The Gals' Room

So, I'm wanting to go on some sort of birth control. However, my surgeon tells me the pill is out. It isn't effectively absorbed with part of my stomach gone... This seems strange to me because it seems like I've read about a lot of you all using that as birth control. So, she is putting me on the patch. I'm not thrilled with this. When I quit smoking & tried to use a patch it really irritated my skin. I'm curious if anyone has any experience using the patch or the pill? I've even been thinking about an IUD, but the idea of implanting something freaks me out a little. Krista

Ok ladies...how stupid can one human being be??? my wedding is 19 days away and i have even worn heels every day to work and such to "practice" for the wedding shoes that are adorable but higher then i'm used to. peep toes!!! and last night i decided there was 5 steps in my home and not 7, in the dark and in new hard soled slippers. the left slipper fell off on the step and i fell down the steps landing on my left ball of my foot near my big toe. Thankfully it's not broken but the ER doc said i managed to really "jack up" the one area that's pretty hard to jack up. So today i sit on the couch with an ugly little blue shoe and if extended walking, the crutches near b…

hello ladies, I don't know if this is the right place to discuss this or if I might need a guys opinion but here goes... I'm going through the 3 month process/requirements right now and I'm hoping and praying to be sleeved in January. I haven't really told anyone about my surgery except for my immediate family and VERY close friends. They all support me 100%. The one person I haven't told is the guy I have loved for the past 4 years. He lives in New Mexico and I live in South Texas (I don't know how we do it, but we do). Anyways, we see eachother about 3 times a year and we are waiting for him to get transferred to Texas (hopefully VERY soon). Anywhose, I won't b…

So, I went to my WL doc last night.. He asked me how I was faring w/ my Mirena that was placed in Feb... Told him I absolutely love it!!! Then I asked if I would need to take it out.. He replied that it was up to my surgeon.. So, i emailed the RN who works directly w/ my surgeon to inquire.. He thinks it will have to come out 2 weeks prior to surgery!!! !!! And I can possibly have it replaced in 3 months... So, my issues w/ this are: I got Mirena to stop my excessive bleeding (I bleed to the point of almost needing a blood transfusion.. got a D&C instead..) I gained weight when I got Mirena placed and I don't want to go through that again I was a RAVING maniac f…

OK so i'm not sure exactly how to put this but here goes.....has anyone's sex drive gone up in the few weeks after surgery? Mine seemed to skyrocket about a week after surgery, and still doesn't seem to be slowing down...Wow didn't think that was possible, as I already have a high sex drive

My girls are my hubby's favorite part of me (wink) I'm scared I'm going to lose them. LOL If you have gone down can you tell me from what to what, I'm currently at a 44D.

Searched PCOS on this site and saw the article posted in June by moderator Alex (sorry could not figure out how to get the article here)....anyway.....article said that 100 percent of the 500+ pt with PCOS became preggers after sleeve surgery. I had one son naturally who is now 20 (when I was 120 lbs) After 16 years and three fertility doctors (and man did all the fertility meds help pile on the pounds!) we gave up on having another ourselves and adopted a beautiful baby girl. I have not taken birth control in 20 years......kind of freaking out here.....I am 45 now.....scared of having a baby at my age (downs syndrom etc). Anyone else going through this? Guess I …

Sigh... do these disgusting fat pads under the arms ever go away? I am 40 pounds down and they haven't budged. I suppose at some point I could get them cut off but I had wanted to save my cosmetic money for new tatas or my neck or the extra skin off my stomach. Has anyone at least had them shrink? Khy

So, here's the thing....this is a sticky situation! I figured i'd see what everyone here says because my family and friends are very biased in there opinions! Brief History: My husband and I have been together for a very ROCKY 7 years....married for only four of those! We have 2 boys aged 2yr and 5yr...who are amazing...hehe!! Things have never been good....i chased him in college while he dated other girls (blinded by lust) and then ended up preggers! We moved in together trying to make it work for the baby....lots of shitty things were done to me at that time but once again i was stupid, insecure and i had a baby with him and wanted it to work! He cheated on me...cop…

Ok, this is my 3rd period since my surgery March 8, 2011. The first one was 3 months ago, the second 6 weeks ago and I'm currently in the middle of the period from HE**!! Anyone else experienced this? The cramps are ungodly and I'm running through a tampon an hour. Lord help me! I haven't had regular cycles since BEFORE I was married 13 years ago and they were NOTHING like this. If my next one is like this one, I'll mention it to my ob/gyn at my next visit.

