Struggles after surgery?

[HRae]

What are some of the things you've struggled with after your surgery? What resources and support do you wish you had more access too during this journey?

[KiwiGal]

Hi.
I have to admit that I have been very luck and have really not struggled at all.
I'm very fortunate to have great support in the shape of my partner and the few friends that I have told. My surgeon and nutritionist have ben wonderful too.
Maybe the only thing was eating out in the beginning.....but I just avoided that until I felt that I was confident enough to be able to do it. Even then until I got the hang of it I over ordered. I now know to order a small plate - or entrée - and if there is nothing suitable I will order an main and take the rest home - or my partner will finish it. He is careful not to overeat by finishing my meals though! Often we order tapas or shared plates which work out really well.

[Kazzy175]

I struggle to eat some days.... for some reason food just won't go down. I make sure I have protein shakes, yoghurt and sufficient calories on these days - but it's a real life problem I never thought I'd have!

[Christie13]

Initially I struggled to meet my protein and fluid goals. But I kept working at them every day and eventually made it. I found this site provided me all the support I needed. Whenever I had questions or needed advice I would reach out and people on here were always here for me. Never even went to the local support groups at my surgeon's office.

[AnnieG]

Consistently eating slowly. I confess to always having bolted my food, and my stomach thinks its a bad plan. So new bad habit is multitasking while I eat.
Getting enough fluid -- I tend to focus on the protein during the day, and rather forget the fluids. So have gone to decaf coffee with Premier Protein in it (not a choice you'd make if you drink coffee black. I forget, then pile up the drinking at the end of the day, and wake up all night.

I have found this board to be enormously supportive; but all by "ologists' (I have 7), my husband and my adult children have been wonderfully helpful and generous in spirit as I find my way through this. My friends tend to say "you're getting too thin", but then again, we are all at the age where a bit of fat fills out the wrinkles, lol.

[darlenetc]

I'm 15 days out from surgery and still have trouble keeping liquids down a lot of the time. I don't eat, just nibble at food. My body hates protein shakes since the surgery and I struggle with even water a lot of the time unless I'm seriously thirsty. There is a small amount of time that I can eat solids and it stays down but I know I don't even get half of my required protein in a day. I miss eating.

[crazycibertalk]

Hi, I am going thru the pre-nutritional appointment to get me ready for surgery, want to ask if you had vomited,or purge when eating food.

[darlenetc]

I'm 30 days out and I still vomit at least several times a week. Right after surgery, I vomited every time I tried to eat and it didn't slow down until 3 weeks out.

[crazycibertalk]

OMG, why do you think you still vomit?

[crazycibertalk]

I just got a post of somebody that is 30 days out and still vomiting.

Can you all reply if you are feeling sick, nausea or purge after eating? when does it stop?

[darlenetc]

If I eat too much, sometimes it depends on what I eat or if I forget and drink something at the same time I eat, that causes it. But other times I'm not sure. Even if I follow all the rules, I still vomit sometimes. I typically eat between 700-1000 calories but I rarely get the recommended amount of protein that I'm supposed to get. It's really hard to eat more the a couple of tablespoons of meat at any given time and protein drinks immediately come back up.

[Stacey03]

I just got a post of somebody that is 30 days out and still vomiting.

Can you all reply if you are feeling sick, nausea or purge after eating? when does it stop?

Hi, just a bit of reassurance. This didn't happen to me or a lot of people on here. I have had the odd vomit but very rare and it was generally after my vitamins as they can make me heave. Generally not though so please do not get concerned about this.

[sraebaer]

I was so lucky, I had no struggles at all. Never got sick or vomited, not once in almost 5 years. I just followed the program and did great. Please don't get scared about some of the horror stories you read here, as they are not the norm. (Sorry for those of you who did have complications.)

My best support was and still is my husband. He took care of me when I got out of the hospital. He has been with me every step of the way. He has never been into junk food, so there is none in the house. He cooks every dinner, a protein and a veggie. I even get the occasional, "Are you going to eat THAT?" or "Quit snacking, I'm making dinner." When we are not visiting grandkids, all our vacations are centered around activity: skiing, biking, hiking, kyaking, etc. He has lost weight along with me with our healthy eating and exercise. (Back in the day we used to share a large pizza. Now we share a small, and typically take some home.)

[mandyjdc]

I wish I had someone to help me out more. I have a disabled mother I take care of. Trying to physically take care of her while trying to heal was not good. I had minor muscle tears from trying to do too much and really set me back pain wise. Had to take an extra week off of work because of it.

Other than that, I didn't have any problems!

[simplyseahorse]

I am starting my 7th week. I had an extended stay in the hospital (4 nights) because of nausea and vomiting when I tried to take my meds. Since I advanced to full liquids and beyond, I have thrown up 3 times. Twice were again because of meds, and the other time was last night. I apparently ate too fast. It hurt and I am pretty sure I will remember to slow down for at least a long time now........ Everybody is different for sure. I don't have reflux much at all, and like I said, very rare with throwing up since my diet advanced.