Would Appreciate Advice

[Estrellita 6]

Hi All!

I'm blesed to discover this site. I just had surgery July 8th. I can't complain because my wounds are healing well, and overall I feel strong. I know I'm ok, but can't help to freak out at all the new sensations my body is experiencing. I'd like to know if anyone shared my experiences and how you handled it. I'll see my dr in two weeks, but would like to know of other patient's experiences.

To begin with, I experience lightheadedness in the morning. Not enough to feel like I'll faint, but enough to make me nervous. I try to eat no more than 30 minutes after I wake up to combat the occurence, but it still happens. Did anyone experience this? Is it still related to surgery, am I weak? Does it go away eventually?

For the first time yesterday I experienced something stuck in my esophogus. I chewed through a piece of cauliflower, but guess not enough. It was one of the most unpleasant, frightening, nervewrecking experiences. I ddin't know if I'd vomit it, if it pass, or just stay there. Drinking Water didn't help much. I know we have to chew thoroughly, and thought I did. Will this happen often? What do you do when it happens?! Does this "stuck" sensation eventually go away with time?

I was under the impression that our esophogus wouldn't change. Yet, mine is so delicate. I need to be careful with the thickness of food, gulps of Water, I can't swallow soft gels, etc. Will this ever go away?

I'm sorry if I sound hysterical and misinformed. I thought I researched the surgery enough, but honestly wasn't prepared for my new stomach. I'm not disregarding my progress: I feel strong, sleep well, stitches healed, 18 lbs down, NO LEAKAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yet, I experience nervousness with these new sensations. I would love to hear from anyone that can shed light on this. Thanks!

[texaschick 0]

Those are all normal feelings. Take your time, chew well. Your esophogus is still healing. I found really dry food gave me that "stuck" feeling. I had to just walk it off whenever that happened.

[sleevegenie 0]

my instructions said no veggies at first, and that if i had to have brocolli or cauliflower to make sure it was cooked to death,, VERY SOFT, so i cook it to death, at first you really have to baby your new tummy, just be very careful the first 6 weeks should be softer type foods or chewed really well. I'm sure you'll do fine, just go slowly,

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

I think the lightheaded or nauseous feeling you're experiencing in the morning is a consequence of low blood sugar. It's a lot easier for it to happen in the am before Breakfast, as you had obviously been fasting all night, but it can also occur if you did a lot of exercising without eating much. I've experienced it a few times after early morning spin classes because I only had time for an apple or a yogurt on my way to the gym! I would try having some juice, gatorade, or tea with sugar as soon as you wake up - whatever you can stomach that has some sugar in it.

[Estrellita 6]

Thank you all for the advice. It makes sense that lightheadedness comes from a lack of sugar. I'll commence my days with some apple juice. Thanks for the advice! I'm so blessed to have found y'all! Best wishes.

[ImInHere 0]

I'm fairly new at this myself. I had sleeve on 06/28, have only lost 17 lbs, so you are doing great! I get the "stuck" feeling when I eat and then drink Water. Make sure you chew food completely before swallowing. Drink water w small sips. I usually get VERY tired right after a meal. I just want to lay in bed all day long.

[Donna4545 13]

Lightheadness can also be dehydration-make sure you are getting all your fluids in!

[wannalise 16]

Many of us have had the post op panic post. You are totally normal. The stuck feeling really won't be helped by Water because you are just stacking something more in your already full body. I (this will sound crazy) used to walk around with my arms above my head and that seemed to elongate things and help me out.

You will take a while to learn how to eat with the sleeve. There are loads of new sensations, listen carefully to your body and you really will get there. I was worried I would never be able to eat or be hydrated because I found it really tricky.

As for the lightheadedness I get it when I am underhydrated which is really common in the first few weeks. If you are experiencing low blood sugar try a Protein source. Drinking apple juice will cause your sugar to spike and then crash. Protein should keep you pretty level. Keep posting, odds are great that whatever thing you are experiencing someone else has too!

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

If you are experiencing low blood sugar try a Protein source. Drinking apple juice will cause your sugar to spike and then crash. Protein should keep you pretty level.

That's correct if you do not already have low blood sugar. If you have gotten to a point where you are dizzy and lightheaded, your priority is to get your BGL up as soon as possible. THEN, once you are feeling better, you follow up your juice/coke/whatever serves that purpose with something more substantial.