Search the Community

im 5 weeks post-op today and have only lost 17lbs. I was down 15 lbs at 2 weeks post-op, at 2.5 weeks i had to get IV fluids which made me gain 5 lbs. i keep looking at everyones weightloss that had surgery after me and most have lost way more than me. Im tracking my protein, carbs and calories trying to keep it around 500-600 cals, 60 protein and under 30 carbs. i know I'm a slow loser but to see my scale only move .4 in a week and I hardly eat anything just makes me want to cry. Im having problems when i first get to work, the past 3 days i damn near past out while dealing cards and have to go sit down for a 10 mins and then im fine. not sure whats causing this my mom thinks low blood suger. TMI- Im also having problems with BMs Im lucky to go once a week and then its not much that comes out. Ive tryed maralax doesnt help, 4 days of exlax in a row never went.

Ohhh my....this may be tmi, but this morning, my stomach has been cramping like crazy and I've been on the pot 4 times already. I have to believe that after 25 days of not having anything remotely close to potato chips, my body is revolting! Maybe it's a coincidence, but I have a feeling I'll be good and stay away from the chips!

WHY A LIQUID DIET? Bariatric clinics use differing protocols for their patients’ pre-op and post-op diets. Why? When you finish explaining that, perhaps you could also explain the meaning of life? If you asked your surgeon or dietitian, the answer would probably go something like this: “We have adapted these procedures to suit the needs of the patients in our individual practice, based on our experience of what produces the best outcome and the fewest complications.” In the case of adjustable gastric band patients like us, you might expect the band manufacturers to dictate what are called “best practices” in patient education and care, but the fact is that if Allergan and Ethicon-Endo were to employ armies of band police to supervise every bariatric surgeon in the world, no one would be able to afford a gastric band. However those clinics’ protocols may vary, the liquid diet is extremely common part of bariatric patients’ pre-op and post-op instructions. Contrary to popular belief, the liquid diet is not intended to torture the patient. The main purpose of a pre-op diet is to reduce the size and improve the texture of the liver (any weight loss is a plus). The liver is a big organ whose left lateral segment lies on top of the part of the stomach where the band is placed. The pre-op diet uses up the glycogen stored in the liver, shrinking it and making it sturdier, less slippery, and easier to maneuver with laparoscopic instruments. This not only makes the surgeon’s job easier and quicker, it also reduces the risk of complications for you. If your surgeon doesn’t require a pre-op diet of any type, I would have to conclude that he or she is mighty confident in their surgical abilities, but I would also want to ask them how often they have to abort a surgery or convert from a laparoscopic to an open incision technique because of problems handling the patient’s liver. The purpose of the post-op diet is to keep you nourished while you and your upper GI tract recover from surgery. Although AGB surgery is usually minimally invasive (when done laparoscopically), it does require incisions and some internal dissection, as well as manipulation of your internal organs. All this can cause swelling. One day your stomach was fat, dumb and happy. Now it's got a collar around its neck. In order for it to digest food in any form, your stomach muscles must expand and contract to break the food down and move it along to your lower GI tract. Expecting your stomach to do that comfortably and safely while wearing its brand-new collar just isn’t wise. So to allow everything to heal properly, and the band to seat itself against your stomach in the correct position, most surgeons require patients to follow a staged post-op diet, starting with liquids. What happens if you don’t follow your post-op recovery diet? Food can get stuck in the stoma or esophagus and cause an obstruction and/or vomiting. Vomiting can disturb the position of the band, which can cause the band to slip. Peristalsis (the muscular action of moving food through the digestive system) can disturb the position of the band, and that can cause the band to slip. So don't do it! "But I already cheated!" you say? It's not the end of the world, but don't do it again! "But I'm starving!" you say? That's too bad, but that isn't the end of the world, either. Not, it's not fun, but hunger is not a good excuse for cheating your health in such a major way. I'd guess that seven of ten bandsters starve their way through the liquid diet phase. If you absolutely cannot bear the liquid diet for another second, or you think you might be genuinely allergic to your protein shakes (which could be lactose intolerance rearing its ugly head), call your surgeon or nutritionist before you put something in your mouth that isn't on the approved list. And by the way, the same advice applies to following a liquid diet after each fill you get, so you might as well perfect your liquids survival technique now because you’re going to need it over and over again in the future. SOME PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SURVIVING YOUR LIQUID DIET Don't worry about how many calories you're consuming, but stay away from milkshakes, ice cream, frappes and fancy coffee drinks. Drink protein drinks (protein will keep you going longer than sugary stuff like fruit juice). If you don't like the smell or taste of protein powder, try putting the drink in the freezer long enough for it to get slushy, and/or put it in a covered beverage container. Sometimes it's the smell, not the taste, that's bothersome. If you don't care for sweet tastes, try unflavored protein powder (from various sources including Unjury®) or Unjury® chicken soup flavor protein powder (www.unjury.com). Add Unjury® chicken soup flavor protein powder to blended creamy soups (follow the Unjury® heating instructions or it will clump up and refuse to dissolve). Add fat free half-and-half or milk to prepared chicken bouillon or broth for a creamy drink. Add unflavored or fruit-flavored protein powder when making sugar-free gelatin. Check out the recipes at the Unjury website. Be aware that “unflavored” doesn’t mean the protein has no flavor, so the end product isn’t going to taste exactly like the original. Buy your favorite soup from a local restaurant, strain out the solids, and drink the broth (Chinese hot and sour soup is wonderful this way). Buy or make bean soups, puree and thin them with broth, water, or milk. The pureed soup must be thin enough to pass through a drinking straw. Add powdered non-fat milk to soups and shakes to boost the protein. Crunch on sugar-free popsicles, slushies, Italian ice, or ice chips. Don't hang around people who are eating real food. Experiment with the temperature of your liquids - cold may feel or taste better than hot, or the other way around. To prevent boredom, experiment with recipes for protein shakes (you'll find at least a million recipes online). Keep busy! This is a good time to address holiday cards. Who cares if it’s the middle of June? AND IN THE TMI DEPARTMENT… A few final words about your liquid diet. Don’t panic if consuming liquids sends you running to the bathroom more often than you’d like. LIQUIDS IN = LIQUIDS OUT. If that happens to you, ask your doctor to suggest a safe, effective OTC anti-diarrheal medication. And remember: This too shall pass. In more ways than one.

