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Peony's Blog
 

TMI Venting - 6 Weeks Out Bowel Issues

Like so many "sleevers" I'm very grateful for my surgery. After struggling with my Lap-Band for years, I was so happy to have another surgical option to help me keep the weight off and continue living a healthy lifestyle.   I'm now 6-weeks post-op and, though I certainly don't regret my surgery, I'm struggling with the changes that my body is going through. Forgive me for being blunt, but I don't know what to do about all of the diarrhea that I've been having! After two days of not having diarrhea, I ended up in the hospital with a partial blockage in my colon. I feel like I can't win either way! I can't put my finger on what's causing the issues with my bowels; I've cut out artificial sweeteners, added fiber, subtracted fiber, and various other combinations -- the only thing that works is returning to clear liquids. Of course, this is not a long-term solution.   Honestly, the diarrhea wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't accompanied by major bloating and hideously loud bowel sounds! It sounds like there's a bathtub in my stomach that's trying to empty through a straw. I'm doing everything that my surgeon has instructed: taking my antacids, staying hydrated, being mindful of the types of sugars used in my supplements. It's just so hard to stay hydrated when the fluids that you're putting into your body come out faster than you can consume them!   At this point I'm just feeling very discouraged and alienated by these symptoms.   When I had my surgery, I was prepared to have to deal with people asking me why I'm not eating much or scrutinizing what I do (or don't eat) what I wasn't prepared for was the constant worry of embarrassing bowel sounds and the risk of having an accident in public!   I don't want this post to discourage anyone who is considering having the "sleeve" or any other type of WLS procedure. Frankly, I just needed to vent and get some of these feelings out. If anyone has any recommendations or has had a similar experience, I would be very thankful to hear about it. More importantly, does this get better?
Peony

Peony

1
MrsTeddyBear's Blog
 

First Entry. 15 pound loss. 235ibs

This is my first entry. I was banded on August 10, 2011. Prior to surgery I weighted 250 pounds. Day of surgery I weighted 245. I weighted myself today and I am 235. Right now, my goal is just to get to the weight I was before I gained it all which is 200 pounds.   Luckily, I am one of those people who are blessed with those body where when they are 200 pounds they look like they are 180. Once I get to 200- just to see IF I can even get there,my next goal will be 180 pounds.   I had my first break down today. I get stressed VERY EASILY. My dad yelled at me, called me stupid and old habits die hard. So, I stress ate.... well, as much as the lap-band would let me. I had 3 spoonfuls of broth,some pudding, and.... something I shouldn't have had; half a wonton. I chewed it up until it was liquified, but I still feel bad about it. I could have screwed up my stitches. I shouldn't let my dad get to me.   Until next week, Sandra
MrsTeddyBear

MrsTeddyBear

3
Grey Cat's Blog
 

GRUUUMPY...

Its been 6 weeks since being banded… and I am moody, and grumpy.. More so than before. I was hungry all the time before I even got the lap band, and found myself binge eating because I would wait until I was totally starving… Now I really try to have 3 meals a day.. And sometimes a high protein snack. But old habits are hard to beat… I crave chips, burgers, pizza and chocolate.. cheese, umm everything that made me fat in the first place.. I hope those cravings go away…because i can eat them with the band.. but they do not satisfy me.. and i end up eating as much as I did before the band. Then im so full i feel ill. So i really have to find the food that works with the band. Why does the food not fill me up?
Grey Cat

Grey Cat

6
Lappin' it Up
 

Update! I can't believe it's been 7 months since I last wrote...

