Great frustration, need encouragement

Hi all, There are 3 things going on that are making me crazy. First, I can't seem to wake up without mild nausea every morning. Have no idea what that is about. Then, because of my schedule, I need to have a shake first thing in the morning and I can barely get it down. I have sent away for some samples but am hanging on by my teeth until they come. The last thing is the (*&*&^%) pain in my thigh. I cannot walk more than a few feet, even with 55 lbs off. I started a new pain killer this weekend~ Neurontin~and it has yet to work. I am tired of this pain more than I can say. I know it is supposed to get better with weight loss but I don't know when that will happen at all. Guess my patience has run out. Thanks for letting me vent. Now that I can't use food to drown my feelings, my nerves get raw some times. Julie

I sure do understand the nausea. I battled with it before surgery but now it is worse. I hate to eat especially in the morning. Alot of the time I am starting to eat after noon. I just can't.I wish I had some answers but I can only empathize because I am there too. I also deal with chronic pain from lupus , fibromyalgia, arthritis,ect... so I understand that too. My hips and knees are killing me. I get the most relief with acupuncture but the pain is just lessoned and not gone especilly the more I exercise.But acupuncture has been a blessing. I have been in physical therapy and just started the bike last week and my knees are toasted. I can't wait to go to acupunctue next week. I hope things improve for you but know you aren't alone.I feel the same way you do.It is very frustrating. Love Laurie

Julie, I a mjust a newbie awaiting my surgery on 12/8, but I firmly beleive that the good Lord gives us the strenght ot handle what he gives us to deal with. Hang in there. 55# is a lot. You should be very proud. Take each day ata time. As for shakes I found something called Pure Pro shakes. They have 35 grams of protein and 170 calories per 8 ounces. The chocolate is the best. Go to www.Netrition.com Hope this helps. Hugs :-)

Julie - As we discussed before, I soooo sympathize with the pain. It took me losing a lot more than 55 pounds, although for the life of me, I can't remember how much before I wasn't in pain anymore from my pinched nerve. I actually think I just realized one day, "Wow! I just walked a lot and it doesn't burn, tingle, hurt, etc." Keep up the great job - you're doing so well, and hopefully, the pain will ease up for you. I found that most painkillers, either prescription or OTC, didn't help, but I hope you get some relief soon. Being in constant pain really wears you out. As for the nausea, I have to say that I never experienced that, but I HATE most protein drinks. I've found that the only ones I can "stomach" are the RTD Eas Advant Edge - the chocolate tastes like Yoo-Hoo, and the vanilla isn't bad either - I use the vanilla as a creamer in my coffee or hot tea. I really cannot do the ones you have to mix, I just can't get past the taste, smell, grittiness, but everyone's different. If you keep experiencing nausea, I'd call your doc/nut. I'm sorry I can't offer much more than a sympathetic ear, so vent away if you need to! Tia

Hi Julie. First off, I am sorry you are struggling with pain, nausea and a difficult schedule. I can totally relate. I have to really watch the clock when it comes to my food. I have to make appointments on my calendar to remind myself to eat so that I am eating frequently enough to get in all my protein. I don't like protein powders/shakes but have found two that I can tolerate pretty well. Isopure Zero carb Creamy vanilla, recipes for this can be found in Susan Marie Leach's book Living and eating well, Before and After WLS Surgery. (email me if you want me to send them to you.) I have also found that I can get down yogurt with 1/2 scoop of strawberry designer whey protein powder. Has a bit of an aftertaste to it but is tolerable. That helps up my protein. As for the nausea, well, I still get that, 7 months later. Mornings are worse and I think it may be because I have gone so long without eating anything. I take GasX with nearly every meal. That seems to settle some of the "waves". I am also lactose intolerate so I don't use any milk at all. I have been able to eat cottage cheese, cheese, sour cream and yogurt in small amounts but absolutely no milk (can't even do puddings). You are doing so well. 55 lbs is a great loss. I hope that soon you will experience a difference in the pain in your leg. It will help but may take more time. I know that isn't very comforting but keep telling yourself that this will pass. I think we all struggle with finding other ways to get control of our feelings/emotions. I know that I still think of food when I am emotional. I just can't consume the food I want so I do go to other things, exercise, sleep, getting a quick walk and finding someone I can talk to that won't judge me and will still like me when I am done. It'll get better. I am praying for you. Hugs, Robin

Hi all, I am considering the surgery. Reading all the time and worried. It seems like many of you have a problem or several problems since your surgery. Pain, nausea, etc. I want the surgery to feel better and it seems like some of you feel worse. Is that a trade off you are just willing to accept for a thinner body? I'm just scared and afraid that I might create so many more problems then the ones I have now. I know four people that have had the surgery and they are all so glad they had it done. None have complications. I am afraid I will be the one that everything goes wrong. I will be self-pay and I'm considering going to Michigan and having Dr Mark Pleatman do the surgery. I am worried about after care being from a different state. I have not called and checked into that part of it yet and how they handle it. Has anyone gone out of state for their surgery? I appreciate any comments as I try to make this decision thanks, Wanda

Have you looked into having surgery here in MD?

Yes, I have. In fact, I wanted to use your surgeon, Dr Gandsas. Two of my friends have used him and everything went very well for them. I called and for self-pay they have a package deal for $30.000. Dr Pleatman in Michigan, is $11,500. That is a huge difference. If it were not that much difference I would stay here in MD. It's no fun having terrible insurance. My husband is self employed and our rate is based mostly on my height/weight ratio. So, I cannot go anywhere else and get insurance. Thanks for responding, Wanda