Search the Community

The good news is I think I'm getting back to a normal cycle. My last period started on July 15, and this one started today, August 19. Over the last year my cycles have ranged from 55-90 days (except for the 2 months after a myomectomy where I had two 34 day cycles in a row). Now for the not so good news. Since I was 11, I've always had really horrible cramps leading up to my periods. I have found a combination of otc pain relievers (sometimes prescribed stuff depending on my doc) to use throughout the days leading up to my periods and the beginnings. Since I am just 2 weeks out of surgery, I decided I would not take anything and see how it went. Well the last two days have not gone well at all. I usually also have really runny bowel movements during this time. Since going on mushy foods I have only been having a bowel movement every other day, so maybe I just had a lot built up, but yesterday as I was driving to meet friends, my stomach cramped so bad I was actually screaming in the car. I drove to one of their houses and ran straight into her bathroom. As I was going, I felt so chilled and began to perspire horribly on my face and arms. When I was through I sat on her couch with a heating pad and started to feel better. After about 30 minutes the cramps had subsided. Now similar things have happened to me in the past, but I think pain relievers have helped me from feeling all of this at once. I usually try and stay in front of the pain. The temperature change and sweating usually cannot be controlled, but happen so rarely. As for the other symptoms, on Monday I began to realize I was really getting annoyed by many people (that's how I guessed I was getting back to a normal cycle). I mean really annoyed and that's just not like me, I teach middle school! I'm doing pretty well not responding or being rude, but inside I feel just constantly annoyed by most people I come in contact. Intellectually I know they are not doing anything deliberate, but I just can't seem to help my feelings. All of these things have helped remind me what an emotional eater I was. With yesterday's pain, in the past I would have "rewarded" myself with some fattening, greasy, salty food for "making it through." But because of the sleeve and all I've worked towards, that thought didn't even cross my mind until I reflected this morning. Again, in the past I would have "treated" myself to some sweet treat to help my feelings of annoyance with others, but I have no interest now. I guess I just feel grateful for having this tool. Not only is it helping me get physically healthier (and more regular:-), it is also helping me slow down and take a good hard look at the causes of my emotional eating.

lets see. its been a really good week. 1. some of my size 10s are a bit lose. most of them are stretch but never in my life did i think id ever be below a 12 again, much less headed for an 8 2. may be TMI but realized i no longer need a mirror to help with certain aspects of grooming. 3. have discovered i actually have hip bones. 4. went to see my boyfriend this weekend. spent a day shopping and went to the beach. hes in great shape and he got winded not me. 5. had him call me today to tell me several of his co-workers commented on how hot his girlfriend was 6. and i know this is a scale victory but i've been stuck at around 160 for like 3 weeks. came home today from vacation and found i'd lost 4lbs, taking me to 156 my lowest weight in 12 yrs!!

I mourn the loss of popcorn. I just simply cannot eat it since being banded. I'm a glutton for punishment, so I "experimented" with popcorn three times before I came to terms that I cannot digest it any longer. My symptoms were terrible stomach cramps followed by a trip to the bathroom (I know, TMI) about 4 hours after I eat the popcorn. I went to the movies this past weekend (saw Julie and Julia with my mom). I was really feeling sad over not being able to have popcorn. I guess it's ok since movie theater popcorn isn't exactly the healthiest snack anyways.

I loves me some popcorn, and will treat myself to a greasy bag of it when I go to the movies (sans the "butter"). I don't go to the movies very often, so I feel ok about it. As a TMI aside, it does seen to upset my stomach a little. I always attributed it to the fact that it's a pretty radical departure from my usual protein-rich diet.