I have had a rash on my stomach and under my breast on and off since surgery. At first, they thought it was because I was allergic to something from the hospital...had a bad reaction to the antibiotic and some of the pain killers. The rash on my stomach went away finally after weeks on benadryl. I had surgery in June, over 7 weeks ago, and still have a rash under my breast. It is kinda like a heat rash but not really. I have put benadryl on it, and hydrocortisone cream. I have tried everything, and the dr doesn't seem too concerned about it. I am going crazy! It itches and burns! Has anyone else had this happen? I feel like I'm driving the dr office crazy cause I've called several times. I don't want to seem too needy. I asked about it at my last appointment, and the dr said not to go to my regular doctor cause he would likely give me a steroid which would impede my healing. I'm freaked out though cause it isn't going away. It gets a little better, and then gets worse than before. It is about the size of a tennis ball or fist. (Not raised, just around). HELP!!

I got banded today, got Home tonight and all was going pretty well. Still is, not horrible but can't sleep! Laying on my back is ok sometimes but with the the surgery it feels so uncomfortable because its pulling on my stomach. Then I have to keep pee'ing ( sorry tmi ) and its a you know what to get up from laying down. So, now I am watching tv. Thankfully my in laws will be over at 8-9am to watch my son. I hope tomorrow I will feel much better!

My surgery is this coming Wed and I just started my period. Would they cancel the surgery do to my period? I've been waiting so long

Hello, im 27y.o i got sleeved on 12/6 Sw 250 Cw 203 Its been almost 3 weeks and i havent been able to lose any weight, im scared this is it! When i do not go to the gym im working out at home. My doctor said i need to eat more Proteins bc im eating under my 70grams i get full quickly and i can only eat chicken or fish, bc the other meats are too hard for me. It hurts when it goes down so i tried to avoid them. I dont know what im doing wrong, also my hair started falling like crazy and for some reasons im having bad body odor (armpits...tmi) which it never happened to me since i was 12 So idk what to do next? What am i doing wrong? Im getting so discouraged like this is it?

I don't know about the pill but my doctor gave me a perscription for liquid colace. Maybe they sell it over the counter? I know this is TMI, but I haven't had a BM since TUESDAY. It's kinda freaking me out.

Hi everyone! I'm 18 days post-op and I'm having some problems. I can barely get 30oz of fluids in a day, I'm on soft foods & can't get 4oz down at a meal, I choke trying to swallow my regular medications & I constantly feel sick, nauseous, weak, throat feels almost like it's swollen or I have a sore throat & I have poops occasionally! (Sorry if that's TMI)! Talk to the doctor's office & they just keep saying it will pass. Any suggestions? Anyone feeling anything similar?

