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TMI-- my period has gone missing! I am definitely not pregnant. But it's normally very much on schedule and it's about a week late now. I had it before my surgery (surgery date 1/3). I was on a liquid diet at that time, I feel like if I had it then, I should have it now. I've been following the doctors instructions, getting in 70-80 grams of protein and 54-64 oz of water a day. I'm eating around 700-800 calories a day. I don't feel like I'm starving myself. Anyone else experience no period after surgery?

I buy the precooked chicken and steak strips for fajitas (they're in the meat section of my grocery store). That way, I always have an option of just pulling out a couple of ounces of them to heat up for a "meal". There are also beef tips in gravy that are precooked, you can just take out a portion and heat them. Fat free refried Beans are one of my favorites -- especially with some salsa mixed in. I also buy individually wrapped tilapia filets -- put a little pat of butter and some blackened seasoning on them and microwave for about 1-1/2 minutes. You've definitely got to get more Protein in or you are going to lose muscle mass and hair. I usually drink a Protein shake for breakfast. Muscle milk 100 is my favorite and it's perfect for in the car on the way to work. I also eat a lot of almonds... I counted out 24 in a handful, so I know exactly how to count it. Days I'm home I eat leftovers for breakfast -- just finished 2 chicken on a stick skewers from the Chinese food place last night. On another note... I've only thrown up once since surgery and this may sound funny, but it wasn't as bad as I was afraid of and it actually wasn't as bad as throwing up pre-surgery. Maybe you don't have as much stomach to heave or whatever but it was over quick. Sorry if TMI!

Thanks everyone. I can't tell you how I appreciate the support. It's been an incredibly tough time - actually MUCH harder bc I can't eat to comfort myself. Which was the point of my surgery but I thought I wouldn't need it so soon. I'm doing much better now that I'm on soft foods. While I'm struggling with horrible potty issues (sorry tmi) and the anxiety and depression - at least physically I'm beginning to feel more normal. Not a lot of energy but I think I'm seeing improvement each day. I have an appt with my cardiologist on Monday and I think I will go to a specialist and ask about an ablation. The heart attack was incredibly scary to me. But if I had know it would have happened I probably wouldn't have had surgery. So in a sense I'm glad I didn't know it could happen before surgery. I do have a great therapist who has helped me through all of this and see her each week. God knows I need it! Thanks again so much. I don't get a ton of support from my family so it means the world to have it online.

Thanks, Trcyprkr. I do know that it may be easier to get pregnant after weight loss. I'm more concerned with the permanent damage to my self esteem to ever want to date again. I haven't dated in years and I'm at the point where I don't want to be touched - or looked at, for that matter. I also confess that I fear never being in a significant relationship because I dislike my physical self so much. Probably TMI, but that's more along the lines of what I mean... I'm glad I'm not the only basket case out here! I've always said I don't want kids, when really i don't want A BABY. I like my sleep! I don't like the idea of trusting a babysitter with a child that can't talk to me and tell me if they're being taken care of properly. A kid, I'd love a kid. As I get older and have a closer bond with my mom, I kinda wish I had the same thing, a kid that would grow up to be an adult, having a hand at raising someone to be a productive member of society... I'd love THAT. But finding a man to marry? Getting married? Giving up my singledom? Giving up my living alonedom? Having a baby wake me up several times a night? No thanks! lol! That said, the idea of not having a child (and factor in that I'm an only child myself), I get nervous thinking about what my life will be like after my parents are gone... it makes me incredibly sad to think about being alone. I appreciate everyone letting me express myself here. It's therapeutic and so many of you are supportive and kind. Thank you so much!

