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We have a smooth coat border collie named Cosmo, and a tuxedo cat named Elwood. Cosmo is a little over a year old, quite the handfull, and still a jumper. He doesn't get to spend much time with the kids because he plays too hard. We are hoping to send him to training after my banding is done. Then he can get some outside help that we can't provide. Elwood is about 8 now. Elwood is what i call my "little fire kitty" because he came and alerted me when our house was burning down and I was in the shower. If it wasn't for him, I would not have gotten out. I still have the scars on my chest from him digging his claws in and hanging on. We had two dogs and nother cat at the time, and he and I were the only ones that got out. DH was at work. Elwood has since had his claws removed. LOL Now he is my fat tub of furry love that I will never lose. He made the cross country trip with us and did so well. He is loving and a snuggler. He has this weird thing that he does that when he gets really relaxed and is snuggling he drools. A lot. it is really gross, but funnier than hell. He is huge too. He stands on his hind legs and can open doors if it is a lever handle. Even if it opens towards him, he knows tograb it and walk backwards. We have to keep a lot of the doors in the house locked so that he doesn't open them all. The funniest is when he does that to someone who is in the bathroom and doesn't realize. He will just open the door up and come on in to run on your legs. Another weird thing he does. And y'all are gonna think I am nuts. But if he comes in while you are going to the bathroom, he will come in and rub on your legs, then get into your pants as they rest around your ankles. and just sit there and purr. If they are not pulled down far enough he will paw at them till you lower them. OK TMI I know but it is hilarious!!!

I don't really come on the forums as much anymore, but I'd like to keep a record for both myself and those who are looking through posts to find information about surgery. So I'm trying to at least keep my blog updated once in a while. I had my 3 month appointment last month, which went well. According to my labs I am high on Vitamin D, so I'll be stopping my supplements. I am also low on my Vitamin A, which kinda surprised me because I never really considered it would be something I'd be low on, so I am going to be taking a supplement for that for a while. Aside from that I guess everything was good. I haven't actually gotten a copy of my labs yet, I'm waiting for them in the mail, so when I do get them I'll have a better idea of where I'm at. My weight loss has continued steadily. I am down 76.2 pounds now. It's hard to believe really. There are days I feel thinner and there are days that I feel like I'm still the 325 pound person in the mirror. It's trippy to fit into new clothes but not see the difference when you look in the mirror. I am solidly in size 24s and just on the verge of being able to fit into some 22s. I have not been following the diet as well as I should. I know that I have not been getting in enough protein lately, so that's something that I'm actively working on. I also have not been doing workouts, but I have been walking a lot. School has been busy, and I've been going to stay with the guy I am seeing almost every weekend, which means I am almost never home nowadays. I need to make it a priority again. I don't think I get enough in to eat in general. I have not regained any of my hunger, which is a great thing for my weight loss, but it makes me at high risk for being tempted to skip meals when I'm busy. I have been doing better the past week or two, but it's very easy to slip into the "I don't feel like eating" thought process nowadays. It's really kinda strange because I never imagined it was even physically possible for me to turn into one of those people who just didn't really care if they ate. But I don't. I have had my period for almost 4 months straight now. It started a week or two after surgery and I've had maybe one week off of it. It's not heavy like a normal period, it's on and off moderate/light, but it's annoying. My gyno thinks that it's all the hormones and the fact that my pcp told me I could use 2 nuvarings in a row without having a period. She sent me for an ultrasound to make sure there was nothing else that could be causing it and they think I might have a cyst on my right ovary that they're going to take another look at in 4-6 months when I have lost more weight, but that there wasn't anything that would increase my bleeding. I've got my fingers crossed that it will stop any day now. I think it has been one of the hardest parts of the surgery for me. It's physically and mentally taxing to be on your period 24/7. I know this is probably TMI, but I wanted to vent a little! My life has been good. Things are going pretty well with the guy that I've been seeing, which has been great. He loves to share meals with me, which I think is fantastic. School has been crazy. I am doing pretty well though, and I just can't wait for this semester to be over. I am really not cut out to be a pediatric or ob nurse. While I have had a ton of really interesting experiences this semester, I am ready to go back to adult care. I never thought I'd say it, but I kinda miss medsurg (I know I'm gonna be eating those words next semester). Anyway, overall things are great, I love my life, and I'm gonna keep working on keeping myself on track. Can I just say, VSG changed my life in a way I never thought possible. This Thanksgiving it is one of the things I am endlessly thankful for. Thank you modern medicine.

