Anyone from Buffalo area ? Looking for a pal! RNY 1/14/2010

Hi - I am from Gasport, Ny and had my surgery through Synergy Bariatrics - Dr. Pham @ Sister's Hospital.  I have had a pretty rough 2 weeks and wondered if anyone could offer some support.  I am afraid to eat and try things.  I find it very hard to eat slow, and wait 30 min.  I think I have to just get used to it.  I am an emotional rollor-coaster.

Please Help

Sincerely,

Lynn

Hi Lynn,

I'm not from Gasport, NY but I did have surgery on the same day as you and I too am worried about eating too much/too fast, etc.

My diet is pretty simple because I want to make sure that I get the right amount of protein in each day and I try to eat every two hours waiting a 1/2 an hour between eating to drink fluids etc. I track everything I eat and write down the times so I make sure that I'm not eating too frequently or not often enough.

-1 chocolate protein shake (1/2 c. 140 calories, 20 grams protein)
-water/G2 or Crystal Light w/protein or sugar free popsicle
-Fage nonfat greek yogurt (with truvia sugar supplement) 1/4 c. 30 calories, 5 grams protein)
-water/G2 or Crystal Light w/protein or sugar free popsicle
-Lowfat cottage cheese (1/4 c. 50 calories, 6.5 grams protein)
-water/G2 or Crystal Light w/protein or sugar free popsicle
-1 chocolate protein shake (1/2 c. 140 calories, 20 grams protein)
-water etc.
-Lowfat cottage cheese (1/4 c. 50 calories, 6.5 grams protein)
-water etc.
-Fage nonfat greek yogurt (with sugar supplement) 1/4 c. 30 calories, 5 grams protein)

My average is around 60 grams of protein a day.

It's very difficult when I have to prepare regular meals for my husband and my parents are coming to visit and bringing lunch so I'll have to sit to the side watching them eat their delicious lunch as I'm sucking on a popsicle or eating some cottage cheese.  It's very easy for family members to sabotage our work so stay strong and once you lose some pounds your mental state will definitely catch up with what you've been doing physically.

Although I was born and raised in San Francisco, California, I know exactly how you're feeling all the way over in New York state and the dreary winter weather isn't helping.  Hang in there, let me know if you have any questions.

:o)Lesley

Lesley~

  Hi-  Thanks fro your reply, it's nice to know your not the only one going through this.  I do track most of everything.  The other night I got so weak, I thought I was going to pass out, so I made eggbeaters.  I was so afraid to eat and really didn't feel like eating because of weakness.  I think I was not getting ebough protein grams.  My nurse said to up it to 80 grams and that I wasn't getting enough calories.  I write down all my grams of protein, I think I should check out the calories too.  Earlier I had refried benas with melted cheese 1/4 c at a time, that was good!  ANother thing the beasn have fiber which I need becasue My bowel habits are not regular at all.  I also sip water all day with miralax mixed with it.  I just wish I felt normal and I don't yet.


Hope to chat again

Thanks


Lynn - my email is [email protected]

Hi Lynn,

WOW, 80 grams of protein a day! HOLY MOLY.  That's a lot given that our intake is so little right now but it sounds like you're doing fantastic.  I didn't think about refried beans, I think I might have to start having those, yum. 

My first week post-op I'd wake up in the middle of the night shaking like I had one too many cups of coffee and no food.  My friend, who's diabetic, told me that my blood sugar level was low and to have a few sips of apple juice or something sweet.  I did not have diabetes prior to surgery but while in the hospital my blood sugar levels went bonkers with all the fluids that were being pumped into me and I had to have insulin!  The night shakes stopped after the first week.  Is that the same sensation you were having or different?  Our bodies are really freaked out right now so we're going to feel a lot of different things in the next few weeks, it's nice to know what to expect.

I haven't had problems with being regular, but I did read prior to surgery that bowel habits will be bizarre the first couple of months.  That's a good idea to sip water with miralax mixed in with it.  Also that Crystal Light stuff I drink (strawberry/banana) has 5 grams of fiber per bottle of water and it makes the water go down a little easier too.

I can't wait to feel normal too.  I didn't realize just how much food plays a major roll in our lives.  Everything involves food, going out for coffee, visiting a friend, going to work and having lunch with your buddies.  It's going to be hard to change our lifestyles but in the long run so so so worth it.  I keep talking to my friend Stephanie, who had RNY last April, and my friend Lynn, who had a sleeve gastrectomy in October 2008, and they keep reminding me that as soon as I start to see the physical changes my mental state will perk right up. 

Prior to deciding to move forward with RNY surgery did you know anyone that had the surgery?

Hope some of this helps, I'm still in the "what did I do to myself" mode, but slowing getting out of it.

:o)Lesley - my email address is [email protected]

Good morning ladies! Welcome to the looser's bench. As you are discovering, the first couple of weeks are tough. Between getting enough fluids, protein and the vitamins! It is tough but you are hanging in. Also remember that right now your hormones are going haywire. That will account for alot of the emotional upheaval that you are feeling. It will get better, easier. That I can promise.

As for cooking and your families eating around you - food grief and envy is common. But remember, at some point you will be able to join them in the same foods. Ofcourse not in the quantities you used to eat and your focus will always be protein first. I eat the same things as my family. I cooked Easter dinner at two weeks post-op (had help lifting the roasts, etc), then I cried. It was my first "WTF did I do to myself moment". It was also my last. Right then and there I realized I did this for me and my health. This Easter I will be cooking dinner and joining them, but I will only eat what I need to and remember that last year I was 100 pounds bigger.

You guys are well on your way to being successful. You are recognizing that there are emotional issues that are not eay to get past. The surgeon fixed your stomachs, not your head. Looking for support is the best thing you can do for yourselves. If there is a local support group try to get to it. Finding friend and support here is wonderful too.

Any questions? Feel free to aks me here, or if you think it is too personal for the board PM me. This is a journey not done well alone. Good luck. Deb

Hey Lynn,

I am from Buffalo (Kenmore actually) and I have not had surgery yet, but I'm planning on going with Dr. Pham as well.  I would love to hear about your experiences with him!  I am not yet sure which procedure I'll be going with, I'm hoping to get sleeved if he is willing to do it!  Hang in there!!

Paula

Hi Lynn!  I live in Hartland!  How have you been getting along?

Hi Pam~

  I live in Hartland too!  Actually Gasport - Hosmer Rd.  I am doing ok.  I am more emotional than anything right now.  The soreness is finally going away.  It's really hard to get the slow eating thing down and waiting 30 min. after and all that jazz.  I take it one day at a time and hope for the best.  My kids go to Barker and I am a reflexologist with a home based business.


Hope to talk to you soon.

Lynn

i'm on Ridge just west of Hosmer...lol.  We're Roy-Hart here.  I know how hard it is to slow down with the eating.  It does get easier, though.  As for the emotional part...I get it!  I SO get it!  I was a wreck those 1st couple of months.  Just think of the big picture!!  You're not alone...i'm right down the street!  I'll message you my phone #.

I am moving to Buffalo/Amherst next week from Atlanta!