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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!

How are you feeling? I'm feeling rough. Sent from my SM-N900V using the BariatricPal App really rough. I have terrible pain on my right side where there are stitches in the muscle. The surgeon said they do this because that's where he pulled the stomach out from and it's to avoid developing a hernia. I'm from Melbourne, Australia. I was in hospital for four nights. I'm also struggling to get enough fluids in. To top it all off, and this may be tmi but I got my period today :-( Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Do you REALLY want someone to call Kenneth Star? That was so messy. Besides, is that really what will make or break them in the Oval Office doing their job? There are just some things you shouldn't know about a person (TMI).

Some stuff I've learned over the past few months. I thought you might like to know some possibly TMI issues. 1. The poop situation. During pre-op liquids and for at least a month after surgery, you'll have liquidy poops. Don't trust a toot. You won't poop for probably a week after your surgery. Go ahead and get some liquid stool softener (mag citrate). Lots of reasons for that. I know I didn't toot for 3 or 4 days. 2. The gas situation. Because these procedures are laparoscopic, you'll have a LOT of gas in your body. Not necessarily in your digestive system. You'll feel it in your chest, back, shoulders, even your teeth. Walk walk walk walk walk. Move your body as much as possible to get the gas moving. Ask for massages from your mama, husband, wife, whoever to help it move. I felt best with my arms forward on the couch and bent at the waist while my mom rubbed my back. I also used a ton of Deep Relief (Young Living oil blend) across my chest to help. 3. The sleep situation. I slept in a recliner for the first week. It was truly the most comfortable... and I slept with a pillow on my lap/belly in case I needed to get up. I couldnt sleep on my stomach for about 4 weeks. 4. The pain situation I didn't take pain meds after I got home from the hospital. Our pharmacy didn't fill it as liquid meds and I could not handle the crushing. Omg. That was horrible. I started feeling more normal as the steri-strips fell off. I helped them a lot because my skin was blistering from the adhesive - that part was horrible. 5. Energy. You have none until you start more solid foods. You aren't hungry but you are also working on minimal calories. 6. Emotions. Oh wow. Bring back the postpartum hormone changes. Around week 3 through maybe 6 I was weepy for no reason. It was very surprising and I thought I was losing it. Apparently, there are a lot of hormones stored in fat and as you lose, they are released... Which brings me to... 7. Hair loss. Around the 3rd month, hair loss starts. It doesn't matter what you do. Eat all your protein, take your vitamins, drink your water. Your hair will still fall out. Very much like after you have a baby. Praying for this to stop soon. It's not noticeable on my thick hair but a friend is really struggling with it. 8. Nosy people. After a short time, people start commenting on the way you look, begging for "how", asking rude questions like wanting specific numbers. What is wrong with people?! Get prepared with your answers or you'll end up telling people you didn't mean to tell. 9. Head hunger. You won't believe me till you experience it but you don't really feel all that hungry for a few months. You will want to eat at meal times but it won't be a lot. You will have trouble deciding what you want because you can't have much of it anyways. This does cause some emotional pain to me but I'm working through it. I'm breaking up with food. I still have habits I fight daily. Snacking at certain times of day and choice of snack are the worst. 10. Everything tastes a little different. After essentially cleansing your palate and system of junk food, sugar, processed crap for 4 weeks, food tastes different. Sweet things are suuuuper sweet especially you may find a love for a new food because it's protein content. I think that's all I'll throw out there for now... It is a lot to digest (pun intended) haha! Dumb, I know! If you've made it this far through my rambling then congrats!!

Oh lord I just thought of another one as I was doing it and its probably classified as a big fat TMI and slightly weird ( not something most would share, but I'm a realist/big mouth so..) cutting off my undies! I kid you NOT! I have had to break out the scissors on more than a few occasions and chop those big granny panties right off! I drop weight and buy clothes but new underpants never cross my mind while shopping so they never make it into my cart. The most aggravating thing in the world is having big bunched up undies make a home in places that have no vacancy!! The girls at work crack up but I just can't take it. They already know the scissor hand signal. Don't ask any questions, pass the scissors, add sterilizing to the list of things to do. I'm writing this down on the fridge while it on my mind.

I think the hardest parts were the food restriction the first month. My brain wanted me to eat all the things I loved. I had to work hard to turn off my brain from it's food addiction. The surgery wasn't hard for me, the recovery wasn't hard for me. The hardest part is the mental part for me. Oh, and the crushing the pills to take them made me throw up. That wasn't pleasant either. On to some possible TMI subjects. The first 3 weeks, my pee stunk and made me self conscious like it was my girly parts (dr said it's the ketosis) I showered several times a day just trying to not smell. Also the frequency of #2 bathroom breaks has thrown me off too. I used to go daily, but now go maybe 2x per week. And on the days I go... I go several times a day. It's like my body waits until the system is full and it flushes it out completely. It's weird, but thankfully I'm not having constipation issues, it's just slow moving.

