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::Deep breath:: Hello? ::tap tap:: Anyone here? How are you? I am fine-ish. I mean, I feel fine and I look fine but something is still holding my happiness back. Actually, if I am being honest, I am not fine. I am scared, anxious, worried, afraid, concerned, freaked out but dedicated to doing this surgery. I am scared because both of my parents have had gastric bypass surgery and have had life long effects that are most likely attributed to the surgery (vomiting, dehydration, shitting themselves to death, constipation, vitamin deficiency, neuropathy). I am anxious because I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and, though treated and kept in check, my anxiety knob still gets turned to 11 when I am faced with a huge changes. I am afraid of permanently ruining my body and life through this surgery in an attempt to lose 60 pounds (the same 60 pounds I have lost and gained many, many times). I am concerned about not being able to live with the changes because I am "addicted" to fast food (not really, but I do enjoy eating all things fried and fatty, possibly more than the next person). I am freaked out because this will be the biggest change (besides having my amazingly perfect son) in my life. But, I am dedicated to this surgery because of so many reasons. Some of these reasons may seem petty and unimportant but - to me - they all encompass my WHY!! Oh, so cliche, but important to remember. Perhaps I should be playing some kind of slow, emotional music as I write this to make it even more dramatically sad and moving. Please think of your favorite emotion driven sound track during the below paragraph. Ready? Ok...I can wait while you think of one... Ok, here goes my WHY list: live for as long as I can with my son and husband, get fully healthy, look fantastic in photos from nearly every angle, stop back/side cramps whenever I stretch, remove bra extender for good, wear my wedding ring again, wear my wedding dress (size 4), wipe my butt without straining, wear high heels again, no more double chin, look sexy and beautiful, have sex again, stop taking pills (metformin, thyroid med), wear a bathing suit, look younger or at least my age (33), 'fit in' with the MILFs, wear yoga pants and not feel stupid, wear clothes that are stylish, have my outside match my inside. <end emotional music here> But who am I? Who is AHappierMe - that is the burning question, right? (ok, just pretend it is a burning question and not a UTI): Real Name: Amber Sex: Female Age: 33 Turn Ons: extra money, exotic vacations, Italian accents <--Ooops, sorry, that went to an awkward place. Medical Issues: Reoccurring Pregnancy Loss (6 miscarriages), PCOS, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (most likely caused or influenced by the repeated pregnancy losses). Weight Loss Attempts: Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Low Carb / No Cab, South Beach Diet, Cabbage Diet, Fasting, Low/No/Negative Calorie, juice fast, Slim Quick, Sim Fast, Protein Shakes, measuring food constantly, trying to trick myself into think I could be anorexic (no kidding - it worked for about 4 days then I realized that I couldn't give myself an eating disorder and binged like there was no tomorrow), intermittent fasting, fad diets and diet pills. Highest Weight: 200 (after having son) Lowest Adult Weight: 122 (aged 22, when I got married) Current Weight: 180 Goal Weight: 120 Height: Too Damn short for my weight! ::Audience goes WILD:: Ok, it is 4'll. Lastly, my husband is currently in the process of getting the bypass done too and should have surgery in late August. I am INSANELY excited for him. He is 6'0, 350 pounds and is very much ready for this change. My consultation appointment is August 18 but I have already passed the requirement of getting the surgery. I wish time would move faster but I must wait 3 months after my husband's surgery to have mine. In the meantime, I will be updating at least daily on this same topic. I will be updating about my husband's progress and my progress through this journey. Here is a quote to wrap up this post: "Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end" - Robin Sharma (don't worry, I didn't know him either. Apparently he is a Canadian motivational speaker) Toodles!!

I had no pain except gas. Lots of gas. Took a couple days to rid myself of it. Feels like something's pulling from my belly button once in awhile when I get up out of bed but other than that I'm doing great. Now I'm 9 days out and still don't trust a fart. Sorry for the TMI. LOL. Sent from my LG-H910 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm in the same boat, I had my surgery around the same time as you, though I only got down to 196 from 398, none of my stuff fit & I had to buy new clothes for the summer. I have so much loose skin on my belly, upper thighs, skin hanging off the sides if my knees & my arms, also turkey neck. A year n a half ago I started a new relationship, I'm embarrassed to get naked in front of him ( sorry if it's TMI) & since I moved I. with him I've gained 46lbs, & our sex life has come to a stand still. I've talked to him about it & he says it's not me he has a health issue that makes it uncomfortable, no to mention we both suffer from chronic pain, I want to believe him, but before I gained the extra weight it wasn't an issue, the more upset I get, the more I eat, just need some advice on jump starting my weight loss & need to know if anyone else has theses issues, we're not spring chickens, lol he's 60 & I just turned 55, any help would be appreciated Sent from my SM-G920P using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi I started a light walking routine 3 weeks after surgery, but I stopped around 7 weeks post op due to my bowel movement schedule(TMI). I was working out early in the morning, but that's when I would spend the most time in the bathroom. Especially, in the beginning when my body was getting adapted to the MGB. My bm are regular know, so I plan on starting going back to the gym or doing some type of at home workout plan. I have a Fitbit and I average about 8,000 steps daily mostly at work. I was on clear liquids for 2 weeks before I moved to protein shakes, cream soups and soft foods.

