Some Questions from a New DS

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Hello to a great group,

I've been reading all posts since March, learning about the DS. I'm finally now ready to ask questions and join the group (though I don't have much to share, yet!). I have a few questions. I had an open DS on July 7 with Dr. Greenbaum so I'm about 9 days out.

1. I'm getting in one 35 gram Trader Joe Pure Protein Shake but it's very hard. I'm also getting in about 36 ounces of water ( plus the 11 ounce shake.). This amount takes me all day and at times makes me almost sick. I haven't had anything else extra besides the protein drink and water. Am I harming myself, I'm really trying.

2. I'm taking a blood pressure, baby aspirin, omeprazole, thyroid, bariatric advantage high ADEK multi-vitamin 2 per day), and would like to start calcium. Do you have a recommendation on calcium? If so, I'll get it or order it today. Thanks in advance.

3. I'm taking Roxicet for pain. Yes, I'm feeling it a bit. I do go 6-7 hours between doses. Hopefully, I'll be off this, feeling less pain soon. Am I odd that I've needed pain killers for 9 days?

4. Weird question, but I have an awesome husband who took off 2 1/2 weeks to be by my side and help me with everything. Right now , I'm sleeping on a recliner (he did one night too but woke up with a hurt back so I now won't let him!) How long until you returned to your regular bed? I should add, I have a tall bed and am afraid I'll hurt myself during the night or will have to go to the bathroom, and, call me weird but with everything hubby does for me, I don't want to wake him up. He'd be mad if he knew this.

5. Last, but I'm sure that's just for this post, how long until you started doing things again? When did you actually feel well enough to go to the park or the store, for example.

Sorry for all the questions, but each and every one of you are a wealth of knowledge and I value your feedback.

Thanks,
Kelly

[newyorkbitch]

The most important thing now is to keep sipping, sipping, sipping. Don't worry about your vitamins yet. When you're 30 days out, you can slowly add those in. Right now your focus needs to be on not getting dehydrated, resting, and moving around. Move into your bed when you can get in and out by yourself. Don't rush.

Take a look a vitalady.com to get an indication of what you will need to start (but not yet). Any calcium citrate will do - but it must be calcium citrate.

As for the ADEK - you will need to take those separately in dry form (see vitalady.com)

Sip sip sip sip sip sip all the time.

Your energy level will return slowly and gradually....just keep sipping and resting and moving.

Perhaps you should go to regular tylenol and ease off the narcotics. That's what I would do. Take the narcotics only at night for now, not during the day.

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Thanks so much for the quick response and great advice NYB. I will definitely take a look at VITALADY, it's nice to know I have a little time regarding vitamins. They also gave me three IV bags of iron, one of potassium, and one of magnesium in the hospital.

Thanks for answers to my energy and pain killers questions. Now, back to sipping and my first walk of the day.

Have a great day!

[cherylbaker]

Jul 16, 2014 6:53:26 GMT -5 OnMyWay2Thin said:

Hello to a great group,

I've been reading all posts since March, learning about the DS. I'm finally now ready to ask questions and join the group (though I don't have much to share, yet!). I have a few questions. I had an open DS on July 7 with Dr. Greenbaum so I'm about 9 days out.

1. I'm getting in one 35 gram

Trader Joe Pure Protein Shake but it's very hard. I'm also getting in about 36 ounces of water ( plus the 11 ounce shake.). This amount takes me all day and at times makes me almost sick. I haven't had anything else extra besides the protein drink and water. Am I harming myself, I'm really trying.

2. I'm taking a blood pressure, baby aspirin, omeprazole, thyroid, bariatric advantage high ADEK multi-vitamin 2 per day), and would like to start calcium. Do you have a recommendation on calcium? If so, I'll get it or order it today. Thanks in advance.

3. I'm taking Roxicet for pain. Yes, I'm feeling it a bit. I do go 6-7 hours between doses. Hopefully, I'll be off this, feeling less pain soon. Am I odd that I've needed pain killers for 9 days?

4. Weird question, but I have an awesome husband who took off 2 1/2 weeks to be by my side and help me with everything. Right now , I'm sleeping on a recliner (he did one night too but woke up with a hurt back so I now won't let him!) How long until you returned to your regular bed? I should add, I have a tall bed and am afraid I'll hurt myself during the night or will have to go to the bathroom, and, call me weird but with everything hubby does for me, I don't want to wake him up. He'd be mad if he knew this.

5. Last, but I'm sure that's just for this post, how long until you started doing things again? When did you actually feel well enough to go to the park or the store, for example.

Sorry for all the questions, but each and every one of you are a wealth of knowledge and I value your feedback.

Thanks,
Kelly

As my surgery was 1 day after you were is where I am on your items.

1) that's about exactly where I am with liquids. From what I understand that should be ok from 30 days than we will need to get more protein. I struggle. I do not always make the liquid requirement. But i do the best I can .. trying different things as liquids so it's not just water water water. I do water broth popsicle.

