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No, I didn't have a catheter. This may be TMI, but I thought it might be helpful to tell you about my experience. I expected to start my period a couple of days before surgery. When the pre-op nurse called a few days before surgery, I asked her about wearing a tampon. She told me it would be fine and said to tell my pre-op nurse when I arrived at the hospital. My period didn't start like I expected it to, but I inserted a tampon the morning of surgery, knowing my period could start at any moment. I explained this to the pre-op nurse. She gave me a pad and panties and told me to remove the tampon. It was no big deal.

I love how they hold the jiggle too. But in texas when the weather gets hot, they make my butt sweat!! I know tmi but I cannot wait to dump them too!!

WHY A LIQUID DIET? Bariatric clinics use differing protocols for their patients’ pre-op and post-op diets. Why? When you finish explaining that, perhaps you could also explain the meaning of life? If you asked your surgeon or dietitian, the answer would probably go something like this: “We have adapted these procedures to suit the needs of the patients in our individual practice, based on our experience of what produces the best outcome and the fewest complications.” In the case of adjustable gastric band patients like us, you might expect the band manufacturers to dictate what are called “best practices” in patient education and care, but the fact is that if Allergan and Ethicon-Endo were to employ armies of band police to supervise every bariatric surgeon in the world, no one would be able to afford a gastric band. However those clinics’ protocols may vary, the liquid diet is extremely common part of bariatric patients’ pre-op and post-op instructions. Contrary to popular belief, the liquid diet is not intended to torture the patient. The main purpose of a pre-op diet is to reduce the size and improve the texture of the liver (any weight loss is a plus). The liver is a big organ whose left lateral segment lies on top of the part of the stomach where the band is placed. The pre-op diet uses up the glycogen stored in the liver, shrinking it and making it sturdier, less slippery, and easier to maneuver with laparoscopic instruments. This not only makes the surgeon’s job easier and quicker, it also reduces the risk of complications for you. If your surgeon doesn’t require a pre-op diet of any type, I would have to conclude that he or she is mighty confident in their surgical abilities, but I would also want to ask them how often they have to abort a surgery or convert from a laparoscopic to an open incision technique because of problems handling the patient’s liver. The purpose of the post-op diet is to keep you nourished while you and your upper GI tract recover from surgery. Although AGB surgery is usually minimally invasive (when done laparoscopically), it does require incisions and some internal dissection, as well as manipulation of your internal organs. All this can cause swelling. One day your stomach was fat, dumb and happy. Now it's got a collar around its neck. In order for it to digest food in any form, your stomach muscles must expand and contract to break the food down and move it along to your lower GI tract. Expecting your stomach to do that comfortably and safely while wearing its brand-new collar just isn’t wise. So to allow everything to heal properly, and the band to seat itself against your stomach in the correct position, most surgeons require patients to follow a staged post-op diet, starting with liquids. What happens if you don’t follow your post-op recovery diet? Food can get stuck in the stoma or esophagus and cause an obstruction and/or vomiting. Vomiting can disturb the position of the band, which can cause the band to slip. Peristalsis (the muscular action of moving food through the digestive system) can disturb the position of the band, and that can cause the band to slip. So don't do it! "But I already cheated!" you say? It's not the end of the world, but don't do it again! "But I'm starving!" you say? That's too bad, but that isn't the end of the world, either. Not, it's not fun, but hunger is not a good excuse for cheating your health in such a major way. I'd guess that seven of ten bandsters starve their way through the liquid diet phase. If you absolutely cannot bear the liquid diet for another second, or you think you might be genuinely allergic to your protein shakes (which could be lactose intolerance rearing its ugly head), call your surgeon or nutritionist before you put something in your mouth that isn't on the approved list. And by the way, the same advice applies to following a liquid diet after each fill you get, so you might as well perfect your liquids survival technique now because you’re going to need it over and over again in the future. SOME PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SURVIVING YOUR LIQUID DIET Don't worry about how many calories you're consuming, but stay away from milkshakes, ice cream, frappes and fancy coffee drinks. Drink protein drinks (protein will keep you going longer than sugary stuff like fruit juice). If you don't like the smell or taste of protein powder, try putting the drink in the freezer long enough for it to get slushy, and/or put it in a covered beverage container. Sometimes it's the smell, not the taste, that's bothersome. If you don't care for sweet tastes, try unflavored protein powder (from various sources including Unjury®) or Unjury® chicken soup flavor protein powder (www.unjury.com). Add Unjury® chicken soup flavor protein powder to blended creamy soups (follow the Unjury® heating instructions or it will clump up and refuse to dissolve). Add fat free half-and-half or milk to prepared chicken bouillon or broth for a creamy drink. Add unflavored or fruit-flavored protein powder when making sugar-free gelatin. Check out the recipes at the Unjury website. Be aware that “unflavored” doesn’t mean the protein has no flavor, so the end product isn’t going to taste exactly like the original. Buy your favorite soup from a local restaurant, strain out the solids, and drink the broth (Chinese hot and sour soup is wonderful this way). Buy or make bean soups, puree and thin them with broth, water, or milk. The pureed soup must be thin enough to pass through a drinking straw. Add powdered non-fat milk to soups and shakes to boost the protein. Crunch on sugar-free popsicles, slushies, Italian ice, or ice chips. Don't hang around people who are eating real food. Experiment with the temperature of your liquids - cold may feel or taste better than hot, or the other way around. To prevent boredom, experiment with recipes for protein shakes (you'll find at least a million recipes online). Keep busy! This is a good time to address holiday cards. Who cares if it’s the middle of June? AND IN THE TMI DEPARTMENT… A few final words about your liquid diet. Don’t panic if consuming liquids sends you running to the bathroom more often than you’d like. LIQUIDS IN = LIQUIDS OUT. If that happens to you, ask your doctor to suggest a safe, effective OTC anti-diarrheal medication. And remember: This too shall pass. In more ways than one.

