Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Hello there, had my RnY Gastric Bypass on August 17th. So far nothing could have prepared me for the mental abuse I seem to be putting myself and those around me through.

I seem to be doing well, although all the liquids I'm drinking seem to taste the same. I'm walking quite frequently, but can't manage to keep my stamina up for long without sipping on my protein shake.

I'm just wondering what other people's experiences were the first few weeks after surgery, am I on track?

Hi, well, to quote that famous song line 'Nobody said it was gonna be easy'...This surgery is tough! Both myself and Cappy and a couple of others over the last 6 months have tried to get that message across as best we can, it's a wonderful procedure and you lose a lot of weight, but sometimes, it feels like you need to get to hell and back first.

The thing is, as well, everyone is different. Some people breeze through this procedure, lose the weight after a year or so, and that's it. Others have a harder time, and sadly, you never know what type you will be until the time comes.

You used food to comfort yourself. It was your antidepressant in a way. It was your 'pick me up'. And most people are the same. Suddenly, 2 weeks ago, you lost that ability to eat anything you wanted for comfort. So, you're going to be moody, snappy, irritable, because you have instantly lost your support mechanism. But it does get better, I promise.

I know what you mean about the liquids, it's hard. How about using some sugar free flavours in the water, to change the taste? I used to buy sugar free summer fruits, it was something different.

Also, decaff coffee and tea is fine for liquid, I switched onto decaff about 10 years ago and never looked back. It's amazing the headaches I used to get, well, no more of those!

I think you're expecting too much too soon. You only had surgery 2 weeks ago, it takes time. It's good you're walking, but don't push yourself too hard, please. Build up to it, let your body get used to the changes it's had, it's currently trying to adapt to the new inside you, and I think you need to do the same.

One thing I am confident on, if you try and push this too hard, you will not get the results you're wanting. Just relax a little, the hard thing has been done, so let it run it's course. Keep up what you're doing, and you know the surgery will work, you don't need to force it.

Also, don't worry if your initial weight loss isn't massive. It builds up. I only lost 8 pound on my first weigh in, I was gutted. The next one 5 weeks later though, I'd lost 36 pound.

Thank you so much for your feedback, I truly thought I was alone. I will slow it down, and try my best to let my body recover a bit. I'm just always used to doing things on my own, "getting it done".

You were right on about the food part of it too. It's always been there for me, reliable. Now it's gone and I have to depend on those around me for comfort. Not something I'm used to.

I didn't realize that an online support group might be a good thing. But I see after just one reply that it's the perfect option.

Again, thank you. I'm sure you will hear from me again, very soon.

I know, I totally understand. And it's weird, because you're not really in control of this. You can't push things through the way you usually do, you have to sit back and work with your body, not dictate to it.

Exactly. And you need to start to change your life as well. You need to start doing different things, you know? Start a new club, start saying yes to someone who wants to take a trip somewhere instead of saying no. I don't know about you, but I would say no to anything, because I either didn't want to suffer the stares or I was too tired. But this is a new you now. You need to start to think yes a little more.

Aw thank you Well, not everyone talks as much as me I tend to have this thing, everyone will tell you, but I don't cover anything or 'sugar coat' things, I just tell you how it is. I am not an expert, just 15 months down the line, and have been through nearly every complication there is. So, I pass on my experiences.

That's fine. Anything you want to know, please, feel free. And take time to read the articles and past posts, as you might find those helpful

Hi-welcome to our group. I did not have the struggle with food until the holidays came and I wanted to have more than 2-3 tablespoons of food at a setting. I realize that I could space out the food and eat more, but not what my mind was telling me. I learned to savor what i do like to eat and not morn what I can;t eat. I was not that much of an emotional eater. I kept pretty busy so I often forgot to eat. i hope this helps you see another experience. Cappy