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I guess there are many people who are looking to get this surgery, and reading other peoples blogs helped me make my decision to get the surgery. So I hope my information helps somebody in the same way. So I'm putting all the details I can remember, sorry if its too long. I woke up 6am to get a shower in, pack my bag, get my baby's stuff packed up, as hubby and 2yr old were coming to the hospital with me. (I felt later how crazy I was for taking him, but we didnt really have anyone else to take care of him, and I felt like I needed my husband. And we had a private room) We arrived before 8, and I got changed. Next, they did the laproscopy? The camera down your throat. I was fully awake, I could feel that, I was gagging, and they held me down. I was so shocked, I didnt expect that at all. The whole process was over in 45 seconds, BUT it scared the %$ out of me!! I said goodbye to baby and hubby, and went to the surgery room. I laid down, and I remember hearing them talk in Korean, but soon I was asleep. I have no idea about time, I was totally out of it after surgery. I had barely slept the night before, I have 2 year old who likes to wake up in the night. All I wanted to do was sleep. I remember waking up in the recovery room and them asking me to walk to my room. Somehow I did. I was in and out of sleep after that. I told them I was so hungry it hurt, not sure if it was true, but it felt like it. My baby was knocking things over, crying to be with me, and didnt understand why I wasnt paying attention to him. I asked my husband to take baby and do something else for the day, since I wanted to sleep. They asked me if I wanted pain medication, and I said yes please!! I fell asleep and woke up many times, it felt like I had slept ages, but I checked my phone and it had been only an hour. So I slept more. I woke up suddenly with uncontrollable gagging. Nothing ever came up, nothing in my stomach, but it hurt like hell, and I wanted it to stop so badly. This happened until I fell asleep sitting up. The girl who had her surgery after me, left at 3pm. I felt stupid and weak, but with more dry gagging, I couldnt give a shit. I got more pain relief, and went to bed for the night. I havent gagged since the first day. In the morning, I was ready to go home. My doc put me under the xray to show me my band and port. it looked normal, but strange to see inside myself. All my body was hurting from gas. The car ride home was torture, every bump hurt. It wasnt my wounds, but my body, from the gas. Shoulder?? I still dont understand why my shoulder would hurt, but it did, all my insides hurt. The doctors told me to walk, so I walked around the shopping center buying some band friendly foods for the next few days. But after that I could barely move, I hurt so bad in every position. Until... I farted. TMI, but the truth is, the next few hours my life got better with every fart. I couldnt burp even though I knew I wanted to. I feel more myself today, day 3. I woke up with another few good farts. I think I have one or two more to go, and then I'll be gass free. I'm scared to eat. I mean, that dry gagging was horrible. I dont want to do it again. EVER. I've had corn soup, apple juice, water, drinking yogurt, and my mashed up medicine in water. I dont feel hungry, but I've tried to drink something every few hours. I can sleep on both sides and my back. my port is directly above my belly button. It feels itchy, so I'm doing my best not to scratch. im still wearing my belly brace because it feels good. When I took it off to show my hubby the incisions (4) I felt like my guts were falling out. So the brace was back on pretty quickly. I'm scared for my fill next week. I hate needles. Do I need to have a fill so fast? I havent felt any restriction yet, but thats because I havent eaten any foods. And when I'm drinking liquids, I always stop myself from drinking too much because I'm scared I'll hurt myself. I hope I can find out my limits soon. I asked my doc about the fill, he said i have a 10 cc band, and its standard for him to put 3ccs for the first fill, because I dont have any restriction yet. Could I be healed enough to get a fill?? worried. The first 2 days, I kept asking myself, am I crazy?? What was I thinking?? Today, I'm feeling better and I know I can make it work once I'm 100%. I was so down at the start because of the pain and gas, even last night I was too negative, but now it's going away, I feel like it will be okay soon.

