Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group
Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.
Hi...I am new to this forum and was wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing your advice, suggestions and/or experiences with me. I had my surgery on Tuesday, January 31,2012 so I am 5 days out.
1) I am on stage 2 of the post-op diet which is protien shakes and liquids. I have been reading other GBP and everyone seems to be having a very difficult time getting their shakes and liquids in; however, I'm not. I am having no problems geting in all the shakes and at least 64 oz of liquid. Is this weird? Could it indicate that my pouch is bigger than it should be?
2) Between the pre-op diet and the post op diet, I have not had a bowel movement for about 9 days. I don't have cramps or feel like I have to go, and I am passing gas but no stools. Then again, I am not eating any solids. Is this ok?
3) I am feeling good, no real pain issues but some discomfort. But, I am having trouble taking my meds. My morning and afternoons doses are fine but when I take my nighttime dose, which consists of Verapamil and Trazadone I get very dizzy, lightheaded and my heart races like you wouldn't believe. All these symptoms disappear after 10-15 minutes but it realy is scary. Is this normal...should my doses be adjusted?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much.
1) I am on stage 2 of the post-op diet which is protien shakes and liquids. I have been reading other GBP and everyone seems to be having a very difficult time getting their shakes and liquids in; however, I'm not. I am having no problems geting in all the shakes and at least 64 oz of liquid. Is this weird? Could it indicate that my pouch is bigger than it should be?
2) Between the pre-op diet and the post op diet, I have not had a bowel movement for about 9 days. I don't have cramps or feel like I have to go, and I am passing gas but no stools. Then again, I am not eating any solids. Is this ok?
3) I am feeling good, no real pain issues but some discomfort. But, I am having trouble taking my meds. My morning and afternoons doses are fine but when I take my nighttime dose, which consists of Verapamil and Trazadone I get very dizzy, lightheaded and my heart races like you wouldn't believe. All these symptoms disappear after 10-15 minutes but it realy is scary. Is this normal...should my doses be adjusted?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much.
1. As long as you are sipping slowly that is all that matters! Getting it all in is good! My dr makes pouches on the small side and I still got my fluids and protein in. I had no complications and it sounds like you haven't either. That is a good thing! Sipping a few oz at a time is the best way to get it all down. Again, congrats!
2. It takes a while for the intestines to normalize. If you haven't already, start adding clear unflavored fiber into your liquids. I use Clear Fiber by Renew Life in my protein coffee every morning. And Fibertastic every night. Also by Renew Life. Many people use Benefiber and there are others. Start using fiber now regularly and It will help.
3. Sorry, can't help you on the drugs as I am not familiar with them. Call your doctor! You do not want to mess with this kind of thing.
Best wishes in your journey of shedding your fat suit!
I would check with your doctor asap about the meds, with the new pouch it can effect how your body absorbs meds.
I had/have lots of gas, just becareful when my bowels moved the first time it felt just like gas but wasnt!! But if you dont go in the next 3 or so days get to a ER!! it could mean you have a blockage and if left untreated will make you sick and could kill you.
your very lucky to be able to get your protien and liquids. i am just shy of 2 months out and cant seem to get mine in. keep it up, and youll be great!
1. Do your own research! You are responsible for your own health! Ask questions and do lots of research!
2. Be clear about why you want this surgery. If you are having the surgery to weigh a certain number on the scale, wear a certain pant size, to make your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend happy, or to fit in or to stand out, then realize now that none of these have anything to do with the reality or success of this surgery.
3. Do this for you and for your health. This isnt the easy way out. WLS will fail you if you fail to live the WLS life. Be diligent, be mindful, be aware, and be present with the journey.
4. This program is for life. It is a wonderful tool for health. It is only a tool. You still have to do all the work. There is no finish line. Just day after day choices.
5. This is NOT a diet. This is healthy eating for THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! If you think of this or treat this as another diet you are setting yourself up for failure. This is a new way of life, for the REST of your life. Keep that in mind and you WILL succeed!
6. If you are looking for happiness and fulfillment from everyone around you, you won't find it. No one can MAKE you happy. Happiness comes from within!
7. In the end, you are your own best support person. Dont expect everyone to understand or be supportive. Tell only those who are supportive or tell everyone.
8. This procedure doesn't fix you or your life, just your guts. You are responsible for working on your emotional and mental issues along the way. There WILL be emotional and mental challenges. If you havent already started doing the mental and emotional work, START NOW!
9. Some people, NOT ALL, experience buyers remorse if you are not mentally or emotionally prepared. Just because you've had your guts rearranged does NOT mean you don't still have A LOT of work to do emotionally. The successful people ALL do their emotional work. Positive people have a much easier time on this journey than the whiners, complainers and poor me's. This is your chance to change your life for the better!
10. You have the choice of how you want your roller coaster journey to be. Kicking and screaming, or screaming with joy!
11. Your life and your relationships WILL change. You are developing a new relationship with food, yourself, and life.
12. Having a goal or prize or image will help keep you focused and moving forward.
13. You WILL have pain and it will take time to feel like yourself again. The pain WILL go away. You will heal. Focus on protein and water. Protein melts fat, and water flushes it. Some days you will have energy, and some days you wont. Rest when you need to.
14. You WILL have temporary post op weight gain as your body processes the fluids and inflammation from surgery.
15. Your whole belly MAY turn purple from blood thinners after the surgery.
16. If you have a problem, CALL your doctor! Don't mess around!
17. You may or may not have temporary moments of insanity. They will pass faster if you just let them go and not fight them.
18. The more you walk the less gas you will have. Sip while you walk. That way you will get more water in. The more water you sip the faster the drugs will flush through your system and the better you will feel.
After surgery our bodies handle meds differently. I also take trazodone and find it makes me dizzy too. I now take it as I get into bed - literally! Try taking half a dose for a couple nights to see if it makes a difference. If so, call your PCP and let him/her know. If it doesn't help, let your PCP know that too. Not familiar with the other med so can't help you on that one.
Linda