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I'm hoping it will. I've had great results so far, and I've gone from having hair basically all over the front of my neck and along my jawline to only having a couple of spots on my neck that are about the size of a dime each. From what I can tell so far, all the visible hair follicles in both of those spots seems to have had a reaction to this last treatment. If I need more treatments, though, they've said that they aren't as expensive as the whole package was. I think it's something like $50 if it's less than 10 hairs, a little more expensive for more hair. Believe me, don't let yourself get talked out of laser treatment because of the pain. Even as painful as this last treatment was, I'd still do it again in a heartbeat. And seriously, this treatment was over in less than 3 minutes with the wet laser. even with the tech going over a few spots multiple times. It really hurt, but it was FAST. It probably would have felt better, honestly, if I'd had the same technician that I'd used for the other treatments. The other one was better about stopping for a bit when it was getting too painful for me. This one would only hesitate a few seconds if I flinched away from the laser. I'm definitely going to try to save up for more laser treatments. I'm hoping that my eventual tummy tuck will get rid of most of my abdominal hair (TMI, probably), but my leg and arm hair is very obvious. Even after shaving, you can see my leg hair follicles because I'm so fair-skinned. And I've been waxing my arms, so I'm tempted to just do laser on them.

I had tried a bunch of protein shakes and did the dry heaves (tmi) with everyone of them. So far the only thing I have been able to tolerate has been Isopure. I just have to make sure I don't smell it. The smell of the whey protein gets me every time. The taste is not so bad. Another thing I do is add powdered fat free milk to my sugar free pudding to up the protein. Hope some of these ideas help.

