how are others feeling ?

I am 15 days post op and doing the best I can with water and protien. My energy is still very low and I am still having periods of nausea and tummy upset, sometimes just a general feeling of yuck in my tummy. Is this the same for others ?? I am definately doing better everyday, but wondering if I am not doing as well as others .... thanks ! alison

I'm 17 days post-op. I have to admit that I'm feeling a bit malnurished. I'm doing the best I can to eat what I can... but I don't seem to have an appetite for anything, which makes it difficult. Because of my lack of appetite, the thought of substantial food makes me want to vomit . Since my surgery, I can't seem to handle anything low-carb or low-calorie... it makes me nausiated. I seem to handle sugars ok, so I've been drinking lots of juice. My tummy feels really kind of uncomfortable if I eat anything too chunky... so I try to take it easy. I have been exploring into new foods though and seem to really love oatmeal, and ritz crackers with the can-spread cheese on them. Anyways, I'm gonna stop rambling. I just wanted to say, I'm in there with you and know what you're feeling.

Hi Alison, I had surgery on April 11th and I am having trouble with protein and liquids too!! If I try to eat soft food I get a sick feeling nothing sounds good, I know that if I just drink liquids I will feel ok but will I ever be able to eat anything ?? I go back to work Monday and I don't know how I will get through the day without my mid-afternoon nap!! My energy level is very low but I am due for a B12 shot so I think that will help. I know it is hard but try not to compare yourself to others !! Everyone else that had surgery the same week as me with the same surgeon was off pain meds and doing way better then me and they were all a lot older too I felt so bad then week 3 I got an infection, it turns out that was the source of all of my problems once I took antibiotics I was way better!! I am going to try to stick to liquids as much as possible and only eat what I know I can tolerate until I am a little further out!! Good Luck!! ~Jennifer

Hi Alison! I had surgery April 12 at 6:30 am. I have not had to take any meds since the day before surgery. I was taking 12 pills per day. I hate the taste of the vitamins and crush them and put them in my yogert. Food just seems to have no satifaction to me or taste. I go to work next Thursday 5/19. Please let me know how that is going for you. I am worried about running to the bathroom every time I stand up. Also wondering what to eat at work. My energy level is not too good because, I can't walk too well--severe arthirites in both knees. Somehow I have been loosing 1 lb each day. Have a dr. appt this Wed. 5/18 My best to you! Jan

HI Alison, My name is Kriss and i'm 13 days post-op. I actually been doing pretty good up till this point everything that i've took in has stayed down with no nausea. I still find it difficult to get in all my fluids and protein though. First thing in the morning I drink an Atkins advantage protein shake and during the course of the day I snack. Usually about every two hours or so i'll eat some sf pudding, applesause, mashed potatoes, cream of wheat. I can even handle cheez-its about 8 at a time. I was extremely weak up until I started my protein and soft foods. I'm sorry to hear of your discomfort maybe it's the protein thats not agreeing with you. If you don't start feeling better you should call your dr to get his opinion my dr's office is great if I have concerns. Wishing you better days. Kriss

I'm doing great, actually. I went to work after 8 days (on April 13th) and I've never felt better. I get in all my water and my doctor has me eating 3 meals and 4 oz. at each meal. I'm able to eat all of it each time. I take my vitamins and drink all my water. I walk 4 miles a day and am waiting for the doctors release on the 18th to let me go back to the gym.

Im 5 weeks post op and started doing better when I forgot the schedule of when to sip and when to eat. I just do 3 mealtimes and sip like crazy in between. I did find going back to work helped me get in more water. I seem to stay thirsty. I also walk between 1.5 and 2 miles at night which also helps alot. I still feel tired and run down, but have a low iron count so working on getting that back up to speed. Once I get the iron thing straightened out, I think I will be feeling alot more energy and increased stamina. It takes time so rest if your tired and if you feel fine, then push yourself a little farther everyday. Hugs, Sandy

Hi Alison et al.... Yesterday was 3 weeks and I have definitely turned the corner about feeling better. Last Friday I decided I would NOT be able to return to work this past Monday. Today I feel I would have no problem. So BACK TO THE STRESS FACTORY OF AN INNER CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL! When I first got out of surgery I was starving all the time. Then I moved to pureed foods and was able to eat more than I expected -- wondered if the surgeon actually did anything in there. Then, after about 4 days of that, I lost the ability to eat more than tiny amounts or I'd get that horrible, stuck feeling in my throat and started throwing up at every meal or snack. I have finally begun to identify that FIRST MOMENT before I'm full to stop -- I basically go one little bite at a time and then wait. I pulled back on the food-food, making sure I get my protein via the Advant-Edge shakes (15g protein) and the Stallone High Protein Pudding (20g of protein, no sugar). When I need to chew I have a piece of a protein bar or some Adkins Tortilla Chips. So nice to see you all here. Marla

I had surgery on 4/11 and I can't get down enough fluids or protein.The milkshake drinks make me gag.I also upchuck if I eat meat even chopped to mush,so I'm going to wait a couple more weeks before I try meat again.I bought some turkey breast lunch meat and I'm going to try that.Good Luck. Maureen

I'm tired too & I'm finishing up my 4th week at home (5 weeks since oper.). I've become lactose intolerant & that was making me gassy & had my stomach aching so at least that's better. Maybe you'd want to look into that. I also start my iron tomorrow & hope that will pick up my energy. Are you on any? I walk 4x/day but need to rest after each one. I'm sure I don't drink enough as I feel a bit like I might throw up after meals b/c I can now eat more & more things & still usually try to eat just a bit too much. I still eat 1 meal in 2-3 sittings as I can't get it all in (and I want it!) I don't always reach the minimum of 80gr. protein/day but I try. Give yourself a break (I've been told) and do the best you can. I'm trying to. BTW, my surgeon told me he considers me in acute post-op for up to 3 months & I could be tired thru there (and not really feel 'normal' till 6-8 months). Best of luck, A _____________________________ Duodenal Switch -- Dr. Alfons Pomp New York City, New York April 11, 2005: 256lbs / BMI: 43.9 May 10, 2005: 237lbs / BMI: 40.7