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Post by newanatomy on Jan 5, 2014 19:20:21 GMT -5
Katie, I just want to let you know I think you ROCK for posting this day to day stuff! I am just under 2 weeks away from my surgery and this is so valuable to me!
XO!
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 6, 2014 2:58:21 GMT -5
Newanatomy, that made my day. I'm so glad this is helpful to you! I wish you the best of luck with your surgery and recovery. On another slightly more unpleasant note, I would like to note that I seem to have lost track of my bowel movements during this week of nausea and dehydration only to realize today that I haven't actually had a BM since 01/01. Yeah. Stupid me. I went from diarrhea to constipation and I didn't even notice. Jesus. So now what do I do? Stool softener... Prune juice? Time to search the boards. Also, I tried some fried dark meat chicken without the breading. Screw that mess and the miserable tummy feeling that accompanies it. I seem to find that anything greasy is a no-go at this point. And chicken is the devil.
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Post by Girlrocker on Jan 6, 2014 9:27:22 GMT -5
Newanatomy, that made my day. I'm so glad this is helpful to you! I wish you the best of luck with your surgery and recovery. On another slightly more unpleasant note, I would like to note that I seem to have lost track of my bowel movements during this week of nausea and dehydration only to realize today that I haven't actually had a BM since 01/01. Yeah. Stupid me. I went from diarrhea to constipation and I didn't even notice. Jesus. So now what do I do? Stool softener... Prune juice? Time to search the boards. Also, I tried some fried dark meat chicken without the breading. Screw that mess and the miserable tummy feeling that accompanies it. I seem to find that anything greasy is a no-go at this point. And chicken is the devil. Aw you are SO new! The constipation is likely coming from the dehydration. You can try some 'natural' remedies first for constipation like prune juice; for me, eating an 1/8 of a cup of Go Lean Kash Crunch with some almond milk did the trick, lots of fiber and kept me regular (during my RNY, fortunately have not had constipation issues now, or unfortunately, because I DO have diahrrea issues) Usually fats do the trick but this early out full fat might be too hard on your system - if you tolerate protein drinks, try making them with whole, heavy whipping cream. Or if you like sugar free pudding, same, make it with heavy whipping cream, and while you're at it, toss a scoop of protein into it, mixes great. While I'm an advocate for trying things, because we all are different in terms of what we can handle, what agrees/disagrees, I'd say it's a little soon for chicken for you. I eased in to more solid foods with lean deli meat and low-fat cheese roll-ups dipped in mustard. I also liked the Boca 'chikn' patties, like chikn' tenders but soy based and I dipped in ranch or ketch up. Also don't fret, things that might not taste ok or agree now often come back later. Eggs, tuna, crabmeat, shrimp work well too. I like tomato soup with tofu pureed into it and parmesean cheese, peanubutter and hummus. I think it took a couple of months before I could stand the smell or taste of much else, and my taste buds remained fairly fickle but I usually found a few things that worked and stuck with them until it all evened out. Your most important job is to stay hydrated right now, min of 48oz of fluid (water, non-caffeinated, sugar free, non-carbonated) If protein drinks don't disagree with you, easiest nutrition right now is drinking it, I doubled up my shakes so they were 60g a pop. I always went for easy.
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 6, 2014 17:33:16 GMT -5
Sore and nauseous today, but post-op appointment went well. Last weigh in was 364, I was 342 today. 22 lbs gone? I feel like that's a great start. Have a CT Scan scheduled to rule out kidney stones and another appointment just to check in. Still not cleared for anything. Bowels are moving again. Naptime.
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Post by deedee484 on Jan 6, 2014 19:37:11 GMT -5
Awww YAY!!! At this point we pick out ALL the GOOd things we can! right?? ha ha 22 lbs gone forever!! Hang in there girl you are getting there. Hope the CT comes back negative and the UTI gets better soon!
