theantichick

Discuss this with your surgeon. There are times when the medical needs of a particular patient require modifications to the surgeon's standard protocols. It is my understanding that caffeine is mostly problematic because it is slightly dehydrating. Some surgeons are OK with caffeine intake if the patient can offset the potential Fluid loss with extra Water intake. For example, surgeons generally agree that NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) are not allowed after VSG surgery. My surgeon agrees that the risk is outweighed by the benefit of treating my autoimmune disease, so I am allowed to take NSAIDs as needed, but I have to stay on a PPI to minimize the risk of ulcers. Every patient is different, and good surgeons can work with the individual needs.

Add a stool softener (or 2) daily. Start post ip Vitamins NOW. Both will help. Also, I've recently started adding chia seeds to my diet.... a couple teaspoons to a couple tbsp daily. They're pure fiber. If I go more than 3 days without a BM I add a gentle laxative. Have a great day! Just wanted to say about the chia seeds, if you're newly post-op please check with your doctor before eating those. Tiny seeds, especially ones that expand, can cause trouble with the incision if it's not healed enough.

Your surgeon is the best one to answer the question of which is best for you. A lot of people like the LB because it's reversible, and adjustable. However, it can slip and can erode the stomach. I also know two different people who got the LB and developed life threatening infections. That's always a potential complication for any surgery, but anytime a foreign object is being put in the body to be left there, it adds a few potential complications to the list. It was not even an option for me because of my auto-immune disease. Each person is different. My surgeon doesn't like to do them because of the complications possible, but she still does them for certain patients that meet a narrow criteria.

My surgeon and my primary doc said that it's common with a high protein diet. You can use miralax or other fiber supplements to try and up your fiber. It's also important to up your Water and your exercise. Walking in particular helps stimulate the bowel to work properly. My primary gave me a recipe for "fiber applesauce" that is 1 cup of applesauce, 1 cup of wheat bran, and 1/2 cup of prune juice. Mix it, refrigerate it, and take 1-2 tablespoons per day WITH AT LEAST 8 oz of water. She said that almost all of her patients with constipation issues can get completely off laxatives and stool softeners if they'll do that and drink LOTS of water. I can't stand the prune juice part, but am going to mix some up without that part and see if it's effective. There are carbs involved, obviously, but it shouldn't be much given you're only eating 1-2 Tbsp a day.

I'm very picky. Don't care for seafood at all. I will eat tilapia and sometimes tuna but tuna is very hit and miss. Don't eat vegetables to speak of. I have been trying all sorts of things, even if I didn't care for them before the surgery (I'm also working on the PTSD-type reactions to foods that aren't in my comfort zone with a therapist) and when I find something that works I add it to my repertoire. I'm also experimenting with Protein ball recipes and other odd ways to get unflavored Protein powder in foods - but the texture goes off for most of it, so it's very hit and miss. I'm getting protein thanks to the one flavor/brand of shake I like, cheese, chicken, the two flavors of greek yogurt I can stand, TVP (meat substitutes), Peanut Butter, Beans, ground beef dishes, pulled pork BBQ, Protein Bars, etc. It's not easy. But it's doable.

I don't think they are. I'm in several WLS groups and yes, there are complications, but nothing like reported on this site. I've been involved in many online support groups since the AOL dial-up days. People tend to join when they need things - usually information or support with issues they're facing. Once have the information they need, or their issues have subsided (or they've just learned to accommodate them), they tend to fall away as other things in their life become more important. The people who stick around long term tend to do so because they form relationships that are important to them, they feel a drive to "pay-it-forward", or they are having longer-lasting issues than the majority (or a combination of the above). So you end up with a core group of "evangelists", a group of "dissidents", and a rotating group of newbies on any board. And of course, the drama llamas and trolls, but I tend to discount them, LOL. That's why if you hang around a board for any length of time, you can predict fairly reliably who will respond to a given post, and what they will say. There are also a LOT of people who get their information needs met by their surgeon's team, have a good support group in person, and just don't have any complications to speak of. Those people never even sign on to a board like this. That's why I say if you want information about how common a complication or side effect is, talk to your surgeon. They report to agencies about that sort of thing, and they know the real numbers. Complications like nausea and vomiting are common, to be sure. But it's not common to have intractable nausea/vomiting (meaning not responding to meds). It happens, sure. But nowhere near the incidence rates one would think just reading this board. For example, when my daughter developed alopecia, we were both very active for about a year on alopecia boards and groups. As we figured out how to deal with it, got all the research information we needed, and determined there wasn't any treatment just living with it, our time got filled with other things and neither of us have been on those boards for years. When I was trying to get a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and then for a while after, I was very active on several RA/auto-immune boards and communities. Now that I have a diagnosis and am on a treatment plan, I don't have a lot of needs that the online community can meet. The deficits that I'm dealing with are fairly stable and I've had to accept them or accommodate them. Despite how it feels, boards like this are not a true cross-section or random sampling.

