GBP surgery with Dr. Farrell in late Sept.--advice?

I'm new on this Forum.  It has been highly recommended that I meet you "losers!"  My name is Teresa and I have surgery scheduled for Sept. 30 at UNC with Dr. Tim Farrell.  I am excited and nervous at the same time.  I know that this is my last chance to live--and I WANT TO LIVE.  Right now my biggest concern is the gastrointestinal changes--i., e, constipation.  Constipation drives me crazy.  Also, I'm concerned about how to eat afterwords.  There are things I cannot imagine being without--like eggs??????  I'd love to hear your advice on any subject.  I will do my best to be a productive member of this group.  Am 54 years old--382 pounds.   UGH

Hi Teresa,
I feel this is one of the best groups I have ever belonged too.
You are among friends here who have had or having some of your same struggles.
One of the first things I learned in making my choice to have wls was to accept food would not be the same after surgery.
Oh I still think about it and so many times will load my salad plate up thinking I can eat all that only to find out after a few bites it is not going to happen.
I mentioned a salad plate this is my dinner plate I use most all the time.
I used to love and adore sweets of all kinds but since surgery I am free from that nagging feeling of I have got to have that cake,pie or cookies.
I am able to eat some sugar but I am careful to limit the amount.
To give up certain foods is nothing compared to getting heathier.
You will find many people can do well with some foods and others cannot.
Each person is different and after surgery you are going to have to test the waters in order to learn what will work and what wont.
The best advise is to look into recording your intake.
Many people use mydailyplate.com I like sparkpeople.com at first I thought how silly to record an ounce here and there but it showed me how fast calories can add up.
Recording helps me to be accountable to myself.
                                                           Annie

Hi Teresa,

Congratulations on your upcoming WLS. It is normal and natural to be nervous about a surgical procedure; even more so, when that procedure is altering your gastointestinal system. To be honest, ,most people will experience some issues with constipation, but with a bit of work, you'll be able to manage it. Working with your medical team, nutritionist and those who have walked the road before you. Generally the issue of constipation is a result of not enough fluids and not enough fiber. There is an over the counter product called Miralax that works wonders and keeps constipation at bay. You can ask you medical team if and when it might be appropriate for you. Both my huaband and I have had RNY and have successfully used the product. I am more than 2 years post op and not had to use it in over a year. My husband is less than a year post op and he still uses it peridically. 

Regarding foods that you may or may not be able to tolerate. I was afraid that I wouldn't ever be able to have many of my 'favorite foods' after surgery. During the early weeks and months post op you probably won't be able to 'tolerate' high carb, high fat or items that have a combination of high fat and carbs, but to be honest this is a good thing as these things impede your weight loss. Over time your intestinal system heals and matures, this generally resolves. While some people will always have sensitivity to certain foods, to be honest many do not. It is most likely, that you will be able to enjoy your favorite foods again, in moderation.

Re: Eggs. To be honest, early on, eggs can be difficult. But with time, most people are able to tolerate and enjoy them again. Eggs, even scrambled eggs can be quite dense. Because of this, the can easily get 'stuck'. As the swelling goes down during the first few months, you can usually start to enjoy them again. 

Many people will refer to dumping. Actual dumping occurs when high fat or carb food**** the intestines and causes a reaction. It generally occurs more often early on after surgery and tends to resolve as your new GI system matures, but for some (about 40 percent) it is a life long issue. The other thing that many will call 'dumping' is when something (like eggs) gets stuck and causes pain in your chest and makes you 'throw up.' This is not really dumping, it's often referred to as the 'foamies' because the saliva back up in your throat/mouth and creates a 'foamy' sensation. Again, this normally resolves as you learn to eat more slowly and as your pouch heals and the swelling goes down. To be honest, I eat normal sized bites at a normal pace now. 

I run a large support group in Raleigh and you are most welcome to join us. I have a general meeting once a month and special interest meetings throughout the month. You can get more information about upcoming meetings at http://www.meetup.com/nc-wls. 

Welcome to the group and congratulations again!

 

 

Hi-I"m Debbi (goldstondebbi) and when I saw your post I thought "we are the same age!" then I remembered I'm 55 -lol!  I had RNY Dec. 10th. I am down 104 lbs. I feel great!
      About eggs? I've had no problems-egg salad and deviled eggs are a real treat and I don't know anyone who cannot tolerate them. I have laughed with some weight loss buddies that for pot-lucks or pic-nics we are the ones to bring deviled eggs-or look for them on the buffet table!      
     As for the constipation-drinking your fluids should prevent that as Barb says, but you will probably find a food that aids in your digestion-mine is nuts-I eat 1/4 cup mixed nuts for my mid-afternoon snack and that keeps me on track.
    Wecome ~ Deb