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Ok. So I’ve been on my Optifast diet for 10 days. At least 3 shakes a day and then either a bar or a soup. Or just 5 shakes. Any combination of the 5 items as long as I do at least 3 shakes a day. I’m also adding protein powder to these items so I get an extra 21g protein. And I’m averaging 90+ oz of water a day. So that’s the background. Now, I have had my period for 4 days. It is super heavy and I’m so crampy! This is the worst period I’ve had since my early 20’s! And it shows no signs of stopping! I do have PCOS (I was diagnosed at 17). I also have the Nexplanon implant. That’s what’s so crazy! I had it put in January 2017 and after about 3-4 months, I stopped having a period altogether. Has anyone else experienced this? Any idea as to what’s going on here? I’m going to be super embarrassed if I’m still dealing with this in 3 days when its surgery day! [emoji37] HW: 311 CW: 257 SW: We’ll see on May 10! First goal weight: 191 lbs Second goal weight: 159 lbs Goal weight: 142 lbs 5’6” 34 yo female in NC

1) It's a Friday. It's the 13th. Friday-the-13th's tend to lucky days for me. I have won three contests in my life - and they've all been on Friday-the-13th's. 2) FIVE more months? REALLY? Ok. Four months and three weeks. But I want to start NOW - not play games...but here I am. I guess four months and three weeks IS better than five months IS better than six months.... 3) How to eat post-band. How will it be different than now. I struggle to get my protein now, although becoming aware of this battle has helped. In the past two days I have been getting enough. I have approached Atkins in the past as eat whatever I want - protein like. But you can't sustain that for very long without causing other problems for your body, I believe. But what if I'm incredibly selective about the proteins I select? Instead of bacon, I pick salmon. Instead of cheese cubes, I eat broccoli dipped in hummus. Can my body sustain THOSE choices longer? I wonder. When I get banded, I am supposed to follow a high protein diet. Eat protein and then if you still can eat, then eat the veggies and then if you still can eat, then eat the carbs. Well. Out of seven days, I am supposed to avoid the carbs for six. On the seventh day, I can eat those carbs. It's my "cheat" day. If I pick a Sunday, though, to be my cheat day, then my cheat day should always fall on a Sunday. So hey, everyone, get your birthdays scheduled accordingly! Sorry, just a little blithe sarcasm, there. Anywho, say it takes me a year to lose my weight. For a whole year - I have not really eaten "normally". When I get into maintenance mode, then the band would presumably be loosened a smidge. Which should mean my caloric intake might be sufficient for actually getting to eat the carbs. Wouldn't that cause my body to say "here we go again, better start hoarding?" Now, Band_Groupie pointed out to me this morning that with restriction, by default, you essentially are doing an Atkins diet. You just quite simply can't eat enough food to get ALL the necessary protein AND ingest the carbs. Fair point. But as my weight decreases my necessary intake of protein will, too. This has me wondering and I will do more research. In esseance all of this came from - you guessed it - Band_Groupie's blog! It really got me to thinking when she was blogging about not wanting to diet. She’s been there done that – and this is a lifestyle change. I agree with that whole-heartedly. And that got me to thinking – so how is doing the Atkins AGAIN, even though with a band this time, not a diet? But. But But But But But. I can see why people would get into smoothies and shakes because although they are sliders – they also would be a way that you might actually be able to ingest the daily recommended protein and carbs (and all that other stuff that goes with them). I, like BG, do not want to be a smoothie/shake chick, either. With one exception. As is, right now, unbanded – and it’s been this way for years – I do drink smoothies in the morning. I will not stop that post-band. Lots of thoughts in this one little thought. Lots of research to do, too! Next… 4) I’m such a whiner. I don’t generally consider myself a whiner – but it sure is coming across that way when I reread my blog. I am sorry for that. With the insurance situation under check, I should be getting back to my non-whiny self. Sorry for the detour… 5) I am so glad I am done with all the Dr. appt’s. I have an appt with my cardiologist this afternoon. He had me do a stress test a couple weeks ago and stated I was cleared for surgery. Today is the formality of getting the written clearance that I can turn in. With this appt done, I literally only have the weigh in appt’s left. Two of those down – four to go… 6) Four appt’s to go sounds better than five months to go. I think I’ll switch to that song and dance…33% done. 7) I want to remember what it feels like to be bloated but thin. It’s bad enough that I have to be bloated on a monthly basis, but to be bloated and fat – well…that’s just downright uncomfortable!!!! I don’t remember ever feeling this uncomfortability (like my word?) before my heavy days. And even with the heavy days – it’s still pretty recent that it’s become so dagged uncomfortable. Now there’s a strange milestone for myself… 8) Maybe my cramps will get better, too! (TMI?) 9) Does anyone else see anything wrong with failing the unweightloss program on purpose? Does our insurance industry not get what they are causing here? Added expense, wasted time, a whole plethora of negatives by creating this game. My very own insurance company cites study after study in their very own weightloss surgery policy document. One such study states that a sample group of about ~300 patients was put together. ~50 of those patients were forced to do what I have termed the “unweightloss” program. ~250 were just given the surgery. (All cases used the Lap-Band.) The ~50 who were on the “unweightloss” program did it for real and were losing weight. Of those ~50 people, ~60% decided to not do the surgery. A year later all ~300 people were examined. The ~250 people who had the band surgery had ALL lost a minimum of ~50% of the weight they wanted to shed. Of the people who were on the weightloss program that did have the surgery, they had ALL lost weight, although not as much as those that just went straight to surgery since at the recheck they’d only been banded for six months vs. a year. But the people who thought the diet was going well and opted out of the surgery – they had ALL regained ALL of their weight back plus more, in most cases. So here we have it. Cigna has a document citing what their policies are. In this document they backup those policies with study after study after study. And in this particular study it shows that the unweightloss program hinders weightloss! There are quite a few other studies cited in that document that show similar results. Quite a few show that the efficacy of the lap-band is substantially greater long term than any other weight loss surgery option. And yet there they are, playing games. Oh well. On with life. Only four more appts to go! I think I’ve blogged enough today. So with that, I bid you adieu. I will be back this weekend with additional thoughts I may or may not have.

