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Monday, July 27, 2009 Getting Rid of the Crap Thought I'd give you a heads up on the topic today. In case you're squeamish. If you've ever been on the Atkins diet you know you lost weight but you probably also experienced constipation. You have to pick fibers that don't shoot up your blood sugar. I managed because I took ground flax seed and Psyllium Husk. I also found fish oil helped. Veggies and fruits are carbs and have to be limited on Atkins--especially fruit. I've never been that fond of salads and raw veggies, and fruit is limited because of its high sugar content. Not that fruit ever helped me with a lifelong constipation problem. I could eat a lb of grapes or cherries and see no impact. The food protocol for lap band is pretty close to the Atkins Diet. Protein first. Veggies and fruit in small quantities. Careful with the grains because they swell and stretch the stomach. Regular bread and rice can make you bp when they swell. Whole grains can be added cautiously to help control hunger after you've been on the band awhile and your stomach is healed. So enter my old enemy, constipation. Laxatives barely help. I've added fish oil back and just a little ground flax seed. I'm scared of the Psyllium Husk because I know it expands in water. I drink my V8 everyday as well as some diet V8 Splash to get my veggies. I do have some cooked broccoli and califlower and green beans. All fruit has to be peeled and raw veggies can hurt the stomach. I eat a lot of beans (not green ones), but all they do is make me fart. When I was a kid I was so constipated I only went 1x/wk after my big Sunday dinner. TMI, I know, but I gave you fair warning. Excercise is supposed to help but I'm walking and hour and fifteen minutes everyday. Big meals actually used to help me move it through but I can no longe eat big meals. I take a good multivitamin as well as calcium supplements and I get my dairy everyday, so I'm getting my nutrients. This whole subject gives new meaning to the phrase: this too shall pass. People do not like to be constipated. If you've ever dined in a nursing home you'll find prune juice to be a very popular item. I'd need to drink a quart. I'm finding it hard to come up with any kind of spiritual or tool for recovery meaning to apply to this topic. Constipation is just a fact of life that you have to experiment with until you get relief, whether you've had lap band or not. About the only metaphorical meaning I can come up with is that its important to get the crap in your life out of you. You need to do what it takes to get it moving on out or you'll end up with a sluggish brain and spirit and may actually end up with an impacted brain that's stuck on the same old ideas and ways of thinking and is not capable of changing for the better. Step 6 & 7 deal with becoming ready to have God remove all our defects of character and then humbly asking him to do so. Work the steps, pray, read your Bible, read spiritual books, talk to people who don't look like you or think like you, journal, take some risks, go on adventures, take care of yourself, peel away another layer and reveal yourself, have fun, and don't take yourself too seriously or waste time beating yourself or other people up. Love God above all and your neighbor as yourself.

So last night around 9-10 I started getting really dizzy (worse when I was laying down). I went to Tacoma General Emergency thinking maybe my blood had gotten too thin or something. They started with my blood pressure (which a few times dropped to 99/60) and they were watching my pulse (120-135) They ran some tests (CBC, HCG levels, Urinalisis). My HCG level cam back at almost 13,000. My urine showed a UTI. They pumped me full of fluids and gave me antibiotics and antinausea meds. They sent me home around 5 am. Around 10 am I got up to pee...I now had a brown discharge (TMI I know...kinda like old period blood) and bad lower back pain. They decided to do an ultrasound and a pelvic exam. So The ultrasound took quite a while and the tech said ok I'll be right back...here watch this, 111. I was like what! lol So she turned the monitor towards me and on it was a looped video of my baby's heartbeat (for the first time) and it was beating at 111 beats per minute! All I could do was smile. I got back to my room and the doctor came in to do the pelvic. He said baby looks good and there is no blood or anything around the baby. So he did the pelvic and took some swabs of the discharge and told me we would know if there was an infection in a few days...he said he didn't think so because there wasn't pain in the area, just the back. So I am home. I am not allowed to do any physical activity or sex...lol. So I am in bed relaxing under a nice fan...drinkin ice water :smile2: It felt so so good to see a heartbeat! Anyways, I just wanted to update you all

