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Polly, Continue following all the post op instructions, I also gained weight right after (about 3-5 lbs the first week!). I was extremely bloated and having some regularity issues (sorry about the TMI). After about a week and a half to 2 weeks, I dropped a few pounds and it's continued since. Your body is trying to find normal again and is going through a lot. I was also crabby and not exactly happy right after (I'm not far into my journey either, I'm about 8.5 weeks post op at this point). You are doing nothing wrong! Right now is not a fun time and weight loss sometimes does not occur right away. A lot of people call this "bandster hell" until the first fill because many people get hungry between now and the first fill. Please, keep it up and continue following the instructions! Hopefully you'll be on full liquids soon and able to take in some Protein, that made me feel much better! The Protein shakes did make me pretty bloated but also made me feel a lot better and gave me some energy. You're still healing, don't worry about minimal weight loss or even a small gain at this point. The first month (for me at least) wasn't much fun, but I'm very happy with my decision now and you'll be there soon too.

The gas for me was HORRIBLE!! The only pain I had was the gas. Nothing helped. I was miserable for about 4-5 days. Then when it finally decided to break loose, I got really bad gas and was soooo happy to fart!! TMI, I am sure, but I felt so much better after about 10 of them. Then I got the squirts and that just made me feel even better. Those lasted for about a week. It sucks, but it is what we have to go thru. Gas X did nothing for me!! Walking didn't help, only time made it better. Hope your's breaks loose soon!! Kelly

I've had a panniculectomy so here's my story. When I had my sleeve done on Nov 18th 2010 the surgeon found my fibroid tumor was way way bigger than we knew. Luckily he was able to do my sleeve and now we knew I needed a hysterectomy sooner rather than later. My original goal was to wait until this fall and hopefully most of my weight would be gone and I could get a tummy tuck at the same time. Unfortunately, the fibroid was making my life miserable.....back pain, shortness of breath (my diaphragm couldn't fully open) having to pee all the time......so we decided to do it March 1. I knew my abs would be cut for the hysterectomy so I talked to the plastic surgeon. I had stomach that overhung to my pubic area (so gross) and even my girly areas drooped. (grosser) I decided to have the panni done when I had my hysterectomy. The gyno cut vertically to get the tumor out, and the plastics cut on either side of the incision and pulled it together. My panniculectomy incision runs from nearly the back of one hip to nearly the back of the other. My belly button was moved. When I figured out he had cut it out of the skin that was removed and cut a hole where it is now and sewed it in I was sort of disgusted...but it looks pretty good. Sometimes I feel like Frankenstein. There are some pros and cons to what I did and I'll share them with you. Pros: Not having that overhang was a huge motivator to me. No more rashes there I can move so much more freely (ie...when I ride my bike, my knees don't hit my stomach) I have a lap again My clothes fit so much better and the overhang used to be visible under clothes TMI alert (sex is soooo much better without that between us) BTW.....he removed 15 pounds of skin and fat. So if you've ever grabbed your stomach and said 'I wish I could cut this off" Well, it turns out you can. Cons: It hurt soooooo much. Please understand a lot of that pain came from the removal of a fibroid tumor that weighed in at over 10 pounds and the cutting of my abdominal muscles. The scar is big and ugly, but as bad as it is, it's better than the overhang. Because I had my surgery with A LOT of weight left to lose, I may still want to have a tummy tuck later. I'm going to wait and see on that. I paid for it out of pocket and it wasn't cheap, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat My doc explained that the panniculectomy was like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) without the tightening of the stomach muscles. If you're at your goal weight now, my suggestion (unsolicited so tell me to shut up if you want) would be to have the tummy tuck. With the tummy tuck they will remove the excess skin like they would in a panniculectomy, but they will also tighten up your muscles, giving you a more toned look. Sept 1 I'm having my girls reduced and lifted. If you have questions about that, I'll let you know after. Insurance is footing the bill for that one and I'm psyched. If you want to know anything else, please feel free to PM me. Good luck with your decision.