Tomorrow I will be 2 weeks out from surgery. I am doing great and have gone from 227 to 205 in 13 days! Since I have had this surgery, I don't have a BM often. The last two times I did, I had horrible cramps and what appeared to be diarrhea. Several trips to the bathroom today. Several trips last Tuesday. This is making me miserable. Is this the "norm?" I didn't sign on for this part of the surgery LOL

Well, this is another area where doctor's differ on their advice. The nutritionist I worked w/at my surgeon's office for 6 months before banded recommended that I pretty much eliminate bread, Pasta, and rice from my diet (regardless if they are whole grain or not) because there is nothing in these that I really need... at least nothing that can't be gotten through a supplement. She would rather see me eat protein first, then vegies/fruit, but think of bread, pasta, rice as a once in awhile treat (a small serving up to 4 times per week is what they prefer as a limit). I have been on so many diets before. Despite my weight, I've been 'on' a diet more than I've been 'off' a diet for most of my adult life. And almost all of them recommend cutting way back on starch (even good carbs) so I've pretty much gotten used to that already. I really don't mind as long as the hunger component is taken care of (like the band does). OK... warning TMI coming.... skip to the next post if you don't want to hear about poop. As for the constipation factor, I have always been on the loose side so WLS has actually just helped me to become 'normal' in that department. I'm actually lactose intolerant too so I have to remember to take a lactaid before eating any dairy or I am in the bathroom immediately after. So, I never worry about constipation. If I was to ever get constipated, I could drink a glass of milk or, better yet, a Protein shake, without my lactaid and that would clear me. LOL But, once again, my nutritionist's advice is that fiber can be supplemented to. For the record, I'm not saying my nutritionist is God and knows better from everyone else. I'm just saying that there are different opinions on this. Its not necessarily right to say that bread is empty calories, but its not necessarily right to say that it isn't. If you lined up 100 different nutritionists/dieticians, I bet half would say one thing and half would say another.

I have IBS too. I guess you can say I used to have it although, not as severe as you. I would have diarrhea (sorry-TMI), whenever it acted up. Since I've been banded, I haven't really had any problems with it. I think it's a combination of eating less, eating better and maybe because the food is slowed down by the band in the process. Now, I'm the complete opposite, sometimes, I'm constipated which I haven't EVER experienced before. Good luck!

Ohhhh Candra...so can I have the 13's pleeease? hehe hehehe JOhn & some actual tmi, u 2 funny. let's see when the next brdzilla date, need me some real Candra time...hehehe Actually Pat, I would enjoy the walk, but 3/20 best 4 moi

I don't think I went to the bathroom until about day 7 or 8. Even then, it wasn't much. (Sorry TMI) Not sure on labs. At first, I could hardly take any Water also. It gets better. I was sleeved 1/25 and I am having no issues even gulping water now. Take as much as you can in a day, but also know it does get better!

go Mo !!! Nice to see you in One-derland - and may I say that I notice the difference!! And - you can take my plate today! Nothing is agreeing with me - I've also got a sore throat - thanks to my brother - he's sick and passing it on... UGH! Pat - I know how hard it is to take a stand and how scary it must be being the provider of your house but this is the time for you to shine and take care of you! I'm gonna get you T-shirts, Bumper stickers and whatever else has "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME" on it! Oh, Riley Jane - where for art thou? Hope all is well with you - I love this band thing and I have to say - you were 100% correct about all of it :scared2: TamTam - You and ta-toes are like me & chocolate. I haven't had any in a couple days now. Maybe my scale will move - I was up at 3:40 last night and layed here tossing & turning for what seemed like hours and all I wanted was - get this - chocolate frosting - WTF?? but i don't have any so it was all good. Yeah - John finally has some TMI to share with us LOL. Atta way to keep it real. Tina - it was a piece of steak - Doc Who told me to try NOT to chew to mush so that it doesn't just slide thru the band - I'm working on a happy medium hahaha I don't think soup is totally out of the question for the rest of your life - I chose the band so that I could live a relatively normal life and so if I want some soup next winter - after I'm at my goal weight - i will have a little once in a while. Just gotta be careful with the slider and watch the calorie content. Coco - what's the word tooter??

Hello Everyone! Lee - I have no idea who is assisting Who. HaHa Dr. Im is the only doc that hasn't worked on me so we shall see. I'm ready! Nikki is coming home tomorrow from a work trip to Denver so I'll be enjoying a quiet relaxing weekend while doing some prep work for surgery! I'll let you know Tuesday what time I get. Day before surgery - MoM. Agree with what everyone has said so far. 1. How long did it take the stuff to "work"? It depends (may need depends if you plan to drive around all afternoon), sometimes it’s a blow-out and other times it takes a day and is a trickle...Sorry TMI. 2. Did you stay home that day? No the first two times. Yes this next one. 3. Could you have been at work that day? Yes but be near a bathroom. 4. Could you have been in your car driving around all afternoon? Yes but tow a port a potty around or drive an RV. So many posts hard to keep up. I hope everyone is doing well!!!

