I need some wisdom!

I am 2 weeks post op and I am doubting my decision. I feel horrible. I am nauseous when a wake up every morning and a good part of the day. I have trouble getting in the protein drinks because of the taste. It takes me a half hour to take my medications because they have to be cut into such small pieces and I haven't gone to the bathroom yet since I began "eating" last Thursday. Is this all normal???????

Hi Sherri, COngrats on joining the looser's bench! And yes, everything your experiencing is normal. I personally could not find a protein drink I liked so I bought Beneprotein, the flavorless powder you can add to anything. That got me through the protein drink stage. I could taste something, but it wasn't as bad as some of the other stuff I tried. OR you can order samples online of different protein powders and see if there is one you like. I bought a pill crusher and would mix in some water or Crystal lite and make a '****tail' for my meds. I still use it on occasion. For the potty thing, try Milk of Magnesia. MOM works and I always keep a bottle on hand...you never know when you'll need it! As far as the blues, I think everyone goes through it. Walking will help - not only does it speed up the healing process but it also releases natural endorphins which can help elevate your mood. Trust me when I say this is all temporary and eventually you'll turn that proverbial corner and you'll start feeling better. Visit us on the Boards as often as you need, there always room for new friends! -Deb

Ditto what Deb said! You did NOT make the wrong decision! It is normal to feel the blues and to have doubts, however. My doctor told me that if I couldn't eat-then drinking was the most important thing. I lived on Carnation Instant Breakfast-No Sugar Added; Atkins protein shakes; s/f jello and juice for the first two weeks. I couldn't handle plain water for about six weeks (just last week could I drink it without experiencing pain and cramps). It DOES get better-and it DOES help tremendously if you can walk. I know it's hard, but it will help you feel so much better. Keep us posted on how you are doing and don't give up!

Hey Deb, Where can I get protein samples online? Phyllis

Hi Phyllis www.bariatriceating.com Kathy K

Double ditto to what Deb said. She's exactly right. It IS natural to feel that way. Things will get better. Hang in there. You could try drinking warm liquids to help with the nausea, especially warm mint tea. You can try unflavored protein or add powdered milk into regular milk or CIB no sugar added (if you can tolerate milk) for an extra protein punch in a drink that doesnt taste like a protein shake (no nasty taste or texture) Take care. Lisa C

I remember feeling as you do very clearly!! It WILL get better, as has been said here. I had Carnation Sugar Free Instant Breakfast in the beginning -- it got me through until I could start to eat real food. Soon the meds won't be as difficult and you'll be eating, and all will begin to look up. Hang in there ... we're here for you if you need us!! XO Kathy F.

SHERRI, DEFINITELY ALL NORMAL. ONE THING NOT MENTIONED, BEING NAUSEOUS, I WAS TOLD IS FROM BEING IN SERIOUS KETOSIS. WHICH IS A GOOD THING. WARM DRINKS LIKE DECAF TEA STILL FEEL BETTER TO ME THAN WATER AND I AM 8 WEEKS POST OP. I DIDN'T EAT FOOD FOR I THINK 3-4 WEEKS BECAUSE EVERYTHING SMELLED GROSS AND MADE ME NAUSEOUS. I USED PREMIXED ATKINS PROTEIN DRINKS. NOW I USE ISOPURE PROTEIN POWDER AND MAKE MY OWN SHAKES. MY BEST SOURCE OF INFORMATION WAS THIS SITE AND MY NUTRITONIST. GOOD LUCK AND DON'T WORRY, YOU WON'T REGRET IT.

Ditto on what you all said...let's not forget that anesthesia will cause depression. That stuff really can mess with the mind and body. And it can also cause nausea up to two to four weeks after a surgery. I had minor hand surgery in May and the anesthesia made me nauseas for 2 weeks and depressed for about 4 weeks. I was an emotional train wreck. Hang in there Sherri...it gets better. You are going through something perfectly normal. You've just given your body a heck of a shocking treatment. You need time to heal. You are only 2 weeks out. It takes some people MONTHS to feel "normal" again. I'm almost 3 years out and I can promise you, it does get better. ~CAE~

Hi Sherrie, I feel your pain! O'God I felt exactly the same way. I hated that protein drink crap! It was awful, and all I wanted was something that wasn't sweet! I had a bought with feeling nausea, and it was from not eating. As soon as I ate, it felt better. I know easier said than done! As far as your meds, it's tough...crushing didn't work for me and the liquid form tasted like garbage. I just break them in 1/2 and take a small sip of crystal light and swallow gently. I still do that, and I'm one month out. It does get better, but you just hit other stumbling blocks...not be able to tolerate certain foods. But remember...it will ALL be worth it...One month out and I'm down about 23 lbs...walking like mad, and feeling like a million bucks! So hang in there, and let us help you here on the boards. Good luck. JA