RaniaOnTheRun

Hi everyone, I had my surgery on 5/2/2018 and, Alhamdulilah, I am doing very well! I have transitioned from liquids to soft foods and can tolerate nearly everything. EXCEPT DAIRY! So, after I got home, my liquid diet consisted of mainly shakes and yogurt which I had all prior to my surgery. Then, after 6-9 hours, I would have dumping syndrome. It was exasperating and confusing. I called my doctor's office, left a message, and then started doing some research online. I found a website by a surgeon in Alaska that said 90% of DS patients cannot digest dairy products with lactose. A fact that they never mentioned in the 4 nutrition classes prior to surgery. When the dietition at my surgeon's office finally called me back, she said, "Oh yes, that happens frequently to DS patients." GAH! Did you think to mention it????? Anyway, I just wanted to give a heads up to my fellow DSers that the probability of this happening is high. The good news is it is not permanent. They said dairy can be reintroduced around the 6 month mark. Which means cheese and I are not separated forever. I hope my experience is beneficial info to you. Peace and blessings be upon you. Rania

Honestly, I haven't had the foul smelling poo or farting that others have experienced. The only time I have had an issue is when I was eating dairy before I found out I was lactose intolerant. I do have Poo Pouri in my bathrooms just in case. And a travel size in my purse.

I empathize with you big time. I am a month out and I have severe food aversion. Somethings I am okay with and others make me gag. I haven't had one shake since surgery - I lost my taste for anything sweet and I shudder at the thought of drinking another one. The nutritionist at my Dr's office told me that it's normal. Have you tried biPro protein water? It's got 20g of protein and it comes in 2 flavors. It has saved me on the protein front for the days I'm not hungry. You got this, girl.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I am using goat cheese and sheep's milk cheese to get my cheese craving. I wasn't a milk drinker before so that's not a huge loss but losing Icelandia yogurt was a blow. I haven't tried the soy/nut milk alternatives yet. Best wishes!

I like ShrinkingDixieDS on YouTube. I think she is great! Hang in there and just focus on the day you have in front of you. The rest will come with patience and being kind to yourself. Day 3 was the absolute worst for me - I had a complete meltdown. I'm on day 14 now, down 15 inches and 16 pounds. It's all worth it in the end. All the best, Rania

I have been on it for two days now and it is tough. I compared it to fasting for Ramadan (which I did 2 years ago but can't for medical reasons anymore). After day 3, your body adjusts and it gets easier. It's never a complete walk in the park but it does get easier. I pound the water all day long with a caffeine free iced tea at night. We are not permitted anything carbonated. I do a BA Vanilla shake with peanut butter powder in the morning, Unjury chicken broth at lunch, a BA Ketogenix bar for an afternoon snack, chicken broth at dinner. If I am feeling a twinge after dinner when everyone in my house is eating ice cream, I'll make myself another shake for "dessert". It's about 750 calories a day.

My surgeon's group has a lot of free info on their website for bariatric patients including sample diets, education, etc. I was annoyed at first having to go to classes before I was allowed to schedule my surgery but it actually has been really great preparation for the next steps. https://www.rexbariatrics.com/ My breakfast is a Special K Egg White Omelet sandwich with a piece of Morningstar Farms sausage added to it. It keeps me full without feeling like I'm missing out. My two cents...

Hi all! I am pre-surgery and trying to get all of my crap in order but I am having a super hard time with protein shakes. I am one of those (lucky) individuals who is allergic to or cannot tolerate artificial sweeteners of nearly all varieties - this includes stevia. Monk fruit powder has been okay so far. Does anyone have any recommendations on flavored protein shakes that don't contain the usual artificial sweeteners but have enough isolate or veggie protein to be an adequate supplement? (my doctor's office nixed protein concentrates) I have done a lot of research but have only found 2 with limited flavor options. Thank you! Rania