Search the Community

Hey[mention=293999]Dashofpixiedust8[/mention] i was wondering if i could join starting today? I gained 3lbs in a week listening to everyone else filling my head making me feel "skinny", i kind of got lost in the fog. Getting myself back on track so i can make my goal of 148 by Oct 5th. Thats just 5 lbs till 100lbs from surgery. I can do it. Cw: 151.8 Gw: 145 Todays date: 9/15/17 TMI: I think I'm fairly constipated[emoji21]had to edit my weight lol. Sent from my SM-G925T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi all, here is my Journey so far. I was one of the lucky ones (NOT) who had a JP Drain. I hope my story helps others. So far, so good - no regrets at all!! June 2017: My ins just dropped the numerous lengthy requirements and is allowing sleeves. I jumped on it, and was able to navigate thru the list quickly. Start to finish took me about 2 months. Do Ins companies really think we haven't tried every program out there prior to considering major surgery??? Stupid! They no longer require 6 months of Dr administered weight loss program, but my Dr watched me for a few months, and submitted it just to make sure I would not run into any problems. I was approved 10 days after submission. I hate having to jump thru hoops, but the savings was worth it. Altho, I would have paid out of pocket if denied. Check off the requirements, and you should be fine. Most Drs have a good relationship with the ins claim reps. My daily (boring but working) pre op intake is: coffee with a splash of Premier Protein banana or caramel , then the rest of the Premier Protein Shake for Breakfast, at 10am I have 2 C of chicken broth, at Noon I have 2 C chicken broth + another Premier Protein shake, at 2pm I have 1 sf Jello cup, at 6ish I have 2 C chicken broth (appetizer ) and another Carmel Premier Protein shake, 8pm snack another sf jello cup. I don't really like any other flavors of broth or I would have those. My shakes have to be under 200 calories, high protein (these are 30g) and as low sugar as you can find (1g). Premier is handy, pre made, and I like the flavors (Caramel, Banana, and strawberry Cream are my favorites). I SWEAR I have not had any headaches, and my energy level is really good (just fall asleep earlier which helps me not dwell on food). Aug 25/2017: Surgery day and I couldn't be more excited!! My surgery went well except that I needed a JP drain that will remain in for about a week. I was up walking 2 laps of my floor that night. The nurse said she had never seen anyone do as well as me. She said my positive and excited attitude surely helped! My pain never got above 2 or 3 and I needed very little pain meds. 3 ice chips made me nauseous, so I did not eat or drink anything the first night. I do have to give myself shots in the stomach of Lovenox (blood thinner) to prevent blood clots for 2 weeks. Aug 26: Got discharged this afternoon after my upper GI and chest xray came back ok. Was able to keep down 4oz of liquid before I left the hospital. I'm off the pain meds now, and don't even feel the need for Tylenol. The Lovenox shots are not as scary as I thought they would be. The trick is to freeze the area for 10 minutes before you give yourself the shot, and put the ice back on right after you are done (the after affect feels like a wasp sting). Now I just need the gas to pass (pun intended). All said and done, I feel great for what I've been through, and lost 12 pounds pre op. I will keep up with updates. Thank you for all the support and info. This Forum is great, and I hope to pay it forward. Aug 28: Ok, so to continue my journey, I am 4 days post op and my drain is still working over time Im not concerned, but can't go back to work until its removed. After having little to no pain, this morning I noticed pain on my right side - like a stabbing pain. I have to hold my stomach when I walk for any relief. Seeing as most of my stomach was sliced off, I am assuming that now that the swelling is going down, some of this is "normal". Its definitely NOT gas pains. I don't like taking the liquid pain meds so am taking tylenol only. liquids are going down no problem. Energy level is up, and I'm looking forward to Protein Shakes on Friday. Update: Dr said my drain most likely moved which is causing the pain. Its pretty intense. Good thing is they will be removing it on Thursday. Bad thing is I will be living with the pain and have to take the liquid pain meds until then...a small price to pay I've discovered a love for tropical flavored sugar free popsicles !!! Aug 29: Having a good night and a great hair day so I'm psyched! Lol. My incisions are dissolvable stitches with a rubber cement waterproof type paint over them. The stuff just flakes off when healed. Easy peasy. I SERIOUSLY think I could have returned to work tomorrow if not for the JP drain. All bodily functions working perfectly, and no hunger pains. BUT I know that even tho I feel good, my body is still recovering from major surgery, so I am working from home Thurs and Fri and returning full time the day after Labor Day = 10 days post op. Knowing that there is still swelling