Gastric Bypass Veterans - Get real with me!

[ilikecake2much 65]

Tell me about your life! How limited is your new way of eating? The fear of dumping is honestly the only thing making me lean towards the sleeve. I do think that dumping is a blessing in disguise, and part of me wants it to keep me from eating things I shouldn't. BUT my hubby said "You won't always have perfectly prepared meals for the rest of your life." And he's right. Life happens, and when it does I don't want to dump!! So please tell me what your average day looks like, tell me things that make you dump that you have to avoid. I know everyone is different, but I just want to see what your experience has been like. Thank you!!

[aelovelady 243]

I eat absolutely everything (5 1/2 months post op). I have never had dumping or vomiting ever. Small bites, chewed well eaten slowly is the way to go!

[esskay77 785]

My "good" average day:

Kashi bar and coffee for Breakfast

Hardboiled egg about an hour later

If I have time, I have a nf greek yogurt for a snack

lunch is usually some grilled chicken from the salad bar and some red onions, green peppers, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar (and sometimes a bit of olive oil)

If I remember but I usually forget: another yogurt or some cottage cheese for mid day snack

dinner is usually some chicken or ground turkey meal (turkey chili, baked chicken, sauteed chicken, chicken stir fry, that sort of thing).

Protein bar for dessert (Quest or other)

I don't dump from any of that.

If I'm cheating it may or may not get me but my symptoms are pretty mild. Some people don't get this, others get it really bad. The best thing is to eat right and you won't have to worry!

[sharowna 6]

dumping syndrome happens with eating anything too fast, eating sugar, dairy, (except cheese)and eating too much at once or too often. Like I stated, I'am 12yrs out and just recently I haven't had issues with dumping because of changing my diet. fruit smoothies sweetened with splenda or truvia is best for mornings. snack before lunch if craving, I either I eat a celery stalk w/1Tbl of PB or frozen grapes. When I need to eat lunch, I know I need a source of Protein, such as an egg scrambled w/melted cheese and a slice of whole grain toasted bread spread with another TBL PB. Now my PB is done today also because of calorie consumtion. Then generally I do not get hungry again till dinner before 6pm This is where I get my veggies, any realistic amount, and Protein, from meat and a small amout of carbs such as pots and noodles or rice. I had to be very strickt on changing my diet because of regain weight of 40lbs. Scary for me. I hope this helps some! Stay Happy, Healthy, and Safe! Sharowna

[SugarFreeMe 293]

My diet a year out is very well rounded. I eat most everything except for fried foods, greasy foods and sugary foods. I can tolerate dairy,carbs (I concentrate on good carbs) and most meats. I still have a problem with beef and pork, it's a texture thing, the tougher the meat the harder it is to break it down enough for my tummy. My husband was afraid that we wouldn't be able to eat out anymore and that's not the case. I can ALWAYS find something to eat. It's all about making the healthy food choices and finding what works for you. If you have a habit of eating sugary, fatty and greasy foods the bypass will help you to stay away from these things. If you think you can do that on your own, go with the sleeve. Remember though that eating these things is most likely why you are where you are. For me that's why I picked RNY, I was honest enough with myself to know I needed the strongest tool in the shed.

[Wallflower7522 328]

I'm 13 months out. I can eat almost anything. If I eat something too sugary I will have dumping. But it's just some intestinal discomfort. I never throw up or have diarrhea. The last few months I've had some issues with milk but if I get lactose free milk I'm ok. My life is pretty normal now I just eat smaller portions, try to watch my carb intake, and go to the gym and yoga.

[wildGoose 207]

My biggest problem has been that my muscles have a hard time adjusting to the weight loss. I now have a physical therapist. We do lots of stretching and exercises in a very warm pool. It is helping.

Stomach remains very sensitive.

