Search the Community

I usually eat 2 Fiber one bars and something is bound to move within a few hours. But a couple weeks ago, after about a week of forgetting to eat my fiber one bars, nothing seemed to work and I was super uncomfortable and it was 10 o'clock at night. (TMI warning) DH rushed off to the local walmart and came back with an enema and chocolate flavored ex-lax. I opted for the enema. Worked in seconds. I have noticed that alot of folks say less in so less out, well boy oh boy that was not the case with me. I definately needed the assitance. Hope TMI was not too bad.

Well, in about 1 hour I am due to check in at the hospital. My surgery is set for 8:15. I havent really allowed myself to get nervous---up till now! Yesterday I was in a cleaning frenzy & it kept the thoughts at bay. I did tell my husband the following: I will be telling the anesthiologist that he cant let my face start on fire, cant let me wake up during surgery. If I contract some weird bacterial illness, I will not wake up in 6 mos w/out any limbs & be happy that Im alive!! (I obviously read too many weird stories & obsess on strange things!! LOL) I also told him that if something went wrong, he was not allowed to date for at least 2 years & couldnt even think of re-marrying before 5 years. He has to focus on the cats & the dog!! LOL Im not really worried about those things--they just kinda make me laugh & maybe not focus on the things that I could worry about. I do worry about what if even this type of extreme weight loss attempt Im not successful at? I've not done well at the other attempts, and I have heard of some who arent. But then I tell myself if I follow the diet & do the exercise, it'll take care of itself. Im looking forward to horseback riding, having my picture taken w/out thinking twice about it, exercising at a higher level than now, wearing summer clothes, going shopping for clothes in a normal store/normal section, riding a roller coaster, fitting in an airplane seat----the list goes on & on for me! And not to be too TMI, but a better sex life!! lol Im looking forward to the improved me!! Good Luck to all my fellow December Bandsters!

Hi All, I know I have been out of pocket for a little while. I needed to get away for a few months and refocus myself on why I did the surgery. I was becoming a very bitter person by comparing myself to others. Along the way on this weightloss journey become more about vanity and less about health. And that is so not me. I must say, I fall in love with myself a little more each day. I am embracing my newly found curves. Coming to an understaning with my stretch marks, and learning to love how much I can eat. I am almost 11 months out and as I read back over my old post, I can't help but to smile. How scared I was about never reaching ONEderland. My mourning over food. My worries that my husband would leave me if I got too small. And my fear about eating around others. Somethings that I have can now report on: 1- My goal was to get to 199 by Thanksgiving (I know I am a slow loser and paced my goals as such). I am happy to report I am 194. 2. I can eat a lot more around people. I don't know how my tummy knows, but I just can. 3. Food and calories are not the enemy. I honesty lose more when I anm not counting every calorie my mouth or keeping myself from slices of heaven. Its all about balance. 3. Still don't LOVE working out, but you gotta do what you gotta do. 4. I still don't take my Vitamins like I should (I am working on this). I take them 3-4 times a week and its mainly a multi (a good multi) 5. Carbs are not a sin. There are some good ones. 6. shakes are still NOT my friend. Every now and then in a pinch I will have one and I struggle to get them down every time. 7. My goal weight is just a number. I am actually looking to even out in about 20 more pounds. I am moving past the number and embracing how I feel. 8. Inches lost are just as important as weightloss. 9. But inches lost in the waist (pants size) don't correlate with weight. (I am a size 16 still after almost 90 pounds of fat being gone). 10. I still have a very hard time going to the bathroom (TMI?). I don't know what it is. I know if I went more, my weightloss would be better. But its a plus if I can go twice a week. Well that's it for me. I would love to hear from you all who have been with me for almost a year now. I am still hoping to reach my goal of 100 pounds lost by 1 year out. Its a goal, not the end all be all. Love ya lots!

Oh I am glad you shared even with it bordering on TMI..(you weren't too graphic, thankfully!) and I have heard of others who swear they dump with the sleeve. I'm glad you are learning to manage it, as I'm sure you don't want to repeat what has happened.

