Need some encouragement/reassurance

 I'm 3 months out (ok, technically a couple days shy, but who's counting?) I haven't had a good day in a couple, maybe a few - I lost count, weeks.  I am drinking enough water, tolerating about 4 ounces at a time, but can't keep the protein drinks down.  I have about 3 bites of protein each day, chicken or thinly sliced lunch meat, fish, etc, depending on the day, but that is it, the nausea is too overwhelming to do anything more.

The weight is still flying off, I weighed in at 180 this morning (was 232 the morning of surgery), but at this point, I don't care.  I had this surgery to have a healthier life and be able to play with my children.  I had hip problems preventing me from running/jumping etc that are pretty non-existent now that I am lighter, so I should be out with my kids.  Instead, I can barely do hikes up and down our hill without puking.  Running with my daughter passing a soccer ball?  Nope, not without puking.  Just standing up makes me dizzy and my vision will go black for a brief moment.

I am regretting my decision to have this surgery.  Where has it gotten me?  Exhausted, nauseous, malnutritioned.  Am I just expecting too much for being 3 months out?  Should I be sucking it up and dealing with it?  I'm having a hard time picking myself up outta this rut so any words of reassurance are greatly appreciated!

Rebecca - I'm SO sorry to hear you're still having problems and issues.

What does your daily menu look like?  Are you taking vitamins?  Which ones?

How about fluids?  How many ounces a day do you think you're getting down?

I get the feeling you aren't tolerating protein drinks....

Have you spoke to your Dr recently about the nausea?  There are some meds that help with that.

Please keep trying and posting.  We'll help the best we can!

And no, you aren't expecting too much at this point.  3 months out and you should be feeling good. 

Rebecca, im sorry you are having such a rough time! I fortunately did not have bad nausea but my hubby did for about three to four months following his sleeve..the doctor ended up putting him on some meds which didn't help much, he said mostly he had to figure out what worked for him and what didn't..but it passed and this is no longer an issue..keep an eye on the big picture, the nausea will eventually pass for you too. I did have a very hard time eating and was really stubborn at first about eating protein..other than isopure I hated "all" protein drinks, made me want to vomit. But, about four months post op I came here and was encouraged by people like Roz and Gina who had protein drinks everyday and loved it and were doing so well so long after surgery..at that point I forced myself to drink protein drinks, ended up finding one I actually LOVE (nectar sweets) and have felt SO much better ever since!! Keep hanging on and keep experimenting...you will feel like CRAP if you aren't getting in your protein..I know I did.

You should be feeling a bit better by now. Like Jody said, what are the meals doing? Are your protein drinks milk based (some delvelop a lactose issue)
Speaking to your Dr may help and see if you can get something for the nausea, I was on Zofran and still have it for certain days. I was also put on Prevacid and carafate, which helped tremendously.
Have you tried papaya enzyme, it does help often also.
I am sure you have played with temperatures, stick with what works right now and then gradually transition..
Mostly we are here for you ok, keep us posted on how you are doing.

Nooooooo... pleast don't have regrets!!  3 months is early and you've lost a tremendous amount in a short time.  Your body is still adjusting and will keep on doing so until you quit losing.  Hang in there and keep working on the solutions. 

My energy level fluctuates at 6 months and I agree it makes a difference how much protein I get in.  For me it's been easier to get a lot of protein through dairy rather than through meats, but I wouldn't be making it at all without my protein shakes.  One alternative to a shake that still uses powder will get you over 40 grams at one sitting.  Mix a scoop of powder with 6 oz. of 0% Greek Yogurt.  Stir it up real well and it''ll be like eating frosting. LOL  I fix this as my last protein fix for the day and it helps to keep me from night eating too.

It's all going to work out!!

Hi Rebecca,
You are my surgery sister and I really feel for you struggling like this. I too get the nausea only now and again and take prescription medication for it from the doctor. I too didn't like protein shakes for a very long time but when I had my first revision from LapBand to VSG I had to force them in as I knew I was on a downhill slide if I didn't. Have you looked into "Pea Protein" this may be an alternative you might be able to tolerate a little better if you don't like the shakes. Have a search on the net to investigate as it's a fine powder you can mix in juice and give about 20grams protein. (((Hugs))) for you honey.

So sorry you ar still haveing problems.  Nausea isn't normal and if it is still occuring all the time you either need meds or different meds to help deal with it.

I really think my energy level was connected to my D3 level.  I felt so much better when that got up.  Did you have labs drawn before surgery or have you had them done since.  Your energy levle may be connected to that.

You really must find some protein you can tolerate.  Dairy, drinks, pudding, jello, oatmeal, something either with protein or that you can add protein to. 

Are you still on blood pressure meds?  You may need those adjusted if you are getting dizzy when you stand.

I'm swinging for you to be feeling better soon.

...WOW...I feel so bad for you!!!  Someone wrote above how I love and drink my protein drinks.  She's right about that,  I do...but I couldn't tolerate them for about 6 months.  I didn't vomit but I was nauseated constantly.  My first 4 months were kind of depressing for me too because of my lack of energy.  When I was 6 months out I heard about the nectare Protein and it changed my life.  I still tolerate shakes or anything milk based.  Everything I use gets mixed in water and it can't be thick. 

My PCP gave me suppositories for nausea and those really helped because it wasn't something I had to swallow.  I started back on my Prilosec and I still take it at almost 3 years out. 

For my first 6 months, I pretty much ate what I could handle without getting sick.  I ate a lot of soups like bean and bacon, ham and cabbage, chicken broth,  etc.  I also pureed my meats to get my protein in.  They didn't look so good but they tasted just fine and went down easily.  I also used a straw because drinking from a cup made me sick.   I ate a lot of cheese, beef jerky, and beef sticks too. 

I used an unflavored Protein called "Any Way" from GNC and I added it to practically everything I ate...puddings, mashed potatoes (never have these now), jello, soups, hot chocolate, etc.

I couldn't tolerate cold things but warm things went down easily.  Strange but now I want everything freezing cold.

I know how hard it is to deal with this on your own ....We are here for you!!   Don't give up it will get better. 

(((HUGS)))

I'm not in a place to offer you advice other than to check with your doc.  Please know that all our thoughts are with you, and you will make it through to the other side.  You didn't become obese in 6 months, so take your time as well.

Take care

Hang in there, Rebecca. Some of us have a really tough time in the early stages but it is worth it. I took much longer to tolerate solid food than others. I had to go back to the pureed stage for a while. Greek yogurt is a great way to get protein without stirring up trouble. I add sugar free cherry preserves to it. As Roz noted, temperature can make a difference. Do you do better with hot drinks? There are some great protein hot chocolates out there.

Have you had your blood tested yet? I would get advice on which tests to do from our LW gurus. I did this at 3 months out and had to make some adjustment to my supplements. It helped.

Each body goes at its own pace in recovery but you will recover. I did not start feeling like myself until closer to five months. You will get there! In the meantime, we are here for you every step of the way.

Amy