Wow - so much has happened in so little time. I haven't been on the forum since May; we've had such a busy summer. Now that school's getting ready to start it's going to get even busier!   When I was last on in May, I had just publicly made it my goal (posted it on FaceBook) to reach 100 lbs lost by my birthday, which was 8/12. At that point I had lost 70+ and was feeling on top of the world. I had even bought an elliptical machine from someone at work and was ready to kick up the exercise program a couple notches....which I did, along with adding water aerobics twice a week. HOWEVER, I hit a MAJOR plateau in June that lasted into July. Ugggghhh! I talked to the doc about it and he said not to worry, all was well, and plateaus are to be expected. He was pleased with my overall progress and said to keep up the good work. As the numbers in my signature say, I have not yet reached that 100 lb goal - YET!! I am very pleased to be at the 87 lb mark and closing in on that 100! After all, today marks only 8 months since I started the pre-op diet and that is what I count as my starting point.   Some NSV's for me include:   1-starting in a size 24/26 and I just bought some 14/16's!! I found a couple ladies with some size 16's for sale on Craigslist and THEY FIT! Soooooooo exciting for me   2-starting at ZERO minutes of exercise per week and now, I exercise an hour a day at least 4 days a week, if not 5. I do the elliptical for 20-30 minutes then go for a walk outside to round out the hour (sometimes it goes past), or water aerobics twice a week for an hour each, and sometimes I just grab my husband and tell him we're going for a walk. This has benefitted him too! Today we walked 5 miles and had an hour & 40 minutes of pleasant, uninterrupted together time. <3   3-the compliments I have gotten from people at work and who haven't seen me for a while never fail to make my day brighter!   =========================================================================================================================================   Things that haven't been so great:   1-After my last 2 fills, I have had nausea & diarrhea that evening - anyone else experiencing these sypmtoms?   2-I have gotten "blocked" a couple times and it HURTS!! It hasn't been so bad that I've had to go have an unfill, just pain that lasts until the food moves past the band I suppose as the band gets tighter, I have to pay closer attention to chewing, swallowing, and eating SLOWLY!   3-Constipation. I have had issues with this for a few years since I tried another weight loss program, but still had problems and finally started drinking MiraLax (or the generic equivalent) every day and this has worked well for me.   ==========================================================================================================================================   Am I glad I did it? HELL YEAH!! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Am I loving the results? Oh yes!!   I have reset the timeline on my 100-lb goal for the 1st of October. We'll see if it happens by then, and I would be ecstatic if it were to happen before then. But, even if I don't get there by then, I know I will eventually, and I just have to be patient and let it work. After all, I didn't get that big over the course of a few months and I shouldn't expect it to all go away that soon either
mom24teens

mom24teens

3
fowlkes73's Blog
 

Post op Day #6

This post-op recovery has not been a "peace of cake." I am constantly nauseated, called the surgeon yesterday and he called in a RX for nausea. I was under the impression that at day #6, I would be ready to go back to work. I am barely making it off the couch. Any suggestions or encouragement at this point would be greatly appreaciated.    
fowlkes73

fowlkes73

2
newtaby2011's Blog
 

11 days pre op and omg what a struggle

I am 11 day pre op and this has been really hard for me I think it is because I have to cook dinner everyday for my family the hubby does not know how to cook and then to top it off I have cheated like 3 times already and I get sick then I feel sooooo guilty did this happen to anyone else? I am scared to think I didn't shrink my liver enough I am trying so hard to stick to PURE liquids till Wed when my surgery takes place but it has been a struggle !
newtaby2011

newtaby2011

1
LeeLee76's Blog
 

Rough day, temptation abounds

Today is a rough and more days like this to come. After 4 yrs my boyfriend decided he is done. Lots of friends will mark this as a great event and feel its for the best and my family will probably stage a celebration party but of course I'm not in agreement. I'm trying to stay busy and distract myself but its so hard and I find myself wanting to hit the grocery store running and pick up all the crap thats so bad for me. Of course I can't and I won't but the temptation is there. And of course I'm still not back to work until the 25th so I have all this time on my hands and not a whole lot to do.
LeeLee76

LeeLee76

5
Yes!! Its alll about me for a change
 

Allow me to introduce myself.