Its about time for me to start my cycle and I feel like I am retaining water. I have been banded 6 months now. Has anyone used them since you have had your band?

My bf recently told me how much he loves lingerie. I have to say I have always been somewhat of a tomboy. I either sleep nude or wear some little t shirt top and that's about it. I've never gotten into the sexy fabrics or pretty stuff. I bought some stuff at Vicky Secret but I am taking it back. I found some stuff at Ross for like $3.99 on clearance that I liked much better.I have 5 really pretty things already. My bf is in 7th heavevn. I wish he would have told me this a long time ago. I am not one to shop for stuff I don't need, but now I have found something I need and I am having lots of fun shopping. I have yet to find red, and with my dark hair, I am on…

Hello all, This question is for my sleeve sisters out there who are in their forties, possibly pre-menopausal , and just had sleeve surgery. Has anyone experienced REALLY HEAVY menstrual cycles that just won't quit? Just when I think it's gone, there it is, back and heavier than the last time. I was having regular, 28 day cycles like clockwork, just had all my pap/exam stuff done. I am also swelling like crazy in my feet and lower legs. That has let up a bit by INCREASING my Water from 64 oz. to 80 oz. I tell ya, with the bleeding and water bloat, I don't know how I am getting by. The doc said it is because fat has loads of hormones in it, so my fat is disappearing, an…

Hi I was banded on 6/20/2011 and have lost 55 lbs! I'm happy with my band, and glad I did it. I'm sorry if the following is TMI, but i need some advice. Anyways, my period has been so messed up since surgery. I started in July and it was normal. Then a few days later my hubby and I had sex and I started spotting. It lasted about a month and I went to the doctor. She did all the tests...blood work, pap, and even an internal ultrasound. She said everything looked fine and it it probably my hormones from the surgery and from losing so much weight so quickly. Well the last week and a half, I have had my period, but it has been very heavy and its been 10 days. Should I go back…

A lot of people have been asking to see a picture of me after my face lift. I am really computer illiterate so I asked Little Miss Diva to post it. I don't have any "before" pictures. I was really good at hiding from the camera when I was fat, so I guess that was still the case even after I lost the weight. So, the picture will be here as soon as Diva posts it.

http://www.maidenform.com/shapewear/styles/all-shapewear/flexees--fat-free-dressing--t-shirt-3066?cm_mmc=Google-_-3066-_-Flexees-_-3066&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=3066 I got two of these on clearance at Kohl's (except they were white ...paid $11.40 (each) plus I had a 15% off coupon) came home tried them on, OMG, I wish I had 15 of them all in different colors. They are AWESOME! I can't find them on Kohl's website but in their actual stores I saw a lot of shapewear on clearance.

Hi all, You gotta help me. I have lost 90lbs so far and still going. I exercise almost every day for an hour. I have recently realized that my tailbone is sticking out and it hurts to sit, and that my sex hole became very small, tight. Does that make sense? Anyone else has this?

Okay prior to surgery I had what I would call a normal period....I would get it every month with some spotting in between...........I would sometimes bleed quite heavily with my periods and even sometimes get blood clots. Well I am having my first period post surgery and it is ABSOLUTE HELL!!! I am going through a regular size tampon every 45 minutes and having tons of blood clots!! I don't feel weak or anything light that it is just more of a headache than anything. I just soaked in the bath for a half an hour for some sort of relief and what do you know as soon as I get out and sit on the toilet again more heavy bleeding!! Is this because of the rapid weight loss???