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 7, 2014 15:22:08 GMT -5
I moved into the next 'soft' phase of the diet yesterday, so far it's awesome! I had string cheese last night and today I had half an egg scrambled with butter and little pieces of sliced deli ham and some cheddar and a few nibbles of one of those toasted thin bread rounds. My tummy feels great compared to what it felt like a few days ago, and I have more energy and am able to drink a little more throughout the day AND I got my protonix, bactrim, and one multivitamin in so far. Overall, I simply feel less shitty! It's colder than the ninth level of hell, but it's a good day.
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 7, 2014 15:30:55 GMT -5
Also, now that I don't feel like I'm about to keel over, Girlrocker: you are so dang right about the chicken! I figured a little bit of dark, moist meat would be okay but it was just too much too soon. Blech! I'm beginning my relationship with deli meats today and I am so obsessed. Whoever decided to thinly slice delicious cooked proteins in such a manner deserves an award.
I never thought I would be so obsessed with things like BMs and deli meats at 22 years old, but that's life. Weird, wonky and juuuust right.
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Jan 7, 2014 18:24:01 GMT -5
Also, now that I don't feel like I'm about to keel over, Girlrocker: you are so dang right about the chicken! I figured a little bit of dark, moist meat would be okay but it was just too much too soon. Blech! I'm beginning my relationship with deli meats today and I am so obsessed. Whoever decided to thinly slice delicious cooked proteins in such a manner deserves an award. I never thought I would be so obsessed with things like BMs and deli meats at 22 years old, but that's life. Weird, wonky and juuuust right. Yay! Let me tell you, I take this a step further. The pre-sliced deli meats are not sliced thin enough for my liking. I like it paper thin, translucent so it just melts in your mouth and is easy on our new guts. The deli counter guy of my local grocery store is my BEST friend. I did not realize until I was post-op that it does not cost more to have them slice it for you fresh. I ask for it shaved on the absolute thinnest setting possible....so thin that it is almost crumbly. Every Sunday I buy a pound of peppered turkey, black forest ham and pastrami sliced this way for the week. Easy to eat at home or on the go and delicious! My favorite thing is to throw a handful in a frying pan to warm it up and melt cheese on top so it's tender and gooey. This worked REALLY well for me since early out and I still haven't gone back to "regular" sliced deli meats. YUM! Glad you are feeling better every day Katie!
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Post by deedee484 on Jan 7, 2014 18:30:15 GMT -5
Yay!! Sounds like you are progressing nicely!! So happy for you!! I know once a little food is tolerated your body (and mind) will start to feel one step closer to normal! Still working on that for myself....still can't tolerate much. How's the liquids going?? So glad you are even able to start your vits! Goood girl!!
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 8, 2014 19:11:32 GMT -5
Liquids are still really hard for me. 32 oz per day is my absolute limit right now.
But as my ability to eat increases, I find it's easier to hold more water, so hopefully that will continue to improve.
I can do one multivitamin a day, I would have tried to add another yesterday but I had bad nausea last night, so it didn't happen.
Cottage cheese and pudding have been added to the no fly list. And chilli. And saltines and hamburger meat/ ground turkey.
But cheese is good and yogurt, too. So I'm not sure if dairy is my issue or not.
I'm craving steak tonight. And shaved roast beef rolled up with baby swiss and spicy brown mustard, bib lettuce and maybe a pickle.
OH I found that about two days ago, when I was still on all liquids and experiencing a lot of nausea that sucking the juice out of a sour pickle really helped settle my stomach. Vinegar is a miracle liquid.
Also, tonight I'm drinking hot ginger tea with a bit of fresh lemon and a tiny bit of honey for flavour and that's also working wonders for my uneasy tummy.
My back/ left side abdominal pain has really eased up, and I'm no longer peeing blood, so i think the antibiotic is working. Yaaayyy!
I'm still kind of panicky feeling about food. "Oh God, what am I gonna be able to eat today?!"
But, I'm going in the right direction. The past two mornings I was hungry when I woke up. Which is different because before I really didn't want anything to do with food.
My tummy growled for the first time yesterday and my mom heard it. I thought she was gonna pee her pants from laughing. My tummy growl sounds like a baby tiger. Lol!