I've now had 3 episodes with dumping. Yes, I know those with the sleeve don't dump but I do. Here's the thing: 1) I was not a sweets eater before surgery 2) I've always suffered with very low blood sugar. I think those two issues contribute to the fact that I suffer from serious dumping. My body was not used to having to process sugar before and now the least bit seems to drive me into a dump. I've been sleeved for months now. Last night I was at a holiday gathering that had an open bar type thing. I'm a non drinker for the most part anyway and had driven so I ordered a fancy coffee drink. I was very specific. Give me anything decaf and sugar free. Otherwise you make the choice. The woman went down a list and w/ each suggestion I'd say "is it sugar free"? A couple of times she looked at the bottle and corrrected herself. I ended up with some sort of cinnimon drink. I should have asked to see the bottle but she was making a real effort to help me so I didn't. And this is graphic, so just stop reading if you can't take this sort of stuff. The good news is that it does not hit instantly. But about 1/3 of the way into the coffee I started to feel the sweats start and I knew. I went to the rest room first which was right by the exit and waited to see how bad it was going to be. Within about 5 minutes I knew it was going to be bad so I dashed to my car and moved to a far part of the parking lot where I spent the next 20 minutes heaving. This is a whole new world for me. But here's the thing: I'm on a PPI so it's not the normal acid type ick. It was really just all the drink coming back up. Sadly, my "snack" 30 minute earlier when I arrived was a handful of nuts. Let's just say they do not digest fast. I was dreading the possibiity of this happening so I choose sleeve instead of bypass. Turned out it made no difference for me. But the worst part of this isn't the being sick -- which is what I detest with a passion -- but the sweats, shakes and anxiety. The whole thing lasted about 90 minutes before it was completely over. I was able to drive home at about the 30 mark after leaving the building. Just wanted to share this experience for those newly sleeved. Please be careful, especially with liquid sweets. 2 of the three times that's what nailed me. And it doesn't take much. This was a small coffee drink and I got 1/3 down before it all hit the fan. It won't kill you. But let me tell you, it puts you on high alert. I will always ask to see the bottle of the "flavoring" in the future. I'm 99% certain it was not sugar free as I can drink things with artifical sweetner w/ no problem. Heck of an intro to the Christmas season.

I felt so great after surgery, I couldn't believe I had gone through it and felt so good. Day 2 I was able to walk around and I was so ready to get moving. I wanted to prove to myself that I could handle my business, I was given my 30 cc of water and that went down pretty good then move on to the 60cc and that was horrible, I threw up some blood which I was told was from the surgery sitting in my stomach. Okay, that's fine, I guess I can wait another day.. Day 3 drank my water and all was well.. got to have some dinner and boy was I excited!! Day 4 I was released from the hospital and I was so ready to start my new life. So why my first few days at home went pretty well with the liquids, I was just happy to have WATER!! But day 7 I was so ready to have some tomato soup and it was everything I could've wanted.. Then day 8 was horrible, I tried some scrambled eggs and that was the start of the vomiting!! (TMI sorry) When I went for my follow up appt. I was told that some things will be difficult to process in the beginning so I figured okay take eggs off the list of food, but now it seems like everything is coming up and then it's an all day process and water and juice can't be had either. I throw up the whole day and even after everything has come out I still throw up siliva?? What is up with that. I am so afraid to have anything now, cause I can't live without water or kool-aid. Has anyone had this happen or could anyone please shed some light.. The hospital where I had this done is in our neighboring state and it's difficult to get an appt with the doctor, so if this continues I guess I will have to go to the urgent care near my home and hopefully they will be able to help me out.. I don't even know if they can handle anything like this?? Anyone out there.. please help!

