EmzBee

Hey all,

Thought I'd pop in for a little sanctuary and support.

My entire country is shattered. My FB feed is inundated with heartbreak, and it's so overwhelming after having such a crappy week myself (I've finally managed to keep down small amounts of food after 4-5 solid days of regurgitating pretty much everything).

I went to a wedding yesterday, and my emotions are all over the place. One minute I'm crying at a cute couple and their beautiful vows, the next I'm sobbing as reports of the Christchurch victims start to trickle in. I used to live in Christchurch. My husband and I were there right through the earthquakes, It's just devastating to have something of this magnitude happen blocks from where we used to hang out with our friends.

If anyone has any practical tips, tricks, or self-care/comfort recipes suitable for a sensitive soft food tummy... Advice would be greatly appreciated and actioned - I plan to make a list, and prioritize ticking as much off it as I can over the next couple of days.

Sending you all positivity in this time of grief and contemplation.

Hey awesome Feb buddies!

Is anyone having problems with throwing up/regurgitating food?

I'm 3 and a half weeks post-op, and I admit I've eaten a few things that aren't considered 'soft foods' and have occasionally been rewarded with vomiting, which is fair enough. But today's been different... I haven't been able to keep many solids down at all. I did try slightly spicy foods, so maybe that's it? I had two bites of canned thai tuna for lunch along with a piece of cheese, and then tried some Cajun chicken soup... nope, both weren't gonna stay down. Ironically, the thing that has stayed down is a handful of well-chewed peanuts.

Still okay-ish on liquids - I've probably had 30oz or so, though I did also regurgitate some Powerade zero, too. Hoping to get more liquids in tonight (I don't fancy lying down right now!) but really struggling to want to swallow anything because it kinda feels like I've swallowed a rock 😞

Thanks so much for understanding guys.
Yeah, it’s not a stall because there is a teensy bit of movement down.
Honestly I’d be okay with the 27 pound loss had it been a bit more spread out. I know that doesn’t sound rational, but the whole reason I’m even here to start with is—like everyone else here—diets and exercise just have never worked in the past and my brain is going through some serious PTSD in not seeing the numbers move.
It was okay when my measurements were also going down, but now that stopped.
Lol, now I can’t even drink wine to cope with the stress 🤣🤣🤣

Wow, has it been two weeks already? Don't overdo it, and good luck.
I'm getting my bypass tomorrow!

I suck at keeping up with the forums, but I had to share...

I cried today. I made it into a size 20 pair of jeans!!!

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week 2 down, and with it 8 whole pounds! I'm now 251.

Sorry I'm struggling to keep up with everyone. Nevertheless, sending you all my love and support! [emoji4]

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I'm currently experiencing my first real down period since surgery (about 11 days ago). It's midday, and the best I've been able to do is grab a water bottle and slowly sip away at it in bed.

I'm struggling, because my usual depression routine is to lie in bed until I stop thinking obsessive thoughts about self-harm (I haven't participated in that for a few years now, but the thoughts are still as strong as ever) and replace those thoughts with obsessive thinking around what food will give me enough motivation to get out of bed.

So, I need to find a better "how to get out of this slump" strategy that doesn't rely on trips to the dairy or ordering in pizza...

Any suggestions appreciated! (But know my capacity for anything is limited... so has to be something small and manageable).

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17 hours ago, Greenstar said:

dont look at the scale every day, its really bad and can be discouraging. i learned this when i got my three week stall. i know i average about 1.5 pounds loss a day now. calories are nothing to worry about if you follow what you are supposed to eat. 3 oz worth of Protein 4 times a day so i can meet the 60 grams of Protein. main diet is skinless and boneless chicken breast, low fat lean ground turkey, and low sodium Beans.

I was vegetarian before surgery, so I think I'm having trouble with the high meat high dairy protein lifestyle.

I was hoping to phase back in to vegetarianism, low-lacto after about 6 weeks or so, but man, the thought of pureed meat is really making me feel blugh.

