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I am sort of with CarolinaGirl on this one. Fortunately you are young and have not become as large as others ( myself included) before deciding to take charge of your life. With age often comes wisdom because we have already been there, done that. LOL I can tell you the part about bathroom habits being different is spot on. At 316lbs I could barely manage "down there" because I could hardly reach things. That time of the month was an exercise is aggravation and agility as I tried to angle just right to use a tampon. (sorry if TMI) I had started having bladder control issues. Things you may or may not take for granted become so much harder the larger you are. Now I am down in the 220s ( which is still obese) I can take care of my hygiene 100% better. Things are once again accessible! I no longer have issues with incontinence. And of course there are many things I can do now I was restricted from doing at 316 lbs. That all being said do I miss some of my old lifestyle? I would be lying if I said no. Many times I have had the thought "man I would really like to just sit down and pig out". But I know I can't. It is usually in response to some emotional issue so I have to deal with it in another way. I probably think about food a LOT more now than I did before just because it is now so much more important to me. I think about the healthy foods I need, how I can be creative in preparation of them so not to get bored, what their nutritional content is etc. I also do long for foods I no longer can eat. Or should I say ought to eat. ( I can tolerate everything I have tried) It is a much bigger mental battle. Before you are overweight and unhappy with it. But I know I did not micromanage my eating, which is what helped me get obese to start with! Now my life revolves around food in many ways. I miss the freedom of eating with abandon I suppose. But I will never, ever miss being the size I was. Nothing about that body was good. It may be sagging more now, and the boobs may be smaller, but I can work with that. No way you can hide 316lbs! LOL

I've actually had no issues with constipation. I go pretty regularly. A lot less than I did before surgery, but enough that I don't feel I'm backed up. (TMI alert) It's usually pretty watery though. I've had maybe two firm stools since surgery. I'm bummed though - all the bad eating I did made me gain 4lbs. It's just been such a trying time and I can't find any recipes that I really like. I've never been a huge meat eater and I'm not sure how to incorporate veggies that are low carb that have Protein. Anyone got any good recipes? Also, every time I swallow anything except low fat yogurt or sugar free pudding, I get a rumbly grumble in my tummy and I always have to belch afterward. I will say this too - sugar does NOT agree with me. I tried some of a milkshake and could only get down like two sips before I felt sick. I'm glad of it because it keeps me from messing up with sweets, but it's kinda sad too!

