s would have effected this change.

I had VSG surgery on 12/16. Since 12/23 I have lost and gained the same 4 pounds. I get on the scale a few times a week. Today it was back up to the highest. I'm beyond frustrated even though there is nothing I can do about it. I'm doing my best to get 60-75g of Protein in a day, drinking my 64 oz. of Water, and working out a few times a week (though my workouts are a bit lame). I KNOW that the stall at 3 weeks is a real thing but I'm still getting so discouraged by this. After surgery I had a heart attack - its been a really difficult road for me. I'm starting to feel more normal and get into a groove with things. But I'm so scared by this stall. Anyone else have a stall so early on. I mean that isn't even 10 days after surgery and I stalled. I'll be a month out on Tuesday - WTH. HELP?

We're sleeve-sisters ORMom!! You know - I guess it just really helps to see that I'm not the only one struggling with this. SuperDave - I KNOW it is normal - but when it happens it is so hard. Especially when its been such a long road and I'm still super exhausted and forcing the Protein and Water in. Its hard to imagine that getting only 700 - 800 cals a day in I'm not losing. Is it because our bodies are in shock and holding on to our weight? I think I just wanted to 'talk' about it to friends who would understand. And hear of others going through it. Because it does help to make me feel more 'normal.' I think the good news is that in the past when this has happened I would go to the drive through or have a pint of ice cream. Now I can't. I have no choice but to power through and keep going. THANKS! Love to hear other's experiences with early-on stalls!!

Ditto! I really appreciate the care and concern everyone has shown. Thank you so much. Things are going along - though I've gained a few pounds this week and that, naturally, has me a bit worked up, which I'll probably post about. But I'm determined to get all my fluids in today and get on my spin bike for at least 15 minutes. The heart is cooperating so far --- I see my cardiologist on Monday and I'll discuss seeing an electrophysiologist. The whole thing has been very difficult but going back to work on Monday will help and being able to eat has been a big help. liquids was very tough on me. THANK YOU so much again for your support. Really appreciate it.

Thanks everyone. I can't tell you how I appreciate the support. It's been an incredibly tough time - actually MUCH harder bc I can't eat to comfort myself. Which was the point of my surgery but I thought I wouldn't need it so soon. I'm doing much better now that I'm on soft foods. While I'm struggling with horrible potty issues (sorry tmi) and the anxiety and depression - at least physically I'm beginning to feel more normal. Not a lot of energy but I think I'm seeing improvement each day. I have an appt with my cardiologist on Monday and I think I will go to a specialist and ask about an ablation. The heart attack was incredibly scary to me. But if I had know it would have happened I probably wouldn't have had surgery. So in a sense I'm glad I didn't know it could happen before surgery. I do have a great therapist who has helped me through all of this and see her each week. God knows I need it! Thanks again so much. I don't get a ton of support from my family so it means the world to have it online.

Afib is tough - I've come close but never had to be cardioverted. I seem to always convert with medication. This last episode was horrible with the mild heart attack. I'm home now but very very down and discouraged. I can't get any Protein in and getting my Water in today was a real struggle. I controled my afib, aflutter, and left bundle branch block with flecanide and atentelol (beta blocker) - but I suspect things will have to change now and I hope and ablation will be an option for me.

Thanks everyone. I have a very strict protocol with my afib and at the time was following my instructions from my cardiologist. However, when I did go to the ER (which was the ER where my surgery was done not where my cardiologist is - long story) my situtation got much worse and I had a mild or small heart attack. The last two days has been devastating for me. I'm so down and depressed. I wanted to do this surgery to get healthy and while I know that my surgery and my heart attack are related only in that the stress from the surgery triggered my attack, I'm full of anger and blame at myself tonight. To make matters worse - I still can't drink Water or get any Protein in.