doreens

Good Morning There...I found, anything with sachrin, sorbitol, and many other sugar substitutes give me bad loose stools. Once, I switched over to low sugar products the problem subsided. I'm able to handle anything with only 5g of sugar. Its not a whole lot. I guess, I have to stay more intuned with my body. I'm not able to handle too many different kinds of meat either. My stomach rumbles so loud, that my Shi-Zu leaves the room...lol

I'm 2 months post-op. May 8th 2014, I tried some Green Tea, and it was not sugar free. I broke out into such a sweat, that my whole body was wet. My heart was pounding like I was on a treadmill. I started to pass out, and shaking. I felt very weak and tired. I had to go outside to cool down. I felt much better about 1 hour later. I think I'm staying away from anything sweet for quite awhile. It looks and sounds like it was dumping syndrome according to other posts. Has anyone else experienced this? How are you handling it now? I'm afraid to go out and eat.

I definitely have what I call "dumping syndrome," as it mirrors my sister's dumping syndrome (she had gastric bypass). I had a few sips of a frozen, sweet coffee drink (a pre-op favorite of mine with probably 1000 calories), and felt the symptoms of nausea, hot/cold/clammy alternating, general weakness, and a desperate feeling that something was wrong. I am not lactose intolerant nor diabetic (and I wasn't pre-surgery, either). The symptoms subsided in probably 30 minutes, but it was a horrid feeling.
I've had it before, too, when I ate some sugar-sweetened Greek yogurt (the Oikos caramel flavor)--again, same symptoms of nausea, heart racing, hot/cold/clammy, weakness, and that feeling that something was horribly wrong. Same thing when I ate 1/2 a small piece of shortbread (so I know it's not dairy only that does it). LOL You'd think I'd have stopped trying stupid things by now!!! And actually, I have, because these few episodes were horrible enough that I know my sleeve just doesn't like certain sugary foods. fruit doesn't cause the same symptoms, happily, but I haven't tried fruit juice since right after surgery, as I'm afraid it would be too sweet and cause the yucky symptoms.
So I don't know if that's officially "dumping syndrome," but it feels awful, and whatever it is, I'm going to try to avoid it at all costs. Not a big deal, really, and I'm sort of happy that my sleeve is restricting me that way, too--sugar is just not my friend.

I'am 6-wks. post-op. I had the Gastric Sleeve. I found by taking small sips, helped imensely with that weird feeling and growling. When I eat something, after the first belch, I stop eating and I'm satisfied at that point. I'm down 34 lbs. It sure does feel great, to finally see the scales move down, instead of up. Every day is better and better.

While most of us knew all about the physical side of Weight Loss Surgery, many people have no idea about the emotional ride they're about to face. This article discusses all aspects of the "emotional roller coaster" from the moment you first decide on having bariatric surgery all the way up to the maintenance phase of your weight loss. It's a wild ride baby!