TMI.....pooped twice today, yayyyyyyyy

Hello all!! I have been a member of this site since April of 2012, when I got banded. I just popped in here this weekend for support but felt the need to really introduce myself Some of this is a repeat so please bare with me as I'm now on a computer and not a phone (I was on the road for 3 days) Prior to being banded, I spent about 2 years debating on the procedure with one year doing counseling and dieting while getting prepared - I lost 20 pounds in the time prior to the actual surgery. My surgery went good, and only few people knew I got it done. My Mom & Sister were my big supporters and my Dad still has no idea what I did. (He believes that God gave us our body and we should NOT tinker with things like this or you are considered "weak") I am stubborn by nature, a bit hard headed too But I got the surgery done and followed my plan for about 2 months. I lost 40 pounds and since then, have gained a lot of self confidence - but still have more work to do. I will admit, that I botched my surgery even after building up so much "power" to BELIEVE I would not fall off my plan. Well, I was laid off of work right after my surgery, like a day later. I'm a single parent and have also battled sever depression all of my life...only having it get worse after my surgery. I have maintained my weight loss, continue to exercise and watch what I eat. I come here to be more of a lesson to others. FOLLOW THE PLAN!!! For the most part, I have beat myself up endlessly. I blame no one but myself for NOT sticking to my plan - NOBODY. I will also admit that I have been embarrassed about it but, I am working through that. I did not go to support classes because I was so focused on finding WORK, plus I didn't want to go back to the hospital that just laid me off . So basically, I got my band....and proceeded to move on in life as best I could. I was facing foreclosure on my house...trying to keep my son stress free...and keep myself on an even level while being without a job. Last year, I received TMI therapy...basically got my brain "shocked" to help cure my depression and by the Grace of God...it has helped me tremendously!! I no longer consider myself a depressed person (yay!!!) so now I am really back to focusing on my physical health. In the past 2 years, I went from starting out strong to falling off the wagon quickly. I ate and drank the same things I always had, thinking "If I puke like they say I will, then I'll never do it again!!" Well...everything went down fine, with no issues. I have visited my surgeon one time since the surgery to get one fill done. My surgeon is not too fond of me because I was not able to pay my bill and it went into collections. Being wildly embarrassed by that alone, I just didn't even think too much about the band because it's hard to face someone who isn't fond of you, who you couldn't pay (although I have made monthly payments consistently since I did find work 6 months after my surgery.) I have continued to go to my regular doctor who has been a great help. My blood levels are great, and I am no longer diabetic! WOO HOO!! I also no longer have high blood pressure. But about 9 months or so ago, I began to have problems. I would eat and then the bites I would take, felt like they were getting "stuck" but at the time, I attributed it to heart burn and told myself to chill out on the crap food. A few months went by and I was fine - kind of off and on again. I went to my regular doctor to monitor me and she thought perhaps it injured my esophagus (she knows I got banded). I then found a HUGE lump in my stomach and got a scan of that and was told it was just a fatty "mass" but not life threatening. Then this past 2 months or so, things got worse. Now, if I do not chew my food and swallow too soon...it feels like I'm swallowing a golf ball! The pain stops me in my tracks and I just pray that it goes down and I could literally feel it pass through when it did. However, over the weekend (and this began last week) I actually started to vomit. Over the weekend, I realized that instead of sitting at the table wishing food would go down (with a look of "oh crap" on my face and people wondering what is wrong...), I have learned that I can just go to the bathroom, lean over and heave and poof, up comes the bite that was not going down. Yeah...that's not good. I decided a couple of weeks ago that perhaps the band is now working as it should...? And I know it sounds so stupid but, I figured the band is now ticked off and showing me a lesson. So back to soft foods I went OR chewing the bejesus out of food until it's MUSH and taking teeny bites, and it will go down. I won't lie, a part of me also felt that if anything, I would lose more weight this way. But now, since I am vomiting at times, I came here for support because again, I have not been in contact with my surgeon - or ANYONE who has been banded!! I wanted to get others' idea on things and everyone has been GREAT (except for one person) but the advice I got was enough to get my behind on the phone and stop being embarrassed and ask for help! I will go in this Wednesday the 21st to do a swallow test to see what is going on, and they will refer me to a new surgeon. Many may ask why I waited so long to address this, well again, I know I am the one to blame for this, and it is quite embarrassing and I'm not one to want to get beat up over it because I can do that all by myself!! I got a new job and didn't want to take time off for doctor visits (and NO, I'm not making excuses...it just is what it is...) I was embarrassed that I fell off the wagon...embarrassed that I am not now "skinny" as I thought I would be (but still quite proud of what I've lost and kept off!) Through this ordeal, a best friend of mine committed suicide, another very close friend passed away from breast cancer, and I myself, am having to worry about a breast concern too (so is my Mom and we are both getting scans again in a couple of weeks), plus my Mom has been very very very ill but is now getting better. All of that in addition to other things not listed, really just took my mind off my band...until now when it has reached a level of being scared. Thank you all for accepting me into this community!! If I can say ONE thing to those who are getting banded or have just gotten banded...please please PLEASE, stay on the plan that your surgeon gives you!! It really is not worth feeling like I feel (when I'm eating)!!! My family is a group of eaters. We Celebrate EVERYTHING with food. But you have to have a STRONG support system, and this is something I have now learned. So get the support, and be well all!!! *Smoochies*!!

TMI .....I pooped, it almost killed me dead but I pooped.......anyone else poop yet

Just an update. Down 32 lbs since surgery on April 3. It is funny how the weight is coming off. I lose maybe a half of a pound a day for several days and then stall for several days. I cannot predict by what I eat how much, if any that I lose. Still having a lot of trouble with solids. I have had issues with things feeling stuck and then I vomit (sorry TMI.) No dumping though. I have been good with getting in enough protein but the water is still a struggle.