I am so sorry you are having such a rough time. You need to talk to your surgeon to get a stronger PPI and let him/her know about lack of bowel movements. But, TMI - I only had one about once a week postop remember than little input equals little output. A softener helps depending on how far out you are. Walking helps with the gas, really. Yes, lactose intolerant for first three months too, this could be upsetting you. Discuss with a medical professional. You are learning the new you and this is not always an easy path. Learn what you can do now and then later when stable, reintroduce some problem foods/liquids as you move along in this journey. At about 6 months out I was totally normal minus the quantity I could eat. I had learned new habits and new ways of eating. So, understand this is a process now. Wishing you the best and hoping you find answers soon.

once it happens you are doomed for about 45 mins! Stay close to a bathroom or garbage can! I have had it happen 5 times, and once I ate breakfast and went to a meeting and ended running out of the meeting with a slime ball coming up into my hand! It was horrifying! Sometimes it would be quick and I would toss up one slimer, but once I slimed up slime like 5 times. (Sorry if TMI) :drool5: Luckily you find out your triggers (like not chewing well enough for me, and I have to steer clear of Subway flat bread) and it happens less and less the further out you get.

Bad Habits: I eat some type of sweet every day I am getting most of my Protein from Protein drinks. I found some I really like and it's so much easier for me that trying to eat a bunch of protein rich foods. I don't eat on a regular schedule, just when ever I feel hungry or if it is "time" to eat. I graze. I weigh every day and sometimes twice (if I have had a BM...TMI!) Sometimes I eat a bite too much...still! Good Habits: I take a Zumba class 4-6 times a week. Exercise keeps me HAPPY. I take my meds and supplements religiously for the first time ever I get in all my protein every day 60-90 grams I read this and other forums daily to stay encouraged and to share my joy at being sleeved with others

So I got stuck yesterday after a few bites of grilled salmon, and everything came back out pretty violently (without my control... and sorry if this is TMI.). Since then I've had this weird pain inside when I take a deep breath or now even just as I sit here typing. I also didn't feel like eating and only forced myself to drink a Protein shake for some nutrition since I had only had Breakfast all day. I am wondering if this is just my body reacting to what happened, an irritation from the incident, or whether the throwing up did something to my band and moved it out of place or something. Anyone experience something similar? What does it feel like if your band slips and can this happen from such an experience? I'd appreciate any advice you have. Thanks, Jo

hehe 'bonier' i understand that. i had a tummy tuck after i had my daughter so they pulled up the whole pubic area on me so i have this freaky fat patch up to the scar of my tuck, then a freakishly flat stomach (with puffy hips sticking out i'm so weird shaped now). i really hope to lose that without having to have lipo. it's really weird and unnatural. if i wear yoga pants it's like i have a computer mouse shoved down my pants. (i know TMI lol). well you look fabulous and you seem to be in excellent shape. very inspirational! it must be so different to have only 10lbs left to worry about than what we start with, i'm so excited. i want to lose 100lbs. although not sure if that's too much or not, i suppose i'll stop when my body decides it's time? i don't even know. i just know i was most 'normal' looking at 115lbs, i'm short so it's reasonable. i cant wait! i'm now thinking that since i'm having the surgery and going to be eating more thoughtfully and exercising that maybe my body will look better than it did in my early twenties as i never worked out or tried to define my muscles. now i know much much more about taking care of my body. ps. speaking of calves, those are actually my own in the picture in my avatar lol.

CAUTION this may be TMI!!!! Just wanted to share update after seeing the surgeon for the first time since the abscess surgery. Basically he went in above the site where the drain was located and extracted tissue. He said the site of the drain was the culprit, as the involved tissue went all the way to the pareteneial layer. He could see it all the way where the drain was located. Essentially about 4 to 5 inches into my stomach, he said it was deep. So they extracted the tissue and left the wound open (my initial surgery was laproscopic, now I will have large scar in midldle of stomach) from there they sprinkle in special cell growth stimulating powder and repack it with special guaze, cover it and I have to take it easy. I go back in another week (they are located 3 hours away- one way), but thatnis what I get for living remote. Interesting note he said he saw another woman just last week who had the same thing but bigger and she did not have a drain, only an open spot on her stomach. I asked if we knew the bacterial or how it happened and he said no. Just about impossible to determine. I questioned the natural anti-bacterial soap and my well Water, ultimately he said just have no idea how or why it happened to me.