Lee-gear up girl!!! Get ready it's your turn. As for me the MOM did the following: 1. Didn't work until the day after the surgery and the squirts/runs/blowouts. Sorry for the TMI 2. Nope, I didn't stay home all day. Ran errands, close to home tho 3. Yes, I could have worked 4. Yes, could have been driving around. Like Donna said, everyone's body works differently. It takes alot to get me going. Reggie-PM me your telephone number. Candra-Give me your plate!! LOL Tamra-way to go on the food and pureed meals, because I pureed with my mouth. Don't be like me. I tend to stick to broth soups or plain salads with grilled chicken when I go out. Also, I always ask for my salad dressing on the side so I can control how much of it I eat.

Hi Lee...many people react differently to MOM...however, as 'inconsistent' it is in diff people...in can 'activate' within 2 hrs...best to be at home, cause when it is effective...there is no stoppin it...sorry tmi, but very quick when it works!!! Good to see u prepping well!

Maybe TMI territory here, but have you gone to the bathroom? That is what did it for me. I lost about 6 pounds right after surgery, but as soon as I got on solid foods, I jumped up a couple. It is an interesting ride the first few weeks, I think. Good luck!

I am 195 at the gym today! (194 with my clothes off, but, that is TMI and I don't care to verify it! ha) yea me! Nana509 drink your protein. seriously. double up on it, cut back on the carbs a little. and do 5 min extra exercise a day. all will help you go go go girl!

Way to go DeeDee!!! Well, weighed in at 160.2. The scale has not moved in 12 days now. Sorry for the tmi, but my bowels haven't moved in 9 days. Trying not to get discouraged. Miralax here I come. It's been cold and dreary and definately fighting head hunger. This too shall pass!

Laura, About the gas. I don't take anything. I just make sure I'm not constipated so I have a "wind tunnel" for it to escape. Was a little constipated (TMI) at work the other day and the back pressure on my band was painful and I even had pain going up into my shoulders. I kept moving around until things opened up. I found that pain was as bad if not worse than the "stuck" pain when there's too much in the pouch. I can't take anything when the pouch is full of gas because I'd just pb on it, so I just wait it out. Gonna go to the movies. Never watch the superbowl and we figure the theatres will be empty. Didn't even know today was the superbowl till I got to church and it was mentioned there. Seems to me its mostly get wasted day and eat crap till you drop day. Never did enjoy it much. Gets way too noisy for me the few times I've gone to a party. I eat because there's nothing else to do. Cheri

