Question:
3wks Out Feeling Crappy HELP!

I had my gastric bypass on August 11th, and I am having a really hard time. Its only been 18 days and I have already lost 31lbs. My doctor actual thinks that i have lost TOO much weight, and that why I have been ill. All day long I have sparatic times of stomach pain, discomfort, and nausea. I am trying my hardest to stay positive, but I cant help thinking WHAT THE HELL DID I DO TO MYSELF!! I just want to know WHEN it gets better, 4wks..6wks...8wks... When did it get better for you guys? Any tips?    — Racheylxlbabe (posted on August 29, 2009)

August 29, 2009
Hi Rachelle, I had my surgery 4 wks ago and am already down 61 lbs. Half of that was from the weight lose before the surgery. What I've learned is that everyone is different and to concentrate on your protein intake to keep your energy level up. As for the pain and nausea, it should subside shortly.
   — Hager10_ca

August 29, 2009
Hi Rachal, every one is different. I was back to work in one week. Never have had nausea or vomiting. I did go through a period of low energy so I made sure I got my vitimins, and calcium and most important ny b-12. Once I religiously took those supplements and concentrated on taking in my protien my energy level went up. My surgery was May 18 and I lost 35 lbs in 3 weeks and now have only lost about 55 lbs total, Now I will start exercising. And oh yeah, drink your water, dehydration wreaks havoc with your body.
   — sallie H.

August 29, 2009
Rachel, You are doing two important things right: staying in touch with your doctor and getting encouragement from OH. As has been said, everyone is different. My first 2 months were difficult due to infection and allergic reactions to the antibiotics given. I didn't actually begin to feel GOOD until the 12th week when I started taking sublingual B vitamins. Hang in there...try to get protein and plenty of water. Insist on regular blood work to find vitamin imballances. It will get better.
   — jtoothman

August 29, 2009
Hi Rachelle I had RNY on July 8th. I must say I was disappointed in my recovery pace. I had expected to be up and around and feeling normal in a few weeks. Not so. It is a bit upsetting when you read about folks who say that they were up and back at work in a week or two. You wonder, well, what's wrong with me? I have a few friends who have had the surgery and have been very encouraging to me. My energy was so low a few weeks ago that I wondered if I'd ever be normal again. But I have worked hard to get the protein in, even if I had to take 4 shakes a day along with eating proteins, I add lemon juice to a bottle of water and that seems to help me drink more, I try to stay positive mentally, and I am learning to be patient with myself. It is getting better, slowly, but it is. I started not to respond to this post because I am still not out of the water. I am still winded if I do more than a little bit, and I still can't stand for any long period of time. But I decided that maybe I am even one step ahead of you and so I can pull you along with a little encouragment. Feel better soon.
   — browngathers

August 30, 2009
Rachelle....The previous poster, Barbara just summed it all up (wow..it could have been me writing). I had my RNY on July 7th and just now am starting....and I emphasis "starting" to feel a little better. You will read about those who were back to work in a week (my 3 friends who had the same surgery told me the same thing)....NOT ME...took me 3 weeks, but still felt quite a bit of pain. My surgeon told me that I wouldn't feel pain, but more like I've done too many sit-ups....NOT ME...OMG did I feel pain! The others on this message board say they have never felt so much energy as they have after their surgery....NOT ME...come home from work and vegg out...can't do much! The post surgery outcomes really vary so much, it was hard for me to get a handle on what was "normal". I felt the same way, like "what did I do to myself"..."will I ever feel good again"? Everyone said it would get better, but when you're living though it, it feels like forever! I guess I didn't expect to feel so crummy for so long. Right after my surgery, I felt sort of okay for the first week and a half, then had such severe nausea and diarrhea that I ended up back in the hospital for a week on IV liquids. In the end, no one knew why. Doc thought it may have been a side effect of "Actigall", the medication they prescribed to prevent gallstones when you lose weight rapidly. So when I returned home, I stopped taking it. The nausea stopped. I also re-introduced my vitamins one at a time, just like you would do with a baby starting solid foods...gradually trying one new thing and making sure it agrees with you before going on to the next. As far as weight loss is concerned, I haven't lost as much as you have, or many of the folks here...51 lbs total, but only 26 since surgery. Again, it all varies from person to person, so I use the information here as a general guide. My two cents...make sure you "baby" your new pouch. Sip everything very, very slowly. Don't test it by trying foods that aren't liquid or pureed....yet! It's better to stay on the safe (boring, I know) side. You are doing the right thing by keeping in touch with your surgeon. If something just doesn't feel right, you know your own body better than anyone, make sure you let your surgeon know. When I was three weeks post op, I was still primarily on protein shakes, soups, skim milk ricotta etc. The one piece of advice I took from the leader of my support group, was to add a scoop of protein powder (I use Nectar Sweets Chocolate Truffle) to my iced decaf coffee (I put it in my Magic Bullet with ice...comes out like a DD Coffee Coolata...) and sip it thoughout the day. That way it went down slow and easy. I can honestly say that I am still not feeling like I'm out of the woods yet, and it's been 7 weeks. I know that right now you feel pretty awful, but yes, it does get better. Hang in there and let us know how you're doing. Jeanne
   — Jeanne C.

August 30, 2009
Hi my name is Jacob I am about 4 months out from laproscopic RNY surgery. I went down from bout 420 lbs. to currently 293 lbs. and I have to say it was no picnic I was in insane pain. for about a month all i could think was what everyone else was thinking what the hell did i do to myself. But i have to say it definitely eased up after about a month and a half and soon all you will be thinking about will be why did i not do this sooner. As far as your weight loss it's normal everybody is different and loses at their own pace i myself lost a lot of weight fairly quickly than hit a plateau and now im losing again so just keep doing what you are doing and remember the number one step to a speedy recovery is a positive outlook and faith that you are doing the right thing. And remember always stay hydrated water is your best friend as is protein and vitamins I can tell you that as soon as i started getting serious about my vitamins and supplements recovery became a breeze and don't push yourself and take things at your own pace your body will know when you are ready for everything and will thank you for taking care of it and hey if you have any questions feel free to email me and good luck with everything in your life
   — JaVin70

September 5, 2009
Hi Rachel, I am rght there with you. I am two weeks, four days post-op and I feel horrible. I am nauseous whether I eat or drink or do nothing but get up from bed. I am taking comfort in some of the posts for your question. I wish I had an answer for you and for me, but for now at least you are not alone. Teresa
   — sknemnewannabe

September 5, 2009
Hi Rachel, My clinic has warned me that some people have nausea for up to 8 weeks due to the surgery. They also told me not to expect to be hungry, that sometimes I'll have to force myself to "eat."
   — Linda T.

September 5, 2009
Boy, does that bring back memories. The first two months I wanted the convoy of trucks to come back and finish the job of running over me...I felt like this was the worse thing I had ever done. I am now 3.5 months out and just the past two weeks I felt like maybe,just maybe this surgery was a good decision. I feel like getting up in the morning and I actually look forward to doing things again. It still is challenging and not a day goes by without some sort of upset but it is BETTER. I didn't beleive others when they said it will get better but it does and you will get there one day too.
   — heavenlyhash

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