Darktowerdream

Try chewable digestive enzymes and probiotics. I also think harder to digest foods and food sensitivities trigger it worse.

I think it’s a relief to have them done together, my gallbladder needed to come out and that’s when I started wondering if gastric bypass surgery was a possibility, I’d fought my weight so many years but didn’t think back then that bariatric surgery was even an option. I fought my weight alone until I couldn’t anymore. My hysterectomy was separate in 2010. My doctor did open surgery but I actually found that recovery easier and the scar less visible. Mine was for many rapid growing fibroids all over, left my ovaries but had to take my cervix due to fibroids. My uterus was retroflexed towards my spine and had a pedunculated fibroid hanging off it also near my spine. just be aware hysterectomy can lead to issues down the road. Could be because my surgery was more extensive. It kind of changed my body shape too ... I never knew until eight years later. But likely I was more vulnerable to these issues because my muscle weakness from chronic illness. I’m glad you were able to have both taken care of. I wasn’t sure if I’d wake up with my gallbladder removed or not. Thankfully he did, tuned out to be chronic inflammation. I hope you have a smooth recovery.

I’m glad yours went well. And most of all that you had good company. I don’t mind being around others even if I can’t eat. I usually make lunches for my mom. Im just Terrible in social settings, and I can’t control sensory overload or when it happens. I’d have been ok had we gone to a quieter place with a slower pace. Sometimes you just want family but it’s hard when you really have no one.

I have to admit mine went terribly. I don’t have family, it’s just my mom and I. There is her boyfriend and friends. We went with him and one friend to Cracker Barrel for thanksgiving and I thought I would do my best to handle it. I had suggested another place but they wanted Cracker Barrel and options are limited. Even with a kids meal. I’m supposed to be almost at regular foods but have limitations from chronic illness. Between the stricture, problems with my esophagus not related to surgery, and dysphasia. it didn’t help that he changed which Cracker Barrel we went to, and went to one I’d been to a past thanksgiving with my mother and two of her friends (a married couple) and it was a disaster. The place was packed and loud. The day prior we had gone to bingo. I made the mistake of walking there. And it set off my pain and fatigue. I didn’t sleep that night. The next day I was exhausted and my nerves rather raw. We got seated and it was in the middle of a packed dining room. I’m on the Autism spectrum and have sensory processing disorder. It was hard to think with all the loud voices and a screaming child and noise all around me let alone plan what to eat. the moment we sat down the waitress came and said very loudly are you all here for the thanksgiving feast. And my mother’s boyfriend says very loudly what do you think you can eat? I’m very sensitive about people asking what I can eat. The question sent my raw nerves into overdrive and I felt sick and I had to walk out. Instant migraine. he didn’t get it. He needs to lose weight he has a lot of bad health issues. He keeps asking what I eat or can eat. My circumstances aren’t the norm. And I have never been comfortable being out on the spot or people analyzing what I eat or don’t eat. Even if he is interested in bariatric surgery what I do won’t be the same as what he does. Plus he’s not in the right head space. If he were really interested he would take a look at his bad habits and how he eats. And he would make an appointment with a bariatric surgeon and nutritionist. i try to advise here but circumstances are different for me, I just wanted to have a nice relaxing thanksgiving. I ended up waiting outside to get away from the noise. While they enjoyed their dinner. Not understanding how all my senses were attacked and I was ill ...