I can't wait to not have a rash under my boobs (or find food in my bra when I take it off) I can't wait to stop accidentally bleaching the belly line of my shirts when I clean the kitchen counters Ahh, not holding my breath to put on a shoe. To not have little kids tell me I must be a good cook because I'm fat (actually happened) TMI but to not fear crushing my hubby during 'adult activities' And this is a big one for me: to NOT make fun of myself before someone else can.

I didn't have any gas or bloating but BM's are fewer, sorry if TMI, and my weight loss has stalled but it's only been 2.5 days and I know I shouldn't be weighing so much. However I do have some more energy. I go back to work tomorrow and starting mushie foods on Saturday.

I am a newbie, and am very embarrassed about this, but occasionally, when I sneeze real hard or after the 4th or 5th sneeze in a row, or laugh a real hard gut laugh, i may (not always) experience urinary incontinence (TMI, I know:( can anyone tell me, if after weight loss, does this get better? or not effect it at all?

I weigh daily - every morning after a bathroom stop (TMI). I have been consistent. I am starting to relax about stalls and minor fluctuation, Last week was tough, as I was on vacation, and our vacation house didn't have a scale. I was worried all week!

File this under #yuckity-yuck and #butseriousquestion. I've only a few days until surgery and the question hit me - I will get straight to the point -- When using the bathroom (#2), was anyone limited by the surgery and did you have difficulty, uhm, cleaning yourself? This isn't an issue for me currently, and I'm hoping it isn't during recovery from surgery. If you had this issue, what did you do to help mitigate it? Thanks!

I'm on the same time line as you... my new birthday is june 13 my gas pains have nearly left, I had major rumbles all night long and some gas exiting, today I had a BM- alot less gassy- however liquids still hurt going down- sorry for the tmi- but seriously- we all humans-

Anyone had surgery during TOM. Wouldn't you know it, my surgery date falls smack dab in the middle of my period. Hopefully, it will not be too heavy at the time. Geeze! What did you wear? Were you able to keep a tampon in ? Or a pad on? As if I wasn't freaked out by the idea of going under enough, now this! Have a good day all, got to get ready for work now! Jodi:blush:

Hope all is well with everyone. I’m deal with some things. Not necessarily related to my surgery. I can’t remember if I said that I’m not sure but one thing I think that helped with post op swelling (besides compression stockings) was Garden of life Turmeric gummy supplements. I also took my usual Garden of life whole food based gummy multivitamin, natures way hair skin and nails formula gummy, plant based omegas I added extra Biocell collagen and antioxidants. of course it can take 4-6 months to a year to see the true results (Something like that) it is still a bit unreal to me. I haven’t looked at the big picture yet. I don’t see myself as small. I struggle with body dysmorphia and sometimes it’s a battle between chronic health issues and wow my stomach really is flat I’ve never had an actual flat stomach ... I will be honest also and say I sleep in my Faja though I haven’t quite figured out the Faja and underwear thing I mean you can’t wear them under the Faja but it’s too weird to not have anything with the open crotch. Especially wearing dresses. 🤣 The open incision on my left T incision (thigh lift) is finally getting closer to being closed. I had a protruding swollen “fat cell” which is what usually fills an open incision in secondary wound healing. it was keeping the incision from closing. And a blood blister next to it. It was swelling and also two small areas in the incision had some small blood pockets. Not to be TMI but I snipped and drained the swelling of built up blood in the “fat cell” and pressed it hard to push it into the incision and the “blood blister” next to it was the likely culprit I found a suture in it and drained it and cleaned it the best I could. Afterward It looked better and I could see the incision has nearly closed. I just have to monitor for any internal swelling. I haven’t mentioned it to my surgeon since it’s the weekend and I don’t want to be an annoyance. I’ve learned to take care of things myself most of the time. Even had my surgery been in the same state I’d have been doing the same thing ... The open incision on my backside (coccyx or whatever you call it) the stress point, it’s no longer a hole not healed yet but getting there. A couple of incision points need to heal more. Considering my immunodeficiency part of me expected some complications but in a way these were small compared to ones I’ve seen online. Especially for thigh lifts if the surgeon is removing more than just skin. I’m surprised at how smooth some parts of the incisions are. I’m not worried about scars. Though I think I’ll notice a few little things down the line ... like behind my knees, my calves, the incision on my inner thigh in pictures I take for wound care checking has an odd angle to my inner thigh. But One difficult thing for me is I’ve never seen myself as pretty and I’m not happy with my face maybe it’s loose skin. And maybe I just won’t ever see myself that way. I actually bought a article of clothing I never thought I would. A romper. For when the incisions are healed enough for the last bandage to come off. And I get up the nerve to wear it. I’ve Been wearing dresses since they are easiest but very casual ones. Since I’m mostly home except when I venture out for errands. I actually bought a girls size large dress at Target (Under $4) and was surprised it fit. My mom wanted a picture to show a friend. Sigh 😔 I hate my face. It’s still a bit unreal that I had three surgeries June 15th ... sorry for babbling.

