Daisee68

Help. I am 15 months post-op and just the last few days, I am having severe chest and then back pain when drinking and eating. Then the pain lingers the rest of the time (just escalates when I am swallowing). I am already on a PPI daily and have been since surgery. I do struggle with reflux occasionally but this doesn't really feel the same. Any ideas? I have been drinking a LOT of soda lately. Could it be acid from the soda (or something else) caused an ulcer? Do I call my bariatric surgeon or my GI Dr (neither accepts my new crappy insurance - not does my GP- but I don't know that I want to change drs now - I wil just have to pay out of pocket). This is painful so I don't want to wait too log to get it checked but not sure where to start. Sent from my HTC One M9 using the BariatricPal App

Just an update in case someone else is researching and runs across this post, this pain lasted off and on about 4 days and then completely stopped. Haven't had it again. I must have either had some food stuck or severe reflux or something. As long as it never comes back, I don't really care what it was! ???? Sent from my HTC One M9 using the BariatricPal App

Can I ask why you are mixing Premier Protein drink with a scoop of whey? That is a LOT of protein in an hour - 50 to 60g? Maybe split those up and have them more often? Supposedly your body can only absorb 25g of protein in an hour, so 50 to 60g in a drink in an hour is overkill. Otherwise, yes, you will feel restriction when you start food. Your swelling just went down quickly.

LUCK!!!

Thanks so much everyone for all the kind words and encouragement! Much better day today. Need to steer clear of sweets for a while and I did so successfully today. On another note, my weight dropped again.... Hmmm... trying not to use that as an "excuse" to eat poorly though. I think that is where I am getting hung up (partially) and allowing that thought to lead me to believe I can eat whatever I want because "look I am not gaining!" The unhealthy eating will catch up with me eventually though, so just gotta keep to a meal plan/calories for now and see how it goes before I decide to increase my calories again. Really appreciate all of you more than I can express!!

I haven't regained yet but I am sure headed that way if I don't get control again. In my head I have just been "testing the waters" and "learning how to eat like a normal person", but my therapist called me out last week saying that she felt I was relapsing. (I am definitely a food addict.) I was telling a friend at lunch about it today and how I thought the therapist wasn't being realistic. I said this as I ordered chocolate cheesecake for which I proceeded to eat half and not the "few bites" I said was going to take. Then I proceeded to tell her about the chocolate yogurt from Braums (with Reese's candy) on Friday and took my nephews to the candy store on Saturday and "just got a couple of truffles" and "had McDonalds breakfast" on Saturday. And all that was AFTER my therapist told me she sensed I was relapsing. So the good news is, that I said out loud to my friend "WOW, she was right!" so I have realized it. Now I just have to figure out how to get back on track. I am still making good choices too (getting in all my Protein, veggies, etc.) but obviously I am not on program. Part of my fear is getting too thin. I know that sounds kind of weird but I have realized my weight is a little lower than I wanted it to be but mostly I have lost muscle tone because I haven't exercised. I have my first round of plastics in one month (October 13) and I really intended to be "healthy" going in to this. I have got some work to do.... I guess I am not looking for advice. Just needed to type it out and confess it somewhere... So glad this is a safe place to do that.

In addition to the above, I ate a lot of fat free refried Beans with a little cheese melted on top (and a little spice added). I also ate hummus (yes just with a spoon) and pimiento cheese. Oh and I also ate Laughing Cow cheese wedges. Also at that stage, I was still having at least 2 shakes per day (Premier Protein ready to drink shakes were super easy to carry). Oh and another thing - I would eat 1/2 a container of greek yogurt (Danon Light & Fit Greek Key Lime or strawberry Cheesecake were and still are my favorites) and mix it with 1/2 scoop of vanilla Protein powder to get higher protein. I would also do a container of sugar free fat free dark chocolate pudding snack with 1/2 scoop of chocolate protein powder. The protein powder I use is Precision Engineered whey Protein Isolate it tastes great!

I have been told (though not tried it) that a medical spa can use microneedling (sp?) to aid in getting rid of them... Not sure if it works or not but might be worth researching?

It is totally normal. It is a very tough time, but it gets easier about day 3 or 4. Lots of broth, lots of sugar free popsicles, lots of tea.... You will get through it. Just try and keep reminding yourself of you are working for and how worth it that it will all be in the end. Good luck! You got this!!

I didn't have a revision, but I did have Cigna when I got my RNY. They were really great with me - as long as I follow their requirements to a T (and my plan actually covered bariatric surgery - they told me about half their plans do and half their plans don't, so just be sure bariatric surgery is something the plan you are purchasing covers before you choose it) Good luck!

Now I am watching the "Brittani" episode. I have seen it before and despite most post from above, this episode really reminds me of why I have watched this show in the past. I love seeing this girl get motivated! She goes to work out for the first time in her and life and gets on a treadmill with a trainer and not only is she so cute saying she had never been on a treadmill before, I just LOVE how the trainer is so encouraging to her and doesn't appear to have a fat-shaming bone in his body. And Dr. Now is even decent in this one. Ahhh.... I needed to see this one tonight.... My counselor told me today that despite my weight being stable the last few months, she felt like I was relapsing a little. I knew I was (habit-wise) but I needed her to call me out on it. Really reminds me of how this is a life-long journey. Here's to us all keepin' on, keepin' on....

