Back to the drawing bored

Hi everyone. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. This week has been a hard one with the loss of my doggy Miley and just being sick. I decided to go back to the pureed stage and soups. I am not getting any help from the people over at Northwestern. I think they think I am crazy. Vomitting 2-3 times on a daily basis is not "normal". Being pale with black bags under my eyes and exhausted is not "normal". Shaking and feeling faint is not "normal". I am so sick of the same advice I get, and telling me this is all normal.

I went last week to the Lifestyle Clinic at NMH and saw Dr. Neff. I met with her for an hour and she basically said that everything happening to me is part of the process. She drew my blood for any viatmin deficiencies. I got an email stating that my Potassium, Vitamin D, Magnesium and Iron were low, but normal after Bypass. She said I should eat spinach, potatoes, rice and things of that nature. And they would do my labs again in 1 week, but the food should boost my numbers. Ummmmmmmmm, how am I going to eat this stuff if I get nauseous and vomit from almost everything I eat???? And she assured me there is no blockage or sticture because I can eat certain food and not others.

So what is going on???? Am I making myself sick??? Is it in my mind????? I am so disgusted right now with the follow up care they provide. I have talked to several Bypass patients that have had surgery at other hospitals and they were on liquids and pureed food for 6-8 weeks after their surgeries!!! My daughter was also on the same thing after her Lap Band surgery. I am so depressed and just feeling so physically and mentally drained from this I cant explain. My body is getting weaker and I am expecting to pass out somewhere while I am working. Ohhh, and another pleasant problem I am having is pain and numbness in my left arm. When I mentioned this, I was told it couldnt be from the Bypass. I guess thats in my mind too.

I am going back to counseling next week with my wonderful therapist who also had Gastric Bypass 2 years and lost over a hundred pounds. She is amazing. I am going to post her info on her later , so if anyone would be interested in seeing her, it would be the best thing you could do for yourself.

HI Lisa!

I hope today things are looking better for you.

I don't really know how I can help, but I want to show support and love to you.

Are you getting your liquid protein in?  I think that would be a great place to start.  I think that protein should help with the weakness and shaking.  You HAVE had MAJOR surgery and should expect to feel al bit run down for maybe a month or more and remember to still take it easy.  I was still napping until almost 5-6 weeks out.  Your body has been through a lot.

I wish I could do more to help.  I CAN tell you that the protocol for my doctor is to go home from the hospital on pureed & soft foods, but we had to stick with that until our 6 week check-up.

[[[[[BIG HUGS!!!]]]]

Lisa,

Well, actually part of what you are going through is normal. I have read of other RNY patients that have nausea for a while afterwards. Many ppl cannot eat some things PO as they could pre op. Our insides have been rearranged and our new pouch should be considered just as if it were a baby’s stomach and you have to gradually give it baby type foods, next junior foods and then graduate to adult foods as tolerated. For some it takes longer. It is just a matter of finding the right foods for you personally. Like the doctor said it is all part of a process and it is different for each and every one of us. As far as the vomiting several times a day you need to take into account how fast you are eating as that can cause vomiting. My DH had that happen to him at the beginning until he learned to slow down and take at least 20 minutes to eat a meal. The doctor is correct about you not having a stricture because you can get other foods and liquids down. You need to do all that you can to get protein in whether in the form of liquid or foods to help with your strength and like Dawn said you are going to feel weak and low due to having major surgery recently.

My DH and I (2 different RNY docs) were both on liquids for 2 weeks, pureed for 4 weeks and soft foods for 2 weeks. Just keep in mind all doctors have their own protocol with their patients and not to compare your PO life to other patients. Also as far as the numbness IMHO I do not think it is related to your surgery.

Have your tried posting your question/post on the main board or the RNY forums? You might get more answers or suggestions there.

Chris

Well, my doctor wants to do an EGD ASAP. He said that I most likely have either a stricture or an ulcer. Both treatable. I knew that something wasnt right. I dont eat to fast, and I follow all of the post op rules. But this nausea and vomitting has to go. I will keep everyone updated on what happens. Thanks!