Ok so this is going to be TMI but if I can save another female from being caught off guard it's worth it: So day after I returned home from surgery I noticed I was spotting. Didn't think much of it because I just had my cycle a week prior to surgery. Fast forward to today and it's full blown. So to say I am completely off schedule is an understatement. Also 2x in a month with just a week off in between sucks (excuse the language)

Day 4 and my first official day back to work. So yeah it was a little rough going but I made it. Had 1 protein shake and about 28oz of water so far but it was slow going. I think up til noon I only had like 2 oz water. It's just really rough drinking now. My throat is fine but now I just feel like this pain in my stomach and chest when I drink. I know it means I have to take smaller sips but it's like Dag how much smaller do I have to go. Then if I do take too big a sip it's like I can feel it bubbling in my stomach. Ugh. So yeah not loving this. I hope this goes away and if not I hope it becomes ignorable. Sitting in my office chair I have to consciously remember to lean back because if I sit up then there's pressure on my belly button where one of the incisions is. So yeah my belly button is pretty sore today. I did a 30min walk outside today which was nice. I pushed myself today because I feel like there has to be a balance you can't be too comfortable and you can't go overboard but if you push yourself you'll heal faster. Oh in TMI news I also had my second bm since the surgery today. Which actually was surprising since I've only had protein shakes and water for almost a week now.

I was starving the other day- I got stuck in denver buying a car and had to rush to pick up my daughter from work at mcdonalds. She brought a hamburger into the car and I asked if I could have a tiny bite. Big mistake! Within minutes I had to rush to the bathroom- Tmi- I'm not constipated anymore. That went on evening. Note to self- no mcdonalds!

I was sleeved in April and was doing good with mostly everything until about a month or so ago I had the worst constipation I have ever had. I called my Drs. office they prescribed Miralax which I started taking daily at the time. Plus I got milk of magnesium which helps tremendously too. I finally got over that episode and started to be regular again, not taking the Miralax all the time and then bam!!! I get another episode. I do have to say that taking the Miralax and the milk of magnesium together worked really fast. About 15-20 Minutes. So it won't be a week long episode like my last one. Can someone please tell me why these just happen out of nowhere? Do I really need to take Miralax almost every day? Suggestions please and sorry for the gross topic [emoji15] Sent from my VS990 using BariatricPal mobile app

The following abbreviations are commonly used on this website: ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AGB = Adjustable gastric banding AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) 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 cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray DDD = degenerative disc disease Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ff = fat free GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal 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 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 msg = message 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 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 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