Probably TMI here, but UGH. I already have major raw going on under my pannus. I still have 60lbs to lose, I can't get PS yet! UGH! I guess it's a good opportunity to go to the dr and start complaining about it so insurance will pay later? I'm NOT in the mood to put up with THIS all summer!

So im 4 days post op surgery date was Dec 3rd. I was released from the hospital after two nights. I am still having a lot of pain, I actually went back to the ER the other night b/c the pain was more than I could bare. I have stronger meds now and I'm doing some what better. I am 25 and childless so I think I was not prepared at all for the pain. I am doing okay on my liquid diet I am really having a hard time drinking the NASTY Premier Protein drinks. I am mostly drinking Water, crystal light, sugar free Jello, and unsweetened applesauce. Im noticing that i have to really slow down when consuming anything. I am trying to walk as much as I can but it hurts my stomach to move around too much. I do hsve a few questions some my be a little TMI.. sorry 1. I am supposed to be consuming 60 grams of protein a day I'm getting about half that due to the fact I really hate the premier shakes and when I drink them my chest hurts. Any high concentrated shakes anyone can recommend? (Btw I hate chocolate anything and anything milk tasting) 2. I have not had a bowel movement since dec 2nd the night before my surgery so 6 days should I be concerned? 3. I quit smoking cigarettes before the surgery, ever since leaving the hospital I have been having extreme urges... what would happen if i have just one? 4. My stomach, beasts, and sides are really itchy especially around the incision areas. Is that normal? 5. How long should I wait for sex I am still quite sore but I just want to make sure its all in working order lol. I know this is a looong post God Bless you if you have time to skim it and help a chick out! Thanks in adavnced -Tiera

Hi everyone sorry for the delay I'm doing fine thanks God my surgery went very good had mild pain the main thing was the gas uhhg that hurts.. and one more thing I haven't had a bowel since I started the liquid diet and my sugery 7 days I have pass gasses but not the other sorry for TMI and in top of that my period came down on the third day after my sugery as soon as I came home but other than that I been good been able to tolarade food wel liquid I haven't vomit not once thanks God and been walking fine thanks a lot for your advices

