ShellMilliner

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I have a good friend that has had similar results following her ablation. I'm so over it and the small fortune I spend monthly along with it. I figure since I've hit my max out of pocket for the year, that I would try to get in all the appointments I've been putting off for far too long. I'm actually on a prednisone dose pack right now for walking pnuemonia. Talk about getting hit with everything at once. But I'm also taking two very strong antibiotics and my stomach is not so enamored with them. I will definately as about NSAIDs. I did suffer from IBS several years back, but I've been able to keep my stress in check much better. I did have a pill that helped with the spasms. I may look into that as well. Did/does the ablation help with the cramping as well?

I agree with @@Italian Gal go to your PCP or walk-in before your vacation. I have read about internal stictches as they dissolve trying to poke through and cause a pimple like cyst on the skin. It could be just that, but the last thing you want to do is ignore it or self treat. My mother had developed staph following a bowl resection from diverticulitis. For you peace of mind go get it checked out.

This comment just won the internet for the day to me!

Okay so I've always suffered from harsh cramps at ToM and Advil and Alieve were always my go to. Of course that is a no no. Tylenol dulls it and makes it tolerable but has anyone found anything to be more helpful? Especially when at work where I can't double over. I also have had menorrhagia since giving birth to my first over 6 years ago and it got worse after having my son almost 3 years ago. I see my GYN next week and I'm going to discuss having an ablation. I worry about my Iron levels during this time since I'm already malabsorbtive. I had a tubal so I'm done with kiddos so I'm not worried about that part. Any suggestions for cramping solutions would be greatly appreciated.

@ funny you should mention that receipe I just ran across a blog on one of the other threads where the person had a recipe for BariBread which is made with egg whites and cream cheese. I saw they used it for sandwiches and grilled cheese, etc... What was the taste and texture like? Texture is what usually gets me. It kind of looked a little like naan bread but I imagine the texture is more like a meringue?

I'm only 6 weeks out and it absolutely drives me nuts to see a person post that they are a week out and bored with the shakes so they are eating solid foods like bacon (something I haven't even toyed with at this point). I can not understand why you would put yourself through the trauma of a major surgery and lifestyle change only to cheat yourself, undermine progress and worst put your health at risk. And then when people tell them the reasons why they shouldn't do what they are doing they get indignant and say well everyone's different I can handle it...SML. I'm just a WLS baby and yet I can see through the trees and understand consequences. More to topic, I fully agree EVERYTHING we do is a choice (well unless you have a gun to your head or are being cohersed). If you choose to eat poorly add in some extra exercise or have a lean fish for your next few meals. We are not perfect and I really doubt anyone is ever expected over the course of the life to make all the right choices. You make the choices that are right for you at the time.

@KerrieDC I've also seen the cauliflower "crust". I might have to try making both.

@ssourgirl How is she doing today? I'm hoping things are improving.

I was told to stick to 40/40 carbs and fats. My primary focus is on Protein 80-100 grams/day, veggies and my Water. I do use straws as it significantly increases my ablity to get my liquids in and I have not had any issues with gas. I was told I could have wine or other non-carbonated alcoholic beverages after a year but just one on occassion because of the sugar/carb content. I do have a couple crackers or pretzel crisps now and again when I have tuna salad, usually no more than 2-3 crackers in total. It gives me that much needed crunch since I still am not allowed raw veggies (carrots are my favorite). I also had a very toasted 1/2 slice of bread with my eggs the other morning. Both are allowed per my plan and stage. I was told pastas, rice and potatoes are okay but in very small quantities. And to always start with my protein and at least eat half of it before starting the veg, eat half of the veg before a bite of the starch. Take a couple bites of starch and move back to the protein. The idea is you will finish your protein and veg and likely not have room for the starch at the end. I do miss pizza and I can only imagine there will be a time in the future when I will try to have a slice of thin or flat bread pizza and I think that is okay. The NUT said many people find the crust too gummy and that a crisp flat bread is the way to go or just to eat the toppings. Personally, I don't think complete deprevision (unless it is harmful) is always the best way to go. Part of the journey is re-training your brain as well as your stomach. I think a balance can be struck and there are foods that can be enjoyed in moderation or only on special occasion. Of course if you have a trigger food then finding healthy substitutes might be best.

I'll join you. This pic was taken several months preop when I gave Beachbody/Shakeology a try. I had to post it to our closed FB group page and it was hard to swallow then and it is still hard to see it. Here it goes....talk about a head looking tiny.

I 100% back what @@Babbs said. This is normal! I had a stall at week 3 that lasted 2.5 weeks. I also gain a couple pounds. Just this weekend the scale started moving. I had my doubts and frustrations too. I really, really worked on hitting my Protein goals (because I'm a SADI I have to get 80-100 grams) and that can be a challenge since I developed an adversion to many of the shakes just after the stall started. If you are on soft foods start adding fish to your diet several times a week, tuna, salmon, crab legs, turbot, anything. Fish is very high in protein but low calorie and easy to digest.