Take your time....if you don't you will toss up your intake!! I am 4 months post op and I have never been one to eat slow, or toss my food...sadly if I eat too much too fast or something that doesn't agree here it comes...TMI I am sure. I start with protein and fiber in my coffee every am, than my vitamins, I take celery, and high protein as well as yogurt to snack on during the day at work. It is WORK just to eat....so I have two or three nibbles, and move on to something else. READ...or relax this is a transitional life change...YOU CAN DO IT!! Sometimes I am so frustrated in my decision but when I am cleaning out my closet it makes me smile!!!

I bought a few smaller summer dresses last summer at yard sales, we are talking dirt cheap so if they are too big/small they wont be a loss. I have been doing the 6 month doc visits so i new my appt was going to be Nov or Dec so i put myself on a NO clothes shopping rule. Dont know where you live Cutie 11 but most consignment stores LOVE getting plus size clothes. They rarely get any good stuff is what one lady told me. The thing with plus size clothes is people usually wear them out, cause it is so hard to find nice clothes that FIT. I have a lot of lingerie from Fredricks and LB (TMI?) that i am hoping i can sell on Ebay or Craigslist, so i can shop at Vickies Secret (YAY) So if your worried about all the $$$ for new clothes try that!. I already have some ironed creased and in a garment bag ready to go!!

Thanks for the tips. The problem was solved without any chemical aid or special effort. I was worried for nothing. I hope it wasn't TMI.

for me and my bf we had sex about a month after surgery due to that i was on bedrest and was told to me really careful what i do, but even now a year after surgery ive notice because ive lost alot of weight the port is more closer to the surface of the skin and can easily be felt so if he has me laying down ( sorry if tmi) i have to have more cushing under me jus so that it doesnt get really sore, but he works with me and always make sure im comfatable and im okay, plus hes always kissing me where my scar is and tell me its a beauitful choice i made

Burgandy, Most of us have some weight gain right after surgery from the fluids given via IV. Then, the dreaded 3 week stall hits almost as soon as we start seeing some improvement. It sounds like you might have both over-lapping. You lost 21 pounds pre-op? That might also contribute to the stall you are currently experiencing. TMI, but consider whether you are having BM's yet. I noticed that I lost some every time I had a BM, especially in the first couple of weeks. Are you feeling okay in general? Able to walk and move around without significant pain? As long as you are, then just keep following your surgeon's plan as much as possible. Walk, sip Water, try to get your Protein in, and repeat. Your tummy is so small after being sleeved that it's virtually impossible to not lose weight. It might take a little bit for that weight loss to kick into gear, though. For me, when I stall I find that patience is the key. I have to just keep drinking my water, getting in my protein, and doing my exercise. I have noticed that my clothes get bigger quickly when I'm not losing pounds. I am doing the stair-step plan, apparently. Lose a few pounds, then get stuck at a weight for a week or so, then lose a few more pounds. During that "stuck" period, I usually end up having to consign more clothing to the give-away box. If you are following your plan correctly, then you should start seeing weight loss within a couple of days...and it will probably be pretty dramatic. If you don't see some weight loss by early next week, check in with the doctor's office. I doubt there's anything wrong, but it will make you feel better.

Love the name Happy! I'm not bulimic, but I am seeing a therapist for food and other issues. Having been dirt poor as a child, I've always struggled with the need to have LOTS of food in the house, even if it goes bad before it gets eaten. I also had a sibling who ate all of the "treats" that we did get as kids as soon as they came home, so I learned that treat foods must be eaten immediately if I wanted any of them. My main issue was sweets and the sleeve has made them disgusting to me, except chocolate. I had to get rid of the halloween candy I bought this year because it kept tempting me and I ate about six of them the day after I bought them. Then I promptly had potty issues (TMI, sorry). I'm pretty happy that I'm lactose intolerant now, because that means I won't eat ice cream. The results aren't worth it for me. Between hitting this board constantly and talking to my therapist, I'm moving away from the food issues to something that I consider a healthier attitude. If I'm angry, I go walk on the treadmill, or take a walk outside. At one time anger would have meant I'd go buy a package of cannolli and eat it before I got home, or a quart of Ben & Jerry's that I didn't share with anyone but me, myself and I. Is it any wonder I was big enough for 3 people before? I am consciously trying to create a crossove addiction to exercise. I like the endorphins I get from walking, biking, or using the elliptical! And, exercise is not bad for you if done properly. I wish all of us luck in dealing with our head issues.