Well, I'm almost two months post op now, and I still adore Dr. D and his staff!! My appointments have always been fairly quick to get in and he takes his time for all your questions. I truthfully still don't know if I should hug him, kiss his feet, or just bow down and say "I'm not worthy!" He keeps telling me that I don't have to do any of that, but I literally feel that he saved my life. Went to the support group meeting last night in Sebastian and it had been canceled last minute. Those of us who were there decided to have our own meeting, and it was great! We got to really talk about our experiences and ask questions that might be considered TMI if the psychologist was there. I really enjoyed the group of folks that I have met at these meetings and I make every effort to get to them.

Not to ask for TMI but you may be experiencing some constipation. Our bodies can hold like 8 lbs of waste and if you just started eating solid foods, that could be the reason. Keep up your Fluid intake and things will move along including the needle on the scale. Oh, also search around this site for the "dreaded 3 week stall". That should at least alleviate any fears you have about this because it's perfectly normal and almost everyone goes through it.

OK quick update. This surgery has totally played around w my menstrual cycle. Last month I totally lost my period (sorry for the Tmi) I guess the anxiety etc. And now it arrived 2 weeks early. So on top of dealing w my bloated tummy now I have menstrual cramps. But I will look at the positive side, I've read people always lose after their TOM. I can't wait for the pounds to start coming off.

Sorry if this is TMI, but I have to ask. I was banded 9 days ago and since around day 3 I've been having vaginal bleeding. Not alot, but enough to get on your nerves. The kicker is I'm on BCP's-the kind you take for 3 months and then have a period. I haven't missed any pills and SHOULD NOT be having a period right now. Could this be because my body's in shock or something from the surgery? Or because I'm eating (drinking-ugh) only 500-600 calories a day? Anyone else experience this?

my follow up went well today. I've lost a total of 21 lbs and 4 inches. I was able to pull out some of my smaller clothes. Dr said everything is good. I won't be able to get my first fill until my 6 week check up. But he gave me a list of eating guide lines that will determine wither or not i need one. We talked about my colon and how being irregular is normal. it's like re learning to have healthy BM's. I know that's TMI but i know that there are others out there that have the same problem. they recommended prunes. or that i double up on my dose of miralax.

Happened to me too. I was back in the hospital for uncontrolled leaking through the drain when it started. Lasted a few days. Would have been good to know this was a possibility.... On the BM/TMI front- I experienced daily diarrhea for the first month. Likely exacerbated by IV/pill antibiotics for infection.

I went #2 today 5 days post op. It was darker. And I know tmi, but it was soft...meaning I had no constipation issues

Congrats to everyone who have recently gotten approval and have March dates! I've been in the Feb 09 board for no particular reason outside of getting some questions answered. :tongue: I know you all must be so excited and I am so very happy for you! Your adventure has officially began! I am one of those whose insurance hasn't been approved yet and feel very anxious about it. I feel like I could finally feel like my journey has started once that happens. My insurance changes March 31 to the insurance someone mentioned above where you have to be 40bmi or greater for a min of 2 years. So this is it for me! My appt with the surgeon is this Friday - so that will be when my insurance is submitted. I still have the psych appt, nutritional appt, and support meeting to attend. I have a stress test from cardiologist, last mammogram, & copy of my cholesterol bloodwork. I will be getting copies of my dr supervised weight loss attempt and a letter of recommendation from a Dr I have been seeing for the last 7 years. I'm sure I still need an actual referral from my primary care physician. Anyway - tmi - but I hope to join this group of March success stories! I wish you all getting ready - all the luck in the world! And as for protien drinks - I've read in a couple of places that the protien drinks at costco are really good. As for a name. March melters is good. Shrinking Shamrocks? Shapely Shamrocks? Shameless Shamrocks? Lucky Lapbanders? Curvy Clovers? Classy Clovers? LOL -how fun to think up stuff....