Hello Band Mates,   I have never done a blog before and thought this would be a good way to connect with people who may be going through the same things or have already gone through some to the ups and downs of the Lap Band Journey. My Name is Nikkia and I am 33 years old and a single mother with two boys ages 8 and 5. I am 5'9 and my post op 280 and my current weight is 258. My surgery was July 27,20011. Looking back I am so glad that I made the decision to have the lap band surgery. Myself esteem was at an all time love and I just didn't know what to do and how to feel about anything because I was so caught up in my own mind of denial about my feeling and never really took action to make changes. I have a great support system and I am forever thankful. My mother and my boyfriend have both been there to see me through the process. In January I told Paulton that I was thinking about getting the lap bad and of course he felt that I was fine and didn't need to get the surgery done. what he and many of my family and friends failed to realize how unhappy I was every time I would look in the mirror or how I hated going shopping for clothes April 12,2011 changed my life and impacted in so much that it really made me search within myself to get healthy and happy. April 12, 2011 my step sister killed herself and three of her four children. Her death effected me in away that I had to take a good look at myself. I was always one to have a victims mentality about everything and scare to step out on faith out of fear. I went to a seminar on April 27, 2011 and the process was well worth it. The day of the surgery I was so nervous, I was to be at the hospital at 7:30 am. I don't think I even slept the night before. My mother and Paulton were there and so were my boys. Dr. Kwon put me at ease and it was time to get started. Today my love for Nikkia is increasing day by day. I am not going to lie I do have a slight fear of failing. I am looking forward to so many things but in the back of my mind I want to scream out joy because this is the first time I doing something for me. My first Post op visit was August 1 and I lost 15lbs. My next appointment is August 15. ( tomorrow) I ask you to take this journey with me and allow the love for ourselves to grow. This is not a race, its a Journey. this .blog is for positive thinking only. I will add entries everyday day..   "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."   MsOutlaw378
msoutlaw378

msoutlaw378

1
genesishanna's Blog
 

Day 2 on my journey

Yesterday I did so well. minus the gas, I was a on a great road to recovery with very minimal pain. I decided to go for a walk around the corner ( which is something that I never do) and felt so good that I walked all the way to "Subway" with my husband while he got something to eat. I was not enticed by the environment or the smell. I had a small cup of water just because I am so supposed to be sipping something at all times.   Last night the gas pains were a bit much, so I took the pain meds so that i can go to sleep in comfort. I slept well. This morning I woke up and finally the gas started moving from the rear. I felt like I made progress. I had to be graphic, but I even made a small loose BM that was pushed out by the gas. I am not giving you TMI, but this is something I was concerned about. The gas however, is still resting in my chest area and its uncomfortable. I know this will pass by in time so I don't allow that to consume me.   So I have not eaten anything since last Wednesday and I am okay with that. I cant not say whether I am hungry or full at this point. I am just okay and have no desire to eat, if that makes sense to anyone. I had a cup of hot tea with some splenda to try to move this gas, but it didn't work. Aside from that I am slowly sipping on some water. I may try some Jello tonight, but at this point I honestly don't have the desire for food and I don't want to eat just because the food is there.   My next step is the treadmill. It is raining outside so I cant go out there for a walk. I have to keep focus on this journey and take it one step at a time. There is no turning back now.
genesishanna

genesishanna

2
lifeisgreat64's Blog
 

From: Calling all A11s!!

Who's in with me!? Let's start a roster!   Me: Caryn, 28 years old (29 on the 30th this month), starting weight and size was 240, size 20. Banded Aug 11th.   Question of the day: are you married and do you have kids?   Source: Calling all A11s!!
lifeisgreat64

lifeisgreat64

6
Grey Cat's Blog
 

Weight loss and ME

Its been 5 weeks post op.. I have lost 14 lbs, and gained 7 back. I don't know where to put that weight ticker thing…. on here. I suppose I will put it on her later. I am getting frusterated. I have gained 7 lbs. and Went in for my first fill. I have been hungry all the time. 3 weeks after surgery it started to happen. Now I am one day fill, and still hungry. If I wanted to diet and starve i think I could have done that without dropping $18,000. This band is supposed to restrict food intake and give me a satisfied feeling. I did at first.. now I am feeling just like I did before I even had it. When it was put in, it was empty. I mean a fancy diet of liquids and shakes and mushed up food … i could have lost weight without the band if I wanted to go that route. I got the band because I wanted a long term solution for a never ending hunger. I eat protein and I am hungry 3 hours later. I am not an emotional eater, I do love the taste of food. So restricting the food i love would be a great way to lose the weight that Is slowly killing me. I am just frusterated… i think it should get better. I was told that It takes a few days for me to feel the tightning of the band.. wierd. i think it should be immediate. Oh and I got this weight tracker thing… and cant figure out how to have it by my name when i comment on blogs.. so i guess i will try it on here… later when i figure it out
Grey Cat