Even doing research it’s hard to find exactly the size of the stomach but my nutritionist class I had to attend explained everything in detail about how the stomach is roughly the size of an egg. You gradually build up how much you put in your new pouch at a time. Starting with 1 oz in the first days to 2 ounces And eventually 3-4 ounces. Everything depends on your personal tolerance. like others have said it’s not just about stomach size aka the pouch that’s separated from the remnant stomach. It’s the rerouting of the intestines. I ended up having my gallbladder out at the same time because of chronic inflammation. Be aware it’s extremely common for rapid weight loss to effect the gallbladder and eventually needing it out. i saw your question and it made me think of my own. All my research I can’t quite figure out what that remnant portion of stomach does. I thought the digestive juices go through it and into the diverted small intestine. when I asked my surgeon about wether someone could have ulcers in the remnant portion he acted like nothing goes through it, I couldn’t get a clear answer. I’m having pain and spasms in that area and can’t quite get answers. Except they can only check inside that portion of stomach surgically. but not trying to scare you I’ve a load of issues from lifelong chronic illness. But gastric bypass was the best option for me having GERd and metabolic disorders and the metabolism of a sloth ... I questioned and worried a lot about the size of my pouch. I kind of wish they had taken the remnant portion of stomach away. I won’t ever want a reversal even if possible ...

I’m going on 7 months post op RNY but also have chronic illness. Surgery exposed existing conditions and now I’m seeking explanation of it and trying to cope since it’s neurological and even with a diagnosis there is no fix. The first is the mechanism that keeps liquids especially from going into the lungs when you swallow (epiglottis?) drinking water and even thinner protein shakes feels like getting waterboarded. I ended up with aspiration pneumonia after surgery which revealed the pre-existing symptoms/ condition. I was told to thicken the water but it’s contrary to my small pouch and im sensitive to the ingredients in the thick it up product. It’s also horrible stuff. But more dense foods also cause trouble, apparently my esophaguses is extremely sensitive. I have stricture and the second dilation caused a mucosal tear at the ge junction. Too liquid not good, too dense not good. I’m trying to find what I can tolerate. I try to drink a little tea or 5 calorie ocean spray juice but it’s painful. I don’t even think the thickener would help. i have similar issue if I have to be active where I need to bend at the waist and I’ve eaten I get sick. So now I try not to eat or drink while doing laundry ... I have a small sliding hernia but they say it’s not a problem ... but you’d think it would be if a person is symptomatic. fluffychix is right in that you should discuss a possible hernia with your doctor. it’s awesome that you maintained your success for so long. I hope that I can get there too, despite all my medical conditions.

I had quite a few surgeries including breast reduction many years ago, and hysterectomy in 2010 and other surgeries on my feet and Achilles’ tendon and such, but for some reason had a hardest time with the first days after my RNY. The compression garments are probably the hardest to get used to, at the same time you will find yourself depending on the security feeling they give. Once you are home that’s when things will start to get a little easier. For now maybe find new scenery in the hotel to rest. Recovery is difficult when walking is hampered, I’ve had enough of those ... take it slow and easy. And remember to elevate your legs often. im slowly thinking about the idea of plastics. And when I can I find others here who have had it. I haven’t been able to get out as much and I’m thinking about when I want to try again. I get rashes on my belly, under bust and thighs from being allergic to my own sweat. It’s so hot here so often. It would be nice to be comfortable in my own skin sometimes without sagging excess skin. Your recovery will take time but I hope once you are home it’s smooth sailing for you.

cajunredpanda that is awesome news! Congratulations.:) it’s the first steps to a long journey and we all hit some bumps in the road but I knew you would finally get approval, you’ve worked so hard to earn it. And now as you head to the steps toward surgery you have a place to share and people who care. Thank you for sharing the good news!