I think they quoted you and just highlighted in the red to point out your original phasing. I just got the sleeve 6/27 and have too felt horrible, my god so horrible. I had surgery on my spinal cord 6/1 (yes only 3 weeks before) but my company is a government contractor and I had the looming possibility of changing health insurance 6/30, so I had to push through since I was approved by insurance already and had met all my out of pocket maximum for the year so my surgery was 'free' if i did it before any potential converge changes. So my body was already weakened before I ever had this surgery, compounding issues for my recovery by a lot. I was comforted by the knowledge that I have a great suregon which makes every patient be 100% informed, tested, and healthy. Besides reg mental eval, we had to go through pre-op support groups, PT trainings on exercise, prove we were doing the liquid diet seriously, and start a 4 day pre-op in and out cleaning with hybiclens outside and nystatin inside to ward off complications. While she didn't want to do surgery so quick after the spinal, my neurosurgeon convinced her I was safe and healthy enough for the sleeve. My hospital is also one of the centers of bariatric excellence in Maryland with 6 out of only 20 specialized bariatric nurses in the state (which sadly i didn't have one of them otherwise I'm sure post-op would be going much smoother). With all that, I've still had a very hard time. But the severe regret I felt at the beginning post op is slowly fading as my body learns to work my new digestive system. Like others have said, I have an awesome day and then 2 bad ones or even an awesome day and then nausea and diarrhea in the PM (I know not normal but explain next). I was doing great the first 2 days after I was home from hospital (stayed 2 days in hospital but felt like eternity because my 7am-7pm nurse did not treat me well, my surgeon and her PA was pissed). Swallowing hurt and taking medicine was hard but i was tolerating drinks well and getting 50oz fluids a day, 70g protein, 30g carbs. But then I went right back into the ER Sunday due to a spiked 102.6 fever and severe dehydration due to constant overnight diarrhea (I'd say tmi but with this surgery I think nothing is tmi honestly). CT discovered that I had an intestinal infection- Colitis most likely picked up in the hospital. Ever since I can't tolerate any of my protein shakes or bariatric food I've been living off of essentially since my spinal surgery (had to go through front of throat so liquid diet basically started early). I'm not getting enough fluid, protein or carbs and my sleep schedule is completely flipped. By time i get up the DC area heat is too oppressive to risk walking while so weak, it sucks. My suregon is keeping an incredibly close eye, I've already had a CBC and ER recheck Wednesday and will have more blood testing and another recheck next Wednesday which in sure she'll notice bathe dehydration now and lean into me to step it up for my own safety. Anyway, this long reply just to say that I totally understand the fear and pain and regret. It'll get better but it's damn hard to see the sun from the clouds. This is where forums and supports groups come to try and shed hope even if sometimes discouraging when you hear about the lucky ones who had it smooth. I'm down 18 pounds already. This weekend I'm resolved to join a gym. As everyone says, this is not an easy way out, but we will be amazed looking back at how far we came

So it finally happened ! After 1 year of appts 3 weeks of optifast and 23 lb i had surgery last Tuesday! I had to spend an extra night in hospital due to high heart rate and extreme nausea was finally released and im feeling much better . Im still sore and concentrating on getting my fluids in and my protein . Had my first bowl movement today too!(sorry tmi) it really helped with the bloating ! Im down an extra 7 lb since surgery which is fantastic! All get better keep it up everyone!!

This is probably too much information, but since rny gastric bypass in April, I only have a bowl movement once a week. I know this is pretty normal, that is not really my concern. My concern is recently I had a bowel movement, when I got up to flush I noticed there were some solid pieces of food in my bowel movement. I just recently introduced solid food to my diet. I ate broccoli and that was what was solid. I do chew my food well so I am concerned that there was solid food. Any thoughts? Should I be concerned that a solid peice of broccoli was able to go through my stoma?

I'm three months out and this cycle has been two weeks of brown paste. Tmi. Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm glad that I'm not the only one is who going through this! I didn't ask the why behind his reasoning because it really wasn't a big deal to me (*TMI* my libido has been NIL since I was about 6 months pregnant...and my son is almost 2) and I just assumed it was a common practice for these type of procedures.

I'm curious if there is anyone in the Boise area looking for something similar. It's been hard explaining why WLS! It's made me have to get creative on how to meet my main squeeze. I'm 36 yrs old. Single mother of a 4 yr old. Love to go hiking, walking, biking, yard sales, fishing, avid camper, cook, cake artist, lover of life. I like to sing awful in my car, love naptimes, i like to fix things. Love animals. Huge crushes on Bald men. TMI. Ha! Hope to hear from you!

Hey! I'm 8 days post op and I wanted to know if this is normal? I'm still on full liquids and after I have my soups about 15 mins later I have to use the restroom (poop). Is this normal?

I'm on the protein only phase and I've been doing great with that and my water but today... today I was starving. I ate very 1.5 hours, sometimes every hour. I didn't eat much as I can't handle more than a few ounces but I can't believe how hungry I was. I have been burning more calories at the gym and it is that time of the month (TMI, sorry), but could that be it? This is the first day where I want to eat and eat and eat! On the bright side, I made good choices and didn't eat carbs or bad foods. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

I'm almost 9 weeks post op. The experience is nice. I was losing a pound a day last month now it's a pound or two every few days til I stall. There will be stalls. The only thing I hate is the constipation (TMI), the nausea upon waking up and the weakness. I have been getting bouts of energy lately. The best part is getting full fast. You get full off of protein and water fast. At least that's how it works for me. Try to watch what you eat. Your pouch/sleeve can be fussy with what you put in it. You'll have your good days and your bad days. Hopefully more good than bad. Hope this helped at least a little bit. Good luck with your surgery! [emoji846] ---------------------------- HW- 273 Pre-op Wt- 230 SW- 226 CW- 190 GW- 130 Ht- 5'2.5" DOS- April 26th, 2017 "Only those who try will become." ~FFX