I agree that we shouldn't try to keep people from posting about their complications. First, they need support - especially from people who have already been through it. Second, we shouldn't be painting any surgery as a rose garden that is 100% safe and free from complications. Every surgery has risks. Some of them can be minimized and avoided, some can't. I agree that hearing many people's stories is important. I just caution that sometimes the nature of a board like this can make it seem like complications are more common than they are.

I was hooked at "replaces the crock pot and the rice cooker". LOL. Hope my hubby agrees, because I didn't consult with him!! LOL.

Oh, yeah, I guess I wasn't clear. I'm stocking up on pretty much all of the variety/sampler packs I can find, plus I got a tub each of unjury and GENEPRO unflavored. I did get a full tub of a key lime pie though because it's my absolute favorite flavor for everything, but I'll probably mostly finish it pre-op. oh, then you're fine.

Call your doc, definitely. In the meantime, how are you doing on fluids? If you're not getting enough, dehydration can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches. I'm currently struggling every day to get enough in, and fighting migraines because of it. Just had one for 3 days straight over the weekend.

Y'all convinced me. Amazon will be bringing me one by the end of the week.

Don't stock up too much. My tastes changed after surgery, and the powders I'd thought I really liked, I couldn't stand after surgery. It's good to get samplers and such beforehand so you get a general sense of what you like and don't like (couldn't stand fake strawberry before, can't stand it now) but don't buy too much. I had found a Syntrax flavor I really liked and an unjury, so I got tubs of those and some unflavored stuff. Post-op, all I could stand was Premier Protein. I suspect I'll like the powders again and if not there are some recipies I can make with them, so it's not a total loss, but if I had it to do again, I'd just order another round of samplers for after until I figured out what I did and didn't like.

This is what makes these kinds of posts so dangerous sometimes. This isn't to take away from anyone who has had legitimate medical issues post-op that have nothing to do with them making poor choices. Some people will have issues, but others will not. I can tell you that I had a practically seamless surgery and recovery. I had one little infection with the incision inside of my belly button. I took antibiotics for a week and it cleared right up. Other than that, everything has been routine. I encourage you to think about the facts. Eating and drinking, as you have known them, will change forever; you will have to follow the guidelines of your plan to be healthy and successful; any positive change in your life requires sacrifice, perseverance, and grit. If you are willing to rise to the challenge, you should be fine. Please don't let anyone's particular experience derail you from what could be a life-changing experience for YOU. Good luck. Yes, you hear more about the complications on a board like this due to its very nature. And the stories of complications stand out in your mind. I do not want to detract from the very real complications people sometimes have. I believe it's good to know what kinds of complications are possible. But do keep in mind that many, if not most, people who have the RNY or VSG have a smooth recovery with very little complications. I had nausea, but no vomiting. I'm a little over 3 months out and I had heaves for the first time Thanksgiving Day, but didn't actually throw up (and yes I ate something my sleeve didn't like, but mostly was because I was having horrible gas pains and had to drive 45 min home before I could do anything about them). I had very little pain, and a pretty fast recovery. The worst of it has been a mini-dumping kind of reaction when I eat too fast, too much, or something my sleeve doesn't like. And constipation, but I had IBS-C to start with so that didn't surprise me in the least. I also was very fatigued for about 3-4 weeks, but I have auto-immune arthritis, so it's hard to suss out what was sleeve recovery and what was auto-immune. So don't let yourself get too freaked out, and discuss your concerns with your surgeon and team. Most minor complications like nausea/vomiting and pain, they have meds to manage. Some people don't respond to the first nausea med that's tried, but there are several options, so even if you have issues, don't give up just stay in contact with your surgery team.