Guess I should try that ricotta bake everyone keeps talking about!

17 hours ago, taylormomto6 said:

My official goals from the program is 64oz if fluids and 80g of Protein and under 30 carbs at this stage (under 2 weeks out). I was not given calorie goals. I track on my fitness pal and have came in between 350-550 calories per day since I got home from the hospital, 12 days ago.

Bugger, I'm only getting about 40-50g of Protein in per day... guess I should try and up my game.

On 2/24/2019 at 2:37 PM, Recidivist said:

Emz, My understanding is that the staples are inside to seal off the new pouch, not external.

Does anyone have an incision near the belly button? I have a rather nasty scar there from my cancer surgery and I would love if they could use the same location and make the scar a bit prettier. (Haven't given up my dream of becoming a swimsuit model.)

I have 2 2cm ones, one directly above my bellybutton and one about 2 inches to the left of that one.

Yes! There's plenty of time to break out the togs, hehe! 🙂

On 2/24/2019 at 2:30 PM, Recidivist said:

EmzBee, that's a pretty dramatic difference in just a week. You look great, although it probably helps that you are smiling in second photo.

There are ways to make your boobs larger if necessary down the road. However, I suspect your body will shrink to meet them. 🙂

Not a week -- First photo was around 6th Dec, my first pre-op meeting with my surgeon, so there's about a 20kg/40pound difference between the photos.

Not too worried about size but more gravity!!! I may well get an augmentation if & when we can afford it.

Hi hi!

Fellow post-ops (and pre-ops who know already) What are your specific protein/calorie goals?

I find I have nausea if I consume anything over 500cals. Yesterday I had 300, walked 7K steps and felt great... Day before I had 600 and felt pretty gross.

I don't have any Protein goal guidelines (I'll email my dietitian, see what she says) but I was wondering how my post-op cals/protein stacks up against others' experiences.

There's so much trial and error in figuring out Tiny Tummy Tim... I'm just, like, 'new-mother nervous' that I'm not doing right by him.

1 hour ago, Gottajustdoit said:

Hey Marine,

I haven't cheated and here's why. I was told that any pulp or even a small bit of food could get snarled in the staples that are trying to heal. The thought of that happening scared the dickens out of me so I'm staying the course. I definitely am getting my appetite back, and my cravings for something cheesy is fierce, but I figured if I could make it through the awful Clear Liquids phase of the preop, I can make it a few more days until I get to the pureed stage. Are you still on full liquids? Have you tried sugar-free pudding? Cream Soup?

1 hour ago, TheMarine79 said:

I have been having Premier Protein chocolate 30 grams of Protein each day. Decaff coffee and sugar free fudgicles

Gottajustdoit makes a good point... I take everything back, don't cheat. Lol.

I don't have staples. I only have the 5 laparoscopic entry points (3 x 1cm, 2x 2cm near my bellybutton... the most annoying one is the one on my solar plexus that sits right on my braline).

Although we're getting RNYs, the actual procedures are likely different, so don't listen to my cheating face listen to your surgeon XD

1 hour ago, TheMarine79 said:

Has anyone ever cheated on post op diet. I am getting appetite back slowly.

I mean, I'm supposed to be on purees still, but I went out for dinner with my husband earlier in the week and had a soft boiled egg with dried anchovies. They were salty and crunchy and delicious! (Also full of B-vitamins and omegas, so I'm thinking of getting some for home) I also made sure to take slow bites and chew chew chew them to a mush.

Today, again went out with my husband for Breakfast. He got scrambled eggs with a fried egg on the side for me--I would have preferred poached, but I managed to eat aaaaalmost a whole egg with a tiny bit of hollandaise sauce and cracked pepper... delish! And no dumping syndrome! (Though a freaking TEENY amount of sugar and I dump, it seems--only had it happen once so may just be a nut thing--but I'm super-careful with sugar).

