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HI all, I had revision from banding to bypass in October and I feel like there is something in my throat constantly on the left side ever since. Does anyone else have this issue. I also have gotten sick once and maybe TMI; but how else do you find these things out.... when I was sick my vomit only came out the right side of my throat. Wondering if anyone has had this experience or should I be concerned????

Hi all, I'm home. Thanks so much for the positive notes. I am banded, hurting and just wanting to feel stronger. This was definitely not as easy as some make it out to be. And, if you knew me, would know I am not a whiner. But, I guess everyone's experience is different. The gas pain is horrible and its moving no where (I know TMI). I had one of my sons place his hand on my tummy and he was shocked. Had some issues with shallow breathing and very low BP in the hospital (I normally run high), but things have stabilized. (Okay, maybe I'm whining now a little bit). Thanks again. I'm off to get some rest. -Trishadish

I had surgery on Monday... everything went fine, I slept a lot the first 2 days, and really until about 1-2 on the 3rd day. It was like a switch flipped. I'm still in pain when moving, but not constant pain. Was sent home with Hycet, Zofran, and Pepcid. One thing I learned, do not trust a fart. TMI, I know... but seriously. Today things are going ok... kids are gone to their grandparents for Thanksgiving, so I'm just relaxing and will probably do that the rest of the day!

Glad to hear everyone is still doing well. I'm finally wrapping my head around the fact that this surgery is really, truly working. It's amazing to me. While it's not effortless, it almost feels that way, especially when I consider the extremes I used to go to just to lose a bit of weight (only to ultimately be sabotaged by endless, insatiable hunger). I'm now 1/3 of the way to my goal - in just over nine weeks. Once I lose seven more pounds, I'll be saying goodbye to the 200s for the very last time. I'm down from a very snug size 20 to a very comfortable 16, and I'm pretty sure I'll be down another size over the course of this month. Or at least into the "snug" 16s, since I have a pile of 16s that fit great and a pile of 16s that give me muffin top. Stupid women's sizing. I will say to the women that YES our monthly cycles suck heinously. I gained three pounds last month and it took until about two days after I was done to get back to my pre-period weight. This month I only gained 1.8 pounds and midway through I was back to normal. Now, at the end of my time (TMI, sorry), I'm already DOWN two pounds. I hope it gets to be less and less of an issue each month, though I'll admit the PMS and cravings still kick my butt. I hope for my husband's sake that I'm more human as time goes on, because I was a major beast this month, too. I start exercising (real exercising, beyond my current long walks and our weekend hikes) next week and I'm very excited. I'm focusing on strength training and building muscle because I have no doubt the fat is going to burn away - I want to build up the muscle before heading into a super fat burning type workout. My arms are already showing a teeny bit of sag and there's no way I'm going to let them turn into batwings! I can see my chest is going to be an issue as time goes on and I'm pretty sure that if I opt for a tummy fix once I hit goal (I did have twins, after all, and that is already a trouble zone) I'll be adding in some lifting and possibly augmentation for my upper half. I think that for every pound I lose my face looks a tiny bit younger and my breasts age a year. Ugh. Coops: You have had a heck of a time the entire time since surgery, haven't you? Your body just does not want to let go of your weight. Maybe tracking would help, though I admit it's a pain and I hardly do it myself anymore. I'd say fatsecret is fairly easy to use and I love that they let you count net carbs. None of them are exactly fun to use but it might help you out. I hope it gets easier for you and you get a surprise drop in weight soon. La: You sound like you'd hit the exact same mindset as I've hit. I no longer freak out about every calorie or carb. I still watch what I eat, but I've found that the more calories I take in (never getting more than 800, though) the more consisently I lose. The less I focus on food, food, food, the less stressed I feel and the more weight I lose. There has to be a connection. If I start to head the wrong way on the scale I'll go back to basics, of course, but for now I'm just enjoying the ride. Everyone, keep up the great work. I'm so glad I made the choice to get my sleeve! ~Cheri