Did you have a foley catheter? I know this is TMI, but I am afraid that I may have my menses by Tuesday (surgery day). Perfect timing, right??

Just an update .. Trip to ER ... Severely constipated .. (tmi sorry).... Left side pain unbearable ... Alls well now..Still very sore but back on track... Just a lesson learned on keeping up with fiber etc ... Which for me watermelon works like a charm.... Thanks for advice everyone

Haha I love this question (I can't help it, I'm slightly inappropriate as it is) lol. Well I don't know about the inner workings changing...but I've been a fat girl forever, and I've noticed a common 'trait' if you will among big girls is a large 'mons pubis' - yes it's gonna get a little TMI- sorry boys! The mon pubis is that area where the pubic hair grows, and in a lot of big girls that part Is more fatty then regular size woman. I've always had an extra fatty bit down there. When I was younger I thought I was a freak of nature until I met other big girls and was able to compare notes lol. But that area will likely go down after weight loss from what I've heard (I'm pre op also so this is only hear say lol) I've heard that some ladies don't actually loose that fat pad much and wind up needing pubic liposuction (yes that's a thing lol) I'm hoping I loose some of it because in scared it will be noticeable and stick out and people may think I'm 'packing heat' or something LOL this whole ost was TMI, my appologies lol

Um, the outside has shrunk, but the inside seems the same at 9 months out and 100 pounds lighter. As a matter of fact, things seem to fit better/deeper these days. TMI?

Well mine was on for 33 days straight ( not heavy just spotting) sorry tmi... But I have the depo and am not supposed to have a period!! Ughhhh!!! So frustrated!! Spoke with my primary dr and he blames the lap band... Lap band dr says ain't no way he is the cause!!! So here u sit everyday... Spotting!!!

I am having this problem also and I have never before had this issue in 53 years of life! I never knew how lucky I was. It's really miserable trying to pass a few stones only to have so many left in there making you feel uncomfortable! LOL Sorry for the TMI. I now know what people are complaining about that have this problem on an ongoing basis. I am going to try some of the things on this list. I can't eat prunes yet but I am sure I can have prune juice. I am also trying fiber one cereal. I drink plenty of water and have added the powder fiber stuff but it isn't helping. Good luck to all my fellow sufferers!

