I need advice and prayers

Hi... I'm having a problem, and I am in tears over this. I'm having difficulty eating at all! Yesterday, all I had all day was 2 slices of cheese and not even 2 ounces of chicken. I get so sick to my stomach just thinking of food, or smelling it, and when I do force myself, I don't get far before I am full. I drink fluids all day and that's all I really want. I am scared. I don't want to end up in the hospital, but I don't know what else I can do? Any suggestions? Lisa

Hi Lisa: Don't panic you are OK. As long as you are drinking you will be fine just keep trying different things and you will learn what your stomach can bear. I couldn't eat chicken for a long time and now it is fine. On the program I followed we weren't allowed anything but pureed food at your level. Hang in there and chew chew chew when you eat. Hugs, Melanie

Hi Lisa, Try some warm tea, caffiene free of course. It helps to settle my pouch when she starts acting up. You're about 5 week's out right? I suggest you call your surgeon's office. If you can't get anything in it may (or may not) be the begining of a stricture. The Dr. that did my scope said if you are going to get one they will usually start between 5 to 8 weeks out. Don't worry about it if that's what it is. They are easily fixed, but you want to get yourself checked out. You do not want to get dehydrated. Please keep us updated on this. God bless you, Annette L.

Lisa, I want you to know that many, many WLS patients are experiencing the exact same symptoms. That doesn't negate your concerns by any means! I wish I could give you a big hug and wipe those tears. I acknowledge your frustration. I applaud your efforts to stick with your prescribed menu, but don't panic. You had your surgery just over 4 weeks ago, correct? This is right about the time that my nausea passed. For a full 5 weeks I was nauseaous and sick and could not imagine eating food. My surgeon stressed the importance of getting liquids in, don't worry about solid food (even if it is pureed). This will pass. The ketosis your body is experiencing in the first stage after surgery is also causing some of the nausea. Try cold water, warm water, water with lemon, water with tea, water with Crystal light flavoring, even ice cubes. Try broths. It amazed me how anyone could survive on the amount of food I was eating in those first 5 weeks, but it is possible as long as you stay hydrated--and you are succeeding there! I'm glad you posted this because being scared is ok, but you know that you have brothers and sisters in Christ that will pray for you and your recovery. I do pray that your body heals and your nausea subsides so that you can take care of yourself in the way that promotes good health. Feeling good is just around the corner. Love, Cynthia

If I were in your situation, I would stick to a protein drink supplement. Bariatriceating.com has very good ones. I too felt like you did but it only alsted for the first 2-3 weeks. Even the smell of food would make nauseas but Praise God it went away with time. Hang in there and please know I just prayed for you! Hugs, Letty

You have mail... luvitsunnyv

Lisa, my rny was 1-16-06. I too, would much rather just drink water, and even that is difficult to get in. I keep thinking it is a good thing that my tummy will be a bit more settled, and perhaps hold a bit more before the hot weather sets in! I have had to split my protein shake in half, and take my vitamins with each half, and my calcium with dinner. I can only eat very small amounts also, maybe a couple of tablespoons of soup, or last night I had a few bites of fresh trout. I worry more about the fluids, tho. My Dr. said that all I need to do to survive and be healthy right now is to get in the water,and take the supplements, get in as much protein as I can, and that very soon everything will be looking much better. It's been a week since that appt, and things really are looking up. I may even be able to go out and walk for a bit. Do heed the advice and keep it in the back of your mind as I do, that strictures are not uncommon, and while easy to fix, you DON'T want to let it go! It's better to call the Dr., and let him decide what to do. My prayers are with you, and God Bless you! KathyB