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So it finally happened ! After 1 year of appts 3 weeks of optifast and 23 lb i had surgery last Tuesday! I had to spend an extra night in hospital due to high heart rate and extreme nausea was finally released and im feeling much better . Im still sore and concentrating on getting my fluids in and my protein . Had my first bowl movement today too!(sorry tmi) it really helped with the bloating ! Im down an extra 7 lb since surgery which is fantastic! All get better keep it up everyone!!

Ok, I have one week left on my very strict liquid diet. Am I supposed to be having bowl movements? Even the day before, when I drink broth but there is nothing listed for a cleaning diet. Is that unusal? Sorry if TMI!

What a great hubby you are. I would say from personal experience, make helping her any way you can for the first week or so your first, second, and third priority. When I had my surgery, my DH roomed in with me and every time I so much as winced, he was right there trying to help. Walked with me, helped me dress, and even helped change my tampon TMI I know. When I got home, he made my Protein shakes and broth and helped me up and down the stairs. Best of luck to your wife with her surgery!!

Terri & Lisa- I can tell you that for me I had to walk a lot. I was seriously pacing the house. It really helped get rid of the gas. I also used a heating pad (really a long sock like thing) on my lower belly and massaged around the incesions. I didn't touch them but near by. I was using circular patterns. Then I'd get up and walk again. TMI-I ended up putting the heating pad just under my breasts too, that relieved some of that pressure.

Hey all, got banded yesterday and am still alive lol. I was great yesterday afternoon but this AM i wanted to scream trying to pull myself off my dad's couch (seemed easier since I have to stay on my back there). Been taking the pain meds regularly and haven't had anything but water and SF jello and really I'm not that hungry. I was suprised that I only had 2 incisions - I was told at my pre-op class there would be 3 - but hey less cutting works for me! I haven't braved the shower yet but maybe tonight. Had a walk yesterday and going to the store with my dad later so that'll be my walk today. I'm glad the meds make me constipated cuz I don't know how i'd reach behind myself atm. LOL. sorry bout the TMI but I know you guys understand!