Cheating for us all is a slippery slope. I know that. But if you're cheating on something that fits into your dietary needs (high Protein, can be mushed or chewed and broken down) and it'll make you less miserable/more satisfied to have a 'cheat' meal, then... *shrugs*

Ya gotta do what you can to do your best without withdrawing from life, is all I'm saying. 🙂

8 hours ago, Dubchild said:

Should’ve found this thread earlier but I had bypass on feb 12. I’m 36 yrs old and work in construction so I had a feeling I would be quick to recover and was off pain meds by feb 15. The liquid diet has been no problem and walking everyday as well. Now the problem... I decided earlier this week (day 7/8/9) that general housework and bending over to pick up the dog (17lbs chihuahua) was within my scope but apparently not. While sitting on couch or in reclining chair I feel zero pain. When I stand up it’s a slight burning sensation on the left side. First thing in the morning getting out of bed is sheer torture. Sharp pains in the mid left side that is basically crippling until I make it downstairs to the couch but then less and less pain throughout the day until before bed it returns again. I’m not sure if I’ve pulled something or the muscles just hadn’t healed yet but now (day 11) the pain this morning in my left side is bad as ever. Selfishly hoping this is happening to the other buddies who had surgery the same time as I did just so I can stop worrying... any feedback is much appreciated folks

cheers

ps. Our post op diet is not specific per person but I feel like I could move on to purée but they don’t suggest it till day 21... I’m craving any sort of real food

Welcome, Dubchild!

Man, that sounds nasty! 😞

I, too, experience the shooting left rib pain--though more sporadically. Your stomach's hiding just under there, so it doesn't surprise me that when you get up and your organs move a little you're experiencing pain.

I experience the shooting pains mainly when I'm slouching, typing at the computer and then stretch to straighten my back. I think it's basically my ribcage crushing into Tiny Tummy Tim and making him uncomfortable. Fair enough, TTT.

For pain getting up/down, perhaps try a heat pack? I think the reason why we notice the stabbing/shooting pains is because the pain meds really aren't built to help with them, so we're more or less on our own.

On 2/23/2019 at 10:56 AM, TheMarine79 said:

High wt 339 on February 4th. Surgery weight February 18th 321, 2-22 weight is 314

Looking good Marine! I did a couple headshots over on FB, I may as well share here, too...

First photo is around about the time of my first surgeon's appointment, second is one week post.

So nice to have some of that weight around my face and neck off... though (surprise, surprise) I've lost the majority of cm from around my bust... a massive 20cm and counting! Why do the boobs have to be the first to go?! Lol!

Week one update!

Hard to believe that it's been a week since surgery. Wow... feels like a whole new world!

NSVs for the week is I can now wear my wedding ring without pain. I'm also now the lightest I've been in 3.5years, and I'm going to my first writers meetup with a new group. I've got a little of my spark back 🙂

Down six pounds, 2.7kgs this week! And, I know it's ridiculous, but can I admit I was a little disappointed? 😲 I guess a big part of this process is the mental game... and learning to be patient. *sigh*

*twiddles fingers*

Guess I can't expect to be at GW after a week! 😂😅😅

On 2/21/2019 at 8:18 AM, Recidivist said:

I already have six incisions on my abdomen from cancer surgery in 2017. With five or six more after bypass, I guess i can give up my dream of being a swimsuit model.

Now, now, Recidivist! Don't give up on your dreams that easy! 😄

On 2/21/2019 at 10:54 AM, PALOMABELLA said:

Congrats. Im due for my sleeve on May. Can u plz pass that reciepe in the cup???

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I bought it from a local company, so unfortunately I don't have the recipe 😞

But here's a list of ingredients: chicken mince, cream, Tomato puree, Water, brown onion, greek yogurt, pea Protein, cornflour, garlic, white sugar, canola oil, ginger, chicken stock, citrus fibre, cumin, garam masala, corriander, salt.