Well ok. I just wanted to share in my perspective with autism spectrum, very limited calories and diet and that I think it’s good to face “temptation” and say no. As well as figure workarounds for my restrictions due to chronic illness. my metabolism is slower than a sloth. And sometimes an actual nibble of something won’t hurt. If it’s a nibble or two. BUT Nibbles can add up. If you are not mindful. and I worked on that. Mostly I wanted to mention the medical card. I have no family. It’s just my mother and I and her friends. I had gastric bypass surgery. I eat as little carbs as possible out of necessity and very little to no sugar. I understand it’s your opinion about buffet. My pouch is very small. Aside from the salmon sashimi and two small shrimp the rest was nibbles. And the desert I nibbled with chopsticks was the least sweet there and less sugar than fruit. im sorry your comment makes me feel I need to justify my post. Close after surgery I wanted to treat a good friend of my mother’s to Father’s Day dinner. I went and just had a drink and a few nibbles of sweet potato. I am trying to go with my mom and her friends once in a while. They love eating out. Last time I had a couple shrimp. Just 4 ounces. You can get appetizers during happy hour. Which we missed I just took a few of my mother’s she eats less too. But for now I know to have protein first and make sure to have extra protein with less calories if I might eat out. But I’d never really tested it and it’s hard for me since I rarely go. I figured a buffet was a big test and I knew the place might have what I wanted. And I resisted all my old favorites from many years ago. I’d never been a buffer person ever but figured there’s way more options to get simple protein than ordering a meal. And it was where my company wanted to go. it wasnt an expensive buffet and would have been less had my company listened to me and asked for the children’s portion price with my medical card. But I am not very good with people and had a hard time adapting to the situation more than I was the food nor was I tempted that I couldn’t resist. Soup to me is empty calories and not enough protein. I thought about it looked at it and told myself no. buffet doesn’t mean eat it all. They had nice healthy protein options too. I only nibbled the fresh cooked fish since it didn’t sit too well. And I can still only manage soft foods. (My personal medical issues) Maybe nibbling from plates and eating carbs or ordering “healthier option meals” works for you after sleeve. That’s great. I’m sorry your response came of condescending and assuming I overate or wanted to. I just thought my mom would like me to join in. They planned to go and I decided to try to go along. Just because my company ate a lot did not mean I had to and for years I’ve been working on not eating something just because someone I’m with eats it ... It’s not always about just food.

I forgot to say sometimes it’s not the actual salt that’s a problem. But hidden ingredients like maltodextrin, hidden fillers in meats, etc, can’t think of them now. I’m hoping I don’t sound preachy as I am far from perfect.

Thank you so much for sharing this. I was in a dark place after my gastric bypass surgery. My body went into sensory overload and I was bed bound because of its impact on my chronic illness. I want thigh tuck so bad at some point and maybe some other things. I’d definitely have to go to Mexico probably would do BariatricPal Mx hospital. I do worry about those first days after even though I have high pain tolerance it takes its toll body and mind. I am sorry your first days were hellish and hope that each day of recovery gets better (and it will) I’m glad you shared an open honest story since that’s what I look for. And the result is already looking great.

Best thing to do is have protein shakes that are a blend of whey and casein to help fill you up, at least until the clear liquids phase a few days prior to surgery when you want to get get your digestive system cleaned out then because that helps eliminate (pun intended) post op constipation. But for now a filling protein shake three times a day and drink lots of water. The ocean spray 5 calories juice is handy too. They have a variety of flavors though I like cran-grape or grapefruit. When you get to clear some people drink isopure clear (it comes in glass bottles) and a rich bone broth is helpful though honestly my body can’t seem to tolerate broth. And couldn’t tolerate the Isopure But everyone is different. I didn’t think much about hunger. You can make your own jello and add extra flavor. I think the one thing i wish I had for the clear phase, and post op was BariatricPal pink grapefruit protein shots. they make good juice flavor protein. i personally liked PEScience select protein powder (A well formulated blend of whey protein isolate and casein. ) mixed with ripple milk. Wished I’d found that earlier on too. best of luck to you.

I’m sorry I’m tired so I forgot to add that the card is available on the BariatricPal store, I got it free with a purchase at some point. I think some surgeons and nutritionists offer the medical card as well (I’ve seen it mentioned here) not all restaurants honor it but it doesn’t hurt to ask. It specifies that you’ve had bariatric surgery and can only eat very small portions and requests the ability to either order a smaller portion at a regular price, an appetizer or a children’s menu item. Though the buffet was the same Food options as anyone else just a children’s portion price. Not all children’s menus are just junk food. And it helps to learn to navigate restaurants for healthier options and smaller portions. I rarely eat out so don’t have much experience post op. But the card just helps show that you will eat less and hopefully be able to pay less.

