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Good Saturday everyone! Just wanted to give a quick update on my surgery. I was scheduled for 6AM, but was not wheeled into the OR until 8:30. I remember nothing about the OR room or the first part of the recovery...NICE!! I was taken to a second room in recovery and was told that they were waiting for Radiology to call so I can have my x-ray. I went for the x-ray about 11:30 and failed. I ended up spending the night for observation. They thought they had seen what looked like a leak, but it wasn't. I still don't know what it was. I need to ask the doctor on Friday when I see him. I was on nothing but ice chips and finally had broth at 5pm yesterday. I got home and fell into the best sleep I've had in the past week. Woke up last night and got out of bed and boy did I get a very bad pain in my incisions. My bed is higher than the hospital bed and it doesn't have the nice rails either. I couldn't go back to sleep. BTW I have not had any pain meds since noon on Thursday. I haven't needed any. About the gas pain--since i was in the hospital all day yesterday, all i did was walk, walk, walk. And I have to tell you, DO IT. The pain has been tolerable. Still uncomfortable and annoying, but very tolerable. Today I am at about 89.999%. Very happy, not hungry, and what I need most is to relax. How is everyone getting all their fluids? I'm not hungry or thirsty at all and that is because I have only had two cups of broth (not at once) since surgery, very little water, and ice chips. Also, (TMI) but I am planning to go back to work on Tuesday and I am afraid of--liquids in/liquids out. If you know what I mean. Any suggestions on what I could/should do? How is everyone else doing? Cathy, I think you are so great keeping up with everyone. How do you do it? Glad to hear you are doing well. 1. How long after surgery will you be on liquids? 2. How long will you be on mushies? 3. At what week can you move to regular food? 1. 2 weeks. One of clear liquids and one of full liquids 2. 2 wekks. one of mushies (this is where I can introduce creamy soups) and one of soft foods 3. The beginning of week 5. can't wait.

Janet, drink drink drink...Keeps you energy up. But I know what you are saying. Coffee actually will stimulate bowel movement...TMI, but it does work. I have been up for awhile. Still a little queezy, so it must be a bit of a virus. Going to pretty much stay on liquids again today. Haven't really been hungry, just craving salt. Very unusual for me since I am usually a sweet freak. Hey, I'm game for Belize. I want to zipline and swim in the phosphorescent bay. Snorkel in the coral reef. Lounge on the beach and drink tropical drinks with little umbrelas!! Now I just need to start saving. Maybe we could find a cute cabana boy.... Work today, then 2 days off. So when I get home and get everything watered, back to the down sizing. I'm trying to be ruthless. I have laundry started, dishes washed, Cpap machine cleaned. I'm going to start hinging stuff today, pictures, etc. Then I need to finish build the dogbeds and stain the dog gates. Well best get back to getting ready. Janet, have a good day. Hey, when you are in Vegas, why don't you win about $10,000 and then we can go to Belize without having to stay. I'd carry your luggage if you bought my ticket with your winnings!!! Check in tonight!

Good Morning Peeps... Up early as usual - Need to take car in to get tires.. Really they are still ok for around town but going to Vegas next month and need good tires for then.. Well I'll go to Belize w/you ;0) that somewhere I want to go too.. Having my coffee waiting for my ducolax to kick in ;0) TMI I know but haven't been drinking enough water ;0)

I don't have a card and wouldn't use one if I did -- for some reason it just seems "TMI"-ish to me and kind of makes me twitch. That said, I don't hesitate to order an appetizer instead of a full meal, or share with my DH, or order off the kids' menu. California Pizza Kitchen has a great grilled chicken breast and broccoli item on their kids' menu, and I just say "I'm on a very strict diet and would like the kids' grilled chicken," and they take my order without a problem.