OMW you all have been busy Charlene - lol I love spring rolls -and I make up concoction all the time - it's all good.. Eva I think we will be ok - we need to kiss and make up... I ate a beef/ostrich stick I got at GNC last night 80 cal 14 grms pt and a few bites of my oat meal - lunch was this great creamy tortilla soup - I am going to try to make it for dinner tomorrow night - but I am adding chicken to mine as my BIL won't live on just cream soup w/no meat for dinner. A lot of doc say to eat every 3-4 hrs - I feel that you have to find what works for you - and Beck say it too ;0) Laurak - Your penance is to ALWAYS ALWAYS read the calories of what ever food you are consuming... I know that a small lite mocha frapaccino w/no whip creams has 110 cal Last nite at GNC - I was looking at pt bars - hell some have 400 calories !!! I read the back of everything before I eat or buy the food.. ] Deb - Ok GF I know my doc's scale is 6 lbs heavier than mine - so I have never sweated the fact that I weigh more on his - I go by mine period.. As to your little binge - Yep GF we are food addicts - I know myself - if I had cookies in the house or candy that I like - I can not stop at one serving - I just keep on eating.. And I totally get you about night time eating - that's when I consume the majortiy of my calories - but I budget for them - and w/this fill - I really haven't been able to eat too much after dinner - but did have a fudgesicle last night and put a teaspoon of pb on it - that was bad So do what you said - get all the trigger foods out of the house - if it's not there you can't eat it.. Last Xmas i bought this white choc hot choc mix - I would dip my sf fudgesicle in it - and it wasn't sf - well - i took an 80 cal treat and made it 200 - so in the trash it went.. Log your food it helps and not having tempting foods around is a must - if you want a cookie - go to the bakery and buy just one (only do this every couple of weeks or once a month) - and then take it home and eat it slowly and enjoy it - if you are like me you might want more but you aren't going to go back out to get it ;0) - so if it's not there you can't eat it :0) Great - It was awful and painful (tmi) then having the runs after the constipation finally past was the pits - I know it was due to not drinking enough water - I did better today.. I don't eat out much - that's about the only thing (besides car issues) that I miss about not having a DH - I don't make the best choices when I go out - but since I don't do it often - those are my treat times - I will go an have a shrimp cocktail at a mex resturant instead of an enchillada (my fav) sometimes - I don't like eating out at some places - like at kfc - I want the reg fried chick instead of a grilled ck breast ;0) - I still eat the skin on a chick too - it's my fav part.. As far as dressy goes - I would like to go eat at emerils or the moon place - so I thinks something dressy casual - like apples said now a days you add a jacket to a pair of jeans and you are dressed up.. I hear you on the distressed look hate it - I like indigo jeans/capris - and no I no longer feel out of place at places like Macy's - But again I have been buying clothes in the reg department for quite a while now - and have learned to navigate the store - INC - Ralph Lauren - Style & Co - NY Jones are the sections I usually hit - the other stuff is a bit pricey for my blood - I am not paying $100 for a teeshirt ;0) Laura - Ya it finally passed - it felt like Apples kidney stone :0) - Like I said - it's my lack of fluids - so in FL make sure I drink my water - My GD will be 6 in March ;0) Hugs on Dad - Phyl has one of those scooters - We all took turns on it while at Mall of America - they are fun and fast.. Apples - Like I said just make sure I drink in FL and I mean water ;0) My mom was like your DS x - she was the abuser Jessica - Love the pic WTG on the 25 lbs !!! Linda - No I never hit a plateau - I was very very lucky in that manner - and I never did the food eaten minus exercise - that would have give me permission to eat more ;0) Personally I don't think you are eating to many carbs - I might switch from eats to meat & veggies for lunch . I think you are doing good on your calories and your body is adjusting - just keep doing what you are doing and the plateau will peak - and just a tweek to the calories one day may be enough Julie - Have you seen a nerosurgern - I had these major headaches yrs ago and it was a form of whip last - falling asleep on airplane - neck bobbing - ice at the side of the back of your head base of you skull/spine you know where those little indentations are - try it .. Ok gang it's 9 and I gotta go eat - CBL

OMG No bueno!! I shouldnt have done that lol.. My tum tum cant handle Chilis like it used to lol... Straight to the potty when I got home lol.. TMI SOrry guys... So needless to say im not going to feast again!! Its over and done with lol... Last meals are over rated anyways lol... So yeah back on the 1200 cal tomorrow. I will schedule an appointment online tonight with my PCP for the 22nd. I got a thing saying I have an appointment on 3/19 with Doc Who... Is that just a check up or is there a chance if Im down any weight a fill??? hmmm.. So how is everyone tonight??

Long day, survived the university person who is in charge of our masters coming to observe me. It always stresses me out. Then a meeting on a student and store, post office, home, shower, and sitting here drinking my latte. Don't plan on moving. Since we are on TMI, I'll add my 2 bits. My prolapse is hanging way low again. Having difficulty urinating and the icepick in the bladder every time a take a step is getting old. If never use to 'jolt' when I walked and now it does. I guess when the pain gets bad enough I'll finally go to the doctor. About the only 'correction' left is to use a peccuary. Now I couldn't use tampons, who thinks I can live with a device wedged up there? Okay, sorry, long day!

