Gastric Bypass done a few days ago. General questions and help please :)

Hi all. I'm new to this website. I had my gastric bypass on Monday and it's now Sunday morning. I'm doing well recovery wise. I just wanted to ask about the weight loss. I was 143 kilos on the morning of surgery, and to my surprise when coming home on Wednesday afternoon from the hospital (after just being on ice and water).. I weighed 146 kilos. I don't know how I put on? Has this happened to anyone else?? I'm so confused!

From the Thursday - Saturday, I barely ate as I wanted to make sure my liver was shrunk enough. I don't think I exceeded more than 500 cals in a day (no carbs or fat) and Sunday I completely fasted. Then was on water and ice... so how did I put on weight?

I weighed myself today, and I am 141 kilos. So according to the date of surgery, I've only lose 2 kilos - which is like 4lbs. All I'm drinking is fluids. I don't know how this is possible? It's so defleating.

Also does anyone suffer from constipation? And a lot of burping/belching? Especially when sitting up or moving position?

Thanks so much in advance!!

A lot of us came home heavier than when we went it. It's all that fluid they pump into us. Now when I have been in the hospital I vow not to weigh myself for at least a week.

Speaking of weighing yourself you may be better served to toss the scale and just be weighed at the doctor's office or someother place that has a scale. Weighing oneself after WLS can become an obsession and a frustrating one at that. My entire mood that day would depend on what the scale said and the sad fact is that no matter how good we do the scale doesn't always go along with us and can cause discouragement and depression.

What helped me was weighing myself but only for information purposes. I was looking for trends and to figure out my weight loss pattern. Prior to menopause I learned that my weight loss pattern followed my cycle. Basically a huge lose right after my period, followed by smaller losses the next few weeks and than a big gain around midcycle (well any gain was big to me) and then bouncing up and down until the period was over and I lost again. So all in all the net loss would be a few pounds or so, especially as I got further out but the ride getting there was very bumpy.

I told myself that if I couldn't detach myself emotionally from the numbers on the scale then I wouldn't have it in my house. That thought scared me enough that I managed to keep calm during the small loss or gain times knowing the reward was coming. It is a big help knowing your pattern so can evaluate how things are going.

Even without a cycle there are going to be times when I just didn't lose much or showed a slight gain depending on what I had been eating and if I were retaining water or constipated.

I wish I could have been one of those brave people who could avoid the scale except once a month but I have never been able to do that so I had to learn not to take it personally when the numbers and I didn't get along.

As far as constipation goes, it is very common after major surgery as the anesthesia slows down everything and it takes a while for the bowels to wake up.

As your doctor but mine recommended stool softeners, Milk of Magnesia or Miralax. In fact I still take 2 scoops of Miralax daily or I would never have a bowel movement but that is just me. My body always seems to lean towards the constipated side.

Relax and enjoy the ride. You are in for an exciting new life was you watch the numbers go down and the clothing get larger. Use this time wisely as you will never lose weight this well again. Now is the time to maximize your "honeymoon" period and stick to your program. Your body is very forgiving during this time as far as missteps go and it is easy to think it will always be that way but the fact is the weight loss will slow down and you won't always be able to get away with bad choices so use this time wisely to learn how to make good decisions in what you eat. Save the experimenting for after your reach goal and even then very carefully. This is the time to learn how to feed yourself in the best way for long term success. What you eat now makes a big difference in whether or not you reach goal and stay there.

If the vets advice you to avoid carbs it is always best to listen to those who have been doing this a long time and have gotten the kind of results you hope to achieve. My favorite saying during this time was "when in doubt leave it out." You can't go wrong in deciding not to eat something you are questionable about. If you are asking yourself if it's ok to have just a little bit than you already know the answer.

Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate all your advice!

Everything you are experiencing is very common.

Two days after I was released from the hospital, I weighed 4.08 Kilos (9 lbs.) more than before surgery!

It happens to most of us, and it means nothing, do not worry. You've been through major abdominal surgery and your poor body is a little freaked out! You've had IV fluids pumped into you, anesthesia, heavy-duty pain medicines, antibiotics, etc. Your body is holding on because it's been through the mill. The gain is pure fluid, and is very temporary.

I step on my scale twice a week and always see a loss. I had my RnY 6 weeks ago and I weigh and record every bite. But once I get to maintenance I will weigh myself every day, because I know it will be helpful. Maintenance is harder than this phase, with more appetite and less restriction, and I really, truly want to be successful for the long haul.

Bowel changes are completely normal, especially constipation. Ensure that you are getting enough water and check with your team for their recommendations. Many here use Miralax daily.

Burping/belching is common, too.

Hang in there and don't worry! Follow your plan and you will be losing in no time!

Thank you :)!!

Swelling is basically fluid and you're actually quite swollen after surgery. It's just not in noticeable places

Are re you still taking pain meds? If so you probably shouldn't be. The pain at this point should be entirely manageable without them and they cause constipation.

Yes to everything everyone else said.

as for the burping. Yep it happens all the time to me. Like, I'm always having these tiny burps. They're weird but my surgeon says they're normal and usually go away.

Hi,

I came home 3 pounds heaver and it is all the IV fluids and water retention. I have had no trouble with constipation. Quite the opposite unfortunately. Imodium is my friend.

Welcome and congrats on the surgery!! Don't have advice to offer re: WLS, but I've had wads of cancer surgeries and I always come home from the hospital at least 12-15lbs up from IV liquids and inflammation from surgery. Hugs and stay the course, this too shall pass.

Thank you :)!!