zackly

i'm a week short of two months post op and am struggling with the same issues that you are. So much of what made my life pleasurable pre-op was related to cooking, eating and socializing with alcohol & food. I no longer want to go out to restaurants with friends because I'm full after a few forkfuls. I still cook daily as I always have because my wife should not be punished because I had WL surgery. I can't say I'm happy with my new relationship with food. It has left a huge void in my life and I hope I can` find something to replace it. What that might be, I am clueless.The good news is my health has improved significantly. My diabetes is now under good control with 1/4 of the insulin I used to take, and my blood pressure (with meds) is a very good 130/60. I don't ache all over and my stamina has improved. Like James Marusek said, "Life is full of trade-offs." I'm 65 y/o and I got this surgery to save my life. I did not want to be the fat, old blind guy with no feet. If I was younger I would try anything to avoid it. I was very active (athletic) when I was younger and was able to stay height/weight proportionate through my exercise. Everybody is different but I would get this surgery only as a last resort after you can honestly look yourself in the mirror and say you've tried everything.

Life is full of trade-offs. I am 29 months post-op from RNY gastric bypass surgery. I have lost a lot of weight. I fit into fabulous clothes. My stamina (ability to perform physical labor) has improved dramatically. Almost all of my numerous medical conditions are in remission. I still miss food, the taste, the pleasure of eating a great meal, the joys of eating. But I would repeat this surgery in a heartbeat.

I am four months post op and still drinking one shake (33 grams of protein) per day. My surgeon only requires 50 grams per day and I struggle with that, so I would never be able to get to 70. I can only eat about 1/2C at a time, so I still eat high Protein everything, cottage cheese, cheese, greek yogurt and a very little bit of meat (only because my pouch does not tolerate most meats).

I concentrated on eating high Protein meals. As a result as my meal volume increased I was able to drop off Protein shakes one at a time. I went from 3, down to 2, down to 1. When I transitioned to 1 cup per meal, I was able to get rid of all my Protein Shakes and haven't had any since. I am 29 months post-op RNY.

I am five weeks post-op and do one Protein shake daily. I am only requested to get in 50 grams of Protein a day. My Premier Protein Shake has 30 grams and I get another twenty in from yogurt, cottage cheese, lean meats (canned tuna, salmon, shrimp, imitation crab) and soft cheeses.
I eat 5-6 small meals through out the day and don't overwhelm myself with getting x amount in each time I eat. I meal plan the day before and that is how I know I am getting in enough protein.
Some days if I am not feeling so hungry, I will up my Protein Shake to 1.5 giving me 45 grams of protein. Then I will eat an Oikos Triple Zero (15 grams of protein) the rest of the day.
It is absolutely a chore to get in fluids, Proteins and Vitamins in daily. You just have to try different things and through trial and error, you'll get there! Good luck!

I'm six week post op (bypass) and had the same concern about losing weight too fast. I went from a 1-2# daily loss to 2-3# weekly loss currently. I've gone from daily weigh ins to weekly weigh ins. I'm no medical professional but I was told that if my urine was light colored I was probably getting enough fluids. To reach my Protein goal of 70 grams daily, I still have 2-3 shakes before I have any other real food.

Your average resting metabolism (RMR) is1760 calories according to this calculator. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/calrmr.htm
Many factors affect RMR.

Your body will reach an equilibrium stage after about 18 months to 2 years where your activity level, metabolism and food intake will balance after it burns off the excess fat. At this point you will plateau for longer than a short time and if you maintain the correct diet will move around 1-2 lbs. if you eat more or become less active things go out of balance and you will gain

I'm only a month post op but I'm in a pretty good place, hunger wise. I get hungry and enjoy food but I can't eat much but what I eat fills me up. That was the scenario I was hoping for pre-op. I would not want to have no hunger, which would make eating a difficult chore. The worst scenario, I would imagine, is being hungry and not being able to satisfy your hunger with the amount your stomach can hold.

I sometimes use a mini food processor to chop up food before I eat it. The other night I made a roast beef for my wife and chopped my portion with a little gravy in the Cuisinart. Tasted great and well tolerated.

My primary care doctor is not a fan of the surgery I had, gastric bypass so I got my letter of recommendation from my endocrinologist. I'd look for another doctor.

My primary care doctor is not a fan of the surgery I had, gastric bypass so I got my letter of recommendation from my endocrinologist. I'd look for another doctor.

I've been experiencing this too but for me it's not low blood pressure. I have a home monitor. Nor is it low blood sugar. I spoke to my surgeons PA today and she said to check with my cardiologist when I see him @ the end of the month. I'd like to get a handle on this.