How's everyone doing? Some of you guys are having fills this week; are you excited? Scared? Ready?Anyone have kinda of have pains after eating of in the throat or chest area? It is like I can feel the lapband as weird as that sounds. Its sorta of painful but really only last for a second or two? I also notice this pain when I wake up from sleeping. I amssuming it is just healing that is going on in my body. Also, sorry alittle( tmi) but is anyone else find that you have more gas since the lapband. I have found since I have been eating real food; I am passing gas after I eat an hour or so . Its embarassing. Everyone good luck on your fills ; I am sure everything will go smoothly. Have a great week everyone! Banded: June 30th,2009 CMC Manchester NH Dr. Connie Campbell

Kath~ I too am sorry to hear about your DD. I really understand what pain drug addiction causes. One of my best friends and co-workers became addicted to crack cocaine several years ago. She lost her her job, lost her daughter, got married to another man, got pregnant, had twins, lost her home, then lost the twins. It is a horrible disease. My best friends husband was in rehab last summer just 3 months before their wedding for cocaine and prescription drug addiction. He battles with it every day and has relapsed recently also. If you ever need to talk, I too am here for you. I really think that ALANON is a great program for those who are in need of help because of a loved ones use. It helps to provide a better understanding of whats going on. I'm sure you are familiar with that program as well. Just remember that we are all here for you, no matter what. This is a great place to be because no one judges one another. Also, I was wondering since your DS is bipolar, might your DD be as well? It is quite possible since bipolar disorder is 1/2 genetic and 1/2 environment. This might be her way of coping. Just a thought. Doodlebug, how nice of you to share your story with us as well. I could never imagine how difficult it would be to watch your child go through all of this. I hope that everything for both of you works out. I will be praying for both of your daughters recoveries as well as the recovery of all addicts. Laura~ Glad you are back down! I bet it feels great. Also, are you anywhere near Naples? My aunt has a condo there and I am probably going to head down there in Feb. I am not familiar with where anything is in Florida, so it could be clear across the state and I wouldn't even know! Also, I know this is probably TMI, but I don't know who else to ask about this.....it's my 1st time having my TOM after my surgery and I am having a terrible time! My TOM was never that bad, but I am having SEVERE abdominal cramping that I think is gas. When I take gas-x strips or other anit-gas meds it feels so much better, but it is sooooo painful. At work today I was doubled over in pain and couldn't even stand up straight! And again tonight while exercising it happened again! Has anyone else had this problem? Apparently I should just carry gas-x with me everywhere I go? Geez. CBL~ Meredith

I am in a bit of trouble, like stuck trouble but at the other end of the digestive track. I think a glycerin suppostory might help? i always get this way from the drugs and anestesthia. i should have taken colace in the weeks before. how have you stayed regular in the first few weeks. can we take mineral oil?

Wow! Ummm, just, wow! Okay! Think she has some anger management issues! I also think I'll send her my bar of soap! I don't need it as much as she does! I was actually thinking about hitting the report post button but while I was trying to decide WHICH post of hers to actually report, I noticed that the thread had been closed and she'd been suspended! Whew! Found the chicken thread too and there really is just something WRONG with her! I'm not much of a prude but WOW! And talk about TMI!! ~~~~~~~ Oh man! It's getting to the point where the weather report on the news is just as bad to watch as the headlines and "breaking news!" UGH! More 100+ at least til NEXT weekend! Go away already! YUCK!!!!! :biggrin: I'm going to bed! Night all!

so im on the preop diet, its my 3rd day, and since the first day i had stomach aches and diarrhea since the first day as well(TMI i know). every time i have a protein shake(i need to have it 4 times a day) i get that feeling like i have to vomitt(TMI) it back up. and today i started to get a heach ache. my mom told me i need more water and i read in somebody else's thread that someone wrote that they needed to up their water. anybody else go through that? and is water all i need to fix it? thanks (:

