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Ok so this may also be TMI and I am sorry for being graphic but I am at my wit's end here. I am 6 months post op, and Thursday night I woke up to by far the worse pain I have ever felt, it was under my breasts, rib area and spreading to my chest and back, on top of it I even blacked out. Taken to closest emergency room which by the way was the worst experience ever besides the hot male nurse who saw me at my worst... let me just say this real quick ...huge peach pajamas..no bra and black socks......no make up..zit cream on my face ...oh yeah embarrassing but what is more embarrassing for the hospital..they never heard of the SLEEVE...yes I said it...no clue. They looked at me like I was nuts! I told them "call my surgeon" at least 100 times..did they call NO!!! They gave me morphine, Fluid, did a cat scan, said I abdominal pain and sent me home...yes sent me home..could have a tear...how would they know right.. they wouldnt even call my surgeon! Can you believe it? My bill will be probably thousands...for what??? Needless to say I called my surgeon in the morning and went right in to be advised I had a bowel blockage, partial but 14 about 12 pounds worth and what do you know right up under my ribs... top of bowel...could they have told me that at the hospital ..NO. Sorry for ranting, I am just so bothered by it! Ok so here is where I need help, my surgeon said no NG tubes so they cannot flush the block and he wants me to clear it on my own by taking citrate magnesium and miralax combo. I did it but my bowel never ran clear like he said. I have since tried a second time and nothing. I have gone jogging, ran up and down the steps...ate applesauce, drank apple juice, ate prunes, drank prune juice, drank a ton of Water, warm water, metamucil (alot), ate hot food, ate everything whole grain I could find and I cannnot clear this block. It will not work...i clears my bottom bowel but never runs clear like he said. I need to clear it, or it could turn to a total obstruction and I will be hospitalized. I want to avoid that at all costs. Has anyone had a similar issue and please tell me any home remedies you have, I am desperate and will try anything. I bought an enema but am thinking will also just clear lower bowel. I can't go through that pain again ever. This is affecting my job. Last day off today! HELP!! PS.. I have suffered with constipation the entire time and I drink 3 glasses a day of a Fiber drink and take stool softners daily. Thanks for any ideas On a brighter note I have lost 96 lbs since being sleeved, Ijust want to be healthy

My lack of hunger feeling only lasted for a month. Now, when I feel hunger it doesn't take much to satisfy it. I rarely have that "I'm so hungry I could eat the whole kitchen feeling." I'm almost 2 yrs out from RNY GB and that rumbling sound for me is peristalsis in my bowel! My abdomen has gotten so flat sometimes I can actually feel gas bubbles moving through it and can predict when it leaves the body (sorry if TMI!) Now that I think about it, the gas bubbles kind of feel like when you feel a baby move early in pregnancy!

Okay, so not to go all TMI on this but I've just got to tell you this! I went to Victoria's Secret and found some semi sexy things to wear. First time I wore them it was a big deal for me- and it really got things going! Because my fiancé was super into it, it helped me feel more comfortable/confident/sexy and it's really helped bring my desire back. Maybe something you should try!

I have a TMI question for any ladies that have already been sleeved. I am scheduled for this Tuesday morning but I started aunt flo today, please tell me that won't postpone my surgery!!

BirdAlert, Follow your gut! I also did not do well with my prediet. Only lost about 12 lbs in a year. I just kept putting it off. I did the 10 day liquid diet but struggled with it so much that I considered giving up. In fact some people on another forum when they read a post I put out about struggling suggested that I wasn't committed and should probably wait until I was ready. I am so glad I did not listen to them! I had my surgery on July 2nd. I weighed 248 on the day of surgery and 235 this morning. I am doing great. I am drinking my protein, eating a little (of the right things), walking every day, not nauseous, haven't thrown up, pooping regularly (tmi?) and very, very happy that I did this. You are going to do fine!

Maybe TMI but for the first time since surgery I wish I would puke. I had taco salad (just the meat, cheese and some tomato) and it went down too well. I think I ate too fast and too much. How long will this yuck feeling last? Lessen learned omg.

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 had an upper ugi done with the barium swollow.... It was TERRIBLE! Lol the stuff they make u drink.... It's terrible... It actually made me so sick, I was probably turning green after they were done! It's such a thick chalk like drink it was even hard getting it up, that's how thick it was! I know TMI but if they don't require it for u them your lucky!