I am three weeks post op and still have terrible gas! Is this still from surgery or is this a forever thing with the lap band? I take enough gas x for a village

Merry Christmas! I had my sleeve surgery on December 18. I feel great! Not taking any pain medicine, able to drink plenty of liquids and have not been hungry since I started the pre-op liquid diet - truly amazing!! One thing though - the diarrhea! I hope it ends soon. This may be TMI - but I went and got Depends because I had one too many accidents. I never know when its going to happen - no signs. Anyone else have this issue? I'm 5 days post op.

i use to say that the only way i would run, was if someone was chasing - that's back in my vocabulary. i NEVER got the rush others have written about (sorry tmi ceradad)....my double d's no matter how strapped down w/my enell bra always were tender, never got my breathing right, and my toe nails constantly cracked - so it's off the cadio menu.:confused: today - surprise - spin class, 20 min walk on treadmill

I had started this post and abandoned it out of, I don’t know, fear? Of putting it out there? Or maybe just knowing it is too long and wordy. And I thought should I try again? I came back to try again and to my surprise it was still there. So I will bore anyone whom decides to read it to tears. And add in some new information. My surgery was April 29th 2019, I also had my gallbladder removed due to chronic inflammation. I guess nothing was quite normal due to lifelong chronic illness. I had two other pelvic surgeries before and after my RNY. It’s likely my surgery and subsequent pneumonia shortly after ended up revealing a existing condition that was slowly but steadily getting worse. My chronic conditions muddies the waters when it comes to any possible issues with my RNY. I had an early one year follow up at Cleveland Clinic, at nine months. There are four follow up appointments but they got smashed closer together due to some issues along the way. It’s confusing sometimes and exhausting. I’m working hard at it, I am grateful for the tool this offered me that I would not have had otherwise to combat metabolic disorders and inability to exercise. Even though recovery was complicated and revealed a lot of issues and some things have gotten worse along the way. On my second follow up the doctor wanted a Upper GI fluoroscopy and endoscopy for stricture, it was severe stricture so I doubt one dilation was enough. And didn’t abate the symptoms. By the third follow up I was needing to deal with my gastroenterologist wanting to do a colonoscopy that was postponed from before my surgery. It had been scheduled but then my gastric bypass surgery ended up scheduled first. My bariatric surgeon said that my gastroenterologist could do the endoscopy since I was having the colonoscopy. I won’t repeat the story. But I was pissed since it was never discussed that he would do a dilation. Only check the status of the stricture and ulcers. If possible dilation were on the table it should have been discussed. I followed up with the gastroenterologist physician assistant. She glazed over all the problems with the procedure. Downplayed my symptoms like dark sticky stool (sorry tmi) which indicates blood. And other issues. And continued pain. I brought up sharp stabbing pain and spasms in my chest on the left side under my rib area, and some crushing pain, was suggested to see a cardiologist even though she didn’t think it was anything to worry about (still waiting to get an appointment) I do need to do this no matter what due to other issues anyway. she stopped the proton pump inhibitor medication since according to the dr. there were no ulcers and it contradicts my medication for muscle spasms (makes it not work) and I need that. Just carafate as needed. at this early one year appointment he called me a star patient (no one has ever said that about me before) and was surprised at how much weight I’d lost in nine months. He asked if I was still losing and how fast. I still need to lose a few lbs for my height he seemed to imply I should stop. (Was he concerned? I couldn’t tell, I can’t read people) But yet I never got to see my nutritionist even though I was supposed to. The appointment was muddled and confused even though I gave him my written notes with questions he didn’t answer some of them. And I was too exhausted from the long wait (my surgeon wasn’t available to see me personally) I brought up the endoscopy, the pain. That I cannot take proton pump inhibitors. Discussed concerns about the remnant stomach. My history of ulcers in that portion of stomach and small intestine. He referred me to see another gastroenterologist in the hospital and then have a different kind of test/ procedure called a double balloon enteroscopy. Has anyone here had a procedure like this? I’m a little upset that they expect me to see the new doctor first before they will schedule the enteroscopy leaving me in pain. And it’s very difficult to travel to the clinic . i wanted to discuss another issue and get referral for a neurologist in Cleveland clinic but he didn’t acknowledge that at all. i asked the nurse and asked him about referral for plastic surgery for skin removal and any possible coverage if there are skin issues involved. They implied that my insurance would cover it in Florida due to skin issues. well I did find out that A. I’d have to go through the process of seeing another gastroenterologist prior to having this double balloon enteroscopy. It’s hard traveling to Cleveland Clinic. And B. They lied about the plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. They accept no insurance at all. My thighs are so bad that just trying to shave my legs and I have to catch 22 if I don’t it’s irritates my skin. But I shaved my legs and my thighs especially the one leg was downright bloody. The skin is just so horrendous. has anyone used BariatricPal MX Hospital and used their financing? I am getting close to goal (the doctor thinks I’m at goal probably) and want to start looking into the possibility of thigh skin removal, tummy tuck at the least ... I’m grateful to finally have lost weight but being bony as heck in some areas and all the loose skin and chub in some areas especially where my skin is bloody raw just doesn’t feel good at all. And I wonder if the tummy tuck would help my core strength whereas I cannot strengthen it through exercise? (Due to my chronic illness) on a side note. Someone important to my mother went to see my surgeon regarding gastric bypass surgery. My surgeon is such a great guy. So I referred her boyfriend to him he needs to lose weight for knee replacement surgery and his health. I just worry her boyfriend will not be serious about it. It upsets me when people have the opportunity and choice to get healthy and they make the choice not to do it. He has diabetes, high blood pressure and needs knee replacement surgery. He could be healthy if he made the choice to do it. I have never had the choice. Even surgery can’t fix me. It helped give me a tool to fight my weight but can’t cure lifelong chronic illness and disability. He tends to question and judge what I eat or don’t eat or what I do. But my situation is very different than the norm. I want to be supportive but I see him making terrible food choices and not being willing to change even small habits. Like eating a lot of bad carbs. I’ve been there myself in the past. So,I, not judgmental. A sugar carb addict will find lots of reasons to justify what they eat. But also needs to admit the addiction and break free of it. I just wonder, Do I try to help, or do I step aside and not get involved? I just went to my pcp for throat pain and need thyroid ultrasound and tests. And at some point need to address some issues. Like inability to drink without dysphasia of liquids. I know it’s neurological but have no diagnosis. My pcp thinks even with a diagnosis nothing can be done. But as it gets worse I can barely drink enough water ... ive rambled enough and I’m hoping my long message is not a mistake. If you have read this far. Thank you. Any opinion/advice on the skin removal surgery is appreciated (Mexico) as well as the double balloon enteroscopy.

