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1. 5'7"/ 236 at orientation 2. 224 day of surgery 3. Only lost 1.6 pounds this week, but lost inches 4. Current weight: 213 Total pounds lost 23 5. Goal weight: 140 , Pounds to go: 73 6. Biggest success - going back to work this week and finding out it wasn't too difficult. 7. Biggest struggle - learning the hard way that while my new tummy could handle those few sips of coffee, my intestines didn't like resulting in diarrhea (sorry, tmi!) 8. Lifestyle change I incorporated this week: packing my lunch and other Snacks for work. The old me wouldn't plan and would eat on the run (fast food and eating most meals out)

Oh, also want to add this part of their pre-op: 14 Days Prior to Surgery Do not smoke. Follow Pre-Op Diet below: Use any premixed canned or powdered protein drink that contains at least 15 grams of protein. You may purchase these in any health food store or many grocery stores. Wal-Mart EAS pre mix is excellent for pre op but BIO CHEM is great powder for after surgery. Breakfast: 1 protein drink Lunch: 1 protein drink Dinner: Salad with Protein 6 oz for women…8 oz for men (chicken, fish, egg, etc.), small amount of low-fat or fat-free dressing, or olive oil and vinegar. Evening Snack: 1 protein drink (if needed). You may also take 1 Metamucil capsule per day for hunger (if needed). I bought some store brand Metamucil and take it with my lunch and a bottle of water. I don't know if it is all in my mind...but it does help with hunger (for me!). I know it has psyllium husk in it, which expands in your stomach making you feel fuller. Probably TMI (or not), but I thought Metamucil would make me need to use the bathroom alot...it does not- which is good! I tried the EAS drinks...they are OK, too. For some reason, the GNC Lean 25's keep me fuller than Premeir Protein (30g of protein). I have no idea how that works, but I will roll with it. Good luck! WE GOT THIS!

Can i just say im a walking sexcapade!!! I seriously can't get enough.. and apparently 2 times back to back isn't cutting it.. I actually starting to think something is wrong.. I just posted this in the chick forum cuz im wonderin if i need to go to the doc.. If i was a guy i would be screwed ...lol.. no pun intended..but seriously i wouldn't be able to leave the house cuz i would have a huge boner all day long..and even tho i could use it as a coat hanger..its just not something u wanna be walkin around in public with.. and well i guess fortunately im a girl so it doesn't really show, but i have to keep spare panties on me cuz just a thought and im well um..he he he.. leaking! lololol.. ok i know tmi.. but seriously.. MEN ITS NOT JUST YOU!!!!!

My nsvs are ..... 1. My legs don't rub together as much anymore 2. I enjoy where a dress for the first time in my life 3. I fit into a size 14 for the first time since middle school 4. I feel smaller 5. Stairs are easier 6. I can stand for long periods without my knees and hips hurting 7. I get a regular period (tmi) but a big deal for someone who wants kids 8. I am not the fat friend for the 1 st time in my life 9. People at work who don't see me that often notice the weight loss and want to know my secret lol 10. Bought my first Victoria's Secret bra 11. The feeling of satisfaction with eating a small salad and not needing anything else with it to feel full. 12. Freedom Many more but those are it for now.

There's no TMI around here! We talk about poop a lot! LOL!!!

By chance are you consuming a high amount of gassy vegetables? I have been going through these phases off and on and it is severe gas cramping along with a lot of flatulence and occasional diarrhea. Sorry for the TMI. Just trying to help. I found once I cut down my veggie intake a bit it smoothed out but still occasionally get it. Seems Brussels sprouts are a trigger for me. Also, I really like Cauliflower as well and that is known for causing gas. . This site has a little more information: http://howtostayhealthy.hubpages.com/hub/Foods-That-Make-You-Gassy-and-Bloated

Hi All: Banded the end of July and have been having a few stuck episodes without any fill. First one at my home with my family and it passed in about 20 minutes......I did have white frothy slime come up (sorry for TMI). After that felt fine and was very careful. Last week went to Vegas with friends and first 2 days did well eating with others and choosing carefully what to eat. Monday a.m. went to late breakfast and ordered scrambled eggs with bacon. Wrong Choice for me!!! After 2 bites I felt like I had something stuck. Went to ladies room and tried to get it up. Nothing seemed to help. Could not get even water down. Could not relieve it no matter what I tried: papaya pills, gas X strips, tums, etc. After 12 hours of being very uncomfortable...still not being able to sip even water we went to the ER in Vegas. What an experience. Was there 5 1/2 hours. Scan showed band did not slip (thank God) but my esophogus was badly dilated. Said I needed a endoscope but could wait till I got home. They gave me IV so as not to dehydrate. Went home the next day on doctors orders. Finally after about 24 hours of this episode I was able to sip water again! Pain subsided but I still feel very irritated in my throat when I drink. My lapband doctor advised only liquids for the next 24 hours. That is where I am today. Has anyone else ever had an experience like this. I hope not. Really hope what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas......LOL