Hi all, I'm eight days out of my VSG surgery with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali and wanted to share my experience with anyone still trying to make the decision. I had questioned on these boards if he was really worth the extra money and let me say, without reservation, that he and his staff is worth every penny! I'm sorry this is so long - I tried to keep it brief but failed miserably. Day 1-2 pre-surgery: Of course the day before my flight out I had to work til 9pm, because I had to be up by 4am the next day to get to the airport. Nothing like starting out a long trip tired! Total travel time from my residence to San Diego was 24 hours, since I got delayed in LA. Ernesto was waiting to pick me up, along with my mom who met me in SD and another patient and her friend. They were gracious about having to wait the extra hour for me. I'd only slept about 20-30 minutes total on all those flights so I was super tired and wired. Drive to Mexicali took about 2.5 hours. We were met by Karla, an assistant, who walked us through our pre-op tests before meeting Dr. Aceves, Dr. Campos, and the anesthesiologist (by this time I'd been over 30 hours with no sleep so I can't remember his name but he was super nice.) First impressions of the hospital and especially the doctors was extremely good. Even so, due to lack of sleep and an 18 hour time change, I started doubting if I wanted to go through with it. Dr. Aceves and Campos spoke to us in length, answering every question we had. Dr. Aceves has THE BEST bedside manner and comes across as one of the most sincere, genuine, and compassionate people I've met. I immediately felt comfortable with him. Finally we were taken to our hotel about 15 minutes away, which is lovely. Mom and I set out to find carne asada tacos that I remembered from my time on the border and found a local hole in the wall joint that served amazing food!!! I savored every bite of my dinner. I didn't drink, even though Dr. A okayed 2 drinks, as between the lack of sleep and jet lag I figured it might give me a migraine. Surgery Day Thanks to jet lag I slept about 4 hours the night before surgery. I didn't really feel nervous except I really wanted to poop before it was my turn to go in. TMI, I know, but it's true! I was scheduled for 9 am. The shuttle was late picking us up so we got to the hospital about 30 minutes late. Karla was frantic since we still had to do our EKG and X-rays (we were too late the day before to finish). I changed into a gown, went poop (thank god!!), had a quick chat with Dr. Aceves, Dr. Campos, the anesthesiologist, and then the internal doc. All looked good so they loaded me on a gurney, put in an IV, and took me away. I still wasn't nervous; I think the whole thing just felt too surreal to process. When we arrived in the OR, I remember scooting to a different bed, and the anesthesiologist asking me if I wanted a pillow. I told him "I don't know" and he started saying something about how if I didn't know, I probably didn't need one, ha ha. Two seconds later I was waking up and it was done! I had a hard time waking up (remember the major lack of sleep) but I remember feeling nauseous and I did throw up once, right after telling them I was going to. No mess, no big deal. The rest of the day is a blur. All I remember is that sleeping felt SO GOOD! I pretty much drifted in and out all day. I think I only got up to pee once, in the middle of the night. Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos each checked on me twice that day/evening. Day 1 Post Surgery I felt some pain in my abdomen but not much, as I was pretty drugged up. I slept A LOT that day. Nurses were very attentive and friendly. The docs came by to visit several times each. I got up to walk a couple of times and peed maybe twice all day/night. I thought it was weird I never had to go! I had a hard time sleeping that night, partly due to some pain (that was quickly administered to) and partly from the time change. Plus my stupid machine I was attached to kept beeping and waking me up. Grrr... Oh yeah, I drank the yucky blue liquid and was cleared for no leaks. I asked for crushed ice to numb my taste buds so I could choke the stuff down. It was nasty! After that I was given juice and Gatorade. It was really tough to try to drink and I had no desire whatsoever. Sip. Sip. Sip. Had a shower and changed into a fresh gown. I wasn't ready for PJs yet. I got a second sleeping pill midway through the night to help me sleep. The pain in my stomach started to increase and I was really uncomfortable. Day 2 Post Surgery I passed the barium swallow test and saw my new stomach. Holy cow, it's small! I was unhooked from the stupid beeping machine so Mom and I got outside a few times and walked around a few blocks. I was pretty slow and really had to force myself to stand up straight. My stomach felt like I'd been run over by a car. More walking, sipping, walking, sipping. Got into my PJs after a shower. Gas pains started. Ugh. I was so tired and slept a lot. There were other patients that had the surgery a day before me and they were all perky and looked like they felt great. I asked Dr. Aceves what was wrong with me since I still had pain and didn't feel perky AT ALL. He was very clear that I shouldn't compare myself to anyone else, as we're all different. I was freaking out that I was supposed to fly home in a few days - there was NO way I'd be fit to travel so fast! What were they thinking letting people check out after 3 days!?! I tend to act tough when I'm not but the gas pains got kinda bad that day and even though I could go outside and walk around, it was pretty uncomfortable. I think I was expecting a walk in the park. I was wrong. At one point I started crying and Dr. Aceves got more meds into me fast. He and Karla admonished me to not let the pain get too bad before saying something. They assured me the pain would reside once I got the drain removed. I was SO SO SO glad to still be in the hospital. I didn't feel regret but I did feel mad at myself for being in this situation - ie, getting so fat in the first place. (A few hours later I started my period so at least then I knew why I was being such a big baby.) Young Dr. Aceves (daughter of the great Dr. Aceves) took out my drain. I took a nap and woke up feeling much better. I had to get a second sleeping pill again this night. I was so thankful for the round the clock care I was getting. Day 3 Post Surgery - Checking out I finally got the IV out of my hand which was a relief. I woke up early, showered and felt great. Then after a couple of hours I was ready for my nap. The pain in my stomach was much duller. I was able to sip the juice, Gatorade and broth with no problem, but very little amounts. I got outside and walked around a few blocks, went to the pharmacy with my mom, and sipped some more. Even though it was Sunday, Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos were there, checking on everyone. Dr. Aceves wanted me to stay at the hospital until after lunch, as he knew how concerned I was about my long trip home in a few days. He reassured me and separately talked to my mom, telling her that I was doing great and would have nothing to worry about. At 1pm, Karla packed up some broth, juice, and Gatorade, and Ernesto whisked us away to the hotel, all of my medical records, DVDs of X-rays and my new stomach in a folder provided by Karla. I went out by the pool, poured myself into a lounge chair, and napped for about 2 hours. Glorious! Mom and I walked around a good deal that night, finding her some good food. I was able to walk comfortably, standing straight. Day 4 Post Surgery - Mexicali to San Diego Ernesto drove us to San Diego at 7am. It took about 3 hours with the border wait. Karla had reserved us a room for the next two nights. These people are so well organized and are there for us every step of the way! We took a short walk, I napped for a couple hours, then later we walked a good distance to find my mom dinner. I was starting to feel really good. I ordered broth and was able to eat a small amount with no problem. I'm a stomach sleeper and was finally able to sleep on my stomach with little discomfort. YAY! Day 5 Post Surgery Mom went home today so I was alone in SD. I woke up early to see her off then took a nap. I walked down to my former favorite Thai restaurant and scored some excellent broth. I felt really good and surprised that the pain just kept fading so fast. I took it easy that day, napping, reading, watching TV, walking a bit here and there. I felt really confident about flying home. Day 6 Post Surgery During my "2nd Day after Surgery Freakout" I upgraded my flight home to first class, thus rerouting me through my home town for 24 hours and breaking up my long trip. Score! I woke up again amazed at how much better I felt than even the day before. Fluids went down no problem. I got to see my family for a few hours that night. No one suspected I'd just had surgery. Day 7 and 8 Post Surgery I ran a few errands with my mom on the way to the airport. My mom was surprised at how perky and energetic I was. I was feeling great! I was able to sleep for a solid 2 hours on the 11 hour flight, thanks to my flat-bed seat. Got a massage at the Tokyo airport during my layover and walked around as much as possible. Slept for another 2 hours on the next flight. I arrived home at about 2:30 this morning and slept til nearly 7am. Took my doggies for a 2 mile/45 minute walk and unpacked. I'm tired and want a nap but am holding off for an early bedtime to try to re-adjust to the time change. I feel really great, no pain in my stomach, just a little mild discomfort. OK, how would I rate Dr. Aceves? 10/10. I cannot rave about this man enough. Really. Staff, including other doctors, the nurses, and patient coordinators? 10/10. Transportation and lodging? 10/10 If anyone has any questions about Dr. Aceves or my experience, please message me. Sorry for the long post!

