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Hey July banders. Like mammajamma I can't believe it's nearly a year. Such a life changing experience. It shows me I had no life to speak of before. So I'm down 165lb. 10 to goal. I'm training for a time trial race on my bike. And an iron woman before I'm 40. 2 yrs to go. I have a part time job as a carer. And couldn't be happier. I've been extremely lucky I had no health issues hampering my efforts. I can take care of all my own hygiene and wipe my own bottom. ( tmi but it was a problem) I can run a 9 minute mile when before I could hardly walk. There are downsides however to such a speedy weightloss. Loose skin. No breasts anymore. But I'll live with that. No matter what your loss is it's a massive success. Carry on being fabulous. Once again thanks mammajamma. I'm very flattered. ????

I have a question for everyone. Has anyone experienced gall bladder attacks or other gall bladder problems? I know that obesity and rapid weight loss (bariatric surgery) are the 2 biggest causes of cholelithiasis. WARNING!!! TMI about to happen! I have experienced clay colored, fatty diarrhea for the past 5-6 days. This had happened to me before without any other symptoms. Just about an hour ago I began to have right upper quadrant abdominal pain which I would rate as 6 out of 10. It radiated to my back and eventually to my right shoulder blade. It just subsided a few minutes ago. This is the only time I have ever had this pain. I am a nurse at the hospital where my surgeon practices, and will definitely consult her about this "attack". I'm not immediately worried since the pain subsided quickly, but I am wondering, how many people have experienced this? If you have gall stones and have had symptoms, does this sound familiar to you? I know that my symptoms are textbook, but I'm wondering if this is all in my head since I do know the symptoms and prevalence in bariatric patients. Thanks for your help and sorry about the very long post!

Hi All.....How was everyone's long weekend?? Short week this week YAY We got heaps done around the house and got a skip in to remove the old shed so at least we did something productive but I would have rather been out on the boat LOL Still got a lot to do but it's great when you can start to see progress.....helps to keep you motivated @@nerms You Go Girl we sure are gonna kick 2014's ass!!!!!! Not long to go now the time will fly by....and as for the pain...yes is uncomfortable but they have pain relief for that so my advice is USE IT....dont be shy in asking for it. My preadmin nurse said to me......if you are in pain, you shouldn't be. They have meds for that so if you are then tell them and they will fix it.....so true and I did this time and it all helped. Mind you I did have an idea of what to expect having had the band before and many operations after that to correct things so I think that all helped me to know what to expect and I must say I was pleasantly surprised! Yeah it's not all rainbows and lollipops, but its a small price to pay for what you get in return I think anyway @@Bee I hear ya about the arms......them and the boobs haha. I have never lost weight in my boobs....haev always been big busted but now I feel like they are used tea bags Once I lose all my weight gonna have to get that fixed LOL Yeah got tuck shop lady arms happening so will just do some light weights but hey, I am 41, have had 3 kids by c section and breast fed them all so saggy skin is a part of life for me I'm afraid.......sorry peeps for the tmi About the pain in your largest wound.....I was told that I would have pain in that for the longest and when I did too much I felt it there thats for sure. They told me that my stomach muscles were stitched to my stomach to prevent a hernia in the site....apparently its what they do at lap surgery......so they told me I will feel twinges and times of it being uncomfortable for some time....(from memory 6 to 8 weeks but you could have to check with the nurse) Just be careful about putting too much strain on it, you don't want to end up with problems. If you are concerned about the pain just call them they will talk to you about it. I know I am a lot more paranoid than most because of my weight loss surgery history, but nothing is worth stuffing it up believe me. I didn't ask about swimming and I love to swim....should have asked. I just know Ray said walking, gentle cycling and light weights sometimes but most important to just keep active. He said at this stage exercise wont add a lot to the weight loss (????) it will just help with fitness. I guess the insides take longer to heal even though I feel like I haven't had anything done at all now.

Anyone else have this? When does it stop?

Preop diet starting weight 239. Date of surgery 5/27 weight 222. Releases from hospital weight 228. Weight today 218. Constipation finally over. Sorry tmi. Still trying to get enough fluids daily.

Start with a (tmi) stool softener, I also had problems with the diet. So one in am and pm and all is good.

Just added you. I didn't have staples I have internal stitches and surgical glue at the site. Nothing at the drain site. I'm feeling good considering. I'm out of the house so I feel better. I'm also finally wearing a bra and undies lol TMI. One day at a time. How are you feeling??

Ok, Post op and my breasts are sensitive. Anyone have this?

Awesome, I thought I was alone with this whole pureed thing! Good to know that I don't really have to do the pureed foods! I am 4 wks out and struggling with this phase. Every time I've tried pureed meat I vomit (sorry TMI) I think I will take a different approach now! Thanks!!

These are some of the abbreviations used in these forums during the last month: ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliopancreatic Diversion (Scopinaro procedure) btw = by the way 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 Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ff = fat free GBS = gastric bypass surgery or Guillain-Barre Syndrome 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 IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine 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 Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds (less than 200 pounds) or by losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive sleep Apnea Oz = Australia PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y s/f or sf = sugar free sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information u = You VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = Vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight YMMV = your mileage may vary : ) or :-) = = smiley face : ( or :-( = = sad face

So... I was out of town the past couple days, so I've been eating out just about every meal. Also (TMI warning) it's the dreaded TOM, so I've been eating everything in sight! I know! I'm such a piggy! ... And whatdaya know?? As of this morning, I stepped on the scale and, I have a new low weight... 128 lbs. I love my sleeve & my sleeve loves me! lol

I think I dumped! I ate a protein bar that had sugar alcohol in it. I've had other things with a little sugar alcohol before and it makes me nauseous. And I've had this particular protein bar before, but today it took me over the edge. As soon as I ate it, I felt so sick (nauseous) and then I started to just feel icky. I had to put my head down on my desk at work a few times. After about an hour, I decided to go home early and boy am I glad I did. As soon as I started to get up and get ready to leave, I realized I was going to have a bad potty experience. Mad it home thankfully, and ran to the bathroom for an explosion! Sorry TMI. I feel fine now, but wow, that was crazy! So was that truly dumping? I think it was, but not having it happen before, I don't truly know!

@@allthatJez Nice to meet you and congratulations on your surgery date! This is a great place to be for support and information. You will read and hear lots information. The best advice is to always listen to your doctor and error on the side of caution if your not sure of something. Surgery can always be a daunting thing that some with some nerves and some fears. It is definitely something to take serious, but to help alleviate some of your fears I can tell you that I love my band and I have not even for one second had regret for having had the surgery. My surgery was about 2 hours long I had lapband with plication done and I spent the night at the hospital as was my Dr.'s protocol for the surgery. The staff made me very comfortable and I was in minimal if any pain at all. The most discomfort I felt was at the port site and a nice ice pack on the port site even when you get home will help with that so much! You may find you have some gas pain in your back or shoulder after the surgery since they inflate your stomach with gas to help move some of your other organs out of the way and your body will need to expel that gas. Needless to say you will be making "noises" for a bit after surgery Passing gas never felt so good! (sorry if that was TMI) If you have pain from the gas a nice heating pad or hot Water bottle under you back or shoulder will help with that a a bit. I also found that having some warm decaf tea helped to soothe that gas and my tummy as well. You can also try some beano or gas-ex strips to help aid that as well. I'm sure you will do well and if you have any questions or concerns pleas don't feel shy in asking!!

Oh, and sorry to ask you to maybe ask you to post TMI but I imagine with the post op diet diarrhea may be a problem.... I have been considering buying diaper rash cream, baby wipes, etc. to minimize discomfort. Have you found this necessary?

I started my journey weighing 246 before surgery, I'm 5'7. My surgery was April 25th & I went to see my doctors again yesterday & they told me that I have lost wonderfully so far. Yesterday I weighed in at 211lbs. I'm almost 5 weeks out. The docs had nothing but nice things to say about how great of a job I'm doing & that I'm healing so freaking fast. But I know I should be very excited but I don't know what's wrong with me. This weight loss is something that I've been praying for for a very long time. I've always been good at loosing weight but not keeping it off. My body has changed so much within this past month. I'm down to a size 12/14. But I just can't seem to grasp it yet & celebrate my success. I'm not claiming depression, not at all but I just don't know what's going on with me right now! I should be ecstatic but I'm just ok right now. I know this is a tmi to some but I'm hoping it's just because of that time of the month and hopefully this feeling will past very soon!!!!

Well I'm now 3 weeks out today. Feeling a little discouraged. Since I started on mushy food last week I have gained 5 lbs back. Somebody from the Woodbridge office just called to confirm my appointment this week, and told me not to worry about it. Said it was probably water retention. How do you not worry when it's right there on the scale and not going anywhere. Yesterday was the most I have eaten at 800 calories. I also haven't gone to the bathroom in a week. TMI. Maybe that has some to do with it too.

If something doesn't agree or even if I eat a little too quickly, it's not so much pain for me but an intense bloaty feeling... then the fun slimies that seem to want to come back up over 'n over again. Sometimes the best/only way to relieve it is to just go and hork. TMI, maybe, but 'tis my reality.

Yup, I know exactly what you mean. Sex was difficult for me because whenever I'd get on top, within a couple minutes my knees would be killing me (I guess the pressure of my weight combined with having sore knees already from hailing around so much weight during the day) I also am happier being sexual because I have less smelly crevices(I know, TMI!) but while I obviously don't always smell like a rose, I find that my genitals, arm pits and my body in general just doesn't get as stinky as they used to. My feet also smell better. I think I'm not sweating as much because it's easier to move around.

I noticed that since my surgery my menstrual appears to be regulating compared to pre surgery were I would get my menstrual ever 60+ days if I was lucky. The first week I dropped 12lbs and my menstrual came on shortly after. Since then I lost additional weight and this morning my menstrual came on again, making it a 29 day long cycle, which is considered normal. It's still early to indefinitely say, but I will be tracking it the next few months to see if their is a trend. Anyone else every experience irregular periods pre op and regulate post op? Please comment

I agree with the above statements listen to your doctor and trust me although your food choices changes you still can not eat a lot, 1 cup of applesauce lasted me a week. your stomach is so small and I agree make sure you watch what you eat and remember to chew t least 30 times i learned the hard way as well one day i chewed my chicken so well I had no problems , today I ate the same chicken and didnt chew a piece well enough and I experience pain, leading me to puke sorry TMI but once that happened I felt better , it was just a reminder to chew chew and chew. good luck.

So glad you are feeling better laurie! You sure sounded aweful before Great NSV on the little bbq! Makes me wonder if smashed up watermeelon is ok for the pureed stage?? I still have 18 days until then, but I bet the watermelon would be lovely. The docs typically soak the new stomach in Water inside the abdomen and check for bubbles that would be leaks. The next day they should at least do a barium swallow so you can see your new stomach. My doc did it for confirmation of leaks but he also wanted us to see how the new stomach worked. I'll attach a picture. The reason you should get a copy now is so that in 6 months you can get another barium test to see how your sleeve has healed and if they missed parts that are now stretching (which obviously can lead to regain). I didn't think the barium was aweful - mine was more like a strawberry and cream Protein drink. Just one big gulp. However my doc also had us do a blue dye test. which is a much thinner liquid (water) than the barium test. This allows even the smallest leaks not to go un noticed as any leak in the stomach would come out in the drain that is placed by the new sleeve. THAT stuff was disgusting. And probably TMI, but I'm still peeing blue! LOL Here is my pretty new sleeve

Sleeved on 5/28, an I still haven't had a BM. I tried to go yesterday, but couldn't due to constipation. Yes I no TMI, but I just wanna go to the restroom! Lol.. I also have been getting pains through stomach that move up to chest, that I believe are gas pains. Please tell me someone else has been having same problems. On another note, I have been getting my multivitamin in, an it does have iron in it. I will start tonight on my calcium an d3 chewable. I also have been doing protein shake to get in my 60 gm in but I can only get in 1 shake so only 30 gm of protein in:( I feel like im doing something wrong, plz help

I have a diet coke every once in awhile with no problems. Occasionally I will get an uncomfortable tight feeling but I burp and feel fine. Then today. .. had about 5 sips and got a terrible "stuck" feeling. The longer I sat there, the more sick to my stomach I became and finally threw up. (TMI.. sorry) I wasn't eating food and my last fill was 3 weeks ago. So what's that all about? I've read that many people can't drink carbonated beverages ever after surgery. (Apparently I might have just become one of them) What's the physical reason for that? And is there a reason why a diet coke would bother me one day and not 4 days later? Just curious.

Hi Janette and everyone, I know what you mean! There is a really positive group on here and it is so good to share things with others who are at the same stage and understand and have good ideas. Well I did weigh at Longs yesterday and it was after Breakfast and clothed (thankfully for everyone else in the store!). I have now lost 5 and a bit pounds since being here which is 2 weeks. That is faster than it was at home. The flights home will make a difference in Fluid retention so that is very encouraging. I won't change my ticker until that has all settled down and I am using my usual scales. I am getting to the point where I will be less than I have been in decades so that will be wonderful. My newly altered summer sun dresses are getting too big again but thankfully my swimsuits are still just about decent. I am hoping to carry on with them because they can't be altered but the slippage factor (!) could start to be even more of a problem in which case swimsuits won't work. TMI I know, but I know that you all know what I mean.I do love being able to be in the pool or sea. Fingers crossed. Take care all of you Claire

TMI continued... I had explosive water BMs late day 2 and all day day 3, and now just gas. When I left the hospital day 2 I was told I would have water stool until I passed all of the contrast from the 3 leak tests I underwent pre discharge. I was sleeved on the 27th.