Can Anyone Post-Op help me- not sure if this is normal
I have had to supplement with both magnesium and potassium, AND eat a banana a day, for the past 2.5 years. Otherwise I get muscle aches, horrifying cramps and arrhythmias. Part of it is my fault... I don't drink enough fluids (wine and Diet Dew don't count lol). And part of it is luck of the draw, I guess.
Audrey
Highest weight: 340
Surgery weight: 313
Surgery date: 10/24/11
Current weight 170... 170 pounds lost!!!!
I am not a doctor, but I play one at work.
I am 5 weeks post op. I didn't have the good surgery experience you had, but all the rest of what you describe is me! Had to stay in hospital 7 days because I could not keep anything down and vomited non-stop for 5 days. Since coming home I am so weak I can barely function. Thank goodness I am retired and have no job I have to get back to because there is no way I could do that! Lots of diarrhea. I have had a great deal of difficulty getting anything to stay down - liquids, soft foods or "normal" foods. I vomit up just about everything. I've had to go back to the hospital several times for hydration (outpatient) and the last time, my surgeons nurse got snarky with me - "we can't keep scheduling you for this - you've got the get those liquids in"..... well, it was my surgeon who told me to do it in the first place. And I would give anything if I could indeed get those liquids in - but I cannot!! I also feel pretty bad after eating - usually have to lie down. I am nauseous almost all the time. I know it's early out but I'm regretting this so far. Yes the weight loss had been miraculous - 30 lbs gone in 5 weeks, but I can't even really rejoice in that because I feel so awful!! I do have a follow up doc appt. Friday with the Nutrition Doc so we'll see what she has to say. But wow!! Anyone who thinks WLS is taking the easy way out is so misinformed!!!!
I've read through the comments and a few thoughts that haven't been covered.
- this doesn't sound like a stricture.
- this is not completely normal. but some of it is to be expected. rapid weight loss isn't easy on your physiology
Most importantly- the heart palpitations need to be addressed immediately. You need to call your surgeons office again immediately and tell them first ad foremost that you're having palpitations and getting winded PLUS you feel awful. They should fit you in.
OPINION ONLY FOR SOMETHING IMMEDIATE YOU CAN DO THAT WOULD OD NO HARM: it's possible all of this stems from something as simple as you not getting enough FLUIDS- Dehydration is no joke. And, it's often a culprit in these instances. So in the mean time- DOUBLE your water intake immediately. Even if you think you're getting enough and you don't feel thirsty.
Less importantly-but still salient: Your general physician is an asshat. You need a new one. Please get a new one. Any doctor that would dismiss physical symptoms as 'not my problem' because you had surgery should seriously have a ethical complaint filed against them.
Best,
Lisa C
From CT