Hi all. I'm approximately 8 weeks out, and I just spent the past two days suffering from severe constipation that resulted in fecal blockage. The first day of constipation wasn't too bad, so I figured two MOM capsules at bedtime would do the trick. Nope, woke up the next morning still constipated, so I took two more capsules and a dose of Miralax, followed by two more capsules in the late afternoon. By that time I noticed that it felt like I had some blockage going on. I suffered through the night, waking up, trying to go, and in so much pain I was crying out (horrible pain, bleeding, cramping, and even to the point that I couldn't urinate). This morning I called the advice nurse and was told to try an enema before coming in. I did, which was also horribly painful, since I was already so sore, but it finally did the trick and prevented a trip to the ER. I'm sitting here now, still very sore, but feeling so much better. So, how do I prevent this from happening again? I get my 64 oz per day, exercise every day, eat (some) veggies, take a gummy Fiber supplement (which I don't think is doing anything), etc. My plan is to start taking a 1/2 dose of Miralax every morning, add in some Chia or flax seeds, and make sure my 64 oz comes from plain Water (I've been counting tea and my Protein shake as part of it). Any other advice? I don't EVER want to go through this pain again - I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, and I have a pretty high pain tolerance. I know this subject has been discussed before, but a revisit is always good! Any other advice? Thanks! And sorry for the TMI, but I think it's important for others who may eventually experience this.

