How is everyone doing?

I know the majority of us have had our surgery by now and are at various post-op stages.  I was just wondering how everyone is doing.  Any problems or challenges?  How about victories?

I am 3 weeks and 2 days post op, and have lost 14.5 pounds since my day of surgery.  I am still struggling to get in my 64 oz of fluid and my protein requirements.  I have developed another physical issue.  In addition to still being very fatigued (I blame my auto immune disease; I do this after major stress), I find that sometimes when I am standing for more than a few minutes I suddenly feel very washed out and have to sit down.  I saw my rheumatologist yesterday and he ordered a bunch of blood work, checking all my vitamin and mineral levels too.

That's my post-op life so far.  Any one else want to share???

Karen

Karen, sorry to hear you're having problems.  I hope the labs show something that's easily corrected, at the worst. I know I'm feeling pretty tired most of the time, which I attribute mostly to getting only 500-700 calories a day. I think it's going to take some time for my body to actually get used to the fact that it isn't going to get the copious amounts of food it used to!

I had posted this on the RNY board yesterday, meant to cross post it here. All in all, I think I'm doing pretty well!

"Well, I've hit the infamous "three week stall", but that doesn't mean I don't have plenty of other things to be happy about! Just a few of the things I've noticed so far:

• I can sleep on my back with no apnea
• I'm sleeping much more soundly than I did before
• My arthritic hip and knee don't hurt routinely any more
• I can bend over and touch my toes/tie my shoes without major contortions
• My feet and ankles are already much less swollen (years of being MO and desk jobs gave me venous insufficiency)
• The neuropathy in my feet has resolved somewhat (Yes, I know the permanent damage will never go away, but apparently there was damage that was fresh enough to recover from)
• I haven't taken my diabetes meds since before surgery, and haven't had a blood sugar over 115
• My blood pressure is already down a bit, not enough to wean off the meds completely but it may get there
• I can feel the difference in my clothes, although nothing is really "loose" yet

Yippee!  /happydance"

Happy Dance indeed Pam!!  You have quite a few NSVs racked up already.

(My scale is going down more slowly too.  Boo hiss.)

Karen

Dont get discouraged. At least its going down. I found when I took in extra calories that my weight went a little faster. You are closer to your goal than you were a month ago.....Im cheering for you!!!!

 

Shannon

Wow this is great Pam. I agree with sleeping more soundly. I sleep so well and wake up refreshed. I had to laugh when you said you could tie your shoes w/o contortions. I was in the shower and realized I could wash myself without having to do acrobatic moves in the shower. I smiled because for once I feel normal. Keep up the good work!!!!

Shannon

Ill keep you in my prayers Karen. You are going through a lot. When the labs come back please let us know.

 

Shannon

Thanks Shannon. I see my surgeon (and nutritionist) next Thursday.  It will be interesting to get the surgeon's thoughts on my fatigue and inability to stand for any period of time.

Karen

All I am going to say is that all of you amazing ladies inspire me!

Wow Karen...so sorry you are having some issues. Please keep us posted, as others have said. 

And- thank you so much for keeping this group going and lively. You are all so special to me, and such an inspiration!! :)

 

I'm going to be exactly 2 weeks post-op on Monday. So far, no complications. I haven't gotten sick at all, thank God, and I've been able to tolerate everything I've tried. I have had no issues with liquid or anything. My only issue is some pain in my lower left side- surgeon said i'd have it, and that I'm not yet able to sleep on my side, which i always did before. I'm hopeful that in another week or two, I'll be there. 

In my first week I was down 11 pounds. I'm going to my PCP this Monday, and then my surgeon the following Monday, so I think that will be my official weigh in day. I'm already thrilled with the results. I'm no going to lie, I'm looking forward to advancing the diet...a girl can only eat so many refried beans :).

I have noticed that I get really tired quite easily. I walked for 30 minutes today and was afraid I was going to fall asleep standing there. Again, my body getting used to the lower calories I'm sure. 

My only other complaint is that I cannot stand B1 vitamins taste!!! That's the only thing that makes me want to throw in the towel and give up! YUCK!!!! If anyone has ideas for getting over that, I'm all ears. LOL!!

Stay strong ladies!

:)

I am glad to hear you are doing well. I think the pain on the left side may be residual gas. A lot of people still have that at a month out. Do you use a PPI for gas and acid? I took pepcid and it helped a lot with the gas. I know what you mean, all I wanted to do is lay on my side. I am not a back sleeper at all. You are on the right track, 11 pounds in 2 weeks is wonderful. Keep it up your doing great. I agree refried beans get old after eating them 50 times lol. when do you get to move to the next phase? 

I also got tired quickly. My body was used to mega amounts to carbs pumped into my body every hour. Its in revolt mode now. I have not had any bread pasta etc since middle of Nov. Your body just needs to get used to the new you. We are moving a lot of weight on a little e amt of calories so  the body is freaking out.

I know that online they sell liquid b12 spray. It is supposed to taste good. You can also get a Rx from your Dr for b12 injections. You can have someone give them to you monthly, If you dont have any medical people you know, your nurse can teach someone in your family to give it. its not rand is WAY better than the pill.