jhope71

I was told that by a trained professional who is herself a post-op gastric patient, in a nutrition class FOR POST-OP GASTRIC PATIENTS. My nutritionist is not an "outlier," but is a certified professional who works in conjunction with my surgeon, in his own office. I'm sorry it doesn't match your opinion, but it's what we were taught. Besides, I emphasized taking small sips, even with a straw.

I was told that by a trained professional who is herself a post-op gastric patient, in a nutrition class FOR POST-OP GASTRIC PATIENTS. My nutritionist is not an "outlier," but is a certified professional who works in conjunction with my surgeon, in his own office. I'm sorry it doesn't match your opinion, but it's what we were taught. Besides, I emphasized taking small sips, even with a straw.

See, my nutritionist is a lot more realistic. We can use straws as long as we sip slowly and don't gulp air like kids tend to do. Gum is fine, because it helps clean your teeth and (if you're impatient like me) it gives you something to do during that 30-minute wait after a meal til you can drink again. I'm almost seven months out and I've used straws almost from the start with no issues. Every doctor/nutritionist is different!

See, my nutritionist is a lot more realistic. We can use straws as long as we sip slowly and don't gulp air like kids tend to do. Gum is fine, because it helps clean your teeth and (if you're impatient like me) it gives you something to do during that 30-minute wait after a meal til you can drink again. I'm almost seven months out and I've used straws almost from the start with no issues. Every doctor/nutritionist is different!

That's what someone else brought up to me too. I've been adding a little more Peanut Butter to my diet to see if that helps.

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I’m having this problem too. I’m wondering if it’s related to the fact that we don’t consume as much fat in our diet since we’re not eating as much food in general now. Plus what we do eat isn’t broken down or absorbed like it used to be. What do y’all think? I wonder if there are any supplements that would help?

I listened to a podcast on bariatrics and it was said there is nothing proving that drinking from a straw introduces more air into your new stomach more than normal drinking does. I've drank from a straw 4 weeks post-op and never had an issue. If I'm totally honest I'd say I had less of an issue. I truly wonder where this initially came about.

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I was told that by a trained professional who is herself a post-op gastric patient, in a nutrition class FOR POST-OP GASTRIC PATIENTS. My nutritionist is not an "outlier," but is a certified professional who works in conjunction with my surgeon, in his own office. I'm sorry it doesn't match your opinion, but it's what we were taught. Besides, I emphasized taking small sips, even with a straw.

Beausie Bunny, I'm very sorry that you've been feeling suicidal and very concerned. Could I convince you to give your therapist a call and let him/her know? As amazing and helpful as folks on this board can be, it's really important that you have support right where you are if you are feeling like you might harm yourself.
I am much older than you, but you and I have similar starting statistics (I haven't yet had surgery) and seem to struggle in similar ways -- I have difficult to treat depression and have dealt for many years with binge eating. I know how hard it is to eat well and prioritize taking care of yourself when you are depressed. I am wondering if you could work to try another medication or a new medication combination -- this is ultimately what made the biggest difference for me and enabled me to really put into practice what I was doing in therapy and with mindfulness approaches to addressing binge eating. Please talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about options. And take care.
Edited to add: And, you've had an amazing accomplishment in losing 155 pounds. You've gained back a small amount. All is not lost! It is really important to keep in perspective that this is a minor setback that you can deal with.

See, my nutritionist is a lot more realistic. We can use straws as long as we sip slowly and don't gulp air like kids tend to do. Gum is fine, because it helps clean your teeth and (if you're impatient like me) it gives you something to do during that 30-minute wait after a meal til you can drink again. I'm almost seven months out and I've used straws almost from the start with no issues. Every doctor/nutritionist is different!

I don't think those things would happen unless they're not keeping up with their Vitamins, not brushing their teeth and if they're still trying to overeat. Then again maybe there are other things that would cause excessive vomiting.

The only thing I've gone through was diarrhea and Constipation. Then nausea. I've had no problems with my teeth.

Hw-273
Sw-226
CW-156
GW-130
Size- 4 or 6, Small in sweats. Medium in shirts. depends on how it's cut or made.
Bra Size- 38D

Surgery Date- April 26th, 2017
RNY
"Only those who try will become" FFX

Yes - try to see a gastroenterologist, not a bariatric doctor. At this point in the game, you need a specialist!

Ok, it may not be that you are feeling LIKE you are having a heart attack... you very well may BE on the verge of having one. Please don't do any exercise until you get evaluated. Make an appointment TODAY with your doctor.
Exercise has very little to do with losing weight (for the obese, especially at the beginning of a program). It's all about the calories.
I'm not suggesting you see your doc. I'm telling you to go.

