Question:
Am I normal???I do not feel like I am
I had gastric bypass 09/07. Surgery weight was 255 I am now 148. My goal weight was 150. I am happy that I have reached my goal. Problem is, from day one no matter what protein drink or protein product I bought or buy, I get sick from it. I honestly think that a lot of this is a mental thing with me. I think I make myself sick before I even drink the product. I have wasted about $1000 on this stuff and cannot do it anymore. Now, I find myself eating what I want for my three meals. When I say what I want I mean I am eating small portions but I know it is not what I SHOULD be eating. I don't eat fast food but, I don't have the patience to eat this and eat that. I still experience dumping costantly because one day I eat something and I am okay with it and the next it makes me sick. We are not supposed to drink 1/2 hour before we eat and after. If don't drink while I am eating I am guaranteed to throw up. I feel like my food just won't go down if I don't take a couple of sips of something. Summing it up, I think I am a ticking time bomb. I probably will end up gaining all my weight back... HELP...... — mslisasue (posted on December 1, 2008)
November 30, 2008
Hi Lisa I had gastric bypass 7-16 I am down a total of 100 pounds, I have
never been able to tolerate any protein drink since the surgery. I have
tried but it just makes me gag this is where you need to find it in other
things. It happens. Do not be so hard on yourself. Dumping I am too
experiencing this when I may be able to eat something one time then the
next it doesnot agree with me. I am not eating bad,I buy things with
protein and eat small portions also. Sounds like to me u r doing great.
maybe just watch what you eat all docs are different mine said to try
everything cause (potatoes,pasta etc.) are bodys need what they have, just
becareful
how much and what u put on these, I found great wheat posta. I do try not
to drink while eating but I have eaten ice it helps. I am sorry that you
are feeling this way I am not sure if seeking counseling or talking to
someone would help. You should be enjoying yourself. Hopefully you get some
anwsers I will keep you in thought and prayers Tammi
— Tammi Sandoval
November 30, 2008
Protein intake is so important to your overall health. Some post ops are
able to get in enough protein from diet alone, but I still rely on protein
supplements some 30 months after surgery, taking one a day normally. I'd
rather take the protein supplement than be short on protein. BariCare is a
new one that is very good tasting, noted on my profile page, so you might
try this new one--designed by a Bariatric Professional group. One
suggestion you might try, is to mix the protein powders you already have
with a sugar free pudding. Take a 4 oz or so serving, add 20 grams of
protein, mix well, let set for a few minutes, remix, and eat with a spoon.
This has worked well with many post ops in my support groups who had issues
with drinking shakes. BariCare also offers one version that is a pudding
version, 20gr of protein and 50 times the RDA of B12, plus about 50% RDA of
most other vitamins. Good luck. Eat what protein you can, but try mixing
your existing protein supplements with the Jello fat free, sugar free
puddings commonly available. DAVE
— Dave Chambers
December 1, 2008
You have done very well in losing your weight...So you aren't doing as bad
as you might think...There is NOTHING wrong with eating somewhat normal
foods (not including the greasy fast foods and snack type foods). As long
as you mostly eat protein at every meal, you are probably getting enough.
The only things I'd work harder on is not drinking with meals, and watching
the carbs and sugars...YOU BETTER be taking your vitamins too! When you
wash your food out of your pouch too soon, you steal the time it is needed
for many nutrients to be absorbed there before it is all dumped into the
large intestines where food is not normally absorbed. So you are putting
yourself at risk for malnutrition ESPECIALLY if you also have "no
patience" for taking taking vitamins too! So while you might not gain
weight back...you are ticking time bomb for nutrition complications if you
do not begin to have patience to eat healthy and mindful choices of foods.
You can take tiny sips to help moisten some foods, but limit the amount if
you must do this...(until you can wean yourself from drinking with your
meals.) So many people worry more about weight gain that they don't
realise the most important part of the surgery HEALTH and...the
malabsorption of fats and nutrients...It is not until several years post op
that these nutritional problems surface. Your body stores vits, but after
years of skipping vits, not eating a wide variety of nutrient rich
whole/natural foods and drinking with meals, you put yourself at a great
risk for anemia, and vit deficiencies that lead to serious health
problems...and when you become deficient, your body does not function well
enough to maintain weight...and it will aid in a weight gain trying to hold
onto any nutrition you give it, usually in the form of FAT if it can't find
nutrients....So..focus on your health...Protein is so important in the form
of meat because of the rich nutrients such as Protien, of course, and Iron,
B-12, zinc, B-6 and many meats have omega 3 and 6(especially grass fed or
free range animals and fish)...You can't get those top quality vits in any
supp. Not even protein powders or drinks. Last year (at year 4 post op),
I could have written your question work for word....Little did I know, I
was not only a time bomb, but I had already exploded into full malnutrition
and anemia...and I was quite sick and had NO IDEA! A year later, I am
finally healthy again with a few minor yet chronic deficiencies. I am now
quite "patient" in what I eat, taking vits and waiting to drink
30 minutes (Okay I cheat sometimes and have a few sips early) It's not
about being perfect all the time, but you MUST make a better effort to work
harder MOST of the time... Helpful hint: If you chew your meats and other
food very well, not only will the saliva help break it down and absorb the
nutrients, but you won't dump or vomit as much if at all either...So try
chewing better too...I wish you much luck and continued success! Stay
healthy sweetie! You can do this!