There will likely be some TMI in this post so consider yourself warned lol. BCPs are horrible little buggers for me. The ONLY one I can take and not be COMPLETELY miserable is Ortho-cyclin (NOT ortho-tri-cyclin). The others are horrible, and Yaz was the worst for me. I practically hemorrhaged during AF while I was on it. I would soak a super plus tampon before I could even stand up off the pot and get re-dressed. On top of that AF lasted TWO weeks not one!! I tried the Mirena and I would have taken the yaz over that any day. I had migraines, dizzy spells, hot flashes, night sweats, gained 60 pounds in the 6 months I had it (I am a big girl but I don't gain weight THAT fast and as soon as it was removed I lost about half of it so....), had a horrible scraping feeling in my uterus, severe stabbing pains every time I climaxed, the list goes on and on. All we can use are condoms or withdraw. I swore off hormonal BC after the Mirena. JMHO, but when you add hormones into hormonal chaos you are asking for trouble, at least that is the way it has played out for me.

Talk to your OBGYN and your surgeon. I have the copper IUD (no horomones) so that might be a way for you to prevent pregnancy but I'm not sure it will help with the heavy flow. TMI Maybe but the only negative side effect so far has been extra discharge (stringy/snotty) right after your period. My OBGYN said that it was where the string of the IUD rubs the mucuous membranes and causes them to create more mucus than normal. It's so not a big deal though.

This may be TMI, and one day I hope I can laugh about it but what a saga! I've had to wait three years for WLS, and have been set to go on July 27. In the last two weeks I'd developed multiple swollen glands in my girl parts, possibly stress related, and started one antibiotic to try to deal with those before surgery. Saw the surgeon for my pre-op appointment, and he said he hopes the glands will be back to normal by the day of surgery. The antibiotic I am taking led to a yeast infection (common side effect), which I realized that same day. That evening, I went for a short hike with my family up our local canyon and inadvertently picked a poison ivy plant, but didn't realize it. On the way home, I ran in to the drug store and bought a 3 day yeast infection treatment. Got home. Took a shower. Gave myself a good scratch, if you know what I mean, still not realizing I had poison ivy oil all over my hands. You tracking with me??? Got out of the shower, began the treatment for the yeast infection. Went to bed, blissfully unaware of the mayhem about to ensue. The next day, I noticed a red patch on my arm and suddenly realized what had happened and that I'd touched poison ivy. By that night, my face was swollen from where I had touched my face, pre-moment of enlightenment. It has been awful. I tried all the homeopathic options first, asked friends on FB, they asked their friends, people were networking, all trying to help me. Bought Tecnu, bought calendula cream, Rhus tox, you name it. The next morning was even worse (glands were larger still, starting to get itchy). It was a Sunday, so I went to the ER in tears, hoping to get Prednisone and try to kick this whole thing. That was the treatment I received, and they were all wonderful and sympathetic. Was in charge of a company picnic for 125 in the 95 degree weather, with a boss who never thought to mercifully send me home, so I toughed it out. Got a mild sunburn from that. Today, my fingers are worse from the ivy and I'm finding other small Patches on my bod, here and there. Something is giving me diarrhea, but that is the least of my troubles right now. I just need something to get better... This is a comedy of errors like I've never experienced. I just don't want to have to postpone surgery. These are minor issues, but I know added up together might do just that. I have to surrender to the idea that there are worse things that postponement. I am very healthy overall, and this is just crazy. Thanks for being the one place I can tell this dumb story. One way or the other, it will pass. But my advice to you all in the weeks before your surgery is to NOT LEAVE THE HOUSE. Kidding.

I understand completely. I was worried something was wrong with me because I never remember seeing anywhere in post about the pain that comes after surgery. I mean I know there would be pain, BUT OMG!!!! :blink:This stuff really hurts. I also have lovely post nasal drip right now and the coughing hurts so bad and I am in tears.... But it does get better except I dont think I have slept since I left the hospital on Friday. Im always afraid that I will cough and blow out my left side stitches. Also Water does not like me and I dont like it. Which is crazy since I loved it before surgery but now my tummy does not like it. It yells and burns afterwards telling me how terrible I am.... But I can drink Apple juice with no problems.... Its a light apple juice. And OMG have u went the bathroom yet???? I mean really went? I went today for the first time in a week, first time solid tar reminded me of the baby poop after the baby is born, 2nd time pure liquid out of both ends.... Thank goodness I didnt have a drain in, dont know how much more pain I can take. I swear if anyone every tells me that this is an easy way and I cheated, I will proceed to RIP their heads off.... lol. I think I might try the liquid Loratab tonight (dont wanna cause it is horrible) but I want to actually sleep some.... But I know this is all worth it cause next year this time, I WILL BE ONE SEXY MAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Skinnyness is painful.... lol. Im hoping next Wednesday the left side will stop hurting so bad, fingers crossed Sorry if this is all TMI..... lol

When they do the tummy tuck does it also raise or flatten the skin in your pubic area?