Karla - do you have a stomach virus - sweetie you need to call that doctor if it doesn't stop !!! They can't fire the guy - he's an owner ;0).. Well my family drama - Andrew has moved out - we had a tiff again last night about animals - told him he needed to go.. He called right now and said he's at his mom's that he moved out - wanted to know if if I was mad = said no that I think we need a break - he said oh so you are happy (yes I am but can't say that) I said not but need some time apart - we are fighting too much - but that he had to come home 10/1 to watch the dogs cuz I was going to Vegas - think I will ask gf to come too just in case.. But you want to know what - he cleaned the house and washed down the garage (animal's poop in there) .. Though that was kinda funny thing to do if you are moving out.. So I am a HAPPY empty nester for a while - we will see how long it last ... He's welcome home - but this thing about dogs has to quit.. What's everyone doing for the 3 day weekend... Me - Tomorrow hair cut - then a little shopping at the mall - have a concert to go to Sunday (Mary J Blige) so need a sexy outfit - cuz after concert going to club to dance (well that is if the line isn't 3 miles long) Going to get nails/toes done at the new shop that just opened 8/18 here in the neighborhood.. And that's it.. LOL Andrew just called again - wants to know if I'm sad - No Andrew - I'm tired of fighting w/you... I'm fine.. _________________ Phyl hope you and Candice have a great dinner ;0) Phyl we have a new italian rest opening this weekend - when you get here - you me Earl for dinner - well if it's good - I'll ck it out before you get here - I would love to go tonite - I 'm tired plus hungry and I can afford a heavy meal - scales 135 this morning and now tmi - which we all know is important to do before the scale ;0)

when did you have your first BM after surgery? My surgery was monday and I have not gone poop since Monday morning before surgery. I asked Dr Aceves, of course, and he said it was normal so long as I was farting, which I am occasionally doing. The gas is mostly exiting from my mouth, however. I know. Gross. But I am getting concerned.

I have a question. I was told when I had my UGI that I had a very small dilation. I asked if it was because I ate too much or did anything else I shouldn't of. I was told no. I asked if they were going to remove fluid and was told no, everything was going down fine and that it was very slight. I wasn't even told to go on liquids...just that I was progressing nicely and my weight loss is good and that in fact the fluid was moving through so well that I probably could actual use a slight fill (but they wouldn't do it because of the heartburn and reflux). To this day, I still struggle with heartburn and occasional nightly reflux and lots of burping (most of this is the week before my period...sorry if TMI, but I get alot tighter then). Do you all think I should press this issue?? Is the dilation getting better/worse/the same? Am I hurting myself? I don't want to have any fluid taken out, but I don't want to hurt myself and potentually lose my band! have you ever heard of doing nothing for a slight dilation? Just any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

I have a question. I noticed Denise's post about not having dilation. I was told when I had my UGI that I had a very small dilation. I asked if it was because I ate too much or did anything else I shouldn't of. I was told no. I asked if they were going to remove fluid and was told no, everything was going down fine and that it was very slight. I wasn't even told to go on liquids...just that I was progressing nicely and my weight loss is good and that in fact the fluid was moving through so well that I probably could actual use a slight fill (but they wouldn't do it because of the heartburn and reflux). To this day, I still struggle with heartburn and occasional nightly reflux and lots of burping (most of this is the week before my period...sorry if TMI, but I get alot tighter then). Do you all think I should press this issue?? Is the dilation getting better/worse/the same? Am I hurting myself? I don't want to have any fluid taken out, but I don't want to hurt myself and potentually lose my band! have you ever heard of doing nothing for a slight dilation? Just any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

I never thought I would say this... but I miss my Optifast shakes!! I started the Only Clear Liquid portion of my diet today.. I have had tea, jello and chicken broth... three things I will NOT have when I get back on food.. ha ha Anyway was sooo good all weekend.. no cheating AT ALL, and gained a pound!!! Isn't that a kicker.. I don't feel bad ( which is weird) becuase I know I did everything right.. so I will see changes soon.. I also realized that I have not had a BM ( sorry TMI) in about 3 days.. so that could be it too.. The only thing that I am nervous about tomorrow is the Milk of Magnesia that I have to take!! yikes less than 48 hours!!! Talk to you all after surgery!! Good Luck to all those just starting the pre-op.. It went a lot faster than I imagined.. and NOT that bad either.