AGH! I'm feeling that hunger too... let me know what your doctor tells you. I started feeling them AFTER I saw my dr. (my luck!). TMI ALERT Constipation.. oh how I dislike thee! I had that too. I use ALIVE liquid fiber (tastes good) and 2 stool softeners a day. When that wasn't working, I took 2 more stool softeners and it did the trick, although it lead to diarrhea. But I felt good after that. I think most people battle constipation after surgery. I'm just hoping I can nip it in the bud sooner than later. Yesterday was the first day I felt like I could take bigger swallows... which is probably how I made my fluids goal. I don't know how people make it taking only sips! Btw, I'm staying up an hour or so after my bedtime to reach the goal. Do you drink any of the sugar free drinks?

I was told by my surgeon that I could have sex as soon as I was ready and comfortable...I made it about a week maybe a week and a half, it was a little uncomfortable in the area where my port is, but that's solved easily by a position change...lol (tmi I know). Just take it slow and comunicate Also the sqeeky wheel gets the grease....call call call...bug the crap out of them until you get the answers you want...make an appointment with the surgeon to talk to him/her...

Oh my, oh my! Check out my ticker - I did it, this is it - Thank you, thank you Julie for suggesting this new challenge to go along with the old! I was not supposed to weigh until tomorrow - but I just had to this morning.................had this feeling in my empty tummy (you all know what a "big one" I did this morning - TMI) that a "great miracle happend here"...............and I was correct.................first time to waver past the 170 mark................oh what a great feeling...........I'm such a happy/healthy/no longer "obese" grammy..............isn't it grand........just "overweight".

I had my lap band on Thursday. I was expecting pain, but it has exceeded my expections! Is anyone having gas pain in their shoulders and chest? Any suggestions on what to take to help with that?...I am going to try the lentil soup. I have been up and walking every two hours, but not passing any gas (tmi, I know, sorry) Is anyone else hungry? My mom had the surgery a year ago and said she wasn't hungry for quite a while...I feel like I am starving! My stomach is growling and I have a headache. The gas pains make me nervous thinking I have something stuck in there, even though I have only had full liquids. Any suggestions or encouragement would be wonderful.

kay so this is probably going to sound gross, so excuse the TMI, but my belly button is N A S T Y. and annoying lol. It's not draining or leaking. But there is somewhat of a smell. But the main issue and there is like some hard crustiness inside of it. I'm 5 days post op and I really just wanna clean it. It doesnt hurt to pull some of the stuff out but I wanna know if it's a good idea or should I just leave it alone? It doesn't look like glue or anything like on my other incisions, it's kinda black and kinda looks like earwax. It's bugging me so bad cause I just wanna clean it lol. Help.

I don’t mean to post tmi but sweet baby Jesus The first poo was my absolute flipping nightmare. Like... why didn’t anyone warn me [emoji30][emoji30]40 minutes crying on the toilet and now my entire body hurts. I would rather endure an extra two week of clear liquids than experience that again. Holy.... I’m actually mad the hospital didn’t give me stool softeners or something. Jerks... lol Gastric bypass 1/24/18

Your big day is almost here! Dr. T is great!! I stayed overnight (by choice since it was included in the self-pay fee & I didn't want to drive back down for the barium x-ray they do before advancing you off of clear fluids) & the staff was friendly, too. The only complaint I had was about the pressure stockings -- there is no way those were meant to fit MY legs!!! At one point one of the nurses said, "This is crazy let’s get those off of you!" But everything else was fat-friendly and I was very comfortable. My advice: walk-walk-walk & use the meter breathing tube thingy they'll give you! I was worried about blood clots so I really tried to stay on top of those! I did NOT get the shoulder/back pains that so many people complain of, and I think those two elements were why. (TMI alert) Also - be prepared that 'potty issues' will present themselves! I had no cleansing issues after my 2 c-sections, but after THIS -oh my gosh- bending, twisting, or stretching in any direction HURTS!!! The 1st time I had to go, I was in tears – and I felt GREAT post-op!!!!! Some people even talk about making contraptions out of kitchen tongs to get the job done, but I didn’t expect it to be that bad! I remember wishing I had tongs...! :girl_hug: I'm 7 weeks out & the hardest part so far was the 1st 2 weeks of liqiuds/protein powder! Blech! I missed chewing at that stage. Sonics sells their crushed ice by the bag, which is great to chew on...and I got Vitaballs at FramFresh which are gumball Vitamins. Get through liquids & it's downhill from there! I just had my 1st fill on Thursday (4/5)...no problems & only felt a pinch from the numbing agent injection. I’m on liquids for 48 hours, then mushies for another 48 hours, and then back to solids. I've had no complications at all (knock on wood). I have to say, I still get "port pain twinges" but other than that, I feel wonderful physically!! Adn hardly ever hungry between meals!!! Good luck – and I hope to see you at support group on April 19th! :clap2:

