ADVICE NEEDED!!!

Please don't flame me.  I have never been a high-maintenance person - I don't send food back at a restaraunt - whether or not it's prepared wrong; I listen to my doctors; etc. But right now, I just don't feel like my surgeon is listening to me, and I don't know what to do. Just a little background:  My surgeon required a 5 day CLEAR liquid diet pre-op.  On day 5, my surgery was postponed for a week, so I got to eat for 2 1/3 days and then back on clear liquids.   I had surgery on 4/29 and I really feel great.  I'm bursting with energy.  The problem?  I go to take a few steps and I feel like I'm going to pass out.  (Note: my surgeion requires 2 weeks CLEAR liquids post-op, 2 weeks full liquids, and in week 5 you get to start pureed foods). So, Monday, I went to my PCP for my B-12 injection.  I LOVE my PCP.  She is amazing.She took my blood pressure, and it's low.  So, she gets surgeon on the phone. Surgeon tells me to come see him, and says I can have a few bites of blended yogurt in the meantime. I go to the surgeon and he is with me for 3 minutes.  Doesn't take my blood pressure.  Says everything looks great and stay on clear liquids for another week, like the plan says.  Oh, also, he only wants me to have BOOST BREEZE protien right now - which I can't find anywhere - he doesn't want me to take ISOPURE for whatever reason, so with the exception of a few grams of protein that I'm getting from protien water - I have been protein free since 4/17.  I am getting in all my water.  I'm losing weight, I don't mean to complain.  But I have two young kids and can't live with being light headed anymore.  I don't do 'resting' well and right now the only way the room doesn't spin is when my head is down. I'm at a loss.  Any advice? Denise

Denise, Oh my gosh, why would anyone flame you?  I won't flame you   I was very weak the first few weeks after my RNY, and since the surgery my Blood pressure has been much lower than it used to be (and I never had high blood pressure), BP has been, at times, 100/65, and sometimes lower.  I used to have my daughter or husband stand outside the shower for the first 2-3 weeks because I was afraid I would pass out in there. As the weeks went on, I got stronger and it did seem to coincide with getting more nutrition in and more fluids.  How low was your BP, if you don't mind me asking?  I'm not defending your surgeon's attitude, and it sounds like he kind of blew off your concerns instead of explaining to you why it may be happening, but I have found that sometimes primary doctors do not really understand all of the ins and outs of WLS.  If it were me, I would call the surgeon and tell him exactly how you are feeling and that you need an answer as to whether or not this is normal, it can help to make a list of questions before you call so you don't forget...don't let him off the phone until you have your questions answered and you have peace of mind that what you are going through is normal, or a solution to your problem.  I am blessed with a wonderful surgeon that always listens, so I have not had this problem, but I have had doctors in the past that have brushed me off, and it is not a good feeling, especially when you feel lousy to begin with.  I hope that helps you a bit, take care and keep sipping as much as you can!

Edit: OOPS I just saw that you are RNY! So maybe this isn't the right advice, but you can read it and decide!

Original: I will probably get flamed for this, but I would go to full liquids so you can get some protein! I have never had to do clear liquids ever. And if you look at what other docs do you will find that probably more than half don't require two weeks clear liquids. I had two weeks full liquids and then mushies.  My doctor is in a Center for Bariatric Excellence and in the only one whi*****ludes two hospitals, so they really got a good looking over. This certification is not something you buy--it's based on quality and it is tough to get. It is important to listen to your doc but it is also important to listen to your body and you are the only one who lives there. His suggestions sound like RNY not band requirements and they aren't the same.

Connie 

I agree with Connie!  Go to full liquids!  I bet if you do, you will feel 100% better! 

Dear Denise: No flaming here either........ Sometimes, the surgeon just isn't listening, like seems to have happened to you. I would call the office and explain how worried you are and ask for an explaination as to WHY you can't have your IsoPure, if that's what you have chosen.   Minimal protein for almost 3 WEEKS is CRAZY.  You need at least 50-60 g per DAY.  I don't think you are going to get it in any other way besides protein supplements at this point.  I think you may need to point this time frame out to them. Now.....I have had low blood pressure since surgery too.  Mine averages about 98/50.  This has not caused me any problems at all.  My PCP and surgeon both said that low BP can come from being dehydrated, so make sure you are getting in enough water.  My doctors said not to worry about the low BP if it was not causing any symptoms, but for you, it is obviously a problem. Call them right away and stomp your foot until someone listens.

Denise, you do what you feel is right. I agree with everyone else, and I would be drinking full liquids also. I have a lapband, and  this is just my 2 cents.

Thank you all for your advice.  My surgeon is sticking to his guns about clear liquids... and I have chosen to not listen.  This kills me, becuase I really want to follow his advice - he's the one w/ the medical degree afterall - but I know my body.  I had about 4 oz. of a protein shake this morning and feel AMAZING.  I think I'll be able to get back to work MOnday!  YIPPIE. Denise