I'm 2 1/2 yrs post op and have recently begun having acid reflux also. About 5 mths ago, I started nite coughing really bad. I found that if I sleep comfortably on my side (like I normally sleep) I wake up with my pillow all full of **** (sorry if tmi) and tasting acid in my mouth. I lie on my back while propped up with 3 pillows. I also take OTC Zantac and prescription Nexium. IT helps some but it doesn't totally alleviate it. I have a dr's appt this Monday for a barium swallow to see if my band is too tight (I don't think it is) and have Fluid taken out if neccessary. So yes, there's others with this problem. It's called GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disorder) and my dr told me that eventually it can erode the esophagus so much that it may cause cancer. I need to good nites sleep without all the pain, spitting up, and acid taste in my mouth so I'm willing to take some fluid out if neccessary. Hope you get some reflief soon. It totally sucks! Marci

LOL!! Had the exact same problem. TMI I know too! Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

I only go to the bathroom 3 times a week....is that normal because we eat so little?

I'm walking at least 10 mins every 4 hours.....yesterday I had some shopping to do so I was out walking (slowly) for like 2 hours. Not too much pain, only take painkillers at night before I pass out. Make sure you're in bed stretching and act like you're walking. I've already lost 10 plus pounds which is crazy but I'm staying super hydrated and going to the bathroom a lot. Movement and hydration is key....also TMI I'm in my period so I'm sure that's also causing some pain

All day I've had the worst stomach cramps, I've had horrible, at times even uncontrollable diarrhea (sorry TMI) - I haven't change anything in my diet, I'm only 10 days PO and still on full liquids. This is awful. I have hardly ate anything all day because I immediately cramp up and run to the bathroom. I feel like I need something substantial in my stomach, like bread, rice - BRAT diet stuff to stop this - Is this dumping or is something wrong?

Ok Bigga, that might be a little TMI! :laugh0: It sounds like you're going through all of the typical stages so that's good news. Congratulations!

Well, I'm all set for my surgery tomorrow at 1:00 PM, and lo and behold... Aunt Flow decides to visit me 3 days early!! So gross! Has anyone had any experience with this when they had their surgery? I just cannot imagine laying there without anything to... uh... "sop up the mess" so to speak. LOL! I don't know why I'm so mortified by this. I'm positive my doctor has seen anything and everything by now.

I am 9 days post op and a few days ago I started having VERY, VERY loose stools and gurgle tummy- now to the point that every time I have my liquids that I'm back in the bathroom. It's so bad that I'm sore - I know maybe tmi here but is this normal because my foods are liquid or is this diarrhea and maybe I should take something? I feel I'm in the bathroom all the time.

Well I made it through day one. It actually wasn't as tough as I thought it would be. I had four protein drinks, drank lots of water, and had a sugar free Jell-O cup. Not to share TMI but I just started my period so we'll see how this next week goes. How's everyone else? I know there were several of us starting this liquid diet on the same day or around the same time frame. How are you guys holding up?

I have terrible sinus issues year round. I have found that eating is difficult when I am really "snotty"! Anybody else have these issues??? I know...TMI!

Hello all. my name is morgan (obviously). I'm 29 years old. Diabetic, PCOS, high blood pressure.. Everything fun of course. I have Kaiser and did the 12weeks Options class over the summer and ended at the end of September. Last Tuesday, October 28th I had my consult appt with my surgeon, and he surprisingly had a cancellation and was able to fit me in on November 4th. Talk about nerveracking . soo quick. I started at 256 at the beginning of my options classes, did Protein shakes for a week to drop weight and ended up being 242 by the end of the classes. I made my appt for last Tuesday on the previous Friday and wanted to make sure I was still 242 a because if he saw in gained weight, I'm sure he wouldn't have been okay with soing the surgery. I ends up being exactly 242 on my consult say, and then 239/240 on my surgery day. I went into the hospital at 8:30, surgery WS at 10:40am and I was in recovery by 12. I was so out of it I slept most of the day/night. I stopped taking any morphine because it made me so drowsy by 5. I barely used any which everyone was impressed with. I toughened it out for sure. I woke up at 4 this morning and decided to walk around like they want you to do. Did a few laps around the floor then rested a bit until my mom got there. Did some more laps. My doctor came and checked on me at around 830/9 and said I looked fantastic but he didn't want to send me home with my blood sugars so high. They were @ 188 when I came in, 330 (the highest it has ever been) at 10pm on Tuesday night then 303 at 130 am on Wednesday, after they pumped me full of insulin to lower. The surgeon then decided the only way I'd be able to leave was to get my sugars down, they then changed my IV to saline (the one had glucose in it), by noon it was 165 and by 1 the Dr came in and was pleased and had me discharged. All in all, my blood sugar gone down as well as my blood pressure, its in the normal zone. It boggles my mind. Ice tried so hard using diet exercise and medication and still no real change. I'm so happy I went through with this. I never realized how much I use my stomach muscles though. I'm in a bit of pain. Getting in and out of bed is no pleasant time, same with coughing (due to the tube down my throat) or even laughing. Tmi. But i have been super gassy since the surgery and am wondering if thats where most of my pain and discomfort is coming from. But I'm happy though I was only at the hospital for a little over 24 hrs, esp when I thought I'd at least be sleeping there for another day at least. My mom had lapband then removed it, waited a year and got the sleeve. She told me not to be surprised about gaining weight while in the hospital due to all the liquids and what not. Luckily, as soon as I got home, I peed and then weighed myself. Super surprised that I still weigh 239. So here is to my new journey, of hopefully no longer being diabetic, having hypertension, no longer having PCOS, hopefully being able to have children! And living a much longer and fulfilling life. Good luck to everyone that is starting this journey and people that continue on. Morgan