So I have had a couple of instances of eating too quickly or not chewing enough and i suddenly get that stuck feeling. I have had one fill up to 5 ml. I begin to slime and spit up alot of spit. I run to the bathroom and suddenly I throw up. Not like I would do if I had a virus before the banding but it seems to be more than what I have read described as PB'ing. No burp, just a mild vomit. I am sure this is not good. It is never because I have eaten too much but it follows that stuck feeling. It seems more likely to happen as I begin to eat and not towards the end of a meal. Sometimes it seems to take 2 or 3 vomits for the food to release. I am not trying to do this it just seems to happen. I also seem to hiccup when this happens. Any thoughts out there about this. Am I having more agressive PB'ing than normal? Yesterday it happened after eating a piece of cucumber. I could just feel it sitting in there stuck.

i had my first two days post op...and then a little everyday. very little...and gross.lol TMI... GREEN. Why i dont know because i am on clears... im sure it will be a while before we are all reg again

Okay...yes I know this right off the bat is a TMI thread but I'm sure Im not the only one with this type of question..so here it goes... How many days between bowel movements have you guys expereinced after surgery ? I had one 3 days post op and then one the day after but it's been 3 days since then and I've got nothing !! should I take a laxative w/ stool softener ?? I've always been VERY regular !!!

Sure! I am really HAPPY to help! And about the taste bud thing; I know a blow to the head can cause them to really be altered or to change (happened to my husband...a cracked ethmoid bone. I know TMI LOL) and it isn't really the taste buds that change, but our sense of smell, but don't think that type of thing happens in surgery or with the band so I don't think I steered you wrong. We are pretty adaptable and can get used to healthier things. or so I've been told LOL

I had a serious problem with NOT going after being banded. I thought I was going to wind up in the ER for help. Finally resolved it's self with the help of good 'ole Milk of Magnesia(sp). Now I take a softener everyday. Because we are eating small portions by the time out intestines are full enough to void it's a little hard. WOW that's TMI!!! lol Hope it helps!

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:blushing: 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.:laugh0:

I have been having some pain around my port area. It only hurts when I am active or when I twist in a certain way. I just had a fill and my doc said that everything looked fine. Is it just from the surgery? I am 5 weeks out. My port is above and to the right of my belly button...on my upper abdomen....right on a fat roll (sorry, TMI?) Therefore, when I bend over or even sit on the toilet, there is a little uncomfortable feeling (maybe I shouldn't say pain). Will this go away? Does it take awhile for you to stop noticing your port?

Okay let's try this again....last night the internet was down, and this morning my computer decided to complete and update & shut down in the middle of my post. Phyl, you won't regret the ice pump. Everyone says they are a real life saver and keeps the swelling down, which speeds recovery. Janet, congrats on the flirt. There is nothing that makes a lady feel better than a well aimed flirt. But I agree, "Was there a ring & did you get his #? Candice, Have fun outfitting the RV! Hey if DH is too busy, you just go on your own. Head south, turn right and "Meet me in Montana". Okay love that song. Okay, now I'm tearing up. Long story...short version....wonderful guy I knew in NV, I moved to Montana, we were engaged, calls 2 weeks before the wedding....from jail, was busted for drugs, I was clueless, couldn't have him around my girls, so goodbye. Maybe he is the real reason I haven't dated in 15 years. Okay, TMI, sorry. Don't know where the hell THAT came from. whewww.... Linda & Janet, there are times that jobs stink, most of the time. Janet, if you are like me, I really like routine, a move throws everything off. Does the new boss even HAVE a reason for moving you out of your office, other than a power play? Linda, I know we went into teaching because we loved it and thought we could make a difference, but when did it change. I know for me, a lot of the time, teaching has become 'what I do' instead of 'who I am'. I don't seem to make a difference anymore. I use to, I still have cards from students/parents that I helped. Now it seems that we only get complaints. I have been avoiding thinking about school. I know that many times my heart isn't in it anymore. Well, stepped on the scale, no movement for a week. I KNOW it will change, but right now it doesn't feel like it. I'm going back to staying away from the carbs, they don't seem to fill me up, just make me hungry. Cal's are right around 1000, so just ignore me, I'm just whining. This must be where the statistics come from. I've lost 65% of my weight, feel better, so what the heck, let's get lazy. But I have all of you to remind me that this doesn't have to be it. I can make it through this....okay have I convinced all of you? Question is...have I convinced myself? Rainy day, have to go to school to sit in on more interviews. fun.

