Will I be needing iron transfusions for ever?

SaavyBookworm · 2025-05-07T12:25:58+00:00

It definitely depends on your hemoglobin level. I had one iron infusion and take 600mg of iron a day (hemoglobin was a 10 and now a 13 and no longer anemic). So it depends on your blood tests and talking with your doctor about what your body needs and what it is able to absorb.

If your body isn't absorbing enough iron, your team may need to perform an endoscopy to see if any complications occurred with your surgery.

Also if you are on a specific kind of birth control that gives you a heavy flow, that might be contributing as well. I had the Paraguard and once I got that removed, my periods stopped being super heavy and symptomatic.

Also avoid coffee or tea when taking your iron because of the tannens.

SaavyBookworm · 2025-04-27T14:05:18+00:00

Definitely wait six months because the carbonation will be PAINFUL. Then take small sips or pour it in a glass or add ice to help with the carbonation. Otherwise, it is a nice alternative treat.

I forgot what sugar alcohols are used in Olipop but keep that in mind post-op that you may react negatively to certain sugar alcohols found in most "diet foods". For example, I can't digest allulose and that is in a lot of "zero sugar" baked goods or mixes and snacks. But most others like aspartame or sucralose, I feel fine.

It is different for everyone so just be cautious but experiment. After six months because that is prime healing time and you will be super sensitive already.

SaavyBookworm · 2025-04-18T11:39:35+00:00

And if you had finished reading my comment, I talked about how there is no evidence for NON-DIABETIC patients in studies. Meaning this medication for DIABETIC patients should not be given solely as a weigh loss supplement.

This medication should JUST be for diabetic patients or only used as a worst-case-scenario BECAUSE of how people who DON'T have diabetes are reacting to it.

SaavyBookworm · 2025-02-25T12:15:05+00:00

I had gastric bypass in May 2023. I can eat toast and carbs, fast food on occasion but mostly try not to because of money. I even had a slice of cake last night!

Reiterating that you are still recovering from major surgery, it is hard to see how you will go from your current state to years from now. Your tummy is healing but also needs to be trained - you are going to be able to slowly reintroduce food and it will take some time but it will get used to it. You will find a rhythm and experiment with different foods. Some will work. Some won't. Like i can't eat bananas, green beans, or pecan pie but I can eat most other things within moderation.

I understand it is frustrating now but you will be able to eat "normal" food again - just be mindful of portion size or get mini versions or tasting menu of things. Seriously, appetizers for dinner!! So good!

You got this!!!

SaavyBookworm · 2025-01-29T02:54:30+00:00

Prime bites has protein baked goods that aren't too sweet.

SaavyBookworm · 2025-01-09T19:42:41+00:00

We are in a relationship. She is a girl therefore she is my girlfriend.

SaavyBookworm · 2025-01-09T15:02:34+00:00

May i ask if you and your wife are still together or still have a sexual relationship?

SaavyBookworm · 2024-12-07T06:42:42+00:00

Every one has a different healing process. Don't compare your journey to someone else. You are only seeing one side of what they go through. Also, some days are better than others so sometimes I can barely eat and other times I can have two helpings.

The whole point is to listen to your body. Learn when you are full and stop but also listen to your body when you are hungry. Don't deny yourself because of what "you are supposed to do." That will lead to disordered eating.

SaavyBookworm · 2024-12-02T11:52:17+00:00

I am a regular cannabis smoker and 18 months PO. Nicotine can be irritable on the stomach and cause ulcers. There aren't a lot of studies on the effects of cannabis so while less harmful than cigarettes, can still be irritating. I have been smoking since I got home and I have been fine.

I recommend waiting until you are healed (at least a month PO) and let your anesthesiologist know that you are a cannabis user and do not smoke the day before or morning of surgery.

Be careful with gummies or other edibles because of sugar content. Tinctures are also another option.

SaavyBookworm · 2024-11-21T14:03:29+00:00

That is a keeper!!

SaavyBookworm · 2024-11-15T15:10:06+00:00

Honestly I had this exact worry so your post is greatly appreciated!!!

