Question:
i had my surgery on april25 2008 please HELP ME
i got out of hospital april 28.since then i cant keep any type of protein down, its seems like constant pain in my stomach,ill eat somethin and if im not sittin all the way straight it hurts when it goes down,im dizzy,i have constant cold sweats,and in my stomach it hurts when its full or empty im at a los and i wish i never had this surgery right now . please help me — loveracin20 (posted on May 2, 2008)
May 2, 2008
Well, if you just had surgery, you need to be on liquids. You should not
be eating anything. It is rough in the beginning but it does get better.
I think everyone has those thoughts of Why did I do this to myself. I am
almost 4 months post op and it does still hurt to eat some things you just
have to make sure you take small bites and chew chew chew. Keep positive
thoughts, it does get better.
Krystal-MI
— minyana3
May 2, 2008
Most of us know exactly how you are feeling right now. But as Krystal has
said you really should only be on clear liquids right now. All these other
things your are experiencing will get much better especially with proper
diet and care. You are going to get better, don't fret too much. Hang in
there and good luck. BE BLESSED - Felicia
— datagirl2
May 2, 2008
Are you taking pain meds still? They can cause the cold sweats. Get the
book weight loss surgery for dummies. It really helps you know what stage
of eating you should be at. I think it was about 8 to 10 weeks before I
started eating distinguishable bites. You should be on liquids for at
least a week to 10 days. Then progress to full liquids, yogert, small curd
cottage cheese. My doc said not to worry so much about anything but
getting the right amount of fluids the first few weeks. Dehydration can
make you feel really bad and weak. Good luck! Take it a day at a time!
Lesleigh in Ga.
— lesleigh07
May 2, 2008
Jello and chicken bouillon made by Watkins are the two things that saved me
when I had surgery almost 6 years ago. Do not rush other foods and when
you do small pieces and chew-chew-chew. It does get better but I still can
not eat very much at one time. If this does not improve in a few days
check with your surgeons office. His nurse should be able to help you.
Protein shakes are not liquid food it is considered a soft food. Good
luck.
— hotgrandma
May 2, 2008
I have to agree with the other posters and by now I hope you're feeling
better. Please, don't start second guessing yourself about having this
surgery. You will find it is the best decision you have made towards
better health.
During my first week, protein intake was not a priority -- keeping hydrated
was the priority -- water, tea, some flavor of liquid broth, sugar-free
popsicles and things like that -- 1/4 cup every 15 minutes. Food should
not be on your menu nor protein. The second week you add the protein along
with whatever liquids you are already drinking. Third week pureed foods --
this is the week I found most challenging -- baby food or cook those crock
pot dinners with gravy and puree them in the blender -- I chose the second
minus the potatoes. After about the 4th week you gradually start adding
solid foods to your diet -- keep in mind no caffiene what so ever -- no
sugar anything. I started eating salads about 6 weeks out and chili was
another that I ate a lot. Right now your stomach is healing and it's not
necessary to force yourself -- take your time -- drink and walk, drink and
walk, drink and walk. More water will alleviate the dizziness -- trust me
on that one. The cold sweats is probably coming from the pains you are
having. The one and only time I experienced that was a dumping situation
and that was the first and only time I dumped. No breads, rice, pasta,
anything that says carbs -- stay away from -- for the next 6 months or so.
Good luck to you and hope you feel better soon. If you need to talk --
just e-me and I'll answer.
— the7thdean
May 2, 2008
After I had my surgery I had to stand to drink. If I was sitting,
regardless of how straight, I would have aweful pains in my stomach. Room
temperature fluids also were better than cold. I did not attempt my
protein until week 2, and I couldn't tolerate it. I did not try it again
until 2 1/2 months. With time you will get better. Eventually the protein
will get easier. Don't advance your diet to quickly. Take your time! It
has only been 4 days! Good Luck
— mary_rn
May 2, 2008
You are healing...and that takes a while. Most of us felt you you are
experiencing, some more or less. It's gets better...Take it slowly...don't
force yourself to try to get in all the requirements so soon and all at
once. You will get there as you heal. But remember...protein helps you heal
faster! So keep trying to get it in...Hope you feel better soon so you can
start to enjoy your journey...
— .Anita R.
May 3, 2008
For myself I felt the same for the first 10 days of pre-op I wished I never
had done it, I was so uncomfortable i ate alot of popsicles, yogurt, eggs,
cheese, jello (SF) just hang in there because for me after day 10 I felt
normal and had lost 23 pds in that short of time. Numbers don't really
matter because we are all different but don't get discouraged you are worth
it!!!
— neikoredsko
May 3, 2008
Hi Deana, thanks for writing. You could have several things going on at
the same time. The cold sweats and dizzy could be lack of water, are you
drinking water? It sounds to me like you need just liquid stuff for a
while anyway. It also sounds to me like you are trying a little too fast
to get back to normal. Many of us start on liquids for a few weeks and
then a bite here or there. The dizzy and sweats could be a flu bud, that
happens to some right out of surgery. You just had a BIG surgery, and you
need a BIG recovery, so if you don't give yourself the time to do that,
then yes, you will regret that you ever had surgery done. The choices are
yours to make, but so are the consequences of those choices. I really
encourage you to back up, start slower and work forward again. I also
strongly encourage you to see your surgeon about the sweats and the pain in
your stomach and dizzy feeling. These need to be addressed. They can do
blood work and check you over. My surgeon told me that if I was not
getting better every day that I was to call her. That is your 'rule of
thumb" for this surgery. You are not feeling better, call. Take
care. Patricia P.
— Patricia P
May 7, 2008
Deana, As of today, your less than 2 weeks post op. According to my doc's
office and the directions we are given you should be only on liquids, what
they call STAGE I. We are only allowed Nonfat milk,lite yogurt, sugar free
pudding, unsweetened juices-grape, apple, cranberry, cream of wheat,
strained cream soup, mashed potatoes, sugar free popsicles and jello. For
protein they suggest Sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast, Pro-cel powder
to add to foods, and Isopure. I found for me mixing CIB with 1/2 packet of
Isopure, milk, and crushed ice worked for me. At 3 weeks, I started adding
a banana to my portein mix or strawberries. At 3 weeks, I was allowed to
add white toast(w/o crust), scrambled egg, cottage cheese, oatmeal, and
pureed fruit and pureed cooked veges. I was also allowed to add OJ or
tomato juice. It wasn't till 6 weeks I was allowed to eat regular food.
And only as tolorated. I am now 9 weeks out. I have some good days, but I
still have a lot of bad days. I get sick to my stomach a lot, and have gas
and acid. I found Gas-X and Malox work best for me. Also I am suppose to
drink 64 oz of fluid a day(that can include anything liquid), and
40-60grms. of protein. Don't forget your calcium, multi-vitamins and vit
B12. I found that without viamins and b12 I was really weak. They really
make a difference. Hope this info. helps.
— paulajaneb
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