Hi! My name is Troy Church and I am new here. I am 8-weeks post-op Gastric Sleeve. My first 3 weeks post-op were PERFECT! I had ZERO pain and ZERO nausea! However, with the introduction of new foods, it also cooresponded with the kids frist week of school. It seems they brough home a gastro-intestinal virus such as rotavirus. THAT was just GREAT, I tell ya! It took me a little longer to get over that (close to a week) and then it was time for me to go back to work. This was the beginning of week 6 post-op and I was miserable. Luckily, I went back to work mid-week, so a long weekend was upon us and I had a little more time. Went back the "second time" and all was well. I began eating, again, and trying some new foods. Then, I catch some other type of viral gastro-enteritis.

I quickly went downhill to the point I could not even think or walk through or around my kitchen. I was contantly throwing up and could barely keep down Water. This came to a head last Tuesday, when my doctor admitted me back into the hospital. Potassium was EXTREMELY low, along with EVERYTHING else. Spent three days and two nights. ALL of the sleeve physiology looks GREAT! Had full run of tests/scans. Had liquid lunch at the hospital and it ALL stayed down! Horray!! Except, as I left the hospital and on the way home, It seemed to build. Once home, my wife and I went to the local grocery store to get me some stuff to ease me back in and I kinda freaked out. The smells made me just wanted to throw up and I felt like the store was spinning. Got home and that was it. All I wanted to do was throw up, again. And...I did. My family thinks it's them. I know it's me, but it's hard to get them to understand that. I have made an appointment with a specialist to help me get over this, but does anyone have any suggestions? Now, my doctor/surgeon has been GREAT! He and his staff have been there for me with every call and they check up on me, but they are kind of at their rope's end, as well.

I am MISERABLE!! This is all SOOOO unlike me and my persona. I feel like an absolute invalid. I cannot DO anything! I am VERY depressed, VERY emotional, VERY upset with myself, and feel like a real burden to my family right now. I really need some help.

Troy

I think you are on the right track with your appt. to see a specialist. Just pamper yourself the best way you can until that appt. can help you sort things out. Just make sure to get your liquids. Do you think you could juice? Or get smoothies down? If you can drink, just get all your nutritional needs through juicing and smoothies for a while until you can get everything sorted out. Best wishes!

If you try to drink anything other than water, drink it out of a cup with a lid (like a travel mug) so you won't smell it. That might help you at least get some calories and nutrients.

The surgery guide my doctor's office gave me says that you can be extremely sensitive to smells for up to 6 months after surgery. One of the hints was to put peppermint oil on a handkerchief to sniff when you have problems with odors.

You poor thing. I am worried about you. Glad you have your family to lean on and are not facing this alone. God bless.