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That's not TMI, that's AWESOME!!!!! Keep up the great work!

Hi Everyone: I had my band put in on April 25th I have had two fills so far am due for another this Thursday. My port is on the left side of my bellybutton. I have had a great deal of pain on my left side in the tummy region but further to the back. I thought it was perhaps I hadn't had a BM but I had a really good one (TMI) today and it still really hurts. I am wondering if anyone else is experiencing this - its quite uncomfy. Any help would be appreciated... Thanks Bandess

Hi Guys, this is long but important. I can't be bothered with spelling, sorry. I have not been around much because I had a complication. I was also struggling with whether I should post it or not. I am not shy so the topic does not bother me but I don't want to scare people away from this wonderful life changing surgery. I decided it could be a good cautionary tale to keep people on program with fluids. Don't screw around. Sip, sip! It is THAT important. I, like many others, have been struggling a little with constipation. When you don't eat much there is not much there to make a BM. No big deal right? Well not for me....... I started to feel constipated for the second time since surgery on Monday, Sept 30th. I kind of ignored it as bathroom habits are all out of whack for everyone now. By Wednesday I was feeling really constipated and uncomfortable. I emailed my team and they said drink Milk of Magnesia. It will be ok. It was not even close to ok. Wednesday afternoon I could tell I needed to have a movement but when I would go to the bathroom nothing would happen. I didn't strain because I thought it would just happen on it's own when ready. Wednesday evening this "mass" (as you will see later) was really trying to come out. I was starting to get involuntary pushing on the toilet trying to expel this movement. I could tell it was large and very hard. This is when I started to notice a lot of blood, mucus, and Water moving past the mass. I was also cramping very badly and upset about the whole situation. I called my mother who is a nurse. She felt I might be "impacted" and needed to contact my team in the morning. She recomended I take a Valium (to stop the painful spasms) and try and get some sleep. "Impacted" is when there there is a large mass of BM that will not move on it's own because of the size and hardness. I did not have a fever or any other problems. I did not feel my pain was worth a trip to the E.R. I took a Valium and went to bed. At about 4 a.m. Thursday I woke up with the feeling of needing to have a movement. I went to the bathroom and the involuntary pushing started. The only way I can describe it is when you have bad diareha and can't control the way it comes out? That is the contractions I am talking about. I couldn't stop pushing. After about 30 mins of this I was ready to tell my husband to call an ambulance. I was in terrible pain in my rectal area. I finally passed a movement the size of a water bottle that was rock hard. No joke. No exageration. Needless to say a lot of blood and mucus followed. It was very painful and traumatic. I screamed through the whole ordeal. My husband was very upset and didn't know what to do but tell me he loved me and hang in there. My mother was sleeping after her night shift (I didn't want to wake her) and I was feeling a little better (though very sore) so I went to work. I emailed my care team and told them what happened. Later in the morning I started to spot bleed from my rectum and started to get worried. My team told me to get to my PCP who was waiting for me. I was begining to feel a lot of pain at this point. Of course I got a flat tire on the way to my doctor's office and had to walk the last 3 blocks. No easy feat when you have been through what I had just gone through. He examined me (NOT fun) and found I had fissures and tears all throughout my rectum. This is what was causing the bleeding. I now have an internal pain killing cream I put in with a syringe thing, a cream I put in also, more Loritab, and Valium for the rectal spasms that almost make you want to pass out. I should heal in 7 -14 days. Walking makes the area spasm so walking much is out of the question right now. The whole experieince has been very painful. To top it off I am in a stall right now. My weight is flucuation 2 lbs, back and forth. Why did this happen? Because I did not get enough fluids! I really believe this was the root of the problem as I live in a hot climate and sweat during the day often. I also was getting no Fiber (none of us are at the begining), and eating lots of cheese for Protein (well lots for us with small tummies). It was a perfect storm. I am using Metimucil's Clear Metamucil Clear & Natural now. This stuff is great. I am starting with 1 tsp a day to get my system used to it. It has no taste. I can't even tell I have put it in my water. I am eating less cheese. I am getting all my fluids and not kidding myself about getting enough. Measuring is the only way I know I am getting what I need. Please talk with your doctor about adding this fiber to your diet and make sure you are getting fluids. This whole thing was my fault for not getting fluids. I have learned my lesson. Don't follow in my footsteps.