Hey Thin! Thanks for the advice. I just called my dietitian because after googling the Bariatric Advantage iron supplements, I saw that they come in three different flavors, each is a different amount/dosage, so I wasn't sure which one they suggest. But they said they sell the lemon lime flavor which is apparently 60mg in each chewable. I am going to get some on Monday & am so excited! She said that people who do the chewables usually have less constipation too, sorry TMI. :blushing: Wow, I'm really excited about the whole not-having-nausea thing. And I like that the supplements include Vitamin C so I don't have to worry so much about eating them with the vitamin C foods. Thank you again! :crying:

YA PAt thats awesome weight loss right there!!! Im so happy for you... You rock!! I will also like to take a look at the 18's YAY I think I am out of 20's already too... I am finally back into my normal weight TOM is over and bloating is done.. TMI sorry John lol.. But I weighed even 2 lbs down this AM so I am hoping to be a total of 40lbs lost by Tueday... We will see. lol... Heather have fun Skiing thats something I have never done and is one of my 100 reasons for doing this!! YAY.. I cant wait to see pics!

lol so true..I've got quite an interesting list of new found weightloss related changes lol some of them are TMI to post openly lol

Good morning. I had such a great nights sleep last night, I feel great this morning. It felt so good. My knee didn't hurt much and my DD is seeming better as well. I think her and DF are meeting tonight to discuss how they are going to proceed. It's not that she's ready to get married and he's not, he is very much so as well. However, the big concern the pastor has is whether or not DF is changing too much too fast for DD or if these changes are genuine. he is a huge car (mostly corvette addict) and has incredible debt to keep a corvette, he had said he was going to sell all that so DD wouldn't have to work to pay off his debt and that they'd have money to start a family. Then suddenly he said he couldn't do it and wouldn't sell it. When DD contemplated calling the whole thing off as that was a dealbreaker for her he then sold it all. Pastor is concerned that he did it to please her then they get married and he resents her. He said there isn't enough time between now and the wedding to be sure. We aren't talking just a small debt this is huge debt we are talking about. And if he keeps the cars and debt then will DD grow to resent him. She thinks he's sincere as he's also selling stereo equipment, car parts everything, he is saying how selfish it was of him. So their decision is do they postpone the wedding (invitations are addressed and ready to go) or do they find someone else to marry them and go on with the date. Selfesteem/confidence - never had much, it's getting better. I was raised that if I thought I looked good or something I was being conceited. I am getting to the point where now I can look in the mirror and say at least it's not bad or even good. Never could I say I am beautiful or anything like that. But I am learning to appreciate my body, what it's done for me and how much better it's looking these days even with the big legs and some droopy skin. I guess what I am saying is I am not hating myself anymore. Constipation - sorry Janet you had a rough night. I have to watch it so carefully or it happens so easy since the band and really really easy while on the vicodin since my knees. It's the main reason I am hardly taking the vicodin anymore. About a week ago it was so bad I almost went to the ER, I was like impacted or something. sorry TMI. Until I am totally off the vicodin I am taking miralax everyday and colace stool softners. I am worried about our trip to Isreal and think I will even bring that stuff along, don't want to have it happen while travelling, but don't want to over compensate and give myself the opposite problem either. Eating out - Eva, I eat out a lot. It's something I love to do and since day one I have learnt how to do it with the band. I have my go to's at most restaurants I go to and bring a lot home. DH always has my leftovers for either breakfast or lunch the next day. He used to eat my leftovers right there in the restaurant until he realized my losing weight was making him gain weight. LOL Florida - yep I'm bring capris. Anyone bringing bathing suits? was wondering if there was going to be pool or hot tub time?? Also, do I need anything dressy? Well better go finish getting dressed for the day. It's going to be a lazy day I think, unless I decide to go volunteer at the hospital, I was going to start back up today but am contemplating waiting a week and giving the knee another week.

