Search the Community

Hi everyone, I'm finally back for an update! I had been in the typical stall for quite some time, so was hesitant to post too much and come across pessimistic. Here's a recap. Had my surgery January 9th in Mexico. BMI was 29, weighed in at 153.4 (only 5'1) on January 1st when I started my pre-op. I had an easy pre-op, basically just did Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and then veggies and chicken for dinner. Three days before surgery was yogurt only diet, but I did add a Protein shake once a day just to keep my protein up and my carbs down. Day of surgery I weighed 148.4 lbs, which put my BMI at 28. I went down to Mexico on the day of surgery and spent a few days in San Diego afterwards. First time I weighed myself on my home scale I was 139.2 and that was on January 17th. Jan 18 - 137.2 Jan 19 - 137.0 Then my weight started to bounce around and stall out so I stopped weighing daily. Feb 1 - 137.6. I started working out Feb 1, scale was still moving super slow, so again just weighed every once in a while Feb 5 - 136.0 Feb 23 - 135.2 Then I went on vacation to California. Just got back last night and I weighed in this morning at .... 129.0!!!!!! That puts me at a BMI of 24.4, the high end of NORMAL WEIGHT. Why did I finally drop? I don't exactly know, but here's two things that probably helped. 1. I ate out a lot, and although I didn't eat lots at a time, my calories were definitely higher, so I think that actually helped boost my metabolism. 2. I got super sick the second last night, stuck in the bathroom (sorry if this is TMI - but basically all night pooping and puking --- although it was mostly dry heaving since there was no food in me). So I probably am down quite a bit of Water weight, and fully expect I may gain a couple pounds once I get hydrated again and eating somewhat normal. Anyways, I just wanted to post an update since it's been a while, and I feel like I may have finally broken this stall. I am less than 6 lbs above my lowest weight as an adult. Still 14 lbs above my goal weight, but that being said, I am looking forward to increasing my exercise and putting on muscle, so realize it may be difficult for the scale to drop steadily if I'm toning up. Hope everyone else is doing well! --I am going to copy and paste this post to a few of the other "low BMI" threads, so sorry for the repeat to those of you that follow those threads as well--

You are only two and a half weeks post-op, so your body is still recovering. It will take time to adjust to your new way of eating. You can try Maalox or something, but natural fiber will eventually regulate your system. It shouldn't cause diarrhea. Are you supposed to be on solid foods already? Sometimes in the early stages, we are eating liquids and mushies, so that's what comes out! Sorry! TMI! Hang in there. It should get better. If not, talk to your doc.

I know that liquid in=liquid out but the cramps are fierce. It's 4:30am and I have been up for an hour with bad cramps and diarrhea...sorry TMI! I have taken Pepto but I am really uncomfortable. Should I take Immodium? I haven't been perfect on the liquid diet, some ice cream in the Protein shakes and gazpacho Soup (bad, bad idea) but I was pretty good today so I don't get it. Will it get better once I'm on mushies? A cracker and ginger ale would be good right now. Feelin' yucky, at least the Red Sox won two games today! Amy

Yes I did take it easy.... The day after surgery, I tried to get up for a couple of hours and mingle with the family but I didn't feel too well. I think I was trying to do to much to soon. So I laid back down and slept till about 6pm, and then went for a walk around the block, and as soon as I got back. (get ready for TMI) I had my frist bowel movement, and I felt like I was going to die. I broke out in a hot sweat, and wanted to run from the toilet area. But I took it like a champ and it was smooth sailing. I finally passed some gas and was able to lie down and go back to sleep. Now on my third day, I went to the hospital and visited with my sister in law, and now back in the bed. But there is something thats bothering me. Yesterday, my mom told me to, "get up right now and go walking and stop laying around." Well when I walked in from going to visit my sister in law she said, ""Moving around any better today?" , and mocked how I had been walking around. So I had to at that point give her a piece of my mind. I was appalled, because she has had her share of surgeries and I was there for her like no other. For three days post surgery, I think I am doing pretty damn good! Just had to rant!

Hehe, I should have added that my program WANTS me to be doing a lot of things that I'm just not doing. I can't. So soon post-op (as you), I just lumped everything as a recommendation. I've only once been able to hit their Protein counts, yesterday, because I ate sashimi for every meal/snack. I can finally meet Fluid intake goals, after more than 5 weeks. I still haven't found a way to truly work in a real exercise program, other than walking at lunch, and still get family time (working on that one tho). I've pooped 4x since surgery on 3/27. TMI - but "they want" me pooping at least every 3 days -- some things we just can't control, you know? Whatever you're struggling with now, will get better and easier. Do the best you can, and see "what they want" as goals.

Thanks @FluffyChix, I'm hoping its not an infection but i don't want to be lactose intolerant either! I've got about 3 dozen different types of protein shakes that are all dairy based and i just love milk, that would be heartbreaking! We'll see what happens, whatever it is, I'm just going to have to deal with it. I'll definitely go get the raw sauerkraut or kefir, hopefully something will help it as yesterday was probably the worst day for the big D, i was literally in the restroom a few times an hour. I'm keeping hydrated tho so thats good but my bum is so sore, the medicated wipes do help. TMI! Thanks for the advice!!!