I'm still really tired and sleeping a lot and I've developed a nasty taste in my mouth that doesn't go away. Sour milk kind of taste/smell... I think I read somewhere it's from ketosis? I don't know, but it is really unpleasant especially when I'm already nauseous.
I'm still unsure about my BMs. I hear/feel gut movement and am passing gas sooo.... -shrug- idk.
But all in all I think things are really progressing well. Slowly but surely.
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Post by deedee484 on Jan 8, 2014 19:28:32 GMT -5
Katie....sounds like you are progressing a little at a time! So glad the antibiotics are working. I too am struggling with the liquids (about 20-30 oz a day by mouth) but have the irritating feeding tube to help. I know what you mean about the tummy growling...my hubby is shocked at how loud it gets! ha ha Every once in a while it gets extra loud and it really cracks us up!! ha ha Well keep putting one foot in front of the other...or should I say one spoon in front of another.... and hopefully soon you will start to have some good food days. I too get that horrible taste in my moutn!! Eewww! Here's to better and brighter days ahead!
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ttfulmer
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Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: December 2013
Surgeon: Dr. K
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Post by ttfulmer on Jan 8, 2014 19:39:12 GMT -5
Katie and DeeDee, I am still with you. It is a job to get fluids and food in. I can go without food very easily. I make it a job. I have tried several types of protien drinks, they are not for me. I am eating fish, even when I do not want it. I am still taking one multi vitamin. That hurts when I take it, but not as bad as when I took the entire days worth. Feeling great, just not getting all the protien and 64 oz of water in. We will get there. One day at a time. I am not discouraged about the food so much as the vitamins. In time we will be with the program. Still walking! Hang in girls.
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 8, 2014 22:51:09 GMT -5
Chicken salaaad is a revelation!! Food Lion sells rotisserie chicken salad they make in the deli and it is... The best thing since ice chips.
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Post by brooklyngirl on Jan 9, 2014 0:11:31 GMT -5
Try egg salad too, that went down very easy for me and was a snap to make. I'm happy you're updating, it must feel cathartic plus I'm sure it'll help lurkers/newbies in the future!
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 9, 2014 20:41:47 GMT -5
I had shrimp today, don't ever care to see shrimp ever again. Or garlic.
Actually, the thought of eating anything makes me want to heave. I'm kind of running out of options here. I think I'm going to drive my momma up a wall. Or she's gonna drive me up a wall. I warned her about a long recovery beforehand, I can't understand why she's so damn surprised and exasperated with me. It's not my damn fault I can't eat anything without getting nauseous.
I haven't really found a food that I can "go to" when nothing else works. I could always go back to the packing peanuts protein drink. Eugh.
Tomorrow might be great, but tonight I am unappreciative and bitter.
Fluids are a little easier today.
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Post by deedee484 on Jan 9, 2014 21:04:43 GMT -5
Aww sweetie I am so sorry you are feeling this way. I totally understand though. Food is just "sitting" heavy in my tummy today . I guess that's normal this early out but I too get frustrated. Glad though you are getting in your fluids though. That's great! Keep trying different foods and eventually something will taste good AND go down easy!! Hope tomorrow is much better for you!
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Jan 9, 2014 21:25:11 GMT -5
Can you do egg drop soup? It's brothy not creamy so it might sit easier.
In a separate small bowl, beat one egg with a fork. In small saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth to rolling boil. Add a few dashes of soy sauce to taste. Pour egg mixture into broth (make sure it is a rolling boil) by "dropping" or "plopping" globs of egg into broth, a little at a time. It will be 1-2 servings and warms well in the microwave.
Just a suggestion - it was a godsend for me! Aaaaannnnnd I still eat it all the time lately cause it's a quick and easy way to get in some egg protein while keeping cozy at the same time.
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 9, 2014 21:49:52 GMT -5
Deedee, I know exactly what you mean about food sitting heavy. If I eat anything that doesn't turn into a very fine mush in my mouth, I feel like I've swallowed a whole bag of wood chips whole for about three to four hours and they won't stop moving. I hope your tummy continues to improve as well!