So far so good. Today is day 3 and I'm struggling a little. Tmi but mother nature decided to visit yesterday too making me more irritable. I'm extremely tired. So I'm trying to stay busy and make sure I get my fluids in.

I will give those of you who doesn't have to do a bowel prep sine advice!! DO IT ANYWAY!! I didn't have one and even though I was on a pre op liquid diet I should have did one even though my doctor didn't require one. TMI I came home from surgery sore weak etc. Just to have 2 days later having to go potty but couldn't because of impacted bowels as the pain meds causes constipation and it was miserable!!!

Sorry for this... Is it normal that I haven’t pooped in 7 days? I’m on a liquid diet so there isn’t really anything going in but it just feels strange not to have pooped in so long. 😬

I've actually had no issues with constipation. I go pretty regularly. A lot less than I did before surgery, but enough that I don't feel I'm backed up. (TMI alert) It's usually pretty watery though. I've had maybe two firm stools since surgery. I'm bummed though - all the bad eating I did made me gain 4lbs. It's just been such a trying time and I can't find any recipes that I really like. I've never been a huge meat eater and I'm not sure how to incorporate veggies that are low carb that have Protein. Anyone got any good recipes? Also, every time I swallow anything except low fat yogurt or sugar free pudding, I get a rumbly grumble in my tummy and I always have to belch afterward. I will say this too - sugar does NOT agree with me. I tried some of a milkshake and could only get down like two sips before I felt sick. I'm glad of it because it keeps me from messing up with sweets, but it's kinda sad too!

I ate tilapia today and my sleeve was certainly not ready! I was at work and my stomach started cramping and I excused myself to the ladies room to vomit! (Sorry tmi) ..I do think it may have been that I didnt chew well enough or ate too fast!..Im still adjusting, either way myself, my sleeve, or both was just not ready for that!...I will go back to my pureed sweet potatoes tomorrow! !

Kerri, have you pooped yet? If not try a glycerin bulb. At about 2 weeks out I got so badly backed up I went to the ER. They examined me, took X-rays, and sent me home without treatment, apparently it wasn't as bad as I thought, but it was as bad as I have ever experienced! I had been taking X-Lax and Miralax but nothing helped that one big blockage that wouldn't budge! (Sorry, TMI I know.) On the way home I stopped at CVS and picked up a couple things - magnesium citrate (which is what they ask you to take if you're going to get a colonoscopy, cleans you out rather violently!) and glycerin bulbs. I tried a glycerin bulb first, and that worked. (Didn't really want to use the magnesium citrate if I didn't have to....) Ever since, I take Miralax every day in my morning coffee, to prevent that from ever happening again, and that works just fine, especially with the Calcium and PPIs we take, which I guess can be a little constipating. Then really start pushing the Water. Your body needs water to release the fat. Many times on this board and on OH, people who stall end up breaking the stall by upping Protein and water.

Nothing helps me work up a good BM like going for a run. I swear as soon as I get 2 miles from the house it's like a fire alarm goes off in my shorts. TMI?