2) only vitamins I take are 1 multi chewable and I calcium citrate liquid. Rest comes in after 3 wks.

3) I generally only take pain med at night. Bought liquid Tylenol for help with daily daytime pain

4) I have slept in my bed since day 1. I have a tall bed also and have had to ask hubby for help but I just feel more normal in my bed. It was hard the first couple nights home but I have worked out a method of getting in and out and it's not so bad now.

5)I have been going out since day I was release. Short one store trips at first.. worked my way up. Yesterday in overdid it we it a 4 store trip and that was not fun.


Some things to keep in mind. . My surgery was lapRiscopic. Which is easier than open.
My surgery was a revision which is harder than s virgin ds. I was released from the hospital on day 4 post op. I also had a hernia repair and gallbladder removed.

[Girlrocker]

Good morning from the west coast!

You are very new, as in not even two weeks yet, so the protein/water is definitely a struggle right now, normal. It will take all day to get in 30g of protein and 48oz of water/fluid, so you're doing fine. As said, sip all day long. Pure Protein in the cans is a great option, one of my favorites and I still use them today, especially when I travel. It's a nice, thinner shake so just keep at it and it will get better. You can also try sugar free jello and popsicles if you need something different for your tastebuds, easy on the healing stomach too.

I had a high bed too, I didn't sleep in it for awhile, probably about 4 weeks. I was an open, revision surgery, so I was extra sore and exhausted. You'll see how you feel week by week, you can also get a small footstool for the bed so you can use your arms more to support you while you swing your legs/weight off the bed. Take advantage of the recliner as long as you need it, no need to rush, and I'm sure hubby will understand. And look at the bright side, you might have sleep away from each other now, but as you lose weight, well, whole lotta together fun coming your way!

Not odd needing pain med 9 days,everyone has different pain in surgery and pain levels, tolerance; I was also able to switch to liquid tylenol (easier on my insides) and that did the trick, I found I didn't need narcotic pain med at all anymore after a week. If you don't get enough relief from the Tylenol during the day, than take the roxicet at night.

Vitamins- I love Vitalady too, it's a great website, so much valuable information, besides purchasing actual products. Right now, first month you only have to take a multi and calcium citrate (make sure it's citrate, not plain calcium). You can get it in chewables from GNC, and same with multis - no gels, no gummies, we don't absorb those. That's why you see the word 'dry' on the vitamins suggested for us. You can order from GNC online.

The first two weeks post-op are definitely the toughest, normal to feel exhausted and like roadkill. Ballpark 3rd, 4th week you might feel better enough to venture out slowly, and hopefully you are getting some light walking in now, too.

You're doing fine so far

[west4thavenue]

I have nothing to add to the previous posts, but do want to welcome you to the boards.

[bboop]

Welcome to the forum. There's a lot of knowledge here.

Try a foot stool for the high up bed. I have a high up bed too, but I'm lucky it's electric and so it made it easier to get in and out. A recliner is fine.

I would definitely go to Vitalady and look at her vitamins. I'm way out of surgery and I still use her vitamins. DO NOT take anything that isn't a dry vitamin. You need this kind because of your malabsorption.

Remember to walk, sip, sip sip and walk. Then rest. I can remember having to take a nap right after a shower...showers exhausted me completely.

Popcicyles, jello (there's one with cream and zero carbs - check Walmart), Unjury protein in everything, plus they also make a Unjury chicken broth mix that tasted good to me. Slow down on loading up your stomach...you are doing fine but remember it's 30 grams of protein in 30 days then 60 then 90. If you miss it by a point or two, no big deal. This is your DS and YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary.

As said earlier - don't become dehydrated. That's the main thing at this point.

Again welcome and come back as often as you can - ask questions...there are no dumb questions... none. We love questions.

Welcome to the Dark Side.

[OnMyWay2Thin]

CherylBaker, Sharyl (been reading everthing you write), Monica and Bboop, GREAT advice. I love reading all these responses, yet all are on the same page. I really appreciate the individuality you all give to the procedure for the person, that means a lot. I'll keep asking questions and appreciate your answering them. You are all a great group of people, spending time on here to help others, WOW! Thanks again...

[goodkel]

Welcome!

You need to separate out the fat solubles A, D3, E, and K2. I have yet to see a combination that is in the correct formulation and dosage for us. Finish what you have and then get what you need. "A" must be palmitate, D must be D3, and all must specifically state that they are the "dry" formulation. If it doesn't say "dry", it probably isn't.

Costco and Walmart both have good calcium citrate. Much less expensive than ordering it. Citrical Petites are the easiest to get down, but even they are large. You can start by dissolving a couple in your water, if needed.

It is good to start your vitamins as soon as possible--helps with healing--but there is no need to push it. Build up to the full regimen.

