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Hey just wanted to update everyone. I am 6 days post op and today is the best I've felt since surgery. I have lost 7 pounds from the day I came home from the hospital (the 28th). I've been taking Gas X and pain meds as needed and no nausea meds. I haven't had any issues getting food down...liquids cause a lot if grumbling and belching but nothing I can't deal with. I ate mashed potatoes for the first time yesterday and I had my first real BM (meaning no medicine to help and it wasn't liquidy sorry if TMI!). Still hoping my weight loss kicks in to hard drive...but until then steady she goes! Hope everyone is doing well!

I was sleeved on 8/21. After 8 days of no BMs, I called my doc about it and he told me to take some milk or magnesia. He said it would push the waste right out of me. I brought some expecting for it to work over night. It worked in less that 30 mins and I dropped 3 lbs to boot (TMI).

Has anyone ever heard of someone getting a hernia after having the sleeve. I think that a week after surgery I may have gotten a hernia after using the bathroom.... sorry if TMI.

Hello we are a group of August 2012 Sleevers Mentoring 2013 Summer Sleevers. This is a more indivudal group on facebook...its secret so you can feel free to post and talk about anything and have the support of a close knit group....as August 2012 sleevers we put a group on fb to be able to communicate a little more rapid. It has been a tremendous help for us in that group and so now we have started another group to give back and mentor this years summer 2013 sleevers. In our goup we share it all nothing is TMI orto be asked and discussed, its been a safe place to do that.... We would like to invite any 2013 summer Vertical Sleevers to join us....this is a secret group so you will need to contact me here and I will send you more information to get you set up.... Congratulations 2013 Summer sleevers on your surgery.

It was like I was touched for the very first time !!!! Lol TMI how much calories did I burn?

Hey sleeve sis! Glad you're doing ok! I too have not been hungry at all which I'm grateful for. My gas pains are pretty much gone. My abdominal wall on the left side (where they pulled my old stomach out of) is really sore. I actually wish I wasn't having BM's. I've had the runs since Wednesday. Its not the most comfortable thing because wiping is quite difficult because I'm so sore. Sorry for the TMI. Good luck! I can't wait to feel normal too!

I'm 52... a bit younger than you but so far I've sailed through it all... Constipation aside (sorry if that's TMI), which is important as we post menopausal lasses do need to watch out for rectocoeles and other pelvic floor type failures... we are much more susceptible than younger women and women are much more susceptible than men. I am conscious of the range of complications spoken of on these forums, and never take my good surgical recovery for granted. I am no stranger to major abdominal ops and chose a surgeon who is quite "conservative", in that he keeps patients in hospital longer than most and aggressively manages the risk of clots and leaks. That was really important to me, given my age and history. Hope this helps a bit.

Anyone care to share when they had their first bowel movement? I have had gas at this point but still no bowel movements and i was banded at 10 on the 28th SORRY FOR TMI but i think its probably important to figure out! I thought i would put a picture of my incisions incase any one wants to see! I think they are far from gross, in fact they seem to be pretty cool battle scars! So sorry if i gross anyone out!

I'm 6 weeks out I go about once a day but get the feeling like I have to go a lot but don't really have to. Tmi but when I do go its formed but still very soft I think it has to do with all my daily Vitamins. Highest Weight: 511lbs Pre Surgery: 435lbs Current Weight: 397

How many BMs did you have once you started going again after surgery? I had my surgery Monday and had my first BM today, and have had 3 since then all the same day. Seems a little odd since I only just graduated to protein shakes from water this morning.

My favorite thing, above people saying I look better or seeing the numbers, is all the NSV you appreciate when you are so big that the little things become unbearably awkward. Car seatbelts fitting (especially where the cars yell at you when it’s not buckled). Flying without feeling mortified or getting a 2nd seat (haven’t done this yet, I was still nervous about my flight in November so I still got an extra seat – we’ll see how it goes). Not feeling like a beached whale when trying to roll out of bed. I won't get too TMI, but anyone who was at the point I was might understand when I talk about just general bathroom and bathing issues. Not constantly fearing that I’ll break every chair you sit in. I mean, really, Seating could be an entire NSV for me all on its own. Chairs, cars, airplanes, toilets, the booth/table issue, etc. Still looking forward to: Not shopping from online or Catherine’s. I’m just now getting to the point where Lane Bryant will fit me. Roller coaster rides. Taking up running. I was getting to the point where my mobility was severely impaired. I felt like I was dying walking from my office to my car, and I would leave later or earlier than my coworkers just to avoid them seeing how bad it was (though they knew). The freedom that comes from being able to want to do something or somewhere and actually doing it is the greatest thing in the world. I say “yes” to so many more activities now because I don’t have to worry about not being able to walk the distances required or fit in the seats that are there.