I am 10 weeks post op. Today actually! TMI- I was straining to have a BM. And I felt a slight "pop" feeling. Freaked me out. I have a tender spot on my "stomach" area if I touch it. Being 10 weeks- I and THINKING it was just an internal dissolvable stitch I may have popped. Hoping it was already on its way out. I feel fine. I'm just having this image of I've ruined everything. My pouch is ripped at some point. Surely 10 weeks it has healed but I know the dissolvable stitches can take months. Any insight??? :))

Hey Guys, I am 1 week post op as of today. I was sleeved 6/14. Did any of you have problems with you body processing your protein? I have tried it with 1% milk, 1% lactaid, and water. With in 10 min I break out into a cold sweat and then have to rush to the bathroom with diarrhea. Tmi, I know. But I have to figure this out because I met with my doc today and he told me to try with Lactaid, which I did when I got home and same thing happened. Please let me know. Thanks! Frank Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

So my husband is having gastric bypass in a few months, no date yet. He was asking me if I think his penis size will increase after surgery when the fat pocket in his groin gets smaller. So here is my question, does it? I don't know what to tell him

Had my first post op visit today. Everything is going great! Everything seems to be healing well. They think my drains (some if not all) will get to come out on Tuesday. Today they just cleaned the sites and put new stickers down to help hold them in place. Next Friday I'll get the tape removed from my incisions and start the scar care routine. I'm starting to be able to walk upright just a bit more, but not totally straight yet. They told me to play it by ear, and listen to my body. If I'm not feeling pain, I can continue to straighten up more. TMI - but I finally had a BM today. I ended up needing an enema, which I did at home. Really haven't been taking much as far as narcotics, but despite colace twice daily, fiber, increased fluid, miralax, and two doses of milk of magnesia I still couldn't go. I was starting to get really uncomfortable to the point t it was causing some pain, so I decided to do the enema. It worked, and I felt to much better. I still tire out pretty quickly. I don't like being "lazy" but know I need to let my body heal so I rest frequently and take naps a lot. My husband has been so supportive and amazing helping with all the things I can't do. I'm really hoping by next week I'll have more stamina! After my visit I took my garments off to snap a quick update picture. Of course I'm still super swollen, but LOVING my results so far! This whole processing has been such a blessing, and can't wait to see continued changes as I heal more. [emoji173]️

Just looking for words of encouragement or others maybe went through it... My surgery was jan 30 2017 I have lost 68lbs but the past 2 weeks been stuck... I did miss the gym several days because of an injury and had my cycle (I realize tmi but were grown lol) started at 259 I'm at 190 to 191 progress starts in the mind

Sorry for the tmi... I was fine, great even! Tuesday I moved on to pureed, that day I had an egg(with miracle whip) . I was fine. Yesterday I had a cupcake sized portion of ricotta bake and under 1/2 cup potatoes (not together) today the only food I had was an egg (made as before). I woke up today with a stomach ache and the poops. I walked around a bunch, sipped my protein had some water I felt much better. Lunch time I had that egg and I have wanted to die ever since. I'm literally peeing out the @ss Should I be concerned? Or when should I be concerned ? I expect loose stools, but this isn't that. This is literally liquid. I'm really sorry. But, any ideas? Lucky for me 2 of my kids are graduating tomorrow . I will never forgive.myself if I miss it. But I won't be going more than 3 feet from the bathroom like thia. [emoji37] Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

I guess this is such, a difficult thing because I have faced this in another situation all my life. Ok here,we go, coffee and tmi. I am married 38yrs. We have no children by choice. You cannot imagine the things that have been said to me because we chose to not have children. I have fielded those ugly remarks all my life. My response was always the same. "Children are a lifelong commitment and I chose not to take on that responsibility." I never though that made me selfish, but rather that I understood what having children would require of me and I knew what I would need to do and chose not to. Does that make me less of a woman, selfish, or uncaring? No not at all, but it's the least of what I have told.,by people who are close. Sometimes you don't always get roses and candy from everyone around you. Thank God for my husband, who from day 1 when I mentioned it, said, "babe, let's check it out and learn about it and if you make the decision to do it, I am 100% with you." Needless to say I cried tears of happiness when we went to my first app together. This has been a long 6 month wait. All the approvals, all the visits. At this point, down to the wire to get my date in July, I am going in secretly. One thing I do know. If my journey inspires someone else. I will be there right with them along the way with all the support I can give. Such am emotional moment and I know there will be more. Coffee is cold now...thank you all who come here to lend support, who give your whole journey to us as an open book. You cannot begin to imagine how precious that is. Love you all. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using BariatricPal mobile app