Grey Cat

0
Daniella's Blog
 

33 days post op

Ok it has been a month. I only lost 7 pounds since my surgery. The good thing is that my doctor didn't have any fluid in my band after surgery. I went this past Monday and I had a 2.5 cc fill out of 10 cc. I'm not happy about the weight loss, but I see the inches coming off. I have to try and stick this out. The doctor didn't give me any restrictions. I can have solids. I feel the best meal out the day is my protein shake. It keeps me full longer. The only thing is I'm still stuck walking. Two of my incisions have yet to heal. My port incision is excellent. there's no scab and a light scar.   Has anyone experience a high libido? My sex drive is so strong. My husband is loving it. He feels like our life has been revived. We didn't have problems before, but he feels that we are trying new things. I like the exercise. LOL.   I go back on the 7th of next month for my next fill. I hope to lose a few more pounds.
Daniella

Daniella

0
Can'tWeight2Lose Blog
 

From: Intimacy After Banding

Has intimacy between you and your mate been impacted positively or negatively since WLS? I'm very excited about my future weightloss' effect on my intimate relationship. Are you looking forward to doing more exciting things with your mate that were off-limits due to weight?   Source: Intimacy After Banding
beyond beautiful

beyond beautiful

3
genesishanna's Blog
 

Day 1 on my journey

I was banded yesterday August 12, 2011 at 1pm. I can honestly say that it went more smoothly than I thought. I arrived at the hospital at 10:53 to register. After registration was completed they took me into the back where I had to undress and put on the gowns in the socks. During this time the took my vitals, my weight, gave me and IV, and a shot. My Doctor, Peter Liao came in to talk to me and confirm which procedure I was getting. We also discussed the different types of bands as well. The next person was the anesthesiologist, who came in to discuss the slim to none risk with anesthesia. He assured my husband that I would be fine and then he left. A few moments later I was being wheeled into the operating room. This all took about 2 hours, but didn't seem that long.   Once I arrived in the OR, I laid down they strapped my up and placed those pads on my legs to promote circulation. Honestly, the told me I would feel sleepy soon; however, I don't remember going to sleep, just waking up in the recovery room. I was in and out at that point and I remember them trying to wake me up about three times. Once they were ready for me in radiology I had to wake up fully, yet groggy so I can get off the bed into the wheelchair.   This was the worse part, (although not that bad ) I began to feel nauseous and was scared to throw up out of fear that it would damage something. Once they rolled me up to radiology, I began to gag so much that they sent me back because I wouldnt be able to hold down the barium. I went back down to recovery for 30 minutes where they gave me medication for the nausea, after the 30 minutes I went back up to radiology and swallowed the barium with no problem. The barium used for this one was not half as bad as the one used for the upper GI and I was so thankful for that.   After the Xrays were complete they rolled me down to recovery where I sat in a chair and my husband came to me. The nurse wanted me to drink a half of small cup of water and urinate before I was able to go home. It took me a while, especially since I would get really nauseous after I stood up. After going to the bathroom finally, I was able to go home.   The trip home was fine, but when I had to stand up again I was nauseated and had to sit down. I took some pain medication, although the pain never became unbearable. I also took some of the medicine for nausea they prescribed and it made me feel better. I was in and out of sleep all night, maybe due to me sleeping on a chair, and then my couch because they nurse advised that I not lay down so that the gas can pass through better.   Now I am at the next morning, I feel pretty good, no real pain, just pressure from the gas I guess. I took my gummy vitamins and gummy calcium. I have been sipping on the same 16 oz of water since last night; however, I will make some hot tea in a little while so that it can help with the gas moving. All around good experience, Thank you God!
genesishanna

genesishanna

5
A few days post opp
 

life as we know it

There are so many things in our life that we are so uncertain about. Jobs, marriages, finances, and listing to your heart instead of your mind. Of the many things that i am so uncertain about in life right now, I can honestly say that i am certain to change my life. Not for anyone but me, how often do we make choices that are strictly for us? NEVER! We try to please others first, i think it is just in our nature. I have learned that if you arn't happy yourself you cannot make others happy....am I right? Forget all the worries you have, yes it will be hard. Take a day just to do nothing but take care of yourself, this is not a selfish act. Love yourself, pamper yourself, and most of all let others love you.
Ginger85

Ginger85

1
NJGirl32's Blog
 

Fill Me Up Already!

