Post Op; And Back For Good - ThinnerTimes

TX DEB · 04-18-2007, 08:41 AM

Hey Y'all~

I'm sorry I posted my story once and then just took off but I had some problems pre-op with dehydration and bleeding of the ulcers in my esophagus and was hospitalized 2 weeks before my surgery so I couldn't tell anyone on here. The good news is that I had my surgery last Thurs, the 12th, and I came home on Monday. Like I said before my main reason for surgery was to correct a hernia and repair a nissan (previous esophagus surgery) and of course the weight loss will be big bonuses for me. I had a LAP RNY, and my surgery took from 11am until 6:30 pm because of my previous surgeries and scar tissue. Also the hernia I had they knew about but it was actually 12 inches long and all turned in on itself in my chest cavity. The surgeon said it was the biggest he ever saw and had no idea how I was eating and breathing etc, with the pressure on my heart and lungs. I can tell you it now feels normal for the first time in 17 years to swallow. I'm so happy about that.
I've had some post-op issues. Lot's of pain, I guess from the long surgery time, but it is getting better everyday. And I tell you I cannot drink water, it just hurts my stomach but popsicles, V8, and milk go down fine. I have a lot of nausea, just dry heaves, no actual vomiting. I'm on pureed now and I hate it cause of the look of the food, UGH. But can eat scrampled eggs, and mashed potatoes. I am concerned about protien because I am so weak. I want to eat some meat but do I just put it in the blender ? Any protein suggestions would be helpful.
I'm really happy about the surgery but have a few hours a day with nausea that make me feel like "What have I done?" I feel like all I do is drink and eat like I have a food obsession, which belive me I do not need.
I know this is long and may be confusing but I am home and I could really use y'all's support. I will post more now that I am out of the hospital, and can't wait to hear from y'all. Also I am really weak and tired, but I can't sleep more than 4 hours a day. I feel really wired but tired is that normal?

Thanks,

Deb

LAP RNY 4/12/07
Surgery weight 234.1

PS. right before I went home I weighed 241.3 and I about freaked out is it normal to gain wieght right after surgery?

fitbefore40 · 04-18-2007, 08:50 AM

Congrats on being home after a tough few weeks. My first 5 weeks out, I didn't even look at meat!! I got most of my protein by adding powdered milk to cream soups. I also added the powder to the fat free sugar free puddings. You still are very much in the HELL week . . . so take it easy. You had an awfully long surgery. I still can't really do plain water and I don't like drinks that are really cold . . . that said, I drank crystal light like no tomorrow!!! Work on keeping hydrated and give yourself time to heal!!

TX DEB · 04-18-2007, 10:37 PM

Thanks Laurie. I was just concerned when I read that you will not heal without adequate protein. I knew this but figured that with so few onces of food per day how much could I be getting. Milk is good, it's actually one of the only things that goes down well drink wise.

DEB
LAP RNY 4/12/07

JenBear7 · 04-19-2007, 03:29 AM

Wow.. sounds like you had a hell of a time, but that the surgery fixed quite a bit! Grats on getting all that fixed AND making it to the losing side. Have you tried any protein shakes/ liquids?

GOod Luck.. and keep us posted on your journey!

MiladyB · 04-19-2007, 04:31 AM

Wow sounds like you've had quite the rough start. I'm glad to hear you had your surgery and are home. Just take this one step at a time. I did sugar free carnation instant breakfast to get in my protein. Buy the "blue" box. If you make it with 8 oz skim milk it is 13 grams of protein for a serving. You can even add in 1/3 cup powdered milk and it will bring it up to about 20-21 grams of protein. IF you can get 3 of these in per day you will be making your protein requirements. I always shot for getting in at least an oz in 1 hour. For the fluids I did a lot of sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello and crystal light. If you can tolerate cream soups make them with milk instead of the water plus add in extra powdered milk like it was suggested earlier.

The important thing is to try to not let it all overwhelm you. Just take it one hour at a time. Thats all you can do. Don't beat yourself up if you can't get in all of the fluids and protein in during the day. Just shoot for trying to get in a bit more each day....like I said, one step at a time.

Take care of yourself. Right now its all about YOU!

Mavisavis · 04-19-2007, 04:59 AM

Glad you got through it all and are on the upswing!!! Hang in there....it keeps getting better. Welcome back.

Texasflygirl · 04-19-2007, 06:17 AM

Deb, sorry to hear you're having such a rough time. Did you're doctor give you something for nausea? Dry heaves are the pits after this surgery. I had them in the hospital, and wow do they hurt! You might need something to get you through this hard time. Also, remember to drink slowly.

My surgery was also on April 12th, and I'm still on liquids. No eggs or any chunks of any kind. I know there are many variations of diets postop, but maybe your "pouchie" is telling you to change something up. One thing I've had that tastes really good to me is instant mashed potatoes made with milk and chicken broth, made to a runny consistency. Also, have you tried Propel? This is something that has really helped me get my water in. I was told during the first two week, try to get the protein in, but mainly make sure you get the fluids in.

Claire-in-Texas · 04-19-2007, 07:19 AM

Gosh, how difficult, Deb!

I am 10 days post op, and am grateful to be feeling really well.

Yes, it is so normal to come home weighing 10 lbs more after surgery. I did, and I, too, freaked out! It was gone in two days, and since surgery I have lost 7 lbs, in additional to the 17 I lost prior to surgery (on purpose).

I am concerned about your protein intake, though. The general rule of thumb, as I understand it, is 30 grams a day at this stage. You can get that in different ways, but it all comes down to finding products that you find delicious that has a lot of protein in it. I am trying a number of them. Right now my favorite is UNjury's chicken broth Really tasty. I drunk my mashed potatoes in that and I just swoon! www.unjury.com Hope this helps.

Claire

CeeCee · 04-19-2007, 07:52 AM

Glad you're feeling better after that hernia repair too!
>I've tried the Special K water, the Strawberry-Kiwi and the Lemon; I think the lemon is much better tasting, the other one tasted too sweet to me. It has 5 grams of protein per bottle. Not much, but every little bit helps.
>Also, pureed chili isn't too bad. I make mine with half ground turkey, half extra-lean ground beef, and add black beans for extra oomph.
>Pureed chowder isn't too bad either, and if you make it New England style (white) it lends itself to adding extra powdered milk. (Yum! We love our chowda here in RI!)

cassie7978 · 04-19-2007, 08:20 AM

slim fast and boost have a great high protein shake and they dont taste bad!!