You have to get serious about this as it can stretch your rectum (particularly if you over 40). Try any/all of the following: - stool softeners without laxatives (eg: coloxyl... and you might need quite a bit) - small enemas to get things "started" (eg: Microlax or if you r in US I've heard others mention Fleet Enema). You may need several if you have a hard stool blocking your rectum, and the longer it sits there the harder it gets - If you have a rectocele already, "splinting" the wall between your vagina and rectum with fingers inserted in v can reduce the size of the rectocele and help you pass a BM). Some people find their perineum bulges as the rectocele forces down but not out, so pressure there can help - Fibre is good as a preventive (though Benefibre doesn't seem to work for many), but once you get constipated fibre can actually make things worse, so use it with caution. - Lots of Water is good and essential! - A Lactulose solution (Lac-dol or Dulcolax) with water can be great - technically it's a sort of laxative but less dependency forming than laxative tablets - I have a bowel surgeon who advised me this as I have l/t problems since a major cancer op 7 years ago. TMI I know (sorry) but GPs are often clueless about all this stuff and many people make themselves worse because they just don't know how to deal with this v common problem - we don't talk about it enough. I hope something here helps. Good luck.

Emmas mom ! I had my sleeve surgery on Feb. 14th,2011. For thinning hair I take Biotin and let me add I think it has helped tremendously. But I do notice when I comb my hair I do lose more strands of hair than I did before my pre-op and my post-op phases. Also this is something that you need to take for awhile before you notice any difference because it has to get into your system so to speak. I have read somewhere on this forum that your bodys hair growth responds to what your system has gone through in say the previous four months. So what you take for hair growth it may take your body four months to respond to. Also I am an older sleever 57 years old and it was brought up by one of the members of the support group that biotin helps all hair growth it cannot just target head hair growth. So if you have a issue with facial hair remember it could help that hair grow more also. I haven't had a problem with facial hair so I am pretty lucky so far I haven't noticed any growing, but I have noticed that my leg hairs are more pronounced since taking biotin. I started taking biotin in my pre-surgery days. Here is a list of what vitamins I take. Biotin Super Strength 7500 mcg 600mg Calcium +D - 1 tab 2xday B-1 500 mg D3 1000 IU - 1 tab 2xday Fish Oil 1200 mg w/360 mg OMEGA-3 - 2 daily sublingual High Potency B-12 2500 mcg Senior Multi-Vitamin - 1 tab 2xday I have an issue with constipation since pre-op dieting so I started taking a 100 mg stool softener tablet to help and if I didn't go after a day or so upped it to 2 and if I still didn't go I upped it to 3 tabs a day. I have found that the 3 tabs a day of the stool softener works the best for my system and I usually go every 3rd day and I don't need to strain myself to go either. - I know - TMI - right? But just thought you would like to be prepared is all. Hope this information helps you and good luck with your surgery!

Probably TMI here, but UGH. I already have major raw going on under my pannus. I still have 60lbs to lose, I can't get PS yet! UGH! I guess it's a good opportunity to go to the dr and start complaining about it so insurance will pay later? I'm NOT in the mood to put up with THIS all summer!

So I have a question. I have been having ALOT of trouble with constipation, I'm drinking the water, moving around, yadda,yadda,yadda. What I reallly want to know is, Can being "backed up" cause my weight stalls? I find that I don't "go" for 4-5 days and by then I have to use a laxative and finally do go(sometimes on minutely!). And when I go a decent amount, I start losing pounds again. Sorry, totally TMI, but I need help!! Thanks,

Sorry if that's TMI, but that's what it feels like. I am 6 months post-op and am having trouble with food after eating. About an hour or so after eating, sometimes if feels like liquid food is rolling into my esophagus. It tastes acidy but reminiscent of whatever I'd just eaten. It's hard to describe, it doesn't happen all the time, and it can happen while I am sitting or lying down (like when lounging around watching TV or reading). Once it starts, it takes about 20-30 minutes to go away. Tums or sipping something doesn't seem to make any difference. Any idea of what it could be? I have my 6 month follow up with my surgeon in a week and will definitely talk to her about it then.

I tested positive for H pylori too. I had a lot of the same symptoms you did. The bitter taste lasted for the whole 14 days I was on the meds. When I'd eat, I'd get that weird cramping too. I hope this is not TMI but I was on the potty for 40 minutes trying to pass whatever it was, almost puked while I was in there & almost fainted too every day the cramping got better though.

