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If you can pinpoint why you aren't going it might help you. This is way tmi, but I had developed hemorrhoids and a fissure and the physical pain and bleeding that came with pooping made me constipated. I was getting enough food IN to make a bowel movement, but I needed my stools to be softer and waterier, so the Miralax was the perfect soluction. It was overnight and gentle, an osmotic laxative that was just want I needed. If you need to "bulk up" your stool you will need something different, or if you if just need an extra "push" then something else might work better. I have done my research on this topic because I was so desperate. I had another thread about laxatives that might help. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/44216-are-all-laxatives-created-equal/page__hl__laxatives__fromsearch__1

I have some occasional pain on my left side right below my rib cage. Usually it means I'm getting a bit constipated (sorry, TMI). I do eat a lot of cheese so that's probably the culprit. Are you getting all your fluids in? Try a stool softener or Milk of Magnesia. I was banded the same day as you.

I have IBS & shockingly since surgery I have thankfully been doing okay. But the past couple days I had a quest bar each day & wow my stomach has been not happy! IBS issues all day. Sorry if TMI. So, has anyone else had tummy issues after eating Quest bars or had it upset their IBS if you have it?

Hi, my surgeon did the band/sleeve revision in one procedure. I was under for 3 hours so waking up took some effort. Like ambc35 my recovery took a little longer too. I took off two weeks and I needed the time. I was pretty tired and there was a fair amount of pain where the port was. I've had absolutely no problems since returning to work 3 weeks after surgery. I don't have kids so I can't speak to that. I have a dog and that forced me to walk every day after I came home from the hospital. Walking was the very best thing I did for myself to speed recovery. My weight loss is slower than I'd hoped. I wish it was more but I'm not too discouraged (yet). I think it's a combo of my starting weight and limited pre-op calorie consumption. I couldn't keep down much I was banded because I threw up practically every meal. (Sorry for the TMI.) Would I do it again? Absolutely. Stats: Surgery July 28, 14 Pre-op 212 Now: 183 Goal 140

My prayers were answered!:thumbup: My youngest, DS has two minor procedures being done tomorrow at Children's Hospital (nothing serious). The prep today involves no eating, laxatives, etc. TMI. It's 11am and he's "starving" already (13 yr. old going through a growth spurt needs hourly food). The hospital doesn't give you the time of the procedure until the day before. So, I've been saying prayers that he would have a morning procedure...another 1/2 day of no food would not be pretty.:biggrin: The OR nurse just called and he's the first one scheduled tomorrow!:biggrin: 6:45am check-in...yay! A tiny miracle...but one all the same...he and I were doing the happy dance around the kitchen! I'm a little nervous:unsure: about the general anesthetic he's getting for the first time, hour and a half under in the OR...sounds like forever to me (he's got asthma and so many allergies)...please send prayers! We're having "jammie day" and playing games...distractions. I'm off to play (Wii)...

Okay, I am down from a 26 or so to a 12-14 or so, and to be blunt I cannot run due to my lap...it claps, and while I am not experiencing any rashes it tears at the softer skin underneath...it is painful to run (and I can run now, dammit!). Any specific products anyone has used (I mean undergarment, duck tape, super glue, majic wishes from an evil djin) would be greatly appreciated. Thing is it just doesnt seem to be that big...I really want to run guys! I want to get out there and feel my legs burn and my lungs stretch...but I feel like someone is trying to aggressively peel my abdomen away...

A high protein diet can be hard on the kidneys. Check with your doctor. I don't have any symptoms except for a very high ammonia content in my urine. Sorry if TMI, but it's something to be aware of.

I had my first BM today after surgery which was on Monday, 09/16. I am on an all liquid diet for 7-14 days, so I have diarrhea (TMI, I know). However, I just want to know if this is normal. I thought I wouldn't have a BM for 5-7 days, so I am just a bit early. I feel like I have been doing everything correctly. Vitamins, liquids, walking, passing gas, but no Protein for these first two weeks. My doctor just wants me to stay hydrated and to heal. Thank you for any advise from those that have been through this stage.

Hi Julie if I'm honest the only questions I ask were could I die... And was my tummy going to be flat and not sit on my legs wobble and be sweaty. I didn't look into possible bad outcomes. I was imo young, super fit at the time. I did have very stretched skin. Only about 1 in 10,000 gets my problems. I've had c sections and this was nothing like that. So much worse. By my surgery date I was so thin my overhang was pretty small. I had 3•5kg of skin/fat removed. A relatively small amount. I'd ask about drains I had mine in for over 3 wks. I'd ask about width of scars mine are pretty thick. I had a reaction to the thread they sewed me up with. My body kept rejecting it and new areas opened up. I'd ask worse case scenario outcome. I'd also advise stool softener. Tmi but it was an issue. If your having just a horizontal incision I believe it's even rarer for the wound to dehiss and become necrotic. Wear a good binder or support underwear. I didn't. Be prepared to feel totally zapped. It floored me for 3 months. But I've read a lot of positive outcomes. Look on real self. It's a great site. Lastly good luck.