I hope this isn't too personal. My surgery is scheduled for 9/20 and I just realized I will/should be on day 2 of my period on 9/20. Question, do you think my surgery will be postponed because of this?

This weekend, I decide to dye my hair a little darker as part of my transformation to a new me. I had seen the ads on TV about the new Nice n' Easy Foaming Hair Dye. I've been dying my hair the traditional way for almost 15 years so I figured "what the heck" I'll try something different. Here is my experience with this new product: -I liked the application of the foam, it was similar to mousse and alot less time consuming then applying traditional hair dye -Although it was easy to apply, it still was a little messy ( I have shoulder length hair). I managed to get it all over the back of my gown and my neck which I had to vigoursly rub with alchol to remove the dye stai…

So the other day i was fresh out the shower and getting ready and I looked in the mirror and realized that I could see my lady parts my stomach wasnt completely covering it omg...what joy...still a ways to go but it felt great! dont mind me

Anyone know any homeopatic ways to ward off UTI. I've had to take an antibiotic before sex for years now and they aren't working anymore. Have had several recent UTIs followed by a yeast infection. It was suggested on another board to use lube and that would cut down on UTI. I have been under the care of a urologist for years now but I still have problems. I am going to try D Mannose Has anyone heard of it? I've heard of women having luck using that. It's very expensive though. It's supposed to make it so bacteria can't stick. Gawd I hope so . I hope the the other board's suggestion of more lube helps. Maybe if it's slippery enough, bacteria can't stick l I am wil…

Before my surgery I got my period every 35-45 days now 10 months after surgery I get it every 21- 28 days. Has anyone else have increased periods? I'm going to my gyn but it takes a few months for an appointment, do you think there is something wrong? I'm in my early 40s and thought I should be slowing down with my period not get in more. Thanks for your help, Janine

So I didn't go to my ballet class for about a month because I was sick and then super-busy with school. I walk in today wearing a leotard and leggings - probably my most form-fitting outfit for class to date. There's like 20 other people there and my teacher is like "BBJ! We haven't seen you here in a while!" I'm like, "Yeah, sorry, I was sick and then busy with stuff." She's like, "SO WHAT DID YOU DO TO LOSE ALL THIS WEIGHT!?" And then EVERYONE stared at me, waiting for my answer. It made me feel so uncomfortable! My teacher is very nice and she totally meant it well, she wasn't calling me out, but it was such an awkward situation for me! I almost blurted out that I had …

I have been having issues with my body temp. I am hot then cold. Cold then hot. Has anyone expercience it. What if anything to cure it? I am struggling trying to deal with the problem. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

It'S a glorious spring day here in eastern Australia and I felt so so great bouncing out of bed. So far I've washed my car, washed my two dogs and hung out the washing. Next up I'm going for a long bike ride in the sun, maybe with a coffee break in the next town. 39kg ago I couldn't have achieved so much in the same time. I love being lighter and feeling so much healthier and more active.

I am recently banded on July 14th and I feel as though im not making ANY progress at all. I am eating healthy and staying active. I just had a fill like 2 weeks ago. Can any one give me suggestions on why I may not be losing any weight?

I have been storm proofing the yard, getting in supplies, cooking for the next several days because we will probably not have power. Now husband wants fresh baked bread... none of which I can have... Khy

Hello all. I've reached a point 3.5 years into my journey at my goal weight and a size 6 where I am what people call a pretty picture, but the misery that lurks beneath is ruining my life. Basically, I keep a tight band, because I cannot do the regular gym routine, and there is no way on earth I will gain back any of this weight. That being said, I can eat, I just can't eat things like veggies, fruit or anything with too much Fiber. All my Vitamin levels are good, blood sugar, thyroid, hormones, everything normal. So, I started having constipation pretty much right after surgery. Surgeon said to take a suppository every day if I needed. So, guess what happened? …