You need to do one of two things. Get somewhere and get the vomiting stopped and/or get the band unfilled ASAP. If you continue to heave and not get anything up you risk a couple of things. First, you risk the obvious possibility of displacement of the band, and second, you risk the possibility of a bowel obstruction, which can lead to septic shock, and if enough pressure is placed on the bowels, can lead to a perforated bowel. Don't ask me how I know. I just went through this a little over a month and a half ago. Had a major intestinal virus hit me, started heaving, couldn't get anything up but thought I might be able to ride it out thinking it wouldn't last long. I wound up in the ER with a bowel obstruction, stomach and intestines triple the size they should've been, and on the operating room table at midnight facing emergency surgery. The first thing the doc did as they wheeled me into the ER was stick a huber needle in my gut to drain the band, then down the hatch with a N-G tube to get the pressure off the upper side. I was in the hospital for a week after surgery to relieve the obstruction. Long story short, it ain't worth it to heave with no hurling. Get some Phenergan or other powerful anti-hurling drug, keep it in stock, but also have you a fast escape route planned to get yourself to your doc fast in case you have to get that band drained. Hope this helps, sorry for the TMI, but I lived it and I darn near died (per my doctor).

I'm presurgery, on liver-sparing diet,and considering my packets of Miralax, color and consistency,has changed. Now. TMI, sorry!. 💩 💩,yellow, not hard but infrequent. Are all you other,people finding,it this way?

My my my what a subject that we have touched on here. For some reason it makes no difference to me that I am heavy or if I were still skinny. I guess I am just a FREAK in the bed(been told that on several occassions) how can something so natural make one a freak? Have tried several things but have to admit never tried the splenda thing......thanks for the idea. I have been known to do the outside thing, under the waterfalls at a local reserve with falls was way too cool. Yeah I know TMI>>>LOL. Various positions (sideways in several sideway positions included) is always a great thing. Keeps it interesting and they (our men) never know what to expect next. Don't be ashamed of your size just do what comes naturally and FEELS OHHHHHHH SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOD!

I was being treated for COPD/asthma for many years and my lung doctor did many tests and discovered my coughing 24/7 was caused by a hernia and my stomach being in the wrong place. I took 6 pills a day just to eat. My lung doctor set up the band appointment and said you are getting this. I have told some people about the band but never hid the hernia and stomach surgery. Just tell the boss what I said and use my surgery reasons for you. The band can be very private or some people tell the world. I wish you luck and the boss may be the type of person who shares TMI.

Hi all.... My surgery was Monday...I am on my 5th day out. Surgery went well. The first night was rough, I cried and had a moment of remorse. Everyday has gotten a little better than the day before. I CONSTANTLY am sipping something, Water, tea, broth, sf Powerade and am trying like hell to drink my Protein shakes. I was only able to get down 30 grams of protein yesterday. I ate 1/2 of a small Jello. I am taking my Vitamins and supplements. It is all very daunting but it is the only thing I am focused on. The last two days I have been running a LOW grade fever. 99.2 - 99.9, the doctor said if it gets to 101.3 then I have to be seen. Woke this morning to no fever ...YAY! The gas pain has been bearable. I have moments where it settles in the middle of my back and doesn't move - NOT a good feeling. I am burping (a good thing) and passing gas (another good thing). I had a partial BM (sorry if TMI -but it is par for the course), when having a BM you do not want to push. I am definitely going on a stool softener today. My incision sites are beginning to itch...good sign that they are healing. Second day home I showered.....oooh the best thing ever. My only gripe and something everyone must be made aware of...my doctor did not discharge me from the hospital until 7pm! I was then given my prescriptions. This was unacceptable! I live 45 minutes from the hospital my pharmacy would have been closed and I would have had to spend my first night home without pain meds. So my mother and I scrambled to find a pharmacy on my way home from the hospital. I wasn't happy. Please ask for your RX's prior to being released and have them home waiting for you. All in all so far it has been pretty good. A LOT of rest with intervals of walking. It is a slow process right now, but one I am NOT regretting. I am looking forward to my future and a lot less of me! Good luck to all ...and remember SIP, SIP, SIP your liquids!