Nat - I know what you mean about people not taking care of themselves. I know so many people who have had gastric bypass and go back to eating these huge plates of food. One lady I know is bigger now then before she had the bypass. I've seen my friend Trish at dinners and she will eat a plate full of Desserts and pass up the healthy food - she's said many times she knows she doesn't eat right, besides not taking the extra nutrients she needs. She also works 2 jobs (ok this is where I get into the bitch mode) one is M-F days, 2nd one is Fri & Sat night shift - she doesn't sleep from Fri. morning until Sun. night. unless she cat naps in front of the tv. Her husband doesn't work - he studies - also does the mr. mom thing but when she gets home the kids swarm her and she gets no rest. She told me that when she makes supper and the house is crazy she can't eat, she has to put it up and take a bite here and there or she'll throw up. So I don't know what the ulcer is caused from but I know she has all the factors to make one. My ex-sister in law, whom I'm still close to, goes in Thurs. to get the gastric bypass - I don't get it - why opt for the more dangerous route, I talked with her today and she knows - she's also a nurse so she does know better - oh well. Ddee - couldn't help but notice you don't have much weight to lose. Did you do this for health reasons? Oh this is your 2nd band ... sorry I forgot. So do you have a fill yet? I eat oatmeal or shredded wheat everyday to keep me regular. I poop every morning after my husband leaves for work and then I go back to bed. ok tmi - coffee doesnt taste as good anymore but if I drink a couple sips bam it hits me - tea works too. Tonight I ate a salad and after about 4 hours it hit me so I may not have to poop in the morning since I went tonight. I've had IBS for a long time so I think I must of been allergic to something that I ate for it to go through me that fast. And then while I was sitting on the pot I burped - the humungo stinky get it out of me burp - I was like omgoodnesss I wasn't expecting that. I'm thinking I may not be able to eat salad much anymore. For the first time tonight I had port pain. I watched my friends baby tonight - she's a porker - 6 months old and I held her and picked her up and all that fun stuff so I think I must have strained alittle to make my port sore. Now I know what all of you mamas have been going through. Good night.

I'm back! Happy July 4th!!! Hope you are all having a great Independence Day! Sorry I haven't updated whilst I was away - wifi was cr*p at the hotel! I've had a great time in Spain - 5 adults and 44 teenagers on a school trip is defo an experience! We spent 26 hours on the bus there and back and a whole lot more travelling around different locations! I can't believe how much time I have spent on that bloody thing! I didn't manage, as predicted, to do any fast days... and I am pretty sure by the bloated feeling I have that I have gained. I will weigh in the morning. I am prepared to see a higher number! I did manage to keep an 'ok' tab on my food choices, but I have to say that there were treats (the kids were loaded with jelly sweeties and it would be rude to say no!) - also some lunch times bread stuff was the only choice, so I ate it! However, when I did have the choice I stuck to Protein first, some veg and salad too. I would prob say the food I ate was 50% good and 50% not so good! I also had a few glasses of wine each evening - not too many - but more than normal ... as you all know, I don't drink in the house or on a regular basis... I do go out with the girls for a few cheeky ciders and that is once in a while. I did however, throughout the day, drink a lot of Water. I am also severally constipated - if I have no movement by tomorrow evening I will take some laxatives as a last measure... I hate it when I get like this! Sorry for TMI! We also did a lot of walking around - and I have to say that 3 years ago I would of been a bag of sweat - this time, no sweating! That is an awesome NSV, especially in the heat of Barcelona! I am not messing around here - damage limitation is in order so I am back to my fast day tomo even though it is Friday! I might even do Sunday this week too... I'll see how I feel. That is the beauty of this diet plan - I get to chose when I fast. I've got a big few weeks coming up - we have the school prom on Thurs - I won't drink cos I always drive but I know there will be an abundance of rubbish food on offer, so I will have to be super vigilant! I also have a works night out on the next day, that will be a big drinking session with plenty of dancing and giggling! The the following week I have another works night out which will also involve a lot of booze! I am gonna have to be ultra organised because I don't want to gain... but I do want a life! I think I will have to be happy with striking a medium over the next few weeks. Then I will have to be really focused as we go on a family holiday around the 9th August and I don't want to go away with extra weight on me. This time though, I might be able to squeeze in a fast day - or an attempt at fasting; perhaps missing a meal? Oh and as a foot note, it is my third year surg-aversary! How quickly has that gone? I need to find some time to post a little thread to recall my experience to date! Hope all of you are ok... great to see things are going well for you all ...

Hi girls - can you believe its actually me online at 9:00 at night! I was on emailing one of the bunco girls. grrrrrr the whole thing has me pissed. I talked with the case manager today for a long while. She seems to think I definitely need a fill. She said if I was too tight I'd be knowing in other ways and so today I was very good - natta for breakfast - then I ate a crab cake for lunch - which I was stuffed when I finished... all the while eating slowly small bites - then I ate some almonds for snack and a BLT for supper - I resisted the running to town to get something to eat - pat pat on my back - I haven't snacked yet tonight although I have some fresh picked blueberries in there calling my name. I suppose I should get on fitday and start tracking again - because I feel like it was a good low cal/protein/healthy day. Thanks for all the encouragement and I know getting on here has really been encouraging me to get my act together. All this talk about men and dating is exciting. Its gotta be fun for all of you now, being thinner and feeling sexier. I know I feel better in bed even though its the same old man I've been boinking for the past 30 years! Geesh I crack myself up! Always giving way tmi! But you all have to be loving all the attention! While we were on vacation - in the flatlands of Minnesota - I thought of all you bike riders EVERY day! I would so love to be bike riding like that but I seriously - SERIOUSLY - couldn't do it around here with the hills.. er.. MOUNTAINS.. and speaking of exercise, ok I didnt' do any today but I thought about it, and planned on going for a walk before dark but ended up gabbing on the phone for an hour and then my ds stopped by and now its dark. BUT I'm going to go set my alarm and get my butt up and out the door in the morning before work. OUCH!! Who just kicked my ass!!! love yens!