Lisa, if you could get your doctor to write an order for an upper GI as medically necessary, perhaps then your insurance would pay? Because, for example, wouldn't your insurance pay if you got an infection because of the band and needed some medical intervention? Might be worth investigating. I did get a slight unfill on Friday afternoon, and the surgeon told me that my pouch was a little bigger since the surgery date, but that is to be expected after a year. But, thankfully, no slipping... and that's after two months of a lot getting stuck and then coming back up (sorry, TMI). I told him I was really scared about the slipping because I, too, had read so many stories. He said that you really have to be vomiting a lot for that to happen. However, that said, if the band is at the correct adjustment, no one should be vomiting. Sigh... this is so much more complicated than I ever dreamed! :cursing: But, I'm SOOO glad I did it. Worth it all. :thumbup:

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?

Thanks guys it is good to be on this side. I haven't had too much gas trouble when does that start? I even had a small BM this am I know TMI(G) I am a little more sore but not too bad. Thanks you all for the support I don't think I could do this without it. Nancy

wow, sorry you went through this, but post op pain is normal. Not leaks and such, but just generally, yes pain is normal. I couldn't even wipe myself after day 1, needed help in this area. . .(TMI) as far as the weight loss, well you won't see any for about 2 weeks or so, your still swollen from the surgeries and retaining fluids, be patient. . .i think lots of people have buyers remorse after this surgery, i'm 8 months out and still have buyers remorse at times. . .but you know what, we're stuck with it now, there is no turning back. . .good luck! you'll do ok. . .