I think Im starting to feel hunger now :huh2:. And those stupid soups are not filling me up! Im so done with soup its not even funny. Just putting it in my mouth makes me wanna gag!!! Oh.. and never in my life do I wanna see yogurt and pudding :cursing:!!! It's soo crazy that everyone on here has a way different diet plan after surgery. I was reading about a "Mushy" stage. WTF!!!!:thumbup: Why dont I get a freaking mushy stage :crying:?!?! No... all I get is a 6 week full liquid stage and then on week 7: Real food. WTH is that about? So my diet pretty much consists of whatever I had for the clear liquid diet and yogurt, milk, and creamy soups (blended) :thumbup:. So yea....Week 2. In the beginning of last week I did something really bad :frown:... I cheated. But shhhhhh, my husband doesn't know :wink2:. I took like 3 bites of a pizza but spit them out. Then I ATE the 4th bite :crying:. We then went to the mall and I had my first experience with "Dumping Syndrome"!!!! All I have to say is OMG!!!!!! Guys... It is sooooo not worth it!!!! Worst thing that ever happened to me. Just so you know... I have a HUGE public bathroom phobia. I literally cry whenever I have to go into one :crying:. But this "Dumping syndrome" is no joke and that phobia didn't help . It was just a really bad experience. One that I can promise will never happen again (intentionally anyway). This might be TMI but thats ok... maybe someone will learn from my stupid mistake. Ps. I still have the shoulder pain.... which sucks! But no gas... woo-hoo!!! (oh, and gas-x did nothing 4 me)

I will apologize to the guys for this topic up front. Now I am going to warn all of you male bloggers I am going to discuss a rather x-rated topic. My panties! lol Well yesterday I finally broke down and bought my self some new underware. I know your all asking how in the world was she still waring the same panties she wore 68 lbs ago. They were a little baggy in the seat but they were dear old friends and I just wasn't ready to go to the expense of purchasing new ones. I have had to purchase new bras, on two separate occasions but the panties worked so I left them alone. Well for two weeks I have been saying to my husband, "Honey I gotta buy new panties, one day I am going to be walking down the hall at work and they are going to fall right off." It had got to the point when I wore my tee shirt spanks that my underware gave me a wedgy. TMI right but you have to fully appreciate how much our bodies change and all of the things we go through when losing weight. Well I bought two pair of really cute hipster style panties at Target. They were so cute, "Not granny panties at all" They were a soft gray pattern with this cute little bow on the front and flat ecru colored lace on the legs. And guess what they are a size "7" and they look so cute. Ok, so they are only underware and I know I am the only one that is going to see them but they make me feel thinner. I know that may sound ridiculous but they do. I have not bought underware that was not of the granny pantie style for years, I got satin ones, lacy ones, etc. Tomorrow, Monday June 27th I start my exercise at Curves®. I have to be there at 7am, so excited. Spent the weekend working in the yard and swimming in the pool. Also bought some delicious protein bars at CVS for buy two get one free. Had a yummy pretzel peanut butter one yesterday for lunch and a chocolate Carmel crunch one today. 200 cal 15 gm protein and low carbs. I like these on the weekend for when I am busy outside and use as one meal replacement. Hope everyone is doing great this weekend. I will keep you posted this week on my exercise, oh and I guess I get to wear my new panties to work and won't get a wedgy!