Pop corn is added fiber for me. I don't eat it often, and I can't eat much of it, but I still enjoy it. Popcorn is definitely not a slider food for me. Everyone is different. TMI: it helps me avoid constipation, so I continue to enjoy it sparingly.

I was very constipated it was so painful I thought something was wrong like a leak. I took milk of magnesia per surgeon suggestions on the toilet all night but feel much better. Question what do you take to stay regular ?? My doctor recommends benifiber any suggestions ?

Sorry for the TMI, just wanted to put everything out there in case someone has advice

Can you feasibly go back to basics? Protein then vegetables then complex carbs sparingly, min of 80 g Protein since you are a lifting male, 90 oz fluids (doesnt have to be just Water )Cut out ALL OTHER FOODS that might slow down progress You may need more cals, but the right kind, boost your calories and protein with Protein Shakes Sorry TMI but how are your bowel movements, if not super regular, weight loss will stall I know for a fact Get ahold of your team or NUT and make a plan, very important to let them know you have concerns, bug them and don't feel bad about it at all, you pay good money for their medical attention. Also I was stalled for a month during the second month, it happens VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 167

The only thing that has made me dump so far are baby raw carrots. Worse thing ever. Not to give too much TMI, but its a bad feeling when you are throwing up carrot and you can still feel it in your throat afterwards.. NO BUENO!

Tmi sorry! Had a small bowel movement today and feel a little better. I will contact my team and see if they can help at all. Thanks for the reassurance, it's nice to know I'm not alone! Sent from my MAR-LX1A using BariatricPal mobile app

TMI ALERT! I didn't feel comfortable with my hubby on top because the pressure of his weight would hurt my tummy so we opted for other positions...lol. We waited for about a week post-op.

Hello all, I am on my second night post-op and I am feeling completely bloated/nauseous/painful. I have not been able to pass much urine since they took the catheter out this morning and I was wondering if any of you had the same problem? I am getting down liquids slowly but I am sure some of the bloating is due to the inability to pass these liquids. Silly enough, I felt worlds better yesterday than I today. Anything more than the tiniest sip of Water and it feels like a bubble of water is lodged in my throat for a minute or two. It does dissipate, but it's incredibly painful. Anyway, I just wanted to see if other people had this issue/how they dealt with it/how long it lasted. Thanks

I am actually surprised I didn't post my update sooner like I said I would! I have met many great people on here, so I am sure they might be wondering how I am doing...:sad: Well...to all those opposed to going to Mexico.. I had a WONDERFUL experience with Dr. Ortiz, the facility and staff! I couldnt have been more comfortable! The facility was immaculate! I could have eaten of the floor.. Dt. Ortiz met with me and my husband before I went into surgery and went over everything & answered any questions either one of us had. great guy! I was in and out in 30 minutes..that was including prep and closing me up! Had pretty bad nausea and was past out for a couple hours. But they had me up and walking! After I 'came to" from being a little loopy I felt MUCH better than I anticipated! I spent most of my time on the phone calling family and friends (b/c we were allowed to call anywhere in the US from the room)..so i took advantage of it! Don't remember much of the conversations though...lol I met some GREAT people! (5 others were there getting the surgery as well). I went back to the hotel the next day and did plenty of walking around with my hubby). ....so being home...GAS PAINS!!! UUGHHHH!!! horrible! I never got the pains in my shoulder, but they were SO bad in my chest and then moved into my back! my belly was very bloated and swollen! I pretty much rested and walked... my recovery was not as "speedy" as others.. i had pretty bad port pain too...ended up taking a few more days off from work...which I totally needed! Each day got a tad better... I know its a little TMI...but I never thought burping and farting would feel SOO relieving!! :mad: LOL! Mentally..some days were better than others...but I am sure you all (who have had been on liquids know)...I thought I was gonna cry if I drank another cup of soup!! I just wanted FOOOOOD!! mashed potatoes never tasted so good! LOL I was on Clear Liquids for 1 week, full liquids weeks 2-3 and started Protein drinks week 3 too.... well today is day 22 and it will probably be a while before I actually want a cup of soup!! :biggrin: I was not filled at all at surgery and my first fill is August 12th. Just trying to be careful until then since I really dont have restriction. However, since I am still swollen inside and healing, I get pretty full off of a little bit. I have only lost 9 pds or so....but I'll take it!! I would jump for joy at a 1 pound loss when I used to be on Weight Watchers...so when I had lost 8-9 pounds in just under 3 weeks, I was happy. Plus my doc and many on here even say not to stress about the scale until after the first fill, bc thats when you feel restriction...hopefully. So that's pretty much so far! Erick (my hubby) has been great every step of the way!! I thank God for him everyday! :sad::wub:

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.