Hey kids, I'm 4 days post op. I have had severe pain in my left side since waking in recovery. Everyday it get's a little better, but it is always there. It's a bit swollen, and the incision indents~ I have been walking with difficulty. Drinking, and taking in calories just fine. I have had some gas, a few times, nothing major. I have had no vomiting and very little nausea. But man my abdomen HURTS! I have to sleep sitting up, I still need help getting up if the furniture is too low, or I got too comfy. I can't bend over, I can barley (TMI WARNING) wipe myself after tinkling! Will this go away soon?? I do still have the JP drain in, but its in the middle of my tummy, not on the left side where I hurt so much. Did anyone else go through this kind of pain, or is it everyone and no one really talks about it? lol... I haven't seen much about it anywhere. Thanks!

TMI alert, I apologize in advance! Everyone has been talking about constipation...I am having the opposite problem - never have I not made it into the bathroom before, but twice today! Has anyone else had diarrhea vs. Constipation???

I got a bra on the day after surgery as I HATE that feeling of having boobs flopping around. I had an incision on the high sternum too, but this was well covered and small so the front of the bra rested on it and caused no pain at all. Having my boobs resting on my stomach loose was WAY worse. This is total TMI, but when I first got out of bed a few hours post surgery I had nothing on but a gown and I had to lift them off of my stomach (what with all the sweat and blood stains) to even get standing. It was so much more painful!

Wow, that's so scary!! I'm glad you are ok now. I had H. Pylori too, and I was prescribed a PrevPack for it. It was basically Prevacid plus 2 antibiotics (amoxycillin and clarithromyacin). Some annoying side effects (yeast infection, sorry if that's TMI) but nothing dangerous!

