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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