When was the last time you were on a roller coaster? If you’re like me, it’s been a while. In fact, the last time I was on a roller coaster I was 310 lbs and could barely fit into the seat. The restraint almost didn't go around my tummy. I was squeezed in like Cinderella’s step-sister’s foot must have tried to squeeze into that tiny shoe. Yep. I was Drizella’s foot and the coaster seat was the glass slipper. I’m sure it was a comical, if not sad and pathetic site, for those around me. It was embarrassing to me, to say the very least. But I laughed it off and went on, as I tended to do.
That roller coaster was a wild ride. It had huge climbs, steep drops, loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and at one point it feels like you’re lying on your side. Honestly, it’s a wonder I stayed in the coaster even with the restraint!! The end of the ride was abrupt - it felt like my insides were coming out of my mouth when it stopped short back at the beginning of the track. When it was over, I felt accomplished, in a way. I’d survived that coaster ride, wild and uncomfortable as it was.
Many people don’t realize that life before, during, and after weight loss surgery becomes a roller-coaster ride of it’s own. It has the huge climbs of elation and joy and excitement, the steep drops into anxiety and depression, and the loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and lying on your side moments of uncertainty, worry, and fear. Here are some of the emotional dealings that will occur before, during, and after surgery that you might not know.
1. Pre-Surgery Elation. This happens when you are finally approved for surgery. It’s going to be a reality! You are going to get a brand new lease on life! The period of life where you are having to go through diet after diet is finally coming to an end! You might tell everyone you know or you might decide to keep your secret to yourself. Regardless, you are excited and ready to go!
2. Pre-Surgery Blues. This is when you realize that you are going to have to say good-bye to one of your best friends ... food. You come to the realization that there are some favorites that you are just not going to be able to eat anymore. Depression sets in slightly, and you might even go on a food bender - similar to what an addict might do. At this point you might even question your decision to go through surgery.
3. Day of Surgery. You’re going to be going through a myriad of emotions during this time. You’ll feel excitement, anxiety, apprehension, and impatience all at the same time. You’ll be worried because, after all, it is a major surgery you’re about to go through. But at the same time, you’ll be excited at what’s about to happen. When you wake up from anesthesia, you might be scared, especially if you’re having a rough transition out of anesthesia. You might be a little confused, wondering where you are. When your body settles down a bit and you remember where you are and what just happened, you might feel a little concerned. "Did everything go okay?" "Is this going to work?" "Did I just make the biggest mistake in my life?" On the other hand, you might wake up beautifully, singing the praises of your surgeon and his/her team, excited to begin your new life. These feelings and emotions will likely cycle throughout the day as you’re getting used to the idea of what just happened and your body relaxes and comes out of shock from surgery.
4. Going Home. When you’re finally released to go home, you’ll either be excited or scared. Thoughts might rush your brain like “will I be able to do this on my own?” and anxiety might set in again. You might, again, question your decision to undergo surgery, especially once the monotony of the liquid diet phases set in. The first few days might be easy, and the next might be excruciating. You’ll be in some discomfort because of incisions and if the surgeon inflated your abdomen with gas prior to surgery (commonly done in laparoscopic surgeries), and this might heighten your doubts and anxieties. You might begin to worry about issues such as leaks, slippage, or staples coming loose.
5.The first few months. You will be going through a mourning period at some point, and for some that occurs during the first few months after surgery. You no longer are able to lean on food for emotional support, so you might feel sad. You might even go through a type of “withdraw” from food, similar to what an addict might be going through their first few days in rehab. You’ll be able to eat more some days than others, and that will lead you to worry if your surgery is working or if there’s something wrong. Some days you’ll be jealous of watching everyone around you eat foods that you once loved. Others, you’ll be glad you can’t/don’t eat those things anymore. By the time you've finished all of your phases and are on to real food, you’ll be relieved and excited, and likely worried and anxious as well. Whereas before, you were relying on liquids for sustenance, now you’re on your own and have to rely on figuring your food choices out for yourself.
