Trouble after surgery

[4romatl 0]

I am 3 weeks post op. I am not recovering well at all. Can anyone help please.

I am not able to eat or drink mostly anything anymore. Everything tastes so bad, I can't make myself swallow it. If I make myself drink something I just start gagging. For the past three weeks, my food intake on good days is 1 to 2 bowls of Soup for the entire day. I may not even be drinking 8 oz's of liquid a day. Of-course, I feel like I am dieing and can't do any chores. I have to go back to work in one week, and don't feel like I can even do that.

I used to love drinking Water, but even that tastes horrible (bitter). I have tried everything under the sky, nothing tastes like I can eat it.

I take one Nexium in the morning. I do feel stuff going in my mouth from my stomach when I take a nap or sleep at night. I don't feel any of that while I am eating. Does anyone know what is making me nauseous and my mouth taste so bad? Is this heart burn or reflux? Is Nexium suppose to be fixing this?

Please help, I feel so sick, I can hardly get out of bed after 3 weeks. I am really starting to get depressed.

[Eureka-C 20]

Have you talked to your doctor?

[4romatl 0]

Planning to talk to my dr. again at the next appointment (end of this week).

At the last appointment, he said something like...sure he understands how sick I feel and it is because I am not eating anything. If I start eating, I will start feeling better. The problem is, I don't know how I can start eating.

[LAN2k 18]

I had only a handful of episodes of acid reflux of the heartburn type, (what it sounds like you are describing). The PPI (Nexium) may need a dose adjustment or maybe be switched to Protonix or Acidefex (sp?). I would consult with either the surgeon who did the VSG--IMMEDIATELY or get to a good gastroenterologist or your, (if you have one, PCP--Primary Care Physician). With regard to the nausea, I had been on Reglan and for many valid reasons I switched to Zophran, (gel strips that melt on the tongue). If per chance, your on Reglan for nausea, I say stop taking it immediately it causes (in many people) extreme anxiety/panic attacks. Most importantly with regard to your repulsion towards food even Water, I KNOW what your talking about. I have been there,!!! I was even back in the ER for hydration and could hardly eat anything and to this day I still have a problem with water, bitterness, heavy feeling...I don't know what or why and it drives me batty because I know the importance of pure clean water for our bodies. I am able to tolerate one flavor, (Citrus Punch) yellow in color, of Vitamin water, (not the "Zero")-I don't eat enough to worry about a few carbohydrates and will not put artificial sweetener of any genetic/chemical modification into my body. I make each bottle into a 50/50 mix of filtered alkaline water, Kangen I get at a water store. I needed help and someone on this message board suggested I try a medication called Remeron, it is a mild antidepressant at the 30mg dosage. The great thing about it is that it works, causes no weird side effects or anxiety and stimulates the appetite--which I so desperately needed. Once I started taking it I found I was able to desire food again--the repulsion left. So I was able to eat warm cream of wheat and whisk in a scoop of vanilla whey Protein Powder, add a bit of Stevia-(natural plant extract) for sweetness and a squirt of Organic Agave nectar or Pure Organic maple syrup...some goat or almond milk and spoon by spoon slowly enjoy a morning meal. I was able to try different real foods and textures without feeling repulsed and found my way back to, although altered because of the sleeve, a more "normal" eating lifestyle. After about 2 months I was able to continue to eat on my own without the need for the Remeron. It does sound to me that you absolutely need medical intervention with a physician who will respect your needs and clearly hear what you are saying. Let us know how you proceed and if your condition improves. I know how scary it can be.

Edited August 30, 2010 by LAN2k

[wannalise 15]

I was exactly the same! I was super frustrated because I thought I was so different from everyone else. Step back and take a deep breath. Did you know that if you aren't hydrated one of the symptoms is nausea? I gagged and struggled for quite a while, I felt constantly thirsty and was super annoyed that I had quit diet coke, but couldn't even choke down Water. The best advice I received was to not worry about Protein or calories first, but to focus on my hydration. I was nervous about affecting my weight loss, but I ended up getting some gatorade and orange drink from McDonalds (hello childhood!) Getting hydrated changed the entire game for me. Obviously the best medical advice you will receive will be from your medical team, but this is what worked for me. Best of luck, honestly those first few weeks are a distant memory for me now.

Liz,

I was going to PM you earlier because I felt like I hadn't seen you in a million days! I hope things are going well for you.

Anna

[4romatl 0]

Thanks for the replies. It helped to read and get some ideas.

I have given up on fake Proteins and am trying to concentrate on getting something in my body.

Hydration is super difficult. I have tried Water, Vitamin Water, Gatorade, diet Snapple, and all sorts of other diet drinks. [i am wasting way too much money trying foods]. Everything is all sweet. And I have developed super aversion to sweet stuff. Sometimes, I can sip on a bit of Tomato juice.

Thanks again. I will see my surgeon on Wednesday and insist on him addressing this issue.

[pcindy 8]

For some reason, thick stuff goes down better than thin. I loved drinking 1/2 Arizona green iced tea (diet) with 1/2 Water, but couldn't get it down comfortably. Doc said it might be too acidic and causing my sphincter to spasm. But protien shakes and pureed Soup (love the butternut squash organic soup they sell at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods) goes down WAY easier. I can drink a mug of soup, but not vitaminwater. I agree- totally sick of the heavily artifically sweetened stuff, but I'm putting up with it for now.

In your case, hydration is a big issue. I'd get anything liquid down that you can. Don't torture yourself with Water if it doesn't agree with you. Get as much soup or juice or popsicles as you can. Pedialyte popsicles might help. Keep your doctor posted tell the practice if you feel like you need to come in sooner than your appointment. Good luck.

Edited August 31, 2010 by pcindy