Question:
Had open RNY 8/14/02- Doing BAD with food, water, protein, etc...

I feel as though I have developed anorexia. I try to sip water as much as possible and I LIVE on SF popsickles- otherwise, that is pretty much all that I eat. I ate 1/2 can of cream of chicken soup in two sittings today- that was my daily intake. I can't STAND smelling anything- any smell nauseates me- I can barely go into my kitchen or bathroom or outside because of the smells- I just have NO appetite and can't make myself take anything by mouth. I don't drink the AWFUL protein drinks and I don't take any of my meds. I know that I am doing wrong but don't know how to get on track. I'm afraid of the consequences...can you help me?    — Rebecca T. (posted on September 5, 2002)

September 4, 2002
Rebecca, I am having the SAME problems. I had LAP RNY on 8/19/02. Sugar free popsicles are the only things I really enjoy. Everything else I throw up. I am going to see my nutritionist today and see what suggestions she has and if this normal. It may be part of the healing process. I will let you know if I get any good tips. Hope you feel better!
   — Shavonne P.

September 5, 2002
Hi...I had sugery the day after you on the 15th. I have no desire to eat, but, do and haven't had much trouble. My dtr told me that liquids is the most important thing the first 4 wks post op. He said not to worry if I can't eat...Just make sure you take your vitamins, meds and drink enough water (or crystal light in my case). Good Luck! Heather (open RNY 8/15, down 26lbs)
   — heathercross

September 5, 2002
I had the exact same problems early on. I thought I would never feel right again. The smells were horrible and everything tasted WRONG! Several others on this website told me to relax a little bit about the "requirements" and just concentrate on healing. It took a while (about 3 months) before I could begin eating and drinking more correctly. Just do the best you can -- that is all anyone can ask. It WILL get better. I am 5 1/2 months out. I can eat small protein-filled meals and can drink lots more fluids. I have lost 86 pounds. I know it doesn't seem like it now, but you will return to some sort of normalcy and will feel great.
   — jm3218

September 5, 2002
Rebecca- I am a little over 6 weeks out, and I know what you are talking about. For the first 3-4 weeks, I had trouble wanting to eat too. Everything SOUNDED great, but as soon as I made it or looked at it or smelled it....YUK! I tried to get something down though every few hours. Soup, a cracker, a bite of applesauce, a bite of cheese etc. Drinking IS more important right now, but if you go like this (without eating) for too long, your body will think it is starving itself and your weight loss will really slow down! Your body will try to hold on to every single ounce. I know it is hard...but it does get easier as each day passes. I can eat almost anything now and I just have what sounds good. Sometimes, I feel nauseaus in the morning, and I just have a bite of cheese, a few bites of yogurt or a few dry cheerios. Sometimes it gets me started and I feel better. No one said this was easy (except the people who haven't had it!) We all suffer from this at some time. Just remind yourself that YOU NEED food to be healthy, be able to function, and to LOSE WEIGHT! I wish you the best of luck. Keep trying! (open RNY 7/23/02 -42 lbs)
   — Shawnie S.

September 6, 2002
Rebecca, I can totally relate to what you are going through. I am now almost 10 months post op and have yet to drink one of those terrible protein shakes and I don't plan too. The smell thing will get better, but it may take months, I remember that the smell of popcorn made me nauseaous for about 2 months, I'd litterly gag. The eating will get better every week. I was just like you there too, I ate nothing and drank very little that first month post op, I just didn't want it. I still to this day do not take my vitamins like I should (all my levels are great) Now I do take prescription potassium because if it gets low then I end up having to have IV potassium and I hate needles. My potassium is the ONLY trouble I have had with my levels and as long as I take them I am fine. I promise it does get better and you will notice a big difference every week that goes by. If I can help with anything please e-mail me. GOOD LUCK!
   — Lynda T.

September 6, 2002
Rebecca--you can do this. Remember you are only a few weeks out so you will not be able to get in all the requirements at first. You just had major surgery! BUT you know that you should be getting those Flinstone Complete vitamins in EVERY day without fail. And a sublingual b12 once a week. Most important during this time is to stay hydrated--so get yourself a big ole water bottle and sip on it all day long but get that water in!!!! Dont worry in a couple weeks it will start to get better. You will learn by trial and error but you'll find things that will work for you. I cannot tolerate the protein drinks so I have to get my protein from meats, cheese, beans, milk (1% or less only), seafood, and even some ice cream products--Blue Bunny has the Healthy Smart bars which have 4gr of protein. I've also discovered sport cookies from www.protocookie.com Bit pricey but 15gr of protein and VERY VERY good. I had lap rny on 6/4/02 and I too had difficulty at first and still have some trouble throwing up but that's only due to eating too fast and its not too bad. I'm still very pleased with my results and will continue to try different things to win this battle! Good luck & God Bless :o)
   — Bambi C.