So I’m officially one week post op. I haven’t posted until now because I’m just really trying to take it all in and enjoy this very special experience. Here’s a small recap of what I’ve been through thus far. My first seminar was on 6/11/09 I weighed 250. I met with the dietician on 6/20/09 and weighed 245. The day of my surgery is 7/7/09 and I weighed 237. Today I’m one week post op (7/14/09) and I weigh 228. I feel really good about that, and I can’t wait to see more weight melt away. Tuesday 7/7/09 Today is the date of my surgery and I weighed in at weighed in at 237 lbs. I’m really impressed with myself because that means I’ve lost 13 pounds since my first seminar on June 11th. Everyone at the hospital was great. I’m not going to fake it, I was nervous about having this surgery. I kept thinking did I rush this decision, could I truly have done this on my own, isn’t this a drastic measure, etc, etc. I could think of a million other things that I would rather be doing than having surgery, but this surgery was my one opportunity to truly change my life. I knew that then, and I know that now. How wonderfully exciting it is! My surgery was scheduled at 11:30 a.m. and everything started on time. By 1 p.m. I was wheeled into my room, and the rooms were new and very nice. Surprisingly I was not in very much pain. I couldn’t have any water or broth until 6 p.m. so they started having me walk a little after five, before I started the liquids. The first time I got up, I felt very warm and a bit nauseas. So I sat on the chair and waited a while until I took my first journey down the hall with my lovely IV. The gown that I had on was so big and long that my lovely husband went out and bought me a shorter gown and light robe (I don’t know why I didn’t bring one on my own) 6:15 p.m. until midnight that night I took in a total of 6.5 ounces of water/broth. They would allow me 15 ml’s every 15 minutes. I also walked roughly an hour that night (they even showed me a longer path) that way I wouldn’t have to keep turning around. That first day I didn’t nap or anything like they. I remember them waking me up just a little before midnight, at four the next morning, and at eight the next morning. Overall I got some decent sleep. The majority of my time in the hospital was spent seating in the hospital chairs. When I was in the bed I felt like a patient, when I was in the chair I felt like a visitor. I’m such a freak. Wednesday 7/8/09 So today I feel pretty good. I’m not hungry but I am a little thirsty. Again I could only have 15 mls of water/broth per 15 minutes and I ended up consuming roughly 16.5 ounces. Again the pain is under control and I’m just not in nearly as much pain as I anticipated. Thursday 7/9/09 Today is the first day I’m feeling some hunger. I can’t wait until tomorrow when I can have a protein shake. I spoke with my friend who had her Lap Band surgery a little over two years ago. She’s one heck of a mentor and an amazing example of how successful you can be with this Band. She has went from 243 pounds (a size 24) and is now 127 pounds (and a size 2/4). I told her that I am going through a small bout of buyer’s remorse. I know that a protein shake will help suppress my hunger, but I can’t wait until I get some normal food. I’m just excited at the thought of eating cottage cheese, yogurt, roasted veggies, cheese, and chicken, yum. This time I can tell that I’m having true physical hunger, not just head hunger. I walked with my husband and Adrie (our black Lab) around the block. Halfway through it my stomach had a lot of pain. The pain is near the incision where the port its. That’s where all my pain is, nowhere else. Today I’ve had 21 ounces of water and 4 ounces of light Tropicana Orange Juice (super delicious) for a total of 25 fluid ounces. Friday 7/10/09 Today I woke up hungry and I was glad to know that I could have a protein shake, thank goodness. My mom came down to see me today. She said that she was impressed that I was in regular clothes, and not all slouched out in pj’s. J Yes I get up every day I take a shower, put on some make up, and do my hair. I’m not a girly girl, but by doing so that way I feel better which I hope will help the whole process. I went with my mom and hubby to the bookstore. Instead of the “typical” lunch we had unsweetened tea and enjoyed an hour of reading magazines and books. I looked all over for a book on weight loss surgery. There was one book (besides two separate recipe books) called, Before & After: Living & Eating Well after Weight Loss Surgery by Susan Maria Leach. I really liked what she had to say and I could find myself relating to her story. Granted we had two separate weight loss procedures, but we’re both fighting the same battle. Today I had water, 4 ounces of prune juice, green tea, ½ cup of soup, and 1 ½ Bariatric Shakes. That’s a total of 37 ounces for today. Saturday 7/11/09 I woke up early and I decided that I was going to find a couple of garage sales to attend to. I found this one exceptional garage sale and I was in bargain heaven. J I drove by the farmers market, and I told myself that I could stop on over there next week (when I could actually purchase some veggies and fruits for the next stage of my post op diet). I had a total of 43 ounces today, mostly water, 4 ounces of OJ, 8 ounces of a Bariatric Shake, and ¼ cup soup. I feel asleep at 7 p.m. and didn’t wake up until 8 a.m. on Sunday. Now that’s so good sleep! Sunday 7/12/09 Today was the first day where I didn’t much hunger. I love that feeling. I feel so good not having food at the forefront of my mind, I have this new sense of peace and hope in my life. It’s an amazing feeling. My sleep is improving and I’m finally not waking up in the middle of the night. I’ve been having quite a bit of pain today and yesterday with the area around my port. I don’t like taking the liquid pain medicine, because it makes me feel a nauseous and I’m worried that it will make me vomit (and I haven’t done so yet, and I’m a bit scared). I went with my hubby and my little brother to watch Bruno. I had this scheduled for quite some time, but I told them that we would have to wait until Sunday before we could see the movie (I just didn’t think I could sit through a whole movie until then). The movie was totally out of control, but very funny and I laughed the whole time. Going to the movies now is a totally different experience. I didn’t have my diet coke, with popcorn, and sour gummy worms. Nope, this time I had water and I was completely satisfied. Instead of the movie experience being about the food, it was being with my family and just enjoying ourselves, with food not included. What a first. I had 2: 8 ounce protein shakes, 52 ounces of water, 4 ounces of OJ, for a total of 74 ounces of liquids. Monday 7/13/09 So this may be TMI, but I haven’t been having any bowel movements, and I’m thinking that’s why my lower belly is still so swollen. I miss my old bowel movements; I had worked my way into one bowel movement a day. Now they are pretty much non-existent. Is anyone else having any problems with their stomach looking very swollen? I’ve noticed it in my lower stomach, and I’m thinking that its gas related. I wonder when it will go away. Even though I’ve lost 21 pounds, I can still only get one of my pairs of jeans to button. I’d figured that I could wear some old pants that were too tight, but it looks like I’ll have to wait until the swelling goes down. I’m having some strange cravings, grilled cheese (because I’m thoroughly convinced I won’t be able to tolerate bread) and Mexican food, more specifically chips and salsa and corn tortillas. Today I had one protein shake, water, OJ, 4 ounces of prune juice, ½ cup of soup, and one serving of jello. I’ve had a total of 40 ounces of today.