Hiddy ho, everyone!!! Its been a bit since I have been here but I'm back. Not alot has changed but then again, everything has changed. I know, a contradiction in terms.... that would be me!! Well the first thing I want to talk about is frustration and lying scales!! Okay so maybe they don't lie but it sure feels like it. This is why I have purposely not gotten a scale for my house because I KNOW I would become wayyyyy to involved in weighing myself. So I have choosen to just weigh in when I go to a doctors appointment. I went Friday for a "sick" visit, which I will get to in a few. Anyhoo, I was actually very excited about this because it had been a few weeks since I last weighed in. I was feeling really good about it, especially with all the mucus I have blown out (I know TMI) and even excited, which if you are anything like me, is a very very weird feeling indeed!! My clothes have been getting bigger and bigger and I've had more energy (kinda) and I can walk without gasping for every breath. So I go in thinking I've lost at least 15 more pounds.... NOT! I had only lost 5lbs more but I got to thinking that is still an accomplishment. Also my body is acting more like 15lbs than 5lbs so who am I to complain?? I will but still lol.... I have lost exactly 50lbs since July 17 so that is really something to be happy about and don't get me wrong, I am extremely happy and proud, just wanting it to go faster. Never thought of myself as being impatient but I guess it is something I can add to my personal resume'. Okay, now about the "sick" visit. I got a cold about a month ago. Normally because of my major breathing issues, I would have missed a couple of days of work and kept my fingers crossed to keep pneumonia at bay. This time though, it was really no big deal even though I did feel like crap. My issue is that I got over the cold in about a week but have continued to sneeze my way through at least 10 boxes of tissues!! My nose hurts, my face is chapped and my eyes feel like they have lead weights in them!! I've never been prone to allergies but I've got a whopping case of them now. My friend/mentor at work said she also got bad allergies also after her surgery. Anyone else having the same issues? I got a huge shot of steroids in my posterior and was feeling fairly okay until today and I'm back to sneezing and blowing again!! Anyone heard of a nose transplant??? Jest askin' I have given away my first bag of clothes which is truly a blessing. One of the funny "side affects" is my pants are getting too long! Less booty and belly make for long pants lol.... Again, not that I'm complaining!! One thing I guess I didn't really think about is the deflation of my body and what would happen. I have been blessed with very good genes and have very little grey hair for someone almost 52 and very few wrinkles.... or had very few! I am now the relunctant owner of varying types of wrinkle / toner creams. I have mentioned in previous entries that I can be vain about some things... well this is the latest!! As my face is deflating, my wrinkles are increasing!! I also have discovered that I am developing bat wings!! arghhhhhh!!! I've always been very muscular so never really thought much about that but it is happening. Fortunately, I already have the rubber excercise thingymabobbers (okay so exercise equipment is not my fortay!) so I guess I'm going to have to make it a part of my routine (that does not yet exist) to recapture a forgotten youthful body that, honestly, I don't remember ever really having. I do have a picture from when I was 19 or so and I did look pretty hot but I just never got the confirmation of that fact. I just remember being told I was never thin enough or going to be loved if I didn't get skinny or thin or whatever so I had a poor body image even though it really wasn't so bad. Now I haven't told you this for sympathy or the po' me's... no, its just to point out that many of us have had the same experiences and journies, although each are unique. Its how you decide to steer the ship that decides your satisfaction with said journey. I have been very blessed to have had many many people truly love me for who I am and not for what I look like. Something that many of us have to deal with is the fear our mates may have that we will lose weight and then leave them (like my hubster!). My theory is that he loves me like I am and will love me as much or more later. He has stood by me through illness' and surgeries and my failing health so I believe he deserves and has earned the good times too. Besides, he's kinda cute for an old fart!! :wub: Which brings me to my other topic of discussion.... intimacy. Now I'm not going to get graphic because, for one thing, yuk, and another is some of my family members actually read my blog so I will spare them. It is, however, one of the perks of getting this weight off.... I can hug and cuddle with my husband. It is amazing how much better our interpersonal relations are now that we have both lost weight. And no, I'm not just talking about s.e.x...... I'm talking about being able to pass each other in the kitchen without doing acrobatic moves or now fitting in our bed together comfortably. This may not sound like a big deal to some but oh yeah, it is!! So I guess I will stop here for now. If anyone has any suggestions on the subject of allergies, please bring them on.... I hope everyone has a wonderful week and continue to enjoy your journey!!! Hugs!!

The gas does get better. I had surgery on the 30th and wow it was horrible. Not to mention they make you take this x-ray to check for leaks and the stuff you drink gives u the poops, I know TMI, but everytime I had to fart I had to run to the bathroom or it was gunna be a mess. I'm doing much better now though, don't give up. !

oh my goodness! Milk is NOT my friend! i added a few ounces to my cream soup (which i'm not really allowed to have - the soup that is) and about 4 hours later, I was doubled over in pain!! :bored: gas cramps!!! (sorry for the TMI!!!)

Hi Bandits, This is day five and so far so good. I'm not in much pain, not hungary so far and I have been able to do all of my business, (TMI) I know, I know- I plan on starting my 30 minutes of exercise on tomorrow and I will do my weekly weigh in's 1 week from my surgery date of 4/24/2012.

my nutritionalist said that if you drink juice without watering it down, you could get the D word. so i made sure i always did. in fact, i didn't even have any sort of BM for about 3 days. TMI, yeah. LOL!

Mirilax is great but you shouldn't take it daily-per my doctor.. I have taken it to get the relief to soften but ...(TMI) if it has been awhile you are going to be hard until that is passed then it will get it sofer.. Afterward I take 1 tablespoon of benefiber twice a day. I mix it with my protein shake or with water or anything.

