minaleigh

I didn't have to inject anything after surgery. I've never had blood problems that would require blood thinners, though. I'd ask your surgeon. If you don't get clots or anything like that, I assume you don't need thinners. The only thing they had me do to help prevent clots was keep those hospital compression stockings on.

I didn't have to do the 6 months diet. My surgeon wanted us lose 30 pounds (no matter what your starting weight was) to 1. see if we could do it and 2. to shrink the liver. Now, I only lost 16 pounds (shame, shame, I know) but he operated on me anyways and didn't even lecture me about it. Do I wish I lost the full 30 before surgery? You bet, because that means that would have been less weight to worry about afterwards. I wouldn't have made it if I had to a 6 month diet. Granted, it took me 5-6 months to go through the whole pre-op process, but if they added that in, I probably wouldn't have been able to do it. I commend anyone who can. Good luck to you!

My period never outright stopped, though sometimes I feared it had. I've always been irregular, going from 4-5 weeks in between to even a freak time when I was two weeks in between. To be honest though, this is better than what it was before my surgery. I was almost 6-7 weeks between periods at my heaviest weight right before surgery, but now it's more like five weeks. I'm three months out so I don't have enough months to form a reliable estimate that could tell you if it's for sure gotten better. I'm not a medical professional by any means, but my guess would be that as you lose weight, your periods will probably return and become more regular. Not medical knowledge, just my theory. Perhaps consult your ob-gyn or surgeon?

When it comes to the pain of the surgery, it was more soreness around the incision area and the abdomen muscles than anything. I'm sure there's an explanation (I just don't know what it is) but for a week after the surgery, my abdomen felt like I just did1000 sit-ups or something. Made getting out of bed an experience! Lol. Now what was painful for me was the gas that was stuck. It hurt to lie down, sit up, walk, etc. I admit to being a wuss when it comes to pain. I have broken my knee before, and that hurt a LOT worse than this surgery, though. I've never given birth, C-section or otherwise, so I can't compare the surgery to any other sort of stomach pain.

I know exactly how you're feeling. This past week I've been a bit depressed with what's going on in my life at this current time. I, of course, turned to my old friend and comforter: food. Stepping on the scale to see that it hasn't moved all week has given me some motivation. So, I started exercising more, upped my Fluid intake, etc. I know you will get through this! Going off track every once in a while won't ruin your whole journey. Just take it one step at a time and you'll be back to shedding off those pounds.

Like others have said, don't rush into certain foods. I had surgery in November and just last week, I threw up the pizza I had. It was one of those small personal pizzas that I was just craving like crazy. Didn't even get to eat a third of it before the sleeve reminded me of its existence. Needless to say, I gave the rest to my roommate. Also... avoid loaded potato skins, or just heavy food in general right now. Seems like common sense, but I didn't listen. Took me 15 minutes to eat one... and then I threw it up. Gave the other one I had to my roommate. Almost three months out and I'm still learning. Yeah, my roommate seems to be the only beneficiary of this surgery! I kid.

I assume it would be fine. I ordered some from Applebee's during that phase and I was fine. I made sure to try and skip around the chunks of potatoes and if I did get some, then I would chew very thoroughly. Only problem I really had was that it was probably was a bit too greasy so my stomach gurgled a little bit. I also was only able to get 3 or 4 spoonfuls! Since you are making it yourself, you should be better off since it'll be less greasy and you'll be able to puree it.

I had mine laprascopically. I'm just saying it hurt to throw up right after surgery, because, after all, I did have major stomach surgery, so naturally it hurt to move that freshly cut stomach in a violent manner by throwing up. Now, it's fine. Only incision that hurt really was the big one that they took the stomach out of, but that's because the skin had to be stretched. My surgeon and nurses didn't say that it was a magic solution, and that the hard part happened after we left the hospital. Coming on here, though, and seeing so many people say they had absolutely no hunger or desire for food made me think that maybe, just maybe it'd be the same for me. I wasn't one of the lucky ones, though. Not complaining about being "disillusioned," just stating what I read and heard. Thanks for the well wishes.

