Hi there,

I had my surgery (Roux en Y gastric bypass) on October 29, 2014 with Dr. George Fielding in NYC at NYU Tisch.

I had a bunch of pre-op medical issues that made me decide to get my lap band removed (5 years and no results) and converted to a gastric bypass.

I am having a very hard time post-op with things such as:

- taking supplements

- dumping syndrome

- following nutrition guidelines

- severe GI symptoms (nausea, pain, spasms, etc.)

- extreme fatigue and difficulty functioning

I have seen my surgeon several times post op as well as the bariatric nutritionist they have on board. They've given some guidance but not addressed all the issues adequately. Also I've found it very difficult to implement their suggestions. I have a therapist and nutritionist who I see regularly. I haven't been able to ask them for the support I need because of a lot of emotional, physical, and psychological obstacles.

I am really hoping and praying that I can find buddies and a mentor over here. I've been reading through the forums and this feels like a very safe and supportive community to me. Interacting and working with other people who have had this surgery feels like it would help me tremendously because sometimes it's a little easier to discuss openly/honestly what my struggles are with someone who is in a similar position. I imagine that there will be less shame and guilt for me than when I talk about my concerns/struggles with someone who doesn't have personal experience with such a surgery.

If you are able to provide me any support/guidance as a buddy or mentor I would be very grateful. I am happy to support you back however I am able to.

Please contact me through BariatricPal and id be happy to give my contact info. I'm open to both men and women. Age doesn't matter to me either. Someone in the NYC-NJ-CT area would be great because then there's the opportunity to meet in person but I would love to connect with anyone regardless of location.

Thank you and be well,

Shway

Hello. I am Dana. I am only 3 weeks post so I wouldn't make the best mentor. I just want to wish you the best.

Good luck!

Dana

Hi Dana,

Thank you for your wishes. I am looking for buddies as well - other people on this journey who I can connect with to share stories, experience, and just be there for each other. If you are interested please let me know. If not, no problem good luck to you as well.

- Shway

Hell to you both and congrats on your choice to be healthy, I am 7 months post opt and I am willing to help anyone if I can feel free to send me questions or concerns I'm sure other p,Doyle here will help out as well .

Hi Shway,

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner. I have limited access to computers lately. I would be happy to continue to communicate with you. How are you doing?

Dana

The bigger friend system you have the better! I'm here if you need anything. I am 5 1/2 years out!!!

Hello. I am Dana. I am only 3 weeks post so I wouldn't make the best mentor. I just want to wish you the best.

Good luck!

Dana

Hi I'm Michele I'm 9 wks Post op and I have similar pain and struggles with food going down. However I have lost 56lbs so far. I know with exercise and motivation they say things may feel better. I do have more energy so I do believe you will too as time goes on and you lose more weight and you heal!

Feeling better at 11wks post op I still have gastroparesis diagnosis even though I had the bypass Dr was optimistic that it might go away with this surgery. I had a gastric pump before this surgery and they removed it to try and shrink stomach for elimination of gastroparesis symptoms. However, I still have slow digestion and nausea which didn't go away. However with some meds I do feel better everyday! I know this isn't everyone elses pain issue but maybe with small portion control and right foods for your diet going forward can help your issues. Be patient The weight does come off .

Hi all - just had RNY on 2/23 in the Boston area and would love to connect with others just to talk through some of this stuff. Finding it hard to find support on these boards...

Hi Msmisaacs, I had mine on 2/9 , and looking for some one to talk with as well .

Hi Hazel2915 - how are you feeling? Was your surgery smooth sailing? How are you tolerating your diet? Would love to hear about your experience.

Hi Msmisaacs, I am just finally starting to feel better 3 weeks post , I almost thought the day would never come . I had some breathing problems and really high bp first few days after surgery and stayed an extra day in the hospital. They said I had a lot of inflammation so I wasn't able to drink anything but the water and broth. They did fix a large hiatal hernia as well . I found the gas pains where the worst! My body did not agree with the pain meds I was on so I think that held me back. I'm not eating everything we are able to in stage 4 yet. I am defanatly learning when I'm thirst or hungry and when I'm full , if I chewed enough or took a small enough bite. I do find it hard to get all liquid in when I stay full and satisfied for hours. I find myself feeling very confused and lost a lot not sure if it's from being home for 3 weeks or just the drastic change . I am really nervous about going back to work tomorrow I feel like I forgot everything . How about you ?

I'm glad you're starting to feel better! I am sure going back to work will bring new challenges but just remember this is a life-long change so you have time to make the adjustments you need to get it "just right." You'll have to let me know how it goes being back - I am very curious! I am slated to work from home starting next Monday and go to the office next Wednesday assuming dr clears me at my post-op visit on Tuesday, so I'd love to hear how your experience is.

I am feeling pretty good in general, only issue is (I think) my pouch healing - feeling some soreness in my chest after I ate/drink so I need to go really slowly or I feel pain there. I'm trying to get out and about as much as I can (I have 2 young kids) but I live in the Boston area and we have been slammed with snow this winter, so walking outside isn't really an option.

Hi, I feel the same sensation in my chest when eating or drinking too I just know now when I feel it to slow down or take smaller bite or chew more. I don't live too far from u about an hour south of Boston so I have all that snow too lol . I'm sure your too little ones will keep you moving around. I have 1 but she's 12 so she's very independent . I started work yesterday and it wasn't as bad as i thought , just my body ached all day like it used to after having a day off. I was slow going which I'm not used too I work very fast as my job is very busy and I'm on my feet the entire day. I just did what I could . At the end of the day when I got home my stomach was very sore and my body and I was exhausted . I went to bed early and woke up fine . I think after about a week or so back I should be pretty much back to normal except lifting the really heavy stuff. I did find it harder to drink more water though , I'm with customers all day and not allowed to have water near me . I think I just need to find something that will work . It's hard when we can't just take a few big gulps of water and be good . What have u been able to eat lately ? What do u do for your protein ? Are you still on your pain medication ?

I haven't really had much so far, just an occasional few spoonfuls of sugar free Jello, some sugar free Popsicles, and a premier Protein shakes. Today was the first day I was able to have a whole shake but I've been too full to drink Water since. So far I've been focused on drinking small sips of water to stay hydrated but I've definitely felt pretty full most days. I was so surprised to know that this feeling was either fullness or drinking too soon, since I'm used to feeling full much lower.

Did people at work notice anything? I'm nervous about having "the" conversation over and over, although I think I will just tell them I drastically changed eating habits and am working with a physician and nutritionist to get healthy - it's all true!