topgun

Nutritional deficiencies can manifest themselves in may ways and emotional problems can be one of them. Make sure you are keeping pace with your body demands for fluids and protein and make sure you're taking in enough calories to fuel yourself, too.

I was just going to post a similar question but I read this and thought I'd just tag along. I'm 5 weeks out with the same symptoms plus very tired and lacking energy. I know it's not hydration or protein and my labs all came back 10 days ago and they were spot on. From week 3 to week 5 I felt absolutely great and then this happened. Any ideas?

You're doing the right thing by stepping back to liquids until your sleeve can tolerate more. You are having too much nausea, tho, I think. I'm afraid you will dehydrate moreso than anything. Maybe a call or visit to your doctor is in order? Hope you feel better!

I second this one. Too early for a long trip and once you start you can't go back.

You're in the very worst part of the post op pain. Insist on enough pain meds... you don;t need to be a hero, just comfortable. Better living through chemistry, right? I'm not trying to be funny at your expense. You will be dramatically better by tomorrow and even better the day after that. Hang in there, you'll be fine.

You're still recuperating from major surgery. 10 days out is still in the ealry stages of recuperation so being pale shouldn't be alarming unless you have other symptoms. If you're concerned you should call your doctor, that's why they get the big bucks! I hope all is well.

Yep.... that's it.

I did, if I needed to, but I actually preferred being driven just in case something happened. I don't think there's a problem with driving as long as you personally feel alert and able to drive.

We've all been through it and, you're right, it's awful. That'll teach us to eat, huh?

I have intermittent recurring bouts of nausea that eventually pass with time. The early post op stages are very inconsistent and they vary with every case, that's why it is so important to learn your sleeve and do what is least objectionable to it. If something doesn't set well with you then stay away from it for a while. Anything new that you try should be tried in very small quantities to see if your sleeve can handle it. I know it's frustrating but it's part of the package deal that we are dealt. And yes, I am amazed, too, at how we can even survive on so little nutrition. The most important thing for you right now is fluids so that you stay hydrated. Your body has a reserve stored of nutrients, but not of fluids. If you can drink milk, that's a plus because it will help hydrate and it's high in protein, too. You'll get through this phase because that's all it is... a phase. Best of luck.

Better to get infused with fluids than let yourself get seriously dehydrated. Don't take chances... if you think you're dehydrated, ask for help. You'll be miserable if you don't and it can be life-threatening if left untreated.

I had pretty much the same problem. Luckily I have some Ambien that I use as needed. I don;t know what I could recommend for you.

Why not?? I'd stay away from nutty types and stick w/ just flavors, tho.

Expect a significant loss in energy for about the first 3 weeks after surgery. After that it improves dramatically.

I'm almost 5 weeks post op and I'm looking forward to the day I can eat 1/2 cup of food at a meal without feeling horrible. The 2 strawberries probably would have filled me up (and I say that from experience!).

Why do you have to give it up? Some of it, yes, but not all of it. You'll just be eating less of it, that's all. There is a life after surgery, after all!

I was only a few weeks out (3, I think) and I was able to eat mushroom chicken and that sort of satisfied my Chinese craving for the moment. At least it was something! I had a tendency to test my sleeve too early on, though, and it led to some pretty uncomfortable moments. I know, now, pretty much when to stop eating and I'm a happier man for it. You are probably in the soft foods segment of the post-op eating plan so if you choose your foods wisely and stick close to the plan you can diversify your menu a bit, you just can't eat a lot of anything. If you're trying new foods, take it slow and easy by only tasting a small bite and seeing if your sleeve can tolerate it.

My Dr. said to get in 1200-1300 per day but I can't seem to get there. I'm usually at or below 1000 per day, sometimes as low as 600. I would think if you stayed at 600 you'd be inviting a stall because your body will go into starvation mode.

EVERYBODY goes through the "OMG what am I doing" stage! After surgery, hunger won't be a problem and binges will be out of the question. With those tools to work with, it will be easier to make the lifestyle changes that otherwise are so difficult to make. You'll make it!

Hmmmm...... baked cod with roasted asparagus and broccoli. Delish!

I pretty much tested a lot of different foods when I was at your stage and found I could tolerate more than just pureed foods. Don't stray too far from very soft, mushy stuff and don't sample anything in quantities of more than a tbsp or so in case your sleeve rebels. Your sleeve will tell you what it can and can't tolerate. Eating real food is one thing, but you'll never be able to eat "real quantity" like you used to enjoy. I've developed a sort of "what the heck" attitude about food because I eat such small portions. Food is just not a big priority anymore and a big, juicy steak is not in the foreseeable future for me, ever. Sigh...... BUT meeting my weight goal is finally just around the corner. 6 more pounds and I will no longer be considered obese!

Are your weight gains the fault of the band or your fault for not following the program? The band has been successful for some and there are people out there who swear by them (as opposed to swearing AT them). Fix whatever is broken so, if it's the band's fault, then go for the revision. If your eating habits are the problem, then why undergo surgery? Even with the VSG, you have to make it work... it won't do it all by itself. Best of luck on whatever you decide.

I haven't found any source of protein that I really like. I have chosen to go with the Body Fortress protein shots at Wal Mart. They'e less than 3 ozs of stuff I don't like instead of having to drink 11-13 ozs of something I equally dislike. The lesser of 2 evils, as it were.

I'm taking 1 Bariatric Advantage every day even though they say to take 2. Their potency is so high that one tab pretty much satisfies the minimum requirement. My doc said that's fine. I also take 1 sub lingual B12 3x weekly and an occasional calcium chew. That's about it and my labs so far have been spot on.

There's something just unnatural about pureed foods. I'm sorry, but pureed anything doesn't taste "right." I pretty much stuck with a liquid diet thru this stage because I couldn't find anything pureed that was worth eating. Can I interest you in a very slightly used blender????