Well, I'm so used to not having sweet stuff like that, I don't want to tempt myself! I just don't trust myself. But.... to be honest, I sort of remember someone was giving out teeny samples. That's when I was having "issues" with what I had for lunch. So I took it and put it aside... on top of my purse, in my basket! I did eventually eat it, but I think it came back up with that latte I was drinking!! LOL!! Sorry.... TMI!! Pre-op visit went great. First they took my weight... lower than the Wii or TOPS weight on Monday but I'm not logging any new weight unless I'm still down on Monday. Then they took more x-rays and measurements. Then the doc's PA came in... as I told Candice, not quite old enough to shave, but very nice. I had a long list of questions that I wrote down during that class last week. I liked all his answers... like, spinal and femoral block with some light IV sedation... asleep but not deep anesthesia and the block will help control the pain for 24-72 hours. Won't bore you with the rest of what we discussed, but I was pleased with all his answers regarding various different things they'll be using, etc. I will probably go home Thurs or Fri, they said. Apparently I could go to rehab if I wanted to, but they don't ususally do that if you have someone at home to take care of you. And my friend that had hip replacement at the same place a month ago said do NOT go to rehab. She says she had horrible care there. Doc kind of talked us in to buying this ice pack thing. Comes with a big sort of thermos jug with tubes.. you fill it about half way with Water, then ice and put the top on. Tubing attaches to wrap around thing for your knee. Then it pumps the ice water through the thing continuously. Sounded like a good idea at the time... $125 but Medicare won't pay, so we bought it. Then when we got home I started having "buyer's remorse", thinking... I'm ALWAYS cold! Why would I want that thing pumping ice cold water up and down my leg???? So I hope it isn't a waste of money! Sheba is a really pretty tabby. But who knows who the little slut paired up with??? LOL! Oh, Janet says a white siamese. Hmmm... might be pretty little kitties! So sorry about all your stress!! Job stuff sucks!! That's horrible! Glad the car thing worked out well. Gotta ask two questions: was the guy wearing a wedding ring and did you get his phone number!??? LOL Miss you when you're not here! Yes, I am brainstorming things we can do next year, too. Did we decide the NO thing, cruise, etc is out for sure? Earl & I are probably going to do a Mexican Riviera cruise out of L.A. in about March if anyone is interested. And about what you told me in Canada??? I'm old... I forgot!! LOL

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was standing in between my legs! What! That is TMI! I get the heebie jeebies thinking about me being totally NUDE on the operating table with my legs spread eagle!!!! Ugh!!!!!

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.:crying: 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!:wink1:

