Sick of Being Sick

OK. I had no issues at all until about two weeks, and I have had my worst day so far today. I've been having trouble with food getting "stuck" in my throat and with not tolerating certain foods and throwing up as a result of both issues. And now I have something sitting like a rock in my pouch, and I cannot eat or drink anything! I feel like total pooooo! My head and pouch are so uncomfortable right now that I can't get comfortable to try and sleep. I am so tempted to go back on the clear liquids - at least then I wasn't sick and was still losing weight. All I have lost in the last week is about 2 lbs. Ugh! Will this ever get better? Anyone else hitting a wall! Sherry

Hi Sherry, I'm so sorry to hear you're not feeling so hot My surgeon advised me to go on liquids for the rest of the day after throwing up. She said throwing up can irritate the pouch and giving it awhile to relax can help minimize further complications throughout the day. If you get to a point where you can't keep soft foods or liquids down, call your surgeon's office and let someone know. You shouldn't have to live with that kind if discomfort on a daily basis! Plus, you need to make sure you don't get dehydrated or malnourished. Good luck and keep us posted! Nicole

Hey Sherry, I am sorry you are not feeling well. My doctor said the same thing. If I have any problems with food to go back to the liquid stage for a day or two. I hope this problem resolves it's self soon. If not, call the doctor. Feel better, Wanda

I felt the same way last week - 2 weeks out. I hit a stall and it seemed like everything I ate sat like stone in my pouch. I didn't lose anything last week and so went back to liquids. The warm broths and teas were the most comforting and the 42g protein bullets I added to my water helped me continue to meet my protein/ liquid requirements. It really helped to clear everything out and added some extra healing time for my pouch. I stepped up my walks and was able to lose 3lbs as of my 3 week surgiversary. I think I was eating too quickly and not pureeing or chewing enough. I've started with pureed food again and am doing much better with it. I hope you feel better soon! Best of Luck, DeeD

DeeD - Hi I had my surgery last month on the 9th so I'm just a bit further on than you guys - I have a question though.... What kind of 42 gm protein "bullet" are you taking???? I haven't found anything like that to try???? I'd really like to know since I'm having problems getting all my protein in during the day. I have also found if I eat too quickly (or get too hungry then I tend to eat more quickly) I have a lump sitting mid way down my throat then when I try to (excuse me) Burp... everything bubbles up and I spew what ever I just ate. It really isn't like throwing up though cause it's mostly liquids and bubbles. When this happens I go back to liquids - camimille teas are the best for upsets... If I can't get my protein in anyother way I'll put a 1/4 cup of protein powder in SF Instant pudding (make it like regular pudding & just add the protein flavor to match) that's usually my breakfast causes early mornings are not my time of the day for trying new things. Patricia B in Missouri

http://www.affordablesupplements.com This is the website I ordered mine from but I heard you can also get them from GNC. They are called New Whey Protein Bullets and come in 3 flavors and 2 sizes. They are a clear liquid version of a protein drink. No mixing powders. I just put mine in my water bottle and sip on it throughout the day. If you get the 42g don't drink the whole thing at once because the body can only absorb 20 - 30 grams of protein per hour so you would be wasting some. If you want to do them like shots, then drink half in the morning and the rest in the afternoon. The bubbling you described is called "Foamies". It is a natural process after WLS when something doesn't go down correctly, is too dry or too big. It's a safety measure for us so be happy if it happens. I sure wouldn't want something getting stuck! I was told to cut everything up to the size of an eraser head and chew at least 25 times until it is very mushy. You can also have a side of LF or FF gravy or sauce on the side for dipping to keep everything moist. I've made SF pudding too and added unflavored unjury to it. My favorite puddings are Cheese Cake and White Chocolate. I add the protein to the 1st cup of NF milk and mix that well first and then add the 2nd cup of milk and the pudding mix. Once it starts to set and is mixed really well I pour it into 4oz individual containers made by Glad. I found them at Smiths and Wal-Mart. It makes 4 servings. The unflavored unjury works well in SF jello, home-made popsicles, soups, yogurts and anything else that it can dissolve in. Each packet is 20g protein. Best of luck! DeeD

Thanks ladies! I went back to the full liquids and really soft foods today to see if that would help, and it has. I haven't thrown up all day although my pouch is really sore from yesterday. I am just going to do the really soft stuff again for a few days and see if that helps me get back on track. For me I have noticed that my foods have to be very moist to go down ok plus needing them to be very well mashed and well chewed too. My WMS said to do 30 chews per small bite of food, so I'll do that when I try some of those types of food again. Hopefully it gets better soon. Sherry

OMG, reading your post is exactly what I'm going through. I wanted to know someone who is going through the same thing. I have no energy because I went 4 days without eating. I just sip powerade, and I can't keep water or protein down. It's getting to me, and on top of this I have just not gotten where I want food. But I can't keep anything down. I pray that it gets better. To make matters worse I have only lost 20 lbs. That's good but for all the pain, and suffering it seems like it should be a little more. Wishing you better days a head!