I'm on day 3 post op. Gas is more controlled. I still am having issues swallowing, but I found if I walk and drink it's better to swallow. I took a shower this morning and it felt great; except the stinging from my belly button ????. Actually, the only real pain I have is in my belly button and from my drain. I know this is tmi, but it really made me happy! I had a bm today! Haven't had one since the 1st day of the liquid diet. I am used to having at least one a day...those 4 days really scared me! On a not disgusting note, I also realize I have to remember I can't eat/drink like I used to. My appetite is coming back and I used to be a big drinker. I just poured myself a huge tumbler of apple juice and as soon as I did, I remembered... I can't drink all of this! I guess I will have many moments like that in the beginning ????

No such thing as TMI in this forum... And, generally speaking, nothing going in will equate to very little coming out... As you can see, everybody is different... But at 5 days out, I'd say you're still in the 'nothing to worry about' place...

@@WRIGHTLE Yes my surgery was on Monday, December 15th. Just 3 days post op. I'm struggling with my liquids. Hopefully it'll get better soon. The trapped gas is horrific for me and nausea. I vomited (sorry for the tmi) horribly as soon as I got to my room after my procedure. I've had issues with nausea coming in waves ever since. I also vomited a bit today. I noticed that I'm very particular with smells and textures of foods right now. Hopefully it's because my stomach is a little weak right now. The only thing that's somewhat agrees with me is warm tea, crystal light, and Popsicles. Lol. I have this Isopure drink from the vitamin shoppe I'm using to try to get some protein in, but one bottle has lasted me three days, lol.

Last night I had a chocolate unjury packet with a container of Jif single serve Peanut Butter. Put that plus 8 oz of skim milk in my Magic Bullet and OMG that was the best drink ever. It was like drinking a peanut butter cup! It was a great way to get that dab of fat grams I was missing at the end of the day according to my food diary. Shel - try that rather than trying to take in a thick pasty peanut butter ball. I'm back at work today. Can't believe surgery was only 2 days ago. Haven't noticed any weight loss yet, I still weigh the same as Wednesday when I went to the hospital. I haven't had a BM yet though. Plumbing is working though cuz I can fart! Ha! (TMI?). For any of you having that painful gas bloating try the GasX strips that melt on your tounge. I needed one after the milk and peanut butter last night. Cheers! Deb

Soo yesterday evening dinner was a Healthy Choice meal. It had beef tips and veggies and red potato wedges in it (with the skin on). So the potato skins got stuck and I started to PB (which has happened a couple of times before, just the PB not with potato skins). This time however it was a full out puke not just the normal the usual PB with normal slime. Has anyone had this happen before?? or should I be concerned. I felt fine later and didn't have any symptoms of a stomach flu. Obviously I need to make sure that my potatoes are sans skins in the future. Any thoughts?? Thanks!

@@CowgirlJane - before purchasing a membership, poke around and see how many active users you have in your area. I was surprised how few there were in OKC. Now if I lived in Dallas, I would have been fine. You see with eHarmony they are only going to match you with people who they think you are emotionally compatible with based on the personality test, so count on maybe 20% even being possible matches. Further note about eHarmony, before you take the test get yourself in a really good mood, or don't be in a needy or bad mood when you do it. I'm not saying that you can "game" the system, but I do know that when I was applying for a job in sales, they wanted me to do a personality inventory, and I got myself in a "Zig Ziggler frame of mind." I did so well on the test they hired me in 10 minutes. I didn't think about that this when I tried eHarmony and noticed they people I were meeting were not great matches based on my long term goals, but dang there was a great deal of sex. (I know TMI, but it was bizarre that it was happening on every date, which is really what I'm not looking for long term).

It's very hard! And you will actually feel like you're starving for the first 3 days or so. Get all different kinds of sugar free jellos and Popsicles. Those help! And the shakes curbed my appetite a lot too. I had to stay busy doing whatever I could to keep my mind off of food. I went to bed early every night. I took some pictures of myself naked and looked at them every time I felt I was gonna cheat. :/ TMI but it helps!! I felt angry and down the whole time and that is normal. The 2nd week is a downhill slide with much more ease! I'm 14 hours away from being sleeved! And I thought I'd never make it! You can do it!