Post-op Ketosis

[TerraCorrupt 1]

I recently had my gastric bypass surgery. And when I say recently, I mean, just a few days ago. Dr. Davis said it went off without a hitch, but I know that while I was coming out of the anesthesia, I had a violent reaction and tried fighting someone. I also had an incredible amount of pain. Evidently, Morphine doesn't do anything for me.

I was released from the hospital yesterday (Friday, Sept 25), and haven't been able to stomach much on the full-liquid diet. Prior to surgery, I was on a high protien, low carbohydrate liquid diet with the intent of inducing ketosis. I never went into it, but I lost weight, so my surgeon said it was alright.

However, post-op, I've discovered that I'm heavily into ketosis. The chemical reaction on the ketostick is almost instantaneously red (heavy) with it turning to purple (heavier) after 15 seconds. It's only been a couple of days, and I'm trying to get to a point where I can eat. How long should I allow the heavy ketosis to continue before contacting the doctor with my concerns? My first post-op appointment with Dr. Davis is Oct 1.

[James Marusek 5,244]

Ketostick! Why are you focused on ketosis? Yes you are probably in ketosis but that's probably good.

After surgery, the most important requirements (critical requirements) are meeting your daily Protein, Fluid and Vitamin requirements. food is secondary. This is because your body is converting your stored fat into the energy that drives your body. Thus you lose weight. Don't worry you will not die of starvation.

After surgery your body will be in a major heal mode. It is common for people to be unable to meet their daily requirements during the first few days after surgery. But you should keep trying and you will get there.

Protein is very important. Normally this requirement is met by consuming Protein shakes. They taste terrible but it is important to find one that you can tolerate. So experiment. For me I found that Muscle Milk Light (vanilla Creme) powder blended with Water worked well.

[TerraCorrupt 1]

I think what I'm ultimately worried about is the ketsosis turning into ketoacidosis. But I wasn't diabetic before the surgery, so it probably won't happen. I think you're right, in that I just need to worry about making sure I get as much of my daily requirements in for protient and Water. It has been nearly impossible to even get close, even with the protien shakes.

I use the Bariatric Advantage protien powder. I've noticed the vanilla is excellent with just Water, but the orange cream tastest better with half-milk, half-water. I'm experimenting with different protien powders at this point to try and get it all in, since yesterday was abysmal. All I can do is do better with each successive day.

Thanks for replying and putting my fears to rest, James.

[James Marusek 5,244]

It sounds like you already found a good Protein shake that is agreeable to your system. One of the problems that I experienced after surgery was that I became lactose intolerant for about 2 months after surgery. So anytime I drank milk, I had immediate pain in my stomach and then diarrhea. So it sounds like you are lucky at least in this area.

[Djmohr 6,965]

Yup, I am with James on this. Focus on Protein and liquids and do not worry about Ketosis.

This is the first time I have heard of a doctor having someone focus on it. The reality is if you follow the low Protein, low carb diet you will be in Ketosis for a while and it will only help your weight loss.

My surgeon had me eating good carbs with protein since the very beginning. He and my nut are all about a balanced diet with a heavy

Focus to hit my minimum protein goals.

My carbs come from vegetables and fruits although I was not allowed fruit until I entered the soft food stage which was 4 weeks post op.

[TerraCorrupt 1]

It wasn't the doctor that asked me to keep an eye on it. I just tend to pick something and focus on it almost obsessively. Sometimes I pick up on the smallest detail, rather than something which would be a more beneficial for me to focus on. For instance, now I'm trying to focus on how much protien and Water I get. It's easier to get the Water in, than the protien. But I'm working on that.

[beachgal2935 596]

@@TerraCorrupt I've never used the ketone sticks post-surgery and I was diabetic for 10+ years! Everyone is spot-on, focus on meeting your Protein and Water goals. I had no problem getting in 60 grams by my 3rd day post-op. A great way to meet both of those goals at one time is adding Protein2-0 Water to your regime. You get 15g of Protein in 16 oz. of water - way cool!!! Sometimes I like to kick them up a notch by adding flavored liquid Stevia. I don't care for protein powders so Premier Protein ready-to-drink shakes are my favorite but these waters are a really good alternative when you need something different. You can go to their website and put in your zip code to find out where they sell them in your area. You can order them on Amazon but I found them on sale locally for only $1.49 each. Best of luck to you on this amazing journey

[drmeow 323]

The ketosis sticks are not that accurate. The more dehydrated you are, the darker they will read. So likely it's just dehydration rather than being heavily into ketosis. Conversely, you can be very ketotic but drinking a ton of Water and they will read light or not at all. The ketones just get diluted in the urine. If you really *need* to focus on ketones, there are a couple of blood sugar monitors that also do ketones (the sticks are $$$ though) - I used one while doing Atkins just to check in once in awhile.

And being in ketosis has nothing to do with going into ketoacidosis, despite the fact that many doctors and nurses confuse the two. Different situation, different type of ketone.