Malnurished and a Little Saddened

Hi Everyone, Well and old foe is back. When I first had my surgery I had a complication with protein. As a result I had a really rough first 3 weeks. Well I just found out I am a little malnurished- severely C deficent and unable to eat any meats. I met with my nutiritons who is wonderful and gave me lots of ideas to help once again. The doc ran lots of bloodwork and is helping guide me. It just is difficult becuase I am feeling very ill, tired and want to crawl in bed. I work 45 hours a week, my husband is a Pastor, I have a 2 year old and I just feel so tired. I am 14 weeks post op down 69 lbs and I am tremendously grateful for WLS but really looking forward to feeling stronger. I am back to the basics. Soft foods and lots of protein drinks wich are staying down some. Nutritionist has me drinking sugar free tropicana punches that have 100% vitamin C. But I am still dreaming of the other regular foods everyone else says they can eat. Just wanted to share. Maybe someone can relate or encourage. THIS BOARD IS THE BEST!!!!!!!

Pamela, I just wanted to send you a note of encouragement and tell you that I will be praying for you. I'm so sorry you are having so many problems with the food. Do take heart, that not everyone is able to eat all of the "regular" food that some are. I still have problems with most meats. Although I am now starting to tolerate about 1 oz. of chicken, but no more than once a day...and I have to take a long time to eat that! Stay strong and now that it will get better. Keep working with your Doctor and Nutritionist. If there is anything I can do to help, just e-mail me. Gail

Thanks for the encouragement. I want to be so excited and believe me I like the shrinking version of myself. but I would like to enjoy my life as well. My nurse called me today to say it will probably take me 3 more months to recover. I just can't imagine going 3 more months like this. Tired, sometimes feeling almost disoriented. But I have a great team working with me. Thanks-- I will get better for sure!

Just wanted to send some encouragement your way! I know I am still having a hard time with some foods, especially meat. I hope you start to feel better with some extra vitamin c in your system. Maybe you won't seem as tired. It looks as though you have a pretty hectic schedule which can be rough on your body too. Take care of yourself and make sure you keep in contact with your doc or nutritionist to make sure things are going ok. Hang in there Pamela, and keep your spirits up Bonnie

i'm glad that they figured out what was wrong though, you'll feel better soon. i recommend nature made chewable vitamin c tablets, they taste good and will help get your C levels up quickly. i've seen them at most drugstores and wal-mart. i've always had a problem with citric acid (i had GERD pre-op), so i didn't drink OJ and used to get sick all the time b/c i wasn't getting enough C, but for the past few years i've been taking the supplements and they've helped so much. once you're able, i found the easiest meat for me to tolerate at first was canned chicken breast, it's very moist. i pureed it with a little fat free mayo, salt & pepper and spread it onto crackers, my own little chicken salad! in fact i brought a little 3oz can of chicken to work with me today for lunch. i hope you feel better soon!! michelle

Bonnie and Michelle thank you so much. My nutritionist has been wonderful in helping me adjust. She actually had me eat very differently this week. I was shocked to see she managed to put a few lbs back on me. (Not what I wanted but it did halt the malnutrition). I also found out today that my blood work is back to normal- FINALLY! So I can resume a more regular post-op regiment again. Now I know what to do when I get into trouble. Surgeon said it will take me about 3 more months to regulate normally and should be smooth sailing from there. After some rest this weekend I shoulf feel even stronger. I guess I just need to be more patient with my body and let it adjust at it's own rate. I sure hope the weight gain was truly a response to the change in nutrition and not some other weird reaction. Guess I need to relax and let myself heal and recover. I will also try the nature made vitamins you mention next time I need some. Thanks for the encouragement. I don't feel so alone now.

good to hear you're already doing better, though putting on a few pounds can be a little troubling, at least you'll be starting out on the right foot now! =)

Here is a protein idea that might settle well and taste like food: Take 1 can of FF refried beans Add 1 small can of V8 (I like hot and spicy) Add 4 oz lite velveeta cheese Toss in a blender and blend until smooth. Divide into serving sized portions and heat as needed. You can add some (unflavored or vanilla) protein powder or nonfat dried milk to boost the protein even further. I also recommend that you ask about B12 shots--they can't hurt and might help. You sound a bit anemic, and often after WLS you do not absorb enough B12. I take shots every 2 weeks. It will get better. Your situation is not uncommon at this stage, but seems to settle out over time. Joy (March 2004) Size 8 and trying NOT to eat everything in sight!!