My BF is 33 and he can go for about 40 mins tops. I am the same as th girls earlier once I have got mine I would like it to end ASAP! We don't have sex every day but I do make sure that he climaxes every day with errr hand or mouth (prob TMI) Keeps him happy bless him!

At 1 year in and 78 pounds down, I am grateful for: 1. Going from an 18 to a 10 and shopping at regular stores in the regular size section. 2. Being a leader in my cycling/spinning class when 10 months ago I couldn't last 5 minutes on the back. 3. Being healthy and active with my husband and kids because I'm not tired all the time. 4. Weighing less than my husband for the first time in our 15 year marriage. 5. This is TMI but....looking down and being able to see what I am doing when I'm shaving my bikini area without the use of mirrors

I am 2 days post op and had blood in my stool. Called surgeon and he said if it continues it call him back. I am seeing if anyone else has gone through this.

Ok this may be TMI but when after your surgery did you have your first bowel movement? Im still waiting on mine and it's been almost 72 hours post surgery.

AniO said: Concrete bowels is so right! Hope it's not TMI, but this morning I covered my finger with some Saran Wrap and used it to apply some A&D ointment to my behind to help it come out more comfortably. It was a relief AniO: I had concrete bowls about a week out, had to do more than just apply ointment to help it out, I actually had to put surgical gloves on and some vaseline because it just wouldn't come out, sorry i think this IS TMI but as Jordien just said, once you've had kids nothing seems to be like TMI!!

OMGosh...that's soooooooooooo awesome aylalinngren! Silly question, but do they want you to poop before you leave the hospital? Peeing won't be a problem for me since I could go every 5 mins (TMI?? Sorry!) I'm thinking your incisions are itching because they're healing? So very happy for you! Please keep us informed on how you're progress is going post op!

Hi all! I am new here and have an important question. I apologize if it is TMI but I am desperate. I have my first appt. with a band doc in April, but have been having severe bouts of dysfunctional uterine bleeding with no underlying issues identified (no cysts, polyps, hyperplasia, etc.). My current gyn is concerned about doing a hysterectomy because I carry most of my weight in my stomach and she would have to cut deep -- since I am diabetic, she is very concerned with healing issues and the risk of infection. Since the cause of this is probably an overproduction of estrogen cause by excess weight (bmi 48), I have been told that this MIGHT be improved or even cured with weight loss. I am trying to decide if I should wait or move ahead with a specialist. I am on double doses of birth control to stop the bleeding right now (have had 3 d&c's, etc.) but I cannot stay on it forever and am still having breakthrough bleeding. Please, please, please...if anyone knows anything about this, can you share it with me? Thank you so much. I look forward to being a part of this board!!! Karen

I am going on 3 yrs out and was wondering if anyone else is having an issue with their stomach locking up on the main incision side when either bending wrong, doing crunches and sorry for the tmi but going to the bathroom? I havent had it checked out but wanted to know who else has experienced this. Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

So today for some crazy idea I took a tiny piece of watermelon and sucked the juice out of it and I think some piece went down to my stomach ever since I feel like I can't breath until a bit a go and got nausea and had to vomit (tmi sorry) so if it helps anyone that's only 8 days post op don't do it it sucks! ???????? ????