*sorry this might be a bit gross* I had this problem big time after surgery. I was carrying around the spit/barf bags that hospitals give you for 2-3 weeks. I made sure to bring some extras home. I would wake up from a dead sleep having to throw up because of all the spit that would run down my throat while I was sleeping. It was horrible. I think it's pretty rude that your work told you not to come in because of something you can't help. Maybe every so often cover the top of where you spat in the trashcan with tissues? I don't really have a solution. Mine just went away on its own. It did, however, seem to get better after I progressed a bit more through my food stages. How far out from surgery are you and what stage are you on? After I got past the liquid stage and through most of the pureed stage, my need to spit decreased dramatically.

Pretty much what they said. I had five incisions and the biggest one that's to the right and a bit above my belly button is where they took the stomach out. It's about an inch and a half long.The stomach is a stretchy material (hence why we could eat so much) so I assume it can squeeze through tight spaces. That's the incision that hurt the most because they had to stretch the skin a bit.

I wish I would have known about the emotional and mental struggles. I actually never ate that much before surgery. I couldn't/didn't eat a whole pizza by myself or drink tons of soda. Did I eat the wrong things? Absolutely. Going from that to heavily limiting my food (especially my beloved carbs, may you rest in peace) was and still is hard. I also wish I knew more about head hunger. I had preconceptions that this surgery was the "miracle solution" that would take all of my hunger and desire for all things bad for me away. It may have worked for some, but it didn't big time in my case. I wish someone told me about how much vomiting just plain sucks right after surgery. I mean, it wasn't a picnic before, but heaving when you've just been cut open and it feels like someone drove a steamroller over your abs? That's not so fun. I remember a nurse asked me if I regretted the surgery when I had to be readmitted due to complications. At the time I said yes, I did regret it. Right now? I can honestly say I don't know. I've lost almost 40 pounds since surgery, but *I* don't see the physical proof of it yet. Get back to me when I'm the newest citizen of Onederland.

Yeah, that's probably another reason. I just don't recommend drinking with meals. Granted, I was never one to dunk Cookies or even pour milk in my Cereal, as I don't like soggy food. So trying to break that sort of habit has been fairly easy for me. If your surgeon says not to, it's best to listen.

Welcome to the site! 65 pounds in 3 months is amazing! That's over 20 pounds a month. Good luck on continuing weight loss and hope to hear more from you!

I know one of the main reasons people give is because the water will push the food down before you're able to get the nutrients from it. I just know from my experience, it hurts. The first time it was when I was at work. I had some deli meat and cheese and while I didn't necessarily drink with it, I didn't wait long enough and had to rush to the bathroom to throw up. The next time I did, I was at school and I slipped back into the old habit and drank immediately after I ate because my mind was elsewhere and not paying attention. It hurt and felt like a bowling ball had settled in my stomach.

Sounds amazing! I've been thinking how I could make some lasagna or pasta dish. May have to try this next time I have people over!

Is 22 young enough, you whippersnapper?

I've definitely been slacking on keeping myfitnesspal up to date so this might help me stay on track! My name on there is minaleigh.

Congrats! That's amazing. Keep up the awesome job!

I had the same problem for a long time, and I had friends willing to go with me as well. I go to the gym at my school and I found a pretty good time to do it. I go before I have class, around 10am-12pm, and that's when all the older people go. Get to around 3-4pm and that's when all the athletes are around. I'm not sure how big your town is or how many gyms it has, but it might be good to scope out some before you join one. Or, if you're still self-conscious, you could exercise at home until you feel more comfortable. It wouldn't cost much to get a few weights and bands.