I just re-read my last message to see where I left off and it brought it all back and I'm giggling again. I want to be clear that I mean NO disrespect to anyone that was part of my adventure...I'm definately NOT an elitest who thinks that Americans have it all right...but it is my point of reference you know? I would do this all again in a heartbeat! Let me again assure anyone thinking of going to Dr. Kelly and or this facility. The methods and the practical equipment (i.e., my mospital bed...) were all pristinely clean. Housekeeping came through twice a day and my every need was attended to. They may not have the 'polish' of an American hospital, but they also were much more personable than most medical facilities I've ever had to deal with...and that's not saying I've had bad service or treatment stateside, it's just different. OK...here we go: I was having the most incredible deep sleep when I was suddenly annoyed by someone gently slapping my cheek, "Susanna, Susanna! Wake up..." I immediately was aware of pain in my upper left quadrant. "OWWWWWW" I said, a little irritated by the interrupting to my sleep. Things are a little fuzzy to recall...sort of still sleeping I seem to remember being wheeled through the double doors and seeing my dad. I believe I said something like, "Hey, that's my dad everybody." Yes...there is a reason I no longer drink. I am an absolute fool when intoxicated. Somehow I got onto my mospital bed...I don't recall this at all but by Saturday, I had little bruises that undoubtedly came from fingers in my biceps. I'm guessing I didn't scooch my fat butt over but was hefted. I'd rather not think about this too much. hahahaha OK...I was all snuggly warm covered in heated blankets and compression stockings! OH I forgot to tell you about those. I've never had to wear them before. It was quite funny to have poor Dilynn struggle to get them on me. She is a kick. By the time she got the sausage sleeved (excuse the punn...) we were both laughing hard. Also, she was the one who told me I had to take my undies off just before my ride to the O.R. In my defense, I was very worried about my period. I am a VERY heavy flower on day 2. It was truly freaking me out. I can't even imagine having to ask for help with tampax every hour. OK, sorry. TMI to the max (yes, I'm an 80's gal). So I threw a little tantrum and Dilynn went toe-to-toe with me. She was tough. When it was clear I wasn't going to win, I poked my tongue out at her. Universal language wins again!!! She responded in kind and we both ended up laughing like idiots. I removed my panties. OK...now I'm never going to talk about that again. Something was put in my I.V. but for the next 20 minutes (truthfully, I have no idea how long it was...could have been 10 for all I know) I was pretty sure I was either giving birth to an alien through my chest or I was having a heart attack. I must have missed the post on the forum that described the incredible pressure. Reaching deep, my lamaze breathing came in handy and I was moaning for a while. It was indeed more painful in an "extreme discomfort" sort of way...not like OMG I just cut off my finger...but like the worst rolling, wave-like contractions you've ever had, but in your chest! I am one of the unfortunate ones who had it travel to my shoulder. That's not a first for me, I had experienced the same thing after a C-section...so that part, while very painful, did not take me by surprise. I slept on and off for the rest of the day and through the night. I did manage to get up about 4pm that afternoon and start walking the halls. It helped considerably with the "gas" pressure and gave me minor relief in my shoulder. I think I walked 3 times that evening. I woke up at 3 a.m. and was able to get out of bed fairly easily. By now I had burped a couple of times and the big event the nurses were interested in was whether or not I "pass gas". I had a party of 1 in my private bathroom as I did indeed 'pass gass' that sounded a lot like what the 'final trump' may sound like when Jesus returns! heeeheee I'm sure I woke my Canadian neighbors. God did indeed have my back as my period had come to almost a no-flow...whether it was due to trama or what, I'm taking it as a personal favor from the Lord. Friday morning arrived and I was instructed to shower and given a fresh tent-gown. Dilynn changed my dressings, poked out her tongue at me and went about her business. Throughout the day, I had a visit from Trish and Dr. Kelly. Trish arranged for one of the hospital workers to take my dad down the road for some Arroz Con Pollo...and I spent the day walking, watching TV...chatting with some of the lovely patients from the Oasis Hospital. Oasis is primarily a Cancer treatment facility and they lease the one wing to florence Systems. They share the cafeteria which is more like a small buffet of fresh food...all organic and I believe primarily vegetarian. My dad gives it 2 thumbs up. Every 6 hours (I think it was 6 hours) I was given something for pain in my I.V. I protested weakly once saying I had no pain, and I asked what the other syringe held. It was for 'gas'. I explained I didn't have much and didn't need anything for pain. I only said that the first time...because the stuff for gas, made all the latent gas in my system all move at once. HOLY COW, I think I suggested that they come in and give the pain meds about 10 minutes earlier....I came to dread that visit. But each visit resulted in less intense bouts and it wasn't like they were listening to me. I want to say that took place for 24 hours post-op. I'm not sure. I was anxious to leave because I wasn't truly resting. You know how it is when you are not in your own bed and there is a lot of activity going on. Strange noises all night from the races out front, the bass pumping from the club across the street. It seemed to drag on and on...but I think that had a lot to do with coming in the night before surgery. 3 nights in a mospital bed with a 5" thick mattress is not conduscive to beauty sleep. I'm going to skip ahead to my release. Trish came bearing gifts of various flavored Gatorade and Jello. She is very lovely and very happy to see to your every need. Between the two of them, I couldn't have asked for more. They even arranged for a recliner to be brought to my room on the Friday so I could sit comfortably! Finally, Dr. Kelly arrived to do the dasterdly deed of pulling the drain. This had become the source of my only discomfort. It felt like constant pressure and restricted me from taking a full breath. On his command, I took a deep breath and he pulled it all in one smooth move. It didn't really 'hurt' but it was definately an uncomfortable moment. Think of it as pulling the bandaid off quick. Anyway, instant relief!! The pain in my shoulder and the discomfort in my left upper quadrant all left immediately. WOOHOO We talked for a while. The plan was that Dr. Kelly would not be able to accompany me over to Angeles Hospital for my big "Swallow Test" because he was speaking at Congress. (I believe it was more of a conference on Bariatric Surgery and he was one of the main attractions). He had arranged for his son, Sammy to pick us up, go with us for the Swallow Test and then deliver us to the Lucerna Hotel. As promised, Sammy arrived and he had my "prescriptions" in hand. I was given a packet of Facelit, which is penicilen. I was given something for nausea and something for pain. I have yet to open either the nausea or pain meds. After a harrowingly bumpy ride to town, we arrived at Angles Hospital. What a spectacle of wealth and technology. This place was palacial. White marble floors and walls in the lobby...just beautiful. It could have been the decadent lobby of a very nice hotel!! Now, here is where it got sort of weird for me. Sammy didn't speak a lot of English. I was taken to a desk where he spoke with a woman...I got the distinct impression that she was not thrilled to see me. I cannot put my finger on it, but the entire staff was very judgmental and condescending. I'm sure it would have been different if Dr. Kelly was with me, but perhaps not. After the fact, my dad and I both had a mutual assessment. It was a if they were paid to look the other way while I was ushered in for an un-official visit to use their advanced imaging equipment. I really don't care what they think...but it's part of the story. I was asked to write my name and birthdate on a little piece of paper that she had literally torn from some lined notebook. We were seated in an offshoot waiting room with some other people and Sammy disappeared behind one of the doors. He returned in minutes and tersely commanded us to, "Come!" We quickly followed down another hallway, past large impressive rooms that contained state of the art equipment. I recognized an MRI among other assorted devices. Finally we arrived at what seemed like the end of the maze, an attendent met us and took me into the very spacious room where there was this HUGE X-ray tablet suspended from the ceiling. When I say huge, I mean it was probably 10 feet tall and 7' feet wide with a ledge on the bottom (suspended about 8" above the floor). He gestured until I understood that I was to stand on the ledge with my back against the tablet. My feet didn't exactly fit and my 'butt' clearance is slightly more than was provided, so it was a little bit of a joke to see me balancing up there, I'm sure. Sammy brought in a clear plastic cup holding about 4-6 ounces of some clear liquid. He put it in the cup holder (i'm not sure what other features the tablet had...but it did have a cup holder!). Both of them disappeared behind a large window and an anterior room...I vaguely heard the command to "drink!" Well, being a good little rule follower, I took a sip. I heard the sound of the xray...and then I heard "drink!" So, I took another sip. I was following the "sip, sip, sip" rule. VERY important for us sleevers!!! Well...unbeknownst to me, I was totally frustrating the tech who was taking it out on Sammy. Sammy, who doesn't have a large English vocabulary was at a loss as how to communicate to me. My dad was with them and seemed to gather that there was some sort of problem. He and Sammy played charades and my dad realized that I couldn't really hear them and I didn't know what they wanted. He took the bull by the horns and yelled, "they want you to drink half of it in a big gulp". I argued, asking if they knew I just had been sleeved and that this stuff tasted like CRAPOLA? Clearly I was distressed because I actually thought they might understand that word, crapola. So. we started again and I swallowed half of what was left...."click/buzz" "click/buzz" went the xray machine. "Again!" I shuddered and downed the rest. I had to breath through the next minutes as I don't think anything as disgusting as that liquid had EVER past my lips before. It was like drinking liquid hairspray or something. Even now, just thinking about it I am shuddering.