Hope - It's totally normal to be nervous. I was banded on the 22nd and I was very scared and nervous. I like the idea of you trying all the different Protein drinks before you have surgery to see what you like and what works for you. I didn't do that. I bought all the stuff weeks befote surgery and just stared at it in my kitchen. I was avoiding it as much as possible. Do you know if your lactose intolerent? That's probably why you're getting diereah. I'm very lactose intolorent and I can't drink any milk products I get a horrible stomach ache and diereah (sorry if that's TMI) The protien I've found that works great and is easiest to get down is New whey liquid Protein. It comes in what looks like a test tube and it's got 42g of protein! Two of those and I've had my protein for the day. I tried drinking other kinds and it seem to take me all day to finish one. Good Luck and don't worry. I'm shocked at how easy it's been! I'm not hungry and can't wait to be thinner! This is going to be a hard road for us, but it's going to be sooo worth it!

Tina when you go back on the 20th is that for a group fill in Pinole again? I want to see you guys! If I am still having issues at the end of next week and the 20th is a group thingy, I will cancel my 7th if I can still get in the 20th. But I will probably need it by the 7th! Seems I get tighter again if I gain 2-3 lbs back - what a MIRACLE! So I have only 1 way to go - down down down. Just hit 10 miles for the day, I feel much better now that I am getting my excercise again - warning label, once you get addicted to it you feel like crap if you skip 4-5 days! I don't sleep at night and my mind does these little freaky worry things - I am much more agitated and impatient - so I have to excercise again to feel better again! Just a fair watning girls - excercise really IS my replacement addiction. Also I have been pee-ing all friggin day (sorry about the TMI) so I think I am probably losing water again. I hope so anyways! I have stayed away from all carbs except for lettuce and a tomato slice today. Much better that the chips & salsa yesterday!! Well there was 2 net carbs in my grilled meatless chicken patty, so I am probably at 20 oh wait let me go to caloriecount.about.com and look - OK I am at 22 net carbs today. As long as I stay under 40 net today I should be back in ketosis real soon - maybe even by tomorrow if I walk enough tonight. Then I won't be hungry anymore :thumbup:

Okay, I was banded on 7-15-09 and I already suffer from chronic constipation. I know that this surgery can cause constipation and my surgeons advice is MOM. Well, I tried this and it made me vomit. Not going there again. I've seen some people say that they use benefiber and it helps. Did any of you suffer prior to surgery with this condition? Just wondering, today is the first day I've been able to "go" since the Saturday before surgery and even that was laxative induced. Thanks for the help. Sorry for the gross specifics:eek:

OK, I'm getting used to the small bites, slow eating and chew chew chew but I'm not great at it yet. So sometimes I do have to go and throw things back up. Usually I can tell I need to by the fact that the burping after I eat is 'thick' and doesn't really happen but the feeling is there. So, my issue is, when I do have to go throw up I never throw up the food, it's always just the slime. AFter that, everything is ok. I learned the hard way about snacking on turkey pepperoni, and after about 3 heaves I actually got some of the, um, mush back up but that's the only time it's been anything besides slime...is that really a problem with what/how I'm eating or am I just weird? Seems like if I was eating too fast, taking too big bites or not chewing well enough that the food itself would come back up, not just the liquid (slime). Also, does any else have a problem with fruit? I've had strawberries today and I LOVE them but they don't make the band happy and that is disturbing to me. just doesn't sit right or something....