I'm sure I'm not alone in having moments where you are shocked by the changes your body is making. What are some of your moments that made you stop and say, "Whoa!"?
The most recent change I've noticed has been being able to see the tendons in my hands and feet. I still catch my reflection in windows and think, "who is that?!" Since my job is fairly physical and has me stooping and kneeling a lot, I am amazed when I can basically jump back up from a kneeling position without breaking a sweat or having to grab onto something. In fact being able to push myself up from any position (especially laying down) still surprises me. When I first started to see my collar bones, I'd see how visible I could make them by moving muscles or my neck and arms in certain ways (okay I still do this).

Shoulder bones... Other than my face, this is the most drastic change. You can actually feel my shoulder bones. I have never noticed that in my entire life. It is actually worrisome to me. My entire body is really lean now except the old belly. That still has a way to go, but I hope that I don't lose too much more in the other places. I guess my belly was the last to come, and will be the last to leave.
Other than that, I can do an hour on a treadmill at 4mph with a 12 degree incline...No holding. My heart rate stays below 175 the entire time also. I couldn't get above 6 degrees for more than 25 minutes at 3mph before surgery. Not only that, but I would max my heart rate out at 184 within 20 minutes of walking at that pace and elevation.
I'm scared, but it is time to start some ab work! Hopefully that will sprout that 2 pack into a 4 pack.

Has there been any discussion of tube feeding or tpn? Definitely ask the doctor that is treating her now.
Has she had any mris, ct scans, barium swallows.. anything other than the endoscopy?
Edited to add..
Bariatric docs may be hard to come by, but a GI doc should take her insurance. Switch types of doctors.

That's awesome they combined your surgeries, but definitely a headache waiting on reimbursement! Yes, BLIS is what I have been asking about! I can't find anyone local to me who offers it. It's definitely worth the cost for what it offers, but not as helpful if I have to drive or fly several states away to return to the surgeon for follow-ups or complications. My local surgeon won't see other docs' patients until they are at least 3 months post-op and out of the immediate danger zone. I mean, I don't blame him, but if he offered BLIS I wouldn't need to look anywhere else!

Mine reduced the self-pay fee because I was also having a hiatal hernia repaired, which was covered by insurance. I had to pay up front, and he was able to bill it and get it covered as one operation, so it seems I didn't need to pay all that anyway. I'm currently waiting on more than $5K in a refund from the hospital. Surgery was in April, and I'm getting the run-around. The whole insurance industry is a mess!
Also, while you're calling around, ask about supplemental BLIS insurance. My surgeon offered that for self-pay patients, and it covers a year of followup visits and any possible complications. Well worth the money. I think it was around $2500. Sounds like a lot, but worth the peace of mind.

Ok so you said the surgeon has done all tests. What tests, specifically, have been performed?
Does your Mom have her gallbladder still? Problems with a gallbladder can create these symptoms.
What sort of hospital have you been using? Is it a little community one or a big, renowned, teaching one? Bigger hospitals may have more knowledge/resources.
If her surgeon isn't actively helping, then it may be time to take her to the nearest hospital that has a big bariatric program. Get some fresh eyes on the case.
There is a different kind of nutrition that she should be on. TPN.. it goes into the vein. Or they could try her on tube feeding.
If you tell us what state you live in, we may be able to point you to a good hospital.

Sounds like a stricture to me, and dehydration/malnutrition can definitely affect your mental state. What tests has she had? Did they do an endoscopy to check her pouch and her opening? Is she seeing her bariatric surgeon, or a gastroenterologist? She needs special care and more testing. Praying you get some answers and she recovers soon.

Sounds like a stricture to me, and dehydration/malnutrition can definitely affect your mental state. What tests has she had? Did they do an endoscopy to check her pouch and her opening? Is she seeing her bariatric surgeon, or a gastroenterologist? She needs special care and more testing. Praying you get some answers and she recovers soon.

I had gastric on 9/18/17, and the first few days I seemed to be perfectly fine, and it happened like normal. More Water will definitely be included, thank you so much for the response.

I am really sorry that you're going through this, but I am also so glad that I'm not the only one who is having this happen. I'm hoping it's just my bodies way of being in stock.. I don't know though, it's odd. Thank you for the response.
I will definitely bring this up with my doctor or go to the walk-in clinic to be able to get checked out, since my next appointment is a month away, eek.. Just went in today, but alas, didn't mention it.. Grr. Thank you for the response.

I'm wearing a shirt today that is NOT PLUS-SIZE! First time in 25 years. This is blowing my mind, in a good way!

I'm wearing a shirt today that is NOT PLUS-SIZE! First time in 25 years. This is blowing my mind, in a good way!

I don't always pee steadily anymore. Sometimes it's a little at a time, and it takes a few minutes to get it all out, so to say. I've always had a shy bladder, but it has gotten a little worse since surgery. I guess my body is still adjusting to all the shifting around it went through with my RnY bypass?