And, hey, you are NOT alone! We are all right here, in the same place you are, having the same worries. Reach out to a veteran. Look at their info under their names and message someone who looks like you/your situation. I did. She has been fantastic. Totally wide open. There is zero TMI factor! She even told me to bring extra cheap underwear as she went the diarrhea direction instead of the constipation route. Those are the gory details us pre-oppers need! And I am on here all the time. Buddies, right?

Cleans out the sinusus..haha. I'm on day 4 now...feeling better today. I'm sure this is a little tmi, but just to pass along to others reading, I had sort of *forgot* that it had been over 6 days since going poopie....I wasn't having any of your normal indications that I needed to go and I figured I was eating much, so no big deal. Well, I guess my body rebelled last night and all of a sudden, I did have to go...which is good. I felt sooooo much better after that it seemed strange to me that I wasn't even thinking that I should need to go. So...moral to the story...well...I'm not really sure....go poopie! Haven't had any of the referred gas pain, yay! In my Quest for some tasty fare, I got some panera onion Soup to take home yesterday.....I blended it (onions) in my food processor and boy...was it yummy. My desire for some *real* food is growing with each day, but I'm hanging in there! Don't want to ruin anything. Hope everyone is doing good today.

I'm waiting for insurance authorization for a VSG now, but I've had 2 other surgeries on my abdominal area that required catheterization and neither time was I required to shave beforehand, nor did I wake up shaved. One of those surgeries included a "bikini line" incision, even. Having said that, I recognize that we are all different and (TMI), I just don't have a ton of hair in that area. I'm especially interested in receiving my pre-op paperwork after reading this. I've only shaved once and regretted it immensely, lol!

oh what a day!! A good day, that is!! It all went well. They kept me over night in hospital where I was able to drink the broth, I ate some of the popsicle but my new tommy didn't tolerate the Jell-O. They brought me some crushed ice and was able to either suck on them or mixed them Water in the little medicinal cups. I love drinking cold water and it was one of the things that got me worried if I was going to be able to continue liking it post-op. So we are good there. I walked, walked and walked, and then walked some more. Every 4 hours no matter the time of day and night there I was. So everyone on the bariatric floor got to know me. I'm home now and continuing the routine from hospital and the liquid diet given by doctor's office. So far so good. Feel a little more sore than yesterday which is expected. Everything is more awake now. Took my first shower just few minutes ago, so I feel squeaky clean. TMI: had a little bowel movement not painful but liquidly...sorry for the details. Just trying share as much as I can remember now. Going to finish lunch and rest before a short walk. Keep you good spirits up and know this is sooo possible. When things get tough, just think of the results you'll have..a better healthier life! Ciao!

Anyone else on the pre-op diet running to piss almost every hour? This started happening to me today and I am half way through the pre-op diet. Is this just the body letting go of the excess water being held from diets high in sodium? LOL! It's almost to the point where I don't want to be more than a few minutes from the toilet.

Very embarrassing ... let's just say I was ah hem ... "wrestling" with my husband. I must have turned the wrong way or something and tore the cartilage between my upper ribs on my left side. :001_cool: But on a positive note, if you are gonna get hurt - what a way to do it! :confused1: I'm in a rib brace right now. The pain is tolerable, but I'm limited in motion while it heals. Hopefully next week things will be healed enough that I can do the treadmill flat & then start progressing to inclines. Too much TMI?

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?

Thank you everyone for the replies. I feel a little better. I ate some tomato soup and drank some tea and hae been resting. I know my daily struggle will be getting the protein in because the shakes just arent working for me. I have to force myself i guess. I had my first BM today since surgery (tmi..i know sorry) so hopefuly that helped as well. I was one of the ones that didnt have to do the pre-op diet so this is just a drastic change. I have 10 more days until i can start mushies/soft foods.....*sigh* seems soooo far away :/

Yeah I'm getting it in but still just not my energetic self...I'm sure my period isn't helping lol...tmi

I had a real fun NSV last night! It's probably TMI... But I gotta share with someone. I was shaving last night and could actually see my VaJayJay to shave it proper. It was amazing. I didn't have to suck my gut in or cock my leg a certain way. It was cool... I know, way too much information...

