One Month Post Op-Is it just me?

[Rebuilding the Temple 8]

I am one month post sleeve tomorow. It has been harder than I anticipated. It has been an extremely isolative process. I had to go back in for 4d after the surgery for minor (mostly preventable) complications. From the surgery on 4/11 to 5/1 I was drinking maybe 20-30 ounces a day (that's being generous). I was taking about half my Vitamins and eating maybe 3-4 ounces a day of the program recommended 6 ounces per dy. Popscicles have been my best friend. I couldn't get enough Protein, barely 8oz. I had to be put on infusion week 3. Now at week 4, after the infusion of Fluid and vitamins, I feel relatively normal. I drink Water when I wake and take my vitamins. Then I drink close to a complete Protein Shake. By 10 or 11 I can maybe tolerate something to eat. I got VERY conflicting info about what constitutes puree. The surgeon said if I can mash it with a plastic fork it's ok so I have been going by that which has widened the availability of foods I have eaten. I've had oatmeal made with a little butter and skim milk (very liquidy), carrot Pasta (with tomatoe sauce until I realized no tomotoes on my list opps), pureed chicken salad, chicken with zuchini pasta and alfredo (until I realized alfredo even homemade isn't on the list), all kinds of mashed well chewed fruits, tons of yogurt (not light because I don't eat artifical sweetners) and soups/broths. I haven't been nauseous nor have I thrown up (though my carrot pasta and eggplant no sauce dinner just now gave me cause for concern). I do get hungry mid-day and evening, my sugar seems to drop because by hungry I mean hangry, otherwise I'm fine. I do think about food, food prep and what I can or sometimes sadly what I can't eat. I am probably grieving a little. I have an extremely strong faith so I stay positive. I have lost 30lb from my highest and 23 since surgery day-I can't see it which makes me a little sad. I am extremely self conscious and wear mostly my bigger clothes. Now for anyone who is still reading this extremely I know long post, is my experience similar to anyone!?! Mostly referring to the food as I am not certain if I am eating the right things and since the infusion I haven't spoken to the dietician because they said focus on the protein so I have and now I get at least 40g a day not including the 3 Proteins I eat a day. Also the sense that I haven't really lost. I know what the scale says but that doesn't connect with my brain. Also I still can't get enough water which is odd because I LOVED ice cold plain water pre-surgery but now the gurgling sound it makes and the way it feels going down grosses me out. Also the only thing cold I can tolerate is popsicles . All of that to say.... any logistical insight anyone can give great. Mostly it just feels good to get all of this off my chest because I haven't talked to many other bariatric patients (missed the support group with readmit and infusion). If you read all this wew God bless you!

Edited May 9, 2018 by Rebuilding the Temple

[allwet 868]

The Pasta carbs will spike blood sugar and cause you to be hungry as the blood sugar crashes back down a few hours later. try to limit simple carbs and watch out for the sugars every time you eat sugars you can cause that hunger a few hours later as your blood sugar level does a roller coaster.

good luck and work on that Water intake. dehydration can mask as hunger when all you need is more water.

[baribetty 165]

I’m sorry you are going through this. I am only a week out and have had moments of sadness, and surprise at the difficulty. I don’t feel like I’m far enough out to give you any advice but I wish you the best.
How did you know something was wrong when you ended up being readmitted? What were the signs?


HW 289
SW 262
CW ?
VSG 5/2/18 [emoji92]
Kaiser, Ontario - Dr. Chin

[Rebuilding the Temple 8]

Severe pain in my chest. Turns out I didn’t notice (3 days post op and still doped up on Percs) I was supposed to tak Prilosec). Severe abdominal pain caused by damage to the nerves, apparently common and resolved with a nerve block. Fever and chills probably needing fluids which they gave me. Good luck I think my issues have been the exception not the rule:)

On 5/9/2018 at 2:01 AM, allwet said:

The Pasta carbs will spike blood sugar and cause you to be hungry as the blood sugar crashes back down a few hours later. try to limit simple carbs and watch out for the sugars every time you eat sugars you can cause that hunger a few hours later as your blood sugar level does a roller coaster.

good luck and work on that Water intake. dehydration can mask as hunger when all you need is more Water.