My breaking point was when I found myself unable to climb the 18 steps up to my apartment without being so winded. And every night when I lay down in my bed my palpitations were very uncomfortable and were increasing as my weight was piling on. Also, when I go out some where I have to wear something black especially my tops. They have to be big enough to be baggy so as to hide my pregnant-looking belly. I had been having a harder time finding those shirts in my closet and would go out and buy more. I want this excess weight off of me forever… I am so tired of being tired and ready to live my life the way it was meant to be lived... No more physical restrictions of climbing stairs, putting my socks and shoes on w/o hurting and having my belly obstruct me from doing so… and being able to reach my butt when I go to the bathroom first thing in the morning w/o back pain!!! (TMI) I know and don’t care at this moment… I am so mad at myself for letting my emotions and food dictate my life…I am writing this out of sheer desperation to be understood…Who else feels this way? On the calmer-side of me my surgery isn’t till September 25th, my hubby and I are eating prepared foods that are 500 mg of sodium (give or take) for dinner at night. I eat small portions throughout the day and will be doing my protein shakes starting next week Monday the 2nd, one week extra than required to give my body more time for adjustment. I know after the surgery I will be on liquids for about 3 days, then moving on to pureed providing I can tolerate it. If not then I will go back to liquids. I am 42 years old and have been overweight-obese for a combined 24 years and if I wind up having saggy and baggy skin when I reach my goal, so be it. I don’t care as long as I can live healthier and longer without any physical limitations it will all be worth it in the end.

I think I was able to eat salads 8 weeks out. I really enjoyed it the few times I had them. However, I can no longer eat them. TMI Warning: They give me runny BMs, and I get immense gas pain. So they might something to watch out for. Too much corn also gives me immense gas pain as well. Although, cooked cabbage is no problem at all.

Everyone raises very good points that need to be considered. Regarding "the journey" - yes, it's a lifelong one. My anxiety comes from having done this multiple times before - up to 80 lbs on my own - and always gaining it back through the years for one reason or another - oh wait, one reason - i eat too much and make poor choices. My doubts on day 1 have to do with the expectation that we go from eating "whatever" on day 15 prior to surgery to drinking all our food on day 14. that's a tough nut to crack - but has to be done to get through. knowing myself - i know that i find things most difficult in the beginning and they get easier as it goes on. i expect by day 5 i will be more in the groove and feeling good about having lost a couple lbs. VST Addict - i truly appreciate - and enjoy your candor! please keep in touch! never TMI - always good perspective to hear the truth. i've been "fat connie" so long - i'm ready to just be "connie" and enjoy life to the fullest instead of telling myself it's ok the way it is

In your reply you said something important - IT'S A JOURNEY. But so is life. The question is, are you going to be a driver or a passenger? You said you live an active life - well, that may be true to some extent. But that is only active as you know it - active in the eyes and mind of a large person. If you choose to move forward - and I will have more to say on that in a minute - you will find that what you used to think was an active life was a fraction of what lies ahead. The sleeping is better, life is better, you feel good about yourself (maybe for the first time in years) and yes, the sex is better -WAY BETTER and way more frequent. Becuase you want it more, because it feels better and becuase no matter how much you are loved, looking better makes a difference. It just does. I know that because now I am officially a Hottie again. LOLx10. I still enjoy a few beers now and then - I did not for quite a while, but now I do and it is working fine for me. BUT,here is my sage advice. Make sure that you really want to do this. If you are on the fence and not comitted to that journey - with all its ups and downs and rocky roads - you are far far less likely to feel good about your decision, you may even regret it, and may unintentionally (?) undermine your success. What concerns me the most is that on day one of the liquid diet you are having second thoughts. That is really troubling. It gets way worse before it gets better. Heck, on day one I was thinking that it was not so bad. Day 10 -- I was a bit gritchy, but not day 1. After surgery, I had problems eating certain foods and had problems keeping food down for a while, but now a year out all is settled and my body and I are friends again and food is not an issue. I think you need to really decide what you want. I say that becuase it isn't an easy path and there is no turning back. It is a life changing decision and a lifestyle changing decision. So think it through. Now as for me, I can only say this - I look frickin' great, I am not self conscious anymore, I have all new clothes - good stuff baby - Versace, Halston coture, you know why?, because I look good, I deserve it, I have earned it and because I am never going to be fat again. And guess what else, I am chasing my wife around the house like a bad looney tunes cartoon. We have gone from one time per two to three weeks to 3 times a week and some times twice on Saturday - just because I can. And now that I am 100 pounds lighter I can catch her every time. She used run between the sofa and the arm chair and I had to go all the way around and she would get away... not any more. Although I am pretty sure she lets me catch her - because she wants to be caught by her svelte husband. Way more fun than her old fat one. And almost 1.5 inches more of a husband and less of a belly (TMI?). I think that is why she slows down on the corners. So a little humor, a little sage advice, and all the best wishes. Read as much as you can on this site. There is every experience, every perspective, and people that are so willing to help and be there for you as much as possible. THHHH That's all Folks......

Sorry if TMI but I've been having diarrhea several times a day since the day after discharge (Saturday), I put in a call to my doctors office but just wanted to know if this was normal? I'm having trouble with fluids on top if this so I'm afraid I will become dehydrated, please help!

