Question:
I'm tired of dealing with complications!

Since surgery (7/02/08) I've had 3 endoscopies to dilate strictures, have been hospitalized for dehydration once, and just recently had my gall bladder removed. When will it get better? Also, I'm not able to keep meat of any kind down, no matter how it's cooked or how long I chew it. And I seem to be on a plateau since week five at only 51 pounds down. No weight loss since then. Suggestions? Help!    — dnoreenh (posted on October 9, 2008)

October 9, 2008
I am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time. I have not had my surgery yet (Oct. 23rd), therefore would not be able to answer you question. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Try to remember that God will not give you anything you can't handle. Please trust in him that things will get better. You can do all things thru God. God Bless!
   — pennyandcj

October 9, 2008
I, am 5 weeks post-op with a lot to lose, and have lost 30 lbs, and I'm thrilled. Hit a plateau during 3rd week, but slowly losing again. 51 lbs is a great loss. You don't want to lose too fat, and everyone loses at a different rate - AND everyone hits a plateau about a month out. Take your measurements - you are probably losing inches! I am sorry about all your complications, but hang in there - it will get better! Thankfully you have a loving and supportive husband by your side - not everyone does! Feel free to contact me through my profile any time you want to talk. I'd love to stay in touch. Wendy
   — Wendy M.

October 9, 2008
Remember that it takes your insides a long time to heal. I also had 3 scopes with dilation done, and I also had a difficult time eating dense foods. Once the inflammation goes down, you will find that eating denser foods becomes easier - although you may still not tolerate everything. I still have a hard time with anything greasy or too tough or dry. You may need to slow down a bit on the food progression. After each dilation, my nutritionist told me to go back to soft foods for two weeks (if I'm remembering correctly.) I'm now about 10 months out, and I'm doing great. And a suggestion... Concentrate more on your eating habits than the scale. It will serve you better in the long run. Best wishes, Kris
   — gonnadoit

October 9, 2008
Hi, I can understand your problem with meat..I also am not able to handle any kind either. Surg was 7/1/08. But there are manything we can handle..protein drinks/shakes..beans are great. Have you spoke with your NUT? I have a new found luv with sugar-free fudge & pop sicles. I have never liked them before. In my protein shakes I use Essential Natural..skim milk,yogart, & a banana. getting about 55 g of protein. There are many types of protein to use..its all on your tastes. I have tried a little of peanut butter..some brands are ok and others I could not handle. I am going for an endoscop on thur..if our bodies were great we would not be in the stages of weight loss. Once we get past the bumps we will be very happy with the end results. I know it is frustrating to go thru this..but it will be worth it. YOU WILL GET THERE! best wishes and will keep you in my prayers.
   — tootsie52

October 10, 2008
I'm almost 3 years out and still have a problem with some foods. Esp' meat but mine various day to day so I never know. Although I have found most of the time I can handle chicken. Your platuaes are only your bodies way of catching up. You are doing a GREAT job keep it up!! At times I still have problems keeping anything down and a Dr. told me as long as I can swallow a tablespoon of water every 10 min and keep it down I shouldn't get to dehydrated. I hope this helps. GOOD JOB!!!! The end result makes all this worth it.
   — AngelBaby

October 10, 2008
I am so sorry that you had to be one of the people that got stricken with the complications of WLS. We were all told that complications can and do happen. You can't control them, but you can control how you react to them. I know it's hard when you are in the thick of it right now, but please, please try to be thankful and happy. Think of how blessed you are to have had WLS in the first place. So many people want/need it and either their insurance companies won't pay or they can't afford to pay out of pocket (as I did). You don't have lethal blood clots in your legs that could travel to your heart, lungs and brain and kill you, you didn't die on the table like one person I know. Please try to put it in perspective. 51 pounds in 14 weeks is about 3.6# per week of steady weight loss.... that is amazing. Don't sell yourself short... that is a lot of weight. Pick up a 5 gallon bottle of water which weighs 40# and feel how heavy that is. Pick up 5- 10# bags of dog food and carry that around a bit.... 51# is a lot of weight. Plateaus are normal and important for your body to adjust to all of the major changes that are going on. Try to focus on some NSV's (non-scale victories) in those times. Are your clothes looser, are people starting to notice, are you off some of your medications for your co-morbids? I suggest avoiding the scales and/or weighing in less often. I have had many friends who have had major complications and were absolutley miserable for a long time asking themselves "what have I done?" Not until they were 6 months to a year out and off all of their meds and down 100# were they able to be happy about their decisions and actually say they would do it all again. Not being able to tolerate meats is a challenge, especially if you have strictures. Can you go back to pureeing them for a time or eating baby food? I know it is not the most appetizing, but, you have to get in your protein for healing and weight loss to occur, not to mention hair loss. Find a way somehow to get the protein in as it is not optional. If you have to do protein shakes or protein puddings, protein bullets for a time until your stoma can heal and stay open, do them. Hang in there and try to find the silver lining, focus on the future and getting better a little bit every day rather than leaps and bounds. It will happen. Keep us posted, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

October 11, 2008
I am so sorry for your troubles and can relate. I am 5 weeks out and have constant nausea and cramping. Been hospitalized twice for dehydration. Lets just take one day at a time. Good luck
   — hannahsmom1014