Got up at 6am took a dose of liquid pain meds got the kids up for school, then I made them some chocolate chip pancakes put a few dishes in the dishwasher, and BAM ran to the bathroom. Wasnt sure which end it was going to come out of but I didn't care as long as it came out. I know (TMI) Then reluctantly spent my morning working on office work, dragged myself to see two clients came home thought maybe a protein shake (my first whole one since surgery) may perk me up with the calories, I put in all my liquid vitamins into the small remainder of my shake and shook it up (havent been able to take my vitamins since sugery either) wasn't too sure how it was going to taste, but not bad. Most importantly, I drank it all. Then after a lil nap, I woke up and did 10 minutes on my elliptical!! of course level 1 and Zero resistance, nothing Jillian Michaels would get excited over but hey, It got me movin. As I am writing this my stomach sounds (and looks a lot like) I am 8 months pregnant with a very angry growly lil monster...lol. Hes been with me a week now every since about day 2 post op. Grrrr. My husband swears he cant hear the gnarly loud sounds coming from my stomach but how could he not...I can hear them...24/7 The good news..I have lost 10 pounds. My diet currently consists of sf jello sf popsickles low fat cream of chicken lots and lots of water premier protien shakes Hope all you February Sleevers are starting to feel better

So, I'm almost at 2 months post-sleeve & the constipation has been a bit#%! I use miralax, colace twice a week & I eat 4 prunes 3-4 times a week. STILL, it's been a little difficult to fully relieve in that department. (I warned you it was TMI...faint of heart abort reading now). I actually day-dreamed about the dumping syndrome & explosive diarrhea thinking...the shaking & sweating sounded awful, but to fully relieve my bowels without a BATTLE in the BATHROOM, didn't sound too bad. Well, thankfully, I haven't experience dumping yet b/c it sounds absolutely terrible. I have actually thanked God EVERY single time I've gotten to go #2 since the procedure--I'm talking "Praise you Jesus!" & "Thank you for allowing me to have a bowel movement!" whether it was fully relieving the bowels or not. I'm the grateful type--in this department, somes better than none & nearly ever bathroom visit has been like a mild form of child labor. WORK. Well, I've gotten a sinus infection--taking antibiotic, probiotics & a few other things which has caused me to have diarrhea. TMI approaching. It's been some of the greatest times. I'm drinking more to make sure I don't get dehydrated & I VERY begrudgingly took Imodium to be safe on the hydration thing. So today, I'm very thankful for diarrhea & the gift of fully emptied bowels. Now, I feel very unladylike for such a post, but keeping it real[emoji372][emoji372][emoji372]

TMI WARNING Are any of you having issues with constipation? I've had a couple of episodes and the only thing that helped was Milk of Mag. and they taste of that stuff is just awful. Plus the excrement was so big and hard it stopped up my toilet! Had to go to Home Depot to buy a new plunger.

FOR Me, I just start to feel a tightness, like when I used to swallow too big of a bite (before surgery that is) then I know not to put one more thing in my mouth because it's going to hurt for a while. ....... in relation to that feeling, I have a question that I know will be TMI, but, here goes,..... when I get that feeling, I know I will be spitting out a ton of saliva for at least 15 mins. Mainly because I can't swallow ANYTHING else because it's too painful. But I have yet to throw up. I've heard some say they projectile vomit right away but I havent. Does anyone else have the mouth watering issue vs throwing up?

I am so glad I'm not alone!! Thank you so much. I am in my early 40's and I have been on some heavy medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis for over 10 yrs. I was told over 2 yrs ago that I was in Peri-Menopause...ugh, Just another thing to go along with my every changing body. More lube it is,lol!! He will never complain about that, I know TMI. CC Oh and I drink over a gallon of Water a day. So its definitely not a dehydration thing. CC

Hi all Has anyone else had the pre-op protein shakes and then tummy issues? I am two days pre-op and my tummy is just not getting used to the shakes. My stomach doesn't hurt at all but I hear constant grumbling (not hunger) like bubbles in my upper tummy underneath my left rib. I am not having any problem having a bowel movement but very soft. Sorry, TMI. Lol. Any help is appreciated!!!