I will apologize to the guys for this topic up front. Now I am going to warn all of you male bloggers I am going to discuss a rather x-rated topic. My panties! lol Well yesterday I finally broke down and bought my self some new underware. I know your all asking how in the world was she still waring the same panties she wore 68 lbs ago. They were a little baggy in the seat but they were dear old friends and I just wasn't ready to go to the expense of purchasing new ones. I have had to purchase new bras, on two separate occasions but the panties worked so I left them alone. Well for two weeks I have been saying to my husband, "Honey I gotta buy new panties, one day I am going to be walking down the hall at work and they are going to fall right off." It had got to the point when I wore my tee shirt spanks that my underware gave me a wedgy. TMI right but you have to fully appreciate how much our bodies change and all of the things we go through when losing weight. Well I bought two pair of really cute hipster style panties at Target. They were so cute, "Not granny panties at all" They were a soft gray pattern with this cute little bow on the front and flat ecru colored lace on the legs. And guess what they are a size "7" and they look so cute. Ok, so they are only underware and I know I am the only one that is going to see them but they make me feel thinner. I know that may sound ridiculous but they do. I have not bought underware that was not of the granny pantie style for years, I got satin ones, lacy ones, etc. Tomorrow, Monday June 27th I start my exercise at Curves®. I have to be there at 7am, so excited. Spent the weekend working in the yard and swimming in the pool. Also bought some delicious protein bars at CVS for buy two get one free. Had a yummy pretzel peanut butter one yesterday for lunch and a chocolate Carmel crunch one today. 200 cal 15 gm protein and low carbs. I like these on the weekend for when I am busy outside and use as one meal replacement. Hope everyone is doing great this weekend. I will keep you posted this week on my exercise, oh and I guess I get to wear my new panties to work and won't get a wedgy!

Today I am 2 weeks post-op and I am wearing a pair of jeans that haven't fit me since this time last year! :thumbup: I have another NSV but it's kind of TMI :thumbdown:

Attn: Possible TMI I am 2 days post op and not feeling too bad. I started lovenox shots yesterday and Im so nervous about taking these. Just want to hear your experience with the shots..any side effects? Also how did it affect your menstrual cycle? I will be on these for a month. Thanks!!!

Hey Thin! Thanks for the advice. I just called my dietitian because after googling the Bariatric Advantage iron supplements, I saw that they come in three different flavors, each is a different amount/dosage, so I wasn't sure which one they suggest. But they said they sell the lemon lime flavor which is apparently 60mg in each chewable. I am going to get some on Monday & am so excited! She said that people who do the chewables usually have less constipation too, sorry TMI. :blushing: Wow, I'm really excited about the whole not-having-nausea thing. And I like that the supplements include Vitamin C so I don't have to worry so much about eating them with the vitamin C foods. Thank you again! :crying:

Brookie...I'm with you. I can't believe how awesome I feel three days out. Like you I had some pretty wicked gas. It's finally starting to find it's way outta me. Also got some diarrea (sorry if TMI) yesterday but it's actually helping me relieve the gas pain. And yes, god bless Gas X!! Walking is also a MUST!! For all you other Double V's about to be banded, remember walking is the best medicine!! I've learned quickly that my mantra for the next few weeks is going to be: WALK-SIP-REST-REPEAT!! Oh...and don't even bother getting on the scale after surgery. You are too full of gas and fluids!! Good luck to all of you who are coming up......BANDLAND KICKS ASS!!

Hello, mine is getting a little better, my body feels stiff and I'm finally passing gas and burping a little more (tmi sorry). I tried to eat a popsicle yesterday but was too nauseous to do so. Make sure that you are walking, that will somewhat help with the pain. My stomach still hurts a bit because of the gas, but I'm doing better with each day. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Unfortunately, there is really nothing that will get rid of trapped gas once it is in your lower intestines. Moving your body to move the gas down and out of the digestrive tract, is really the only way to get rid of it. Gas-x/simethicone works ONLY in the stomach. It does not work once food has entered the digestive tract. When I was in the early stages I would eat (or drink) the meal and use the Gas-x strips the dissolve on your tongue. DONT wait until later - they are most effective when the food is in the stomach. Think of bubbles on the surface of liquid that come to the top and pop. This is what Gas-x does. When I was farther out - about at 3 weeks I found the chewable pills to work better immediately after a meal to allieviate that gas feeling. Be proactive and treat after eating - taking Gas-x more that an hour after a meal is almost a waste of money. Nothing stops gas after it is already in your bowels - except moving it out. Sorry if TMI:) Bean-o is also very effective at preventing gas from forming from beans, vegetables and whole grains. Consider adding a probiotic once you are cleared for pills capsules - I recommend Florastor - one of the few probiotics backed by double blind/placebo scientific studies. Worth the expense. Good luck - remember - prevention

I haven't given up the milk products actually! The list of foods my nutritionist gave me to eat for the next two weeks is kind of limited, and most of the food items have milk in one form or another on there (cottage cheese, cheese, Protein drinks, etc)! The gas doesn't bother me when I'm home and can burp as much as I want (sorry if that's tmi lol), but when I'm at work, and sitting up at my computer desk, it sucks! What do you normally eat for lunch/dinner? I've heard some people complain that products with whey in them (like the carnation protein drinks) can also cause digestive problems for them. Everybody's different in what they can tolerate. I'm not lactose intolerant, but even before the surgery I knew that milk products sometimes gave me problems. I hope your pain goes away!