and fluid retention from my hospital stay, Im staying off the scale until my post op appointment. I have ankles again!! August 31: Got my JP drain out today (yes, it hurt), but as soon as it was removed, the pain went away!! I feel like a million bucks Sept 1: Diet additions today!! I get to have protein shakes again, yogurt, milk, and cream soups. Still not feeling hungry and am down 18lbs. Had half a protein shake for breakfast, yogurt with sugar free cheesecake pudding mix stirred in for lunch, broth and a half glass of milk for dinner and sugar free jello with sugar free whipped topping for dessert. I heard that some are lactose intolerant after surgery, but I had no issues with anything I ate. I'm paranoid of gaining anything back, so am kind of afraid to eat. I will have to watch that. Having cabin fever so decided to venture out for the first time since surgery. I have a tendency to feel good and over do it, so wanted to be careful. Took a quick trip to the store, and then for a well deserved pedicure. Heaven. Energy level is still up. Since my boyfriend took good care of me, I decided a date night was in order and we went out. Challenging to say the least. How do you go into a bar without ordering a drink?? Pre planning helps. THIS IS A NO JUDGEMENT ZONE!!! I ordered a tall glass of water with lots of e and 1 small shot of vodka. Then I added Crystal Light cranberry to it that I brought along. Nursed it for 2 hours and did not even finish it. I have read others say alcohol hit them quicker after surgery (no noticeable change for me) and I KNOW that its not allowed (this soon or in some minds at all), but I am human. I gave up diet coke for Gods sake Next challenge coming up = lunch with friends in the liquid stage. I am mentally preparing already. Eat before, and take my Crystal Light. Since I am keeping my surgery secret, the only viable option is to say Im having a little tummy issue. Stay tuned. Sept 2: More milestones accomplished today! Ride my motorcycle - check, go boating - check Sept 3: Lunch with my man and his mom.....First I had to reassure my fiance that he could eat in front of me, and I would be ok. He was considerate enough to make sure that it was ok to plan lunch with his mom. Sweet man. I had a protein shake for breakfast and some vitamin water. We chose a restaurant where I knew they had soup on the menu. I told my future mother in law that I had been having stomach issues, and was changing my eating habits. I am not telling people I'm on a diet, or that I had surgery because history has shown that when you do say these things, people watch what you eat, or fill your ears with "helpful" tips etc. I'm not having it. So I ordered water and a cup of soup. Ate the broth and inconspicuously covered my cup with my napkin and handed it to the server first chance I could. Mission accomplished! You can go out to eat when in the liquid stage. Sept 4: Family bbq planned today.......Again, I will eat before we go. My fiance and I came up with a plan. We will both take plates and put food on them, he will then eat his plate of food, and then mine. Oh the games we play....Again, sweet man! I really don't care what anyone thinks, or surmises, this is my Journey and I will do it my way. 2 more weeks til I can eat real food The bbq was great. Truly a testament to the fact that it isn't the food, it's the company. I drank a shake for breakfast and then had some Greek yogurt before we left. Packed some So Be Life Water (my new staple). My brother in law tried to tempt me with Sangaria and grilled pineapple and I simply told him that I was trying very hard to eliminate sugar from my life plan and I was feeling GREAT so I must be doing something right. My fiance and I carried thru with our plan, and as we went thru the food line, he put on my plate half of what he wanted and then ate everything on both plates. Nobody said a word!! Not even my brother in law who notices, and comments on everything. That night we hit one of the last post op milestones Sex 10 days post op is just as fantastic as pre op. Yay! Sorry for the TMI, but this is a question that others are wondering about. Sept 6: Planning our road trip evac for hurricane Irma. I am packing protein shakes, cream soup packets, SoBe Water, crystal light packets, cottage cheese, yogurt and sugar free pudding mix for my yogurt. Wish us luck! Sept 12: The past week has been hell thanks to Hurricane Irma. Prepping 2 houses and 4 days of travel thru 3 states.....Boy, if I ever needed comfort food, or wanted to garbage up, it was now. But I stayed true to my plan by packing a cooler, and was never hungry! Sept 14: I am now in the puree stage and happy to be "chewing" kind of. I still love my sugar free popsicles. I have been switching it up with egg salad, tuna salad and lots of soups. I am surprised that I do not have any hunger pangs. So far I have not had any issues keeping food down. Watching my fiance eat the foods I used to eat does not bother me because I am so looking forward being thinner and healthier. So far I am down 24 pounds in 1 month (that includes my pre op diet week). Yay!

