My story thus far

[amyecpa 33]

I am officially 17 days post op. I really turned a corned on day 13 and started to feel human again. I was cleared for what my dr calls mushies two days ago. He's not a stickler for everything having to be puréed. My first meal to try was scrambled egg and it was fine. I then tried chicken salad and I ate too much, too quick and paid dearly. I ended up having a crying session/pity party in my shower. I think it was less "why did I do this?" and more "why did I have to do this?, will I ever enjoy eating again?" -- not to mention all the pain I was in.

Fast forward to last night. I made meatloaf, cooked down carrots and mashed potatoes. I had a teeny tiny plate, but I was able to sit down and eat what my family was eating with no problem. This did a lot to help my feelings. If it weren't for the awful reflux, I would've felt pretty darn normal last night.

Now here's the part that I'd like opinions on.... I woke up at 1:45am out of a dead sleep with heart beating over 200 bpm. My faced was flushed, severe dry mouth, nausea and abrupt diarrhea. I went to ER. They did EKG, tested blood, and did an X-ray of stomach. The only thing they found was that I was low on phosphorous so I took several pills there. ( I couldnt stomach the fizzy orange phosphoric juice). After 2mg of adivan and two shots of a beta blocker to lower my heartrate, I was sent home with the diagnosis of anxiety. I was prescribed adivan as needed and two beta blockers per day. I was also instructed to follow up with my PCP, the one who was not supportive and that I haven't told about my VSG.

I know this is long, but has anyone experienced anything similar? I've dealt with anxiety for years and that's just not what last night felt like.

[AvaFern 3,516]

@@amyecpa

How late did you eat dinner? Generally what you're describing sounds a lot like the version of dumping syndrome I have, although it's generally fairly quickly after eating- not hours later. My whole body gets red and hot, I sweat, my heart rate gets high- not 200bpm high, but around 120-150, and the nausea is fairly bad. Once or twice I have also had diahrea with it, but usually I get to skip that part. I would follow-up with your surgeon, not your PCP, first in case you just experienced dumping. He would know a lot better than the PCP who doesn't advocate for surgery. Had this happened shortly after you ate, I would be so sure that's what happened to you.

You could always eat what you ate last time and see if it happens again. If it does, you know it was dumping, in which case you just have to wait it out. If your HR goes that high again, take an extra beta blocker and that will drop it down. Otherwise you aren't dying, which is what it feels like, you just need to avoid something in the dinner you ate. Looking at your dinner, the bread in the meatloaf, the butter (if there was any) and the mashed potatoes would have made me have a similar response- my stomach doesn't like carbs, or butter, or oil, or sugar, or sweets, or some meats, or half the time food at all.

Also, I have had my own share of little meltdowns about why I had to have my stomach cut out when everyone else just gets to have a regular stomach and be normal sized. At 15 months out, I'm mostly at peace with it, but there are days where I end up puking up half of what I ate, and I want to sob for my old friend food. In the end, I would still have had the surgery, even if sometimes it is a little love-hate. It will be worth it in the end.

Good luck and hope you feel better!

[JamieLogical 8,727]

Oh hon, I'm sorry you are struggling so much. I know you are getting tired of hearing it, but it really does get better. I had my share of pity parties for myself over not being able to eat the things I love, barely being able to eat anything at alll, not getting to enjoy a large meal out with my husband... I have even been sad and frustrated that I can't comfort myself with food when I'm sad and frustrated!

But I'm 5 months PO now and it's just so much better. I wish I could describe it to you in a way that could penetrate your 17-day post-op brain, but I can't. And when I was in your shoes, there is nothing anyone could have said to me to convince me that I'd ever feel normal again either.

Just hang in there and take care of yourself. Don't push yourself too far too fast. Meatloaf (I assume made with beef?) and veggies is a lot to expect your stomach to handle at 17 days post-op when you've only been cleared for mushies. Don't push it. I know you want to and the temptation is there because you just want to feel "normal" again, if even only for a minute, but you really need to take it slow.

[Garifab_VSG 122]

I'm totally the type of person who will have the why me type of feelings, so I'm really grateful for you posting things like this. It helps to at least know we're not alone.

Also, I have had my own share of little meltdowns about why I had to have my stomach cut out when everyone else just gets to have a regular stomach and be normal sized.

Bolding is mine ... but just trying to comfort your "past you" by saying that the majority of this country is overweight, so not "everyone else" is normal sized with a regular stomach! I say that with a smile, because I know you know this.