I decided to start a topic because I tested eating out for the second time. My mom and three of her friends wanted to go to Ichiban buffet. I’d been there before my surgery. I asked if they could mention to the server before they bring the check before we started eating to mention my card, that I had gastric bypass and request a child’s menu. It was overwhelming when I first got there so I couldn’t when I’m sensory overload. No one wanted to just ask. I dropped the issue. I wanted to test myself eating out. I still need soft foods, easy to eat things but I did a test for myself. To try. It was a Japanese buffet so they had some sashimi and they had nice cooked fish and shrimp. breakfast I had a 5 oz cottage cheese 110 calories and 19 grams protein, lunch I had a protein shot with tea 60 calories and 15 grams protein. I usually have 48 grams protein a day and max 400 calories average 380 for reference. im guessing my meal at no more than 230 calories, I’ll overestimate. Maybe 5 ounces of food at most. And approximately 20 or so grams of protein. i took a small plate of salmon sashimi maybe 3 oz at most. Approximately 128 calories, 12-13 grams protein. My cheat was to have some wasabi with tiny bits of soy sauce And ginger. I love salmon and wasabi. It was a nice treat in miniature. The salmon goes down easy compared to heavier proteins. I had nibbles of cookes salmon and swai. I had two small soft cooked shrimp. Maybe an ounce which is about 30 calories? 6 grams protein? I ate very slow. I used chopsticks. I did allow myself a tiny cheat at the end. I knew they had a little soft desert sort of like tiramisu I took a piece, a tiny teaspoon of coffee ice cream, and some sort of eggy flan. But took nibbles with the chopsticks and then covered it with a napkin and was done. I didn’t drink anything. I actually felt more sick trying to drink something to take medication when I got home. A few sips of water. I worked hard to eat right but let myself have a very tiny bit of something. I felt the need to test. I’m nearly seven months out and can’t eat regular foods but sometimes we need to be able to feel like we can join other people when they eat and not be tempted. The others ate plates and plates. I ate a few ounces. But it was ok. I got upset when they paid the bill and could have asked for mine to be a child’s portion but didn’t care to ask. I stepped away and despite my autism got up the nerve to go to the desk and mention my surgery and they would have accommodated me had they just asked when we sat down. But I wasn’t in a place to ask I rarely if ever eat out. So don’t be afraid to ask. And get the little medical card from BariatricPal you never know when a restaurant will be open to it. will this be helpful to anyone I hope so. I made sure to eat protein first and fill up. And just a tiny taste of the coffee flavor desert that I remembered liking before surgery. Just a taste. i was worried and I am trying to do little things without stressing too hard. Just keep in mind my own personal rules and foods I can manage. third edit. I think I am learning that due to a neurological form of dysphasia, water and thinner liquids actually make me feel more sick, thN soft easier to digest foods, it’s crazy.

