Buyer's Remorse

I had surgery Monday past and already am so depressed I can't see straight.  I talked to Dr. Houston this morning and he put me up to the protein shakes, but that has still not helped much.  I am miserable and want my old stomach back!  I feel so incredibly tired, lifeless even, but not too tired to cry all afternoon!  My head is swimming, I feel terribly tired and have diarrhea.  Actually it can't even be called diarrhea because it is really just whatever color kool aid I just drank 30 minutes before that--like clown poo--in bright, fun colors like red and purple.  And if clear, water is the culprit.  The protein shakes are making me gag like mad...I went to the vitamin shoppe and bought every one on the approved list and that met their specifications.  It's just a matter of time until I puke.  I am so sorry to be a big boo hoo baby, I just could really, really use some word of encouragement or wisdom. 

Cheryl

I am sorry you are having such a hard time.  Some folks have a more difficult time than others.  How I can relate to you.  I too had many problems after my surgery.  And, I could not smell, look or think of eggs or chicken.  They made me gag so much.  Dr. Houston finally told me that if I thought I could eat cottage cheese, to do that when I saw him at my one week appointment.  I could not get my protein in, and later down the road it led me to trouble.

I know you feel remorse, but honestly that is a very normal feeling.  Some have it BIG TIME!  My former roommate had it really bad, so much that he had a crying breakdown at his office at his employment.  He saw all his favorite restaurants, could no longer eat there, and when he returned to his job, he slammed the door, put his head on his desk, and freaked out, bawling like a baby.  To him , it was the worst thing he ever did!  But he got over the initial "I can't have that anymore" and he says that it took a week or two before he felt much better about his decision.  "This too shall pass."  I'm sitting here talking to him right now, and he said, "You don't realize how much food consumes you, until you have the surgery."  But I asked "Would you do this again?"  He said, "Yes, in a heart beat.  Wouldn't think twice about it."  Give it a little more time... 

By any chance, did you buy Isopure?  That stuff has been known to make some folks sick.  Some cannot tolerate it very well. Can you tell us what you bought at Vitamin Shope?   They do have one called "Any Whey" that is tasteless.  You can add it to anything that you eat or drink.  You can give that a try.  I will also tell you that Unjury is gross.  I don't know if you bought that, but dont waste your money on unflavored unjury.  Another thing, BariatricEating.com now has out a new unflavored called "Pure" and it can be added to water!  It does not change the taste or looks of your water and dissolves clear.  I have heard good things about it...  and it is a quality protein.  Cytosport Protein RTD has out some watermelon that is 40 grams of protein per bottle.  It will be too sweet tasting for you, so you would need to add lots of ice and water...  and drink slowly...  But even one and a half bottles of this a day would give you 60 g of protein!  it has  zero sugar, zero carbs.  It is much better tasting than Isopure, and there are 2 or three more flavors but I cannot recall what they are... one is orange, one is a tropical.

You should talk to Dr. Houston and let him know that you have tried their approved proteins.  There are others that are just as good of stats and I am uncertain as to why they will not update their listing.  I have talked to the nutritionist in the past about adding the Cytosport but it was not an option as they believe in the Isopure and Unjuries...  yet, they do know that it does make many sick.  I hope they will update their lists.

I did have isopure and had used it for two days, but he told me to discard it today as it sometimes made people get diarrhea.  I haven't had any since Friday, though.  It seems like it would have resolved by now? I also purchase Eas myoplex carb control ready to drink, Nectar powder and the EAS advant Edge carb control.  They all taste equally as horrible.


Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,

We can definitely relate to how you are feeling… Sorry you are feeling so bad…. This too shall pass and you will soon be good as new….

I'd tell ya to put on your big girl panties and deal with it, but then I'd be the biggest hypocrite on earth.  I was just as miserable, but I didn't have clown poo to entertain me,  just non-stop gagging and dry heaves.  You probably won't believe me, but it does get better.  Remember, you've just undergone major surgery.  I took my crying as a sign that I wasn't dehydrated.  I had to make jokes or I would have gone insane.  I don't wan't to scare you, but it may be a few weeks before you feel human again.  Try to relax.  If I had been able to relax, I might have got to feeling better sooner.  But I'm such a drama queen...and TN is only big enough for one!  I do feel better, but want to hang onto my crown for a while. 

That's the first smile I've had in a few hours!  And I am losing an enormouse amount of fluid in these tears!  Buckets at least!

I'm preop but can imagine how you feel! So sorry...did Dr. Houston give you anything for the nausea and vomiting? If you can get your stomach settled you might could keep some protein down. Have you tried SF Carnation Instant Breakfast? Hope you feel better soon!
Holly

Glad you're able to smile; it's good therapy.  On the serious side...  I did have a lot of trouble getting anything in and stay in.  I almost packed a toothbrush and jammies for my 6 week check-in with Dr. Houston.  I was just so sure I was in big trouble because my intake was so poor.  I don't want you to think this is a license to not try, but it takes a few months for you to get into trouble by not getting in the protein.  The fluids take a lot less time so if you can't get the protein in, don't panic.  But get as much fluid in as you possibly can. Dr. Houston is so kind and understanding.  He really cares about his patients.  He doesn't BS them, and won't take any from them, but he understands that the post op period is rough and he helps in any way he can. 

I am the poster child for a rough recovery.  I'd love some competition!  Doubt any one can out do me, so if I can survive it, anyone can. 

K9, You absolutely have cracked me up.She can
have the crown until I have surgery, then give it to me.
Crying means your not dehydrated.....hehehehe

I don't know if champion banana scream or chocolate
is on their list, but it is good. I am so sorry you feel so
bad. Please don't cry. Everyone says it just takes a
few weeks.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

P.S. You can pass that crown to me,but keep your big girl underwear. I'll be needing it to before long.