6. The losing phase. From the moment you leave the hospital until you reach your goal you are considered to be in the losing phase of surgery. For the purposes of this article, we’re going to call the losing phase the time period from month 3 (about the time you transition into full solids) to the point where you reach your goal. There will be many frustrations, joys, and concerns in the months ahead. Some days you’ll forget everything you were taught about nutrition and make yourself sick on something you shouldn't have eaten. Other days you’ll be 100% on track. You’ll have moments of pride and joy, and moments of shame and weakness. You’ll revel in finding out you can eat something as simple as asparagus and despair over not being able to eat rice pilaf. You’ll finally reach your “groove” point sometime during month four or five, and things begin to go well. You’ll reach a stall or two (or five ...) and wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you've messed up your new tummy. You’ll marvel over losing 10 lbs in one week. You’ll wonder why you only lost 2 lbs the next week. When your loss starts to slow down, you’ll worry that you’re not exercising enough, that you’re eating too much or too little, or worry that your surgery is beginning to fail. You’ll relax more when you are consistently losing, even if it has gone down to 1-2 lbs a week.
7. The maintenance phase. When you reach your goal weight, you will have reached what is called “maintenance”. This is the final stage that you will likely be in for the rest of your life. Here, you will change your diet slightly in order to not lose or gain any more weight. You will get frustrated a time or two - especially the first time you gain a few pounds. You will marvel at what you've lost, but are concerned with the way your body looks now. You will have loose skin, which may cause body image issues. If you’re single, you might notice more possible suitors paying more attention to you. You might fall from one addiction (food) into another (sex). You might also be tempted into other addictive substances or habits such as alcohol, cigarettes, shopping, or pornography. Alternatively, you may look back at your loss, as meaningful and inspirational. You might revel in the way your life has changed and be happier than you have ever been and be ready to branch out and help others succeed in their bariatric surgery journeys.
Tips on Riding the Roller Coaster
Knowing that these emotions are possible doesn't mean they will happen for everyone, and doesn't mean you can’t get through them. The following tips will help you stay on the road to success and prevent you from falling off the wagon and into an abyss of self-doubt and depression:
1. Support. This is the number one most important thing for WLS patients. Even more important than food is support. Support can be found at home, through friends and family, in a hospital or surgery center support group, or even online forums such as Bariatric Pal.
2. Stick to the plan. As tempting as it might be to veer off and eat something you’re not supposed to, stick with your doctor or nutritionist’s eating plan as closely as possible. This will ensure that you continue to lose steadily, decrease the length and amount of stalls you’ll experience, and will speed up the healing process.
3. Vitamins.< /strong> It sounds very cliche, but remember to take your vitamins! Focus on Iron and B Complex vitamins especially.A Vitamin deficiency can result in depression, physical weakness, and poor sleep habits.
4. Speaking of sleep ... Make sure you’re getting plenty of it! At least 8 hours a day for an adult! Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and (you guessed it!) depression!
5. Remember that “this too shall pass” ... These stages of emotional turmoil certainly won’t last forever. You’ll get over them as quickly as they overcame you. And keep in mind that each stage after surgery only lasts a short time in the grand scheme of things. Most eating phases last, at most, a month. After which you’re on to the next phase.
6. Keep a plan handy. Know that you will likely feel some unpleasant emotions or feelings and plan for them. Know what you’re going to do when you get upset, depressed, feel head hunger, or even feel physical pain from surgery. Have a list of friends to call at the drop of a hat, have a bottle of Water ready to sip on at all times, or have your doctor’s phone number on speed dial. Know that these feelings will likely happen at some point in time, and be ready to deal with them when they do.
7. Remember that everything you’re going through is completely normal and OKAY. It’s important and helpful to know that everyone goes through a stall at some point. Everyone has pain during the first couple of weeks after surgery. Everyone eats something they shouldn't at some point. Whatever it is you’re going through - someone else has likely gone through it!
8. Finally, DON’T GIVE UP! Remember that this is a journey. As the old saying goes, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” There will be ups and downs on this wild roller-coaster ride. There will be twists and turns and loop-de-loops and there will be many moments when you feel like you’re laying over on your side. But, in the end, it will all be worth it. Your health, your life, and YOU ARE WORTH IT!!

