Need some advice from the Dec 04 crew

OK, I know I am probably weird, but I need some input, or advice, or reassurance or something... It has seemed that since I had my gallbladder out back in the end of February, I am falling apart at the seams... Over the last couple of weeks I have blamed this on being sick, and it could still be the cause in a round about way, but none of the doctors can seem to tell me for sure. I am hoping someone who is about as far out as me can give me a little insight... and hopefully not from first hand experience... Everything I put in my mouth is making me dump... It doesn't matter how healthy, or unhealthy it is, it all seems to make me dump. Things that have never bothered me before as well as things that have. I had a bout a 1/4 cup of very lean pulled pork today, along with 1/4 cup baked beans and about 2 bites of potato salad. before I could finish what was on my plate I was dumping.... to include increased heart rate, profuse sweating, nausea, stomach cramps, the whole nine yards.... friday I had a few bites of cheese eggs and grits, and the same thing.... I ate some fat free deli turkey slices, and once again, the same thing.... the only thing that doesn't seem to make me dump lately is my Crystal Light Orange Sunriser, and peanut butter crackers. But I'm starting to get very tired of eating that... The 2nd problem that I am having is that I am having an awful time with sleeping... Before WLS I could easily sleep till noon on my days off work. Now for the life of me, I can't sleep past 8:00am. Plus, over the last 2 weeks, I can't even manage to sleep thru the night. I go to bed freezing, finally warm up enough under the covers to fall asleep, and in a little bit, I am awake, sweating, and throwing off the covers. This happens several times a night and is very frustrating. I wonder if this is happening because of the weight loss and it's affects on what our hormones do. I had a hysterectomy in 2000 and have taken hormones ever since. Am I just not absorbing them anymore??? Anybody have any ideas on either of these issues??? Has anyone else gone thru this stuff??? I know I should ask the doctor about this stuff, and I will ask when I go back for my next follow up appt, but until then I thought, if anyone has ideas or suggestions I'd love to hear them. Alright... I'm done whinning... I'll try to go get in the bed, and get some sleep... Some nights it just seems like a waste of time. Hugs, Susan

Susan, I can't say that I've experienced what you have. I can comment on the not being able to sleep past 8:00am. I know that I've found I don't need as much sleep as I did before losing all this weight. I know in the past I could take a nap, and then go to bed at my regular time without a problem. Now, I find I don't really need to nap and if I do I'd better not nap too long or I won't be able to get to sleep. I think the weight loss has positively impacted my energy level. As far as your problems during the night, is it possible your blood sugar is going low? Did you have any problems with diabetes prior to your surgery. I find on occassion my blood sugar will go low during the night and I wake up sweaty. Just something to think about. When are you going back to the doctor for your follow up? I think you need an answer on the dumping issue. It doesn't sound like you are getting enough nutrition if you are dumping on everything. Have you tried adding protein shakes until you get this resolved? I hope you get some answers soon. It sounds terrible to be dumping on everything you eat. Keep us posted. Take care, Mary

Try a couple days of "liquid only" just like you did after surgery. Then upgrade to pureed for a few days and gradually reintroduce whole foods.... one food at a time. The gallbladder surgery may have irritated your previous surgical work, so treat the condition like a "starting over" period. I would also cut out all caffiene until you return to being able to accommodate whole foods and sleep better. Try an evening workout or long walk, to help your body unwind. Good luck and best wishes for a quick return to your good health. Karen G

Hi Susan Sorry to see that you're still not feeling well even after having the gallbladder out... I wish I could say something to help ya out but I haven't experienced the dumping thing very much (some things still do it though to me)... I too am up a lot earlier than I used to be and I think it's due to not having the extra weight literally holding you down and making you overly tired... I have a lot more energy than I used to have... I just wish I had more motivation on the exercise part because I have totally stopped losing weight and have been maintaining for 2 months now... I guess that's good tho... I agree with Karen's idea on starting back at the basics and gradually introducing new foods back in... I would give that a whirl and see if your tummy straightens out for you... Keep us posted on how you're doing and what your doc tells you at the followup appointment... Good luck hon!!! **MUAH** Chelle

I can sympathize with the cold!!! I am freezing all the time. I have talked with my surgeon the last 3 visits and he says it is just my body needing to adjust to the weight loss. I take 3 - 4 hot baths a day due to the coldness. I don't get the sweats...I sure would like to though. My body temp stays around 97, but does dip to 94 at times. He is finally referring me to an endocrinologist to find out why I am so cold. I too had a hysterectomy in 2000, but have not taken hormones. I find I don't sleep as long...not that I don't try. I never feel rested either. I thought after I lost all the weight I would feel great - I feel better, but not great. Get a good work up on your next appointment and let me know how it turns out. Cheryl

Hi Susan, I have really been having trouble with the sleep problem. I think I've found out why it's happening to me. I wake up around 2 or 3 sweating and shakey. I tested my sugar (used to be really high) and it's always like 55 or 60. Now I take something really sugary with me at night and put it in the bathroom (next to our room) If I don't ,I seem to get very shakey and confused. I guess thats normal from what I've read. I also get this a couple of times a week during the day. It was scarey at first, I didn't know what was wrong. If you do a search here on OH there's alot of information on both of your problems.........((((hugs)))) Judy