Okay. I know this is tmi but I am 3 months out of surgery. I have been so constipated for the past week. I am drinking 8 tbsp of milk of magnesia. Nothing is helping. What can I do??

I'm here! I'm 9 days post op! I feel really good. I have so much energy now...I am amazed. I don't want to take naps anymore. My tummy is still a little sore and man oh man is it itchy!!!! I've been eating about 4 times a day. I haven't seemed to have any problems with any of the soft foods I have been eating. I even had a little cornbread mixed in crumbled and wet and mushy with my blended beef stew and still no problems. I've been very careful so far to stop eating when I feel full. Man...is it weird that 1 or 2 onces of food can make you full. I've been drinking a lot of tea. Watermelon slushies from Sonic helped me make it through the first week post op. If it hadn't been for those I don't know what I would have done. I'd really like to hear what everyone else is eating. So far...I'm eating cottage cheese...chewed really well Blenderized beef stew Potato Soup and chicken tortilla soup from Walmart Deli..very thin...and chunks very mushy Junk food is really easy to go down...I've had a couple packets of fun size M&M's An egg over easy with shredded cheese melted on top My husbands refried Beans from his taco bueno meal. Whenever I get wooshie headed I try to eat more Protein...like cottage cheese....sometimes I resort to a protein bullet....BLECK!!!! I lost about 15 lbs and now...I think since starting "real" food....I have stalled out and gone back up a few pounds. Which I think is mostly from (TMI alert) not eating enough to actually poop on a regular basis. Think the weight just builds up in there. LOL I'm frustrated by the scale not moving....but trying to realize....I'm hardly eating and it will eventually have to start going again. I did measure myself the other night. So, I'll have more to go on. You guys need to give me more details on how things are going for you. I'm dying to vacuum! weird I know...but gotta wait at least til friday. I've been walking....going on strolls at night with hubby. Can't wait to hear from you all! Carmen

I am a military mom of three. Very fortunate to be able to have this surgery. I introduced myself a while back, and decided now was the time to fill you in and maybe ask some questions. My house is very busy (8-9 at a time) so I didn't have alot of time to do or think about anything. I cleaned my room up to my standards, and got it prepared for when I return. I have a wonderful support system. I am hoping all goes well (ofcourse tomorrow is full moon,LOL I am superstitious!) I am not a crier but I do have anxiety, major anxiety, like maybe dumping syndrome before the fact? (TMI, sorry) I am nervous, but I am excited. Question: Did you lose a lot of weight pre-op on the shakes? And if so do they hold that against you? I lost about 20 pounds. I want to do this by the book. I don't want to mess this up at all. Any good vibes would be wonderful. My thoughts are with you all, no matter which phase you are in. Take care!!

and finally, You don't wear panties... #TMI #eww #nasty

The liquid diet is a common feature of the bariatric surgery landscape, as widespread and despised as kudzu in the South. Since there’s no way around it, you might as well make the best of it by learning the reasons for it and trying the practical tips I’m going to give you. 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.

