goodnuff

I'm happy to say after losing 85 pounds I can finally maneuver to properly insert and remove a tampon, so I know exactly what you are dealing with. I was going to suggest trying to insert it while in a different position. Worst case scenario you could try to put a small tampon between your labia next to your vagina, let the labia and your underwear hold it in place. It's not any more uncomfortable than a bunched up pad in my opinion, it will catch more blood too.

As an RN I just learned that several medications can cause a positive THC result, including but not limited to Protonix and NSAIDS.

Thank you for sharing your story, I imagine it wasn't easy to do. I'm looking forward to hearing how your journey goes. Keep your determination and you will be successful, best wishes.

Just want to say, I'm not butthurt by the OP and I accept the gift. Thank you.

I have worked on a hospital floor for over 18 years and there has always been "illegal" drinking at the desk. Most places have had designated areas close to the working environment to store drinks and rules about them needing lids. If your work place is more strict I'd get a doctors note stating you need to get your fluids in, take it to your manager and see what suggestions they have. On a side note by 3 months post op from RNY, I was able to drink 8 ounces in 15 minutes without any difficulty. It was just those first few weeks that were difficult to do more than a sip every 2-3 minutes. Good luck!

I just had a follow up appointment with a dietician at 5 months out. She said they recommend at least 65 grams of Protein right out of the gate and about 65 grams carbs maximum per day. This will help with energy, weight loss and decrease hair loss if you're going to have it. She said not to be concerned with calories, I assume keeping my protein up and carbs down will keep my calories relatively low. I had been having issues with constipation even though I was moving my bowels daily and was in terrible pain. I take 2 stool softeners every morning, Benefiber twice a day and 3 prunes at night.Those were a few of the things my surgeon recommended and I tweaked them until I found what worked. And of course at least 64 ounces of Water every day!

Due to constant stomach pain I'm going to try going back to a full liquids/soft diet for a bit. I think part of the issue is having difficulty digesting dairy. I need suggestions for getting 15 grams of dairy-free, soft Protein 5 times a day. I'm also curious if others have experienced bloating, gas and feeling like a brick was in their intestines even with daily bowel movements?

Prior to surgery I could not have milk, cottage cheese or ice cream even if it was lactose free, however cheese was not an issue. I do not think it is the lactose that causes the problems, possibly another component of dairy. I'm hoping to find a completely dairy free alternative to Protein without whey or casein. I wish there was a low carb, high protein almond or coconut alternative but I have not found any that are adequate protein sources.

I second the sprouted bread. There are many brands and types to experiment with, full of healthy grains, moderate calories, low sugar, and I've found some that have 7 grams of Protein per slice.

It's not only diarrhea or vomiting. It can be a feeling of fullness, even after eating just a small amount, abdominal cramping or pain, nausea, sweating, flushing, or light-headedness. I didn't think I was a dumper in the beginning because my symptoms were subtle, sweaty, light-headedness and exhaustion. I'm still figuring out what causes it, some days I can have fruit without a problem other days not so much. I've had small amounts of simple carbs without any dumping and other times I've been sick for hours.

B!?@#es be dumb. I've been asked if I'm disappointed in how slowly I'm losing. Until they said that I thought 75 pounds in 5 months was amazing. Oh wait....I still do!!! So many comebacks for these types of thoughtless comments but it's so hard to think of them when they are needed.

I haven't taken any prednisone or other steroids since surgery. I get Rituxan infusions every six months and the IV steroids with those infusions. I had RNY.

I have RA and was on prednisone for 7 years and took daily NSAIDS for the last 15 years. I decided to ween off the steroids because I have experienced first hand the effect they had on healing from previous surgeries. It took almost 8 months to ween from10 mg to none because I kept having rebound effects. This is a good article about weening http://www.cssassociation.org/patient-stories-reader/items/reducing-steroids-while-on-a-low-dose-activating-the-adrenal-glands-by-marian-mesker.html It's important to work with your doctor while weening if you choose to do so. And be sure to share your history with your anesthesiologist. The extra stress of surgery can cause an adrenal crisis and they would need to give you medications to help your body produce cortisol. I also knew that with a sleeve or bypass I would not be able to take NSAIDS. That was scary to consider seeing I relied on them heavily for relief from pain and inflammation. I have never felt better, my knee pain is nearly non-existent, I haven't had a flare-up or any swelling since surgery. It's the best choice I could have ever made. Good luck in your decision!

Sending prayers.

My surgeon okayed coffee right away, no more than 2 cups caffeinated. I asked him directly about ulcers and he said it does not cause ulcers. He warned about using it in place of food and making it sugary and high calorie. Since week 6 I've used 2 packets of Organo Gold Black in a vanilla Premier Protein shake and a serving of hazelnut or caramel agave over ice. It's my must have because I enjoy it so much every day drink. Sometimes I'll get a decaf Americano with SF mocha and SF hazelnut at Starbucks and add plain Isopure powder and half and half to it.

I had RNY, my restriction was 20 pounds for 6 weeks. Take all the help you can get in the beginning. I also had herniarepair at the same time and ended up popping an anchoring suture 11 or 12 weeks after surgery, after being released without restrictions. My advice is if you also have hernia repair wear a belly binder to hold your muscles tight when you lift for sure, if you don't need hernia repair I'd wear one anyway. Good luck!

As with all things I'm sure we are all different. For me if I eat too fast or don't chew enough I feel like someone punched in the gut until I'm able to pass the bowel movement and gas produced. So the pain has lasted 2-16 hours. I'm admittedly a slow learner when it comes to food and eating so this has happened several times. I'm 5 months out and still use the timer on my phone most days. I've realized it happens most often when I'm at work and unable to get a proper meal break and when I'm in social settings. You'll figure out what works for you.

Sending prayers.

I did. I used Blue Emu cream and IcyHot gel on my back nightly along with a heating pad. At my 3 week visit my surgeon suggested it was constipation although I'd been have daily bowel movements. He suggested I take 2 stool softeners and start Benefiber (or the like) twice daily. That did the trick within 3 days I no longer needed the creams on my back or a heating pad.

Thought and prayers for an uneventful recovery coming your way, good luck and feel better.

I can do 15 minutes on the elliptical, that's 14 more than 3 months ago. I can hike the Colorado mountains for 12 miles...twice as long as last summer. I can't wait to see where I'll be in 7 more months!

This makes me incredibly sad. As others have stated I have been guilty of less than stellar donations. This post will change that. With your permission I would like to share this list on my Facebook feed to give others the same opportunity to see where change is needed.

I put sugar free instant chocolate pudding powder in mine.

@SleevinChica, yes based on the weight I had to be cleared to lift by my employer. The surgeon had a tough time wrapping his head around the fact that I indeed lift that amount during a typical work day as a labor nurse, he asked me pre-op and at both appointments post-op if I "really" lift that amount. I wonder if he believed me if he would have recommended a longer recovery period and if I wouldn't have "popped" an anchoring suture?

@MisforMimi love how your eyes sparkle with joy in the current picture! That's totally Pharrell happy!