— .Anita R.
December 1, 2008
Hi Lisa,
I can understand the trbl with the protein. I had many issues with the
protein drinks. I found that many protein powders have a IODINE base in
order to get them to bind with what we mix them with...well I am very
allergic to al forms of IODINE. Not that there is much in Carnation
Instant breakfast..but it was enough to burn for me. Check and see if
there is something in the Protein you have tried. It may be something that
way you are having trbl with. One product I use is ISOPURE its
premix..like a koolaid- fruit drink. I keep it very cold and put over
crushed ice. Use small amounts of ice..also tried to use juice from
watermelon as ice. Just do what ever you need to get your protein in.
Best of luck.
— tootsie52
December 1, 2008
Lisa,
Try using a protein supplement that is something other than a powder.
Instant Breakfast is a good choice. Also Ensure if you can tolerate it.
Then make yourself wait the 30 minutes. Your weight is fine and people who
never have the surgery can be malnutritious.
You don't want that believe me. Look at the other posts and try some of
our suggestions; we've all been there. You are experiencing things that
are "normal' if there is such a thing. Hang in there, we are all
supportive of you!
vinnigirl
— vinnigirl
December 1, 2008
Hi Lisa,
Here is my email address [email protected] if you are interested in
getting back on track I have some sample menus that you can follow. Hope
this will help you.
Kema
— kemalani
December 1, 2008
hi Lisa, I need something to drink when I eat too. I know it's a no no, so
what I do is I keep a small glass of water on the table and take just the
tiniest sips possible. No gulps and only this little bit. The docs don't
want us filling up with water as this can stretch our pouches. (RNY) You
may want to seriously try to find someone you can discuss the other issues
with. You have come so far. Don't let that dang food take it from you.
We are all pulling for you.
— katiecakes
December 1, 2008
Hi Lisa,
I had to dump the protein shakes -- especially the Dr. Atkins kind and the
whey protein powder stuff -- it started making me sick to my stomach and so
I dropped them from my diet. The only protein drinks I have now are the
Isopure Fruit protein drinks -- with Zero Carbs.
If you are making it on 3 meals and those contain protein -- I wouldn't
worry about it too much. You are a year out and your appetite will change.
There are some weeks I want just one kind of food and then will not want
it for the next few weeks -- so you're not going crazy on that point or any
others.
Your taste buds are just changing and mine do to. For example, for the
past -- almost 2 years I've been drinking soy milk. I had a hysterectomy 2
weeks ago and today can't stand soy milk. Tired fat few -- yuck and just
finally went back to whole milk with Vitamin D -- BINGO! So who knows how
long that taste will last.
You're not a ticking time bomb -- you are experiencing things that others
have experienced -- don't get depressed about it -- just roll with it and
try new foods or old foods cooked new ways and see what happens.
— the7thdean
December 1, 2008
Hey Lisa, I'm a old pro at this stuff. I had my surgery in 1997 I lost a
total of 70 pounds and did put back on about 30 of those pounds over this
past 11 years. I never had the advantage of the education classes back in
97" so I ate what I wanted to right from the get go." Which is
probably why I ended up gainging back almost half the weight. I found that
staying away from meats was the key for me, meat stuck every single time.
Your well into a year after your surgery.. you should be eating foods by
now? did they tell you not to?
I eat everything from popcorn to salads. What hurt me was going back to the
sweets! stay away from the sweets.
good luck darlene
— DSchueller
December 1, 2008
Lisa, I am all for you finding a good therapist. Seriously, there are
things going on that are making you sabotage yourself.
Find a therapist in your area who has dealt with eating disorders.
You've done the right thing in seeking medical help for the physical, now
seek assistance in the emotional. There is nothing wrong with doing that.
A message board is good for a quick morale boost. But just like a message
board could not have performed your surgery, neither can a message board
provide you with professional emotional help. Don't give up, you've come so
far!!
— LiZa_907
December 1, 2008
Lisa, I know you are frustrated but try to look at this long term I'm 3yrs
out and have regained 37lbs. Like you, at first, when I ate something I
shouldn't I experienced dumping. The thing is, the more times you eat these
foods your body begins to adjust to it and after time you will no longer
dump and thus, weight gain. Because i don't get enough protein, I'm having
a very difficult time with lack of nail growth to the point artificial
nails won't hold. I've never lost much hair, but have begun to have very
dry skin. You'd think that if one was able to gian weight, the protein
intake would be adequate, but not so. Drinking before, during and after
eating also stretches the stomach, thus resulting in more area to fill to
feel full.
