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Day 4 and I'm feeling so much better. Day 3 was bad. Felt like I'd been hit by a truck. Today has been great. Took my first real shower, which helped tons. And TMI, had success in the bathroom!!! Sorry!! Looking forward to my post-op Dr. visit on Monday. Anyone know what I can expect with that visit? Thanks again to this board for all the info. Hope everyone is doing well. Good Luck to those with surgery coming up soon. Nina

Shae...I actually started using it today. I saw another post about it (maybe it was you, don't remember) and I joined yesterday and started tracking today. It is a great little tool, so easy to use and I was even able to download and app for my android phone. It will be interesting to see what that shows me. Thanks so much because until yesterday I had heard of it, but thought it was just for exercise. Didn't realize how handy it was for this. I really like it. I am tracking my fiber also because I don't think I'm getting enough of that either because (TMI) things aren't moving well (or all that often) in the plumbing department either. And the plumbing was very regular prior to surgery.

I completely agree with hopefulvspgirl I bought so many protien shakes I couldn't stand them after surgery so a lot of $$ down the drain. I also me get used baby plates or cutlery. The one recommendation I have is probably TMI but I would have Monistat our some form thereof my doctor had me on so many antibiotics while I was in the hospital that I was miserable about 3 days in at home. Hope this helps! Best of luck to you! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using BariatricPal mobile app

There will likely be some TMI in this post so consider yourself warned lol. BCPs are horrible little buggers for me. The ONLY one I can take and not be COMPLETELY miserable is Ortho-cyclin (NOT ortho-tri-cyclin). The others are horrible, and Yaz was the worst for me. I practically hemorrhaged during AF while I was on it. I would soak a super plus tampon before I could even stand up off the pot and get re-dressed. On top of that AF lasted TWO weeks not one!! I tried the Mirena and I would have taken the yaz over that any day. I had migraines, dizzy spells, hot flashes, night sweats, gained 60 pounds in the 6 months I had it (I am a big girl but I don't gain weight THAT fast and as soon as it was removed I lost about half of it so....), had a horrible scraping feeling in my uterus, severe stabbing pains every time I climaxed, the list goes on and on. All we can use are condoms or withdraw. I swore off hormonal BC after the Mirena. JMHO, but when you add hormones into hormonal chaos you are asking for trouble, at least that is the way it has played out for me.

Sue---my surgeon said that to do one without the other, left people so unhappy, he does it as part of the procedure most of the time now. He said some minor lipo, then simple skin manipulation of the mons would do it for me. Warning this might well be TMI----but following my chemo, not a lot of pubic hair regrew--so he said my pubic hair line being nonexistant will allow him to make a smooth transition without much problem. He too discouraged one without the other. He said we might not notice the bulge of it now, being hid under the belly---but after it is gone, if they do not do the mons lift, it is highly noticable, in cases like mine anyway. So it is getting done as well. Mine is going to just be hip bone to hip bone he is not extending it. My hips, my back, and my butt are all in fair shape for what hell I have put them through!!! I do not have love handles, or muffin top problems--------just a hanging belly. Right now it is a huge shock that I don't just fall on my face and lie there, all my weight is in the boobs and belly!!!!! Kat

I too suffered with hyperemesis and the constant spitting (sorry TMI) during both of my pregnancies thus the 9 year age difference. Said I was not going through that again. I was put on medication in the second pregnancy and it worked so ask your doctor for something. No need for you to suffer. Hugs

I had a fill, went back six weeks later to find out that my band was empty, got filled to 1.8ccs (4cc band) and ended up being way too tight so got defilled to 1.3 and that was too loose, so now I'm at about 1.6 but I've lost a lot more weight since the 1.8 fill and feeling a little less restriction now. I think I'm good for a few more weeks and then I'll need to get in again for another fill. The way it was explained to me was that as you lose, you lose the fat pad between the band and the stomach, so you need to keep getting fills until you reach your goal. Or maybe I was just high off my ass since it was explained to me pre-op. :smile: I'm still holding at 228 (fluctuating up and down the same 2lbs.) Gotta love plateaus. Ugh! I'm happy though, I found my collarbones! And hip bones, and chest bones which actually scared the crap out of me when I brushed my arm against my chest one day. (Sorry, TMI, but it was freaky! I thought I had a lump, turns out it's just bone I've never been able to feel.)