Thank you Candice & Linda, I needed some movement on the scale, well I could also use a different type of movement, but hopefully some coffee will get the old digestive track moving. I know TMI, but I must have shy bowels, doesn't like anything but it's own thrown. Linda, I agree, I know we need something to change with our health care system, but I don't want anything rushed and I don't want to have us spend too much time debating it. My daughter who is the PA watched the program mentioned and found it to be very interesting. So that's my last word on the state of our health care.

i have been having a HELL of a time with this....almost 4 weeks out. Will have normal runs daily but about every 4th day I get so ILL that I cant do anything but stay by the bathroom. I was told to keep up with my calcuim chews -- even a couple extra a day. Take fiber supplement - gross and you would think that would make it worse but I have had 3 different docs tell me that. Also, there is a product called Good Belly they sell at whole foods not sure where else that is a intense probiotic. I am now on a antibiotic in case it is an intestinal infection -- GOD HELP ME!!! I can handle the daily runs - liquid in - liquid out but these bouts of extremeness are wearing me out and making me wish i had never had the surgery. Good Luck and hope you get better. It is a comfort to know I am not the only one. btw, Tucks medicated pads help with the rawness. sorry for TMI but thats what this board is for.

Great thread idea!!! I've got quite a list! I'll be glad when I can... not worry about weight limits on rides shop in the regular section cross my legs in a lady-like fashion sit in any chair comfortably wear my beautiful rings again (without getting them upsized) tie my shoes comfortably see my collar bones wrap up in a regular sized towel walk up a flight of stairs without being winded see my "cat" without a mirror (I know...TMI):smile: Can't wait to read y'alls. I'm sure you'll make me think of other things to add to my list!

Ok soooo this might be tmi but i need help! I had my band surg monday and all went smooth came home that night and till last night hadnt had a bowel movement. WELL all that changed. i started with violent gas and diarrhea last night and it is still going on. You would think i was blowing the porclien up! It is very painfull and you can hear my guts rumbling 10 feet away! I have been using gas strips but havent helped this prob. any advise??????? :confused: i am a hairdresser and a massage therapist and today was my first day back. well needless to say i RAN to the bathroom 2 times for 10 min each during one haircut and i just pray no one was walking by the door, i could have been heard a lonnnnnnnnng ways away!:cursing:

thanks everybody, your replies make me feel better =] the coughing part kinda scares me if i haven't already said that, on a scale of 1-10 how much does it hurt? i also am very worried about nausea, the last time i actually threw up (TMI i know) was march 08, i get sick to my stomach alot and i was sick to my stomach at the PT class yesturday and at my 5 hour course on tues, but i usually dont get that unless im nervous, but i should ask for one of those patches, so it lasts 3 days? i only get nervous before things happen and im fine after, still get one right?

