New - 6 days Post Surgery - so many questions

[CyKitty]

Hello Out There,

I am 6 days out from my gastric sleeve procedure - I am tender and bloated and struggling to eat and drink enough fluid and protein - but still think that it will have been a good decision. I was at 345 lbs right before the surgery and am only 5'5''. I am afraid to weight myself so soon after surgery because the doc said I might be up a few pounds due to bloating and I am not sure how I would feel seeing that on the scale.

I have a lot of questions -

How long does the bloating usually last? - I am not in pain but feel the pressure of the gas in my system.

How many tablespoons of food were people able to eat at a time in the first few weeks? I can eat about 2 tablespoons of pureed protein like chicken or a little applesauce or yogurt. Is that about normal or should I be pushing myself?

If anyone has any support or feedback that would be great!
Thanks
Heather

[DragonsLoard]

Welcome to the sleeved side. I was sleeved 9 days ago. I really didnt have much gas pain but when I did walking and Gas-X strips helped... I was on a liquid diet for 7 days post-op so I just started my puree stage yesterday and I try to get 3-4oz in at a time.

[sobiato]

@Heather that's normal, try to keep some type of liquid beside you at all times so you can sip throughout the day, you will be fine...WELCOME TO THE LOSERS BENCH!!!

[ACE]

Welcome to the sleeved side of things congratulations! Do not push it I wasn't even allowed to eat anything until 10 days post op (I cheated on day 7 and it hurt) If you are already on pureed things and you can handle 2 tablespoons then that is probably enough for now. Your body will adjust and you will be able to eat more but try to stick to as small of meals as you can so that you don't hurt yourself or stretch your new stomach. I would say check your weight next week I found at about 14 days post op I felt "normal" again and not bloated or any of that.
I hope you recover quickly and good luck with your journey!

[CyKitty]

Thanks for writing back! Maybe I will try GasX once I check with my Doc. Good to feel less alone!

[CyKitty]

Thanks - I am hoping that 7 more days may lead to a more 'normal feeling". That would be great! Thanks for letting me know how it was for you.

[Elbie]

Personally, I feel that Gas-X strips just are placebo effect because the gas pain that people feel is from the gas they pump into your abdominal cavity during surgery and not intestinal gas, which is what Gas-X treats. But if it "works" for people, who am I to argue? I had bloating / swelling in my abdomen for a few weeks, but it will resolve on it's own over time. You had a lot of manipulation / trauma down there in your abdomen! It sounds like you are right on track though. Just hang in there and you will see that every day gets better and better!

[jesslovesharry]

Hi! I am so glad I found this thread! I am going through the same!

I am on Day 5. I was sleeved January 16. I also had a huge hernia repaired, thus my HORRIFYING gas pains. I 5'3 and have a low bmi, but I think we are going through the same aches and pains.I dont think BMI makes much of a difference when it comes to the hurting!

Here's a synopsis, maybe it will help you some.

As of yesterday, Day 4, I was able to drink 3 (500ml) bottles of water, 2 (6oz glasses) of protein shakes, and 2 cups of broth. I was amazed and so proud of myself, I swear I could hear a marching band coming through my living room at the end of the evening celebrating my HUGEEEEE Triumph!

Back tracking a bit, Day 2 was a nightmare for me bc of the gas, I prayed to the Good Lord to have mercy on me for doing this to my body, the gas was paralyzing. All I was able to get down that day was 1/4 of a bottle of water with crystal light. ( the crystal light breaks down the molecules of the h2o and makes it easier to take down. I will absolutely vouch for this! It has been a life saver for me.)

Day 3 was a huge difference. I was able to have 2 bottles of water and a little broth.

I am concerned about my fluid intake as well. I am doing the best I can. I was told that I must have 1 liter of water, 3-8oz of protein, and atleast 2-3 cups of broth/gelatin daily. I just dont see how I can do that. Tomorrow, I am supposed to begin pureed vegetables (carrots, broccollli, squash, watercress) in addition to the before mentioned. She didnt tell me how much of it though. How I am suppose to get all this down, is beyond me.

The gas is the only thing bothering me. It feels ike its stabbing me with an knife dipped in acid. I am trying to walk as much as possible. I went to the mall yesterday and walked 2 hours straight, in addition to walking around the house all day every 15 minutes.

I feel bloated as well. I did notice I am less bloated today. Oddly, I also feel gasier today than yesterday. Today, I also have more of a bm. I dont know if its correlated.

I sure hope you feel better soon. We are 1 day apart, I would love to keep in touch. I understand the gas pains you are feeling. It's awful!!!!!!

[jknox65]

Heather,
I think the bloating is for the most part gone 7-10 days. At this point, my physician was not having me worry so much about how much protein until closer to the 14th day. He also did not want me to drink my protein (except after a workout, after 6 weeks) due to the empty feeling from liquids (you just do not feel as full) but focus on eating properly.

The more you can walk the more the gas/bloating will dissipate, but it may take a few weeks for your movements to settle down too.

As far as food amounts, I was about the same. It also fluctuates too so someday you can eat a little more than others. Other factors in volume of intake are the consistency of food. Tuna out of the can vs. tuna salad (with a little mayo) is hard to take in.

Know everyone's experience is a little different too.

[Its_Me]

Everyones experience is different as well as what their doctor recommends. I was on protein shakes for 3.5 weeks. I think the bloating lasted at least a week. Best of luck on your new journey.