So very frustrated

Hi all, I am very new to this. Surgery date was 7/15/05, Lapband. I had a very difficult time post-op. In and out of the hospital three times. Now I am home and trying to tolerate this diet with little success. I can hardly even stand to smell the liquids! Just the thought of swallowing the protein drinks makes me gag and wretch. I am trying to stay hydrated with water but am not sure I am succeeding. All I want to do is cry. Help!

Try some Sugar Free Popcicles. I've heard many who've said they had a difficult time post-op and the popcicles were their savior. Keep your chin up. This will pass. Keep close track of your temperature. You don't want to risk an infection while you're down. Dee

(((Chris))), BE gentle with yourself, you have been through A LOT!!! Your body needs time to recoup. It is like you have a brand new baby (baby pouch) and you have to learn what works for it. This will take time and unfortunately for some of us, quite a bit of effort. But you can do this Chris!!! I agree with Dee. Try the sf Popsicles. If cold does not work for you, perhaps something warm will? Try warm ff broth, decaf weak tea ... what worked well for me was (as strange as this sounds) warm crystal light lemonade with bit of splenda. Seemed my pouch needed to time to wake up every morning. The warmth of my drink relaxed the pouch and allowed us to have a better day. At your point, I was not really able to do much in the way of plain water so I had to improvise as well. And my nose was super sensitive and I had a trigger gag reflex. So truly I understand what you are saying. Another thing that helped me later in the day, was crushed ice. About the protein drinks, as soon as you are able to start getting in any protein, you WILL start feeling better, BUT, I had to take my time getting up my protein levels also. I started adding a little bit of powder to my fluids and then upping it as time progressed. I also was able to make protein pudding to help get it in. Have you tried any of the prepackaged protein drinks from CHRIAS? The hot chocolates were some of the drinks that really helped me get through this period. Another thing that may help, is to get a shaker bottle (Tupperware has a great one) that has a small opening to drink out of. For some it helps if you don't have to smell what you are drinking. BTW - it is VERY normal to be emotional (crying) at this point. There are so many changes going on, both physically and emotionally. Hang in there - truly it will pass!!! Tammy

I too had the same problem, and warm tea was the only thing that I could stand, then as the days passed I would try something new. I hope this helps. Hang in there, I promise things will get better for you. Dana

WHY? WHY? WHY? HAVEN'T YOU CALLED ME TO TELL ME THIS I KNOW I HAVE BEEN BUSY BUT NOT TOO BUSY FOR YOU.I AM HERE FOR YOU.HEY I WANT TO COME AND SEE YA SO WHEN IS THE BEST DAY AND TIME.FRIDAY I AM TAKING VICKIE TO HER DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT SO LET ME KNOW WHEN SWEETIE I WANT TO HELP YOU OUT WHAT I CAN OK.YOUR MOMMA GOTTA SPANK YOUR BUTT LOL.CALL ME.OR GET ON PUTER AND IM OR E-MAIL ME YOU CAN GET ME ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.I'LL BE WAITING.LOVE YOUR FRIEND AND MOM BONNIE

Chris, Well, i know where your coming from, i had the Gastric Bypass done and had five weeks of complications, infections and was in the hospital as well. The few things i was able to tolerate were skim milk and those cheese & Peanut butter Crackers. Even now, i can't tolerate most of anything, but Crystal Light Iced Tea and the Isopure Drinks they sell at the Surgeons Office. If you can get 2 or three of those down a day, you'll have your protein covered. I just had another test done yesterday to find out why i couldnt eat and it turned out to be an ulcer. I have absolutely no regrets having this done. Trust me, from my own experience, you'll feel better a few weeks down the road and look back on this as just a speed bump. If you like to chat, please feel free to call me at home 302-395-1698. Sincerely, Kenn Miller