So I’m officially one week post op. I haven’t posted until now because I’m just really trying to take it all in and enjoy this very special experience. Here’s a small recap of what I’ve been through thus far. My first seminar was on 6/11/09 I weighed 250. I met with the dietician on 6/20/09 and weighed 245. The day of my surgery is 7/7/09 and I weighed 237. Today I’m one week post op (7/14/09) and I weigh 228. I feel really good about that, and I can’t wait to see more weight melt away. Tuesday 7/7/09 Today is the date of my surgery and I weighed in at weighed in at 237 lbs. I’m really impressed with myself because that means I’ve lost 13 pounds since my first seminar on June 11th. Everyone at the hospital was great. I’m not going to fake it, I was nervous about having this surgery. I kept thinking did I rush this decision, could I truly have done this on my own, isn’t this a drastic measure, etc, etc. I could think of a million other things that I would rather be doing than having surgery, but this surgery was my one opportunity to truly change my life. I knew that then, and I know that now. How wonderfully exciting it is! My surgery was scheduled at 11:30 a.m. and everything started on time. By 1 p.m. I was wheeled into my room, and the rooms were new and very nice. Surprisingly I was not in very much pain. I couldn’t have any water or broth until 6 p.m. so they started having me walk a little after five, before I started the liquids. The first time I got up, I felt very warm and a bit nauseas. So I sat on the chair and waited a while until I took my first journey down the hall with my lovely IV. The gown that I had on was so big and long that my lovely husband went out and bought me a shorter gown and light robe (I don’t know why I didn’t bring one on my own) 6:15 p.m. until midnight that night I took in a total of 6.5 ounces of water/broth. They would allow me 15 ml’s every 15 minutes. I also walked roughly an hour that night (they even showed me a longer path) that way I wouldn’t have to keep turning around. That first day I didn’t nap or anything like they. I remember them waking me up just a little before midnight, at four the next morning, and at eight the next morning. Overall I got some decent sleep. The majority of my time in the hospital was spent seating in the hospital chairs. When I was in the bed I felt like a patient, when I was in the chair I felt like a visitor. I’m such a freak. Wednesday 7/8/09 So today I feel pretty good. I’m not hungry but I am a little thirsty. Again I could only have 15 mls of water/broth per 15 minutes and I ended up consuming roughly 16.5 ounces. Again the pain is under control and I’m just not in nearly as much pain as I anticipated. Thursday 7/9/09 Today is the first day I’m feeling some hunger. I can’t wait until tomorrow when I can have a protein shake. I spoke with my friend who had her Lap Band surgery a little over two years ago. She’s one heck of a mentor and an amazing example of how successful you can be with this Band. She has went from 243 pounds (a size 24) and is now 127 pounds (and a size 2/4). I told her that I am going through a small bout of buyer’s remorse. I know that a protein shake will help suppress my hunger, but I can’t wait until I get some normal food. I’m just excited at the thought of eating cottage cheese, yogurt, roasted veggies, cheese, and chicken, yum. This time I can tell that I’m having true physical hunger, not just head hunger. I walked with my husband and Adrie (our black Lab) around the block. Halfway through it my stomach had a lot of pain. The pain is near the incision where the port its. That’s where all my pain is, nowhere else. Today I’ve had 21 ounces of water and 4 ounces of light Tropicana Orange Juice (super delicious) for a total of 25 fluid ounces. Friday 7/10/09 Today I woke up hungry and I was glad to know that I could have a protein shake, thank goodness. My mom came down to see me today. She said that she was impressed that I was in regular clothes, and not all slouched out in pj’s. J Yes I get up every day I take a shower, put on some make up, and do my hair. I’m not a girly girl, but by doing so that way I feel better which I hope will help the whole process. I went with my mom and hubby to the bookstore. Instead of the “typical” lunch we had unsweetened tea and enjoyed an hour of reading magazines and books. I looked all over for a book on weight loss surgery. There was one book (besides two separate recipe books) called, Before & After: Living & Eating Well after Weight Loss Surgery by Susan Maria Leach. I really liked what she had to say and I could find myself relating to her story. Granted we had two separate weight loss procedures, but we’re both fighting the same battle. Today I had water, 4 ounces of prune juice, green tea, ½ cup of soup, and 1 ½ Bariatric Shakes. That’s a total of 37 ounces for today. Saturday 7/11/09 I woke up early and I decided that I was going to find a couple of garage sales to attend to. I found this one exceptional garage sale and I was in bargain heaven. J I drove by the farmers market, and I told myself that I could stop on over there next week (when I could actually purchase some veggies and fruits for the next stage of my post op diet). I had a total of 43 ounces today, mostly water, 4 ounces of OJ, 8 ounces of a Bariatric Shake, and ¼ cup soup. I feel asleep at 7 p.m. and didn’t wake up until 8 a.m. on Sunday. Now that’s so good sleep! Sunday 7/12/09 Today was the first day where I didn’t much hunger. I love that feeling. I feel so good not having food at the forefront of my mind, I have this new sense of peace and hope in my life. It’s an amazing feeling. My sleep is improving and I’m finally not waking up in the middle of the night. I’ve been having quite a bit of pain today and yesterday with the area around my port. I don’t like taking the liquid pain medicine, because it makes me feel a nauseous and I’m worried that it will make me vomit (and I haven’t done so yet, and I’m a bit scared). I went with my hubby and my little brother to watch Bruno. I had this scheduled for quite some time, but I told them that we would have to wait until Sunday before we could see the movie (I just didn’t think I could sit through a whole movie until then). The movie was totally out of control, but very funny and I laughed the whole time. Going to the movies now is a totally different experience. I didn’t have my diet coke, with popcorn, and sour gummy worms. Nope, this time I had water and I was completely satisfied. Instead of the movie experience being about the food, it was being with my family and just enjoying ourselves, with food not included. What a first. I had 2: 8 ounce protein shakes, 52 ounces of water, 4 ounces of OJ, for a total of 74 ounces of liquids. Monday 7/13/09 So this may be TMI, but I haven’t been having any bowel movements, and I’m thinking that’s why my lower belly is still so swollen. I miss my old bowel movements; I had worked my way into one bowel movement a day. Now they are pretty much non-existent. Is anyone else having any problems with their stomach looking very swollen? I’ve noticed it in my lower stomach, and I’m thinking that its gas related. I wonder when it will go away. Even though I’ve lost 21 pounds, I can still only get one of my pairs of jeans to button. I’d figured that I could wear some old pants that were too tight, but it looks like I’ll have to wait until the swelling goes down. I’m having some strange cravings, grilled cheese (because I’m thoroughly convinced I won’t be able to tolerate bread) and Mexican food, more specifically chips and salsa and corn tortillas. Today I had one protein shake, water, OJ, 4 ounces of prune juice, ½ cup of soup, and one serving of jello. I’ve had a total of 40 ounces of today.