Lisa, that sounds horrible, but I think I'm going to try it tomorrow anyway. I had some takeout egg drop soup before surgery and I don't know what all was in it but it made me very sick for about two days, so that's where the "nausea at the thought of it" is coming from. But maybe that will change when I actually start eating it. Thanks for the recipe, I'll be able to control the ingredients and that will probably be key as well!
Thank you ladies, you guys are so helpful and supportive. <3
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Jan 9, 2014 22:04:41 GMT -5
Deedee, I know exactly what you mean about food sitting heavy. If I eat anything that doesn't turn into a very fine mush in my mouth, I feel like I've swallowed a whole bag of wood chips whole for about three to four hours and they won't stop moving. I hope your tummy continues to improve as well! Lisa, that sounds horrible, but I think I'm going to try it tomorrow anyway. I had some takeout egg drop soup before surgery and I don't know what all was in it but it made me very sick for about two days, so that's where the "nausea at the thought of it" is coming from. But maybe that will change when I actually start eating it. Thanks for the recipe, I'll be able to control the ingredients and that will probably be key as well! Thank you ladies, you guys are so helpful and supportive. <3 Yes I totally understand your fear to try it again. But remember, take out places use flour for thickening and preservatives in their egg drop soup. I bet the flour is what bothered you. Yucky. This simple soup has a MUCH different consistency. Warm and brothy, not thick at ALL. It is super soothing for your healing tummy inside too. Ask your mom to make it for you. I bet she will.
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Post by brooklyngirl on Jan 9, 2014 22:23:27 GMT -5
Katie, I know it's frustrating and annoying to do so, and some people have the mindset of wanting to keep trying things to see what works, but maybe since you're suffering so much from nausea you should just take it easy on the solid foods for a while and stick with the liquids and very soft things. Trying new things and getting nauseated enough to not want them ever again or be able to drink is counterproductive. The protein shakes can suck, but look at is as medicine. Does yogurt or cottage cheese work for you? I lived on slices of American cheese from 2 weeks out for a long time, I'd break them up into tiny squares and they'd pretty much melt in my mouth and actually settle my stomach when it was feeling funky. And like Lisa said, soups were my mainstay at the point you're at right now.egg drop, or hot and sour but asked for it not to be spicy at all and just ate the eggy broth and tofu, cream of wheat with some protein powder and a tiny bit of smooth peanut butter mixed in, Greek yogurt, those are what I lived on.
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 10, 2014 4:38:12 GMT -5
Back in the hospital. Passed out in Walmart, blood pressure bottomed out, dehydrated. Still peeing blood, urine is suuuper dark. Low in magnesium and potassium. Doing 3L fluids, CAT scan to check kidneys and probably another round of antibiotics in my near future. -sigh-
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Post by brooklyngirl on Jan 10, 2014 4:48:42 GMT -5
Damn. I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure it probably doesn't feel it right now, but life will get better!
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 10, 2014 8:16:05 GMT -5
I'm home! No kidney stones, just a bad UTI/ kidney infection that the Bactrim didn't knock out. Ended up with 5 bags of fluid plus the potassium pills, magnesium bag and a bag of antibiotics to kick start the other antibiotics I start tomorrow. I'm feeling better, but that was scary. I've had a few fainting episodes in my life: heat exhaustion, dehydration, lack of food or sleep, but this was the worst.
I apparently stopped breathing, lost all colour in my face and lips and scared my poor momma half to death. She put my legs up on a bench and I started responding. When I came to I couldn't move my hands and my speech was slurred from my mouth being numb. Scary, scary stuff.
I'm not going anywhere else except to my doctor's office until I get my intake under control. I really hope I can drink more today! I also hope I can keep these potassium pills down, they aren't too easy on the tummy!
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ttfulmer
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Post by ttfulmer on Jan 10, 2014 9:58:51 GMT -5
So sorry! Hang in and drink, drink, drink! Praying for you.
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Post by deedee484 on Jan 10, 2014 18:02:34 GMT -5
Awww poor girl! How scarey that must have been for you AND your mama!! So glad you are ok for now. Rest, take it easy and try to sip and eat what you can! I'm praying for ya girl!