So my bras before surgery were 40H I measure to buy a 38G right now but haven't bought more. As they are $$$ lanebryant right now has a coupon code $40 off $100 and the bras and buy one get one 50% off. I am still wearing my 40H and some 42DDD that I had stashed but they are too big if I bend over they fall out the top TMI . I am thinking about buy some that are a little tight buy might try a coobie, genie bra route.

End up in emergeny for constipation. I take My fiber but haven't been again on 10 days. What do you all do if you have this problem.

7 days post op… sharing experience (this is very long) I traveled 5/27…. (I was on liquids which did include protein shakes (so not clear liquids only) per OCC. I packed Atkins shakes in checked bag with no problem. Also took individual packet of Syntrax Nectar in carry on. It was easier to travel on liquids than I expected. Marriott Hotel was nice and restaurant was very accommodating to OCC patients. Just advise them you are OCC patient and they bring you broth and Popsicle (covered by OCC). The bottled water IN restaurant is not covered. Your chicken broth can be enhanced w/ pepper and lime for a little more flavor. The day of surgery, patients met to take shuttle over to OCC together. It was nice getting to meet and greet each of them and educational in learning tidbits they shared. Once @ OCC we were ask for printed copies of our survey. I recommend printing a copy and taking with you. Then I met w/ Dr Miranda to discuss post-op diet. Then Cardiologist. We were asked to put on booties before having blood work done and IV’s put in. Then I was taken to room where Dr Ortiz introduced himself. While in room I was given sublinquil medication for pain and nausea as well as something in IV. It made me feel so calm and relaxed…. Then off to surgery. I remember being introduced to anesthesiologist and before he finished talking I was “out.” Next thing I remember is being back in room and told to “WAKE UP”. I was a little groggy from the anesthesia but up walking w/in the hour. I did have to go to the bathroom quite a bit so I was up walking the halls back and forth to the bathroom. Visitors have to leave @ 4PM. About 6 I was up and wandering the halls and discovered 2 computers for patient use. I checked FB and sent some messages to friends to let them know how I was doing. Next day, IV came out and patients gathered for trip back to Hotel. Only one patient (the last surgery of previous day) stayed a little longer. The rest of us were good to go. I slept on and off most of day 2 post op. (but I was able to sleep on left side with no issues) Day 3 we went back to OCC for drain check… Then walked to Wal-Mart for shopping and had the broth of a soup @ Chili’s w/ another patient. We stopped at a small convenience store across from Marriott for Popsicle on the way back. They had mango Popsicle which were WONDERFUL. (store has a big donuts on outside of it) Day 4 was drain removal..(Which pinched a little but nothing bad) and travel back to SD thru customs and check into the hotel we chose. We ate @ Red Lobster and I thinned down some Lobster bisque. Then we walked to a strip center and shopped, had mani-pedi’s and toured the grocery store Von’s where I got Earl Grey Tea. Felt more like vacation than post surgery. Day 5 was a long day of travel but again, I did GREAT! We left @ 8:30AM in taxi to airport and didn’t arrive home until 12:15 PM that night. I did purchase an extra dose of the pain med and did take one that AM just to be on safe side but probably could have done it w/o it. I have had little to no pain. Just a little discomfort occasionally from gas (TMI). Actually felt so well when I got home I might have over done it just a little. I kept popping up to do something else and was using my legs more for the up and down from chair. My knees hurt a little but stomach is still great! I am having no trouble sipping or consuming full liquids. I actually do seem to know when I get hungry and need more. It is still early so I am only getting about 500-600 calories and 30 grams of protein right now. But that is what is expecting per diet plan. Pre-diet I never dreamed that would be filling but it totally is. OCC gave first class care and can’t say enough good things about my experience w/ OCC and Dr Ortiz. Never would have believed it would have gone this smooth. Back @ work 7 days post op. I'd lost 18.5 lbs prior to surgery, gained 7 during surgery (expected) but by the time I got home day 5, I had lost the 7 plus 5 more for a total wt loss of 23.5 lbs.... Hopefully, this story helps anyone planning to go to Dr Ortiz/OCC to give you some tips and calm any concerns. ( every experience is different but mine was GREAT! )