So I’m officially one week post op. I haven’t posted until now because I’m just really trying to take it all in and enjoy this very special experience. Here’s a small recap of what I’ve been through thus far. My first seminar was on 6/11/09 I weighed 250. I met with the dietician on 6/20/09 and weighed 245. The day of my surgery is 7/7/09 and I weighed 237. Today I’m one week post op (7/14/09) and I weigh 228. I feel really good about that, and I can’t wait to see more weight melt away. Tuesday 7/7/09 Today is the date of my surgery and I weighed in at weighed in at 237 lbs. I’m really impressed with myself because that means I’ve lost 13 pounds since my first seminar on June 11th. Everyone at the hospital was great. I’m not going to fake it, I was nervous about having this surgery. I kept thinking did I rush this decision, could I truly have done this on my own, isn’t this a drastic measure, etc, etc. I could think of a million other things that I would rather be doing than having surgery, but this surgery was my one opportunity to truly change my life. I knew that then, and I know that now. How wonderfully exciting it is! My surgery was scheduled at 11:30 a.m. and everything started on time. By 1 p.m. I was wheeled into my room, and the rooms were new and very nice. Surprisingly I was not in very much pain. I couldn’t have any water or broth until 6 p.m. so they started having me walk a little after five, before I started the liquids. The first time I got up, I felt very warm and a bit nauseas. So I sat on the chair and waited a while until I took my first journey down the hall with my lovely IV. The gown that I had on was so big and long that my lovely husband went out and bought me a shorter gown and light robe (I don’t know why I didn’t bring one on my own) 6:15 p.m. until midnight that night I took in a total of 6.5 ounces of water/broth. They would allow me 15 ml’s every 15 minutes. I also walked roughly an hour that night (they even showed me a longer path) that way I wouldn’t have to keep turning around. That first day I didn’t nap or anything like they. I remember them waking me up just a little before midnight, at four the next morning, and at eight the next morning. Overall I got some decent sleep. The majority of my time in the hospital was spent seating in the hospital chairs. When I was in the bed I felt like a patient, when I was in the chair I felt like a visitor. I’m such a freak. Wednesday 7/8/09 So today I feel pretty good. I’m not hungry but I am a little thirsty. Again I could only have 15 mls of water/broth per 15 minutes and I ended up consuming roughly 16.5 ounces. Again the pain is under control and I’m just not in nearly as much pain as I anticipated. Thursday 7/9/09 Today is the first day I’m feeling some hunger. I can’t wait until tomorrow when I can have a protein shake. I spoke with my friend who had her Lap Band surgery a little over two years ago. She’s one heck of a mentor and an amazing example of how successful you can be with this Band. She has went from 243 pounds (a size 24) and is now 127 pounds (and a size 2/4). I told her that I am going through a small bout of buyer’s remorse. I know that a protein shake will help suppress my hunger, but I can’t wait until I get some normal food. I’m just excited at the thought of eating cottage cheese, yogurt, roasted veggies, cheese, and chicken, yum. This time I can tell that I’m having true physical hunger, not just head hunger. I walked with my husband and Adrie (our black Lab) around the block. Halfway through it my stomach had a lot of pain. The pain is near the incision where the port its. That’s where all my pain is, nowhere else. Today I’ve had 21 ounces of water and 4 ounces of light Tropicana Orange Juice (super delicious) for a total of 25 fluid ounces. Friday 7/10/09 Today I woke up hungry and I was glad to know that I could have a protein shake, thank