TMI...If he really cares he will understand...I had my tonsils out in January and I couldn't (u know) for a while because it hurt to put anything big near my insicion site. At least there are other ways to please him if you really arent in the mood lol.

I had to drink one bottle the day before. LaceyD is right about it working quickly! I was running to the restroom all day. In the end it was like I was peeing out my butt...sorry if tmi :/ in the end it's all worth it!

Just super excited to share that my insurance is covering my breast reduction and lift surgery!! I just got the news last night!! So freaking happy! The thing I think is hilarious is that they didn't cover WLS but they don't have a problem covering reconstruction of my TaTas. The hubs even said that since I am going to be under and it would be cheaper in the long run we can throw a tummy tuck in at the same time! Now I just have to get rid of these ulcers and be smoke free for 6 weeks prior to surgery! I CAN do this!

I had my sleeve on the 8th- the gas pains were terrible and I'm having a hard time getting all my Protein and fluids in. I've been dealing with bad cases of diarrhea (sorry if that's TMI).Incisions really don't bother me at all- I haven't taken any Vitamins yet Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Had a strange episode before bed last night. Took all my meds as I have been since coming home from surgery on 8/17. I got up from my recliner to use the restroom and attempt to sleep in my bed for the first time since surgery. Felt suddenly sick. Light headed. Dizzy. Tmi..but went to the bathroom with bowel issues. Felt like I was going to pass out right there. Got up to go to bed and could barely push the bathroom door open and passed out over my side table. Hubby was freaking out. Asking if I ate too much. I had eaten 3 oz of my first full liquid meal. I finally laid on the bed and my BP was 99/62 dropped to 88/55 and started there. I didn't move and drifted off to sleep. Woke up at 2p this morning to BP more normal at 110/79. Was a crazy, scary experience. Anyone else experience such? Going to talk to my doc about adjusting meds already.

Thank you all for the encouraging words! It's so nice to have you all along with me on this ride! I did hit a stall at 2 weeks and it lasted alittle over 2 weeks. It was awful!!! But finally the scales started moving! I am having some issues with 3 things which could make a huge difference 1. Not getting to my protein goal 2. Not reaching my water goal 3. Sorry tmi but no bowel movements I am trying to reach my protein goals but at 6 weeks it is still difficult. I'm probably getting half my water intake too! Could this be the reason it is going so slow? I haven't weighed myself in 2 days and I'm waiting until tomorrow! I go in to see my sleeve dr in Friday and my goal is a total of 30. I would be happy with 30lbs!!

Getting stuck HURTS! It gets to the point that if the food isn't going down, then it's coming UP! I have what I call an "in-case-a-cup" in the car all the time--just in case! Public bathroom splashback I handle by first getting a big wad of toilet paper and then I throw up into the wad of paper. Probably tmi...! Sorry, but it does prevent the splashback! My husband doesn't understand that this isn't really the same as vomit--this is just saliva and chewed up food--still, he gets totally grossed out. It's not my idea of ideal, but it is what it is. Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

OK SO, even big, I've always had a high sex drive and high flexibility. I'm slightly worried about losing more and being so much smaller than my 6'7", big wide boned hubby. (he nearly always pops my right hip out of socket... TMI!) But, he's pretty excited about being able to pick me up and etc. Speaking of the exercise ball... any preference for size and shape? I do a lot of push-ups and sit-ups on a fairly big one (but I'm 5'10")... I'm thinking I need to buy another big one for pop-age! But, folks, let me just say one thing... HOT-TUB... Nuff said!

Hi everyone! I just got banded the other day, 2/7/13. I'm very excited I got it done and I can't wait to start seeing results. My number one complaint right now is back, chest and shoulder pain from the CO2 gas. When should I expect this to go away? I don't really think the pain meds are helping much in regards with that pain, just with the incision pain. My husband has been rubbing ben gay on my back which actually helps a bit. Now sorry for the TMI, but I've starting passing gas early this morning. I've read alot about people taking gas x but it actually feels good, like I'm relieving some pressure. Should I be taking gas x? Thanks!

No, in fact it has been the opposite for me. I only go every other day now and sometimes I need to use miralax for constipation. TMI sorry????

I have heard that warm liquids help folks loosen the band in the mornings...I know that when I have a cold or my allergies are acting up I am a lot tighter....I attributed it to the mucus, etc, running down my throat. (sorry TMI) It's hard to know sometimes what is causing it....I did notice last summer on the really really hot days that I felt really tight and didn't want to eat anything as I had no appetite. It's wierd how things like stress, sickness, and atmosphere can affect our bands! Hang in there! Kim