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Post by PrettyGirlBounce on Jan 10, 2014 19:37:05 GMT -5
Oh my gosh HOW SCARY! Please take it easy Katie. I know you probably have cabin fever from being at home so much recovering. It's easy to push ourselves beyond where we should when having a "good" day. When you do go out, stay in close tune with your body as to how it's feeling. Hydration and a little more R & R should do the trick...and trying to find some kind of foods you can stand to eat until your appetite comes back.
Keep us posted. I really hope you get some strength back soon! Hugs...
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 10, 2014 23:52:11 GMT -5
I slept all day.
Then ate a few bites of cheesecake, because it sounded good. It was good and it didn't make me sick. Of course not, it has like no nutritional value whatsoever and is full of sugar, so of course it's gonna go down fine.
Because my stomach wants me to be a big fat fatty for the rest of my life. It's a conspiracy.
I tried a nibble of one of those grilled Chick fil a chicken nuggets that was suggested to me by a fellow DSer I met in the hospital who is doing AMAZINGLY and getting all of her fluids in and eating food that she has the energy to cook with no issues and posting fucking annoying pictures of it all on facebook... I am SO glad she's doing well, I'm just a jealous bitch today and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Anyway, the chicken nugget just tasted incredibly sour and gross and then I took an antibiotic and now I'm horribly nauseated and I can't vomit because I really need that antibiotic. But there is no room in my stomach for a nausea pill or liquid. Or anything.
BUT, I've had several BMs today, so that's a good thing.
Hope this doesn't offend anybody. But I am doing this mostly for me, so if it does I'm sorry. But I'm not sorry because having said all of that, I feel better.
Tomorrow will be better.
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Post by deedee484 on Jan 11, 2014 0:16:27 GMT -5
Aww feel better tomorrow dear! We are all allowed to complain and have mixed emotions during this up and down rollercoaster ride! I had a bad food day too and hubby has been wanting a pizza (for him and my son) and I CRIED and said NO I can't take it!! After he got me calmed down he and my son went to Grandmas and ate! ha ha I felt guilty for doing that but I knew I could not stand it if they brought one in the house and I couldn't eat it!! After all it's my favorite food!! Later he apologized for even suggesting it! ha ha I just don't think others realize what we are going thru and the extent of the way our bodies are now! It sucks most of the time...but I KNOW it's got to get better! Hang in there Katie!!!!
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 11, 2014 0:26:08 GMT -5
Also, I went back and read your responses and decided that for the next few days I'm done with the tasting.
I'm just gonna go back to the water, gatorade, soy protein and maybe homemade egg drop soup or scrambled eggs. I think y'all are right and that that might be the only thing that will help my nausea and dehydration for the time being. Thank you so much for the ideas and suggestions and support!
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katieahuf
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Post by katieahuf on Jan 11, 2014 0:35:03 GMT -5
Aww feel better tomorrow dear! We are all allowed to complain and have mixed emotions during this up and down rollercoaster ride! I had a bad food day too and hubby has been wanting a pizza (for him and my son) and I CRIED and said NO I can't take it!! After he got me calmed down he and my son went to Grandmas and ate! ha ha I felt guilty for doing that but I knew I could not stand it if they brought one in the house and I couldn't eat it!! After all it's my favorite food!! Later he apologized for even suggesting it! ha ha I just don't think others realize what we are going thru and the extent of the way our bodies are now! It sucks most of the time...but I KNOW it's got to get better! Hang in there Katie!!!! I'm so sorry you had a rough day but good for you for putting your foot down! I can't imagine how hard that would have been. Watching them eat your favourite food. Ugh! What a good guy to apologize and be so understanding, though. I don't think there is a way to prepare the loved ones for this experience not to mention ourselves. We'll get through it, girl! One day at a time, right? Well on bad days and good days it's super nice to know that we have somewhere to come to bitch it out or rejoice in our successes and there seems to always be someone else who's been there or IS there to lend you some much needed support. You hang in there too, Deedee. It will get easier.
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