Hello Lovelies! Got home this morning about 10am. Busy catching up around this house and blanching/freezing sweet corn. Told DH that I really didn't need it but got home to three heaping laundry baskets all husked and ready to be done. I am thinking that I will end up with about 35 quart sized bags. Wish I could just ship a few to each of you and not put in freezer. Still have a lot left from last year. Will just have to add corn to every pot of stew and soup I make this fall during harvest. Had a wonderful weekend with DH. Was very quite at the resort (think only about 30% of the ppl were there). DH came up Thurs and stayed till Sun night. We hit a county fair on Sun. Fun but so hot and humid most of last week. We are getting a nice reprieve today. Only in the 70's. Yesterday I worked at my friend's salon. She is painting/redecorating and let me loose over the weekend to find the decor. So much fun spending someone elses money. It is going to look so warm/homey when done. It actually looks like someone's livingroom. Just so welcoming and so much fun to do. I would love to be a personal shopper and just come into someone's home and do it up. Speaking of the fair...I think Sun was the first time I have ever PB'd in a public place. I think I can count on one hand the number of times I have PB'd in the last two years. Not sure if it was the chicken breast or the fact that DH had is hamburger gone in one bite and I got nervous. Sitting at a picnic table outside of the 4-H food booth and it hit me. (Don't be stupid like me and follow it with liquid). No restrooms in sight so bolted beside the cattle barn. A 54 yr old woman hanging her head for all the young 4-Hers to see is not a pretty sight. Of course, I was sliming by that time. Thank God for the Farm Credit Services napkins I grabbed off of the table b/4 I did the "run and puke" (tmi). Anyway, I'm doing the soft food route for a few days. Still extremely irritated today but food is making it's way on down. When I read post of ppl who PB sometimes on a daily basis and 2-3 times or more a day, I just wonder how they can live like that. I don't get reminders very often of what my band does not tolerate and I am so thankful for that. The only things that make me a little uncomfortable are bread and pasta. I don't really get stuck on them....just don't like that swelled up feeling after I eat them. OK...enough about me. How are all of you?????? I finally caught up on the posts. Linda....I am so, so, so sorry for what you have had to go thru with Merry. Poor you and DH and poor Merry. And having to hear her cry...oh my. I would be crying right along with her. It will all get better with time and she is very lucky to have such a good mommy. Lori....what a kind person you are...thanks for the package and the card. Lovely gesture. Hope you are having a wonderful time with DH. I could travel every day. Cheri...oh gosh....so sorry for all of your family's troubles. When it was put in one post it just seems so overwhelming...and with everything you have been dealing with personally on top of it all. Big hugs sent your way from MN. Arlene....enjoy your time with your DS living with you. Sounds like a stepping stone...good he has you to rely on. No baby yet? I bought some New Balance thongs about a month ago and love them. They really do force me to have better posure when I wear them. My butt muscles have tightened up over the summer and I attribute it to the NB and the Shape Ups. LauraK...happy belated birthday! Wishing many, many more. Sounds like you had a wonderful time with friends. I LOVE floating. Me and six of my friends invested in a huge 6 person raft. Float and talk smart and giggle. Julie...what a great idea to make the bars and cookies for your daughter's wedding. She will always remember what you did for her..and GM too. We have noticed at most of the weddings we had this summer that the bride elected not to have a cake. Cupcakes, personalized M&M's, bars and cookies instead. Photos of Mimi are so cute. So sweet going off to school. Congrats on your 2nd bandiversary. 100lbs is quite a fete and you should feel proud. You are holding your own thru all this physical turmoil. Hope there are some answers of you soon. Sending the love. Melissa....hang in there. A new start in your work life sounds like a great move. A new start in your band life also sounds like a great move. My take on it is....you hopefully won't have the amount of stress that you have dealt with in your job for so long. Maybe these changes in your life will push you towards that new start in your eating plan. Hugs. Eva...what a wonderful way to celebrate your last day of work....on a plane to Argentina. Lovely. I have been looking for a new protein bar recipe. Would you mind sharing with me please????? It's gotta be good if it comes from you. I still salivate when I think of your tamalles. I love fruit season too. I will suffer major withdrawl soon. DH and I noticed this weekend that it's getting sparcer and sparcer. We don't even buy peaches because they are crap by the time they get to MN. We pay sooooooooooo much for fresh fruit here and winter is twice the price or more....bummer. Luvs Janet...hi....silly me...can't think of anything to say but "hi". There, I said it twice. Love ya. Phyll...hope you are having a wonderful time with family. Fun times....can't unmake those family memories. Gwen....so lucky to be in Madrid. How's it going with the eating? Enough choices for a LB girl???? Kurby...how's it going? Hey Judy...yep, rude of your friend to not call and apologize. Maybe she was just embarassed and didn't know what to say. Laura....thanks for sharing photos of "our" (speaking for all of us) boy's first day of school. Oh gosh, you should have seen how sqeakly clean my cheeky little guys were that first day of school. Moral of the story....they came home dirty and smiling. Grimey little hands and a book bag with everything in it but their homework. So happy you made it thru. Such a cute mommy. OK...I've missed some of you and I'm sorry. But, gotta finish the rest of the corn. Have a grain elevator dinner this evening. I am unsure of what they are serving and am nervous about it. I will most likely end up pushing the food around my plate. Don't want to push it and eat something I shouldn't after that nasty PB. But need to go cuz I want to be with DH and have a meeting in town after dinner. Benefit planning meeting for a friend's daught that has been deathly ill since April. Happy to report she is recovering but finacially devastating for the family. She was at Mayo in ICU most of the time. Will talk later. Missed ya all.