That is excellent news! I have PCOS and have cycles...well, whenever they feel like it. It would be nice to be able to predict when they should arrive. Maybe TMI, but I seriously struggle with facial hair sometimes...does that get any better?

Weighed this morning. Same! I'm stuck on 200. Maybe tmi, but it's that time of the month too so I might be holding for a couple of days. I went to the gym last night. My foot is still bothersome after my fall off the steps, but not that much. I just do the elliptical, since it feels better than the treadmill. I did 2.1mi on it. Need to keep log and update the challenge...guess I should see what the rules are. Hope y'all have a blessed day!

I would love diarrhea any day ... I have hemorrhoids so it's like trying to pass broken glass. Sorry for tmi but I'm regretting the surgery I wanna cry ... consti is my worst nightmare

My doctor suggested that I take a mild stool softener daily to help with my regularly but I often forget. I am one week post op VGS and honestly just pooped for the first time today and it felt so satisfying [emoji23][emoji23] tmi I know lol. If you are concerned you should definitely call your surgeons office and ask if there is anything you should be worried about. Hopefully the stool softener helps.

HI ladies, I'm just checking in....my period is driving me crazy. It started July 31, then I got my IUD on August 1. Period ended about 7th. Started very light spotting around the 20th. Got heavier with darker flow, and I thought it was about over when I had my surgery on Aug 25. It got lighter again, and just when I thought it was gone, it was back, like it had never happened. It's been going on ever since. I don't know when this will ever end!!! If this is TMI, I'm sorry. I'm going to my post-op appt tomorrow and will ask my surgeon if he knows what's going on.

These are some of the common abbreviations used on this website: ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AGB = Adjustable gastric banding AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) AT = Aspiration Therapy BB = belly button bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliary Pancreatic Diversion bs = blood sugar btw = by the way C25K = Couch Potato to Running 5K CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners CT = Computed Tomography (commonly called CAT Scan) cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray DDD = degenerative disc disease Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EBT = Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ER = emergency room ESG = Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty ff = fat free f/u = follow up GB = gastric bypass GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GIF = Gastric Intrinsic Factor GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IGB = intragastric balloons IF = Intrinsic Factor IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band LES = lower esophageal sphincter lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine MFP = my fitness pal MGB = Mini Gastric Bypass msg = message NAFLD = nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-Scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist OA = Overeaters Anonymous omw = on my way Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive Sleep Apnea OTC = Over the counter Oz = Australia PB = Productive Burps PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PICC= Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome POSE = Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RH = reactive hypoglycemia RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y RTD = ready to drink Rx = Prescription medicine RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass SADI-S = single anastomosis duodeno–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy s/f or sf = sugar free SG = Sleeve gastrectomy SIPS = stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SO = significant other SOB = shortness of breath sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck TTC = trying to conceive Ty = Thank you. [but according to the urban dictionary “Ty” is also an abbreviation for “a total stud with a massive carrot”.] u = You UGI = Upper Gastrointestinal VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight

So I am 3 weeks post op 8/9/17 and lately have been dealing with constipation in a way...I go but it seems like I'm not done...(sorry tmi) so I've been doing milk of magnesia, smooth move tea, and just started miralax...anything I eat or drink legit hurts my stomach...it feels like I have a little person inside punching my stomach...I called the surgeon but he doesn't seem concerned just wants me to take miralax everyday or twice a day...says I might be dehydrated...I try to drink as much water as I can...then sometime I get a sharp pain in my lower right side not often but when it comes I have to breathe it out...I'm in the puréed stage but I don't want to eat/drink anything anymore cuz of the stomach pain...any suggestions? Saw my pcp yesterday and my blood pressure is high 180/100....unfortunately I'm in a bind because my Medicaid ended yesterday due to being $50 over in income...so going to the dr or er isn't an option unless it's super serious

My bowel movements severely slowed down after surgery and actually still has (TMI)! This scared me a lot too but my doctor had prepared me for it and gave me instructions on how to handle, starting with Miralax. I want to say it was probably 5 days before my first BM and it was difficult for probably 6-8 weeks. Infrequent and painful. Make sure you're drinking enough water and definitely contact your doctor. You will definitely want to take a stool softener. I think because our diets change so much it really changes our bathroom practices, for the better. Good luck!