So today is post-op day 3. Last night wasn't bad. I kept waking up but not bad. I have a mini goal of drinking at least drinking 32oz of liquids. So to meet my goal I had that bottle of water next to me all night and every time I woke up I zip zip zip. Well let me tell u I should have slow down with the zip zip zip. Because all of a sudden I felt nausea and it was horrible I was so afraid of the pain it would cause. I sat down w the bucket in front of me and Thank God it passed. Always have a bucket near. Lol Another thing make sure u have ready at home a stool softener ( sorry TMI) because the meds will give u constipation. I will take one today because that's another pain I'm trying to avoid. I got on the scale and I gained 5 pounds (I'm sure of gas and the IV etc) but I'm not worried because I know that's the norm. So I'm at 242. I thought I'd never say this but burping and passing gas make me happy. Lmao. I must say my Dr Dr did a great job. Even the leak test when I asked when will they do it I was told he does it while u are still in the operating room. So if u are in the Chicago area Dr Enrique Elli is strongly recommended. Well time for nap. Ttyl.

Ok folks... 6 weeks out and a TMI post for y’all: Ok so THIS is constipation. 45 mins of agony on the toilet [emoji37] then an enema, which, 5-7 mins after being inserted, burned like hell. I must’ve damaged something beforehand. Needless to say hubby and I are a new kind of close now [emoji4] At the risk of being gross; didn’t realize this much had accumulated, I mean, I’ve been having bms daily so what gives? And I’d been taking fiber too so I guess it’s time to up it even more 🤨 Feeling better now.

I am glad you’re doing well. I am just surprised with the fatigue. I did not know it could get bad. I have chronic fatigue and I hope I bounce back quickly from it. I have a question.. TMI sorry! But are you able to go bathroom ok? I heard constipation is a side effect, also have you had issues with Gerd after surgery?

How are the other slow losers doing today? I went up .6 of a pound today and feel bloated in my lower belly. Realized I need to take a laxative as it's been a few days. (Sorry for TMI) Hoping that gets me to feeling better. I am feeling a little depressed and could use a boost.

Also, there’s nothing TMI about talking about your period. 😊

Dated: August 13, 2009: Hi all, Well they let me go yesterday instead of waiting until today. That's the good news. I feel "ok" but mostly gassy from moment to moment and a bit of diarrha (green to boot), sorry I know TMI, but had to share. The surgery itself went smooth. I'm sore, I'm bloated, my stomach looks like I'm ready to deliver a bowling ball and someone tried to punch it out of me. Feel a bit weak from surgery, I'm sure. My tongue is coated with some white yucky stuff (what's that about?) I bought Isopure beforehand so I could start right in with the protein. Tastes like flavored dishwater to me. Hope that gets better cuz I bought like 10 of those stupid things. Mexicali was hotter than hell (113 degrees yesterday the day I left.) Dr. Aceves was in and out a bunch. He drinks Coke - all day long - I asked him about that, but he said he doesn't have a sleeve so he can do that! Dr. Campos is getting skinny. Sergio was a love. I asked for Lidocaine before IV insertion; they poo-poo'd me and stuck it in anyway and it hurt like a SOB, and I let that doctor know I was NOT happy about that, GD it!! They gave me a Morphine spinal - I was rolled into a ball and that's all I remember as I was out after that. Woke up OK in recovery. Had a drain which they left in for 3 days and looked like a 3 foot snake when they pulled it out. Fun stuff. My husband was amazed they could get that much in there! I feel weak, dragging around, somewhat envious that DH can eat and I cannot eat anything. Enough trouble trying to drink. Water and all liquids are a little tough going down. Tea is best cuz it's warm and feels good. I tried to eat that chicken broth in the hospital, but the smell and taste of it gagged me. Everyone is different. So this is day 4 for me as well, and hope it gets better fast cause I feel like a major pune. Oh, BTW, I did not have to remove any nail polish or nails. Yay for that!

Hi all. So glad i found this forum.. I had my sleeve done on the 22nd October 2 weeks today. My incisions have all healed up pretty well but i have this nagging dull pain under my left boob (Sorry TMI). I cant wear a bra as it makes the pain worst and it knocks me for 6. It seems to be 1 particular incision site thats causing the pain and its the largest incision site too. I get out of breath from both pain and "little activity" ( have a 20month old so take that as you will lol) Is this normal??

