Post Op Feeling Bad

ShirleyBee · April 23, 2007

I had lapband surgery on April 14th. The surgery went find but I'm having problems with my blood sugar, diarrhea, dizzy, and weak. I'm 53 and expected to have a few more problems than a 20 year old. Did anyone else feel this way after surgery?

HelenC · April 23, 2007

You may want to call your doctor. It sounds like you may not be getting enough nutrition in.

What are you "eating"?

ShirleyBee · April 23, 2007

I have talked to my doctor and he said to watch the blood sugar and not let it go over 200 which it hasn't. During the first 7 days I had Clear Liquids (protein shake mixed with Water (1 a day), 1/2 calorie apple juice, broth, sf jello). Day 8 (2 days ago) I started on full liquids eating (1 or 2 Protein Shakes a day mixed w/skim milk, campbells creamy Tomato Soup, popsicles and jello). However, I only eat about 1/2 of everything because I get full. Also I have been using immodian for the diarrhea. Today, I bought a bottle of Propel w/calcium and added a tube of New Whey orange flavored Protein to see if that will help. I lost 7 pounds the first week. What can I add to my diet that will help?

HelenC · April 23, 2007

It sounds like you're getting enough nutrition. Were it me, I'd also consider adding a Multivitamin in there - either chewable Flintstones or liquid Centrum.

The diarrhea will pass - liquids in, liquids out

Let me ask you this - did you drink coffee/soda pre-band, that you aren't now?

txbecca · April 23, 2007

The Protein Drinks gave me the runs,, so I switched to milkshakes, and Soups. A lot of people can't tolerate the sucralose in them.

ShirleyBee · April 23, 2007

No. I've been caffeine free for 2 years. However, I did eat a lot of sugar before the surgery. I think that's why I'm having blood sugar problems. I think I was diabetic but never diagnosed. I started hitting the Protein heavy this morning and just now (4 hours later) starting to feel a little better. I do have Vitamins but I haven't been taking them regularly. Will work on that.

HelenC · April 23, 2007

I hope you feel better soon! I remember feeling a little dizzy for a while after surgery too, but it straightened out when I went on mushies.

ShirleyBee · April 23, 2007

Five more days and I can go on mushies.

txbecca · April 23, 2007

I may stir the pot here but everyones body is different and every doctor has different diets. While my doc in a perfect world wanted liquids the first week post up and soft foods the second. I know my body well enough to listen to it. The diarrhea was the first sign that I needed to listen to my body, and cut the Protein drinks, and logically I could find no reason for not drinking other things that were the same consistency, so after about day 5 post op I started drinking soups.. then after about 4 days of Soups, I started on mushy, because my body told me I needed more bulk. I was on full solids by about two weeks. I disagree with some of the more radical diets that people try that put thier bodies in a state of ketosis. I don't think it is healthy or wise but to each his/her own. For me I listen to my body, except that I tell it how much and when it can have what it wants.

ShirleyBee · April 23, 2007

Thanks Rebecca that helped! My doctor wanted me to do 14 days Clear Liquids, 14 days full liquids and then 14 days mushies. I cut it down to 7 days because I knew my body couldn't do the 14 days. Now I'm thinking that I should maybe add something mushie (once a day) to help me feel better. It's hell trying to work a full time job when you feel so weak and dizzy. I'm just kind of "out of it".