Getting scared!!

Hey guys! I had surgery in Dec. and so far I have lost over 120 lbs. I have been told that I am losing too much too fast and that I need to eat more. I have been in the hospital once for low potassium levels and had to get IV's. Lately I have been trying to do everything right. I drink my protien drink and take my vitamins and do my B-12 shots every month, etc ... Anyway, I am still feeling weak and get dizzy everytime I get up ... I am getting scared that this was all a big mistake. I watched the Discovery channel the other night and saw that a girl had to have her surgery reversed after they tried a feeding tube and all kinds of stuff. I just wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions that might help?? I am only 35 lbs from goal, I am only eating liquids because they are the only thing that I feel like I can keep down, the rest of that stuff makes me sick to smell or feels like it is going to come back up. Any suggestions are appreciated!!!

Hello India, I think if I were in your position, I would start from the beginning. We first have a liquid diet, which as you say that is all you have been on. So, try soft foods a bit at a time. Cottage cheese, yogurt, soft cheeses, yogurt drinks, such as Carb Countdown SF Yogurt smoothie (found at Walmart) Boiled peanuts are a good source of protein and you can buy them in the can pre-cooked, taste just like the ones you can buy fresh, just heat them up. Once you have worked the softer foods into your diet, then try things a little more firm. If it feels too dry or hard in your tummy, take a sip of water, that usually for me keeps everything down. I have noticed that most of the time a food nauseates me after eating some, it is just too dry and a sip of liquid cures the urge to throw it up. I know they say it is against the rules, but do they want us on nothing but liquid or throwing up constantly instead? I think not. Do what works for you! There is really nothing in the surgery that would make your tummy hate food, that could all be in your brain, because that wasn't operated on! We all still have food issues. I am no expert by any means, but it sounds to me as if you now fear food. You don't have to fear food. We all NEED food to live. You have done great in your weightloss, eating solid food is not going to make this come to a screetching halt! You will still lose enough to get to your goal weight. Try to work the soft foods into your diet, then move up to really soft vegetables, really soft meats, peanut butter on crackers, anything with protein in it. One step at a time, if it feels like it might come up, take a sip of something to drink and see if that helps first. Helps me keep nearly anything down! Make sure you take your Multi vitamin, Calcium Citrate, B-12, Iron, and any other vitamins or mineral you take DAILY. Lack of protein or iron could cause your lack of energy/weakness. Eat a banana once or twice a week to keep up your potassium and keep the dizzies at bay. A really good protein shake is Designer Whey Chocolate from GNC. Make certain that you get 60 or more grams of protein in per day! 20-30 grams at a time as your body cannot absorb more than 30 at a time. Please keep us updated on how you are doing! I hope this helps! BABY STEPS! Take it a day at a time!!! Tracy

India, Just out of curiosity - have you also discussed a possible blockage with your surgeon? Sometimes the opening from the pouch to the stomach narrows for several different reasons, and this could really restrict your desire for food and your ability to eat, as I found out. I had to have 3 endoscopies, but it's really a simple and quick, and easy procedure, and it changed my experience dramatically. Tracy's right - you absolutely MUST work hard make sure you get your proper nutrition in daily. Sounds like you could be dehydrated or short on nutrition. Losing weight fast is fine, as long as it is not because you are cannibalizing your muscles and organs due to poor nutrition. If you have any doubts about the medical or nutritional guidance you are receiving, please post here often. This gang is EXCELLENT about putting their heads together and coming up with solutions and advice! Hang in there, sweetie! Donna

Thank you everyone for all of your input! I really thought that after my surgery I would not need this site, but it has really turned out to be a blessing to me! I have called my dr. and he wants me to come in next week. I had an EGD done about 3 weeks ago and everything was great, other than some gastritis, but I have been taking my nexium and that makes me feel better ... I will keep ya'll posted! Thanks for all the advice! And thanks for being here! India Lap RNY 12/22/03 305/179/150