I am still so weak....

Okay I know that I have a lot to recover from...but I am still so dang weak.  Mike went to Wal Mart to do some grocery shopping, so Jacob and I went along.  I pushed an empty cart so I had something to hold onto, but I didn't even make it 1/4 of the way and I had to go and sit down and wait for Mike.  My legs just feel so weak. I am honestly afraid that when they didn't give me or have me on any nutrition for those 4 days in the hospital, my muscles paid the price for it.  I am still have a very hard time getting in my protein too.  I try to add it to stuff and when I eat it, I gag and just about throw up.  I dont' know what to do.  I am doing good with the water at least now.  I just add cranberry apple powder (like crystal light, but generic) and it's yummy.  I can't tolerate any of the flavors of crystal light anymore. 

I just want to feel better and be able to go out and walk and do things again.  I have the okay to drive, but I won't.  I just don't trust myself.

Oh yeah, I also can't tolerate the Optisource vitamins anymore either.  I loved them before surgery, now they make me gag too.  I bought some Flintstones at Wal Mart and will try those. 
If anyone uses the Optisource, let me know

Hi Monica - I really do not have any advice for you other then making sure you keep in touch w/ your surgeon and let him/her know how you're feeling. I just wanted to let you know I continue to pray for a full recovery and I'm sending lots of (((HUGS))) your way. Christina

Oh Sweetie, You have been through so much and it will take some time to bounce back. Have you tried liquid protein?  I used Zero Carb Isopure for my first few months when nothing else went down easy.  I used to mix it 1/2 and 1/2 with Crystal Lite lemonade and then I just sipped my protein.  1 bottle gives you 20 grams of protein. You can buy a bottle or two at GNC to see which flavors you like.  I liked the Alpine Punch the best, but couldn't drink it without mixing it into the Crystal Lite.  Just too sweet for me. Hope you're feeling stronger soon.  Just take it easy and try and do just a little more every day.  You WILL get there.

Monica,

I'm a little concerned about you taking the flintstones.  From everything that I read and what Dr Rantis has said, they just don't provide the nutrients that us rny'ers need.  I went thru a little phase where I couldn't stand the chaulkiness of the Optisource.  The np gave me a variety of vitamins to try, but I was tired of the chewables.  Anyway, that nasty chaulky taste went away for me after awhile and I still continue to take the Optisource.

Protein was a struggle for me.  I can tell you that it gets easier when you move to solids and with the more your able to eat.  For me, it was a matter of finding the right product.  I like those protein shots and I just throw them in w/ my water with a little crystal light.   As for being tired...thats to be expected.  You just had two major surgeries and your body is going to go thru shock.  Protein, water, and vitamins are the best that you can do to help yourself right now.   Having emotional support is really nice during this time.  I'm sure that Mike didn't expect all of this and its probably taking a toll on all of you.  Hang in there and have patience it will get better it just may take longer than expected. ~Michelle

Monica, I complete "ditto" all that Michelle said. The weakness will start to go away. Your body is still in shock from the two major surgeries and it will take a little longer for you to get back on your feet.  Try, try, try to get your protein in to nourish your body. And get your water in also. It is normal for your taste buds to go south with your likes and dislikes. It will come back I promise you. As far as vitamins Centrum has an adult chewable that is orange flavored. I took them for 6 months because of not being able to take any whole pills PO. Target has some great flavors (their own brand) in the tube to put in your water bottles. Propel also has them now. I would get in contact with the Kane office on Monday and touch base with them. In the least maybe you can talk to the NUT or one of the nurses about what is going on with you.  Christine

Hi Monica, So sorry to hear you are having such a hard time..I had a hard time with the protein drinks at first also but have you tried the bullet. It has 42g of protein and they have them at Vitamin shop and you can try the different flavors, I have seen that you can also make jello out of them. I also drank V8...that worked for me..you can also mix the protein with SF pudding or cream soups...I also ate the baby food meats and those went down well and just the right amount. I think you will find that its gets better daily. I take the Optisource and don't have a problem with it so hopefully if you just try one in the am every day your tastes will change and you can tolerate it. I think it comes in a swallow one too once you can swallow pills. Good luck to you!!!

Monica, I agree with what has already been said, so I just want to send a little love and support to you. Keep your chin up, it will get better.

Hi Monica. I ditto what everyone else said. I remember that in the beginning, I had such changes in my taste buds, Everything was too salty (even things made with low salt) and sweet. For me, it was the drop in my zinc level. The lady at the deli counter at Jewel let me sample  roast beef or turkey that was supposed to be low salt. It was too salty for me. She couldn't believe it! You've gone through more than the usual RNY and the weakness is attributed to both the complication after the original surgery and the lack of needed nutrition.  Hang in there Monica. I promise you it is worth the rewards that you will experience. Just know that we love you and will pray for your recovery! Hugs, Lucy