@Sweetsoul oh how I understand how hard it is. I am 7” shorter than you. I can’t excercise due to chronic illness but I understand avoiding the gym. In all reality exercise does not help with weight loss. Building muscle (which I cannot do) helps burn fat, but I meant to say is I’ve been here before and I fought so hard the first time and it’s hard, I was losing my ability to taste food and I wasn’t getting hungry or full signals but I felt that needs to just want something good, something rich with flavor, strong taste. Never was a snacker either, love salt need salt fo orthostatic intolerance. I tried vegetarian back then too when I couldn’t tolerate meats. I had been doing extreme low carb and calorie counting to lose weight And I finally did but it was extreme under 10 net carbs and very low calorie. but wanted to add more vegetables and vegetarian foods. I was feeling sick. And guess what my weight crept up. Somehow I managed the best I could but always on the brink of gaining until I eventually ended up having drastic weight gain. Maybe because my gallbladder went bad and I wasn’t processing fats but I was eating more greens, kale salads, vegetarian foods and 800 calories yet gaining, no snacking, I felt like a total failure. And I eventually was able to seek out gastric bypass surgery. And have had to recreate my way of eating. I’m finding salt and fats an issue now and vegetables even though I relied heavily on them before I can’t eat much salt and will need to treat my orthostatic intolerance some other way. But you are right in your approach to understanding the problem. I feel you I do. It’s my fear long term so I’m working so hard on what my long term habits need to be especially as things change. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your surgeon and the nutritionist you worked with too and re-evaluate where you are now. I know it’s easier said than done I’m afraid of my surgeon visits after some issues from my own surgery. That they don’t understand my medical issues outside of surgery. But you won’t know unless you take the step. try to find other things to compensate for what salt offers. It’s hard. I hope my response isn’t too forward. To obnoxious. You came pretty far and maintained well and maybe at some point you can take a step further don’t worry. I’m slow in moving forward with food, I have food issues. You are fairly tall too and some people are naturally curvy. I just know you didn’t fail especially because you are giving it good honest evaluation and thought.

Yes it’s almost always additives and hidden filler ingredients in even foods like chicken that can cause tolerance issues. But also our new sensitive gut needs to be treated like a baby when it comes to trying new things.

I think give it time, I couldn’t tolerate chicken, tuna, sardines during the soft phase no matter how slow or how wet i made it but honestly my body was having a tough time with meat And fats prior due to my gallbladder and food allergies. I did tolerate beef better but grass fed organic beef, and vegetarian organic chicken (green wise Publix store brand) I would just buy and eat less or when chicken went bogo. It depends on the quality meat. But for now I’m working on high protein veggie burgers that have pea protein and vegetables. never cook things dry, keep meat portions smaller too. also can I suggest getting a good digestive enzyme like garden of life chewable, something with a range of enzymes that will help you with the hard to digest foods. I buy from vitamin shoppe or vitacost. I dislike our local gnc it’s a franchise ... but if you have a good shop you can ask about digestive enzymes. also as I said, give things time and try them in small doses even with sleeve. (I had bypass) digestive enzymes can help with preventive for developing GERd.

@Kimberly3 my pain also started in my back and traveled to my chest under my rib cage. Dealing with chronic pain I actually tended to downplay it. I have high tolerance but at some point I was like enough is enough please do something because pain is exhausting. to the OP. Persist in getting answers and a solution that works for you. Mine was having my gallbladder removed during my gastric bypass surgery. My doctor almost didn’t want to because of the risk but thankfully he did. it is extremely common for rapid weight loss especially after bariatric surgery to cause gallbladder problems that need surgery to remove it (cholecystectomy)

I crashed hard and can barely move except my finger on my tablet .... Doing the best I can but sometimes slide back when I try to be here to help my mom with things like laundry lunch and errands. But then can barely move or function for days afterward but it’s been my life forever.

You haven’t failed, maybe fallen into old habits but never failed. Evaluate where you are and start fresh. Maybe seek out advice of your surgeon and a nutritionist. You did good just remember it’s a lifelong journey of change. It’s ok to fall down, get back up and remember you didn’t fail. I have to remind myself every minute to let go of what I fear are failures. With more things in my life than I ever discuss. post what surgery you had and where you started and how you progressed and others can reach out to help advise you.

I’m sorry I forgot about this thread, BariatricPal Mx hospital in Mexico has flat rate surgery and offers a credit plan. https://www.unitedmedicalcredit.com/start-an-application/?pid=001E000001A4l7u&sel=true

Push push push for doctors to find a liquid alternative to meds. I couldn’t tolerate crushing them. I was told months before pills and small ones at that. Still can’t do any but small and take vitamins in liquid or gummies. when I had to I crushed and dissolved in hot water and just put up with the taste ...