I had my GS done on Monday. I had issues in recovery, but I believe it was just me. I was in a lot of pain in the whole left quadrant of my upper body. I had a lot done so I knew I would hurt some. I had abrasions removed from my gallbladder scar from 1983 and my hiatal hernia was fixed with stitches. The retractor they use when fixing the hernia is probably what gave me the most discomfort after surgery. I felt like I was having gas pockets because when I tried to sleep with pain meds, yes I took them, you can't heal if you're fighting pain, I would wake myself up moaning and groaning. I slept maybe 3 hours in two days and I felt so much better when I came home and slept off and on for two days. I had surgery Monday, it's Friday night and I have some pain my left side, same place as before, but not quite as bad. I'm weaning myself off of my oral pain meds, oxycodone, and actually I am not bad. I'm not pushing myself too hard. I walked Ok in the hospital but not so much here. I wanted my strength back before I got outside in the sun and heat. I showered today and was weak after that, but I feel I'm right on course. I haven't had any nausea. I haven't thrown up. I'm drinking my shakes, taking the awful vitamins, and having water, and homemade chicken broth. I believe even that my incontinence has been "fixed" and what a blessing that would be if that got fixed too! Meaning, no surgery for it specifically will be needed. The sticking to the diet part has been easy. I haven't really had any cravings and my mom has been cooking some great smelling food. I'm keeping my eye on the end game and that is what keeps me going. I started at 287 lbs on August 7th and today, August 25, I was 270 lbs. I haven't seen that number since before October of last year so I'm happy. I'm happy about all of it and I'm anxious to lose it all, keep it off, and maintain my weight. This isn't fun and I'm not doing it again. I had my first BM this evening and I was happy about that. I know that's TMI but we are all on here putting it out there and, so, yeah, I'm putting it out there for someone that would have that question. I am also hoping I get back down a whole size in my footwear as that is something to look forward to. It does feel like I'm drinking something or taking some kind of pill all day, but hey, prices you have to pay! So there it is! I am truly happy that I did this!

For me I'm fine one minute and then I feels like my stomach is swollen. Then it feel like intense pressure in my stomach and back. Sorry if this is tmi but if I make myself vomit sometimes it goes away. My guess is gas or over eating.. thx for the help guys!!

I traveled by plane from San Diego to San Antonio, TX. 3 days after surgery. My doctor okay-ed it, and I was fine. All of my surgery buddies did the same. There are tons of people that travel abroad for medical tourism every year. While there is always a risk of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, the risk can be lowered by staying hydrated and moving about. Easier said than done while you are on a plane. I kept drinking fluids, which caused me to go to the bathroom twice during my 2 1/2 hour flight. TMI, I know. Anyway, it was a risk that I was willing to take since many doctors recommend not traveling for up to 4 weeks after surgery, especially if the surgery is below the waist. I wasn't about to take an extended vacay in Mexico, although my trip was a lot of fun.

I just tried this product call Teami Detox tea......I double dosed and lost 2 lbs in the toliet.....it may be TMI but just sayin.....

Hello friends! I am 5 days post op from my vsg surgery and for the most part I'm feeling pretty good. I'm rarely hungry and do my best to get fluids in through sugar free drinks, popsicles and broths. But I've been struggling with gas pains. It happens throughout the day and the only way to relieve is it to try and burp. I was wondering how long this will last? Every day has gotten better but it's still getting to be annoying and uncomfortable. Accompanying the gas pain, I have a brief minute-long moment where the air gets stuck and I feel extremely nauseous. My mouth fills with saliva as if I'm going to throw up and then never actually do. This has happened once every morning and I'm wondering if this has happened to any of you and if so how long until it went away? Sorry if this message is a little tmi btw... and thank you to those who are taking the time to read and possibly respond [emoji18]

Lol! TMI but.. yes, I take care of my own needs, but that doesn't seem to make a difference...

Had a strange episode before bed last night. Took all my meds as I have been since coming home from surgery on 8/17. I got up from my recliner to use the restroom and attempt to sleep in my bed for the first time since surgery. Felt suddenly sick. Light headed. Dizzy. Tmi..but went to the bathroom with bowel issues. Felt like I was going to pass out right there. Got up to go to bed and could barely push the bathroom door open and passed out over my side table. Hubby was freaking out. Asking if I ate too much. I had eaten 3 oz of my first full liquid meal. I finally laid on the bed and my BP was 99/62 dropped to 88/55 and started there. I didn't move and drifted off to sleep. Woke up at 2p this morning to BP more normal at 110/79. Was a crazy, scary experience. Anyone else experience such? Going to talk to my doc about adjusting meds already.