I have 6 from the Di Vinci robot and an additional area where the JP Tube was.

@@tcon I originally was thinking the sleeve but based on my BMI was over 50, extremely high triglyceride levels, high cholesterol and sleep apena the SADI would provide me the quickest route to lowering my triglycerides. The practice I used no longer performs LapBand because of the long term failures leading to revision, they still perform RNY (in some cases) but VSG and SADI (they don't do the full DS) are the most common procedures. I liked the idea of less time under anesthesia and a better recovery. I was under for about 3 hours, it was performed laproscopiclly using the DiVinci Robot. I have no acid reflux, but I was never prone to it or GERD prior to the surgery. I've really only had the the same problems that just about everyone experiences. Mild depression, trouble getting in Protein and Water at first. I did discover pork roast does not sit well (TMI about 2 hours later I had severe gas cramps). Other than that I've been able to handle all the other foods I've tried so far (seafood, chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, deli meat/cheese, yogurt). About 2 weeks ago I did start to get an aversion to my premier Protein drinks and most others. I think it is more a head issue now. It turned my stomach the first time so I think every time I've had them since my brain is remembering feeling nauseated and causing me to feel nauseous. I have never thrown up since my surgery, although I have had episodes of nausea. The first day I was allowed soft foods I was craving crab legs. They were delicious and evidently I didn't know when to stop and ate past my full point...yep it didn't feel good for about an hour or more. More TMI: I haven't experienced any of the yucky stuff (diarrhea or excessive gas). Yes, I've had gas but not anymore than normal, I have very regular BMs usually once in the morning and sometimes one in the evening. My doctor said gas and diarrhea mainly come from consuming too much carbs and fats. He recommends sticking to no more than 40 grams/day of each and to make sure to get the 80-100 grams of protein/day. Recovery: I took three weeks off of work, but could have been back in two. I really had no pain,I was well covered in the hospital and I took my tylenol with codine the first couple of days I was home just to help me sleep. I alternated sleeping in bed propped up on a wedge pillow and on the recliner. I'm a side/stomach sleeper and it wasn't until around 3.5 weeks that I was comfortable on my side. Tiredness: I was tired especially during the first three weeks. Sleep is very important for the healing process so I did take naps and went to bed "early" for me. I'm normally a bed around midnight up at six person, but I would go to bed around 9 for a few weeks. Once I got back to work the daytime tiredness seemed to fade away. I think staying busy made all the difference. I was tired by the end of the week when I got home and did an early bed time. I just started my 3rd week back at work and all has been great. I also walked around EPCOT with my husband at 2 weeks post surgery (that kinda pushed it and took it out of me, but the change of scenery was nice). Last week (5 weeks post op) I spent the entire day with my family (including my 2 year old son) at the Kennedy Space Center walking around. I did fine and felt great.

@@tcon I'd be more than happy to tell you about my experience. I lost 13 lbs pre-op and 32 pounds since my surgery on April 1st. I hit the dreaded week 3 plateau and it lasted a little over 2 weeks, but the scale is moving again!

Miralax or milk of magnesia. Also be sure to push to get your fluids in.

Happy mother's day. Hang in there mama!

So glad her recovery is continuing to be positive. Absolutely, yes just like introducing a a baby to new foods you should only do one new food at a time. I would try creamed soups first, maybe mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potato, yogurt. Since her stomach isn't used to having solids I would work up to it over the next several days. Scrambled eggs, meatballs, crab legs and tuna salad we're some of my first soft foods that I tolerated well. Think moist! Wet scrambled eggs with cheese, meatballs with tomato sauce or gravy. Makes it go down easier.

Such wonderful news! I'm so happy to hear she's on her way to healthy. Now get some rest!

@iamblessed1225 I agree 100% with @JamieLogical. Were you an emotional eater before surgery? If so you may even want to talk to a therapist for some additional coping methods. Losing a job is stressful enough. Get outside and walk when you feel the urge or brush your teeth!

You're doing awesome. Please don't let their comment get you down. All losses are victories!

I haven't noticed a change to fish, but I was a big coffee drinker prior to surger at least 4 cups/day. Now I have no desire, except following a dinner out with my hubby last Friday I kinda wanted some or so I thought. I took 2 sips and ewww...it just didn't taste good at all! Crazy...it still smells good but I just don't want it. I also really don't crave sweets either. I generally grill my fish. Mostly because I don't like the house smelling fishy. I usually grill salmon or mahi mahi. There are some great receipes on pinterest. One of my favorites is a spice grilled salmon with avocado. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/257901516136176465/ You could also poach tilapia or turbot in dry white wine, a little butter, lemon and capers. Salmon cakes/patties are pretty yummy too!

Yes, I'm 5 weeks out and have been slowly adding spice back in. I love spicy foods, so I'm hoping my stomach (what's left of it) has memory of the heat.

@@ssourgirl What great news! I'm so glad they were able to get it. Now that the pesky critter is outta there, I'm praying that she will bounce back quickly and start her recovery. Hang in there mama!