My instructions are to eat 5-6 small meals a day, Protein shakes can replace a meal, with my primary focus being protein and Water. I'm able to eat slightly more than 1/4 cup of food at a time, at 3 months post. What I do during the week is pack what I call my "feed bag" with easy to eat things that comprise all of my calorie allotment minus Breakfast and dinner in an insulated lunch bag. I have a notification on my phone to remind me to eat every 4 hours in case I forget (which I do frequently). When I get to feeling hungry, I pull something out and eat it. That way my total intake is measured but I don't have to worry overmuch about measuring each meal. I keep my water cup full with cold water, sometimes with flavoring to mix it up. It's at home on the weekends where I still need work. I'll completely forget to eat for most of the day, and forget to drink water.

I've been eyeing one. I just need to know what I'll use it for before I bring yet another appliance into my tiny kitchen. Let us all know how it goes!!

Mine was modified liquid (liquid plus Jello, pudding, smooth greek yogurt) for 2 weeks, then 2 weeks of adding in puree/mushies slowly, and then if that went well, adding in solid food very carefully, with the goal of full diet in 6 weeks. Each food to add was to be done by itself, in small amounts, and chewed VERY well to see how it went/stayed down.

Ditto what dairymary said. I had an extensive knee surgery and researched it extensively. One of my questions to my surgeon was about which physical therapy protocols he follows. Every doctor formulates his protocols based on his training and experience. I had the same questions for my WLS surgeon, especially since I can't do keto. I didn't want to be at odds with my surgeon and her recovery protocols. sent from mobile device

I am so sorry you're having issues. Some people have issues moving their diet along to purees/solids as early as others. When you have issues, go back to what worked for a while before trying again. If liquids are what works, stick with that for a while. Just be sure to work as hard as you can to meet your Fluid and Protein goals with protein shakes/powder. Sip-sip-sip all day long, you do have to keep your nutrients and fluids up in order to heal. Keep pressuring your medical team to stay on top of it. Sometimes nausea meds don't work or quit working, but others might still work. Ask them to change your script to something else. I hope this resolves quickly for you!!

My biggest trigger after dehydration/low blood sugar is nutrasweet/aspartame. The hops in beer or the nitrates in red wine will do me in, also. And of course, weather fronts and hormones, which I can't do much about. I'm lucky that cheese and chocolate don't trigger me.

Um, really? The nurse has absolutely no influence on the physician, and very little with the administration. While she may be wrong, she is sharing her experience in that facility. I agree that she should offer some ideas such as contacting the patient advocate or the CNO, but firing her? Really? As a nurse, I don't excuse poor behavior, but firing over this? I don't think so. Yep really! It's my opinion and I feel strongly that no patient should Ever be mad to feel like they have no options. Clearly that facility does not make the patient a priority. I certainly agree that patients should be given every option available, and the patient's well-being should be the top priority. I just think it's a little harsh to say the nurse should lose her livelihood over something she has little control over. Re-educated, yes. Fired, no. Of course, that's just my opinion.

