New to this board, 5 weeks out, getting scared.

Hi All.

I'm new to this group.  I've heard it's a much safer place than the Main Board to ask questions. 

I had an RNY on 6/3/10, which makes me 5 weeks today.  I have yet to be able to get more than 300 calories and about 25-30 (on a really good day).  Today I've only gotten 147 calories and about 18 grams of protein in.  My weight loss has all but stopped, I'm sure because I'm not getting enough food.  I've found I'm completely lactose intolerant, even cheese is bothering me now.  I'm allergic to fish, ground turkey makes me ill.  I can do a little bit of ground beef (sometimes), a little bit of chicken, and the last couple days I've been having boca chik'n patties, but today I only got through half of one.  

I guess I'm most worried now because I've ended up throwing up the last 4 days in a row.  Twice yesterday even.  I'm wondering if I have a stricture.  I'm trying hard to do all the right stuff, but I feel like I'm failing myself already.  

When you were 5 weeks out, how much could you eat? What kind of signs should I be looking for if I have a stricture?  

Any help is appreciated!

Welcome... and yes this is a much more civil place to ask questions.

Congrats on your surgery!  It sounds like you are having a difficult time of it that's for sure.

My advice...

FIRST THING in AM ...

CALL your SURGEON's office.  

WHY?  because you may very well have exactly what you already suspect. A stricture. If you've been tossing that often and are only getting in that small amount YOU NEED TO BE CHECKED.

Are you having issues swallowing your medications?
Did your Doc prescribe : ursodiol or bentyl? these are common meds after surgery to control acid. I had gotten to the point I couldn't keep the ursodiol down- it was too big... they gave me bentyl and I even had a bit of a problem with that.

However, as soon as I had the EGD with Dilation done..
IMMEDIATE RELIEF!

Of course, only your doc can determine what is going on...
so call... in fact... drag yourself on down there! 

you don't want this getting worse and getting completely dehydrated in this summer weather! You might already be somewhat dehydrated and be in need of fluids. 

Personally, I would much rather stay away from the doc's BUT...
If it means finding out WHAT is wrong and NOT landing in the ER in the middle of the night... I pick going to the Doc's without an appt. ...


Let me assure you... in the beginning I felt like WHAT HAVE I DONE???
I was sick... just didn't want to admit to myself.
But here I am almost a year out from surgery and I'm down almost ..
150lbs!!!

Down from size 24 jeans to size 4!!! 

I feel great.

YOU WILL TOO in time.

Do your best to follow doc's orders regarding foods, exercise, etc.
you will be on your way.

Take Care and let us know how things go for you...

Judy

Welcome Welcome Welcome Yvienca.  This Group IS much safer than the Main Board.  I think JEllen gave you the best advice. Try to get in asap.  You ARENT failing yourself this is just a rock on your path, you'll kick it out of the way and keep going. I think you'll find that as soon as you're able to get in more nutrition your weight loss will start up again.

Keep Us Posted 

Thank you both for the very pleasant welcome and the advice.  I did call my surgeon this morning and I'm waiting for a call back from their bariatric coordinator. 

I have to admit, I'm scared out of my mind at the possibility of an EGD.  I haven't had one, and I can't bear the thoughts of being awake and someone shoving a tube down my throat.  I know millions of people have had them, but there are 3 tests I really dread...EMG, ABG and an EGD.  The first two are luckily something I haven't had to go through in the past, and an EGD is looking really likely.  My husband had one last year, but won't seem to give me any details about how it went.  I know he was awake for his, although they promised him he wouldn't remember it.  (Long story, basically the anesthesiologist was too afraid to give him much anesthesia because of his weight.)  I suppose he got through it and I will too.  I can't help but be nervous.

I'll post again when I hear back from the doctor.

Thanks again for the warm welcome. :)

Yvieinca,
Do not be afraid of the EGD.  I've had a scope placed down my throat twice (once for the EGD and once for an esophageal cardiac echo).  I don't remember anything about either.  I would say to the people doing the procedure "I want to be very sedated".  On another note: I agree with all the advice you have gotten.  You can't make it on 200 cals or less a day and throwing up multiple times a day until 7/28 - 18 days away!!!!  Sometimes when things get this bad you just need IV fluids/glucose to get back on your feet.  If you need the EGD and they can do it right away that's all those days you won't have to have anxiety about it if you go in sooner.  Let us know what happens and get well soon. 
Anne

Update:  EGD is scheduled for July 28.  That seems forever away. :(

Welcome!

July 28th does seem far away. Are they making sure you stay hydrated?

The doc called back and said that if I can't get 48-64 oz of water in per day to stay hydrated, then I should go to the emergency room and they'll do the EGD via the emergency room. 

I know i"m not getting that much fluid in per day.  If I'm really lucky I'm getting 24 oz of fluid.  Today so far it's been less than 6 oz.  The water goes down, but it hurts.  So I think I'll kinda keep forcing it until i can't anymore.  If it gets worse over the weekend I'll go to the ER.  

The ER is about 2 hours away.  So if I need to go it'll take some doing.

Thanks for the concern everyone.

PS this board is WAY more civilized than the main board. lol

Hi Yveinca.  If you're having to "Force" water down because it's hurting I think things may be kinda serious for you.   My opinion:  Go in. Take Care of yourself.

In the beginning I had a heck of a time getting my fluids in as well. Do ice chips if you have to or sugar free popsicles. And try not to worry about the endoscopy. I have had it done 3x prior to surgery and once after.
My very first one they didn't give me quite enough meds but they soon remedy that.I remember maybe a couple of minutes and that is it.  I also went to a different Dr after that for other reasons and the other scopes I have no memory of the actual procedure.
If solids are giving you trouble right now go to pureed food until your appointment. Wendy's chili pureed was my friend in the beginning. I don't touch it now...probably due to burn out but it allowed me to get some protein in. Have you tried the nectar protein shakes. I love the strawberry/kiwi and mix it with water. It gives you protein and fluids. You can order a sample pack to try the different flavors. It wasn't until about 1-2 months ago before I could do protein shakes with milk. Can you use Soy milk??

Good Luck to you and keep us posted
{{HUGS}}

Tressa Ü