In January of 2014 I made the decision to get healthy and knowing I could not do it on my own, so I attended a seminar and had my first appointment with Dr. Joyner of Americus Georgia to learn more about my bariatric surgery options. Once I heard him speak and giving the benefits I was all for it I knew I wanted to have the Gastric Sleeve, I just needed to know where to go next. I met with a nutritionist for3x during January, February, March, I also seen the psych Doctor twice once for the written assessment next to go over the assessment and talk about what got me to where I am and how I feel the surgery would help me., I had my EGD done which showed I had H-PYLORI so I had to take and antibiotic for 2weeks prior to my surgery, but there was no hernia so that was a good thing. They put me on a 2week pre-op diet of 2shakes per day and 4oz lean meat, and 1cup of non-starchy vegetables. On March 19th I had the Gastric Sleeve preformed at around 8am; the procedure was scheduled to take 2 hrs., but only took an hour the doctor said I done and amazing job with my pre op diet so I was a text book case and there was no complications. I got to the bariatric ICU around 2pm and was still asleep, I work up around 5pm and was ready to get out of the bed, so I walked several laps around the ICU, the nurses were shocked I was ready to get up, but I knew from a previous C-SECTION that I did not want to lay in that bed and get stiff. The next morning they took me down for a Barium Swallow, I am not going to lie no matter how thirsty you are this is the worst tasting substance you can have to drink, the results come back great, the doctor said I had a very tight sleeve which is what I wanted. So throughout the day I sipped on a medication cup every 15 minutes, I ended up getting really nauseated and throwing up through the night (TMI I know) and at that point I was like what have I done, but the next day I was back to my ordinary self-walking and feeling better. I was in the hospital for 2 nights and got to go home on a Friday and went back to work the next Thursday after my 1 week post op. Since being out of the hospital I have not had any nausea or sickness, I have had lots of energy and no hair loss or anything like that. I have gone from a size 24-26 to a 20-22 and have lost a total of 48lbs. I have exercised including, walking, riding bikes, strength training and Wii Zumba 2. This has been an amazing tool and I look forward to the future successes. I can currently only get about 1/2c of food down at a time. I try to get down 2oz lean meat 1tbs non starchy vegetable and 1tbs of carbs (like rice). I eat Breakfast, Snack, lunch, Snack, and dinner and take all my Vitamins and required by my doctor. New Image 1 and 2, the picture on the left is from the pre op phase, and the one on the right is about a week ago

Almost exactly 1 week.....and (TMI!) it was foul!! Just make sure you have matches and a good fan :-o I am almost 4 weeks out and it's gotten much better....fiber is your friend!

Hi guys was on the 12th and I have yet to have a bowl movement, how long did it take you guys I can't stand the wait.....

Angelface, those are great numbers!! I was hoping for more but I'll take the 8. I have 6 incisions, luckily they are all small I'll be glad when they are all healed. I had tuna with lowfat mayo last night, it was so good to taste something with texture! I'm on this soft/smooth diet until my one month follow up then I'll move on to regular foods. Well if we are talking TMI I've had 3 this week lol! What is sore is it your incisions or your pouch?

Yfoster 1, believe me I know your pain. I battled with it so much but I finally rationalized in my head (I'm getting the sleeve), that my stomach isn't supposed to be stretched out into this huge mess that I've made it anyway. If I didn't make such horrible food choices,it wold probably be a lot smaller. I guess if they have to take part of it, it won't be so bad. Besides, I think about how freakin horrible I feel everyday. I mean all this weight has such a negative effect. This is TMI, but just after sitting on the toilet for 3 minutes, my damn leg went numb from all the weight pushing down on my thigh. AAAAAARRRRGGGHHHH, that's not supposed to happen, lol. Your a small person as am I. So I can imagine how difficult it is carrying the extra weight. We deserve this and we are going to do great. (Although,I'm sure I will be moaning, groaning and everything else on Wed, lol).