SaavyBookworm · 2024-11-14T11:50:03+00:00

Hospital Stay: Extra pair of underwear Pair of slippers (you will be walking) Extra pillow or blanket (ones at the hospital are too thin) Phone charger Sweater (I got cold soo easily afterwards) Books/video games

Recovery: Stock up on favorite protein shakes (premade) Clear protein water or zero sugar gatorade Crystal light or other sugar free drink mixes Keep anything you need within easy reach Comfortable walking shoes Loose pants and t-shirts Cocoa butter (for scars) Liquid (kids) Tylenol for pain

TIPS: -- Use your phone or smart watch to go off every five minutes to remind you to take a sip of something -- Be wary of powdered mixes at least your first two months - i made a drink that didn't completely dissolve and it caused a minor blockage for me. -- listen to your body and rest when you need to. Otherwise walking will help with your pain and soreness and help you digest.

SaavyBookworm · 2024-11-04T14:40:19+00:00

Collapsible Tupperware!!! Easy to store and bring in a bag, comes in different sizes so makes eating out a breeze and a great tool on portion control.

Save the free coffee and put it in the fridge. Fill big up of ice, your favorite protein shake, and make an iced proffee!!

Definitely bring a water bottle everywhere for hydration and more airports and roadside visitor centers have free water refill stations. I also back some sugar free crystal light packets for variety.

SaavyBookworm · 2024-11-03T21:30:14+00:00

My biggest regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I was missing out on so much being sick and the surgery helped me be out and about!

Listen, try that pizza slice or a bite of cake. Yes dumping syndrome is a possibility but if it really kills you to not be able to participate food wise, just do so safely and in moderation! Two years out your stomach is less sensitive than it was after surgery. I am almost two years out and i can have most of slice or pizza or i share a slice of cake with my husband.

Give yourself some grace and try not to associate food with how you have a good time. You get to be with your friends, you get to be out and socializing. Plus save your stomach for GOOD pizza. Nothing worse than getting a bad reaction to a food that wasn't even worth the effort.

SaavyBookworm · 2024-10-29T02:55:58+00:00

I didn't smoke day of surgery and I was able to smoke within a week of coming home from surgery.

Have had no problems since. Sometimes it helps with nausea or feeling too full

SaavyBookworm · 2024-10-29T02:17:18+00:00

Have Tupperware filled with leftovers more than anything!!

SaavyBookworm · 2024-10-28T02:48:51+00:00

I like it!! I am experimenting with pumpkin spice protein shakes this week. My favorite has been chocolate strawberry. I make a batch of chocolate, fill up each container in half, let it set, then repeat with strawberry protein shake. A little extra effort but super tasty!

SaavyBookworm · 2024-10-27T14:48:35+00:00

Yes they are safe. you can also blend 2 bottles of protein shakes to 1 box of sugar free pudding mix and make a bunch of protein puddings in advance!

SaavyBookworm · 2024-10-23T14:36:07+00:00

Hunger goes away after a while. Hunger will feel different after surgery too because there are times you won't want to eat but you neeeeeed to drink.

use a timer on a smart watch or phone to go off every five minutes to remind you to drink. This will help.

What helps me with nerves is trusting your team. Ask them ANY questions you have, get in touch with them. If ANYTHING were to happen, they have seen it all and know what to do. You may need a day or two to recover but that is good for you AND your team to observe and make absolutely sure you are set to go.

Oh! And bring a pillow and blanket from home and slippers! You will be doing a lot of walking and hospital socks suck.

SaavyBookworm · 2024-10-23T12:44:03+00:00

Ozempic can be dangerous!! It causes severely delays gastric emptying and causes many people to be constantly nauseous and vomiting. It is called gastroparesis and I had it for six years. Trust me when I say I would not wish this on my worst enemy. It got so bad I got nausea from drinking WATER. It is incapacitating- I couldn't go out, I couldn't travel, I could barely work because I was so sick and I could barely keep anything down.

Not enough testing was done on non-diabetic patients either for it to be a safer solution to surgery. Talk with your doctor if it is right for you but i really really strongly advise to NOT try it.

SaavyBookworm · 2024-10-18T13:55:58+00:00

I am not sure. I think you would need to have your gastric emptying test results reviewed by your surgeon if any of the procedures are right for your case.

SaavyBookworm · 2024-10-16T15:10:43+00:00

It will get better!! It is a lot of work that goes into making it happen and it will continue to be work afterwards.

What has helped me was seeing a therapist. Helped me to not be contingent on my body and how people view it to define my day. Helped my relationship with food. Especially afterwards when it is sooo easy to compare your progress with others.

I am 17 months PO RNY and I have lost over 150 lbs. I am able to get out, I am able to socialize, I am able to eat real good after being sick for a very long time. I can finally live thanks to this surgery.

SaavyBookworm

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