JustAMomATX

You are doing all the right things - I’m so sorry it’s happening. Stalls suck and really are de-motivating. Good on you, though, to be in Onederland! I don’t have any magic solutions but I hear your frustration and sadness.

I’m finally feeling “normal”?? I started a stall at 3 weeks and this week (my 5th week) it FINALLY broke. Thanks to helpful advice here especially the post from @SpartanMaker describing the why’s of stalls. It was water retention...and how do I know this? Because it started at 3 weeks and also this week the volume of pee vs consumption just went to a whole new level! I should have realized something was way off with that because I was drinking the recommended amounts but not peeing nearly as much as I would prior to surgery. I also upped my protein just because 40g wasn’t cutting it so I’m really really trying for 60 now. Also, started a MiraLax every couple of days and Benefiber daily program....big help there also. All of these things have made a huge difference and I feel so much better. I, too, am making an effort to get walks in every day. I’m working on weights twice a week but I need to get with my team on that. I was told no more than lifting 5 lb weights but that seems insanely ridiculous. Also, not sure when I can resume any ab work (not that I’m begging to do planks and sit-ups....) I hear you all on the fluid intake when we can only hold so much AND there are hours around meals when we can’t drink...it’s really hard. The mathematics that it takes to keep all the timing, portions, tracking and vitamin regimens is something else! 😂😂 We all need a pat on the back for determination and perseverance - good job everyone!

YES PLEASE!! I’m going on my third week of one so I’m right there with you. I’ve been hearing “just stick with the program” which I’m doing but surely somebody has some wisdom out here!!!

I hope everything is okay….it does get better for sure. Swallowing is tough the first two weeks. Crush everything. Pills are not tolerated well. I nearly ended up in the ER over ONE gelcap. Gas and diarrhea go with the territory but it is no fun - it’s not unusual to resort to poise pads or another heavy duty pad for poop accidents. Keep us posted.

God bless you for mentioning this...I am STRUGGLING also. It sucks so badly and the fact that I’m only a little over a month out and it’s terrible does not make me feel great about the next 6 months. I appreciate all the advice here...I have Benefiber, Colace and Milk of Magnesia going over here like it’s a fire sale and I just can’t get the right combo yet to help.

This is great - thank you!!

For everyone on real food, how’s it going? I just started this week and it’s been interesting. I still find myself gravitating to soft foods but I definitely am careful about speed. I ate breakfast too fast the other day and I had a vomit moment before taking my daughter to school. The amount of food actually eaten is a ridiculously small amount - it’s so bizarre! My plan is not specific at all on what to eat so it’s a lot of trial and error….what are some of your meals like?

100% same exact thing.

I have been a MyFitnessPal user for years. It was a major factor in my previous weight loss successes and my fault for not keeping at it to maintain...but that’s another conversation. I am using it again and while it’s a little tricky to mathematically convert portions to our tiny amounts, the database is on point. I still use the free app but am considering upgrading to paid. I’ll be interested to see others’ opinions also!

Fluids are most important but the protein will happen. The one cautionary tale that I would like to share is my experience with protein powder...I was adding it to everything and not tracking at all (TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE MISTAKE)! Protein powder (in some people) can cause terrible constipation and impacted stool - unfortunately, I’m one of those people. I won’t go into graphic detail but it negatively affected my whole GI tract and I definitely uttered the words “I just want to die” at some point before we called the surgeon at 3am. I took a full day off protein, reset myself, am now diligently tracking and all is well again!

IDK what time it is where you are now but it sounds totally normal. If your protein water is 16oz then it would reasonably take 4-5 hours for that bad boy to get down the first few days. It’s the swelling. There’s not a lot of room in there for anything! My doc had me do four 1oz shots of liquid over the course of an hour. Each shot I took 4 sips every few minutes....those were some tiny tiny sips!!! You’re doing great!

I love this one. loli_lotus has it also!

Totally agree with that especially weight loss and moving through stages of food! But kellyarw95 and NewmeDC, here are a few practical things that I learned: You will be very, very tired when you get home. I don’t recall nausea (I know for sure I didn’t vomit) but the gas is for real. Walking helps and a heating pad on your back/shoulders. Take it slow and do laps in your house. I didn’t experience too much pain but definitely needed meds for the whole week mainly for the laparoscopic incisions and the largest one has some really deep internal sutures that are painful. Stay hydrated - tiny, tiny sips of Water. You can figure out Protein later but you will 100 legit not be hungry - it’s weird. Forget it if you are a side sleeper…invest in a back support pillow because you will need it. I’ve also seen that a lot of people lounge/sleep in a recliner…if I had it to do over again I would likely have invested in one. Roll out of bed holding a pillow to your tummy and letting gravity assist. Do not lift heavy things or reach for things overhead/down low. Hope that’s helpful. Good luck!