The rule of thumb for protein is 30, 60, 90. 30 grams by 30 days, 60 grams by 60 days, etc.

Again, no need to rush it, but it does help with healing. Just make sure your protein supplement is whey protein isolate. Collagen isolate does not provide the form of protein you need and is useless.

Not odd at all that you are on pain killers. It is still ONLY 9 days post-op. I was on them for three weeks, though mostly so I could sleep at night towards the end. When you are ready to wean yourself off, only take them when you feel the pain creeping up. You can not drive until you are off of them.

But, by 3 weeks or when you feel comfortable about it, ride with your husband to the grocery store. Grab a cart and walk the aisles looking for DS friendly foods. DH must do all lifting of anything over 5 pounds, but the walking will do you good and the cart will help give you support and confidence.

THE most important thing that you need right now is hydration 64 ounces daily minimum. Always keep a glass or bottle at hand and sip constantly. Baby sips, but constantly. Everything else can wait. Dehydration hits quickly and can land you back in the hospital.

I didn't use a recliner, but slept on my side with a cushion of pillows between my stomach and the bed. I imagine that getting out of a high bed would be easier than a shorter one. If you are not already facing the edge, roll yourself into that position and slip your feet and calves off the bed. Use your arms to push your body into an upright position. Once you are sitting up, use your arms to push you up into standing position. The height of the bed/gravity will help you achieve a standing position.

Getting out is easy. Getting back in may require a short step stool to give you a boost.

Every day you will feel a little better, be able to do a little more.

It sounds like you are doing pretty good so far!

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Goodkel, I read everything you write and appreciate the wonderful advice. I can't imagine getting in 64 ounces right now, I struggle in all day to get in what I'm doing. That being said, I will try my hardest... Thanks for the reassurance on the painkillers, that means a lot. Good advice on the bed procedures, too. Thanks for all the great feedback!

[goodkel]

Always have a water bottle in your hand.

It will get easier as the swelling in your stomach begins to go down.

I had an open DS, too, by choice. The only difference is in the size of the incision and, once the staples came out, that didn't bother me at all besides being a little tender.

I look forward to hearing about your progress!

[jpcello]

Don't worry so much about vitamins at this point in time. You're getting great advise moving forward regarding dry vitamins. Slow down. You need to let your insides heal.

Your main focus is hydration. Nothing else matters - even protein. You should aim for 30 grams of protein by 30 days post op, then 60 by 60, and 90 by 90.

You also had open surgery (versus lap procedure) so your recovery may be a little different because you're dealing with external scars as well as internal. You probably can't drive for a while but I liked walking around the grocery store. I would stop and read labels.

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Thanks so much for the feedback, jpcello, I certainly appreciate it!

[teachermomolp]

Carry a cup with a lid around everywhere you go- that will remind you to sip (I used a straw...). I got mine at Starbucks and it's double- walled so it does not sweat. Keep up the good work...

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Thanks, teacher mom! I'm trying to do this (but occasionally forget!)

[Girlrocker]

I did that too, I actually started with a kid sippy cup than the smaller water bottles and gradually worked my way up to the bigger water bottles.

[Deleted]

To add something, and feel worthy, I suggest getting some sublingual B12 tablets. as strong as you can get them.. 2500mg, 5000mg, etc. Take once a day in the morning. This will help with energy.

Also, if you can do it, Try the tylenol instead of the narcotic. I think you will be impressed how well it will work. after surgery, I could not stomach the Lortab they perscribed me. I got home, took ONE tylenol, thats all it took to control my pain. I felt SO much better not being on the narcotics.

[goodkel]

Jul 17, 2014 8:35:47 GMT -5 Girlrocker said:

I did that too, I actually started with a kid sippy cup than the smaller water bottles and gradually worked my way up to the bigger water bottles.

I started out with toddler sippy cups, too. With a regular glass or bottle, I was inclined to try to gulp too much at once and that was painful.

[goodkel]

Jul 18, 2014 9:04:19 GMT -5 @ds4life said:

To add something, and feel worthy, I suggest getting some sublingual B12 tablets. as strong as you can get them.. 2500mg, 5000mg, etc. Take once a day in the morning. This will help with energy.

Also, if you can do it, Try the tylenol instead of the narcotic. I think you will be impressed how well it will work. after surgery, I could not stomach the Lortab they perscribed me. I got home, took ONE tylenol, thats all it took to control my pain. I felt SO much better not being on the narcotics.

Definitely start with the B-12. It is sublingual (melts under your tongue) so it is easy to take and the cherry flavored is tasty.

Tylenol didn't work for me. It is not anti-inflammatory and most of my pain issues seem/ed to stem from inflammation. After I had weaned off of the post-op narcotics, I usually didn't need anything at all. I knew that it was expected that I would be sore for a long time and I didn't try to fight it. When it became too much, I took ibuprofen. Worked for me.