LJM: hope that fill does the trick and helps you get where you want to be before surgery. But, keep in mind that right now it's more important to maintain your muscle mass than it is to lose fat, so keep up the protein! Thanks for the tip on Old Navy. I love drawstring pants anyway, and that sounds like quite a deal. Nina, I plan to get just one extra set of support garments. I sent a letter to my surgeon with a bunch of questions, and one was what type of support garments he recommends, how much they cost through him, and whether I can buy them separately. I have a feeling they are probably much cheaper online. Has anyone checked out eBay? They are so expensive, and frankly, once you're done with them, you're DONE with them, ya know? Also, I gotta mention to you that I've eaten tons and tons of one-pot dishes, chilis, Soups, and it hasn't hindered my weight loss in the least. I keep everything healthy and low-fat. I honestly think if you focus too much on eating plain/dry meat and veggies that it will ultimately sabotage you because of the lack of variety. The best thing *for life* for all of us is to cook and enjoy healthy foods and stay away from restaurants, fast food, and pre-packaged/prepared foods! Here's my list of stuff to have on hand before surgery, compiled partly from the lists that LJM and I posted, and a few extras. Some of the things I already have on hand, but put them on the list to remind myself to have them accessible in my "recovery zone" (bed/recliner): List of important phone numbers, including surgeon's House phone and cell phone Remote control Gopher grabbing tool Books/magazines Medicines in liquid form and liquid measuring cup, including anti-nausea medicine such as Zofran Nutritional supplements including Vitamin C and Arnica Montana (helps w/ bruising/swelling) Stool softener and/or laxative Tylenol, chewable or liquid Timer or alarm for meds, check-off sheet for meds, chart to note drain contents Ice bags, heating pad Recommended wound cleansers, ointments, bandages and scar products Thermometer Extra set of compression garments and Spanx (or Assets from Target--cheaper!) PJs and/or track suits that open down the front Slipper socks and slip on shoes/clogs (I think I'm going to get a pair of those slip-on clog-style athletic shoes.) Tissues Laptop, Nintendo DS, plus cords iPod Wet wipes Head bands/pony tailers/scrunchies/bandannas Plenty of pillows, including a firm one to hold while coughing, and a wedge to elevate upper body in bed Rolled up pillow or blanket for under knees to ease lower back aches Pail or coffee can with lid (take in car for ride home in case of nausea!) Earplugs and eyemask Water, Crystal Light, and Green tea Soups, pudding, yogurt, Jello, fudgesicles, crackers, vanilla wafers, Protein drinks Moisturizer Pen and writing pad Flashlight Small trash can Camera with fresh batteries Hand mirror I wish I had a recliner with an push-button lift system. The one we have takes way too much arm strength to pull out the leg rest, and too much ab lifting to get up from the recline position. It was a struggle getting in and out of it after the lap band surgery, and that's a drop in the bucket compared to this surgery. I'm gonna have to think on the best alternative. I get a full Brazilian every couple of months anyway, so I'll probably get a touch up the week before surgery, unless the doc tells me otherwise (sorry Neal, TMI, I know!) Another note I made to myself is to make sure and take some pain med before getting the drains removed at the post-op appt. (Sorry this is so long, just trying to cover everything in one message!) Tami

Yayyy! The only problem I'm having now is passing gas. Not to be tmi lol Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Hey Guys, Hope today is better than yesterday. I walked around like a big gas bag burping and back-dooring gas all day, and peeing like a race horse. OK, TMI again. Sorry Yeah, that Isopure has got to go. I cannot stand the taste of it. I did not see on the Vitalady site where you can order samples of the Syntrax Nectar mix, just the big up plastic $30 jars of it. If I get it I just need to like it, ya know. GNC carries it too, but I'm sure not in all flavors, and shipping takes so long. I have other unflavored whey protein , so I guess I could mix that into different drinks. I tried Hawaiian Punch lite (or basically sugar-free) as suggested by Nina at Dr. A's, but gag me on that stuff. Too sweet. Taking pills is a real challenge too. I soaked the Nex Mups, but I also have to take a BP pill for awhile longer, and at night I take OTC Unisom to help sleep. Nothing is simple any more. On the up side, with all that water release yesterday I was down 3 pounds today. Of course that's just fluid retention not fat. One day at a time I guess.

