Muscle Wasting
Hi Everyone,
I had the lap GB-RNY on June 13, 2005. Everything seemed to be going fine. Once off the first 2 weeks of liquids, I asked the dietitian with my bariatrics center how much protein I should have per day. She advised me to have 10 - 15 grams per meal. Ok... I did that. Over the past 2 1/2 months I went from feeling really great and energenic to feeling sluggish, achey and, about a week and a half ago, started feeling a constant charlie horse in my left calf. It has progressively gotten worse... to the point where it has been taking me about 20 minutes to stand up in the morning when I get out of bed. I feared that maybe I was not getting enough calcium... or potassium... so I went to me regular doctor to get some blood work done to check my levels. For the past week and a half I have seen my doctor 2 times, tried to get in with my orthopedist (I had knee surgery a year ago) and my bariatric 3 month follow up. The bariatrics office immediately sent me for a bi-lateral lower extremity duplex (aka - ultra sound for your legs to check for blood clots). Turns out I do not have any (thank God!). Well, I ended up going to the ER a few days later because it was getting worse... I can barely walk! All they could do was another ultrasound, give me vicadin and send me on my way. (IMPORTANT LESSON #1: IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG, CALL YOUR BARIATRIC DOCTORS FIRST!). Friday night the new dietitian called me and as my bariatric doctor suggest I speak with her. I was stunned, but thrilled, to find out the orig dietitian was no longer ther... and that according to my current weight I should be having 100 grams of protein per day... not 30 - 45!!! OMG! No wonder I'm so weak and hurting so much... I have been starving my body at the INCORRECT instructions of the prior dietitian! The only thing I can do is immediately start having 100 grams of protein per day. My friend advised me that what I have been experiencing is muscle wasting. She said it is very common with anorexics and bulemics... because your body starts feeding off itself since it is not getting the needed nourishment. I know I have to be patient, but I am sooo mad and frustrated 
... but mostly GREATFUL that we finally figured it out. 
Has this happened with anyone else?
... but mostly GREATFUL that we finally figured it out.
Has this happened with anyone else? 
I am sorry to hear all you went through But happy that you have discoved the cure. At one point I also felt weak. I also get B12 shots once a month. I also take liquid vitamins-multi and calcium made my Tropical Oasis. When I swithed to liquid it increased my energy leval.
Good Luck
joni
RNY 6/27/2005
Thanks Lisa and Joni for your replies. I live alone and yesterday I HAD to do laundry. It took forever because I live in an apt where the laundry room is outside in the back... meaning going down 3 steps (without a railing). It was challenging, to say the least, with my crutches... but, what else can you do? I hope this pain goes away sooner than later. I am still greatful that I am alive. But, I am mad at myself for not really questioning what I thought didn't sound right in the beginning. I just hope there's no irreversable damage.
-Kathy
Hi Kathy..
I cannot believe that you were told that information. They truly did you a disservice. I don't believe the muscle wasting is irreversible...you should try a protein shake once a day. Something that at the bare minimum gives you 40g of protein to start the day with. My budget does not allow for large extravagences, so I purchased a GNC gold card -- for the first 7 days of the month it entitles you to 20% off of your GNC purchase. I get the 100% Whey Protein, Chocolate flavor. I combine 2 scoops (40g protein), 8oz of skim milk (8g of protein), and 3 splenda (for taste). Voila! 48g of protein in one shot! Good luck to you!
-Cheri
Most Active
Recent Topics