Thanks everyone. Today hasn't been all that great. I was supposed to have a barium swallow study done this morning. I spent the majority of the night in the bathroom dealing with the effects of Milk Of Magnesia....not fun. Anyway, I was incredibly weak and sick this morning. My nurse gave me zofran IV and sent me off for my test. I knew I was in trouble when I was shaking in the wheelchair being wheeled to radiology. I kept feeling like I was going to pass out. So they get me in the Rad. dept, get everything all ready for the test...tell me to come stand on this little platform thing...Still telling them I feel very weak. They hurried up and lowered the thing over my chest and then I started feeling like I couldn't breathe, heart racing, scared to death because I felt like I was going to yak and faint all at the same time. At this point I hadn't even had the lovely stuff to drink. I felt the thing I was standing on start to go back. When the doc heard me he immediately started adjusting the table so that I was laying down..but it freaked me out!!! I just KNEW I was going down. They got in me in a laying position and I started feeling a bit better, though crazy nauseous. They decided to send me back to my room and I don't remember the rest. I woke up back in my bed and feeling extremely drained. I really don't know what happened.....I do know my body was exhausted from the Milk of Mag...literally on the toliet every few minutes for HOURS yesterday...and since I've already shared TMI.....PERIOD FROM HELL. They are going to repeat the test tomorrow. I hope it goes well. Tonight I felt ok enough to get a shower and go for a short walk down the hall and back. I'm ready to go home and passing this test will get me out of here.

