I still can't get this figured out

I am still not getting my protein in.

My breath smells so bad my kids won't sit by me.  I broke down and chewed a piece of SF gum...why is it we can't have gum.

And how long do we have to take this carafate??? I can't hardly do it anymore.

Struggling BIG Time!

Breathe....

Do your best to get in your protein.  It helps you heal.  Try to do a little bit more each day.  It's hard to get it all in at first.

As for your breath, you are in ketosis.  Drinking a little juice will help.  Try 100% fruit juice - a couple of ounces twice a day. 

Don't chew gum.  If you accidentally swallow it, it could block the opening to your new little pouch.  I'm nearly 10 months out and just now began with chewing gum.

I agree - carafate sucks!  I hated that stuff!!  Unfortunately, it is necessary to help protect your new little tummy.  Dr. E only makes us use that for 3 months though.

Hang in there - trust me, I've been where you are, and it gets better each day.

What is ketosis?

It's your body's reaction to what it perceives as starvation.  Your body is burning its fat cells at an extremely high rate.  Ketosis is the by-product. 

This commonly happens shortly after WLS - it did to me anyway.

You can read more about it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wi****tosis

You can call the nuts at St. V's (nutritionists) - they'll likely advise you to add a little grape juice to your diet.  In fact, twice per day while I was in the hospital they brought me an ounce of grape juice.

Do your best is the theme right after surgery,.. If ya cant get the protien down.. sip milk all day.. I sipped 6 glasses or so a day...The couple ounces of juice a day will help the breath...

Im 4 years out and still scared to chew gum not only because I might swallow it because I used to prior to surgery.. but because if you chew gum your tummy will think food is coming down... acids and gas you dont want.. You tend to swallow a little air when chewing gum and you dont want the feel of air in there...

I Hated Carafate.. Had to use it when I had a little problem..

Best of luck

Linda Kay

I think everyone covered the questions really well, but want to tell you one thing! Take your carafate or you'll end up with an ulcer like I did and then you'll be stuck on the carafate for 6 months, not 3!! So not worth it.

I had the same problem with the breath.  At my 6 week visit with the nut she told me to drink 16-24 oz of 100% grape juice for 3 days.  That cleared it right up.

you are definately experiencing ketosis but that is a good thing as it means you are burning fat. thats what we want to do!