Peace, Love, and Protein Shakes: Vanessa's Bariatric Blog

Went to a gastroenterologist (a stomach doctor) yesterday afternoon. He was really nice and thorough, but there was basically nothing  he could do. He explained that the gastric bypass surgery is doing what it is intended to do-- to help me lose weight. Gastric bypass causes food aversion, or lack of desire or appetite to eat, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms are related to my surgery, and are common. Often, the food goes straight from the new stomach pouch to the new bowel. In short, anything I eat now goes straight through me without any time to settle, or digest. So there are only two options: what goes in must go up, or down. Also, since food has no time to settle, it is not being processed, which, hence, causes weight loss. The surgery was meant to cause malabsorption. Malabsorption is basically when the body does not digest food and its nutrients very well. And often, malabsorption leads to malnutrition, which is why I need the protein shakes since it is difficult for...

So, I went to my primary care doctor today for my monthly check-up. It took THREE HOURS  before I could have a 15 MINUTE  visit with him. Yeah. I love my primary care doctor. He's really nice and knowledgeable and respectful, but he takes FOREVER !!! There's some precious time I will never get back. Thank goodness that I have a more flexible and lenient schedule than most. And I was able to get a nap afterward, so there's that. Basically, I have to just tough things out. I'm seeing a gastroenterologist (stomach doctor) next week, so I'll see what they have to say. After that, then I may have a clearer idea on what to do. Yet temptation is everywhere!!!!! This is what I made Mom for dinner tonight. A big 'ol plate of Mac and Cheese. Fun. This is what I'm attempting to eat tonight. Less than 1/2 cup of Mac and Cheese, with a toddler fork. Yeah. This is what adulting feels like. I can't escape the real world. I can't escape food. Food is ...