Question:
I am 4 weeks out and I have only lost 16 lbs. My doctor says that's not enough, what
I had my lap rny 4 weeks ago, I haven't been able to eat even soft food yet, but I have only lost 16 lbs. I went to the doctor yesturday because I was supposed to start to eat soft food last Friday, but everything I try comes back up. I tried some elbow macaroni, as per my doctors nurse, and all I ate was two individual pieces and it came back up. My doctor says that I ate too much, I need help, I am slowly becoming extremely depressed and almost suicidal. I wonder if I made a huge mistake, I am not eating, but not losing either. I need help, any out there with an answer, please post, I need some major assistance. Thanks — Jana M. (posted on December 4, 2001)
December 4, 2001
First off, ask your doctor or your gastroenterologist if you can be
scheduled for an endoscopy. Since you're at 4 weeks, you're a prime target
for a stricture; which could be why you've been vomiting solids. 2ndly,
don't let your doctor get you down. My angel had the surgery a few days
before me and her weight loss was slower than expected. Her only
conclusion was that her body is "holding on" for a while. Now
that she's a few months out, she's losing more and more. Maybe you're one
of those people that loses slower. Perhaps it's a blessing. I'm 2.5
months post-op and I've lost almost 80 lbs. I can already see hanging skin
on my stomach and arms. Maybe slower weight loss helps with that. Don't
worry about it. Perhaps you could talk to someone like your psychiatrist,
best friend, fellow weight loss surgery post-op for moral support...no need
to feel suicidal--especially since you had this surgery to save/improve
your life. You'll do fine.
— Kristin R.
December 4, 2001
I'm voting with Kristin. Get a scope. Don't take no for an answer. This
is a good time to get a copy of your op report & a sketch of your
surgery. If you have to go around your surgeon to a GI doc on your own, be
sure you have these in hand when you go. Just for the record, although mac
'n cheeze would not have been in my first 3 months (pasta, milk), this was
not a foolish choice, nor was it "too much" food. Just grab that
whole guilt trip and TOSS it. We're clear for 4 weeks, so we don't have to
contend with this whole issue, but since you were TOLD to introduce soft
foods, you were following instructions. And since you are getting more
& more uncomfy, getting an eyeball into that pouch now becomes
critical. It is not wrong, demanding or pushy of you to insist on correct
treatment.
— vitalady
December 4, 2001
I feel you should seek out someone in the mental help field. I do not say
this to insult you or imply you are unstable but your feelings are
concerning me and I can relate. This surgery is not only a physical change
but an emotional and mental adjustment. All the doctors are out there to
help you change physically but are short on dealing with the mental side of
this and that's where you my dear must assert yourself. I know this is hard
to even think of and concern but do not be shamed. Your doctor should be
more "proactive" in assisting you instead of saying you are not
losing enough. You and him or her need to sit down and go over your eating
habits and discuss the types of foods that might be better for you to
digest. You also must be proactive. Ask questions like: what should I eat?
why is what I am eating coming back up? Is it a medical or mechanical (ie,
not eating slow enough) that I am not holding down my foods? You must be
persistant in getting your surgeon to work with you. Ask to see a baratic
dietian who can guide you on the right path. Its possible you are on full
solids too soon. Everyone goes at their own pace and what is right for his
other patients might not be what you need even at 4 weeks out. Slow and
steady weight loss is a good thing. You can never measure by others. we
gain at out own rate, we lose at our own rate. I beg you to seek out
someone to help you cope. Sometimes being on antidepressants can help. I
boo hooed that thought until I was hospitalized with PE's and I realized it
was all overwhelming and I asked for mental support. There is no shame.
Find someone you can trust and get your doctor's help in finding a
compliant doctor that has experience with baratic patients and can help you
heal mentally through this process. Hang in there and dont give up. Time is
your friend. Seek out the answers you need and stay on top of your health,
okay? ;0)
Gwen
— Gwen M.
December 4, 2001
Hummmmm.... Lets rethink this. 16 pounds in one month times 10 months is
160 pounds of weight loss. Wouldn't that put you around goal? I think your
Dr needs to rethink his opinion.
— elifritz
December 4, 2001
I would start a food diary of EVERYTHING you put in your mouth and after a
week take it to your nutronist. You could be drinking too many orange
juices or something else high in calories.