Thanks for all of the information on this. I got the same answer as Tiffykins when I recently called - that it's not going to be covered in 2010. I have Tricare Prime Overseas and it's definitely not covered here. I think part of the confusion is also that just because a MTF does a procedure does not mean Tricare covers that procedure. Surgeons at MTFs do all sorts of surgeries on a wait list basis for things that are not covered under Tricare. For instance, my husband had a free vasectomy reversal (TMI, I know) and my friend had breast augmentation done. It depends on where you go and who the surgeon is, not to mention how busy they are and what surgeries they want to do. Also, from what I hear it's much easier to get a revision done, or to get a surgery performed when you have some sort of complication to go with it that requires a surgery anyway. I was also told that they will likely do repayments but not to count on that if I choose to self-pay. So don't count on reimbursement - though once Tricare does start covering this anyone that self-paid should try to get reimbursed. It can't hurt to try. I'll just keep waiting and trying to lose this weight the old fashioned way in the meantime. They'll only do bands here, and I'm not even messing around with that nonsense. ~C

Just came home from work after two hours. Major dumping, used all my breaktime for the first half of the day within one hour after I got to work. Here is the kicker, my normal Breakfast, decaf coffee with Protein, so haven't a clue if I might be coming down with a bug (was exposed to the flu a week or so ago, but got a flu shot). I don't get shakey, or get the sweats, but major diarrhea (Sp) this morning and a rolling stomach. I'm use to dumping, as have had it with my diabetes for years, but since bypass I'm doing good if I go every other day, but I have discomfort with the colon now. Like it isn't use to the muscles pushing or straining. Since I am use to dumping, I'm somewhat glad when I have it. Constipation was never a problem with me, and that is how I feel now since I have to from 1-7 times a day to maybe once every two-three days. This might be TMI, but totally amazed how our body changes with the bypass.

I guess this is my first real interaction with the medical community not having a good grasp on how our sleeves work. The doc I saw this morning said it would be fine and didn't even offer me a liquid. It's weird because one of the nurses in his office had WLS in April. I got an email back from Dr. Aceves saying that I definitely needed to have something in my stomach when I take the medicine. The applesauce should be used as a way to get the medicine down but not enough to coat my sleeve. I called the pharmacist and she confirmed that I could crush it because it wasn't a time release or some other big words she used that I can't even attempt to spell. The pain passed after about 45 minutes and now I am having diarrhea (sorry TMI). I hope this bronchitis gets better for all this drama! Thanks for all the guidance folks. I am going to bed as early as I can tonight.

Hi... This is the first time I have posted at all so here it goes... I have been on this forum almost every day and I must say it seems you can get alot of strength and support from here... I so want to have the sleeve surgery but just really really scared something will go wrong or whatever...Like all of you I am just plain fat... I hate myself at this particular time... I am the biggest I have ever been... I am 45 and also in menopause and taking bio identical hormone therapy.. They certainly have helped my mental state of mind and I now have somewhat of a sex drive again (sorry if that is tmi).. lol...But my goodness I have gained the weight in the last year... I am 5'10 and have always been able to carry a good bit of weight... Im pretty ok with weighing 220lbs but now at a whopping 270... I hate this feeling... I have tried and tried to get this off but always fail and grab a bag of chips and a coke... Im obsessed with eating .. I wake up every day praying today will be a better day... I will eat healthy... I will drink lots of water... I will exercise... etc.... Never happens but yet the desire to be thin and healthy is sooooo there !!! .....I would be a self pay patient... I ve just recently gotten health insurance -- I have been rejected several times because I am classified as morbidly obese... I am really considering Mexico... It seems alot of people have had great experiences...I desire to have some telephone conversations with some of you... Is that possible????

The half of the scrambled egg white I attempted to eat yesterday tried to kill me. It was awwwwful. Sorry if this is TMI, but the 2 times I've tried scrambled eggs I get the grosses vomiting experience, it's as if it takes forever to all come up, & I'm practically choking with the mouthfuls of slime that do come up. Im bummed because I loved eggs before-now, not a fan! I got a lil discouraged because next week I get my new (1 month) diet from my dr (yay for crab, chicken, & VEGGIES) but I was thinking, if an EGG kicked my butt how am I gonna even try anything else. Maybe eggs & I will have to do a trial separation for now & attemp a reconciliation much MUCH later down the road.