BBk - you'll wear yourself out - you need to get rest when you are sick or you'll just get sicker. I'm totally one for bedrest at least one day when someone is sick, it gives the body time to heal. But I know that sometimes its impossible. Nat - whats up girl? Va - yes I am definitly looser in the evenings. WAY too loose (in every sense of the word just ask dh - jking!) Annie -I really have to agree with you about the eating adjustment too - I should not be eating ice cream - and the crazy thing is I've never been much of an ice cream eater! I've been really good about staying away from that kind of crap and then suddenly I'm stuffing myself with it! As for the parfait instead of a burger - I'd still opt for the burger, that parfait wouldn't stay with me and meat does, plus the higher protein in meat makes me tend to side with it. BUT the bun is another story, I don't normally eat breads like that. Anyway I'm going in today at 2 for another fill - hopefully this will bring me a little closer to the sweetspot. Like you said even a small fill should help. Claudia - I would think the weight would be dropping off at 500-700 calories. I agree I think you should up your intake to 900-1200. Good job on the walking. I think I'll walk outside today instead of on the treadmill. Jill - I think you and I are about the same - you probably need another fill too. Even just a small one. I got my fill 2/28 and I think I lost about 3 lbs the first week - and now nothing. Are you exercising? I think thats the only reason I lost anything. Try to get you 10000 steps in everyday. Bman - I hope your cyst gets skinny - lol - seriously will it shrink then? I remember my dh had a fatty cyst on his back, it was pretty big like the size of a deck of cards and it went away on its own. I don't remember how long he had it tho. Pain meds are good - when dh cut his finger - he was like mr macho .. oh I dont' need them... she said I bet you will when what we gave you wears off... needless to say he took them till they were gone. I have to say sweetie that last weekend seemed to do you the world of good - you sound happy. I'm glad. And yes it was a bit embarrassing puking in the parking lot - thank goodness there wasn't many people around and that it didn't look like throw up - it was just a couple chunks of burger, like someone had chewed up and spit out. sorry tmi LOL I think the reason it came up was the water I drank trying to get it down. Lesson learned. BTW - my nails look great.

Hey you lot! Thanks for the suggestions re measuring... I measured a couple of weeks ago and there was no change! I'll have to do it again soon. As for adding veggies and healthy foods, I eat a lot of greens... mange tout are great as they don't take up too much room, same with green Beans and peppers... I eat a lot of peppers, red, orange and yellow are my favs! I have also tried some curly kale as Feedyour eye suggested and it was lovely, again in a stir fry. I usually put the greens with a portion of chicken/pork/beef/ fish and I feel it makes a really balanced meal that keeps me full for a long time! I rarely eat processed foods now too... i don't like the texture and prefer to see what goes into my food... however, I do like tinned Soups and baked beans now and again. I really believe in moderation, so the opening a tin now and again isn't gonna do any harm. I weighed this weekend and I am back to the top of my bounce range again... I know it is Water as my rings are tight ... I am also having another visit from 'aunt flo' second in 20 days and this one has lasted over a week... as did the other one. It isn't heavy now... but still there if that makes sense...TMI??? I shouldn't really be getting visits now I am HRT and this is leading me to believe that my hormones are affecting my weight? I am not looking for excuses here... ust trying to work out what the hell is going on...