Hello all I haven't posted for a few days as we are away camping in Cornwall with the children. Well if you need a challenge in the first month of being banded i would suggest going camping! It's amazing just what you can't have on a restaurant menu! Did try a small part of a scone for a cream tea and ended up giving 3/4 of it to my oldest (and that was only one half of it) just couldn't manage it at all! The best bit is that my husband still forgets that I have the band, everyone wanted a pasty and I said to him that if it's steak I will not be able to have it. So he buys 2x large & 2x small ...... Yes you guessed it steak and veg. He looked very sorry as I said I can't eat steak. Anyway, removed the pastry and binned it and the tentatively chewed like crazy through the veg. Hoping that it would go down ok. Seemed ok but then just got stuck and I had to go and get rid (TMI) just to say it wasn't pleasant. We visited the Eden project yesterday and finally I found some lovely soup and for dinner today a lovely restaurant in St Agnes had pea and mint soup - it was delicious! Looking forward to going home so that i can weigh and measure and see what is going on. Food has been challenging this week so relied on yoghurt, weetabix, and cracker breads and phili cheese. Have a good week everyone and will post again when home & done weigh in on Friday.

TMI ALERT!! (Consider yourself warned) So I started the pre-op diet yesterday of full liquids and I think my intestines are in shock, I have had nothing but diarrhea. Seriously, I'm afraid to leave my house and I'm going to need more toilet paper if its going to be two more weeks of this. Imodium would be ok but not for two weeks. Did this happen to anyone else?

Julie - How did the Dr appt go ??? Yep Lori – that’s how I watch tv – gf at work keeps me posted on what’s going on today she told me who won HOH … Congrats on your 1st ultra sound – 3/13 – Andrew is 3/18 ;0) Cheri – When in Vegas – I’ll show you the ones to get – I buy a larger size so that they stay under my bra Andrew really couldn’t cook for me – we eat totally diff – he will ask me when he’s going thru a drive thru if I want anything – I normally tell him no thank you – occasionally he will make me chorizos and eggs ;o) But again he adds cheese and I don’t do too much cheese – too high in fat and calories ;0) Cheri – Congrat on getting to your goal – imho having a couple of lbs to play with is the way to go.. You don’t take vitimans w/d in them – I had a salad for lunch today and a chicken thigh – Also – last night I had some sf choc covered raisins – when I eat that sf candy – I don’t have any issues the next morning w/using the bathroom – also have these great sf calcium chews w/vit d from Costco – they help the tmi issue too ;0) I don’t drink milk – unless I am eating cookies and you all know how often that is ;0) I should most likely get a blood test – but hate the doctor ;0) and I feel fine ;0) Love it Charlene and yes you look younger !!!! I saw it on FB 1st ;0) Melissa – Hugs I am glad you are feeling better …. OMG Linda – how terrible – That had to be so devastating – Well never again will that happen and I believe in Karma – so that chick will get her due.. I would love at least the offer maybe – but like you he can’t really cook for me – hell he doesn’t eat veggies – like I said he has made me eggs ;0) or taken me out to eat like on Mother’s Day ;0) I don’t cook on Friday’s – he’s in there right now cooking ;0) what I don’t know – but no offer is coming from the kitchen for me ;0) - BB – IMHO it was just a showmance – He’s a wimp – Rachels fake just like her boobs – nope I think Rachel would be looking for a sugar daddy not a school teacher.. I think shows like survivor & BB interuge us – cuz we are like flys on the wall – and how we would act on them – I swear it’s like these pple have never watched BB before – don’t they know how the game is played.. Charlene … WTG on making a liter version Great – I love BB this yr not so much don’t care for the cast – they got dumb pple this yr.. Yep the brigade is made up of floaters ;0) even though they think they are running the house – they aren’t running anything.. Have a great time in Hawaii – I’m so jealous – I need a week all to my self on a beach somewhere ;0) Phyl you are the resident Techie – you will figure it out – I’ll ask Idries if you can sync itunes he has a droid Safe travel !!! Jessica – Loved your pic’s – Yes us short girls have to alter stuff a lot – I use duct tape ;0) OK Girl what’s the name of the stuff if it really works !!!! I usually don’t believe those claims – tell me so I can get some !!! Gas is the worst – take gas x strips – walk walk walk and if that doesn’t help call your doc Does your doc have a nutritionist in his office – have you every done WW – that’s the eating plan that I follow (the old one where you counted exchanges) I think it’s the most well rounded eating plan.. I will attach my menu for you.. Well started this 2 hrs ago – but this time – I’m doing it in word ;0) so I don’t lose it.. I’m pooped it’s 8:11 – think I am going to eat – salad & chicken :0) Cbl