I am 22 and it was my mom who got me interested in WLS. My mom had the gastric bypass about 32 years ago, but besides that, I didn't know anyone who had surgery or much about it really. Since it was several months ago that we started this whole process, I can honestly say I don't remember how it got brought up. We went to the first seminar and I was a bit skeptical. I didn't like the idea of someone poking around my insides, especially since I was such a young age. My mom was pushing me to get this surgery, and I didn't want to at the time. I tried to do it on my own and ended up failing. I finally woke up one morning and realized, "you know what? I hate that I'm putting myself through this." I ended up watching NUMEROUS testimonies and videos on youtube from people who have been through the surgery, mainly the lapband and sleeve. I called my mom and told her I wanted to go through with it. Let me just say, she was surprised! I'm 8 weeks out now and glad I got the surgery. Being overweight since I was 9 has made me miss out on a lot of things. I wanted to end my college experience right. I hated being the "fat friend" of the group, being a wallflower, forcing myself into an anti-social lifestyle. I would look over my friends' pictures on facebook and cry at all the fun times they were having. Now, I am 8 weeks out, 35 pounds lighter and definitely having more fun. :wink1: Could it be that your daughter is scared? I was at first. How many times has she dieted over the years? Maybe she thinks this won't work for her if the other stuff didn't. Is she generally a shy person or outgoing? If she's shy, she might be hiding herself behind her weight. Did you guys ever argue about her weight or did she get defensive about it? Even now, discussing my weight problems with my mom reduces me to tears. I just couldn't believe how far I let myself go. It made me miss out on SO much and I'm frustrated with myself that I let it happen. I know it's not your intention, but don't try to push it too much. Like others said, you can encourage her. Support is the best thing. Recommend things for her, let her do her own research, and let her come upon the decision on her own. She'll thank you in the long run. :smile1:

I actually lost 25 pounds the first two weeks because I had complications and was keeping NOTHING (not even water!) down. After they fixed me, I gained 6 of it back. My poor body... so traumatized! I'd have to guess I lost about 26 pounds the first month. 36 pounds in ONE month is amazing! That's more than a pound a day!

How fun. My name is Amanda and I'm 22. I was born and raised in both northern and southern Illinois, except for one year where I lived in Missouri. I'm currently in college working on getting my BA in Graphic Design and Art History. I work in a movie theater (sadly with popcorn smell wafting around me at all times...) and it's a blast. I am single right now and hope that changes after I lose more weight and be happier and more confident in myself! I love, love, love to read. I mainly like fiction, particularly fantasy and historical fiction, as I get enough non-fiction in my own life. Anything related to East Asian cultures is fascinating to me. My bedroom is decorated with Asian influenced items. I have also loved mythology since I took a class on it in high school, where it mainly focused on Greek/Roman. A few years ago, I started getting into Norse mythology, especially since my dad's whole family is Norwegian. I also love video games and cartoons/anime. I'm a total geek. Guess that's all I have to say!

I hear ya on the roller coasters thing! One of the most embarrassing moments of my life involved me being left behind while my friends went to go on a ride. I also want to ride a horse and wear cute clothes!

Hello all! Well, I'm in my 8th week post-op and doing pretty good. Still working on trying to eat slower and enough. Anyways, people have been telling me stuff like, "you need to buy smaller pants, those are falling off!" Well, to be honest, I couldn't really see my weight loss the way they could. I'm 35 pounds down since surgery, and about 50 total (YAY!). Basically, I haven't weighed this since my junior year of high school. Let's just say that some people get the "freshman fifteen" weight put on in college... I got the freshman forty! Well, I was wearing one of my favorite shirts and have owned it since 8th grade. I remembered I had a picture of myself wearing it from two years ago while on vacation with my friend. Let's just say NOW I could tell a difference. So I took a picture of me in it last night! Before: August, two years ago. Probably near my highest weight, around 289. I'm pretty much mad at myself for ever thinking it was a good idea to go outside looking like that. After: Last night. Weighed myself right after I took the picture and I was at 238.6. 50 pounds gone! You can't see it from this angle, but my horrible back rolls are almost pretty smooth! No more fat popping out around my bra! My main issue now are my "saddlebag" thighs. I've always been pear-shaped, with a smaller top and huge butt and thighs. I know walking/running can help get rid of it, but what are some exercises that can specifically target that area?

That's great! It's an awesome feeling to check off another requirement off your pre-op to-do list.