— bob-haller
December 4, 2001
Hi Jana - first, I'd like to smack your doctor. He (she) sounds like so
many of the doctors I've seen in my life - whatever happens (if your fat)
is your fault! If this person can say that 2 elbow macaronis is eating too
much - Well, I'm just furious. I do suggest you get your protein and your
liquids. My understanding is that without sufficient protein, you cannot
lose as well. If you can't take solids, get the protein ground up into
soup. As far as rate of weight loss, everyone is different! I needed to
lose 120 to 140 pounds. My nutritonist said it would probably take 2
years. I don't know if it will or it won't. There's really no rush. Your
health - physical and emotional - is what's important. Find out if
everything is all right physically. If it is, do your best to get your
nutritional needs met and find and/or create a support network - people who
will value you and cheer you on regardless of what the scale says. You
took a big, courageous risk. Applaud yourself and go at your own pace. As
the nutritionist said to me that's so many pounds THAT ARE GONE FOREVER!
Everyone at this site is rooting for you. Keep us in mind when you're
feeling down. I know you can do this. And - if you have to - tell that
Dr. to F--- Off! Nancy
— Nancy Z.
December 4, 2001
Hi Jana, I am 3 1/2 wks. post op RNY, was losing at a great rate until I
started throwing up a week ago. The weight loss came to a quick halt. I
called my doctor yesterday and am going in this AM for a scope to rule out
possible stricture. I am throwing up even mashed potatoes, 2 baby bites.
I would advise you to call your doc too. If it ends up being nothing, at
least it will put your mind at ease that nothing is wrong. But it sounds
like it may be a stricture and that is something that can be easily
corrected and you will feel much better. I hope they can do something for
me as I am pretty miserable with this feeling every time I try to eat
something. As far as the weight loss, could you lose that amount before
surgery? As much as I would love to lose it all at once or as quickly as
some of the others, I really try to appreciate where I am every day, I do
feel better every day and for that I am thankful. I hope these issues get
resolved for you. God bless.
— Cheri M.
December 4, 2001
Your doctor sounds like a jerk. If you are throwing up soft foods
consistently to the point where you are not eating, that is HIS problem not
yours. HE needs to take care of the plumbing. YOU are responsible for the
eating. Remember that if you don't eat, you can't lose because your body
will be convinced that you are starving and hold onto every calorie it can
get. Eat if you can (protein first and often) and if you can't eat, go back
to the doctor and tell him that something is wrong!
— ctyst
December 4, 2001
Try to keep in mind that your body has been drastically modified. You
still have a lot of healing to do so give yourself time.
I had problems with solid food on and off for the first year after my WLS.
I finally broke down and had a scope done by a gastroenterologist I had
seen for over ten years. He stretched the opening to my pouch. I think
scar tissue had made the opening smaller.
Don't fret! Eat more pureed foods rather than soft solids. That is what I
did. I started out eating things like oatmeal with protein supplement for
breakfast; chicken salad (made with canned chicken, fat free mayo, boiled
egg, & pickle juice pureed in a mini chopper); mashed potatoes with
protein supplement; scrambled eggs with cheese and real bacon bits; and
cream of chicken soup made with milk with protein supplement added. Also, I
was not to proud to eat the baby food meats for the protein. The protein
shakes help your body let go of the weight by making it think you are not
starving. At least that is my concept!! I have proved it to myself. If I
stop losing, I can pick up my protein eating (from foods) and pick up my
protein supplements, and I'll lose weight. I concentrate on protein,
protein, and more protein!
Keep your chin up! Your life has changed dramatically forever! You will
have more times to come when you won't lose any weight and you will freak
out! At least most of us do! It is all a mind game. Just always tell
yourself that you are doing the best you can with the tool you have given
yourself. The rest is up to your body! Eat right, exercise, drink your
water, drink your protein supplement, and tell yourself EVERY DAY that this
is going to work! It will happen, in its own time.
Good luck!
— Toni2760
December 6, 2001
I, too, was slower that everyone else. I hated the protein
drinks and couldn't eat much. I couldn't get in enough protein.
So, I bought Pro Complex (vanilla) and General Nutrition Ctr.
You can probably find it on the internet if you don't have
GNC in your area. I hated this protein too, but I mix it
with 1 envelope of diet Swiss Miss cocoa mix (chocolate) and
1 large tablespoon of Hersey's cocoa (in the dark brown tin),
plus non fat milk. Whip it in a blender or shake it vigorously and you
will have a wonderful chocolate shake. As soon as I started
drinking this everyday, I started to lose. I have lost 65 lbs
now at 3 months. Before, I was at a complete standstill. I
thought something was wrong with me. The shake did the trick.
It, also, has 52 grams of protein per shake. I had many days
that I couldn't eat much at all or everything upset my
stomach. The protein was the answer for me.
it vigorously and you will have a wonderful shake.
— LINDA B.
Click Here to Return