Gastric Bypass- The spouses point of view

This article will not address whether or not you should get this surgery. Nor will I address what led to my husbands decision. The purpose of this article is to provide information to the people who support the gastric bypass patient. I've searched the internet looking for a support group for the loved ones of gastric bypass patients, and while I found plenty of support for those who have had the surgery, I could find nothing for the loved ones.

Gastric bypass is a big change, both for the patient and their families. With rapid weight loss your body releases hormones which can cause mood swings, anger and frustration. Added to the already difficult task of forcing yourself to eat when you have no desire to... Well, it's not a good combination.

The mood swings will flucuate in the first 4 to 5 months before your loved one will settle back down to the normal type of personality you loved to begin with. You may also notice that their tastes have changed. Prior to surgery, maybe they loved eggs of all kinds, and after, they can't stand even the smell of them. In contrast, they may now love food they would have turned their noses up at before.

 The hardest thing in the world to do is eat when you do not feel hungry. Sit down and eat a huge holiday meal until you are so stuffed you can't eat. Then force yourself to eat 8 ounces more. Thats how it is for the gastric bypass patient. I've found the best thing to do is give them healthy flavorful foods packed with protein. Protein is the main need in their lives now, and you've got to find ways to pack as much in to their 8 ounce meals and 4 ounce snacks as you can. I personally do not bother checking the fat content, as the little bit he is eating is not going to cause any damage. I look for low to no sugar content, and protein. Sugar for the gastric bypass patient is a huge no-no. Because of the nature of the bypass, sugar is dumped into the intestine at a lower point, and it is not equipped to deal with it. This will cause a painful reaction called Dumping Syndrome. They will feel dizzy, nauseous, have diarrheaand vomiting, which will last several hours, up to 24 hours. So avoid giving them sugar as much as possible. Sugar substitutes are fine. We've found that Splenda tastes the best.

The best way to get in the protein they need is through protein shakes, either buying them, or making your own. My husband cannot take the taste of them, so as a substitute, I make sugar free puddings and tapicoca with protein powder added in. This gives him roughly 8 grams of protein in 4 ounces of pudding.

 

The best advice I can offer is to be patient, the person you love will return to normal, only now they'll be healthy too!

 

 

Homemade Protein Shake:

 

8oz High protein skim milk

Whey Protein Powder ( one scoop is 15 grams)

I package no sugar added carnation instant breakfast

Optional: Extracts, such as vanilla, raspberry almond or lemon can be added for flavor.

Add all ingredients in blender. Mix well and serve

 

High Protein Skim Milk

To be used in protein shake, creamed soups, and puddings if desired

To make 1/2 a gallon:

16 oz non fat dry milk

1/2 gallon skim milk

Mix together in a blender and store in fridge.