Wow joleneB that's awesome!! I had bypass May 5th and I am still very sore. I have 4 incisions which I am really happy about. I have been walking 30 minutes a day since the hospital. Getting in all protein and liquid but my doctor doesn't advance us to soft foods until 4 weeks post opt. They will advance me to puréed food this week for 2 weeks. I am down 19.5 pounds since the surgery which I didn't expect. I didn't have my first BM (tmi) for almost 12 days. I get better every day but I think I heal a little on the slow side.

Thank u for the suggestions ladies. I ended up doing an enema as per Dr's instructions. I have never done an enema and man what a relief. The box said it would work within 1-5 mins and it sure did as soon as I was done using it I was running to the toilet. TMI I know, we share everything on here lol So thumbs up to Fleet Enema!!

Can some pls give some advice on what to use for constipation ???? ASAP something that works quick sorry tmi but I am miserable

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

So many good lists here, and I have to agree with most of them! One thing I'd like to add, since I've seen no one else mention it, is the awkward/embarrassing way of wiping oneself after going poo (sorry, TMI).....but for the past year, that seems to be bugging me most often I'm also one of those who is reluctant to go anywhere because of my size, and I've only been to church a handful of times in the past 18 months... I really miss my church family, and look forward to spending more time with them. I feel so bad for every one of us here.... Years ago, I never gave much thought to overweight/obese people; now that I've been one for a couple years, I think differently. And I hope that, a year or more down the line after surgery, I remember exactly how I felt at this moment when I look at others around me. God will give me the compassion, understanding, and helping hands I'll need now and in the future!

I hear ya sister! I had my surgery on the 7th and yesterday was my first BM. I thought I was going to die and when it was all said and done I was seeing stars and exhausted and sore. Lol!!!! TMI in know. I called my doc and he said Milk Of Magnesia. I have been drinking like 40-50 oz of Water a day so I get enough water. And like you I am used to going 2-3 times a day.

After not having anything else but waters for weeks I was really craving some strawberry lemonade w/crushed ice from Sonic, it felt soo good but after about 30 mins I started sweating, having horrible stomach pain and had to run to the restroom... Long story short it gave me really bad diarrhea sorry TMI

That's great, Michelle! I saw my surgeon today, too, and was advanced to soft foods My first meal was tuna salad. It tasted great! I might try refried Beans tomorrow! Possible TMI- I'm suffering from horrible constipation. I've tried colace, which works a little, but I think I'm going to get some Miralax tomorrow. It's really putting a damper on my recovery! Also, I only lost 6 lbs. these past 2 weeks. I'm feeling a little down about that. Seems others are losing more. I'm trying not to obsess about it, though. It will come off when it's ready, I guess....

So I understand that constipation is a side effect of wls but I wasn't prepared for this! I went from going 2-3 times a day (bad dieting) to not even remembering the last time I went lol. Well tonight was horrible! My stomach hurt so bad from not going I started to feel nauseous and had cramps in my back.. I took some stool softeners and to no avail. Eventually I broke down and gave myself a suppository and man the relief! lol.. Ok I'm sorry I put all my business out there and had a TMI moment but don't say I didn't warn you. For those who empathize, is there something magical out there I should know about to relieve that situation??? And how long does this last for?

Hello Everyone, I had my gastric sleeve done on May 7th. I too also cleaned the house good, gave the dog a bath etc. With the Lord watching over me I did great with a few bumps. I bought premier liquid shakes because they were already made and bought them at Costco you can also get the powder form in a HUGE bag for 40.00. I bought sugar free chocolate pudding, Mott's green apple applesauce. Campbell's has an awesome butternut squash soup. I loved Swanson's chicken broth I went to stage 2 a day after surgery because I didn't do well on the 1st phase. I have protein drink for breakfast, instant cream of wheat alternating apple sauce, pudding and soup for lunch and dinner I'm lucky to do 2 1/4 tsp. I use the pudding to take meds it slides down easier. The one thing I miss the most is drinking as much fluid as you want at one time. For further down the road has anyone tried making ice cream out of protein shakes. This might be a TMI but baby wipes for cleaning your bum is a blessing. Get the flushable ones. God Bless Kelly

Hello Everyone, I had my gastric sleeve done on May 7th. I too also cleaned the house good, gave the dog a bath etc. With the Lord watching over me I did great with a few bumps. I bought premier liquid shakes because they were already made and bought them at Costco you can also get the powder form in a HUGE bag for 40.00. I bought sugar free chocolate pudding, Mott's green apple applesauce. Campbell's has an awesome butternut squash soup. I loved Swanson's chicken broth I went to stage 2 a day after surgery because I didn't do well on the 1st phase. I have protein drink for breakfast, instant cream of wheat alternating apple sauce, pudding and soup for lunch and dinner I'm lucky to do 2 1/4 tsp. I use the pudding to take meds it slides down easier. The one thing I miss the most is drinking as much fluid as you want at one time. For further down the road has anyone tried making ice cream out of protein shakes. This might be a TMI but baby wipes for cleaning your bum is a blessing. Get the flushable ones. God Bless Kelly

Hello Everyone, I had my gastric sleeve done on May 7th. I too also cleaned the house good, gave the dog a bath etc. With the Lord watching over me I did great with a few bumps. I bought premier liquid shakes because they were already made and bought them at Costco you can also get the powder form in a HUGE bag for 40.00. I bought sugar free chocolate pudding, Mott's green apple applesauce. Campbell's has an awesome butternut squash soup. I loved Swanson's chicken broth I went to stage 2 a day after surgery because I didn't do well on the 1st phase. I have protein drink for breakfast, instant cream of wheat alternating apple sauce, pudding and soup for lunch and dinner I'm lucky to do 2 1/4 tsp. I use the pudding to take meds it slides down easier. The one thing I miss the most is drinking as much fluid as you want at one time. For further down the road has anyone tried making ice cream out of protein shakes. This might be a TMI but baby wipes for cleaning your bum is a blessing. Get the flushable ones. God Bless Kelly

Hello Everyone, I had my gastric sleeve done on May 7th. I too also cleaned the house good, gave the dog a bath etc. With the Lord watching over me I did great with a few bumps. I bought premier liquid shakes because they were already made and bought them at Costco you can also get the powder form in a HUGE bag for 40.00. I bought sugar free chocolate pudding, Mott's green apple applesauce. Campbell's has an awesome butternut squash soup. I loved Swanson's chicken broth I went to stage 2 a day after surgery because I didn't do well on the 1st phase. I have protein drink for breakfast, instant cream of wheat alternating apple sauce, pudding and soup for lunch and dinner I'm lucky to do 2 1/4 tsp. I use the pudding to take meds it slides down easier. The one thing I miss the most is drinking as much fluid as you want at one time. For further down the road has anyone tried making ice cream out of protein shakes. This might be a TMI but baby wipes for cleaning your bum is a blessing. Get the flushable ones. God Bless Kelly

I am Day 8 post-op and things get a little better every day. I am so thankful to have family helping me. I can now lay on my right side at bedtime but not on my left just yet. My diet consists of water, powerade zero, herbal tea, premier protein with a splash of milk and sugar free torani syrups, crystal light, homemade chicken broth, sf Popsicles and no sugar added stage 1 applesauce. I found the lemonade crystal light to be to acidic for the moment but rasberry ice is pretty good. I also found some sf jello to be to acidic. So I am holding up on those for now. I am on prevacid once a day. My upper stomach is still a bit bloated but when my husband took my binder off last night to inspect my incisions he was like Whoa! Your stomach is way flatter! You have to come look in the mirror honey. It was! That felt good. Doing pretty good on the vitamins and reaching about 60 oz a day. Still only about 50 grams of protein. It is very filling. Liquid stool softener yucky! But I'm doing it. Scared of having my first BM (tmi) it's been about 9 days. So this is my experience thus far can't wait to here more from y'all.