This may be TMI for some people, but this is my first time getting major slimes. Well, I came home from work tonight, and was actually hungry because I kind of forgot to eat all day....so I thought I'd try to eat a scrambled egg. Well, it tasted sooooo good! I ate the whole egg. After my last bite I knew immediatly that I had overdone it. About 10 minutes later I got the worst pain in my chest, felt like I had heartburn and got the infamous slimes!!! I thought ok, this is gonna pass, but it didn't. Had the slimes for about 45 mins....then got sick So, needless to say no more eggs for me for awhile. And I have to make sure I'm getting food in, as it's so easy to not eat now.

Hello all Hope you are well? Wow what a new look to the forum it's great! Well I have had an interesting few weeks. I managed half a piece of toast last weekend and a full piece today. I love seeded bread and this was my first slice in 16 months since having the band as I wasn't able to eat it before as it wouldn't go through. It was delicious. Still mainly having soup but trying to have more solids but it is difficult. I can eat cheese so that is a bonus and drink milk plus cashew nuts for the fibre and I have stumbled across Belvitas a quick breakfast snack which is keeping me more regular - sorry if TMI. So can't wait to see if I can manage more toast tomorrow as it would be lovely to be able to eat this in the morning with some lovely strawberry jam. Weight wise I am now stable at 9st 8 - 9st 10 and a BMI of 22.7 Happy in my place at the moment and can see lots of changes happening in terms of the loose skin with the yoga. I teach 5 classes a week and it's a mixture of well woman and pregnancy yoga. So getting lots of focus on my pelvic floor area and toning my tummy (especially as can't do sit ups etc) just brilliant all over toning. Anyway, just thought I would touch base and say hello. Hope everyone is ok and staying focused. Take care Claire x

Okay probably a TMI question but had it gotten skinnier? Sorry if that's TMI and feel free not to answer, the question just popped into my head.

I am laughing so hard....I don't think it's TMI. My hubby is a little overweight, and I am a lot...we figure he can gain about 1-2" of 'closeness' and I can gain quite a bit more....so we'll be a lot 'closer' very soon! Funny how there is so much fat there on our little 'fat pads'......thanks for sharing!!

WARNING: Might be TMI for some...I am about 14 weeks out from surgery and yesterday morning I woke up to intense cramping in my abdomen and diarrhea. I am usually constipated and only go about every two weeks. This cramping has continued now for more than 24 hours. I was up all night last night every hour on the hour with this intense cramping. I have no more stool left so nothing comes out, just horrible cold sweat cramps coming every minute or so. It felt like labor but it was in my intestines. I feel weak and tired now and my tummy still hurts and cramps but not as intense. Its in my lower abdomen. Has anyone had this happen? I didnt change my diet at all. I eat Talapia for supper most nights as I did the night this began. Any suggestions on what to do? Sorry if this is TMI for some.

That is awesome! I don't think that's TMI but I am a nurse so I've heard and have seen almost everything. I'm happy for you and your SO. :shades_smile:

Guys, I don't know the proper ratio here but get this: I am down nearly 60lb and have gained an additional 1" of usable (ahem) appendage. Now I guesstimate there to be an additional 1.25" in captivity. Yeah I checked. And without giving actual dimensions I can say that I and my S.O. seem pleased.Good thing that isn't fat because I'm sure we'd be in a panic mode at the thought of losing ANY of it.