[angelface811 100]

Once you are healed and able to progress to normal foods you have countless options in regards to food. The key is proper education on nutrition before having surgery and not trying to "wing it" after surgery. Suggested post-operative eating after surgery in regards to all bariatric surgery is the same. Just because you have the RNY doesn't guarantee you will have dumping syndrome. There is a percentage of patients that will ingest sugary and/or fried foods and will not experience the syndrome.

Unfortunately, many patients think dumping syndrome is simply having immediate diarrhea after eating. Diarrhea is only one of the potential symptoms of dumping. Other symptoms of dumping can be abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, hot flashes, feeling faint, confusion. Reference the mayo Clinic's website they have a great description.

In addition some patients have reported dumping after eating certain fruits. I am one of them. After all fruit does have fructose a.k.a sugar in it. The truth of the matter is until we have our surgeries whether it be the sleeve or bypass we don't know how our new bodies will react.

I know this is lengthy but another point is that some of our loved ones think we can't eat very much because we can't eat the same foods they can. So they see us as poor deprived human beings who are being punished by having this surgery. We are choosing to live a healthier lifelong lifestyle. I love to bring bariatric friendly dishes and Snacks to gatherings not just so that I will have something to eat but to show them how many yummy foods we can have. Many people end up re-gaining weight after reaching their goal because they think I've lost it so now I can partake in everything or because they thought weight was the issue when in fact it was a symptom of something they haven't dealt with emotionally. Lots of things to think about huh? I am so happy with my decision to have gastric bypass and after losing the weight I continue to educate myself and others on nutrition and coming up with new dishes. After learning how to eat I don't feel deprived...I live deliciously!

[Djmohr 6,965]

I had RNY gastric bypass in September 2014 so I am 6.5 months post op. I had a very easy recovery and can pretty much eat anything I want. Just because I can does not mean that I should.

I have never had a full on dumping syndrome episode. I have been what I would describe as uncomfortable after eating too fast, or eating too much.

I have tried all kinds of food but I typically eat very healthy at this point. I do this because it makes me feel good and my weight loss remains consistent. If I do eat things I shouldn't I find I don't lose as consistently.

My typical day:

Drink a premier Protein chocolate shake usually shortly after I wake up. This kick starts my day getting 30Grams of Protein

About 1.5 to 2 hours later I will have a Light yoplait yogurt with High Fiber, protein granola

lunch - I will always try to have some type of meat to get my protein and good carbs as in a salad or vegetables

snack - I will have some nuts, beef Jerky or cheese if dinner is going to be later in the evening or if I am feeling a bit hungry

dinner - Always have a few ounces of protein and good carbs

About once or twice a week I will have a forkful of some type of starch like potato, sweet potato or rice. I steer clear of Pasta as it is a trigger for me. This bite of starch only happens after I have eaten my protein.

I have been coached to eat two bites of protein for every one bit of good carbs (veggies/fruit)

Its funny because I never thought I would be able to stay away from sweets and now I do not even like anything sweet. Ice Cream used to be my favorite treat and I ate it probably 5 out of 7 nights, now I could honestly care less.

If I want something cold and icy, I will either get Healthy Request small individual frozen yogurts or I will actually freeze a yoplait light. I love it, get protein and am very satisfied. I have only had a frozen yogurt twice in 6.5 months. I just really don't care about dessert any longer.

[Cupcake 801]

i am 11 months post opt and i do not dump on anything, but I make sure that I eat in small amounts get my Protein, Water, and Vitamins in and I do hold myself accountable for all of my actions as I recored everything that goes into my body. Good luck and congrats on your choice on being healthy.

[going2servive 36]

With dumping I hear a lot of "it happens with sugar". Well fake sugar has caused me dumping, but cane sugar and fruit has never bothered me. I eat pretty natural but have tried nearly everything. Anything with grease, butter or oil does not sit well with me. Even if it's a single bite. Eat slow with small bites and I'm in control. Word to the wise, change the way you think before surgery. I've seen so many people fail around me because they don't change the way they think before hand. This isn't a temporary change, it's a forever change in the way you eat and perceived food. Eat to live, not live to eat.