why on earth do you women have to show me that nasty crap!? Needles in belly's, skin hanging like ... Lord only knows what - I refuse to fall for anymore of your tactics! Truth is I didn't look at the fill - not gonna freak myself out but just the idea makes me close my eyes! Ok so theres a lady at my church who had rny (is that gastric bypass?) and she was well over 400 lbs, she lost at least 200 lbs - I seriously think she must be more then 250 because for one she's a big lady, tall, big boned, and even though she doesn't look fat she is still big, husky looking. She had the tt and said if she could afford to have a whole body tuck she would. I saw though her panty hose that all that skin was all folded up and tucked in there. Oh it made me hurt to think of it. and her arms are still flapping in the wind, but she looks wonderful compared to where she had been. And the difference in her personality is astonishing! But then my other friend Trish who went from 275ish to 145ish and is 5'6" to 5'8" (she's taller then me) doesn't have anything except her apron and even that isn't bad. Her legs look great, which makes me have hope. To go off on another thought - I have this huge belly that hangs (sure I'll be needing a tt) and I've always had problems with chaffing. So reading a thread on tt - someone said about using deo/anti pers. and omgoodness! I've seen the light! I just lift that fat belly up and spray away and I haven't chaffed since! that was all FYI - hope it was TMI Just talked to Nate - he's the PA at the dr office. He was just making sure I need a fill. I said well considering I ate 1700 cal. yesterday and I'm working my butt off to stay on this "diet" that I promised myself I'd never do again! YES I NEED A FILL!! Since I had him on the phone I asked if I'd have to do liquids and he said yep - liquids the rest of the day - sucko - mushies the next day and then reg. food the following. Thats do-able I guess. I've done pretty good today but I have this huge urge to eat something like hot wings for supper tonight - knowing (hoping) I won't be able to for a while. Last supper syndrome?

Question... This might be TMI, but how often are you having a BM or going number #2!? I didn't go for 11 days after surgery and have only gone one other time in the last 16 days. I'm drinking Miralax daily, but I just wondered if this was normal. Thank you!

Holy moly..been taking flax seed caps and also occasional flax cookies. I started adding flax to my Greek yogurt..I found the whole flax seeds which were 1.99 at Publix for a pint and tmi alert... No more constipation!!! I am so shocked how much it worked! They honestly aren't bad either.

Heya all! So sorry about being quiet. So much stuff happening! Firstly, we had a public holiday today, yay! We are in Johannesburg for the long weekend - one of my university friends is turning 30. Our country is totally up in arms about our paralympian Oscar Pistorius who killed his girlfriend - thinking she was an intruder. Shot her through the toilet door. Everybody is freaking out. With the first time ever a court case being televised. You have never seen such mayhem, wherever you go you hear people talking about it. Our crazy southafricans! Also, my partner and i bought a house! First time ever! Extremely excited but also nervous as hell. We are moving in the end of May. It's 10 minutes from the beach and now we can get a dog, yay! Have been having some health issues lately. I have either an ulcer or gallstones. Contacted my surgeon's office and i need to go in for an endoscopy on 7 april. I think it might be an ulcer though. Constant burning sensation right in the middle below my boobs... Really horrible. And when i sometimes eat or drink tea, then i get terrible cramps and have to go to the loo. TMI, but my tummy is runny and yucky. Ofcourse my surgeon's assistant emailed me saying that Doc is asking whether i still smoke... ???? Of course i still do, as this i see as my coping meghanism currently - you know about the hectic paychological problems i have been having. Working through major issues. I dont overeat or drink alcohol at all - i smoke. I know know know it is bad and i really want to quit in the near future, but i know if i am dead honest i wont be able to do it now. I will go off my handle. Of course if i am having a stomach ulcer as i am suspecting i know how terrible smoking is for that. So i have cut down a lot on it. But i am preparing myself for a serious crapp-out session awaiting me on 7 april... Oi vey! My weight has been standing still for months now almost ;-( But i havent been diligent with exercises and also meal planning. I basically eat the same things over and over - quite boring. Dont think i've been getting enough protein in. I am upset with myself yeah. But i am also learning to be kinder to myself. So i will be getting back on the wagon diligently doing everything i should and working out menus and such. And get on with those damn exercises! I really hoped i would get addicted to it and have the high as some people report - but this has yet to happen ???? At least i am not gaining. Ok time for bed for me almost 1:30 in the morning over here! Hope you are all well, my dear friends! xxx

I have a ? Ok so for the past week or so at night I have a sore throat kinda feels like a limp in my throat and I cough and eventually it goes away well today I started feeling like it was happening when I eat...I also wake up with phlegm (tmi sorry) if I cough I can get it to go away for a bit. ...I don't feel like my food is stuck or making me sick but could it be my pouch ? A stricture? Or just something with my throat like a cold ? I don't want to call my dr cause he'll make me come in for any complaint lol

Also have a very personal question ....does anyone else have trouble wiping after peeing i feel swollen and like i cant reach...i know its def tmi but tomorrows i. Supposed to take milk of magnesia but my poor hubby has already been helping me up front but dont want to push it lol