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.
I am almost four months post op from a RNY. I have had multiple setbacks! Three emergency surgeries for a stricture at the first anastomosis, an internal hernia where there was a Petersons defect, and a Intussusception Bowel blockage, where they completely revised my second anastomosis. I ended up on TPN because my small bowel got an Ileus and my small bowel stopped working. I'm doing great now with the once a week setback of eating too fast and too much, which leads to me throwing up for a good 24 hours and leaves me miserable. Unlike the majority, I had to have the rouyen-Y and a partial gastrectomy do to a disease I have. My stomach no longer worked. My surgery didn't help my reflux like the surgeon had thought it would. BUT, I still have the same concerns and need some input about food. My bypass was an emergency surgery, so I had no therapy, no dietician or any of the pre-op help. I am in awe of every single person who ops to have this surgery to better their life! It hasn't been easy. I need to gain weight which is very difficult with this surgery, that I find. Also, find I get so hungry which contributes to me eating too fast and too much!!! The biggest no-nos! Any imput I welcome! I am grateful for this group! Somedays can be hard!!! Would love some help with my eating issues!
Eating too fast or too much is super-important. My RNY was actually postponed a day because my surgeon had to do an emergency surgery on a lady who was a week out from surgery for a blockage. I met her when I was walking the halls after my surgery. She said she was on the phone with her daughter while she was eating and wasn't paying attention and swallowed something without chewing it enough.
So, it's super-important to practice "mindful eating" - when you eat, don't do anything else (no talking on the phone, reading, watching tv, etc). Chew everything to a liquid and pay attention to how your body reacts to each bite. For me, at some point, the food tastes different - - and I know it is time to stop eating. Early on, I had a super-bad case of the foamies (lots of thick saliva and feeling like a brick was pressing on the middle of my chest). It hurt so much, I was relieved to finally throw up. After that, I started "checking" my saliva after when I ate (not spitting or in a way someone watching would notice)... if there was any sign of thickening saliva, I stop eating!! Another "soft cue" for me is a hiccup. One bite can be the difference between feeling good and getting sick, so it's important to stop before you hit the tipping point.
I had an intussusception when I was 3 years out and needed up having emergency surgery. Thankfully, we caught it early and they didn't have to remove any of my intestine. Super-painful, though!
Hang in there!
JJ