I have had some recent things in my personal life that needed to happen, but are still stressful. On top of that, the personal trainer at the gym had me WAY over do it so I am rehabbing that injury and so exercising less intensely. I don't think I am eating more, but the scale says otherwise. (I don't track and haven't since about 3-4 months post op so I am not 100% certain).
Yesterday was superbowl madness - I treated myself to some nuts and two beers - no chips, no nachos, no chili - really just some nuts and beer and i am up several pounds. I know it is just temporary but you know, sometimes i just need to vent. argghh
This all started with a particularly carb filled day a week or so ago and I think that I have just been letting carbs sneak into my world. Dang it.
In general, maintenance hasn't been that hard for me over the last year, but I am just starting "year 3" and I suspect new challenges are emerging. The key for me is constant monitoring (ie weigh daily) and immediate adjustment.
So glad I have all of you to vent to because you all would understand.

Hey everyone!
I just started this account a few minutes ago. I will have my gastric sleeve surgery tomorrow at 7 am
I'm so nervous and excited at the same time. Any advice?

I understand. Sometimes, family is the worst with the criticism. Just know that you can come here for support. We have your back. As for the naysayers, you have to become a "DUCK"! Let it slide off your back like Water to a duck! LOL!
Besides when you reach your goal, you will find, EVERYONE is going to want to be on your team then! You will have your revenge when you show your success!
Keep pressing forward! You only have one true judge and as long as you and the Man upstairs are in agreement, no one can take this away from you.

It is amazing how poorly people count.
They can't seem to count to one, that's the number of lives each of us have.
No one yet has lived for two people.
The brain in each head is supposed to control what it's body does.
We are sovereign territory which only we have the deed to.
The truth is you have to fight for your right to own your own life. Power hungry life hackers seek to have points of control in as many heads as their coercion skill allows. It is up to us to keep possession of that which is ours.
It is our life, our body, our right to our own thinking and life direction. If running my own life comes at the expense of losing the companionship of those who wish to direct my destiny by whipping me with insult and slander, it is a price that I am happily prepared to pay.

I have a similar problem with my sisters. I have two plus my mom and none of them have ever been overweight so they don't understand and they frown upon anyone who has wls which is why I haven't told them that I'm planning on having it. One of my sisters is nurse and you would think she has a better understanding then others but nope she calls it the 'easy way out' as if I haven't been trying everything.
I feel like this is something that I NEED to do for myself and I just don't their negativity to affect me. The best advice I can give is to let them know you're getting it done regardless of what they think b/c you know it's the ebt thing for you.
I hope you have other support for your journey. My husband is my support and I'm so thankful for him.
Good luck w/ everything.

So sad this happens. If people would do a little research to back up their negative comments on WLS, maybe they could understand better, why we had to make this our last resort. I'am sure many of us on here, are not proud to have had or having this surgery. But, when all other weight-loss options fail, what else are we suppose to do??? Die, at a younger age, than need be? I will be having the Sleeve done on March 6th. 2014. I'am very scared with all sorts of emotions. Easy way out? I don't think so. I want to live a Healthy Life. This is all about me....not what people are going to think.

SweetSophia, why can't you do Tomato Soup? I know your having trouble with the shakes, what brands have you tried? I really like EAS chocolate, the low carb one.

At least you can have Tomato Soup. All I can have is Protein drinks, Clear Liquids, Jello, and sugar free popsicles.
It will be over before you know it.

I have only been on my journey 1 month.. and I am so happy! Over the summer at my heavest I had not 1 but 2 braces on my ankles the pain was unbarable. I went to the physical therapist 3x a week just to move around a tiny bit. I vowed if I could walk again with out pain I would do every thing in power not to sit on the sidelines and watch my family live. I wanted to be part of life and be living the best life I could! I am only down 42lbs and a renewed chance at a better life and baby I am going to take it!!
Good luck to you and all you do!

Oh yeah, I can see and feel my bones too!

It feels like a second chance at life. It feels like starting over a brand new body. I wake up every morning and basically feel myself up to make sure its not a dream. You will feel this way too. Good luck.

I'm only 9.5 weeks post-op, just under 40 pounds gone, and it already 'feels' great!
I'm already wearing clothes I haven't worn in years. I see my clavicles!! I see veins in my wrists and ankles that I was always proud of. (I have nice dark skin so it's not like varicose veins, it's 'thin enough to access them if needed' veins.)
There's less body surface to wash in the shower and I can reach everything without all those contortions I had to make.
I already fell that I'm 'bringing sexy back' for myself and it feels great!
I used to snore and sometimes wake myself up from it. I don't think I've snored in the past six weeks.
It already feels great; I can't even imagine what 100 pounds down will feel like, but I pray I live to find out! You,too!