I hope we are of like minds! I'm getting better at sipping. And burping. Not to be gross or tmi but I really want to toot!! I'm on the edge of a toot, I know it. Amanda Rae

Ain't that the truth! And for some of my own You don't need to push the car seat all the way back to get in and out of your car. You don't rush to the bedroom to change into sweats after work, normal clothes are comfortable "You want fries with that?" is answered with a resounding 'NO" Punching new holes in your belt is a weekly ritual "Who the hecks hand is that?", then you realize it's YOURS, only skinnier than you remember. Your belly and back don't rub on the shower door when entering and exiting And it maybe TMI but: When you wipe you actually wipe all the way up to the 'exit portal'

This might be TMI...but we all get excited about going down a clothing size, right? I've just purchased the smallest underwear I've been able to wear since about age 9 and a whopping 3 sizes since my surgery. Women, we KNOW that's a big difference. Woo hoo!

My last post "tummy looks small" was supposed to be nice incisions LOL ...drugs .... what can I say? My tummy actually looked like I was 6 months pregnant again and hard.. full of gas they kept saying it will pass soon soon it will pass ...4 days until i finally started getting rid of that gas wow!!! ( TMI - sorry) Now I am at home doing so much better.. it was difficult getting fluids in at first I know logically that it wasn't going to be forever but still emotionally it felt like it was. today I hit my protien target 60g and I drank 2 bottles of water plus ONE of my vitamins ..ha its a start! Getting better every day. Today I even walked down the street and back with my daughter. I know we aren't supposed to weigh in this early but curiosity got the best of me and I am down 5 lbs. Nice.... Follow up on Tuesday.

I read it. It was exhausting. :faint: But Geezer's line was one of the best I've heard in a long, long while. Almost made the reading worth it. Almost. I think I may be having brie farts for a week! TMI???

yeah...tmi....lol

Im in a good mood mentally. Super excited to take these baby steps. I feel so swollen tho all in my belly. Finally passing gas today. Tmi...sorry. Getting liquids in is so tough. And now im gonna miss my ivs. I didnt worry as much in the hospital cuz we were getting hydrated but now....stresses me out. Zero hunger pains. Love that and food doesnt bother me either. My hubby cooked breakfast tacos this morning and the smell gagged me. Lol. Hope that stays that way. That would be awesome if food repels me lol. Just takin it easy. Want tonstay ahead ofnthe pain. I would say the pain is about a 5 moving ariund but just sitting still or laying in bed is a zero. I feel so grateful and excited! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I suggest extra undies...and lots of pantyliners...coughing my cause you to dribble..lol...tmi tmi....but both light weight...i wore my pj loose bottoms most if the time with really large shirts...dont over pack like i did....only need 2 baggy pants at the most..and 3 shirts depends on how long you are away..youll wear hospital gown day 1 and maybe day 2.

Well, Shannon, I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that you will find you lose weight VERY quickly after surgery! You'll be much more energetic and able to move much easier. The bad news is that you will have to get used to breathing better, being able to get dressed without breaking a sweat and choosing a chair based on where you want to sit rather than which chair will hold up under your weight. (I've been there, done that game) Use the search box in the upper right and search the forums for any question you may have. I bet it's been answered. If it hasn't, there are lots of folks here that are willing to answer questions, even if you think they may be TMI. Good luck on your journey!!

Jackie, I was diagnosed with IBS-C in '01 when an episode of ischemic ulcerative colitis landed me in the hospital for 3 days well before being banded in '06. Thing is, I've dealt with this episodic disease/disorder as far back as being 17/18 yrs old and never knew what it was or had the mind to have it checked into. I just remember dealing with the pain, being curled up in a ball. It has just gotten more frequent as I've aged. I have colonoscopies every 3 yrs and then as needed such as during one of these extreme bouts. I had a couple polyps removed during the colonoscopy before last. Not to give TMI, but before being put on Miralax daily, I've gone as much as 24 days without a BM. My whole system was toxic. Now with these episodes, I'm in the bathroom all the time. Ok, that's over. Anyway, I'm going to try a new GI doctor. Hope you get answers with your CT. Not to be negative, but my brother lost about 6 inches of his intestine due to a ruptured diverticula. He did not have to have a colostomy but HAS to watch his diet, so it's serious stuff. Good luck, keep me posted on what you find out!

TMI alert: I hadn't gone in 2.5 weeks,so I thought I would give this a chance. There was no cramping and it come out very solid. There was some bleeding afterwards and I've already contacted my doctor. I don't know if anyone else experienced this, but it was a little scary. I'm taking Miralax now.