Is it supposed to be this bad in the beginning?

Solving the protein powder/heat problem - make sure your soup/cocoa/cofffee is just warm...not piping hot.  Piping hot stuff will definitely curdle the protein.  Another useful tool for this is a Blender Bottle..but make sure you put a clean dish cloth on top, and hold the white spout cover while shaking..the warmth will make it pop open, and you'll have stuff everywhere.

There are also little personal blenders that you can find at Wally World, that mix up just enough for one to 1-1/2 drinks or soup servings.  If you already have a blender at home, that's even better!

 

I had regrets in the first few weeks at all but once things heal up and you start to feel normal again you will be glad you did it. I couldn't be happier with my DS. Life changes that is for sure. You find a whole new way of living with the DS.

Your stomach is also swollen and angry red, like any would, just imagine a sore throat when you drink cold water... Try to sip room temp water and stay hydrated most important

Thanks!

Yep, I am a month postop and I feel nauseated a lot. I am feeling better every day though. I just concentrate on water, and my two centrum chewables and calcium. I am going to order some more vitamins soon. I am drinking water all the time, and when I do eat I make sure it is protein.

I was released after 4 days and just went home on acetaminophen. I took it about 3 days after, and then I was good. The harder pain meds made me feel like crap. I had to beg the nurses to take me off them at the hospital, they really enjoyed giving me the percocet! LOL

Yes sorry but it gets better every week gets better. Look forward to days when walking a mile is enjoyable and feeling lighter on your feet it makes these first few weeks all worth it. I had an Open RNY in 1999 with 52 staples down the front of me like a cardboard box. Those big copper staples and it was the worst month of my life for feeling pain and ****ty. But i never had regret just keep remembering its to make your life easier and longer

I would recommend not worrying about food just yet.... focus on fluids. I was NOT taking an antacid and ended up in the ER 3 times within my first month post op. My mistake... I misunderstood the instructions from my doctor upon release from surgery. I felt awful for 8 weeks. when I finally figured out the hydration protein balancing act... I felt better and continue to feel better. Im 10 months post op. Down 174 lbs with 85 to get to my doctors goal 45 to get to my personal goal. Every day gets easier... My love hate relationship with my DS right out of the gate stemmed from the liquid acid coming from my backside! I now have a love relationship with it because my BM's are totally normal. ONCE A DAY!!! yippie! keep moving forward it will get better!

Regarding the vites - though the first time outlay is pricey, here's what I did:

Pre-op, I ordered Vitalady's DS plan, so I'd be good to go after I came home from the hospital.   I was good for a little better than three months on that supply.  Once components ran out, I hunted for the same vites at lower prices, and was able to find them.  As much as I love Michelle, I had to do something to get expenses down.

Mind you, a lot of these vites are not the over the counter type that you can buy at any drugstore, or at Wally World,  especially the ADEK's.  Each of these has to be taken in separate vitamins at ultra high doses...at least...they would be ultra high for a normie.  Just run of the mill for DSers.

So as not to advertise, PM me, and I'll give you my sources.

Whatever you do...don't get dehydrated!  Fluids are more important than food and getting *all* the vites in right now.  One of the signs of dehydration is loss of appetite.  

As for the protein shakes.  Go to your local health food store, and get some unflavored whey protein or whey protein isolate.  Get some extracts in flavors you know you like at the grocery store, and your artificial sweetener of choice. Use whole milk, and add some heavy whipping cream.  You need the fat to "keep things moving", and to support other body functions which require lipids (fats).  You may have to experiment a little until you get the consistency of the milk/cream combination right for your own taste, but remember, fat is your friend now.

Hope this helps...but above all...give it time!  For me, the first eight weeks were the worst...and it did get better!

JazzyOne - I sent you a PM :)