Need Support!

Hello - I have some "issues" going on and I need support to get my berrings straight before I make the phone call to my physician. I am 4 months post op, had an uncomplicated surgery, and am very pleased with the weight loss. The problem is, that I have not been able to eat since the surgery. A sample menu would be 1/2 apple for breakfast, 1/2 cup of peaches for lunch, and a protein shake for dinner. I don't vomit, or have dumping syndrome, but I get nausous at the thought of any meat going in. I am certainly far enough out where I should be able to tolerate a WW Smart One, but after a couple of tiny bites, I start feeling gross and have to toss the entire thing in the trash. I want to eat, I JUST CAN'T! The signs are starting to show. My tongue is discolored, has a different texture, and everything tastes funny. I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and I am starting to get these mysterious bruises on my body. I know the tongue discoloration is a vitamin deficiency, but which one? Has anyone else had this problem, and how did you work through it? I am taking the vitamins, calcium, and bi-weekly B-12 injections that Dr. Baker ordered. What can I do to get through this? Thank you for your support, Kimberly Dr. Baker 1/26/2004 Open RNY

You need to talk to Dr. Baker. If you cannot eat proper amounts, you are jeopardizing your health. He and his dietician will help you work through this. Perhaps you have a stricture or other physical problem, but whatever it is, you need to solve it! Did you go in for a 3 month checkup? What did he say then? Dr B is my doc too. He can be intimidating, but he is very good and wants the best for you. Don't be afraid to be honest with him. Let us know how you come out! Joy -41 lbs

Kimberly- You gotta call your doc! You aren't eating enough and your body could be going (or already has gone into) starvation mode. If you don't eat at least 600-800 calories per day, and drink proper fluids, your body will start shutting down. If you want this surgery to be successful, you have to stick with your doc's dietary plan, and use your doctor and his staff as your guides. You or your insurance company paid for post-op medical care.......so take advantage of it. By the way, if your taste-buds have changed and you are anti-meat now.....there are plenty of vegans who have mastered this surgery who do not eat meat as their primary source of protein. You could post on the main board to find other vegetarians who could help you find non-meat foods that will help boost your protein and engery. Please keep us posted......and please call your doc! Shelli

Thank you Joy & Shelli - Joy - yes I did go to my 3 month. I took a weeks worth of sample menus and Dr. Baker asked me to get in one more meal. I desparately want to do the right things. I make sure I drink Protein shakes and 2 glasses of V-8 drinks per day. It's just the eating part I can't get down. I will e-mail Courtney and see if she can help me through this. Today I was able to eat two or three bites of Special K with milk and for lunch, two or three bites of peaches. I had a glass of milk after breakfast (after waiting 30 minutes) and I am on my 1st protein shake right now. Could it be that my body is just not absorbing?? Thanks for your support and God Bless. Kimberly

Kimberly, They are right, You really should call Dr. Bakers office. As for the bruises maysterously apearing The samething happen to me. And Dr. Baker had me to take 1200mg Chewable Vitamen C. And I have no more bruises. Please contact Dr. Baker on the other issues. You really need to be getting in more protien. This is very I'mportant! at 4 months out I had a little problem with eating. So I would eat peanut butter. I know it is high in fat. But it is also good Protien. remember you are suppose to wait 30 min after drinking before eating and after eating your suppose to wait 1 hr before drinking. This can also cause a problem with being able to eat. Hugs and please see Dr. Baker and keep us informed. Debbie Moya Dr. Baker 9/22/03 354/188/147

Easy bruising is a sign of anemia. Have you had your iron checked? Ashlea Dr. Gibbs 329/193

I just have a couple of questions to ask...however, I just moved to Cabot from Idaho (hubby is military) and my nutritionist has NEVER (and still doesnt) allowed me to eat any type of Carb unless it was a veggie and occasionally a fruit (and that is AFTER I have eaten my protein). here is my question....If you cant eat meat, can you eat eggs, cheese, yogurt, thin deli meats, or tuna in the can? have you tried to increase your protein shakes to 2 a day instead? also, since you are getting nauseous after eating meat, are you chewing it up very well and slowly? I wish I knew the answers for you and I hope that my questions give you some encouragement because I went through that period where nothing wanted to stay down and realized it was because I was eating too fast. Talk to your DR about this, that is what they are here for. Take care and I hope you get to feeling/doing better very soon. virginia