Good morning, TMI ALERT!!! So 1 hive on my left forearm and one on the right side of my face (not too bad) but I think my TRUE allergy is the runs!!!! YIKES! Started last night and this morning...holy hell! Okay TMI Alert over. I finished my taxes last night and we are getting something back. I was a little worried that we would end up paying as I was doing them, but Turbo Tax does weird things and saves up the deductions until the end! So I should have my refund on Feb 12. Janet I will send you a check then. My fill has loosened way up already. I'm not as hungry but I can still eat way too much. If my doctor's office is open on President's day I will go in then, if not I am going to have wait until we come back from our Philadelphia/WA DC trip at the end of March. We booked our flight yesterday. We are intentionally taking a red eye to maximize our time!!! We leave Seattle at 11:25 pm and get into Philadelphia around 9AM!!! I am SOOOO excited. The only time I have been to the east coast is when I went to Disney World. Well I got some things to get done for my AP Chemistry class today. Chat later

Good Morning Gang... Here's my tmi for the day - was SUPER constipated yesterday my fault not drinking enough water - so took too much stuff to go - was up all night - to day is going to be a long one.. I WILL drink more water !!! I haven't been that constipated in years. Great - Hugs on the DD/DF issues - That has to be so hard - but at least they are thinking about it before and your DD is thinking w/her head and not just the heart - My Dad use to tell me things usually work out for the best - Hope they do for DD Eva - lol - I will pack a pair too (capri's) just in case - like you said in the sun it may be warm ;0) Cheri - I know Beckism is to give yourself credit you do well with that Charlene - How are things going - staying on plan :0) Julie - How are you doing - did you get sleep last night - since I didn't I feel your pain - and I won't get to take a nap Apples - having steel cut oats this a.m. - I think of you everytime I eat them - hopefully they will help with the oppisite problem I have now ;0) Well gang just a quick ck in before work - My Sis will be here tomorrow - so wish me luck ;0) they are staying with me - it will be good to see her - it's been a year since I have seen her... cbl - Have a great day !!!

And I don't think its all that appropriate for the fitness and exercise forum, so here goes... I do spin class ALOT. Here's the problem. My inner labia are HUGE and become very annoyed by the bike... but NOTHING has ever given me the same exercise high as spin, so I refuse to quit. Any ladies out there spin or bike a lot and have this issue? Any suggestions about how to deal with it? Thanks, and thanks for putting up a little TMI about my anatomy.

Good Evening Gang Aint going to the gym- I am pooped - so will do some wii instead (well maybe ;0) Candice I missed this yesterday 1) Eat EVERY 3 hours, weather I am HUNGRY or not... 2) Each time I eat, it must include PROTIEN - You mean you didnt - I might not have hard protein for bf but yogurt does have pt in it - 3) No drinking with meals ( i wasn't doing this) but I need to WAIT One full HOUR before beverages. 4) Between meals I must drink MORE water... he thinks I am dehydrated and that's causing fluctuations in my B/P... (makes sense) I HAVE BEEN BAD ON WATER MAYBE THAT'S WHY MY HEAD HURT TODAY 5) I must NOT skip breakfast, under any circumstances... if I am TIGHT, then have a pro shake or pro bar, cut up in very tiny peices. I EAT BF 5 DAYS NOT SO MUCH ON THE WEEKENDS BUT SOMETIMES I DO 6) I must stop saving Calories to Eat at night... to the detriment of rule #1 & #2... if I am going to snack in the evenings it must include a protien source...ie. pc of cheese, then the popcorn... or NUTS, then a SF, FF pudding or yogurt THIS I DISAGREE WITH NOT BUDGETING CALORIES /BUT THAT'S JUST DR JANET - AND SF PUDDING & YOGURT DOES HAVE PT - NUTS HAVE ALOT OF CALORIES SO BE CAREFUL 7) strive to eat more veggies and fruit, and if I can't tolerate them... then I may need a slight Un-fill... AGREED I EAT MEAT AND VEGGIES FOR LUNCH & DINNER 99% OF THE TIME AND FRUIT IN THE MORNING.. 8) No carb. beverages.. (o.k. cause I don't drink them anyways) He said I was "setting my body up for failure" because I was NOT eating enough protien, plus with working out at the gym 4 times per week, I need MORE cals on those days... up to 1250 cals... and increase PROTIEN... So I think I can do this and refocus myself... eat more HIGH quality foods and less junk... he didn't say to completely eliminate sugar, but I think I'll do that anyways... gotta get the cravings under control.... YEP GF YOU KNEW ABOUT EATING JUNK !!! IT'S ABOUT EATING HEALTHY - I HAVE BEEN PREACHING THAT FOR 2.5 YRS ;0) Glad you are refocused Well - tmi - I a constipated !!!! I haven't been drinking enough water - took some phillip hope it works..