I have had 3 fills so far (2ccs, 1cc, .5cc = 3.5ccs total) and I still can not truly feel the effect of the band. I have gotten stuck a couple of times and I can't eat anything in the mornings (except yogurt) so I know it's there. Maybe it has helped a little but nothing to really control my eating. Yeah I know that I have to do my part- but when is the band going to do it's part?! If I could do this on my own I certainly wouldn't have had surgery!!!   I know we are suppose to eat proteins first...so that is something new I am going to do with breakfast and lunch. Dinner time I always eat proteins, but for breakfast I usually have slider food and lunch is a salad or something not really protein based. I am working out so that's good. This is so frustrating and the weight loss has been at a standstill for so long! I hear the people with a 10cc band don't truly reach their sweet spot until 5-7ccs. I don't know hoe true that is but that would mean 3 more fills before I am at 5ccs!! UGGGH!!! (my doctor only gives .5ccs for each visit after you reach 3ccs).   I have a standing appointment for August 22nd-that would be 11 days after this past fill and I simply don't know if he would give it to me that soon-but why not if it's not doing anything? I am also going on a cruise the 25th and debating if I want a fill that close to my trip. I certainly don't want to eat like a pig-and we all know cruises are pig-fests in disguise!! Oh woe is me! I really thought almost 3 months after surgery I woul be rocking this band thing-who knew that it would take so long before things start moving!   But getting back to the protein thing...I do tend to eat a lot of slider-type foods-ummm maybe I need to tweak that and see if I have better results. I'll let you know how it goes!
NJGirl32

NJGirl32

6
Scars & tattoos
 

Day 10 - Aug. 12, 2011

I missed a day of pictures. Glue has come off of the one on the right side of my mid-line and the top one by my bra line. Honestly, i picked at them last night since the glue was wearing off on those two. They look pretty good, but I wish the one by my bra line didn't resemble a little volcano! I hope it goes flat soon.
karynj

karynj

3
Andy's Articles
 

The Good and the Bad

Did the first part of my psych evaluation. He told me I am a good candidate as my life has stability and that I have a good support system. On the downside one of my respiratory test the AGS did not come back that great so now I have to see a Pulmonary doctor, has me a little nervous. The bariatric group is going to call me next week once the appointment is set up to let me know who, when and where I need to go. I am hoping it has more to do with my size and my fat pushing up on my diaphragm causing my low level of oxygen in my blood, if that is true then more of a reason to be approved for the surgery by my insurance. They told me that it will have no bearing on the tentative date of my surgery.
AMayo1

AMayo1

2
bandedchick's Blog
 

Surgery Today!

So I'm about to have surgery in about 7 hours (9:30 am) it's 2:30 am right now. I can't sleep a wink and I have constantly been going back and forth on whether to go through with the surgery or not. Do I really wanna give up all the foods I love so much FOREVER???? Can I give them up??? Can I take this pain from the surgery???? Will I lose all my hair???? All of these thoughts keep swirling through my head and I can't seem to think straight! I guess all I can do is try to get some sleep and pray for the best...I'M SO SCARED!!!
bandedchick

bandedchick

2
LeeLee76's Blog
 

Feeling good!

Today was day 2 back at the gym and I was amazed at myself.. I figured after having not been in over 2 wks I would be sluggish and out of shape a bit but surprisingly I managed an hour of intense cardio both days and yesterday I worked my legs w/ the circuit training and today I worked my arms with weights. What a great feeling!! I'm trying to find a cardio kickboxing class I can take a few days a week but might need to join a different gym to take it.   On another note, I was supposed to start on the mushies this week but am feeling like I want to do another week of just liquids. I have no interest in eating baby food or going through the trouble of pureeing the food myself. Wonder if t his is ok? any thoughts?   I'm still 4 weeks away before I can even have my first fill. I don't feel any time of restriction in the sense that I can drink normally I even guzzled my water today (oops). I'm not sure how I would be with food but I'm sure I'll find out in the next 2-3 wks when I'm cleared to move on to the next stage..   Thats about all for now. Hope everyone is having a great week and have an even better weekend! :D
LeeLee76

LeeLee76

0
WEESIE's Blog
 

Learning to be banded.

So I finally feel like I have a band when I eat beef or bread. When I eat these I have to eat slowly and chew more. Surgery was May 25th but I have really never had any feeling that I was different. I still can eat too much of some things and I get hungry in two to four hours after most meals. But I am on my way. Stuck at the same weight for two weeks, but maybe the next fill and learning to live and eat right will break this plateau.
WEESIE

WEESIE

3

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