Candle, I was told not to put anything on my incisions. The doc did take off all my steri-strips at my week visit. She said that baby oil will take off the stickiness. She just said to make sure to do it right before showering or the baby oil will seap into the wounds. I was given the o.k. to add cheese, eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, and mashed potatoes to my list of foods. Warning about eggs! I took one egg and scrambled it with a slice of cheese. I chewed it thoroughly and by the time I ate half of it... I was very sick. I found out what getting food stuck is like and the wonderful thing they call sliming! Not fun!!! I finally had to throw it up because I was heaving a lot anyway. I figured it would do less damage to just get it out. I know TMI. But I just wanted to warn you. Other than that, I feel great. I love getting full so fast!

Update on ME! Today is day 7. I feel better each and every day. I can tell the swelling inside the stoma is going down because its easy for me to put down soup, water, etc. Much easier.... if you can remember back to day one and that first sip of water you took, or even your first ice chip! How scary was that? I've lost 12 pounds so far and I can see it in my face. This makes me feel good. My skin has actually cleared up and I look refreshed. I've graduated in foods. I am eating similar foods to my 11 month old son! LOL ~~~~~~ I was able to tolerate oatmeal today. It really filled me up for about 4 hours. I noticed as soon as I drink some water I could feel more hunger. Oatmeal is the first real 'substance' I have had. In addition to oatmeal, I also stocked the kitchen with creamy soups, yogurt, SF popsicles/fudgesicles, V8. Creative: Mix cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese soup. Of course they are the 'light' kind. Really good. Stiches are a bit itchy, port is still a tad sore and I've only had two BMs in a week. (tmi) Next week we all get to eat eggs and cheese! Yummy! I'm makin' breakfast next Monday! Wish you all lived closer! Haha... Dana

Hiya all, I read this thread when it first popped up along with the other one. I have suffered badly since my TT 4 months ago and had been to the toilet a handful of times. I read the sites etc and decided to go with one that sounded great which I wont mention because I dont want to seem like I am advertising. I am on day 6 and welllllllllllll it is one of the best things I have ever done. I am really shocked and suprised what ummmm actually comes out (TMI) things I hadnt eaten in a long time etc. This one I am using really works and I feel 10000 times better, my skin looks better and as a bonus I dropped 4 kgs. I know its not fat but that was an extra 4 kgs I was carrying around backed up in my bowels and intestines etc. I love it and will continue to do it for maintanance...thanks for the post and information throughout. Hugs

I may not see it so much yet in the mirror, but I can definitely feel a difference from losing the first 21 pounds off my body. I can walk up stairs without being out of breath, I can sleep on my back without being woken up from my gasping snores. My size 18 pants fit loosely while I was wearing size 22 my blood pressure has been normal ever since. This one is TMI, but after I clean myself after using the bathroom, I am not short of breath like I just walked up a hill. I noticed I'm smiling more, and that people are smiling at me. I guess I used to not have good eye contact lol. I can walk in a mall with my energized hubby n son and not have to stop n sit for a few minutes because I'm tired, and my back hurts. So far this is just a few things I've noticed. Can't wait to keep going ! Can't wait to see what 50lbs loss will do to my body! Thanks for listening!

I know this might be tmi. But does anyone now get acne/boil ( pimple bumps )on their body? Ie inner thighs, underarms, under your breast and even on a stretch mark? My dermatologist called it hidradenitis? I just wanted to know if it got better after weight loss.

As August 2012 Vertical sleevers who started here on the vertical sleeve talk and then formed a group on facebook where we could have more updated talk, discussions, post pictures, and support one another we have found that group a wonderful family support group, now we would like to invite any summer 2013 sleevers to come to a group we have formed for mentoring, help, and advice and hope to give back and some support to the new group....its a secret group so that you may feel comfortable discussing anything, (we have found there is nothing we dont discuss or that is TMI=to much information) you will need to add me as a friend and then I can add you to this group where its secret, please send a message with your friend request so I know you are a sleever here is my direct fb link so you can add me https://www.facebook.com/klyn.mcmickell....

