TheNewMeTX

I am 10 weeks post-op. I was trucking along and enjoying introducing new foods regularly. In the past two weeks or so, almost everything I've enjoyed previously has started getting this metallic taste. chicken is the worst, but Peanut Butter, beef, etc. all taste bad. So I've been living on yogurt, Protein shakes (which I had stopped previously), cheese sticks and tuna pretty much. food and non-food things also smell disgusting. I feel like my skin and hair smell sickly sweet, metallic, too. I don't even want to think about seriously greasy, fattening foods I used to love, like movie theater popcorn and fried chicken. They literally make me ill now. Not a bad thing, but it makes going to the movies or out socially difficult. I asked the NP about it at my two month follow-up, and she did not seem worried. Has anyone else experienced this? Any idea what's causing it? How long did it last? I appreciate any input.

I was told 1 week pre-op diet. I was really concerned about being vigilant, and I wanted to be successful. So, I did 2 weeks to make sure I could be "cheat-free" on the week that counted. I really think it prepared me for post-op success.

I have been very fortunate for the most part. A coworker had the same procedure back in August, and I saw how supportive my team was with her. As a result, I'm sharing my journey with anyone at work who cares to ask. My cubby mate asks all kinds of questions because she genuinely wants to know how to be supportive in the best way possible. My team also eats together A LOT, so I knew there would be questions when my eating habits suddenly change. My family was actually harder to tell. I had contemplated the surgery several years ago, and I let their concerns talk me out of it. This time, I was VERY firm in my delivery of the decision. They expressed their concerns, but they ultimately accepted my decision. My mom attended a nutritional session with me, so she could understand how I have to eat from now on. She has shared with her friends and church community. They've all been very supportive. I didn't tell my church group the specifics of the surgery. By the point I decided to tell them anything, I was close enough to surgery, I didn't want to hear any horror stories. They know I had abdominal surgery. As I lose weight, if I get questions, I'll decide then how to answer. I guess I figure the more support the better, and I'll just tune out the debbie downers. Best of luck to you.

I have always had terrible, make-me-want-to-hurt-others-so-they-know-my-pain cramps. No pain relievers helped. I have a rice bag which I heat up in the microwave and alternate placing it on my stomach and my back. Not something you probably can use at work, but it helps, especially at bed time when I want to sleep. You all have me thinking about ablation, too.

It was in information my surgeon provided me both at the WL seminar and during my consultations. He did say they weren't sure why. I don't have the specific study information to hand, but I'll see if I can find it.

My surgeon doesn't do the lap band anymore, nor any of the surgeons in his practice. So my only options were sleeve or bypass. I chose bypass. It came down to two things for me: 1) Studies suggest the sleeve is less effective for women, and I wanted to maximize my potential weight loss; 2) I had pretty severe GERD before the surgery, and my doctor informed me the sleeve may make it worse, whereas the bypass may resolve it. I learned everything I could about each procedure and made the most educated decision I could for myself. Perhaps ask yourself what complicating health issues are most important to you? What potential side effects are you and are you not prepared to deal with? I had a lengthy discussion with my surgeon about my concerns before making the decision. There's no right answer here. You have to just be informed and make the decision that's best for you. Best of luck!

It was about 10 days and only with the help of Benefiber. I still have to take it every other day, even after adding in some soft veggies.

During my pre-op and full liquid phase post-op, the food that made me angry was Oscar Meyer Hard Salami. My daughter (14 and thin) and I loved to eat it in my old life. I made her leave the room to eat it. Thankfully, she was very understanding. So far the only other times I've had difficulty were at social gatherings with a variety of foods - At Church in particular, I had shared I had surgery but did not share what kind of surgery. My loving Christian companions kept offering me food, and I kept saying no. By the end of it, I was exhausted and mad. It wasn't even about the food (breakfast). I haven't been able to eat eggs since the surgery, so the thought of trying makes me green. A few weeks later and eating some solid food, I still want the salami, but it doesn't make me angry. I figure eventually the social gatherings with food won't bother me as much either. I've never enjoyed grocery shopping. My vice was always fast food with high frequency. Now I go to the grocery store every few days for fresh produce and meal planning. It still takes me a while because I'm reading labels for the first time. The variety of yogurt and low-fat this or that is insane.

I had the RNY on 04/13/15. My doctor set all the right expectations for someone who hasn't actually had the surgery. My expectations were off because my friend had her RNY in August 2014 and she was back to work in 4 days. I planned on giving myself 2 weeks. Now 3 weeks post-surgery and I'm still home. I have had severe fatigue, dizziness, nausea and trouble with hydration and Protein. I was told 64 oz of Fluid, but I've found to maximize my energy and avoid dehydration associated nausea and vomiting, I actually need 80oz per day. The first few soft things I tried did not stay down. I can't eat eggs at all. I've had no hunger at all (or cravings, yay!), so I had to pay attention to my body for other signs. My indigestion that isn't resolved with Water is my new hungry. I still haven't figured out what full feels like yet, so I eat very little. I figure it will come with time. I am starting to get some of my energy back, but I do get exhausted after just a couple hours of any activity - Church, grocery store, etc. - regardless of the intensity level. The point: Everyone is different, and no one's journey will be exactly the same. The wonderful dietitian at the clinic described the food progression as an experiment. It was a very apt description. I have had a couple of "Why did I do this?" teary-eyed moments, and I expect I'll have more. However, I wouldn't change it. Despite the fatigue, I'm already feeling better about myself. Good luck! Keep us posted, and I hope things go well for you moving forward.