My fingers have slimmed down some - not much. I really notice my face has slimmed down a lot! Which is a good thing. No change in the upper arms - aka bat wings. Boobies have shrunk a lil = uber bad thing LOL Tummy - definitely looks flatter but has developed an ugly FUPA roll.. TMI I know.. :cry_smile: Butt - all but gone LMAO Thighs - still thick as all get out!! Overall - I don't where the 30 lbs was lost at LOL Just staying positive! That's all we can do! Hugs!!

I just spent 6 days in the hospital for low potassium. When I was released I was able to drink all of my required water. Protein shakes have been difficult for me. When I was released I was able to get 4oz in over an hour 3 times a day. Today I feel horrible. My legs are cramping again (sign of low potassium) and I'm dizzy and weak when I stand up. TMI I also started today, so I'm sure that isn't helping. I'm still able to meet my water goals, but over the past 3 days I doubt I've gotten in more than 3 oz of protein shakes in a day. I tried greek yogurt last night and was barely able to get a teaspoon in. I really feel like this is NOT good for my body. BTW My surgery was June 16th. I'm supposed to see my doc in the morning. I was sent home with a PICC Line in case I had problems ( I have no more IV sites left) and I'm so afraid I'm going to have to go back into the hospital. I must say, this is not my idea of how I thought my recovery would go. Any suggestions are welcome.

I agree, things will probably go down easier than you think. You haven't had any fills yet. I had no problems keeping things down until I had had a few fills. Take your time and you should be fine. Also, even if you do get sick it's really not that bad. I get a feeling of pressure in my chest and something like nausua. I then go to the bathroom and it comes up pretty gently. There's no heaving like when you have the flu. I feel fine once it comes up. This may all be TMI sorry. Of course you don't want this to happen, but I just want you to know it's really not that bad. Congrats on your surgery!

I'm down to 172.2! Really haven't seen that in a few years. In another 5 pounds, I will be seeing weights that I haven't seen in 5 years! I'm so excited! Ok, so this is TMI area: you've been warned! I have the grossest, foulest smelling gas coming from my body. Also, I'm 5 days post op and haven't had a bowel movement since last Monday. I just started playing with mushie foods last night but before that the last food I ate was Sunday night last week. Just wondering what kind of foulness to expect...

Wow, they day time flies when you are having fun! Well, I MUST be having fun, cause today is the 3 WEEK anniversary of my surgery! It seems like the 3 weeks have just flown by, and I have to say, I feel SO much better than I did three weeks ago today!!! When I woke up from my surgery I was sore and hurting (mildly) in the area of the five ports (incisional areas). It hurt to cough or take a deep breath. I felt like I had a huge gas bubble in my stomach that I couldn't belch up, and I just wanted to sleep, but my doctor and nurses kept telling me to "get up and walk, walk, walk!" I was SO tired to boot. But today I am three weeks out, I have lost a total of 44 pounds so far (20 lbs pre-op and 24 post op) and I feel so much better. Initially I had trouble with getting enough water in. And it is still a small battle. I sip most of my waking hours, trying to get my 64 oz of water in. Some days I come close, some days I don't do so well. But this morning, I woke up at 5:00 AM (!) and was thirsty, so got up and got a ProJoe out of the fridge and drank the whole thing in just about 15-20 minutes! (ProJoe is a coffee protein drink from www.mybariatricpantry.com ). I ordered a sample pack of 12 and they came yesterday. This is the first one I have tried, and I was amazed that it was so good, and I could drink all 9.5 oz in that short of time!!! It usually takes me an hour or two to get 9 oz down. I am sure that my swelling (internal swelling that is) must be going away, allowing me to drink more fluid at a time. ProJoe also has 20 gms of protein in the 9.5 oz, which is great. I have been really struggeling with getting my protein in every day(usually without success!). I was a huge Starbucks drink fan prior to my surgery, so am looking to substitute ProJoe for Starbucks. The drink I had (Magnifico Mocha) had 110 calories in the 9.5 oz, which is about the same as a Small Starbucks Skinny Iced Carmel Macchiatio (my favorite Starbucks drink). Also have to report that I am swimming daily with my roommate. Yesterday I got up to 22 laps in the pool. (We have a pool just 1/2 block from our front door). My roommate swam every day in June, while I was home on vacation, and is up to 60 laps. Wish I was able to do that much. But am happy that I can add two laps per day! Am hoping that the swimming will help firm up my upper arms and thighs! I really want to improve my stamina and get some cardio exercise in, and hope that swimming will do that for me too! In my opening paragraph I said I feel so much better today. I neglected to say that the "Gas bubble" sensation has finally gone away. I am finally having some bowel movements (sorry if that is TMI!) without the aid of a stool softener or laxative, eating a little bit without feeling miserable; in general, everything seems to feel better "all of a sudden"! Now if I could just get my energy back (I am still tired a lot of the time) I will feel REALLY GREAT! So all you newbie VGSers out there, take heart! It seems that time does heal most things! Have a great day and GREAT weekend. I am off work this weekend, and am anxious to do something fun! Later.........