Nope. Sorry. You can use weights to tone but it won't do anything for the skin - though it might help fill out the skin a little if that makes sense.... Your body will shift around a LOT during your loss phase. You just have to dress as best as you can and realize that it is all for the better in the end. I reached goal several months ago but even though my weight has stayed the same, people keep saying I look thinner - and it is just the "parts" shifting around. PS - My brachioplasty is in 5 weeks. Can. Not. Wait!!

Sounds and looks amazing! Especially the fruit! Gotta try that!

Thanks @@James Marusek. Since you were the one that first told me a year ago that it may be a stricture (and you were right), I appreciate your response and will definitely call dr on Tuesday.

For some reason I have seen posts recently that there are docs saying not worry about Protein this early, but that seems so counterintuitive to me. I was given Protein Powder in the hospital and they made me mix with Water and try to get it down (this was less than 24 hours after surgery as I was out in just over 24 hours). So I am with @@James Marusek, I don't see why not, but if your dr has given you specific instructions against that, you might want to wait until you can ask them.

I haven't had my surgery yet. 5 1/2 weeks!

Can't wait to see your after pictures! I look very similar to you. My first round (LBL - which is tummy, butt and outer thigh - and Armlift) is scheduled for Oct. 13.

@@KristenLe - I do still have my gallbladder. I had lots of tests just under a year ago because I was having pain in that area but they decided no gallbladder issues and just gave me Bentyl which does help when I get pain in that area. Instead of an ulcer (or maybe in addition to), I have figured out it is basically a spasm in my esophagus. It is just occurring when I eat or drink and not because I am full - It is just after 1 drink or 1 bite and takes about 5 to 10 seconds after taking that bite or drink, just as it hits my the part of my esophagus just below my breast bone. Then the lingering pain after but not near as bad as that spasm. I think you are right and should call the dr on Tuesday.

Yes it is great for puree stage. Just be sure to avoid any crispy/burnt cheese bits and be sure to take very small bites and chew Sent from my SM-T560NU using the BariatricPal App

I had UTI when I went in for my hysterectomy and my urologist said to tell that surgeon to give me IV antibiotics to prevent it from getting worse. My UTI was very mild at the time though (i.e. no fever, not a kidney infection). You need to check it out and call your surgeon.

So, after a conversation with NUT yesterday, I realize I am moving in to maintenance phase. NUT told me that my goal calories for lifetime would be 1200 calories. (I am still losing very slowly at this but like 1 pound a week or so which is fine. I am ready to stabilize.) Anyway, yes, yes I know I need to follow my NUT's specific directions and No, I am not looking for ammunition to argue with her. I am just curious if this calorie seems a bit low (especially given my height at 5' 10".) It seems I have seen many of you mention maintenance calories more in the 1500-1600 calorie range. Also, I am curious (perhaps a different topic) about the "non low fat" stance many of you take. I am still being instructed to use 2% cheese, milk, etc (which is fine) and concentrate on good fats (again fine) but to try and limit fat to 30g per day? That seems very low. I mean years ago when I was on low-fat diet, 30g was my target. I am generally getting 40g-50g a day now (at about 1100-1200 calories) and have still lost, so I feel like I am doing ok, but mostly just curious about the new thoughts about saturated fats not being the devil AND what that really looks like. Appreciate any input as I sort through this in my head....

I eat deli turkey (2 oz) wrapped around a piece of low-fat cheddar and fruit (usually 1/4 cup blackberries and 1/4 cup blueberries but sometimes some apple slices). If I have time (and depending on my food plans for the day), I add a piece of whole grain toast. Every once in a while I will try the yogurt, but I seem to be not as satisfied, so it is not my usual go to. Depending on how early I eat that day, I will have a Premier Protein for a morning snack (a couple of hours after breakfast).

Why do I watch this show?! Dr Now makes me crazy! Rude old man! And seriously it's like these people have NO idea what they are supposed to do after surgery. The guy today is drinking maybe 2 oz of Protein shake a day and that's all because he's "not hungry"? Then lands in the hospital because he is dizzy and fainting. Um yea.... ever hear of malnutrition? The episode before this one, the woman had been to the ER several times because she was so nauseous and Dr Now says its all in her head. So then he decides she should go to therapist?! A) maybe its not in her head you a$$hat and perhaps you should have considered sending her to therapy BEFORE surgery and getting her prepared for the changes? Rant over I know. Just change the channel....

I didn't read all the responses, but my 2 cents, this woman is likely unhappy with her life and her weight and easier take it out on you than see the flaws in her own life and deal with them. I have found a lot of people that are "against" the surgery are the overweight ones and I feel like it has a lot to do with their fear to conquer and take control like you are combined with the conviction that they should be dealing with it themselves and perhaps some frustration that they can't afford to do it. Not making excuses for her, and it isn't fair that she treats you this way but maybe if you can see her in that light (as you did when your heart broke for her about losing a dog), then maybe your heart will hurt for her in this vein too. Still, I am sorry you are dealing with it all! Makes for a miserable day! Hoping she gets transferred away from you soon so you don't have to deal with it!

@@OutsideMatchInside - I wore my curvy fit jeans yesterday and they stretched out A LOT. But still for $18 and a temporary fix (getting my LBL in October and then jeans will fit differently hopefully), it was worth it to me. I haven't tried Banana Republic yet though. The Quest goes on!