It's horrible isn't it. I had an episode last week where I just wasn't concentrating and trying to get things done with my littlest chattering onto me and ate my yoghurt too fast and exactly the same as you have described happened. It took a little while but came back eventually all white & fluffly - I know TMI! Still on mushy but I tried cottage pie a few nights ago and didn't get very far. I think it's the potato that is just too much so I am going to try again in a few days. I just don't like the sensaton of not being able to breath and being in pain! Chew, chew, chew x 30 and then we might be able to eat chicken. Take it easy and lets be kind to ourselves.

Has anyone had any problems with an infection in their belly botton? I had my surgery over a year ago. I got up this morning and went to take a shower and got a whiff of this (TMI) awful smell. Well, its my belly botton. My tummy right around it has been kinda sore for a few days but I wasn't sure what was going on. I'm gonna call my bariatric dr. office tomorrow but has anyone had this problem??? Please help! Any ideas on how to doctor it until tomorrow? Thanks!!

You know i wrote the same thing yesterday about being too informed...http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/tmi-bad-bad-thing-119644/ i was reading too many posts about band's gone wrong and erosion and slippage and the list goes on and on to the point that i dont wanna get banded anymore, but i got a great response from another member who told me: "people who are happy do not keep posting. How many times can they start a thread saying the band is wonderful, it's the best thing I have ever done etc etc. You would soon get bored. Most people that are banded and successful do not spend time on these groups. they go off and happilly live their lives. So you have to remember that you will see what seems like a high proportion of problems." It really helped me put my ideas back into perspective and will continue with the band... Hope all goes well with you and your upcoming surgery i too wonder if this will work for me but just gotta think positive....

It is dangerous to weigh yourself outside of a formatted timeframe! I wear light clothing, and weigh at the exact same time of day every other day. I do not eat or drink before doing so as well. Something I've learned over the many years of dieting! I can lose so much wind in my sails when I have a moment of weakness and step on the scale when I already had first thing in the morning, after my morning tinkle and before coffee even standing next to nekkid. Ok, TMI sure - but that's how I roll! Anyway, when I go outside this routine and I see I'm up a few pounds I really beat myself up. I try super hard not to weigh myself any other time! It brings me way down.

NtvTxn, sounds like ours heads are in about the same place. I'm still getting used to the new look that proper fitting bras have created for me. Since I've worn the same bras for years - minimizers - I didn't even realize that they have come out with tee shirt bras. They're great. I invested (big time) in 5 of them. Now I'm already beginning to think I shouldn't have bought so many. I may be going down another size soon and I only got them a couple of weeks ago. I hope this isn't TMI!!

Oh and TMI ALERT!!!! My dr also warned me that when you get the gas moving....be warned it may only feel like a fart, but sometimes it's more! (something with the anesthesia and then all the liquids they pump in ya makes you loose) I farted on the toilet for the first few days as well

I am an avid believer that you can never be over informed but i am sad to say that when it comes to the topic of the Lab Band i am sadly mistaken. I have been "educating" myself with all the pros/cons of the lap band and and actually starting to scare myself out of this surgery. I really need to lose weight but when i read things like how people have the band for 18 mos and dont lose anything it makes me think could i be that person come next year. Maybe i am "over educating" myself on the negative aspects? It is wonderful to read about the people who have lost 100+ lbs but it seems that there is more horror stories then good ones. Should i just stop reading these posts, cover my eyes and just get the lap band?? What do you vets think?? Thanks Zen