Hi girls! Long lost VV checking in! I'm so mad at myself for staying away from all of you for so long!! Just reading this Master Thread reminds me how great it is to have support from people who know what you're going through. I know we have all gone through so many up's and down's since we were banded in '08. I'm sorry I haven't been a better Victorious Valentine but am back to support and be supported!! My journey has been interesting. Like most of us, the initial few months after my surgery I lost quite a bit of weight and settled into the "bandster lifestyle" with very few problems. I tolerated my fills well, lost weight pretty steadily and just overall adjusted to life as a bandster. After my one year bandiversary, I started to get more complacent. My restriction loosened, my eating habits became unhealthier and I stopped exercising. I didn't gain much weight, just stayed where I was at. I really beat myself up and fell into a little depression thinking I was a failure. Before I stewed too long on my pity pot, I picked myself up and dusted myself off. I went in for a fill and got myself on track. Life was good. WELL.....about an month ago, I started to get EXTREME acid reflux. It was AWFUL! I couldn't sleep at all and when I did, I would wake up with a cesspool of acid in my pouch and would projectile vomit (sorry TMI). I went to the doc immediately and he did an unfill. I felt great for about a week and then it kicked in again. At that point he did a total unfill and once again I felt relief. I thought I was in the clear until last week. I woke up Tuesday morning and could barely get water down. My doc sent me for an x-ray and two hours later I was admitted to the hospital. My band had slipped and slipped BAD!! I was scheduled for surgery Wed morning and my doc told me I was at risk for losing my band. I was so scared and sad. I had surgery and even though I was sore when I woke up, I felt sooo much better. Turns out I had severe scar tissue that developed over this last year and half that caused that band to reposition. In doing so, it caused adhesions, and obstruction and was STUCK, yes STUCK to my liver!! My doc was shocked as he hadn't seen this before. The good news is he replaced my band with a new one! I was so relieved when I heard that I didn't lose it. I was released from the hospital the next day and back to work this week. I feel amazing. I don't think I realized how sick I was over the last month or so until I was reminded what it felt like to feel good! Unfortunately, I have to do the same post-op diet for 3 weeks which feels weird a year and half later. But it's alot easier the second time around. At least I know what to expect! Because I've been on liquids for a week, I just reached my goal weight. I feel incredibly blessed that I have a new band and will continue to use it as the tool it was meant to be. I've learned alot through this experience and am going to try very hard not to take my band for granted. It's hard work maintaining a healthy lifestyle...band or not...I'm just going to try to make the most of it and be as healthy and balanced as I can be. Thanks for reading this long post! It's good to be back and I look forward to reconnecting with all of you! Big hugs, Amy

tmi tmi tmi

Thanks crzytchr for you advise. I've been on top of all my meds cause I've been hurting a lot due to gas pains. The doctor and the nurses told me I need to release the gas in my stomach and that would make me feel better. This morning for the first time since surgery I actually farted a few times (sorry if TMI). It released some pressure (air) and I feel a little better and not so nausated! BUT I also took 3 gas X strips and 3 teaspoons of Maalox (sp?) before bed (cause I was in so much pain) so that was probably a contributing factor in the reason why I "released". Believe it or not I'm not hurting as much near my port side since I "released"! So I'm soooo much happier now that I did fart, lol.

Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one going through these pains myself! I stayed overnight in the hospital, thank God but I still hurt near my port side, have lots and lots of gas pain, feel really nauseated, have head aches, having a hard time sleeping (on my back especially), and am getting really frustrated really easy cause of the pain. I hope this goes away soon!! Yes Allison I'm doing the same thing. The doctor and the nurses told me I need to release the gas in my stomach and that would make me feel better. This morning for the first time since surgery I actually farted a few times (sorry if TMI). It released some pressure (air)and I feel a little better and not so nausated! BUT I also took 3 gas X strips and 3 teaspoons of Maalox (sp?) before bed (cause I was in so much pain) so that was probably a contributing factor in the reason why I "released". Believe it or not I'm not hurting as much near my port side since I "released"! I hope this helps! I'm on this road with you hun, I hope we feel better soon!!!

Hi August Bandsters, Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. I can't wait to move on to mushies next week, I agree I want something salty (and crunchy but I know that will still be awhile.) My big problem is TMI coming, I am so constipated, I haven't pooped in July 30, I have tried, colace, coffee, apple juice, even milk of magnesia, I even resorted to drinking a protien shake, ( I am allergic to milk and the protein shakes give me a dumping syndrome type thing) you can tell I am getting kind of desperate. But other than that I am feeling really good, I love the band, and doing okay on eating, I have only been really hungry yesterday at lunch, so far so good. Hope everyone else is doing well.