I put my experience in gastric bypass surgery down in a couple articles. The first article called "How
 I 
Survived
 Bariatric
 Surgery
" describes my experience during the "Weight Loss" phase. It is available at http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf The second article called "How
 I 
Survived
 Bariatric
 Surgery
, Part 2" describes my experience during the "Maintenance" phase. It is available at http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery2.pdf

People are different and their caloric window is different. For me, my window is approximately 1,000-1,600 calories per day. This is probably because I am old and less active and also because I am short. If I consume less than 1,000 calories per day, I lose weight. If I consume more than 1,600 calories per day, I gain weight. If I stay within my window, I maintain my weight.
Weight loss is accomplished by Portion Control. As you increase your portion size and concurrently the number of calories per day, your weight loss will gradually come to an end and you will enter the maintenance phase.

we were told to take Benefiber (or the generic equivalent) right after surgery because it doesn't gel up like Metamucil does over time, and we wouldn't be able to drink fast enough to avoid the gelling up. Although now that I'm out a few months and can drink pretty fast, I'm guessing I could take Metamucil again. I haven't asked, though. I'd just check with your surgeon.

I used to smoke cigarettes, 2 packs a day for over 30 years.....
Along with a lit of things, I quit for good.
I am now a cigar aficionado.
Yes, I smoke cigars, drink coffee, double espressos, consume alcohol, enjoy ice cream and other delights,
At 63 soon to be 64, I am enjoying life more now than I ever have. I can now appreciate the things life offers, rather than being a glutton and sitting on the sidelines as a spectator.
Of course, listen to your Dr. and gauge your results/successes against your new lifestyle.

@@zackly I think I had a smooth recovery time! I was almost sent home the day after surgery, but asked to stay due to going home alone (I'm a nervous nelly). The gas pain was the worst for me, and made it challenging to drink much. The left incision hurt the most, but I tried to use my arms to boost me around in the hospital bed. I was on morphine via IV, and then liquid oxycodone. I weaned off that and only used a little liquid tylenol for the 3rd day after. Good luck with your surgery!!

@@zackly, I just had my RNY on monday, three days ago. I got home today around 4 pm. They sent me home with oxycodone for pain, a nausea med, an antacid, a stool softener (which I truly do not need but I will follow orders and take it anyway), and a chewable Multivitamin to be taken twice a day. The first day was honestly terrible, but I spent most of it sleeping and on some heavy duty pain medication, so I barely remember it. The second day wasn't fun, but immensely better than the first. I had a bit of a problem with my drainage tube touching a nerve that was causing a fair amount of pain, but other than that, no complications. Today, the third day since surgery, I feel great. I'm sore, and walking is still a slow and mildly painful endeavor, but I can sit and stand by myself, take in fluids rather easily, take my medication with no issues, and I am generally feeling a LOT better. My advice to you would be don't push yourself too hard, it's not a race, but definitely try to walk, even if it's just a few feet from your bed to the bathroom, as often as your body allows. They say the gas pains dissipate the more you walk and I found that to be completely true. Every day has been and probably will continue to be much, much better than the last. You've got this. If you need someone to talk to, feel free to message me any time. Take care or yourself and allow the nurses and doctors to help you every step of the way. Soon, you'll be healed up and ready to start your new, awesome life. Congrats!

@@zackly the pain is not bad at all you will be fine. They give u plenty of meds and also I won't have an appetite. I had my surgery yesterday and I feel so much better jus gassy but it's not painful

First, good luck and best wishes for a successful surgery tomorrow. I had my rny June 24th. a Wednesday and came home Friday evening. Worst of pain was the first night. It was well managed with pain meds. I wasn't hungry at all. All focus was on sipping Water and didn't even finish the broth and Jello they gave me at meals. I had catheter through the first night. They took it out the next day. The nurse helped get me to the bathroom. It wasn't so bad. Just moved slow. I really did feel a lot better the next day and got up and walked. You got to move.. It helps with the gas discomfort. Every day gets a little better. It wasn't easy but it's bearable. First days home I really had to force the fluids. Really liked sugar free popcicles. I'm a wuss when it comes to pain so I was not ashamed to take my liquid pain medication. That helped a lot. I didn't have a regular bowel movement before I came home and was quite relieved when that finally kicked in. I still have to take something to keep me regular
You will be surprised how quickly those first days go by. Congratulations on your new beginning! Let us know how you are doing!

When you get home uourr tired O did not have alot of energy until a week and a half .You will mostly hurt most on the left hand side wher your biggest scar olis .You can drive when your off the pain meds around 2 weeks .Make sure to ask for a binder to kepp your stomach from moving around to much ..Hope that helps..