Perk we have similar stats do you feel like the first 60 came off easily (following your plan) or have you really had to work at it? Molly I can hardly contain my excitement for you. Friday will be here before you know it. Hopefully there won't be any snow issues for you to contend with. Our schools in KY are closed today. I have one week before my last appointment. Are you still liking the premeire shakes? I have been drinking shakes and trying not to eat/drink at the same time. I have found that if I don't drink while I'm eating I seem to stop eating sooner so I can set my timer for a drink and then usually end up not eating as much. I have been doing this since Saturday and I'm down 4 pounds. I have had been eating low carb and no soda as well. I told my husband we were going to eat out every night the week before starting the liquid diet and he gave me "the look" so I suggested maybe just one night...lol He is super supportive and always asking where I'm at in the process. He has always loved me for me, so it will be nice to give him the Lisa 2.0 version. I hear so many people say surgery changes their sex drive (probably TMI) I think my husband is looking forward to finding out if this is true...lol Hang in there with the head hunger, you are so close!

Day 4 post op and today I'm sooooo tired for some reason. Been out for my walk. Had half a tin of Soup, drinking my Water as much as possible. Gas is getting less and less day by day but still waiting to . Sorry TMI. Hope you guys are hanging strong. Have to keep telling myself it won't be like this always Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Day 4 post op update- I am feeling pretty good. I have only had nausea the day after surgery, and only for a little while. The pain is minimal, although my right incision (where they took my stomach out) is pretty sore. I've been wearing a binder on my belly since surgery and I feel that has helped quite a bit. My doc only wants me focusing on clear fluids this week, so that makes it easy to meet my fluids goal (64 ounces). I gained 6 pounds after surgery, but have lost all of that plus another 5! And the best part is, I'm not even hungry! Definitely recommend taking small sips of Water, etc. bigger sips get stuck and are painful. TMI Alert- I was able to have a BM 2 days post op, thank goodness. Gas x strips definitely help with gas. Well, there is my update. I will update in a few days.

Still scheduled for the 29th. Started my liquid diet today. TMI ALERT: And, of course, I also am starting my period. Which means I started my day with a migraine and will likely want ALL of the food. Just my luck. Still thinking about whether I really want to go through with this. Talking to my therapist tomorrow and need to make a decision. I'll do the liquid diet until I decide for sure. In the meantime, I'm stocking up on various protein powders, etc. Went to the hospital's support group last night and it was REALLY stressful. Lots of people talking over each other at the same time, lots of chaos. It just isn't well run. I'm required to go, but it was so stressful (not even the stuff people were saying, but just the noise and having 10-15 people all answering anyone's question at once). Made me nauseous just being there.

What do I want? To Lose Weight! What do I want? Food! What do I want? Sugar Free, Sugar Free, Sugar Free Yeahhhhhhhhh NOT Did I tell any of you that I am an emotional eater. Yep well I had some emotions going last night. So I found myself sitting on the kitchen floor and looking into the fridge. TMI Well I decided I would just cook, you know when you really can't eat so you just cook. I forgot the ribs were in there so I slowly at one of those all the way to the last bite and that one piece would not go in. So while trying to suck down this rib, I baked a cake and boiled and broiled italian sausage. I have a sausage, I have a sausage that I can eat right now. I have to wait until later. Suck eggs man.

First, to Bandster16, I'm sorry to hear about your complications, but I am glad you stuck with it -- you won't regret it. Josette and all - I, too am back at my office job today. I certainly couldn't run a marathon (or even to the bathroom if needed), but I do feel well enough to sit at my desk. I even went out to "lunch" with some friends that I see only once per year. I had tea while they ate. Today was my first day to have any caffeine since surgery and though I haven't had that much, it sure has helped with the constipation problem I was having (sorry if that's TMI but nothing really phases me after having 4 kids!). Anyway, I'm still confused a bit about whether or not I have any restriction and how much I "should" be eating, but I'm just letting my body tell me. Even though Dr. Spivak's diet allows you to move to mushies within 48 hours, I am sticking to a (mostly) liquid diet for as long as I can. It seems that it would be easier on the digestive system during healing and as long as I'm not hungry, I figure I'll stick with it. I plan to go home a little early today and take it easy tonight, but overall, I'm pleased at my progress and healing so far. I look forward to hearing about more August bandster's experiences and I've also been perusing the July and June threads for info, too. Well, back to work. J-