Hello 24yr female newly banded 2/13.. Did great in the hospital, but my first full day at home was very challenging. I felt no restriction but had a hard time drinking liquids. Had no pains with the lower incisions but the top and side one i had mild pain. but the pain im in now is all due to the gas, been taking my meds, walking, drinking more fluids. Oh i also have really bad dry mouth and i know TMI- diarrhea. Trying a heating pad now. Oh never have i wanted to burp/fart so much in my life lol!!! Attached is my stomach very bloated and swollen a few days ago but the bloating and swelling looks better today

ok, so I had my lapband 5 weeks ago on Dec.7 and right now I am eating a regular diet. Although I've been told I'm in bandster hell right now because I have no restriction and I'm eating a lot more than I'm supposed to, I feel like it isn't right! Could it be that I can eat almost as much as I did before the band??? I've been told by my support leader that even though I feel I could eat more, that I really shouldn't. But that's why I got the band!! To use this tool to help me feel fuller faster!!!!! I haven't lost any weight since dec.19. I keep fluctuating by a pound or so (depending on how constipated I am...I know...TMI) but I haven't lost much and I'm not really eating the quantity I'm supposed to. Anyone have some wise words for me?

Hi all, I'm on post op day 5, and the last couple of days I've been really hungry. This is rather troubling since I thought the surgery would take away my hunger, especially in the beginning. Or could this just be what I've heard people call "head hunger"? Will it get better when I move on to mushies? Also, (possibly TMI) I've been having some cramping and loose stools. Does anyone know if pepto bismol is alright in the all liquids phase? Thanks, you guys help me out so much.

Maybe this is TMI but in the hospital I threw up crystal light for one whole day and even though I have different flavors in my pantry I just can't bring myself to even try them. I am actually loving water which is not my typical M.O. so....a good thing already I guess. Who knew how many commercials there were for food when you are in the lazy recoup mode?

awesome, I use a small saucer plate, and a lot of the times I have left over and I take 20-30 mins to eat and small bites (: the 5 bean salad...never liked it lol. I'm positive that exercising will help with the weight pause, andd yes haha I know it really does, it needs to kick into gear better tho. I'd feel like I'd have to go, but when I get to the bathroom I don't anymore, then I go to sit down for a few mins then I gotta again but then I can't grr I took a stool softened too haha bad stool softener! TMI sorry lol

Mine got really inflamed and smelly (I know TMI) about 6wks ago. I cleaned and rinsed it really good in the shower then took a q-tip with Neosporin on it and dabbed it in there with that. It was gone in a couple days.

SEX No port does not get in the way during sex, trust me it is the last thing I am thinking about. In terms of the scar, I have a long standing booty friend (I am talking 10 years) I just told him it was from a hiatal hernia repair. This partly true, since the doc did a hiatal hernia repair at the same time. TMI - I recently got a full brazilian wax, needless to say, I dont think the scar (or my hysterectomy scar) were noticed!!

I have been so excited till the past 3 days and have been going through all the BS hoops for almost 3 yrs to get the surgery and now i feel like i am on a roller coaster!?! I can't sleep, tossing and turning, mind is racing, stomach is in knots and everything i eat and drink comes right back out, sorry if that was TMI:) I went to a WLS suport group last night with some questions and walked out 4 hrs later with more question then when i went in! UGH' am i just nervous? Has anyone else felt like this? Any input would be wonderful!

This is me too. My bowel motions are now several times a day and quite loose (sorry if tmi 😂) and kind of comes out of nowhere lol. I’m 9 weeks post op.