Coke (any soda) is a HUGE source of weight gain and retension. Not to mention other bad things it does to your body. The biggest thing about soda is it helps to retain water especially coke. Now I am no doctor just going on what doctors have told me in the past. I started Hot tea day of surgery on my way home from the hospital. i waited 2 days to start regular coffee in moderation and made sure i got enough other liquids so that TMI i know my urine was clear. In the end Coffee should not hurt you if taken in moderation and you make sure to stay hydrated. Obviously you should steer clear of milk or cream unless its fat free and use a sweetner like agave or equal etc... Like i said im not a doctor just offering my honest humble opinion.

I'm on day 5 pre-op. This may be TMI, but maybe useful. Since I've been getting so much protein I have become constipated. It's been over 3 days since I've had a BM. I took a laxative this morning and hope it works! I certainly would not recommend a laxative unless you are constipated. Just a thought. Good luck to you!

Congrats! Yours is truly a success story! Funny you should mention the metallic taste in my mouth, I've had this too (6.5 weeks post-op), I thought it was just me. Have a nasty coat on my tongue that I scrape off everyday (TMI!). Good luck and God bless. P.S. You are so cute, your hubby is a lucky man.

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.

yeah...tmi....lol

LMAO!! Dude! TMI!!!

Ok guys... I'm scared! I have not had a fill since April. However, in the last several weeks my restriction has been getting more and more pronounced and lately it's been to where I can't eat much, if anything, until nearly 8pm. I've been sliming and getting stuck quite a bit...especially if I attempt to eat anything earlier in the day. That said, I have even been having discomfort, at times, when drinking Crystal Light or protein drinks early in the day. So yesterday my hubby made everyone breakfast and I decided to try a little bit around 11:30. The day before I was ok food wise so I thought if I took itty bitty bites I'd be ok. Well unfortunately I think some potato got stuck on about bite 3 so I quit eating immediately and waited it out. Unfortunately it took 3 hours and a major (TMI alert) retching vomit episode to get any relief. This was a true from the gut flu like vomit. No food of course except little teeny bits of potato skin (why I think this was the culprit). After this I tried to stay on soft foods the rest of the day, but nothing would truly go down and I was in agonizing pain in my stomach and my back and each episode lasted for 2-3 hours. I ended up vomiting again late last evening... big time deep retching vomit again and lots of mucus and slime came up (no food of course). After this last one I was feeling much better, but just thirsty so I had a few small sips of water and I was back to being miserable again and in major pain. I ended up sleeping most of the night on the couch. Putting a cold pack on my stomach soothed it somewhat so I was able to sleep, but it was not good. I woke up this morning feeling better, thirsty, and determined I would only drink liquids today. I made a big cup of Poweraid Zero and took it to work with me. At lunch time I decided to try to settle my growling tummy with an Atkins shake and three sips in I was heading back into misery. It took 3 hours at work for me to get through this one. I spent at least an hour of that locked in the bathroom spitting into a cup. Thank goodness I work for my parents because I'd surely have been in bad shape if I was unable to leave my desk and suffer through this. I did call my doctor's office and scheduled an appointment for tomorrow at 3:30... but then it got so bad my mother called to try to get me in today. I was given my Dr.'s cell and left him a message... it's now nearly 10 so I'm sure he's not calling me back tonight. I'm cool with that cause I'm feeling "ok". I'm still working on the Powerade from this morning very slowly and telling my grumbling tummy to hush up. I've only had one small episode this evening so I should be good to go through tomorrow if I just stay this course. Here's my big fear... the pain is bad when I'm having an episode. I should not be having an episode with just liquids so I'm fearful that I've slipped my band with all of my slimming and vomiting the last several weeks. I'm going to have him completely remove all of my liquid tomorrow and let my band and stomach rest for a few weeks before starting through the journey again. As of tonight I've lost 74 pounds. This is not the way I want to do it! Please pray for me. I love my band and do not want to lose it. I want to keep losing and working with it. I just feel so stupid... like I should have seen the signs that I was too tight before it got here, but I figured if I was still able to eat 1200+ calories a day that I just couldn't be "too" tight. *sigh