— amistique569
December 2, 2008
I had my RNY 12/07. I started out at 225 and am now down to 141. My goal
is 125 and so I have a way to go yet. My weight loss is at a stand still
and I am struggling (or have struggled)with many of the same issues that
you are facing. I discovered that I do not dump on sugar unless I have an
overload of it and I am worried about the bad carb foods will be my
undoing. I have been fighting and many times losing my insatiable battle
for sugary foods. I know this is self-defeating and that while my body was
altered, my head was not fixed as a result of the surgery. I am struggling
big-time with the issues of the past---namely emotional eating and eating
what I want when I want. I do drink small amounts during meals and I was
told that was OK but only small sips--only what I need to get my vitamins
and other meds down (I have to take them with a meal and I take many pills
twice a day). No guzzling! I have not been following all the rules and feel
like I have fallen off the wagon. The exhiliration of the rapid weight loss
or the "high" is over and now I am having to deal with the
emotional aspects of my over-eating. Every day is a fight. I have not been
getting the necessary protein in the way of protein supplementation like I
should either. I am not drinking 64 oz of water either. Basically I am a
BAD girl and NEED to get control!!! Be thankful you do dump because I wish
I did. I would not be as likely to indulge myself with the sugar foods
that I am now eating. So count that as a blessing and use it to your
advantage. As far as the protein goes. I have had the same issues. I
shuddered and gagged and became ill and often threw up. I ended up
throwing away all the whey and soy powders I had experimented with because
I just could not tolerate them. I am sure some of the problem was in my
head but I do have a very discriminating palate---always have---barf and
gag on pepto, cough meds anything medicinal in liquid form. I have a
sensitive gag reflex too so that doesn't help. To my DELIGHT and relief I
found one and only one protein drink I am able to tolerate. It is a bit
pricey but to me it is worth it. It is Myoplex Chocolate Fudge and it is a
premixed liquid shake. They do sell a powder but I have not tried it. I
have tried the vanilla and the strawberry but they are too sweet and I
cannot do them. The one I use (when I am a good girl) provides a whopping
42 gm of milk and whey proteins in a 17 fl oz shake. It tastes just like
choc milk to me and I make sure it is good and cold and that I shake it up
VERY well. Please try it. The cost will be worth it if you can tolerate
it. It comes in a 4 pack and costs about $12. I buy it at Meijer or
Walmart but Costco and other places likely carry it too. I wish you the
very best and hope that you (and I) can get past our issues and get to
where we NEED to be. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk more. I
hope this helps. Take Care. Sorry this is so long!
— ChelleBelle
December 2, 2008
I had my RNY 12/07. I started out at 225 and am now down to 141. My goal
is 125 and so I have a way to go yet. My weight loss is at a stand still
and I am struggling (or have struggled)with many of the same issues that
you are facing. I discovered that I do not dump on sugar unless I have an
overload of it and I am worried about the bad carb foods will be my
undoing. I have been fighting and many times losing my insatiable battle
for sugary foods. I know this is self-defeating and that while my body was
altered, my head was not fixed as a result of the surgery. I am struggling
big-time with the issues of the past---namely emotional eating and eating
what I want when I want. I do drink small amounts during meals and I was
told that was OK but only small sips--only what I need to get my vitamins
and other meds down (I have to take them with a meal and I take many pills
twice a day). No guzzling! I have not been following all the rules and feel
like I have fallen off the wagon. The exhiliration of the rapid weight loss
or the "high" is over and now I am having to deal with the
emotional aspects of my over-eating. Every day is a fight. I have not been
getting the necessary protein in the way of protein supplementation like I
should either. I am not drinking 64 oz of water either. Basically I am a
BAD girl and NEED to get control!!! Be thankful you do dump because I wish
I did. I would not be as likely to indulge myself with the sugar foods
that I am now eating. So count that as a blessing and use it to your
advantage. As far as the protein goes. I have had the same issues. I
shuddered and gagged and became ill and often threw up. I ended up
throwing away all the whey and soy powders I had experimented with because
I just could not tolerate them. I am sure some of the problem was in my
head but I do have a very discriminating palate---always have---barf and
gag on pepto, cough meds anything medicinal in liquid form. I have a
sensitive gag reflex too so that doesn't help. To my DELIGHT and relief I
found one and only one protein drink I am able to tolerate. It is a bit
pricey but to me it is worth it. It is Myoplex Chocolate Fudge and it is a
premixed liquid shake. They do sell a powder but I have not tried it. I
have tried the vanilla and the strawberry but they are too sweet and I
cannot do them. The one I use (when I am a good girl) provides a whopping
42 gm of milk and whey proteins in a 17 fl oz shake. It tastes just like
choc milk to me and I make sure it is good and cold and that I shake it up
VERY well. Please try it. The cost will be worth it if you can tolerate
it. It comes in a 4 pack and costs about $12. I buy it at Meijer or
Walmart but Costco and other places likely carry it too. I wish you the
very best and hope that you (and I) can get past our issues and get to
where we NEED to be. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk more. I
hope this helps. Take Care. Sorry this is so long!
— ChelleBelle
December 2, 2008
Are you involved with a WLS support group? If not, I would highly suggest
finding and joining one. I would also suggest visiting your surgeon and/or
a nutritionist to find out what you should be eating at this point. You
may be able to get by without protein supplements if you focus on getting
adequate protein from "real" food... but that is something that
needs to be discussed with a medical professional.
Good luck to you.
— mrsidknee
Click Here to Return