Hi Cloe! Well, After yet another glycerine suppository I had one glorious day without constipation. YAY!!! ...but that is gone now:mad: as I had the golfball feeling for an hour or so last night...and today I have explosive diarhea. (TMI, I know LOL) I'm not complaining though...at this point I am just kinda sadistically amused by how sick I am. I know it will pass...and BOY will I ever appreciate it then!!! I can't wait. And Thanks for the info Leila!

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!

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

Ok, so I have a serious question but I want y'all opinion before I call my surgeon and he laughs at me! I am getting kind of sick, running nose, etc. The issue is I have a lot of drainage down the back of my throat, and it's going to my stomach I assume (? not a doctor here). Anyway, could this be causing my nausea? I haven't had any at all before now, and this morning I ate what I always do and got extremely nauseas, tonight I had one bite of something I eat all the time (just turkey lunch meat wrapped around a cheese stick) and the same thing happened. No fever or anything. Could this be causing it?? I don't wanna call him and look like an idiot if I don't have to!

I finished all the paperwork, did the 6 month supervised diet, scheduled the surgery date (May 8) and now I wait for insurance to approve!! I have CoventryCares (Medicaid) in Pennsylvania and I've heard they take just a few days to approve. I am so very excited! After losing my job, I was in a position to qualify for Medicaid. This surgery is truly the silver lining I need. Not only will I be healthier, I will be visibly healthier and be able to present a professional appearance in the job market (right? That's how this works, right?). Anyway, my surgeon is Dr. Neale in Plains, PA (near Scranton/Wilkes-Barre). He seems very competent and has done over 125 surgeries with less than 1% complication rate (he was very honest about it). I am struggling with "food funerals" and the 2 week liquid diet really worries me. I did a trial run for three days, and it didn't seem too terrible. Plus following a liquid diet when I didn't need to made it much more difficult than when it's doctor ordered...I hope. I'm less worried about the surgery than about the possibility of loose skin. With really big thighs and a mom-of-2 belly flap, I hate that my thighs will probably have that icky loose skin that can't be covered by a one-piece bathing suit and I'll have to tuck in my belly like it's a dang dress-shirt. Never mind that, I know I'll have to roll up my boobs like a pair of socks before tucking them in my bra because those girls will be losing mass, too. TMI? Sorry. Fingers crossed the insurance company will approve it! All vanity aside, I'm really looking forward to being healthier.

Warning! Don't want to squick anyone out, I'm going to get graphic here! I was banded on 7/25 and incision-wise feeling pretty well, but Friday-Sunday had severe bubbles in my digestive track EVERY time I ate something and it hurt! Even when I drank Water So, not-so-smart me shied away from it all and drank very little of anything. Saturday, I had severe diarrhea so I stopped the colace. Yesterday... well, now I'm constipated-sorta. I have watery diarrhea, but I feel like I'm impacted because it feels like something is stuck. It hurts to even urinate because of the pressure. Anyone experience this? I've never had issues with constipation so this is a new one for me. Yesterday I started taking the colace again and have added some senna today. I also used a glycerine suppository. Things have "moved" a bit, but still feeling a lot of pressure and having the watery bowel movements around whatever is feeling stuck. Was pretty worthless yesterday and today seems to be turning into the same type of day. I am forcing liquids! Drank 10 cups yesterday and have had about 5 8-oz glasses of water today. I"m hoping by upping the water intake as well as the colace and the senna I can get things moving again. I have my follow-up on Thursday and do plan on talking to my surgeon if I'm still having these issues, but would like to resolve it before then.

TMI!!!

I'm 4 days post op and things are feeling....tight. Is that normal? I think I'd be doing much better if I could get the staples out right now instead of next Wednesday. I'm also having trouble drinking broth and I'm tired of Water. I did drink about 3/4 of a premier shake today and that ran straight through me (sorry for tmi). Feeling a little frustrated tbh.. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Not TMI. I asked. Thanks for the info. I am hoping for the runs too, but am expecting constipation.

I got banded on Thursday the 25th. Today I thought I might have to go but didn't happen. I have been taking a stool softner. I don't feel badly constipated thank god. Sorry if tmi!