Yep, it's been a while... a crazy month but here I am... almost a month since my last post and a full week post-op! So, I'm going to try to give the short version of my month because I'll be up typing all night if I don't (it's currently midnight!). In my last blog, I believe everything had just been submitted... I got denied twice! Yep you read it right... twice! I guess those idiots didn't know who they were saying no to! They tried to tell me that I wasn't sick enough and that I didn't do my nutrition... blah blah blah... at one point I actually cited Maryland law which requires them to cover the procedure based on my issues . I am known as the queen of arguing but they didn't know that... neither did the chic from my doc's office that kept givin me the run around til I emailed her boss LOL. Long story short... I was sleeved on the 16th even with two denials! So... after my approval... I tried to do my pre-op diet... really I did, but I had less than two weeks between approval and surgery and I seriously worked over 80 hours a week to make sure everything I was responsible for was done before I went out and the stress of that combined with no food caused major migraines so I ate. I ate significantly less, but I ate. One week to the day before surgery, I had a miscarriage... I didn't know I was pregnant until I lost it (I have an IUD so this was not supposed to happen)... I also didn't know you could mourn a child you didn't know you were pregnant with (I learned several things that week)... A visit to the ER explained that my IUD slipped out (it's in but out so not providing protection which is how I got pregnant) and I have a major fibroid . The miscarriage only caused minor problems with my sugery (the anesthesiologist refused to move forward due to my positive preg test from the week prior even after I explained the miscarriage - the staff OB/GYN cleared me for surgery and we moved on). I was terribly stressed prior to surgery due to some of the things people have posted on here... I cried all through pre-surg prep b/c of this. Apparently my surgery was text book despite my having failed miserably at the pre-op diet... do not use this as your idicator though... I believe I got lucky (God feeling I've had a bad enough month)... I did not get a pain pump post-op and the first nurse was being stingy with drugs. Also, my body does not like to pee after anesthesia so I could not go without pushing which was not fun... especially with limited pain meds. I also kept getting horrible hiccups that made me want to die but I survived the night. I didn't sleep much yet the time passed. I left the hospital the next day around 3 p.m. My post-op diet involved 2 days of clears and now I'm on full liquids. I've been healing well so I'm tolerating shakes, yogurt, soups, and I'm hungry pretty quick. From posting and reading, I know this is normal but that doesn't make it suck any less . As for the TMI section of this... farting post op was really hard to do! It really helped to walk to move the gas and to get on all fours if it wouldn't pass (sounds weird but I found this on google when it was hurting bad and it worked LOL). I'm a week out and I still haven't done anything beyond pee in the toilet... tonight I drank a laxative tea and am hoping it works... I know I'm putting stuff in there but I'm wondering what's happening to it . Last thing and I'm signing off... It's 12:20 now so I'm doing awesome! I know I've lost weight... I've weighed myself and I've already seen one physical change. I have my first official post op appointment tomorrow though so I'm going to wait until then to update my weight on here so stay tuned. I'm also hoping to get to move on to mushies early tomorrow since I'm starving and tolerating things so well (he said it was a possibility before the sugery). Good night fellow sleevers and those lurking as I once was .

Definitely not tmi, we all need to hear the good and the bad lol. Thanks!

Yoda: See, at first? I was like "Maybe I should do a handstand!" Then I remembered that I'm *245 lbs* and that wouldn't work so much. Then the yoga popped into myhead and...well...the rest is history! Paulax: LOL! I feel like TMI warnings are so unnecessary at this point. I mean, we all have bands around our stomachs! How do we avoid the gross stuff?

TMI yeah it was, sorry

I had surgery on Tuesday June 2nd I am having more pain today than I have since the first day after surgery. I haven't been taking pain pills because I can't sleep and they make me itch. I can handle the pain I just want to make sure it's nothing serious. I have been walking a lot. I still feel bloated and haven't had a BM since before surgery. (Sorry TMI, I know). Anybody else have these issues?

Heyas, I'm doing well - down 12 lbs so far since surgery. I feel hungry not all the time but I do. I am on day 7 of 10 for full liquids in my post op diet and am looking forward to going to pureed food towards the end of this week which I will be on for 2 weeks I believe it was. I've been struggling with head hunger and not being able to just "eat what I want" or anything normal. Getting a bit tired of Soup, pudding and yogurt but eh, thems the breaks, it will be all worth it. Still struggling to drink enough Water but I'm working on it. One embarrassing thing though - I haven't pooped yet (TMI I know), but perhaps since I'm only consuming liquid'ish type foods that is the reason. It's not that I'm "backed up" because I don't even feel like I need to go. Steri-strips are all off and incision sites are healing quite well, I'm pretty sure that besides possibly my port spot the others will be almost unnoticable. I am looking forward to pureed food like you wouldn't believe and then to be able to just .. eat normally OMG HEAVEN. :eek: Hope everyone is doing well. *BIG HUGS ALL AROUND*

Ok I am like a week out from getting my first fill and as I expected I am still eating what I want and how I want although I try to eat right it never happens it's like walking again you have to learn. But with no restriction I am eating basically what I want. Well today I was being bad, ( I am about to have a visitor sorry tmi) and I wanted so bad a double decker taco from taco bell. I got one and ate it chewing very carefully (becasue I still try and practice that :thumbup:. Anyway I am feeling like it's stuck in my throat/chest and it's not painful just uncomfrotable and this is the first time I have felt this. Is that restriction?

Thank you so much for the reassurance. I've just been so scared because the dr said i should only be hoding about 1/4 c of anything in my stomach right now. Which I am but its like I get whoozy after eating my lunch which is usually strained soup and then I'm actually feeling hungry an hour later. Any suggestions if I should drink my protein supplements as my meals and then do strained soup as my fluid intake as well because I need to get more fluid in too, im only urinating about three times a day (tmi) but I'm a nurse and I know that's not good.

I am not post menopause but I am 41 and never had kids. The surgery has played heck with my cycle. I am now going about every 23-25 days which never happened before. I also started RIGHT after surgery and it was the worst one of my life. It went on forever. (Sorry if TMI) My GYN said that yes, we do release a lot of estrogen when we lose weight. You become super fertile and your periods can go wacko (I was also wacko for a while from the hormones). She said it affects everyone differently. While I can't speak to post-menopause, it seems that your situation may not be so strange based on what she told me. I would call your Dr and maybe reach out to your old GYN if you can.

The MOM is non-cramping. I had to take it and let me tell you it works within a couple of hours. I waited to take it and had a very painful BM....I know TMI but I wish I would have taken it sooner like I was told to.