goodness. My mom came down to see me today. She said that she was impressed that I was in regular clothes, and not all slouched out in pj’s. J Yes I get up every day I take a shower, put on some make up, and do my hair. I’m not a girly girl, but by doing so that way I feel better which I hope will help the whole process. I went with my mom and hubby to the bookstore. Instead of the “typical” lunch we had unsweetened tea and enjoyed an hour of reading magazines and books. I looked all over for a book on weight loss surgery. There was one book (besides two separate recipe books) called, Before & After: Living & Eating Well after Weight Loss Surgery by Susan Maria Leach. I really liked what she had to say and I could find myself relating to her story. Granted we had two separate weight loss procedures, but we’re both fighting the same battle. Today I had water, 4 ounces of prune juice, green tea, ½ cup of soup, and 1 ½ Bariatric Shakes. That’s a total of 37 ounces for today. Saturday 7/11/09 I woke up early and I decided that I was going to find a couple of garage sales to attend to. I found this one exceptional garage sale and I was in bargain heaven. J I drove by the farmers market, and I told myself that I could stop on over there next week (when I could actually purchase some veggies and fruits for the next stage of my post op diet). I had a total of 43 ounces today, mostly water, 4 ounces of OJ, 8 ounces of a Bariatric Shake, and ¼ cup soup. I feel asleep at 7 p.m. and didn’t wake up until 8 a.m. on Sunday. Now that’s so good sleep! Sunday 7/12/09 Today was the first day where I didn’t much hunger. I love that feeling. I feel so good not having food at the forefront of my mind, I have this new sense of peace and hope in my life. It’s an amazing feeling. My sleep is improving and I’m finally not waking up in the middle of the night. I’ve been having quite a bit of pain today and yesterday with the area around my port. I don’t like taking the liquid pain medicine, because it makes me feel a nauseous and I’m worried that it will make me vomit (and I haven’t done so yet, and I’m a bit scared). I went with my hubby and my little brother to watch Bruno. I had this scheduled for quite some time, but I told them that we would have to wait until Sunday before we could see the movie (I just didn’t think I could sit through a whole movie until then). The movie was totally out of control, but very funny and I laughed the whole time. Going to the movies now is a totally different experience. I didn’t have my diet coke, with popcorn, and sour gummy worms. Nope, this time I had water and I was completely satisfied. Instead of the movie experience being about the food, it was being with my family and just enjoying ourselves, with food not included. What a first. I had 2: 8 ounce protein shakes, 52 ounces of water, 4 ounces of OJ, for a total of 74 ounces of liquids. Monday 7/13/09 So this may be TMI, but I haven’t been having any bowel movements, and I’m thinking that’s why my lower belly is still so swollen. I miss my old bowel movements; I had worked my way into one bowel movement a day. Now they are pretty much non-existent. Is anyone else having any problems with their stomach looking very swollen? I’ve noticed it in my lower stomach, and I’m thinking that its gas related. I wonder when it will go away. Even though I’ve lost 21 pounds, I can still only get one of my pairs of jeans to button. I’d figured that I could wear some old pants that were too tight, but it looks like I’ll have to wait until the swelling goes down. I’m having some strange cravings, grilled cheese (because I’m thoroughly convinced I won’t be able to tolerate bread) and Mexican food, more specifically chips and salsa and corn tortillas. Today I had one protein shake, water, OJ, 4 ounces of prune juice, ½ cup of soup, and one serving of jello. I’ve had a total of 40 ounces of today.

