JustAMomATX

You are doing all the right things - I’m so sorry it’s happening. Stalls suck and really are de-motivating. Good on you, though, to be in Onederland! I don’t have any magic solutions but I hear your frustration and sadness.

I’m finally feeling “normal”?? I started a stall at 3 weeks and this week (my 5th week) it FINALLY broke. Thanks to helpful advice here especially the post from @SpartanMaker describing the why’s of stalls. It was water retention...and how do I know this? Because it started at 3 weeks and also this week the volume of pee vs consumption just went to a whole new level! I should have realized something was way off with that because I was drinking the recommended amounts but not peeing nearly as much as I would prior to surgery. I also upped my protein just because 40g wasn’t cutting it so I’m really really trying for 60 now. Also, started a MiraLax every couple of days and Benefiber daily program....big help there also. All of these things have made a huge difference and I feel so much better. I, too, am making an effort to get walks in every day. I’m working on weights twice a week but I need to get with my team on that. I was told no more than lifting 5 lb weights but that seems insanely ridiculous. Also, not sure when I can resume any ab work (not that I’m begging to do planks and sit-ups....) I hear you all on the fluid intake when we can only hold so much AND there are hours around meals when we can’t drink...it’s really hard. The mathematics that it takes to keep all the timing, portions, tracking and vitamin regimens is something else! 😂😂 We all need a pat on the back for determination and perseverance - good job everyone!

YES PLEASE!! I’m going on my third week of one so I’m right there with you. I’ve been hearing “just stick with the program” which I’m doing but surely somebody has some wisdom out here!!!

I hope everything is okay….it does get better for sure. Swallowing is tough the first two weeks. Crush everything. Pills are not tolerated well. I nearly ended up in the ER over ONE gelcap. Gas and diarrhea go with the territory but it is no fun - it’s not unusual to resort to poise pads or another heavy duty pad for poop accidents. Keep us posted.

God bless you for mentioning this...I am STRUGGLING also. It sucks so badly and the fact that I’m only a little over a month out and it’s terrible does not make me feel great about the next 6 months. I appreciate all the advice here...I have Benefiber, Colace and Milk of Magnesia going over here like it’s a fire sale and I just can’t get the right combo yet to help.

This is great - thank you!!

For everyone on real food, how’s it going? I just started this week and it’s been interesting. I still find myself gravitating to soft foods but I definitely am careful about speed. I ate breakfast too fast the other day and I had a vomit moment before taking my daughter to school. The amount of food actually eaten is a ridiculously small amount - it’s so bizarre! My plan is not specific at all on what to eat so it’s a lot of trial and error….what are some of your meals like?

100% same exact thing.

I have been a MyFitnessPal user for years. It was a major factor in my previous weight loss successes and my fault for not keeping at it to maintain...but that’s another conversation. I am using it again and while it’s a little tricky to mathematically convert portions to our tiny amounts, the database is on point. I still use the free app but am considering upgrading to paid. I’ll be interested to see others’ opinions also!

Fluids are most important but the protein will happen. The one cautionary tale that I would like to share is my experience with protein powder...I was adding it to everything and not tracking at all (TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE MISTAKE)! Protein powder (in some people) can cause terrible constipation and impacted stool - unfortunately, I’m one of those people. I won’t go into graphic detail but it negatively affected my whole GI tract and I definitely uttered the words “I just want to die” at some point before we called the surgeon at 3am. I took a full day off protein, reset myself, am now diligently tracking and all is well again!

IDK what time it is where you are now but it sounds totally normal. If your protein water is 16oz then it would reasonably take 4-5 hours for that bad boy to get down the first few days. It’s the swelling. There’s not a lot of room in there for anything! My doc had me do four 1oz shots of liquid over the course of an hour. Each shot I took 4 sips every few minutes....those were some tiny tiny sips!!! You’re doing great!

I love this one. loli_lotus has it also!

Totally agree with that especially weight loss and moving through stages of food! But kellyarw95 and NewmeDC, here are a few practical things that I learned: You will be very, very tired when you get home. I don’t recall nausea (I know for sure I didn’t vomit) but the gas is for real. Walking helps and a heating pad on your back/shoulders. Take it slow and do laps in your house. I didn’t experience too much pain but definitely needed meds for the whole week mainly for the laparoscopic incisions and the largest one has some really deep internal sutures that are painful. Stay hydrated - tiny, tiny sips of Water. You can figure out Protein later but you will 100 legit not be hungry - it’s weird. Forget it if you are a side sleeper…invest in a back support pillow because you will need it. I’ve also seen that a lot of people lounge/sleep in a recliner…if I had it to do over again I would likely have invested in one. Roll out of bed holding a pillow to your tummy and letting gravity assist. Do not lift heavy things or reach for things overhead/down low. Hope that’s helpful. Good luck!

Hey there! I came to wish everyone in Oct good luck but saw your post and thought I could help answer your question! I’m nearly 3 weeks post-op and feeling *almost* back to normal but I can shed some light on the first couple of weeks. You will be very, very tired when you get home. I don’t recall nausea (I know for sure I didn’t vomit) but the gas is for real. Walking helps. Take it slow and do laps in your house. I didn’t experience too much pain (I had no narcotics) just 1000mg Tylenol, Gabapentin & Celebrex…weird combo but it worked. I needed it for the whole week mainly for the laparoscopic incisions and the largest one has some really deep internal sutures that are painful. Stay hydrated - tiny, tiny sips of water. You can figure out protein later but you will 100 legit not be hungry - it’s weird. Forget it if you are a side sleeper…invest in a back support pillow because you will need it. I’ve also seen that a lot of people lounge/sleep in a recliner…if I had it to do over again I would likely have invested in one. Roll out of bed holding a pillow to your tummy and letting gravity assist. Do not lift heavy things or reach for things overhead (I would prepare your home now anticipating no lifting/reaching). But, you will definitely be able to manage! All of these things get better and better each day - 3 weeks out seems to be the magic time when everything gets a lot easier. Sorry for the long post but I’m hoping this will be helpful!! Good luck!

You got this. You are doing it. You’ve shared so many resources/feedback for others here and you know how to handle cravings & slow downs. I repeat, you can do this!!!