There are a multitude of reasons people choose not to eat meat, or certain kinds of meat, and all are valid. She stated that she is a pescatarian, which means she eats fish. She may also be lacto-ovo which would mean she drinks milk and eats eggs. But even if she's not lacto-ovo, I don't think we should be trying to convince her to eat meat when she has religious/moral/health reasons for not. I am no longer vegetarian, but was raised that way for religious reasons (we were lacto/ovo/pescatarian in practice) and I can assure you that there are MANY ways to get plenty of protein without eating meat. There are a number of high protein foods that are not animal-based. http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4771/10-Vegan-Sources-of-Protein.html To the OP: I have been trying to find meal planning help with my own food issues, and have found that in general the options are not very good. There's tons of recipe ideas here in the recipe section and on Pinterest, but not a lot of information about how to plan meals especially if you're planning to do once-a-week or once-a-month cooking. There are resources for OAW/OAM cooking, but it's with their recipes and doesn't offer a lot of insight as to how to put your own recipes in place of theirs. If you search once-a-week or once-a-month cooking, and read enough of the books/resources, there are basic principles you can apply. Like which kinds of food freeze well, which are good for make-ahead, etc. I personally have found it very hard to implement from scratch. But if you dig enough you can find them. I will offer that if you're doing low-carb, you shouldn't worry overmuch about fat. The concept of low-carb requires a higher fat content than in a "normal" diet. I wouldn't go overboard, but since you don't eat red meat, your fat options are going to tend to be the "healthy" fats, so I really wouldn't worry much about that. Also, I advise getting some clarification around "only 3 meals" a day. Post-op, your intake at a sitting will be so little that I don't believe only allowing 3 meals a day is wise. My instructions are to eat every 3-4 hours. Many of the people here who have 3 meals only as instructions, were allowed 2-3 Protein Drinks outside of those 3 meals as "snacks". Others are told 3 meals with 2 or 3 low calorie high protein Snacks. Good luck! If I remember when I get home (feel free to PM me to remind me) I can post some of the OAW/OAM resources I've found.

Um, really? The nurse has absolutely no influence on the physician, and very little with the administration. While she may be wrong, she is sharing her experience in that facility. I agree that she should offer some ideas such as contacting the patient advocate or the CNO, but firing her? Really? As a nurse, I don't excuse poor behavior, but firing over this? I don't think so.

Sleeve patients don't have malabsorption, so they don't necessarily need Vitamins for life (though it's suggested for micronutrients), and they don't typically have nausea/vomiting/diarrhea past the first few weeks post-op. The risk for clots is the same for any surgery, and leaks are very rare. So she's badly misinformed. Also, just FYI, most doctor's offices don't actually employ registered nurses anymore (though there are a few that still do), so there's a good chance the "nurse" you're talking to is actually a medical assistant. While I don't want to dis MA's, they are absolutely critical to keeping patient flow going in a doctor's office, they are NOT registered nurses, and their training is limited to taking vital signs and a few other tasks they do in a doctor's office. So next time, ask her what her credentials are. Not that having an RN makes what she's saying OK, because it's wrong regardless, but it might help your perspective of where she's coming from, or give you ammunition to shut her down if that's what you want to do. I address a lot of this kind of crap in my post http://www.theantichick.com/2016/08/05/the-easy-way-out/ Bottom line, if diet/exercise worked even 50% of the time, they might have an argument. But the data tells a different story. I have no issue telling people to educate themselves before they start lecturing me about what to do with my body. My medical team and I came to a decision about what was the best option for me, and everyone else needs to respect that. If someone has a genuine concern or information, I'm happy to listen, but I don't tolerate people telling me I'm making the wrong call based on bad information. Good luck to you!!!

I advise involving an attorney as an absolute last resort while he's still in the hospital. There are 1,000 ways the staff can make life harder for you all if it becomes known that you're threatening a lawsuit. Lawsuits are about money after the fact, and take a long time to work through the system. You don't need that while you're still dealing with the health concerns. As others have said, there should be a patient advocate in the hospital. If not, contact the chief nursing officer and the chief medical officer (administrative offices for both). Or the chaplain's office, they often handle patient advocacy issues if there's no designated advocacy person. There should also be an ethics board at the hospital. Unfortunately, your nursing staff are not able to do anything, this is something that has to be dealt with within the physician level. They should have already involved another GI doc - doesn't have to be a bariatric specialist, once the surgery is done any competent gastro should be able to help figure out what's going on. You should also have an infectious disease specialist on the team at this point since he's had c.diff as well as an intensivist. Others are right that it would be hard to transfer him elsewhere, you'd have to get a doctor at the receiving hospital to accept him as a patient. The only other way I know of to force a hospital transfer is to check out AMA (against medical advice) and then go to the county hospital's ER, or if you have good insurance a different hospital that's in network. But then you're playing roulette with what doc you'll get at the new place. I would start with a patient advocate, and escalate to the chief nursing and medical officers and see what you can get done before getting an attorney or threatening a lawsuit.