TBH I think you could get a similar result just by using a simmer sauce and chicken mince--perhaps adding some unflavored protein for extra protein. The most protein-dense puree I have on hand is a beef mince bolognese, though--so that might be your best option over chicken for getting enough protein in at puree stage 🙂

On 2/20/2019 at 5:45 PM, BlueIGT said:

I also had trouble with sleep, and actually just got a full night last night. I was on the 11th. But around day 5 I think I felt similar to how you are feeling. I had to take gravol and was feeling very sorry for myself. You'll be surprised how much difference a day or two can make. Every day something seems to get a little easier or less painful.

On 2/20/2019 at 4:13 PM, Gottajustdoit said:

Hi EmzBee--I'm one of the 13th "quads" and this morning was my first really "feel good" day. So, it took until about my 6th day post-op to feel less swollen and tender. I still have one area that hurts on and off--must be a persistent gas bubble on my left side--but other than that, I'm feeling pretty good. I have had very little nausea--thank goodness. I heard that smelling Vicks or peppermint oil helps with the nausea. I sip Water constantly and have gotten in two Protein Shakes a day, but not much else. I have had small amounts of Soup and sugar-free fat-free chocolate pudding. Today is the first day I felt actual hunger and had minor cravings for some foods. Hang in there...I was very frustrated by not feeling well and today it was so much better. It does happen! Wait a few more days....and keep sipping that water!

Thanks you two -- this really helped 🙂

Turned out, I think, that I was pushing it. 82g Protein and 621 calories the day before, and 50g/522cals on Wednesday. Yesterday after my first run-in with dumping syndrome I paired it back -- 46g protein and 435 cals. Surprisingly enough I felt much more comfortable/less nauseous! *slaps forehead* Typical me, trying to run before I can walk!

Congratulations! What an amazing achievement! I hope you're celebrating in style! 🙂

2 minutes ago, Newme2019!! said:

Here in Nashville TN, i am on Clear Liquids until Thursday and then Full liquids starting then for probably 2 weeks then I get to start the pureed stage for 2 weeks and then reintroduce food! My surgery was 2-11-19! It’s the hardest thing I have ever done!

Have to admit, Newme, that sound HARD. Good on you for following your surgeon's instructions, though! 🙂

Well... day 5 post-surgery and I guess I should have expected that it wouldn't all be smooth sailing.

It was my first night sleeping through the night last night, and I am absolutely zonked today. Decided to come off the Celecoxib because I'm not experiencing much pain (aside from the occasional stabbing pains my my tummy/left ribs that seem fairly standard) but, sheesh! The nausea! And complete and utter lack of energy! Ooch, I'm really feeling sorry for myself!

It's 4pm my time and I'm just finishing up my first 500ml. I'm trying... but just every blimmin thing is an effort.

How are our 13th quads doing? Are you experiencing anything similar?

Anyone else suffering post-surgery? I know we've been a fairly upbeat lot, but I want to make sure that we're hearing/encouraging those who aren't lollipops and rainbows, too. (There's plenty of optimism for us all to share, hehe!)

47 minutes ago, Newme2019!! said:

So does anyone have the answer to “why” after surgery you are only supposed to have Clear Liquids and then full liquids...??

I am a person who likes to know the answer to everything! 🤷‍♀️

Here I was on purees at hospital. Just Water for 24hrs after surgery, then a clear vege broth for lunch, then pureed chicken and yogurt for dinner--I believe that they won't let you leave until you're tolerating puree--even just 1-2tsps. They also do the barium swallow here to check for leaks during the op.

It's interesting the differences place to place!

2 hours ago, tcowen648 said:

Ricotta cheese and pears

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YUM.

I'm still on baby food. Here's my 50g of pureed butter chicken with 20g of Protein yogurt I had for dinner last night. I finished about 3/4s and then became nauseous...

Bought little 100g pottles of puree from a company here in NZ. It's been great not having to think about cooking, because cooking smells are blugh!