Feel like a freak

Hi guys, ~~~~i cross posted this from the Jan 2005 surgery board as i need all the help i can get, i hope no one minds~~~~ I apologize that this will probably sound like whining.... I feel terrible. I am 6 weeks post op. I was good the first 3 weeks, then had a stricture that left me unable to eat anything and barely drink for 8 days until I had it dilated. Since then, the simple thought or mention of food gives me the dry heaves. I am only eating maybe once a day, and fluid intake is practically nothing (20 - 30 oz per day). I genuinely don't know where to turn. I called my WLS DR's office the other day, and he is out of town at a convention. I let them know exactly what was going on, but I haven't heard back. I called the pysch therapist this morning but I haven't heard back. I guess I have a mental aversion to food and fluids from getting so sick off of them with the stricture, but I need to overcome this. I don't know where to start. Needless to say I have NO energy, and feel bad all the time. Thanks for listening and I appreciate any assistance. --Jezzie

You didnt have WLS to wind up weak and in poor health, right? You need to call your doctor's office again and ask to speak to the nurse if he is out of town. NOT getting your proper nutrition is going to put your health at risk and that isn't something to play around with. You need to make this a priority today before the weekend starts. PLEASE find the motivation to call and get some sort of resolution so that you dont have any further issues. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but your surgeon (and therapist) are paid for their services and aftercare, you need to be more assertive and get some answers if you still arent feeling well. Good luck! Amy

Thanks Amy, My doctor's nurse is horrible. She let me go on for days when I had the stricture before I took it upon myself to call the GI and pursue that avenue. (thanks to encouragement I got on the boards). I did get a call back from the therapist and I will see her tomorrow. I appreciate the support. --J

In the meantime. go back to the basics. Take 1 oz at a time of broth or something that might stay down. Sugar free, fat free popcicles, might be a good choice. Try to keep liquids down first.

I know you're going to see your therapist but what you are feeling is not a figment of your imagination. You are experimenting something real - and not pleasant at all. Your doc should be on call - to make a determination of what's going on. Or you're gonna have to be persistent in talking with your nurse and not let her put your feeling aside. Keep calling - and persist..or even if possible to to the ER if you're in severe pain. Hoping you'll be feeling better soon!

wow....and i thought it was just me .....for the last week i have not been able to keep anything down ....i even ended up at the er thurs night . when i called my pcp he just said ....i dont know call your wls doctor. when i called him he told me to start with brooth and s/f popcicles and to work my way back up .... i am trying it's hard but a few sipps at a time and alot of warm liquid seems to help . i hope you are feeling better soon . if you want to talk you can e-mail me here or at yahoo tina [email protected]

You may have another stricture. It is not uncommon for that to happen. Until you can get in to check, keep sipping warm liquids. The warmth relaxes the muscles in your pouch/stoma a bit and that will help you get things down. You can mix your protein in hot (tap water hot, not boiling) water and that way you get some nutrition in, too. Sheri