Today I am officially ,1 month post op. MY surgery was April 15. I am feeling good! I am wearing some clothes from the other side of the closet, hehehe. I was nauseated this morning so Protein shake for me. Truthfully, I think I need a break from them. Yesterday, I had to gag my way through them. So I ordered unjury chicken Soup and unjury unflavored protein. My bras are starting to be too big and undies too. Sorry if that is Tmi. Overall very happy. How is everyone else progressing

No problems per say. I took a decongestent that was a capsule that must have dissolved in the pouch - creating a burning that the reflux brought up the throat - burning all the way up. So I am not doing that again - liquids only. I had no problems with pills prior to this last fill. I have restriction (finally that has stayed so far 4wks!). The hardest thing -- hmmmm... breaking old habits. Eating too fast, not chewing enough and wanting more food than the band allows and soe bad food choices - Ice Cream! Don't have last supper syndrum. Why do you ask.... (from my experience) You will have surgery - have restriction from swelling and the little bit of fill that is in there at installation of band. You will be on liquids and lose weight - which will reduce the restriction and soon - no restriction - and no fill until 6 weeks out to be sure you are healed (aka Bandster Hell) You will find that you can eat anything you want -- try to keep to sensable portions use WILLPOWER. Go for 1st fill -- feel restriction for a few days and the cycle starts again - lose weight - lose restriction - use your willpower! (for me) 2nd fill (13 weeks since WLS)- repeat just not able to take in as much volume; 3rd fill (18 weeks) - repeat but felt restriction; having issues with eating to fast or not chewing- just was being able to eat more and more so called 3 weeks out and asked for another fill; 4th fill (21 weeks) - I have restriction - I can only eat approx 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup depending on the density of the items -- but must take it slow. My husband says everytime I eat - I look like someone is punching me in the stomach. I get the FULL feeling and know I have to stop eating --then apprx 5-10mins I get the hiccups which I read is a sign for some - you are full. It has been 4weeks - and I can eat Rice - Bread - just a few bits though. ANOTHER HARD THING for me is/was the speed we lose - seems to go so slow. I will lose immediately after a fill - then bounce around the same 3-5 lbs for weeks. Here my summary stat's - I don't remember if I shared this with this group: I started dieting/losing 9/2006 - debating the WLS - ate like I had it - to see CAN I DO THAT- for life? 3/1 - lost 29 lbs total made consultation with Dr T and scheduled my surgery for 4/9. 3/26 - lost 10 lbs since above doc appt and started optional 2 weeks preop liquid diet - lost additional 7.6 during this preop diet. 4/9 - SURGERY DAY (recap -lost 46.6 prior to surgery) 5/9 - 1 mo anniversary - 10.4 lbs lost this mo 6/9 - 2 mo anniversary - 5.8 lbs lost this mo - 16.2 since WLS 7/9 - 3 mo anniversary - 6.4 lbs lost this mo - 22.6 since WLS 8/9 - 4 mo anniversary - 6.2 lbs lost this mo - 28.8 since WLS 9/9 - 5 mo anniversary - 10 lbs lost this mo - 38.8 (85.5 1yr) 10/1 - today so far this month-just a few days away to 6 mo anniversary 2.4 lbs lost! TMI - sorry... Have fun in OBX. Good night!

I posted this in the newbie section as well... I live in Hampton but am having the Surgery done by the Norfolk Surgical Group. More specifically, Dr. Wohlgemuth. I am also a member of the yahoo groups sch_lap_band_support which is Hampton Careplex, I believe, and also sentara_southside_lb_support. Not too much going on in those... This one is hoppin' though! I do enjoy Virginia. It is a wonderful place to live! The laws here are pretty screwy but you have to take the good with the bad. I moved here from Riverside, California in the early 90's and don't regret it. Sourthern Ca. is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there again if I can help it! Born and raised there, I had enough of So. Ca. to last a lifetime. Northern Ca. reminds me of here though, so I would definitely go back there! So, I just called my Surgeon's office and left a voicemail for the coordinator to call me back because I feel like I am off-track. I need to regroup and keep my eye on the prize, so-to-speak. With Norfolk Surgical Group, you are required to go to 2 Support groups before you can be scheduled for surgery. They happen on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. They also require a class for exercise and nutrition. There are several other requirements but My Surgeon is booked until June, but I fear that I won't be able to get banded until July at this rate! I need to know what else that I haven't done so that I can get it done as soon as possible so that there is nothing else holding me up from being banded. My new-year's resolution was to have the surgery and lose 30 lbs., by independence day. At the time it seemed very realistic! It's looking less and less realistic now. I am so sick of yoyo dieting. I am a very strong person and would stay on a liquid diet for a year if necessary. I was on slim fast for years and also California Slim and a few others so drinking my meals is certainly nothing new to me. What brands have you found helpful so far as the shakes go? What is the name of the liquid protien Suppliment that you like? Have you found that it affects your Bowel Movements negatively? Please share your info and I am not one to say 'that was TMI' - there are not many subject that I find Taboo. Thanks in advance for your suggestions! Alison :hungry:

TMI can I take ex lax I just bought from Pharmacy if I can how many can I take I can’t take any other stuffs that’s help me go bathroom

June 2nd - Going to my 1st post op appt today... NERVOUS. I see how much today. I fell like I lost more from the 4 days of Pops and Jello then surgery. I may never eat a pop or jello again. BLAH! Aygad - that is fantastic... I can't get that many calories! It REALLY messed up my progress for a while... and, TMI my colon! I'm trying to get in 2 shakes. myfitnesspal.com has given me so much info.

I'm hoping it will. I've had great results so far, and I've gone from having hair basically all over the front of my neck and along my jawline to only having a couple of spots on my neck that are about the size of a dime each. From what I can tell so far, all the visible hair follicles in both of those spots seems to have had a reaction to this last treatment. If I need more treatments, though, they've said that they aren't as expensive as the whole package was. I think it's something like $50 if it's less than 10 hairs, a little more expensive for more hair. Believe me, don't let yourself get talked out of laser treatment because of the pain. Even as painful as this last treatment was, I'd still do it again in a heartbeat. And seriously, this treatment was over in less than 3 minutes with the wet laser. even with the tech going over a few spots multiple times. It really hurt, but it was FAST. It probably would have felt better, honestly, if I'd had the same technician that I'd used for the other treatments. The other one was better about stopping for a bit when it was getting too painful for me. This one would only hesitate a few seconds if I flinched away from the laser. I'm definitely going to try to save up for more laser treatments. I'm hoping that my eventual tummy tuck will get rid of most of my abdominal hair (TMI, probably), but my leg and arm hair is very obvious. Even after shaving, you can see my leg hair follicles because I'm so fair-skinned. And I've been waxing my arms, so I'm tempted to just do laser on them.

The last sentence was TMI, but do keep us posted about the cortisol test and why you are taking it. I hear stress can increase cortisol. If your cortisol is too high, you might want to stay away from the political threads... even being a sideline observer raises my blood pressure so I had to unsubscribe to those threads.

This happens to me too! It's not really pain though...just uncomfortable or tender. Also happens during sex on occasion...sorry TMI, or if I'm sitting weird for too long.

Yes it sure is telling you that your done.I also start to burp when its time to stop. I know tmi but more info is better then none.

TMI but to not fear crushing my hubby during 'adult activities' One of the reasons I decided to get this surgery now is because with the last 20-25 pounds I've gained, for the first time, I started to worry about the crushing my husband thing. It's making me self conscious an inhibited during adult activities.

For me it was less about the number and more about how things suddenly started getting really hard to do. I was having trouble tying my shoes, bending down to pick up dropped items, and even..uh..having trouble wiping myself thoroughly. lol. TMI, I know, but that was the big one. That was when I knew I had to make a serious change asap!

Sweetmel17...I am already seeking therapy now, that's a great reassurance that I'm on the right path. Your regimen is quite strict, but it makes sense. This might be TMI but do you get bright oil spills when you use the toilet? I get them every now and then and usually after eating something that has fat in it. Seattle WA

Hi guys! I promise every day it continues to improve. I was sleeved 2/7/2013 and am finally feeling almost normal again. I just reached my first goal- Onderland!!! And tomorrow is my BDay :-) so excited! HW: 236, consultation: 229, preop: 222, SD: 212. I will advise to watch your BM closely and talk to your doc if you're not having good BM regularly. I though I was all good, but my first trip to the gym went bad when it hit me like a ton of bricks! Sorry, TMI