Need Support...One week Post-Op

Hello, This is my first post after finding this web site a few days ago. I had my lap gastric bypass on 4/17 and medically, I guess everything is going well. I am finally starting to get over the constant nauseau and diarreah, but mentally, I am having a really hard time. I have an incredibly supportive husband and Mom, but I am constantly crying....thinking this was the wrong decision. I am struggling to get three shakes down a day, terrified of dealing with the dumping syndrome and am CRAVING a cracker, piece of cheese, anything. The worst part is...I have no one that knows what I am gowing through. I am terrified that I will never again be able to eat a "normal" portion of food, such as a bowl of soup, or half a sandwich. Is anyone else going through this? Best wishes to all on a speedy recovery!

Hi Anna well I just had rny on the 11th of April so I am no expert by any means. But I do know you are the right sight to find what ever help you need. I had the diarrhea that I thought would never stop but it did. Try slowing down when drinking your shakes maybe you are taking in to much to fast. There are people on this sight that have far more knowledge then I and Iam sure they will help you. Just know you are not alone we are all here for each other. You are going to be fine, I will keep you in my prayers, your new friend bill p

Don't worry, it will be okay. I'm a week Post Op as of tomorrow. I know what you're talking about with the diarrhea. I've got bad gas too (from having it Lap, I guess) and the worst is when you think it's gas and try to get rid of it, but oh-no, it's not. The only thing I've been able to eat is protein shakes, too. You're doing a WHOLE lot better than I am, if I get two in a day I'm proud of myself. You just need to give it time. Remember sip sip sip. Make sure you're getting lots of water too. I too am craving even the slightest amount of REAL food. Every time that stupid Red Lobster commercial comes on TV I'd like to throw something at it. They fed me jello in the hospital, and I tried that once and now I can't look at the stuff without getting nauseous. Broth is going down okay, and it tastes pretty good, but it sends me to the bathroom. I hate that, because broth is the only non protein shake item that I like these days. (not real fond of the shakes, but I do kind of like one now that I really didn't like before) Don't worry about not being able to eat "normal" portions. Maybe you need to redefine for yourself what "normal" is. What a restaurant gives you is NOT normal, it's oversized. You really need to look at this as being "reborn" only in a digestive way. And in super speed mode. For example, now you should be on clear liquids and protein shakes (i.e. formula or breast milk for a baby). Soon (within the next week, maybe more depending on your surgeon) you'll graduate to pureed foods, like an older baby. Then you'll move back to regular food, like a child or an adult. Just as little sugar or fat as possible, watch for dumping. Nothing is forever. I guess I'm pretty lucky, my sister preceded me into WLS. She's 16 months Post Op and her favorite food right now is a small order of hot and sour soup from the local Chinese place. So you can have soup at some point. Maybe not the half a sandwich (bread swells) but maybe the INSIDES of the half sandwich. Or a wrap. I think she eats those too. Here's the best part, she's LESS 180 pounds. So what if you can't eat normally for a while? I would (and did, haha) trade that in a second to get those kinds of results. You might want to try your state message board or an older month board (like Feb or Mar 06) other than us brand new folk here on the April board for advice and guidance, too. Not to say we won't give you all the support we can, that's a given. Feel free to email me if you would like to, as well. Julie

I am almost 3 weeks out. Your body has gone thru a lot of changes since surgery, give yourself a break. I am sure you will get past the initial down swing. And guess what? I have had a nice bowl of soup, so it will be possible for you soon. The first 4 weeks are probably the hardest, it will and does get easier. It is okay to cry, try to remember all the good things that will come your way in a few short months! It is almost guaranteed with this surgery. good luck ricki

Hi! I'm 3 weeks post op, RNY. You will be able to eat again. The first few weeks are tough...its hard to get all your water, and protein and vitamins in in the span of 24 hours. In fact, in the beginning, I just couldn't get it all...I gradually got a little more water, a little more protein every day, and now, I can say that I get ALL my water requirements and hit my protein requirements most days. Just be patient, the 1st week or 2 are tough, just hang in there, it gets better!

Dear Anne, I am 12 days out. I too cry alot. I can't drink any protein. It makes me so sick. I just keep drinking water and sf popsicles. Everything makes me nausious. (sp) I just cry and run to the restroom and keep keeping on. I know that it will get better. I pray alot and remember that ONE day it will be worth it all. I hate TV commercials. It seems all that advertise is food. No wonder we are all over weight. If I can help you in any way just holler. It will get better. Just know that you are not alone. We know exactly how you feel. Email me anytime. God Bless Crystal

Hi Anne, I had a lap RNY on 4/13 and I am right there with you in many ways. Your post and those that followed it were really helpful to me. I am still nauseous most of the time. Even a sip of water can make me start burping repeatedly. The last couple of days I have stopped having the really bad diarrhea though. I know that the body will heal with time, but I have had a couple of emotional moments like yours. I knew it was going to happen, but it doesn't make it easier. I think of it as mourning. To fo this we have to let go of a friend, something we turn to to help us cope with life's up and downs, a defense mechanism when we need a barrier between us and the world. This web site is a good place to start. Support is eesential. Sharing what you are going through with others who understand helps fill the hole. Keep sharing and hang in there. Dotsie

Hello All, Thank you all so much for your speedy responses and your offers of prayer and friendship...I need both! It is good to know that you are all having the sane struggles as I am. I think I will be a regular visitor here, so talk to you all soon! Thanks, Anne

You know, they always say different strokes for different folks. But it will get better. I had lap RNY on 4/17, exactly one week ago. Yesterday, all of a sudden, the gas disappeared, i wasn't nauseaus anymore, when I drink or eat, it doesn't feel like it's stuck. I've been able to ea****ermelon, red beans with rice, i suck on baby goldfish every now and then to feed my need for bread craving and I can eat apples, eggs and low fat graham crackers. Really I suck on stuff to make it really really soft and then i swallo. So i literally pop one baby gold fish in my mouth till it literally melts and I swallow, wait, see if it causes a reaction, if not, I try again, and that how i manage to see what I can and can't eat. I'm addicted to watermelon and bananas too, they feel so good to my tummy if i do feel any pain. I mean basically everything on the soft food diet i can tolerate, but I've always had a strong stomach. I am today going to try some chicken because I'm going back to work on Wednesday and I'm ready to try it. But each person is different, it WILL get better. My mother in law is 8 months out and looks like she can eat EVERYTHING. I'm able to eat sugar free candies also if my blood sugar gets low, so those help if i'm feenin for something sweet. I also tried a protein pazzazz drink from Jamba juice today and it was pretty darn good. It's just strawberries and bananas, no sugar added, with a couple of scoops of protein powder. Just be patient, it will come in due time. I was on liquids for 2 days, and basically started pureed the 3rd days and 5 days out, I was able to do soft very well. I have lost 10 pounds in a week. Good luck and congratulations on your surgery!

Hi Anne! I'm so glad you found this site and as you have already found from the previous responses, there are SO many people here who truly care for one another. I have never found such genuine caring people that offer tremendous support and encouragement. Most people here have either gone through what you're going through or preparing to do so. So please continue to post. You never know when something you post is going to help someone else. I cannot offer you any advice because I'm still pre-op but try not to get discouraged and KNOW that it WILL get better. The others who are post-op are proof and they're a WONDERFUL group of people. Take care... Lisa V