1. Are full liquids eating, i.e. no drinking for 30-90 minutes after? Ask your doctor. 2. Is Jello considered eating? No, its a full liquid believe it or not. 3. Can I drink broth all day? Is there a difference between chicken and beef? Yes, and nothing. 4. I don't like artificial sugar for the sugar free diet. How can I compensate? You can't. Although you have had a sleeve. You can still get dumping as you do with gastric bypass if you eat sooo much table sugar. But you won't have the cramps...you will get diarhea...trust me. 5. How do I keep the momentum going with the weight loss? I'm starting to feel hunger, but can't eat. I'm worried about going into starvation now that I'm actually feeling hungry and it working backwards for me. I'm also afraid that when I do start eating it will either stop the weight loss or go backwards because of the previous "starvation". Momentum, momentum, momentum, I want to keep it rolling. If you wait to each until you get hungry. Make sure you are eating every 3 hours at least (3 meals - Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 Protein shakes) It the protein that is most important as it contributes to healing and more "filling". 6. I'm having a hard time watching my family eat. It grosses me out the food intake not so much with my growing boys, but especially with my husband who is going to have the surgery also. I feel like....."hey do you realize how much food you eat and I'm over here drinking broth all day long! Get control of yourself." Yikes, I know. So sorry, but it's true. This is emotional. You don't realize the emotions that you will go through in this life changing journey. Don't know if anyone told you but when you lose a lot of fat, your body will release a lot of hormones into you rsystem which give you mood swings like crazy. I felt the same way about my family but I remembered that my husband did not have the surgery and I didn't like it when someone told me that I ate too much so I usually talk more at the table or sit down at the table 10 minutes after everyone else does so that we all finish at the same time. My husband has decided to go forward with the surgery so soon he'll know what I went through. 7. TMI Warning!! I am on the Depo shot and I have been spotting ever since the surgery - 12 days. I never have a period if I do it a day or two of lite spotting. This is every time I wipe, not fresh but old if you know what I mean. Sorry again. Could something in the surgery have messed with my shot or what are your thoughts on this? I do not want to get pregnant! Again the hormone release do to the rapid release of fat can do this. Call your doctor to besure. 8. I'm starting to feel normal and that scares me a little. When I could feel the soreness and restriction (no hunger), it made it easier to not eat and be great with it. Now, it's like appetite is coming back. I'm scared of gaining. Other diets have worked opposite for me and I don't want this to also. I'm scared of any change or move! I feel like I have to starve myself to keep this going. :-( Remember this is a tool to help you adjust to a new healthy life style. If you try to eat something fried or full of sugar you will get very sick. You will only be able to get 300-500 calories in the first month or so then you will need to get 800 to keep your hair from falling out. And it will be a challege to get 800 in. I am at 3 months and I'm struggling to get 600 calories. Also measure, measure, measure your food. I can't stress this enough. Normally, leaks occur 3 weeks after surgery because patients feel better and use the sleeve to gage fullness. But remember, it take 20 minutes for your mind to get that signal that you are full so by then you would have consumed to much. Besides, if you do eat to much or too fast, you will thowup and believe me, it's no the same as throwing up before you had surgery...it's worst! Not to freak you out but it is painful and sometime lasting. You will also plateu that will sometimes last for a week. You may gain a little when drop the following day. These are all normal things. I used a calendar to write down my weight everyday and the total lost. Then at the end of the month I figure out how much weight was down for the month. One month I gained 5 pounds but had at total weight loss of 13 pounds. My husband has been very supportive. He is having his surgery in August. We have already change what we eat when we go out and what I cook for the family. Being obese is just as much of a mental battle as it is an emotional and physical battle. Everytime I was tempted to eat bad or eat fast or stuff my face or felt sad that I can't eat what everyone else was eating, I would redirect my mind to think " in 3 month I am going to look HOT!!!!" Now, I am the envy of every woman at work! I can fit in to a Small Shirt!!!! i have never fit into a small shirt!!!!!!! 9. Life evolved around cooking, eating out, social eating, etc. I've halted all of that and feel a little trapped. No one except immediate family, i.e. husband, sons, and girlfriend who went to hospital with me know that I have done this. I don't lie and would have a hard time explaining why I'm not eating, drinking alcohol, participating in the activities this early in my post surgery. So we are using our workload right now as a reason for staying home, etc. There's so much there for me right now. My husband is extremely supportive and wants me to do the same for him when he has the surgery. Sorry rambling but trying to get through the emotional/mental part of it. I like to cook too. It was a real adjustment to cook healthly things. I have discovered new foods as part of the process and that has been fun. As far as explaining why I don't eat to colleagues, I told them before the surgery. For colleagues I haven't seen in a while, I told them the truth if they ask and answered their questions. I have had only one person treat me bad but she was a big B to begin with so I was prepared to handle it. As for anyone who had past judgement on me to my face or behind my back, that just doesn't bother me because I did this for me and my family and for my health and that is all that is important. I think you will surprise how supportive people can be. Most people are just curious. And again don't get sorry about rambling because you are emotional...it's the hormones talking. 10. I'm still bloated and tend to bloat throughout the day. Is this normal or what can I do to alleviate this? Yes, this is normal. I was bloated for 5 weeks. This is because of swelling. Also there may be gas still trapped inside. Walking makes a big difference. 11. I know I don't get enough liquids in as I can't drink Water. Any liquid suggestions would be great. Frozen sugar free popsicles, warm tea, and sugar free gatorade were my friend. I also had sugar free jello and broth. 12. I can already tell that my absorption rate is super sensitive and high! Within seconds of trying something, I either feel sick, lightheaded or full or all of the above. Does this stay? When food is introduced will it be one bite at a time? You may need to eat slower. Take a bite, chew 25 times, swallow, then count for 10 before taking another bite. This does going away...sort of. You will get sick, lightheaded if you eat too fast. As far as full, you will have to figure that part out on your own but my Doctor told me to start with 4 Tbsp. (2 tbsp of a protein, 1 tbsp veg, tbsp fruit - in that order) but be prepared if you can only get 2 tbsp down. I started with 2 tbsp but now I am up to 1/4 cup. 13. I think protein shakes make me sick?? You tastes with change over time. I liked my protein shakes before the surgery. Then could not stand them for about 6 weeks after surgery but now I like them again. I would try a bunch of difference one. I like the Unjuy and nectar brands. The nectar brands taste like fruit juice with not after taste.