Paxil made me gain weight - like 20 lbs. in the first month! I got off that for other reasons that would be WAY TMI to go into here . . . . . 11 miles today girls, my counter says 1,062 calories burned today. That's more than I ate - I have to watch that or I will go back into starvation mode, that would SUCK . . . :-(

Today is Monday, and I'm feeling great!! Finally pooped this morning (I know... I know... TMI!) I've been taking 2 TBS of Milk of Mag each morning, so I guess it finally kicked in! The liquid vicodin is every 4 hours/7 days. I'm still taking it, though I doubt I need it. Why question authority (hee hee)?? It's the only narcotic that I've ever been able to tolerate, so my doctors were happy to prescribe one that wasn't going to make me sick. Over the years, with c-sections and stuff, I've taken it all... Morphine, Demerol, Percocet, etc. They all make me vomit. It was actually my dentist that found that Vicodin was the one for me! I'm up and running.... not doing any lifting, or anything strenuous, but I'm back to work (I work part time from home.... depending on how much work I have that week, I can work 10-90 hours in a week... hardly part-time... but that's generally during Oct-January) Feeling great, and looking forward to getting a fill in this band of mine!! TTYS! Karen

I believe you're saying that you are having two different symptoms; reflux (acid burning in you stomach/throat) and gas (usually with referred pain, sometimes in your back or left shoulder). You need to call your doc about the reflux. If he hasn't given you an Rx for it, ask for one. Mine sent me home with Nexium (Rx). I didn't have it for long luckily...mainly at the beginning and then every once in awhile for another month. The reflux acid on your new pouch and stoma can cause more inflammation and even ulcers. As far as the gas goes, there's not much you can do as it's trapped air in your abdomen from them filling you up with air to help with the surgery, and it just needs to be absorbed by your body. The walking does help to more the air around and help your body to absorb it. There's a debate as to whether the GasX helps other than in your gastrointestinal system, but I certainly used it (you can take several at a time). I also used a heating pad on the areas that hurt and that helped me. I also took a gentle laxative a few days out (for just one day) to get things moving along and that made me feel a lot better (TMI- I started really 'tooting' after that). Good luck to you and please call the doc if you're having any reflux. -BG

Karen, I am happy to hear things went well for you. I was released yesterday around 230pm. The surgery went well. It is so weird not being hungry considering I have consumed food since Wednesday around 8pm. I had to wait 24 hours to shower and it felt good. I cannot figure out how to get the bandages off. They are clear, almost like a second skin ANY SUGGESTIONS! The GAS X strips are helping. I have not passed gas or had a bowel movement since Thursday morning. Doc said to take milk of mag on day 3 if I don't have BM...TMI! I have not had much pain, I reserved the "happy medicine" for bedtime. The chewable Vitamins tastes like flavored cardboard. One word of caution..take a pillow for the ride home. My belly shook everytime we hit a bump and it hurt. I cannot tell where the port is located. I am a bit of a chicken and don't have the nerve to feel around. I have gas in my left shoulder which moves to my chest...not too bad. The doc did an EKG and blood tests to make sure that the shoulder pain wasn't related to any heart problems. I am so glad I wore a loose dress. DO NOT were jeans or anything snug. I have 6 incisions less than 1/2 inch in size and pants would have been terrible. I have been trying to drink as much as posible. I am having Jello for lunch...yummy! Monday I will start the chocolate Protein shakes. Days 1-3 diluted juice, days 4-14 Shakes and low-cal drinks (no more juice). Day 15 I start the mushy diet. Getting out of bed sucks and wiping your back side (butt) was a little painful (that turning motion) Sorry TMI! I had a thought...if my butt wasn't so big I would not be that difficult...LOL.

Oh how sad. I haven't had that problem. But I do know that I sip on the 12 oz can (180 cal, I think) all morning. Or if I use it as a snack at 10 am, it's gone by lunch. I really like the Boost-(8 oz w/ 15 gm. protein) but it's so high in calories (240) that I hesitate to get those unless it's that time of the month and I'm really tight. (I know TMI) :thumbup: