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So here's my update! I called my surgeon's office this morning and spoke with his nurse prior to my IR appointment. I told her again my symptoms and how I really do not feel my reflux is due to the band being too tight. I told her the only time I have issues is when I eat (literally as soon as I swallow a first bite, the pain is there). I told her that I think I may have gastritis (I'm an RN, so she knows I kinda know what I'm talking about even though I work with heart patient's and not GI stuff lol). I asked her to please talk with the doc before I went into the hospital to get registered and dropped $650 to get Fluid taken out of my band and then that not be the issue. She said she didn't blame me for wanting to try the least invasive treatment first, so that's what we did. I'm currently on carafate 4 times a day, and even after one dose I've had so far today, I can tell a HUGE improvement. Tonight, I had another thought though, while I was TMI!!! on the toilet. I have had MAJOR constipation issues. I have tried everything possible to help, from Miralax to Colace to Sennakot to Fleets enemas and suppositories. I've even started eating chia seeds in the mornings in my yogurt because I've heard that helps. I drink at least 64oz of Water per day, most days closer to 100oz, so know it's not a hydration issue. Before my surgery, I could drink 2 cups of coffee and poop every morning like clockwork. Not so much now! After I had a BM tonight, I felt SO much better. I almost wonder if the constipation isn't exacerbating the reflux?

I had surgery on 17th of april and I am wondering how long till 1st bowel movement. Sorry if TMI but I have been urinating with no issues but just wanted to know what is normal? Thank you

Hello again, I'm sorry I have posted so much.....but wanted to know if anyone else has had experience with this....I started full liquids today so I had 2 premier protein shakes, water, and 1/2 cup of tomato soup...I have also started having diarrhea today. Does anyone know what could be going on? Thank you!

I just spent 6 days in the hospital for low potassium. When I was released I was able to drink all of my required water. Protein shakes have been difficult for me. When I was released I was able to get 4oz in over an hour 3 times a day. Today I feel horrible. My legs are cramping again (sign of low potassium) and I'm dizzy and weak when I stand up. TMI I also started today, so I'm sure that isn't helping. I'm still able to meet my water goals, but over the past 3 days I doubt I've gotten in more than 3 oz of protein shakes in a day. I tried greek yogurt last night and was barely able to get a teaspoon in. I really feel like this is NOT good for my body. BTW My surgery was June 16th. I'm supposed to see my doc in the morning. I was sent home with a PICC Line in case I had problems ( I have no more IV sites left) and I'm so afraid I'm going to have to go back into the hospital. I must say, this is not my idea of how I thought my recovery would go. Any suggestions are welcome.

For my first 6 months I weighed every single morning like clockwork, after (sorry TMI) my morning BM. C'mon, we ALL know that is the best time ... anyway, I steadily lost a pound every other day, I should have recognized this fact and weighed accordingly but I didn't, I weighed every day. So, every other day, I'd be in an awesome mood! And every other day, get out of my @%$^&* way >=[. Now I haven't been on my scale in over a month, because the number hadn't changed in 3 months and it was getting so dispiriting. Maybe the morning after the last day of my next cycle I will get on and face the music =/

I have been trying defferent temps. also. I find that warm does seem to go down easier. I know I read that it would be difficult to get all the fluids in, but I had no idea it would be this hard. Today, I have been sipping on a protein shake a little at a time just as I walk by the fridge, and sipping water in between, but I still haven't gotten a whole 20 oz. bottle of water down yet. Plus, I had around 4-5 oz. of cream of chicken soup. I go Wed. to get my staples removed, so I will talk to the dr. then about all my concerns. I'm also a little worried that I haven't (sorry tmi) had a bowel movement in several days. Is it because I haven't eaten anything "solid"? And a question.....would potato soup or pureed veggie soup count on the full liquid diet or is that considered soft foods? I feel like I am having to re-learn everything I ever thought I knew about food!

How do eggs affect you post-op? Tried them for the first time this morning and I am burping like crazy! (Tmi, I know) Is this normal, or are eggs just a food I may have to avoid? Re-Birthday: 2/27/13

I'm 4 days OUT like omg! I can't even believe I'm saying this before I was waiting to get clearance now I'm 4 days out! I know it's hasn't Been THAT long but I can really say I'm on my way now..Idk about u guys but I cannot get the whole 4oz down? I swear it takes me like 2 hrs but physically I feel fine I still have gas pain but other than that I'm cool. I don't have a issue swallowing or anything, burping yes! I wish I could just burp my life away at this point but right now it's just now working. I also wish I could fart (I know TMI) but I just can't! I haven't had any bowl movements yet idk if that's a bad or good thing yet. I have Been walking a few times a day but I'm just so short of breath it makes it's hard. What I ate today was water, 2oz of special k protein shake and a sugar free Popsicle tonight im gonna have some 4oz tomato soup. I'm not having any craving for anything usually when I see food commercials I'll start my cravings streak..but I've seen 7 commercials almost back to back for food and haven't had one thought about eating at all..I'm guessing that's a good thing right?! Well I'm due for a nap and I'll ttyl guys!

I used to have them and that is the worst pain ever...It feels like razor blades are coming out when you go to the bathroom...I used to bleed more from the rectum than a full blown period. Honestly the only thing that I know of that helped me was going regularly. I must have started eating more fiber because now I am going more frequently and it comes out soft instead of hard and tearing my rectum. I don't have this problem anymore. I feel for you! That pain is horrible. I went to a specialist and he stuck his fingers in my rectum and I cried and screamed while climbing the table. It hurt sooo bad. Sorry for the TMI! But I so feel your pain! I don't exactly know what to tell you to correct it though except you need to get fiber or whatever in your system so your bowels don't tear you anymore once these heal. And that will take a while too--especially if your bowels are all solid.

You just made my day! I did the same thing! I now just weigh myself in the am, naked right before the shower ( TMI, sorry) I was amazed how much clothing weighs and yes, the liquid we are drinking is waaay more than you would think. Thanks for the post, you made me smile!

Ok, maybe this is tmi but I am really concerned and hope you can help. This morning I woke up with the sudden urge to throw up. I got out of bed and ran to the restroom. I threw up what looked like bits of raisins. Small and black in color. Last night I had some water before bed and dinner I had some plain yogurt. I had nothing with color. I feel okay now, but it was ugly and kind of scary. Any thoughts??? BTW... I'm six weeks post op if that helps.

Here is a list of common message board terms created by Cindy M and I have added to it. You may know others that we have missed. Please add to this list. This should help our newbies and others that just want to know what we are typing in Chat or on the forums when we use these shortcuts. 250/175/130 = Was/Am/Wannabe = starting weight/current weight/goal weight BTW = By the way B/C = Because BP = Blood Pressure BRB = Be Right Back AFK: Away From Keyboard (tell people you’re stepping away for a moment) AFW: Away From Windows (You are there, but not watching for a moment, but will respond soon) CUL8R = See you later CYA ( cya ) = See Ya CYA = Cover Your Arse (In addition to "See Ya Later") DB = Darling Brother, Dear Brother or whatever “D” word depending on mood DD = Darling Daughter, Dear Daughter or whatever “D” word depending on mood DH = Darling Husband, Dear Husband or whatever “D” word depending on mood DS = Darling Son, Dear Son or Darling Sister, Dear Sister or whatever “D” word depending on mood DS = Duodenal Switch DW = Darling Wife, Dear Wife or whatever “D” word depending on mood FAQ = Frequently asked questions. FWIW = For What It's Worth FYI = For your information. GR8 = Great GTG / GTR: Got to go / run HTH = Hope this helps. or Hope that helps. IMHO ( imho ) = In My Honest Opinion, In My Humble Opinion IMO ( imo ) = In My Opinion IT = Information Technology. KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid. LAP = Laparoscopic Procedure L8TR ( l8tr ) = Later ( Like see ya later ) LMAO = Laughing My A$$ Off LOL ( lol ) = Laugh Out Loud MB = Message Board. NEWBEE ( newbee, newbie ) = New user of Internet and or computer. NICK ( nick ) = Name used by people ( Individual ) on the Internet. NSV = non scale victory (a change other than the scale…something suddenly fits, others notice your weight loss, etc.) OMG = Oh My God, Oh My Gosh OP = Original Poster OT = Off Topic, used on message boards when the post is not on the threads subject.. PB = Productive Burp (quick vomit without the stomach acid since it is just the food in your pouch) PCP = Primary Care Physician PIC ( pic ) = Picture PPL ( ppl ) = People PS = Plastic Surgery RTFP = read the fine print RNY = Roux En Y (Gastric Bypass Surgery) ROFL ( rofl ) = Rolling On Floor Laughing ROFLMAO = Rolling on floor laughing my a** off SLIME- an overproduction of saliva that occurs in an attempt to force an obstructed piece of food down SNAFU = situation normal, all fouled up SV = scale victory (when the numbers on the scale actually show a change) SWEET SPOT= when you're losing 1-2 lbs/week on average over time and your sensible meals are making you full, so you don’t get physically hungry again for a good 3 to 4 hours TMI = Too Much Information TT = Tummy Tuck TTFN = Ta Ta For Now TTYL = Talk to you later TYFS = Thank you for sharing URL ( url ) = Uniform Resource Locater, Internet address of a web page ( http://sitename ) YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary WTF ( wtf ) = What the Freak or your other favorite explicative WTG = Way To Go! WLS = Weight Loss Surgery YGG - You Go Girl! ZZZZZZ ( zzzzz ) = sleeping or Bored

Thanks again to everybody who replied. As an update, it actually wasn't an allergic or bad reaction to the protein shakes, but a really bad case of the STOMACH FLU. Ugh. Only starting to feel a little better now - 4 days later. On the bright side, my fears about how hard the first few days would be on a liquid diet kinda were for nothing 🙂. I still can't stomach protein shakes after all the violent vomiting (sorry if TMI). So my first 4 days of a liquid diet has pretty much consisted of chicken broth, water and a little non-fat yogurt. At this point, just trying to get my fluids up. I haven't spoken to my surgeon yet about this...hoping it won't delay surgery.

The oddest thing happend. I have been quite ill with a cold. about 3 days ago my right side below my ribcage started hurting and continued to hurt pretty bad for about 3 days. This morning I woke up and the pain had almost gone away. I have been quite bloated/gassy sorry about the tmi but can't figure out the pain. My first though is gall blader. pain radiated to my back. a heating pad helped. Felt like bad gas pains but in a odd place. I thought gall bladder because of the system but most of my reading said it comes and goes and this was consistent for 3 days. I had a fill on the 28th. I just don't see how it could be band related but you never know. Greg

I am challenging the function of the Wellbutrin XR, I do not think my stomach can process the meds the same, or I am pooping them out before they can work. Sorry for TMI... Why am I still miserable I just lost 35 pounds????

I hear you! I couldn't eat from Friday June 1st, having gotten stuck! then starting on Monday, June 4, I couldn't eat or drink. Even water! Egads! By the way, I was originally banded 6/15/09, 3 years ago and am at goal weight. Anyway, Tuesday night I call my doctor, he sends me to the ER, says I need fluids. Long story...........they think my band slipped and was admitted to the hospital. My surgeon came by, got me into the ER at 11 the next morning, 06/06, Wednesday. Turns out the band stayed in its stitched place, but all the PBing/vomiting I did on Thursday night being stuck caused my (lower) stomach to come up through the band. He fixed it, made sure all was okay and I'm starting the journey all over again. It feels "new" except I have more knowledge this time. Ha! At least I'm ok with Protein shakes cuz 3 years ago I got too much of them! I'm on liquids for 2 weeks! Longer than last time, but probably cuz I need to heal my irritated stomach and esophagus. I was without food for a long time! And no liquids for 2.5 days And maybe that's why I was thankful for the liquids? Much more gas pain in the shoulder and neck this time and the chest pain. Ouch! And nauseau! I'm not liking that part. Horrible gas, and diarrhea. TMI sorry! I want some cheese so badly! I see my doctor on Friday June 22.

My notes said to take "colace" 2 days before, but um, I'm super-regular (TMI I know) so I opted out. I had no problems whatsoever during surgery or after. My NUT recommended taking Benefiber powder but honestly I guess I will wait until it is a problem before I start messing with whats working. I think it tends to be a problem after you start doing the high protein/low carb thing...we'll see though.

I have surgery on Friday and my emotions are crazy. I'm scared, sad, excited etc. can anybody tell me what I should bring other than the regular stuff that I may not think to bring?? Of course I started my monthly cycle too. Does anybody think that could pose a problem. Sorry if that's TMI. Just can't believe this is really going to happen. I'm so nervous.

I have 5 ccs in a 14 cc band. I'm going Thursday for a fill. I can eat a lot! And while I maintained over the holiday, my goal is to lose weight. Today at lunch (I was hungry and in a hurry - bad combo) I really PB'd bad, slimed and threw up on chicken breast (I know, TMI). But that happens rarely with me. I have to learn to eat much slower and chew more.

Is anyone out there (I am 6 weeks post op tomorrow) suffering from extreme constipation? I know this is TMI, but I feel like I am so backed up that anything I eat is now just sitting at the top of my sleeve and if I wanted to throw up I could. I can't take this. I am miserable. I am taking stool softeners (2 twice a day). I have held my iron for about 5 days now as well to see if that made things improve.

I had the same thing happen to me when I started the puree stage Tues!!! I lost the 1st week, then as soon as I started the soups, weight went up. I'm pretty sure this happened because I was not aware of the sodium content I was consuming, which I was not the 1st week. Today, finally, the scale budged again after trying to correct the sodium for a few days, and tmi I pooped, lol was weighing 1 pound less. It will sort out and your losses will come, but I think the changes in the stages will cause the weight to fluctuate and that can be discouraging, so hang tight you have a loss on the way. Mine happened just in time for my post op appt tomorrow! whew

Thank u guys and im so happy u get to hit the gym again :-). I too have not lost weight since ive been in the hospital but only gained 1 pound.. Although I think that pound come frm not having a bowel movemebt in over 6 days... Tmi I knw lol

Please forgive me for copy and pasting this from another site I post on. I was referred here by someone at obesityhelp.com. I hope to find support and shared experiences on this site! Sorry this first post is SO long!! On day 7 post op 3 of my incisions started oozing Fluid. I went into the Dr. and he opened up my port incision so that the fluid would have somewhere to drain (a whole other story here. I had no idea what he was doing until it was done. Only that it hurt a tremendous amount). I now have a 'wound' about 3-4 inches across and maybe 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep. Seems huge in person. I have been packing my wound faithfully 2 times/day over the last 12 days. It actually began looking like it was starting to heal a little about 3 days ago and I've been VERY excited about that. Then 2 days ago I started hurting. REALLY hurting. Not the wound itself, but the area around it. I couldn't sit, stand, put my hands above my head, bend, NOTHING without hurting. Heck, it hurt bad just to pass gas! (sorry, TMI!) I called the Dr. and they told me to take Tylenol and apply wet heat 4 times/day. Well, yesterday morning it wasn't any better, and the swelling was obvious so I called again. They worked me in. First off, I told the Dr. that I like to be a part of my own medical care vs along for the ride. I feel like he should have talked to me more at my last appointment about what he was going to do, said things like 'this might hurt' (in warning), and just explained more to me about what was happening to my body. I had no idea how deep this thing was until I got home and changed the dressing the next day and I was shocked. SO... before I even let him look at it yesterday I told him how I felt. Told him the only thing I fear is ignorance, and I don't want to be ignorant when it comes to my own body. Told him I don't mind pain, but would like him to let me know BEFORE he starts cutting into me, that I'm going to feel some. KWIM? He was very receptive and apologized several times. Then he told me he was going to poke around a little and it might hurt. Well, he poked (with the long Q-tip thing) inside the wound and must have punctured through some of the new tissue and darned if a bunch of fluid didn't come pouring out again. I don't know if he was surprised, but I was. So, my pain must have been from a build up of fluid again, with nowhere to go. He laid me down again and told me he was going to reopen it. That the inside was kind of shaped like an hourglass b/c of all the new tissue inside, and he wanted more of a trough so it could drain better. In the end, I don't hurt too much anymore, which is great. I'm frustrated, b/c I was really thinking that I was doing well, when in actuality I still have fluid building up inside my abdomen. He was much more compassionate today though, and I feel more like it's a team effort to get me healed up vs me just being a chart or file. I don't know if it's a bad sign that even though he opened me up 2 weeks ago it's still building up, or if there was as much chance of that happening as not, KWIM? I just want to be better!!! Anyway, not looking for anything other than to vent, although if someone has been through this, your experience would be invaluable to me! Best case scenario, I heal up (although he said it will take weeks) worst case I end up having my port removed, let my body heal, and have a new port implanted in the future. Grim, grim, grim Thanks for listening! Erin

So I am 5 days post op... You know how they say to keep walking and keep passing gas... Well I went to Lowes with my husband today after finally starting to feel better and figured I could use a walk... Well I passed gas at Lowes after about 20 min of walking and unfortunately it wasn't gas... I apparently had my first BM and I started my period since this body is all confused and shocked after surgery. I mean it was bad.... on the way to the restroom I started to leave black gross trail .... Sooo embarrassing! How come people don't talk about this lol others must know this can happen lol Good thing we live close so my husband went home while I was in a bathroom cleaning myself up and got me change of clothes... Saved by the hubby! Still can't believe this lol I was worried that I was constipated... Wow

This may be TMI for some people, but this is my first time getting major slimes. Well, I came home from work tonight, and was actually hungry because I kind of forgot to eat all day....so I thought I'd try to eat a scrambled egg. Well, it tasted sooooo good! I ate the whole egg. After my last bite I knew immediatly that I had overdone it. About 10 minutes later I got the worst pain in my chest, felt like I had heartburn and got the infamous slimes!!! I thought ok, this is gonna pass, but it didn't. Had the slimes for about 45 mins....then got sick So, needless to say no more eggs for me for awhile. And I have to make sure I'm getting food in, as it's so easy to not eat now.