Kind of TMI topic but here goes: I think I have a problem "downstairs" Had sex with my partner 4 days ago. We use condoms so no issues there. I am now itchy down there. It burns when I pee. It hurts when I wipe. It could be because I was a bit aggressive when checking and spreading down there. I was convinced for a minute that my partner gave me something, he got himself checked, nothing. My gyno isn't free till Friday. I'm freaking out. I've read a few ladies get UTIs after getting sleeved. Can anyone tell me symptoms or signs of a UTI or yeast infection?

I had mine start about a week later, and it's one of the worst periods I've ever had. *TMI alert* heavy beyond belief, I'm dizzy, and the stomach/bowel cramps that come along with my period is ridiculous. Supposedly that's normal with all the hormones being released in the burning off fat but it was scary the first day. Sent from my SM-G900V using BariatricPal mobile app

Carol, I'm so sorry to hear about your kidney disease. I know that's awful. I have a brother in law who had to have a kidney transplant at age 48 due to kidney disease. (My other sister's husband gave him a kidney - all in the family! That was probably TMI too, but I'm proud of how close we 4 sisters' hubbies are) Anyway, I just wanted to give you a little sympathy. I think sometimes it's easier if they just give us the food (or liquid) we need to have and that's that. Having to do it differently than others makes it more difficult I'm sure. But you will get through it - I have faith in you! My nutrition class, consent, and physical is scheduled for the 10th. If I can also get my pre-op done the same day I will. If it doesn't work, I might reschedule so I CAN get it all in one day, to minimize my time off work. By the time I start my liquid diet, you'll be through with yours and already banded!

Lisa, I thought I was going to be put on a Medifast diet but when I went to dr. last Tuesday they recommended a low protein, low carb diet. I have kidney disease (diagnosed at age 22 and I'm now 54) and too much protein can be damaging. One kidney is not functioning and one's working around 65%. That was probably TMI. I can have slim fast (1-2 a day) broth, SF jello, 1/2 c. cott. cheese, and all the water I care to drink!!! Everyone else at the diet class got boxes of Medifast that included drinks, soups, bars. I was kinda looking forward to that. I'll make it...just so hungry.

I have seen a lot of pre-op diets and this one seems very restrictive. I am ok eating only veggies or something along those lines, but I don't think I have that option. I wonder if I understand the diet correctly. I was told to come pick up my pre-op diet, and it was boxes of little packets--no instructions. I counted them and divided by 14 days. That was 3 packets a day of 130 calories each.....so I guess it isn't even 500 calories a day. I think it is a bit worse because of the timing (TMI--sorry) around my cycle. I am dropping a ton of pre-period Water weight and that always makes me feel weak. I wonder if I could take some potassium or something. I usually eat a high-potassium food around this time of the month and it really helps with the weakness and dizziness. Did anyone else have a diet that didn't allow anything except 3 packets of pudding or shake mix a day? The more I think about it the more I am beginning to wonder if I am doing this right. Oh--the chicken was boiled breast with no skin and the asparagus was with no butter. I knew I was screwing up and didn't want to go too far.

I read vsg can help because the pressure on the internal organs is relieved. One mo out, I noticed just the opposite. I don't need any muscles to urinate. Any one else experience this reversal.?

I'm 7 months post-op and only 5 lbs from goal...and I literally feel like crap. I'm moody and depressed ALL the time and it's really starting to affect my marriage. I don't think my husband can stand me anymore. I knew losing weight wasn't going to make everything perfect but I feel like I went in the opposite direction all together! Yes I love my new body and I feel great physically, but emotionally I'm a wreck!! Anyone else?? I know exercise is good and I go to my gym as regularly as I can but this feeling is draining....Also, and I don't mean to get too 'tmi' here but I have absolutely no 'interest' if you know what I mean...I should love showing off the new 'me' to my husband...but I hardly want him to talk to me, let alone touch me...UGH, I need advice.

Well, this may be TMI but as a man ill finally be able to look down and actually see my you know what! Yippie lol. Also, I know I'm looking forward to saying bye bye to those additional meds I won't need once the weight makes its way off :-) Scheduled to be sleeved week of October 18th. [ATTACH]18335[/ATTACH]

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!