I miss coffee! My surgeon said I could drink decaf tea, but can't have decaf coffee until 3 months post-op. He said there is a chemical/acid in coffee -- even decaf -- that could cause ulcerations in my new tummy. I have had a non-fat latte every day for 7 years! I love steaming the milk and the smell of the coffee pods as I put them in my Starbucks Barista machine! I have a countdown timer on my phone that will signal June 21, 2012 when I will try my first post-op non-fat (or 1%) decaf latte. Here's a TMI story: I went for my 2-week post-op doctor appointment and asked the doc when I could have my latte again. He said 3 months. I told my husband with great enthusiasm, but he asked, "Great for your latte, but when can we have sex again?" I looked at him with a blank stare and he immediately said, "OK . . . got it! I now know your priorities!" He was joking and I knew the answer to his question -- but it has been a running joke with us ever since.

Well I have not seen my TOM for about 8 months and I wont see it if I don't taken the pill. But to my surprise after loosing 76 lbs today I got my TOM on its own this a great nsv this proof that wls works

Miralax. Every day. It has no taste and dissolves easily - better than trying to get pills down. You need to establish a bowel routine also, like sitting on the toilet after Breakfast every day. You can actually help train your body to go. On my own TMI share, I've had the opposite problem and am POD#15 today. Almost worried if I would make it to the bathroom in time!

I had the same problem, ended up in the ER. What helped me was colace and suppositories. (Sorry for the TMI). Also lots of fluids and a bit of daily fiber.

I had the same problem after a week out of surgery which is been for me now. It was horrible, but as gross as it sounds, if your stool is hard you kind of have to help it out. I know I know TMI, but it worked. Then I took stool softeners & Milk Of Magnesia, been going ever since. If your still having a problem call your dr.

I am 2 weeks post op and haven't noticed any breathe issues, but I have noticed that (sorry tmi) my bowl movements and urin have a different not pleasent smell. Have u had any issues with that?

Sorry if TMI but I woke up this morning and struggled to have a BM for an hour. Nothing came out. It was very painful and when I felt what was going on back there (gross I know), it was a hard mass. This happened on my pre op liquid diet and after taking stool softeners for 2 days it eventually broke up & passed. I thought when I was on soft foods it would be better but.. No.. What can I do? Am I allowed to have a couple of stool softener gel tabs at this point? Any home remedies?

The last 2 days I've been nauseas, dry heaving, diarrhea ( sorry TMI). I dont know if it's my sleeve or the stomach flu? I also have had on and off pain on my left side that travels to middle. ( kinda pulsing pain) It goes away and comes back? The day it started I ate half an egg, 1 slice bacon and 2 bites of hash brown, at lunch I had a cup of clam chowder. When I had lunch I was feeling nauseas and thought I had to eat. I was waking up in goose bumps and sweat running to the bathroom. I was sleeved 4/10 (6 weeks) Anyone had this? I'm miserable and today I'm slowly eating...but I did have a couple sips of seven up.

This may fall under TMI... But this all liquid pre op diet has made me constipated... I'm not quite sure how that happens... Having 3-4 premier protein shakes a day, 16 oz broth and some Jello.. At a hotel at the beach so haven't had any Popsicles. Surgery is tomorrow morning and wondering if I should take something to get this under control before anesthesia and pain meds make it worse?? Any thoughts?

Of course my feelings are hurt, and I feel like its all me. He's the type of person that thinks he's just fine and never the problem so I agree with the testosterone check. Tmi...I know!

I would think most people wouldn't want to talk about it, would consider it tmi. Most people who are "friends" or acquaintances really just don't care that much about us. Also, It is distracting to talk about it in the workplace and wastes time that should be spent working.

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

I saw the doc for my four week Friday my blood pressure is low by about 5-10 points and I am having symptoms of dizziness and weakness with light head. He mentioned it could be dehydrohadtion but maybe them is tmi but was told to monitor my urin color and it is allways pale yellow only dark once or twice a week. Any advice on feeling better would getting I.v. Fluids raise my blood pressure he didn't give me any good fix other than jointer and I feel like crap. I was sleeved 4/23 and Down 30lbs