Thank you all for the good luck wishes. I was a rough 2 days. But I can say that about 7 hours after surgery, I was up and walking. The nurses were amazed and the doctors joked that I must want to get out of there fast. However, I didn't see a lot of other bariatric patients walking around like I did. I couldn't sleep for more than 2 hours at a time, but I would just walk circles around the surgery floor. I think that's what saved me from having gas pain in my chest and shoulders. [TMI] It's all coming out the other end hahah

I had my Sleeve done four years ago. I still get sick if I eat too fast or something not good for me. I don't usually throw up any food mostly the slime or more like releasing a large burp but it is not a burp, my stomach clinches like I am Throwing up. (I know TMI) I know the obvious answer would be to just eat slower and better selections. I guess I am wondering if this is normal so far out of surgery. This does not happen all the time, sometimes I go a month or so without getting sick and then like now it is an everyday occurrence. I had a scope a few months ago to see if there was a blockage that is causing this but they said it was all clear. Please any advise would help, or is this just normal? I have lost 130 lbs from my surgery weight. Thanks David

I am very surprised about how many of you had drains or came home with drains. I didn't have a drain and when I did my research there really wasn't a lot of information on the drains. And to the lovely ladies on her did you experience nipple soreness. Mine are crazy sore. I must be loosing the weight in my breast. Lol sorry for the TMI.

Tmi question: when should I have a bowel movement? It's been like 5 days...is it normal not to have one after surgery? Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

I have always been happy with myself. It has never really mattered to me what others have thought of me - because only I can control how I feel. If others don't like me because I'm heavy - well that's their loss. So in that regard, I'm probably not your typical morbidly obese person. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2003. My A1C was just over 7 - so not too awful. In the years following, it had remained in the low 7's. In the last year it has leaped up to the high 7's. My doc still says that I don't need an endocrinologist - I just need to loose weight. But he has no suggestions on how to do that. So, I research and try different diets just to have my weight increase to the highest I have ever been. Yup, that worked... NOT. But still, that wasn't the tipping point for me. In 2005, my back started bothering me. My doc has me do physical therapy and it helped. Then 2 years later, it acted up again - this time the pain went down my right leg and I woke up one day and was not able to get out of bed. I had to use the restroom of course, but it took me 2 hours to get out of bed so that I could walk to the bathroom - just 10 steps away from my bed! At this point the MRI showed I had a bulging disc and they did surgery to fix it. Now, 4 years later, I am finally able to stand straight, but can't stand for more than 5 minutes without breaking out in a sweat. I also can't walk more than 10 minutes without having issues. My health has really gone downhill since that surgery and I regret having it. My left leg is getting the same pain that my right leg had, but I will deal with that pain for as long as possible before having that surgery again. I know that loosing weight will help my back (at least that's what every doctor says), but again, that's not the tipping point for me. In 2008, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and given a CPAP. I tried it for a year, trying different masks and machines, but felt that it was actually making my sleep worse and not better (I was more tired after using it), so I stopped using the CPAP. But this was not a tipping point for me. In the last year, I have had to get new clothes - size 28w. I have never in my life had to wear clothes that big. That was depressing - but still not the tipping point for me. My new avatar was a picture taken at Christmas last year. I was helping out at a Christmas program, and decided that I would dress as an elf since there was already a Santa. I found the largest elf costume that I could find - and it barely fit. The tights weren't even close to fitting, but luckily, I had a pair of dark green pants that worked well with the costume top. The gentleman who played Santa used a pillow to make him "fat" like Santa is supposed to be. But, as you can see from the picture, his elf was larger than he was! That was depressing! But again, it's not the tipping point for me. Over the past year or so, I've noticed I have had more issues getting myself "clean" after #2. It's been harder and harder to wipe everything. It just occurred to me that it's probably because I'm bigger and thus can't reach as well now. So, yeah, this is a definite factor in my decision - but still not the tipping point for me. (Sorry for the TMI.) So with all of that said, what really is the tipping point for me? It's the fact that although I have insomnia big time, I could fall asleep easily during the day and I am so lethargic that I don't do activities that I used to. It's getting worse too. I've seen my parents do this, and some friends and I hate that they do this. I have realized I am becoming like them and I really do not want that to happen. So how crazy is it that the reason I finally decided to do this is because I am literally tired of being so tired?

Ok, this is totally TMI but I need help. I had surgery on 3/19, and up to 10 days ago I was doing fine. I lost over 50 lbs and I feel great most of the time. I can eat almost everything by now (of course, no sugar, no fat, no carbonated drinks and no alcohol) but the past few days I've been really constipated. I never had problems like this before, on the contrary, if you know what I mean. I eat plenty of fruit (i admit I've been a little lazy with vegetables, eating only once a day), and every time I have to go is a struggle. I go days without having to go. Can anyone help? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App