Hey there! I came to wish everyone in Oct good luck but saw your post and thought I could help answer your question! I’m nearly 3 weeks post-op and feeling *almost* back to normal but I can shed some light on the first couple of weeks. You will be very, very tired when you get home. I don’t recall nausea (I know for sure I didn’t vomit) but the gas is for real. Walking helps. Take it slow and do laps in your house. I didn’t experience too much pain (I had no narcotics) just 1000mg Tylenol, Gabapentin & Celebrex…weird combo but it worked. I needed it for the whole week mainly for the laparoscopic incisions and the largest one has some really deep internal sutures that are painful. Stay hydrated - tiny, tiny sips of water. You can figure out protein later but you will 100 legit not be hungry - it’s weird. Forget it if you are a side sleeper…invest in a back support pillow because you will need it. I’ve also seen that a lot of people lounge/sleep in a recliner…if I had it to do over again I would likely have invested in one. Roll out of bed holding a pillow to your tummy and letting gravity assist. Do not lift heavy things or reach for things overhead (I would prepare your home now anticipating no lifting/reaching). But, you will definitely be able to manage! All of these things get better and better each day - 3 weeks out seems to be the magic time when everything gets a lot easier. Sorry for the long post but I’m hoping this will be helpful!! Good luck!

You got this. You are doing it. You’ve shared so many resources/feedback for others here and you know how to handle cravings & slow downs. I repeat, you can do this!!!

For those on puree or dreaming of the days of puree (trust me, it’s only marginally better this is a great resource. She has great ideas & recipes for all stages of this journey - and her own story is pretty encouraging as well. I bought the black&decker chopper she recommends and am loving it! https://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com

Well said!! I wasn’t expecting that feeling and I spent most of my first week post op wondering wtf did I just do?? Everyday I was annoyed about it and it took a lot of self-talk and reassurance to get through it!

The two brands that i like are Premier Protein and Fairlife. Premier Chocolate, Root Beer Float (such a nice treat!) and Chocolate Peanut Butter (recommended by another poster here) are my favorites. I was skeptical of the Chocolate Peanut Butter but it tastes like a Butterfinger - could be trouble Fairlife Strawberry and Salted Caramel are pretty good. Fairlife has the best Vanilla, IMO, as I think that particular flavor almost always tastes chalky to me.

Welcome! This site is super helpful. I’m 53 so right there with you! Take the week off of work. Trust me on this. I was foolish and tried to go back on day 5 post op and it was no bueno. Rest, sip tiny sips of fluid and rest some more. Post-op eating has not been so bad. Liquid & pureed (currently mine) phases are a definite drag but doable. I bought a sample pack of Celebration brand vitamins and I’m pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to work into the day. Based on some other posters, Protein20 water is a real godsend. I like the Coconut flavor over ice. I’ve told very few people but interestingly enough, it was my doctor that recommended my surgery and two other medical professionals that have championed the decision. Everyone must walk their own path but it can’t be easy having someone special to you not easily on board. Good luck with your conversations, I wish you the very best.

I agree with what many of the others have said...for me, on day 4 post-op (still on pain meds) I didn’t measure some soup and after I ate it, I immediately had stomach upset, then nausea and a few hours of crampy diarrhea. I thought it was lactose or too much protein powder, but after eliminating those suspects, turns out I was just too full. I went back and measured and I had consumed over 7oz of soup in a swollen pouch that can - at best - hold 2-5oz. Now I know better!! I have been diligent on small, small sips, slowly eating & measuring my liquids/purees/soups and it has never happened again. Hope that helps! PS. You are not going to ruin anything. Except maybe some clothing or bedding if you don’t make it in time

Several of us have had the pain you describe. I asked my nurse about it and she said that’s likely the incision where the stomach and/or any other parts were extracted and that it has very deep sutures inside. It is super painful but I’m 12 days out and it does improve!

You are not alone. I’ve had to wash all the bed linens twice and had one unfortunate incident at a coffee shop with my hubs that ended with most of my clothing in a spare trash bag from the stall I was in…😳. So very humbling 🤦‍♀️😂

I know exactly what you are describing! I couldn’t figure it out either but I definitely do not think it’s hunger...in the true rumbly tummy and hunger headache sense. I believe it is just gas and in my case, some crazy mixed signals with my brain. It’s really hard figuring out exactly what my new pouch can hold and I’ve seen on here that maintaining a regular eating schedule is key. I’ve over done it twice now because I thought I was hungry. Neither time had a good ending - so to speak.

Ditto this. I was concerned about it, too and my doc just said to focus on getting 40-64oz of fluids in and worry about protein after Day 4.

From one Momma to another, definitely take it easy! I learned the hard way to stay down. Weird that my surgeon only prescribed 3 days of pain meds so I thought that meant I’d be all good....um no. I don’t know why he didn’t prescribe 6 days to begin with! I’ve needed them all!! My house is a wreck as well and the laundry mocks me but it’s gonna have to wait another day. It’s getting a lot easier and the incision sites feel less pulling 6 days out. You got this!