I went number 2 for the first time today and it was dark almost black and looked slimmy is that normal I know its tmi but idk if I should be worried???? Also did anyone else get blood thinner shots in the stomach ? I did and where they did its bruised and has like a red dot

Omg...sleeved on 10th feb. Been ok. Coping with the full fluids but had no bowel movements since before surgery. Woke up feeling sluggish and not good at all so hubby went to pharmacy and got me a wonderful liquid called Lactulose and FINALLY HOUSTON WE HAVE MOVEMENT!! but boy did it hurt. Sorry for tmi but am happy and needed to share lol. Mandi xx

omg...i had the WORST gas pain up until 2 or 3 days ago...and i couldnt get it to come out...it just kinda moved around my body. it is very painful, but dont worry it will clear up. also, make sure you are are having regular bowel movements. i know constipation made my gas much worse. sorry if thats TMI!!!!!!!!!!!!

There will ALWAYS be someone thinner, making you feel like a cow. I remember being 125 pounds in high school being jealous of my extra skinny mini friend. We're never pleased with ourselves. Be happy that you can wear cute clothes, ride rides at an amusement park and reach your backside to clean it! hahaha...TMI??? Remember where you were, not where you 'could be.' YOU HAVE CONQUERED!!!!! HOOOO AAAAHHH!!!!!