Montana Girl

I just felt so grateful that I was able to have the surgery and start feeling hopeful about my future. I am three months out. Feeling overall GREAT... so much better than the last several years! Food is not really easy... lots of things I can't tolerate or have no appetite for, but I have found a protein drink I really like (Premier Protein) and I feel so encouraged by the weight loss and HEALTH GAINS that the food is nearly meaningless at this point. EVERYTHING is better than it used to be. Exercise doesn't hurt anymore... it actually feels good. Going to the doctor is no longer something I dread and feel ashamed about... now everyone notices my improved health and has encouraging things to say. My first few weeks post-op were not really too bad. Had a lot of trips to the bathroom but after 5 or 6 weeks that leveled out. It helped a lot to have the support of my family and closest friends. A few months before surgery I decided to "come out" and let some people know that I was planning for bariatric surgery. I did it out of state so I could have hidden it if I had wanted to. But when the people who care about me found out, they were nothing but kind. It took a lot of pressure off of me, to not have to hide it. I have actually enjoyed more closeness with the people who know my "secret." It feels good to be understood and supported, and to give support to others. Not sure how I got off on that tangent, but overall, just to encourage you... your body is healing from a big surgery, but it's nothing compared to what your body went through trying to survive obesity. Things will just keep on getting better and better. Wishing you the best.

You HAVE to take your iron! Iron deficiency can be life threatening. Try ferrous gluconate instead of ferrous sulfate. Might be easier on your stomach. Or try a product called Slow-FE. It hits your system slower so it might be easier to tolerate. Talk to your doctor about getting your reflux looked at. Untreated gastric reflux can lead to esophageal cancer. Keep on taking good care of yourself.

I am ten days post-op and sooooo tired of sweet tasting things. Any ideas for savory things that will work well at this stage? What were your favorites? thanks.

My BCBS plan, offered by the hospital I work for, has a blanket exclusion for all bariatric procedures. I fought the denial, with letters from my doctors and other documentation. Even the CEO of the hospital told me that exceptions could be made. They denied again, in spite of multiple comorbidities. I met all the criteria for needing the surgery. I went ahead and took an emergency withdrawal from my husband's pension. This was maddening, as I have been working and insured for my entire life (I'm 54) and the ONE thing I need to save my life, was denied. With no other options, I had the surgery and paid cash. I'm 3 weeks out now and have no regrets. I do plan to pursue further appeals, but I had to get healthy first. It's quite discriminatory to refuse coverage for bariatric surgery. Could even be illegal. Will contact the ASBMS for further guidance. Don't put it off if you need the surgery.

Check your B Vitamin levels... classic for some types of vitamin deficiencies.

I think the textbook correct answer would be to have another sleep study. Wait until your weight loss has been at least to the point you were when you were diagnosed (or first became symptomatic) with OSA. It's an expensive study so you don't want to do it too soon. When your numbers normalize without CPAP, you can be sure you may safely discontinue.

Sorry to hear how rough it has been. As a medical professional, as well as being 10 days post-op myself, I can tell you that surgery takes A LOT out of you emotionally as well as physically. While your day-to-day physical recovery needs are very pressing, and you do need to keep attempting to hydrate and keep your blood chemistry afloat, you are trying to cope with a new stomach (and lots of surgical wounds) while out of your routine. You can't eat as usual, you aren't out socializing or at work like you usually would be. Your routines are messed up. Daytime TV is simply awful. You are worried about your complications, You have a big giant "to do" list which includes drinking Water, sipping every 5 minutes, meeting your Protein goals, walk every hour, start your Vitamin supplements, rebuild your life. You are tapped dry. Depleted emotionally and physically. It probably took all the life energy you had just to get yourself to surgery. Now there's more required of you. My kind advice is to give yourself a break. Don't panic. Call on your doctor for advice and DO WHAT HE TELLS YOU! Don't be afraid of a day in the ER getting a couple bags of IV fluids. It will help tremendously and buy you some time back at home to keep healing and trying to get your fluids going again. You will get well. Everything seems like a giant mountain to climb right now, it's pretty normal to feel discouraged. Have faith... things will get better. Hoping for the best for you.