I, too, had my VSG & gallbladder out on the 22nd. I'm told my gallbladder was HUGE & they had to cut it into three pieces to get it out! I have the video of my surgery & it took longer for them to free up & remove my gallbladder than it did to do the sleeve. Still, only the one of six incisions is a bit sore & I'm able to get by on just acetaminophen for pain. The main issue I've been having for the last couple of days is "gurgling" gassy intestines & liquid stools (TMI, I know). But I know it will improve once I get to add Protein shakes on day 8.

Im asking for help to stick to this pre op diet. Ive been on a high Protein low carb liquid diet for the past 8 days and i have 2 weeks to go.. tMI: im due for my period within the next week and i am craving chocolate soooooo bad right now...like really bad..i just want to binge on oreo Cookies right now BUT i cant.. i shouldnt..i must resist temptation.. but lately ive been worrying about whether or not i will be able to eat an oreo cookie again or another sweet like a piece of cake without experiencing dumping??? I guess the last minute food funeral has kicked in a little late...it kicked in after i started my preop..and ive been good for 8 days with the exception of a dill pickle on day 3.. I promised my OA sponsor when i felt this way..i would phone her..but her cell phone broke yesterday and i cant get ahold of her now and she doesnt use a computer... So someone..anyone..help! Before i make a stupid mistake

Thanks everyone. I knew I had a distorted image of myself, but I didn't think it was THAT distorted! Cajunlady, my wife was the first one to start telling me I needed to stop, but she never said I looked older. In fact, we were 'intimate' the other night (for the first time in a couple years, but that's a whole other story!), and she said that it weirded her out because she felt like she was with a 12 year old boy because there was nothing to hold onto! TMI, I know, but I thought it was funny. Bluto, that does make sense. It has been a big change in such a short period of time for the people around me also, so their image of me needs to change as much as my image of myself needs to change.

Glad to hear all is well. Just a tip... that comes with a warning too that it's mega-TMI, so only read on if this is your need. Lots of us girls get a rectocoele as the years march on, particularly if we suffer from constipation, although childbirth alone and a uterus determined to meet your feet someday will do it alone... All that pressure on our pelvic floors and something's got to give, so why not the ever thinning wall between your vagina and your rectum. Those occasions when you feel a poop just inside your rectum that won't actually come out are often due to your rectum expanding sideways into your vagina. Put a couple of fingers in your vagina and press towards your rear firmly and you will return your rectum to its more normal shape and size, allowing the poop to slide down and out. The longer the poop has been stuck the drier it will be so use a 5ml enema to lubricate if you can, or be prepared to go slowly. Without doubt this is some of the least fun you can have with your nether regions, but it does work. Taught to me by a continence physiotherapist. Good luck Ladies. And yes, God must be a man.

hahah let's see how many I can come up with (btw I love the laundry calculation ahhah) 1. I can fit more clothes in a suitcase for trips (or leave enough room to go shopping and bring it all back) bahhahahha 2. I can fit on rollercoasters, airplane seats and any other close or small sitting arrangement without feeling like I'm going to get booted or take over someone else's space 3. crossing legs..def 4. (TMI moment:) better sex, more flexible, more positions...and wearing lingerie with the lights on (you get the drift) 5. I can see my toes, I can bend, sit indian style etc..just overall more flexible 6. I have a major spinal issue in my lower back and the wl has helped tremendously relieving symptoms But while on topic..here's the things wl has done that I don't like 1. I cant tell the diff between my son (10 yo) and my clothes when folding laundry some times = wasting time ahhaha 2. I can't manhandle my bull mastiff (130 lbs) when he wants to pull on his leash (hey some counterweight is useful hahaha) 3. my children can overtake me in our wrestling matches 4. I have this addiction to buying clothes in the junior section (their clothes CAN BE way cuter lol) hahaaha

I completely agree! And I'm sorry if this is TMI but I can't wait until I can comfortably wipe myself while in a stall. Right now I use the handicapped one because of all the twisting I have to do.

i had got so large.....that i could hardly walk as my girth hurt my legs/knees and (sorry for TMI, i was having trouble wiping my butt after the bathroom)..but was that enough to make me do something about it..NO.....my son told me i was going to be a grandmother...i wanted to push her around the block in her stroller...that is and was the main reason i sought help..... the surgery helped me realize that once i got by all the reasons i (cant) and understood/accepted all the reasons i (could/can)...that i have...

Maybe tmi but has anyone passed stool or something like it?

I mdidn't haceiserably had this problem too. It happened first week of back to work. I didn't drink all my water as recommend, ended impacted. I did almost all remedies mentioned (stool softeners, mag citraste & fleet enema) had barely some diarrhea but still knew I had hard stool (tmi). What I'm trying to warn you is that I tried all these remedies because nothing really was working I ultimately ended up with fever, chills and very weak. I thought I was getting "flu" finally I connected the dots; I was severely dehydrated! Since u have a nursing background...connect the dots & u will figure it out! B really careful!