For me it was a very painful sense or urgency with violent, watery stools. TMI but just being honest. Totally not worth it. The only silver lining is that I lost about four ounces after I was done, lol. Is it sick that I weigh myself after taking a poo?

I did drink protein and had pudding and applesauce. So I'm going to concentrate on water today before I worry about anything else. Amy - can't thank you enough for heating pad advice and support. Last night was hard. I tried to lay down in bed last night but bronchitis still bad and I couldn't stop coughing. TMI - I'm still getting green stuff out of my lungs despite all the antibiotics. Physician assistant writing me script for stronger pain killer so maybe I can sleep. Still chewing gas x.

LOL.... Jellyfish! I think it was chunks because I didn't chew well enough.... lesson learned!! (btw, sorry if it's TMI!)

Well, I made it through my first shift back at work. But I have to say, I was BEAT this morning! Thankfully, it wasn't a hughly busy shift, so I could pace myself, sip on my water all night, got to take a break, etc. Some nights it is so crazy that even a bathroom break is out of the question (sorry, TMI!). Only problem was, I was way to beat to swim with my roommate this morning before going to bed. I got home and told her, "sorry, I am headed straight to bed!" And I slept like I had died. So now it is back to work again tonight and tomorrow, and then I have a couple of nights off, which will be nice. When I got home this morning, I made my usual "Pit stop" at the scale on my way to bed, and was disappointed to see that I weighed the same as yesterday morning. Sort of discouraging. I walked a lot last night at work, and thought that would help in the weight loss battle. But then I know that weight loss isn't always smooth and even. I was somewhat discouraged when I got to work last night. I had told two people at work (IN CONFIDENCE!) about the upcoming weight loss surgery, and when I got to work, it seemed like EVERYONE knew I had had the surgery, that I had gone to Mexico to have it, etc. I am not sure which one of my co-workers "spilled the beans", but am sort of upset that one or both of them would tell something that I had told them in confidence, and asked them NOT to tell anyone about! I am a contract worker, and did this between contracts, so it isn't like I had to inform administration or HR about the surgery. For all they knew, I was just taking some time off between contracts. I had tons of "unsolicited" advise last night, about my diet, my weight loss, my vitamin intake, etc. There are three gals at work who have had various bariatric procedures (not sure what exact procedure) and one of them came to me to tell me how it was "the worst thing she had ever done in her life!" Now why would she tell me that? I am working hard to make a success of my surgery and post-op experience, and she tells me about her infections, her subsequent surgeries needed to "fix what the weight loss surgery did to me", etc! I mean, how depressing. I guess some people just can't let someone else be happy that things are going right! Oh well, enough complaining. Have to start getting ready for work. Hope all you pre and post op Sleevers are doing well. Talk at you more later............

I updated my YouTube this morning with 3 videos. Only 1 really applies for here and it's absolutely TMI so beware lol For those that want to watch, it's called spit and ****. I've had the worst heartburn EVER since surgery so maybe this will help out others out there and lets face it, **** happens so there you have it, the name of the video LOL xoxo's Renee`

I hope this isn't TMI but I am concerned about it...I used to be the typical lady who had to use the restroom quite frequently. Since my surgery, I noticed that my bladder has been like cast iron. I only void 2 or 3 times a day. I am getting in at least 40 to 60 oz of water and other fluids every day. Sometimes I feel thirsty and sometimes not. I have had kidney infections in the past and they never could figure out why. I don't want to hurt my self but am actually enjoying not having to take all those bathroom breaks. Any thoughts?? Thank you so much!!, Laura