Two years ago I lost 45 lbs by doing a low carb high Protein diet...went from 225 to 180. I went from a size 18/20 to a size 12 in Old Navy jeans. I felt like a million bucks. I went from getting winded while walking up 1 flight of stairs, to being able to practically sprint up them without missing a beat. I could finally cross my legs! That was my favorite thing. I felt so small. When i would sit on my couch i barely took up any room and i felt so tiny!
i also didn't feel so bloated and full all the time. i went from breaking a sweat while walking on a treadmill for 5 minutes to jogging. i had energy to dance around my kitchen and take zumba classes. my husband and i even took dance classes together and it felt amazing that he could wrap his arms around me. No more huge muffin top hanging over my pants or pants cutting into my stomach. No more marks on my ankles from my socks digging into my skin. Getting out of a car? Easy peasy.
I can't wait to feel this way again!

It has been an amazing journey... I was a total JABBA...big pile of goo on the couch... plus I have RA, so I could barely move...needed a walker just to get to the bathroom! Now I can walk around like a "normal" person...I have to use a cane if I am doing a LOT of walking, so that's been awesome.
I can cross my legs, don't need the extender for the seatbelt, my steering wheel is no longer in my lap...and on and on and on...
I feel healthy, happy, and hopped up on life for the first time in "forever"!!! Best thing I EVER did for myself ... even if I never lose another pound... I feel like Tiny Tim being able to drop his crutches and take steps forward without help...that was an amazing experience for me!

How does it feel? Freaking awesome! I have more energy than when I was 20 (I'm 47), I can cross my legs either way comfortably, I can workout for an hour plus, movie theatre seats feel enormous, my thighs don't rub together when I walk, I could go on and on for hours! Hands down the best decision I have ever made for myself, my family and my health! Don't get me wrong, the "fat" person is still in my head trying to get out, but it think that struggle will always be there.

So sad this happens. If people would do a little research to back up their negative comments on WLS, maybe they could understand better, why we had to make this our last resort. I'am sure many of us on here, are not proud to have had or having this surgery. But, when all other weight-loss options fail, what else are we suppose to do??? Die, at a younger age, than need be? I will be having the Sleeve done on March 6th. 2014. I'am very scared with all sorts of emotions. Easy way out? I don't think so. I want to live a Healthy Life. This is all about me....not what people are going to think.

I'm down 78 pounds, and it feels amazing. Way more energy, move better, feel better, no longer worried about where they seat me in a restaurant (booth vs. table) or any airplane flights I have to take. Physical stamina is 3-4 times what it was before surgery.

This is a question I think only you all would understand. I will have my sleeve surgery in April. I am currently 275, my goal is 170. My question is for you post-ops. How does it FEEL to be 100 pounds lighter?
Right now, I am so uncomfortable in my body. Can hardly sit comfortable, have to grab my ankle to cross my leg, exhausted after short walks, literally pause after a flight of steps, getting out of a car? Fughitaboutit.
So, for those especially down -50 (my first big milestone) to -100 or more. How does it FEEL?
Can you describe some of these things that I've listed?
I'm really excited and happy and proud of you all.
Thanks!

I say part of losing weight brings with it all the changes and yes even social changes. It's a shame our society is so shallow but it is. Some will have friends who they feel are below them to make themselves feel superior. Others surround themselves with the opposite to try and bring themselves up. Your friend has some insecurity issues that has more to do with her. Focus on creating new friendships that are healthy. Although I haven't lost weight with the RNY over the years as I have evolved and changed to respect myself more I'm realizing some of my friends that I grew up with are really selfish people. I can hardly believe I didn't realize it more back then. It still hurts to grow away from old friends. I'll be interested to hear some of the feedback from other experiences as well. By the way you sound like a great friend anyone would be lucky to have.

You are NOT crazy! I haven't had this experience, but at our support group I've heard many, many people say that their relationships with their best friends, family members, co-workers went south. You have to realize that it's not about you. Maybe they're jealous, insecure about themselves or maybe they think we took the easy way out (easy way my a$$)!! The only thing you can do is talk to her and try to work it out if the relationship is important to you. At least then you'll know you did all you could to save the friendship. Good luck to you. Keep us posted. Be proud of yourself for making this change to better your life and health!