New Surg Date! Well my surgery got moved up due to very high blood pressure and so now it's in LITERALLY 12 days! New surgery date is October 24th, 2017! Now for the hard part; I've been on the Pre-op liquid diet for 2 days now & 1st day-easyyyy peasyyy (prob because of newness of it all & im so hyper about getting this dang surgery already!) then... 2nd day-uhmmm..well not so excited- diarrheaaaaa cityyyy!!! Like massive blowouts & bad! Really prepare peeps- I think I'm prob drinking way more broth than most people so it's looks & smells like broth :/- sorry maybe TMI I know, (but not really when ya'll are going to need to know what can happen!) But hey, we need to get into ketosis to shrink that liver so I'de rather have more fluids than unnecessary protein in. I'm already getting in almost 80 grams of protein & still hungry so broths keep me the fullest. Today is day 3 so we'll see how it goes..!

My bypass was done 11 days ago! The 6 month insurance hoops seemed forever to me also! Now that I am past it all ( doing amazing well at 64 years old) I am so glad that I did have all the nut meetings , & classes, test and Dr appts.. The knowledge gained is invaluable at these stage... And knowledge is powerful! My insulin has gone from 350 units down to 20.. Severe GERD resolved and off so many meds ( BP normal, heart rate normal). First week on only liquids was a bummer.. 6 days no BM THEN 5 days off endless runs (tmi) but knowing its normal was good! I had triple bypass.. Diabetes type 1 . Gerd so severe it was damaging my lungs! Wonder why I waited now! Also had a liver biopsy due to fatty tissue and a big belly hernia repaired then.. Could of looped a bowel if not repaired... You guys will be so happy you did this! I had doubts daily and even a few days after but WOW .. What a difference a week makes. Take a heating pad to hospital.. Really helped with carbon dioxide discomfort those first days.. ( and walk walk then walk some more) .. Best of luck to you all.. Be pumped up! Good positive attitude is important !

Yesterday, Thursday, Dec. 12 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1yr PO Sleeve / 114.9 lbs ---------------------------------------- 3.5 hour lunch date with BFF yesterday. We went to a Chinese restaurant and then to a tea and dessert place. We shared a shaved ice dessert that was topped with sweet stuff and condensed milk (see the pic below...it's not the one we actually ate, because I forgot to take a pic, but its from the restaurants website). Anyhoo as you can see it is sugar overload. I had about maybe a 1.5 cups of it total and surprise, surprise, I got me some runs later on. Though it was actually kinda welcome cuz I hadn't pooped in about 3 days. So (TMI ALERT).... ...after I got to pass that "plug" (omg, I thought I was giving birth again) it was all watery nastiness after that. Sorry for the graphics. Then of course, I was hungry afterwards! On another note, I went for a run this AM with Mr. and he got me to do some sprinting intervals, and I think I'm going to be sore tomorrow. ---------------------------------------- 9:30am - Coffee-Tea-Cayenne w/ stevia 11:00am to 3:00pm - 3 oz crispy skin chicken dark meat + 1/2 cup braised eggplant & ground pork + 1 king oyster mushroom and 1 broccoli floret + 1 tbsp Sriracha + 1 tbsp hot chili oil + 1.5 cups mixed fruit tea + 1.5 cups shaved ice dessert (see below) 7:00pm - salad w/ vinaigrette + 1 slice bacon + 1/2 fl oz pumpkin seeds + 1/2 tbsp grated parm cheese + 3 oz meatloaf w/ Keto ketchup glaze + 2 oz grilled chicken + 1.5 oz chicharron 10:00pm - 1/2 cup cottage cheese + 1/2 oz pumpkin seeds + 2 oz blueberries + 2 tbsp dried cranberries ---------------------------------------- Totals: 1608 cals - 117g Protein - 79g NET carbs - 102g fat ---------------------------------------- Yesterdays Dessert (for reference), though ours didn't have the orange chunks nor the ice cream, but it did also have peanuts and crunchy oats. I ate less than 1/4 of it. It was HUGE. Plus we were chatting away so it melted and lost its appeal, lol.

Ok gals...Sorry to let you know I had no staples! I have steri strips over the glued incisions....One just fell off tonight up by my cleavage...my bra must have rubbed it too much! TMI Last year I had staples after my hysterectomy and they really do not hurt coming out...if you two are pierced and tatooed I think you can handle it. Kammi ...glad to hear you and hubby are doing great! I am doing great also...I really have never napped yet. I got home Thursday and was druggy and laid about then slept really well considering I hadn't slept much since the night before the day before surgery. I went walking around the store on Friday morning and then just hung out at home...Sat I went out 3 times to places just to walk...it is too hot to walk outside here... Sunday I was out several hours with a friend even went to restuarant...I am on mushy's so had refried beans... Same with Monday...drove around with my DH as he had things to deliver and then I window shopped and walked from like 10 - 3...was tired when we got back and just hung out at home... Today, I went by my school to see everyone...theyare teaching summer school but NOT ME this year...yea....Then went out to lunch with the family...had hummus and some banana.....then bought a pair of shoes...then tonight went to the casino and played slots and walked around...got my free 2 buffets....watched hubby pig out while I had some salmon and sf jello.... Now I ready for bed...so I guess the sooner your body lets you get back to life...the better you are.... What I am NOT doing is playing MOM...lucky for me my kids are older and can take care of themselves and me if needed... I guess I am just lucky because I bounced back last year after my hyster pretty much the same way... I have not taken pain meds since Thursday PM...well really early Friday am...I think that has really helped plus I am allowed soft food...have been eating since Sat, My surgery was Wednesday... 1 week ago tomarrow! MY port area definitely gets sore every now and then but I am being careful when I get up and I do not try and bend down.... So, that is my story...I am really sorry some of you are so miserable and I wish the best for all of you. I am not writing this to make any one feel bad...I just think those waiting to be banded should hear everyone's experiences..good and bead so they are prepared! Be well everyone....OH yeah I am down about 7 pounds since my weigh-in at the hospital! MY ticker reflects the when I started the process and preparing for all of this...I worked hard preop...I think it helped me! My blood sugars have been great too! And BP! Yea I am on the road to health!

Height / weight starting our wls programs: 5' 7", 236 2) Weight day of surgery: 226 3) 13 week post op weight pounds lost/gained: 1.1 pounds lost this week. The snail is still slowly moving along! Current weight 190.... Although it did go down to 189 earlier this week!!!!! Grrrrr. 4) Goal weight: 175 mini goal by end of August when I leave for my tropical vacation. 160 surgeon goal, 140 stretch goal (although this would out me at a BMI of 22. That's teeny!) 5) Your biggest success this week: Exercise makes a HUGE difference! Okay, for me not so much in what's reported on the scale but I'm looking tone! I've all but lost what I refer to as my "second butt" which was a flap of fat under each butt cheek (tmi?). My thighs and arms are looking toned and the loose skin on my inner thighs is retracting. My arms are looking tiny! The loose skin that was there has disappeared! I went to a professional baseball game last weekend. While there, I had a flashback of attending a game a few years ago and commenting how small the seats were. I remember feeling uncomfortable sitting through the game. This time I had plenty of wiggle room! 6) Your biggest struggle this week: sloooooow weight loss. It's hard not to get frustrated when people report losing 3-5 pounds per week! I have been slacking in the Protein department, so this week I will focus on eating more and see if that makes a difference. In the meantime, I will be happy if I continue losing and avoid another stall!

So...I'm sitting here at work keeping myself entertained/busy. One thought keeps returning ... and I'm a little embarrassed to admit it but since I'm not really doing anything anyway, I shall. After the surgery, my boobs are going to shrink. Yes, this is actually the single thought occupying my mind at present. TMI? Probably. You see, when I was younger and quite a few pounds lighter, they were fine. They were a good size for my frame. Then I had children, 4 to be exact. I nursed all of them. Mothers out there will understand what I'm saying. My once exquisite mammaries were reduced to old, stretched out gym socks. Gaining weight, though biting the big one, did give me one benefit....a nice pair of knockers again. Now, before you go crazy understand that I have no intention of backing out of the surgery just so the "girls" can look nice. That's just insanity. I will miss them though. Maybe I should have a "going away party" for them.