TMI I know but this is the LGBT forums. Have you found any issues with swallowing...protein? (yes, that) Are you unable to eat/drink for 30 min/1 hour afterward? I know this seems like a joke topic but honestly curious. I know I'll have to be careful after surgery before being active to avoid hernias so figured, a less aggressive sexual activity would be better. Thank you.

Only drink premiere and don't get 60 grams and tmi they made my poop hurt now I have a stool struggling to come out I'm soooo over this I just cry and cry Tiffani[emoji1528][emoji757]️[emoji175]

HEy this may be a bit TMI but I was wondering if this is normal or if i should call my doctor I have an appointment in 3 days. I've had bowel movement since day 4 after surgery today is day 6 (i'm on a clear liquids diet so not even protein shakes just water, jello, broth) i figured nothing solid would come out since all i'm getting is liquids but is it normal that i go to the bathroom at least twice a day and it's all diarrhea? (i was like this before i went two or three times a day with no problems) I'm concerned i'm not retaining any liquids, I'm not feeling sick, my stomach doesn't hurt, I feel pretty normal except for this. I'm sorry this is TMI

Had my surgery at 1:30pm and my surgeon said I did amazing! The lord had is hand on me! I was scared a little bit but the anesthesiologist gave me something to calm my nerves. I had the chills and a lot of back pain due to the gas but I was able to get up and walk around the first hour I was back in my room and go pee without any help lol (TMI) but I can't wait for this journey to a new and healthy lifestyle! Prayers for you upcoming sleevers, you've got this![emoji1377] Thank you Dr. paya at west hills hospital in Los Angeles ca. [emoji1373][emoji1373]

Just thought I'd make an update. It's about 2.5 days since my lower body lift. Just got up after a good chunk of sleep and feeling itchy!! All over itchy!! As it's still night I took another Percocet, but feeling like I'll only need those now when sleeping and probably just 1 instead of the 2 I was taking. I took the clinic recommendations to take your pain meds as directed every 4 hours for the first couple days to stay in front of the pain. That I think has definitely helped although I'm kinda done with being in the groggy state of mind. I've had two poops (tmi I know but very important) and didn't need anything to get things going. Ive been feeling like a need to couch, but it hurt to much to try. Just slowly was able to couch up two chucks of yellow crap from my lungs, not sure whats that all about. I think I've transitioned from lazy boy to couch with masses of pillows for support. I was able to get up and down just now pretty comfortably. So far no issues. I do have staples and will likely have those out Monday. That's all I can think of for now. Oh I did weigh myself, out of curiosity and was expecting to be up, even though they took 15lbs. I went into surgery at 197 and yesterday I was 195. Thought that was pretty good. Night night for now.

Definitely. Though, I was single when I had my surgery. I see so many stories of people getting divorces and breaking up after the weight loss that it has scared me alot. I'm much thinner than I was and am now just a bit overweight but even so, I voiced my fear with the guy I'm seeing now because he's said he has been preferring bigger women. I told him I was afraid when I get to goal he will no longer find me attractive. He told me he will always find me attractive, that weight isn't the only thing attractive about me. He has also seen me with all of this extra skin (there is a ton since I've lost over 295 pounds!) and he STILL loves to see me naked (TMI maybe lol). I think we worry about our bodies MUCH more than our guys do. I think my biggest advice is don't let your fear become the wedge between you two. If you worry about it too much it will make these thoughts come true. Be confident (I know this is hard) in you and your relationship. It will only cause unneeded stress that is making something big out of something that doesn't even matter to him. Good luck to you! We are always here for you if you need to vent too!

I'm 2wkb post op..... How much is too much? I know it's normal but it seems like everything I put in my mouth including water just.....well has me going right away. Sent from my Pixel XL using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi there! I had my surgery on the same day! Not having those symptoms. I had some other problems tho the MD said it was the same. Also I started my Vitamins today so that may contribute on my TMI issue. I cant believe you're going back to work already. My MD wont let me go back for 2wks I think you just have to keep moving. When I sit for to long I also get real tired! Best of luck!