Hi peeps! I'm 38 weeks along and getting pretty ready to be done with this phase. I feel lucky in that I didn't get "sick" of pregnancy until just a few days ago, which seems pretty good, compared to women who just feel awful from 30 weeks and on...I am about 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced, so things down there seem to be getting ready. We went to our weekly exam yesterday and I have been feeling little cramps since then. TMI warning ahead: I have also been passing more mucous the past 3 or 4 days and now it is tinged with brown blood, so it's hard to know if this is my bloody show or mucus plug, or if it's just spotting from the pelvic exam yesterday, as I know that bleeding can happen. Anyhoo, sleeping terribly! Which makes everything else harder too, but the nursery is done, the laundry is caught up, the house is clean, we are pretty much set. My official due date is July 28th, but everyone from the OBGYN to my gal pals seems to think I will go earlier than that. At the latest, the doc will start inducing on August 2nd if I make it that far... Band is tight, I get full easily and have had a few PB and vomiting episodes, praying it gets better after labor! No plans for a fill for several months, even if it slows down my weight loss. I just wanna be a new mommy and breast feed and eat well. How are all of you?:thumbdown:

Yes! I used to HAVE to color code my under garments (still do undies, tmi, I know!) But, since I got a proper fitting bra about 6 months ago, I wear only the nuetral BOULDER HOLDERS! :sad: They're not the pretty lacey things I like, but oh, well - they feel sooo much better. Now I have to work on that purse strap, since I do carry my kitchen sink in there.... Me, too! I love the "it takes a village" concept. I wish more parents would subscribe to that. My friend would correct my DD and then turn to me and say "sorry". I always said, "I'm not the only influence in her life. I could be wrong - please correct her, and me!" :mad: Thanks! I do hate that crap. "I wasn't attacking anyone..." Bullsh!t.

Josie - Thanks for your nice comments concerning my abundant flab. I am so looking forward to having it gone. What is funny, and this might be TMI, I am looking forward to being able to look down and seeing my pubic hair. I have only been able to see it in the mirrow. SORRY, that was TMI...... Does anyone else have that little bald spot from the skin rubbing? Allie - Surgery is THURSDAY, yep this THURSDAY!!!! Day after tomorrow.... two days from now. A little over 48 hours from now. Can you tell I am excited. I can hardly stand myself. Oh, a comment on the pics. The one where I am in jeans... thoses are size 8 jeans. I was so excited to get them on and zip them up, that was until I looked in the mirrow and saw the muffin top. I can't wait until it is gone and try those bad boys on again. Did anyone else take bromelin prior to surgery? TWO days and counting!!! Laura

I had surgery on Tuesday, July 7, and I'm a teacher, so luckily, I'm off for the summer. However, I'm in graduate school, and I had to give a presentation on Saturday. I made it to class fine, but by 1:00 I was DONE! I had to leave early (classes are from 8-3), and when I got home, I crashed! After I woke up, I had my first BM since the night after surgery, and I've felt much better since that. So, my point to this TMI is that if you are functioning normally otherwise, you will probably be okay. If I had to go back to class today, I'm sure I could make it the entire time. Each person is different though, so just listen to your body and don't be harder on yourself than you have to be.:thumbdown:

BG, Congrats! Wow, 5 lbs. thats a great feeling and you should feel proud. I weigh in tomorrow when I get my 3rd fill, I will write you. I know what "TMI" is but forgot what "NSV" is.....also, Onederland is when you are in the 100s, correct? I not too savvy on computer talk. Barbara LuckyDog, congrats to you too. You will find it gets easier and easier with food.(most of the time)

I had a good surgery experience. I did however get my TOM very badly 2 days after surgery. I know tmi, lol.

I wish I was having diarrhea :confused: Since banding, I hold on to a lot of what I eat and don't go to the bathroom quite as much unfortunately. Sorry if thats TMI lol!