[rmyers61]

Hi, I have some concerns, I did gastric bypass on 3/3/08, they started me on clear liquids for 2 weeks, then soft mushy foods for 2 weeks, then little of this and little of that, I've been doing well, but this is a whole new way of eating and viewing food mentally for me.... my concerns: things don't seem to taste like they used to..not the same flavors, or tastes. I don't enjoy eating like I used to, I can't eat more than 3 or 4 bites, so I don't feel like going into a restaurant and enjoying the food, cause, it doesn't taste like before the surgery, I can only eat 3 or 4 bites, before I feel like it is going to make me throw up, I feel like my mouth is getting full of saliva and that it is going to make me sick, then if I go to the bathroom, I burp and sometimes a big bubble of air and phlegm come up, not always, and not with all foods.... like I can tolerate oatmeal, popcorn, jello, some soups, sugarfree ice pops, cottage cheese with fruit, but I haven't had any real meat since February, I don't know if I'll ever be able to eat certain foods like I used too, and I don't mean junk foods, but like some of a burger, maybe some chicken tenders, 1 onion ring, a piece of bagel, it's getting discouraging, but I'm happy losing weight. Someone wrote something on here about the foamies! does anyone know what this is and what it is called for me to ask my doctor about? should I worry,
also, for about 2-3 weeks now, when I roll in my bed to get up and out, I suddenly get real dizzy, like the room is spinning, but I do get up and then it is gone shortly after... has anyone experienced this? I'm not sure if I'm getting enough nutrients... but i do take all of my vitamins and drink as much water as I can. thank you for all of your help... I appreciate it... I am still new, and figure that eventually I'll be able to take in more things. sorry about being so graphic, but need to know.

[antbunni]

Regina,

Are you supplementing with protein throughout the day?? Most of what you are experiencing is normal in the beginning, believe me when I tell you it gets better, hang in there.

[rmyers61]

thank you so much Kim, I was getting a little concerned, then I went to this forum and found some discussions about the foamies.... actually from last year, a lot of the writers on here now went through them... I feel a little bit better knowing that I'm not alone with this, and the 3 spoons of food or 3 bites of food, I was worried, but seems like that's all a lot of people can do... thank you for your help... as for protein, my surgeon has not put me on any now, he made me take before surgery, and every time I see him, he gives me a new diet, but none of them say protein drinks, he does have me on vitamins and tums.... thanks, gina

[antbunni]

Gina,

I really don't understand why you aren't supplementing with protein at this point. Please check with you nutritionist. That could be why you are so tired too... any time you have questions this is the place to ask, great source of information. You'll do just fine.

[TamTamW]

This sounds something that I had gone thru at about the same as where you are at, I could only eat like 1 oz of food at a time, it sometimes depends on the size of your pouch, and remember you are still healing for surgery and sometimes this will affect how much you are able to put in the pouch. Make sure that you are getting in enough protein, I was told to get in at least 60 grams a day no matter in what form it was, you want to check with your surgerons office on this, protein also aids in healing. Hang in there it will all get better even the tastes, some may come back later. Ask any questions that you have that is what we are here for.

[waitingintn]

Make sure you are getting enough fluid. The fact that you get dizzy upon standing sounds like orthostatic hypotension. Otherwise--a blood pressure drop with a change in position. Sit up slowly, sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes then stand. I haven't had surgery yet but as a nurse, I have seen plenty of patients with this. Slow position changes and staying hydrated help.

[DocSanae]

((((((HUGS)))))

Your dizziness...are you by any chance on blood pressure meds? It may be that your blood pressure is now starting to come down with your weight loss, so your meds may need to be reduced. Check your blood pressure as soon as you can. If your blood pressure is fine, and you aren't on any BP meds, then the likelihood is orthostatic hypotention, but there again, some people do develop anemia due to lack of ability to get iron in.
In any case, whatever bugs you, be sure to ask your surgeon, whether the replies on this board seems to answer your Q. You need to make sure with your drs, that's what you pay them for, to be there when you need them.

As for foamies, what you are descrbing--about saliva coming up and all, that's how everyone who's experienced foamies describe it. It may be due to not chewing enough, or not eating slowly enough, or the type of food, but sometimes, there seems to be no rhyme nor reason. It will go away after a while, though.

Your protein intake: if your surgeon is giving you a specilized menu, or giving you instructions of how much of what kinds of food per day, then your protein intake most likely is covered so long as you are able to stick to the menu. If you can't, and find that you are getting in less of the protein foods than you should, then you may be low on protein which has to be corrected. Ask your dr what to do when you can't get in your quota of protein food for the day.

Hope this helps.

[not quite Barbie]

Take heart! You will be able to eat again in the future. I'm 8 months out and I can eat small amounts of just about anything. I still shy away from fried foods because all of the fat will make me miserable, but Tuesday night I had two fried fish patties (because I was running late and didn't have time to cook a decent meal). I blotted the grease with a paper towel and I didn't have any trouble. I had a fried chicken sandwich last Saturday (I ordered grilled and they gave me fried - grrrr) and I often have half a bagel with my breakfast. I can eat steak, hamburgers, pork and ham, - any meats as long as they are moist. Take advantage of this time when you can't eat anything to lose as much weight as possible, because soon you will be eating again, only less. yay!

Foamies happen, especially early out. Take tiny, tiny bites and chew 'em to death. Many of us used baby spoons for the first 3 - 6 months to make sure we took small bites.

Dizzy on rising is probably because you aren't drinking enough fluid. Are you getting your 64 oz. of fluid? I keep a glass of water by the bed and drink whenever I get up to go potty. 2 gulps and 1 sip.

But like Doc said, there can be other reasons so make sure you are getting your protien and water and check with your surgeon.

[amina6ae]

Always Nice To Get Some Ideas From This Forum, But Like Doc Has Already Said, You Really Need To Talk To Your Surgeon....
As Far As The Intake Of Certain Foods Is Concerned, We All Are Able To Tolerate Foods At Different Levels.. I Personally Had To Go Extremely Slow, & When I Did Try The Other Types Of Food, Pouchy Gave In Back In The John!!!!!!!!!!

One Step At A Time.
Good Luck.
Lol,

[rmyers61]

Originally Posted by TamTamW

This sounds something that I had gone thru at about the same as where you are at, I could only eat like 1 oz of food at a time, it sometimes depends on the size of your pouch, and remember you are still healing for surgery and sometimes this will affect how much you are able to put in the pouch. Make sure that you are getting in enough protein, I was told to get in at least 60 grams a day no matter in what form it was, you want to check with your surgerons office on this, protein also aids in healing. Hang in there it will all get better even the tastes, some may come back later. Ask any questions that you have that is what we are here for.

thank you Tammy, so is this normal for food not to taste to me like it used to? does it happen to everyone? thank you about the protein info, I will ask my surgeon on Friday's appt. Gina