I only eat veggie Pasta aka carrot or zucchini spirals. It’s purely made by spiraling a long vegetable. No carbs low in sugar no different than eating a well cooked soft carrot. I haven’t made enriched pasta in probably 20 years. The water thing is very very true. Trying to do better. Any tips on how? I’m getting down as much as I feel physically able to.

[allwet 868]

34 minutes ago, Rebuilding the Temple said:

The Water thing is very very true. Trying to do better. Any tips on how?

Just try to always have a water near at hand. You need to be able to see and grab it and get a swallow as often as you can. Just try to make getting another sip real easy.

[Frustr8 7,886]

I think I am proud to be a Temple of the Lord🌈 if I didn't feel like a shaky tin-roffed leanto shack in the morning because of arthritis💦😟

[J San 1,071]

Still pre op but from reading A LOT on this site I don't think the Fluid intake has to be all Water. Maybe try flavoring the water with something. I know you said you don't intake the artificial sweeteners but what about something with Stevia, is that considered a natural sweetener being it's from a plant? I think so. I'm sure this was no help at all but good luck.

[Lovemickeymouse 39]

I never thought about it before but the gurgling sounds when drinking grosses me out too.

[EsoKev 94]

Make some Protein Shake popsicles of your own. This was suggested by my surgeon as they found that some people have dramatically different tolerances to taste, texture, etc. after surgery. Get creative! You can do this. You may need to try some things to get all the fluids/protein in. I think what you are experiencing regarding the scale is normal, but I also STRONGLY urge you to connect with a mental health provider. Don't let it slide.

[Rebuilding the Temple 8]

Good suggestions and thanks for the encouragement! I am a mental health provider lol but I definitely need a support group! Thank you:)

[t1018ross 116]

I'm 7 days post-op and having a hard time getting Protein and Water down too. Just found a Protein Shake I like yesterday (Unjury classic chocolate with 8 oz skim milk). Have only managed to get in about 1 and a half servings per day though. The most protein intake per day I've had is around 30g. And the most water per day I've had is 32 oz. I'm trying but it hurts. Every time I take a sip of something my stomach cramps up and gurgles. I'm exhausted because I can't get enough protein in. Had no idea it would be this hard. Good luck to you and I hope it gets easier for both of us!

[millerla4 48]

I am 1 year post op and still only drink roughly 24 oz a day. All of my labs come back normal so the Dr. Stated that is what my body is use to. I have never been a big drinker even before the surgery. Never been dehydrated or been re-admitted for fluids. Keep doing the popsicles if it works for you. I finally have reach my goal weight, and I am a little anal by weighing myself daily. In my head it is easier to lose a few pounds vs 5 lbs. Don't ever want my weight to get the better of me in the future. I am now up to around 1000 cal a day and stay between 60- 80 of Protein. My biggest fear is dropping below my goal weight. Which the Dr. Stated he will watch that. I do 1 hour exercise 4 times a week. I hit many plateau and had to change my exercise to trick my body which did the trick and I would start losing again. Stay positive you got this!

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

[Rebuilding the Temple 8]

@ t101ross Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so sorry for what you are going through but so grateful we can both not we aren’t alone. Despite my misgivings I have flavored my tea just a tad. I have gone back to the supper cup. I do feel a bit better. I also found the more active I am (hiked a mile Saturday) the more I am drinking but it’s not easy. God bless you!

[miss_smiles 192]

just found this post Temple, how are things going?

[Fallinfast 7]

I have a nutrininja and I take my Premier Protein add it to the 30 oz cup, I add two scoops of necter Protein and fill it with ice. I do this twice a day. That's 60 protein and 60 oz Fluid. I drink 20 oz of Water at night 30 mins after my puree. I can only handle stuff like hummus, refried Beans and mashed avocado. Usually 5 or 6 bites and done. I've only lost 4 lbs in 2 weeks so I'm fine sticking to the premier protein for now.