There are a lot of conflicting standards and each surgeon has a preference. I live by the American Bariatric Association guidelines which had worked for me long term. The last time I checked it was simpler than the information you listed.
While my Dr recommends a specific brand of bariatric Vitamins I stick with his basic standard simply because its easier logistically. Otherwise I run out & miss a week or so. His standard is based on the ABA (Sorry if I have the full name wrong Any search engine should include the correct term in the results.)
No coated or gummies as they are often not well absorbed:
-Calcium 1000/ day
--citrate not carbonate
--D3 is usually included with Calcium
-Multi that includes 200% B complex Vitamins & 100% everything else
--minerals like selenium, chromium, zinc, etc should be included in your multi
-Iron 30mg menstruating women & 18mg after menopause
--elemental not ferris sulfate
--with multi or separate allow at least two hours between calcium and Iron supplements
-Supplements should be Water soluble for proper absorption
I take my supplements four times a day 2 1/2 hours apart (multi+ iron/ calcium+ D... repeat sequence) My only issue was low folic acid, a B Vitamin, when I used a coated tablet six months post op.
Building Blocks (my surgeons preference) and other bariatric formulas should simplify things for you. Compare formulas to the American Bariatric web site to be sure your choice measures up. The only bariatric brand I find at my pharmacy is grossly inadequate. This is why I use quality "normal" supplements. Most bariatric brands require multiple daily doses because the body uses supplements more efficiently this way.
I'm wary of children's chewables given the need for higher adult concentrations of certain vitamins and the need for Water soluble formulas. You may hear terms like "dry D". It's wls speak for water soluble and not inhibited by mal absorption.
The brand Superior Source makes many sublingual supplements that are appropriate after wls. However, their Multi Vitamins do not meet bariatric standards. You would need to use multiple products to get what's required.
Early on I read all the details of studies just as you are doing. From my research the well known bariatric brands cover it all. Just beware of the candy like formulas as they can easily add over fifty calories a day and even induce sweet cravings.

I’m confused. Several people have told me they only take one or two chewable multi Vitamins daily, like a Flintstones or Centrum. I’m seeing in this article from Johns Hopkins that they recommend a regimen that has much higher doses of Vitamins & supplements taken at different times during the day.. Any opinions?
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns_hopkins_bayview/_docs/medical_services/bariatrics/nutrition_roux_en_y.pdf
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation for
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Multivitamin (MVI) with Minerals:
 Take 1 or 2 MVIs every day for a lifetime. Serving size will depend on
individual products. MVI(s) must provide at least 200% RDA for Iron
(36mg), folic acid (800mcg) and thiamine (3mg) and 2 mg of copper. It
is best if MVI also contains selenium and zinc.
 Chewable and liquid vitamins are best absorbed. Suggest vitamins in
this form for at least the first 3-6 months if not for a lifetime. If you
decide to switch to a pill form after 6 months, soft gels or capsules may be
better absorbed than tablets.
 Do NOT take MVI in Gummy form. gummies do NOT have all the
vitamins and minerals you need.
 Take with food (except dairy) to help with absorption.
Calcium:
 Choose Calcium citrate. Avoid Calcium carbonate (Tums®, Viactiv®,
OsCal®, Caltrate®), calcium triphosphate, oyster shell, bone meal, etc.
 Take 500-600 mg of calcium three (3) times per day to equal at least
1,500 mg per day. Separate doses by at least 2 hours for maximum
absorption. Look at the serving size on the label and adjust your dose to
make sure you’re getting 500-600 mg of elemental calcium each dose.
 Chewable and liquid vitamins are best absorbed. Suggest vitamins in
this form for at least the first 3-6 months if not for a lifetime. If you
decide to switch to a pill form after 6 months, soft gels or capsules may be
better absorbed than tablets.
 Chewy (NOT Gummy) calcium citrate supplements are acceptable.
Do NOT take calcium in gummy form. Gummies are not calcium citrate
and are not the best absorbed.
 Must contain Vitamin D.
 Take 2 hours apart from Iron supplements or MVI with iron for
maximum absorption.
Iron:
 Menstruating women and/or patients with iron deficiency anemia need
more iron.
 If MVI contains iron- Take an additional 18-29 mg elemental iron per
day. If MVI does not contain iron- Take 60-65 mg elemental iron per
day. Total intake should be 54-65 mg elemental iron a day.
 Taking Vitamin C at the same time as iron can increase absorption.
 Chewable and liquid vitamins are best absorbed. Suggest vitamins in
this form for at least the first 3-6 months if not for a lifetime. If you
decide to switch to a pill form after 6 months, soft gels or capsules may be
better absorbed than tablets.
Vitamin D:
 Take 3,000 International Units of Vitamin D3 per day.
 Chewable and liquid vitamins are best absorbed. Suggest vitamins in
this form for at least the first 3-6 months if not for a lifetime. If you
decide to switch to a pill form after 6 months, soft gels or capsules may be
better absorbed than tablets.
 Vitamin D is best absorbed when you take it with food.< /p>
Vitamin B12:
 Take 500 mcg sublingual (under your tongue) tablet or liquid once a
day or 1000 mcg sublingual tablet or liquid every other day. OR
 1000 mcg shot once a month (injections prescribed by your primary care
physician).
 500 mcg nasal spray once a week (available by prescription from your
bariatric provider or primary care physician).
Dietitian: __________________________________
For more information, please contact the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center's
Clinical Nutrition Department at 410-550-1549.
To schedule an outpatient nutrition appointment with a dietitian, call 410-550-7728.
Rev. 5/2015
Clinical

I take Centrum chewable as well - but twice a day. I've found knock-offs at CVS that are even cheaper - and they sometimes run 2-for-1 sales.