Almost a year ago...

[CalamityJane 1]

In 1 month, it will have been a year since my surgery. I have gone from 286 lbs to 168 lbs. I like how I look and I feel better in some ways. However, my energy level has not improved much and I am still soooo tired. Also my pain issues have actually worsened and I cant go a day without sucking childrens liquid ibuprofen straight from the bottle! But I was hanging in there and doing ok. But for the past 2-3 weeks, I constantly belch and feel icky for 15-30 minutes after eating. Any ideas as to what may be going on? Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

[LilaNicole20 252]

I was advised to not have NSAIDs ever again. I’m not sure that ibuprofen is your best option for the pain you are experiencing. I would definitely get an appointment with your pcm to discuss other options. I have pain, too, but have been off NSAIDs for over 2 years. I have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers Danlos. Obviously, I don’t know your source of pain but there are alternatives.

[liveaboard15 1,293]

15 minutes ago, LilaNicole20 said:

I was advised to not have NSAIDs ever again. I’m not sure that ibuprofen is your best option for the pain you are experiencing. I would definitely get an appointment with your pcm to discuss other options. I have pain, too, but have been off NSAIDs for over 2 years. I have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers Danlos. Obviously, I don’t know your source of pain but there are alternatives.

same. I was told not to take any nsaids. i also have another condition called diverticulosis (pockets in the colon) and that GI doctor also said NSAIDS are bad for GI issues.

[Arabesque 7,416]

First, congratulations on your weight loss. Whoo hoo!

I too struggle with energy. A lot I think is because of my low blood pressure, lowish heart rate & random hypoglycaemic episodes. I seem to have bursts of energy & then it’s like ok have to stop now. But these aren’t really new experiences. I always had a tendency to drops in blood pressure & hypoglycaemia & they always happened more frequently when I was thinner & I’m slimmer than I’ve ever been now.

Have you spoken with your surgeon about what you’re experiencing? Where is the pain - joints, abdomen, back, …? NSAIDS, like ibuprofen, should be avoided. They’re too harsh on our much smaller stomachs & will cause irritation to your tummy & even stomach ulcers so if your pain is abdominal the daily ibuprofen could be the cause. My surgeon does allow me to have a single capsule very rarely. I go for months without taking one. I’ve only about 5 single capsules in almost 3 years & 2 were recently when my oozing discs decided to play up - so painful & physically limiting.

[Guest]

Well done on your weight loss! My surgeon said energy levels may be low until the 2 year mark. Try reducing your carbohydrates and going through the difficult process of entering ketosis as an experiment to see whether getting your energy from ketones is an improvement for you. Where is your pain? If you have joint pain in areas without much muscle covering, topical ibuprofen is excellent. You shouldn't be taking oral ibuprofen.

[Flab-U-Less Forever 140]

Have you had your Iron levels checked recently? What about Vitamin D levels? Both will cause fatigue and Vitamin D deficiency will cause muscle and bone pain. I am always vitamin D deficient and if I don't take my vitamin D pills for a while my legs hurt a lot.