Still Hanging In There

[Guest guest]

Hey Everyone,

This is Muffy Kerber checking in. I'm sorry I haven't been in contact for a

couple of weeks. My modem went bad so I haven't had access to a computer. I'm

using my brother's now.

My MGB was on Mar. 27th, so it's been approximately one month since my surgery.

I've lost 18 pounds, which is very nice. I'm eating a pretty regular diet now,

except for meat or sugar - I don't have much of a taste for either. The

portions I'm able to eat are small.

After the first couple of weeks, I didn't have any problem with antacid or

heartburn, but I am still struggling with a lot of nausea and weakness. My

husband and I own a restaurant and I'm back at work most days now, but I'm

pretty much limited to working back in the office on the computer because I can

sit down. It's much better than it was in the first two weeks when I couldn't

walk from my bedroom to the kitchen, but this kind of low-key weakness and

nausea has been pretty consistent in the last two and a half weeks - not getting

better or worse. I usually avoid taking my third multi-vitamin in the evening

because it really adds to the nausea.

I have a lot of bowel cramping and loose bowel movements, occasionally diarrhea.

I can't seem to relate it to anything specific that I eat. Sometimes something

will be fine, i.e. soups, tuna fish, salads, fruit juice, or baked potato; and

then the next time, my bowels will start cramping. The slight nausea is with me

almost all the time. Occasionally seltzer water or a carbonated soda helps

settle the nausea - but the sodas usually taste too sweet. I get depressed

thinking that this is as good as it's going to get.

I've e-mailed all this information to Dr. Rutledge and am waiting to hear from

him.

Any advice or words or encouragement. Have others experienced these symptoms

after the first month? I don't think it would be so bad if I just knew that I

was going to feel better at some point.

Thanks,

Muffy Kerber

MGB 3/27/00

Started at 246 lbs.

Currently 228 lbs.