@AJ Tylo you are right about carbs after bypass especially. never heard of crackers or protein bars week two. Get protein, enough but not too much. I just started trying soft protein bars. I dumped the first time. Second time didn’t. Be careful what bars. You need protein first, some fiber and little to no sugar or carbs. I recommend oh yea one bars, no cow bars, BariatricPal bars, quest bars maybe. But not this early. you can get protein crisps but also not this early. I’ve fatigue and weakness from lifelong chronic illness but you need vitamins and protein and nutrition and avoid things that causes the dizziness and weakness. Hard for me to judge since those are some symptoms of chronic illness but I back off foods that cause trouble after trying them slowly and twice. If they cause dumping or stall I back off. dont rush to solid foods or even soft. Slow and steady and back track if you get sick. And if you have issues talk to your surgeon or his assistant or nurse.

Prior to surgery, during my first weight loss effort I didn’t realize I was starting to have gallbladder attacks. Over time I tried avoiding certain foods like meats and fats. I’d started getting worse attacks. It wasn’t until last year maybe when I mentioned to my gastroenterologist the symptoms, like burning pain, spasms, sorry I can’t think of them all. He finally did a hida scan. This was when I started seeking out gastric bypass surgery when I was suggested my gallbladder was low functioning. They didn’t see stones but when I had my surgery it turned out to be chronic inflammation. My suggestion is see a gastroenterologist about a hida scan. Mine recreated the symptoms of the attacks. Your body doesn’t process fats properly, nor fat soluble vitamins. Most doctors don’t discuss that part. Take digestive enzymes to help with certain foods but likely the only relief is cholecystectomy. And dietary changes. Plus bile salts and digestive enzymes. My doctor didn’t quite believe it was a problem until they took it out.

Me again otherwise my lack of memory will eat it. ive never been a snacker. I do still stick to very low carb. I do some intermittent fasting. And sometimes it’s good to fast a day once in a while. though those were unintentional due to fasting for blood tests or procedures. It helps. yes I treat every so often. A little sf whip on my coffee. And I have gone out to eat. One time I had a bit of sweet potato mashed. The second time I managed a couple Shrimp it risks my allergies but is a low calorie protein easy to eat if not too chewy. Lots of protein in least calories. I had a 4 oz veggie burger for dinner w. A little Bit of mustard a drop of mayo. I ate as slow as I could and it was good (soft easy to chew not too hard to swallow) but foods still make me sick. But Doesn’t start until I’m done. I am learning to see food as nutrition vs comfort more now. And that I don’t need as much to sustain myself. hard lesson. Still learning. Not to push. And if a food causes too much backsliding either I limit it or eliminate it. now the holidays will be tough but try not to think of sweets as a treat but nice bit of roasted turkey maybe and a veggie egg casserole or “pie” and look for low carb pumpkin pie recipes that you can make with protein. And eat a tiny bit. Or try seasonal flavor protein bars like oh yeah one or no cow. BariatricPal mug cakes too. Or just seasonal sf flavor syrup like skinny girl syrups in tea or yogurt or protein shakes. I find them at stores like marshals, Burlington, sometimes tjmaxx or home goods, sometimes Wednesday morning (whatever day that store is) I like our local Burlington or Marshall’s. They are cheap. I’ve meant to write about this. My nutritionist wanted me to share in a support group but I haven’t been able to get there. Makes me nervous being judged by others. So I’m trying my best here for a while. When I can. Though my energy is limited, I end up writing more if I’m crashed. Sometimes this is as active as I’m physically able to be. But losing the weight still gives me physical freedom of not carrying the burden. Despite the cost I pay otherwise. in hospital I was like omg what did I do but I knew it was the right thing to do despite how I felt physically it was either fight or give up and know despite all my efforts otherwise I’d have kept gaining on minimal carbs and calories. And adjusting to new habits and way of eating. I hope to reach goal and finally maintain steady.