i had it PREOP..way before preop, really bad especially at night. Since banding, i havent had one single episode. I do however, gurgle sometimes and some nitwit at a meeting said THAT was acid reflux...like i didnt know what reflux was...but this gurgling isnt unpleasant or produce acid in anyway, and actually feels like a relief. it comes after i eat softsolids like poached eggs, oatmeal or uncondensed Soup. sounds like babyfood sliding down a pvc pipe. lol was that tmi?

CG, have you experienced any other symptoms of menopause? It is kind of interesting you are only experiencing these episodes at night, but they definitely fit the description of hot flashes. According to the experts, menopause actually has a wide starting range, but can usually be expected in the age range of 42–58.An early menopause can be related to cigarette smoking, higher body mass index, racial and ethnic factors, illnesses, chemotherapy, radiation and the surgical removal of the ovaries, with or without the removal of the uterus. Can you say TMI?!

Can you just increase your fiber intake as part of your eating plan? Or try one of the fiber powders? I add ground flax seed to my protein shake and it keeps me full and excuse me...loose. Probably TMI, but it does work.

Great thread idea!!! I've got quite a list! I'll be glad when I can... not worry about weight limits on rides shop in the regular section cross my legs in a lady-like fashion sit in any chair comfortably wear my beautiful rings again (without getting them upsized) tie my shoes comfortably see my collar bones wrap up in a regular sized towel walk up a flight of stairs without being winded see my "cat" without a mirror (I know...TMI):smile: Can't wait to read y'alls. I'm sure you'll make me think of other things to add to my list!

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.

def NOT TMI for me. Im having the exact same problem today. I had some Miralax last night, and things haven't, shall we say, progressed as I'd hoped. Have terrible nausea and headache now, making it hard to small my protein shake and fluids this am. I just know We'll get on the other side of these issues soon, and have more good days then bad.

Ok people... How goes the diet and exercise today? I feel like like somedays this sleeved life is such a mind game! I've thought about food all day it seems. I blew it and ate a "protein" bar at 190 calories. I feel fat (on my period I know men tmi) but my calories say I'm at 601 ??? Oh and the weight? The same... It's weird because this is the point that I would fail.. I mean I'm just feeling discouraged and at that point I always feel in all "diets" like why bother.. HA but I have no choice! I feel that way but I can't eat that much anymore! On one hand cool? But the other bummed about the weight... OMG I'm so bi polar right now! I'm going to go rock in a corner 0_o

I just had mine out here in the US a few weeks ago. Ariel Ortiz did my sleeve last December but I never asked re: gall bladder. I didn't want to push my luck. My surgeon who took it out said that there was a stone in it almost as large as my gall bladder itself (I know TMI) and there was no way that my weight loss caused my stones - that they had been forming for a number of years. The recovery was fine. Funny, I had terrible gas pains after gall bladder removal, but not after my sleeve. Go figure I'm 3 weeks out of gall bladder surgery and will be returning to cardio tomorrow, but no weights for a few more weeks.