Well, I still have a couple weeks before I'm able to have any alcoholic beverages--but I'm already trying to give some thought to what my best drink options will be. I know, I'm going to do better with the lapband if I don't drink too much...and I don't plan to, but the reality is, I have a job that puts me in a lot of open bar situations. So I'd rather just have a game plan in place. So with that...what do you think my best options are. I've already thought about just mixing liquor (tequila, etc) with lime juice... or maybe mixing SF crystal light? Also i've heard bloody marys are probably a good option. Appreciate any suggestions, or what you've found to be low …

Hello, I was wondering if any of the women have experienced slow weight loss just before your cycle? I had my surgery March 31st and have dropped 20 pounds- this week was only 2 pounds(which is still great) just wondering?

Hello ladies, I hoping someone here has some experience in getting rid of this. I have darker skin on my inner thighs from the years of them rubbing together. Now that I am losing weight... and have a pool party to go to... I would love to know if anyone knows a way to get rid of this or to make it lighter. It is soooo ugly! Thanks!

I HATE ketosis. Did I ever mention how much I hate KETOSIS? SWEATS, HEART PALPITATIONS, FEELS LIKE A GORILLA IS SITTING ON MY CHEST, WEAK, HEADACHES....AND HOW LONG DID MY DOC SAY I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO THIS? 6 months???? or at least until I reach goal.... KHY

Tonight's episode of Four Weddings (Australia) features a rock n roll wedding of our friends. This was filmed in February before I began my banding journey so I'll be very interested to see just how different I look now! I know I can dance much better now without that 30kg (60lb) to carry around. Good luck to our friends and don't believe a thing about how any of the brides are presented - our friend is a lovely person!

I have lost 74 pounds so far and now fit into most 14's (down from a 24W). I have no butt, smaller hips and still have a larger waist and dough-boy belly. ( I am pretty much straight up and down from waist to hips with a small spare tire between.) So getting jeans that fit my waist and don't swamp my butt and hips is a challenge. I have found two different jeans brand that I really like - one is NOT YOUR DAUGHTERS JEANS. These have strong support to hold in the belly and to lift your butt. It actually puts mine back to where it used to be (miracle of miracles). I by mine from ebay - I don't know what stores carry them. Also - Levis make a line of jeans that come …

Hello all, I am not yet banded. but have a tentative approval provided I meet insurance standards. I have been trying to eat healthier and exercise. Could that restart my cycle after a two year cessation? I started bleeding yesterday, so I immediately jumped on the internet and scared myself I have an appt. Friday with my new doctr's office with their cnm (certified nurse midwife). Mountain out of molehill, I hope. Needed to write it out, somehow still scared.:Banane37: Thanks for listening Robbie

I am five months past surgery, and am happy to be 79 pounds lighter. The first place I always lose is my face. Now, when I smile - not only do I have crows feet going up from the corners of my eyes, I have a set of parallel wrinkles (think of small pleats) going down from the corners of my eyes over the tops of the "apples" of my cheeks. I realize more wrinkles are inevitable as I lose weight in my face. And, I still have 40 pounds to lose, so more will be showing up. My question is, is there any skin care product that really help with this?That could significantly improve the elasticity? I currently use Oil of Olay and Estee Lauder products, and am pleased with t…

In December I had a total Hysterectomy, I'm now waiting for my surgeon to schedule my sleeve. The question I have is, "Will I lose weight fast or slower than someone who's not going through menopause?" Will the sleeve work for me? Is anyone out there going through menopause finding iit easy to lose weight or hard with the sleeve?

haha....made you look Just kind of having a Celebrate me day! Hubby had one condition of the surgery. When we first got married I was 125 and wore all kinds of pretty bras. 24 years later....more weight etc....have gotten in the habit of wearing sports-type bras. He told me when I lost 50 lbs, he was cutting up all the ugly bras! LOLOL...I told him I don't want to clothes/bra shop yet. I am activily still loosing and want to wait a while (I don't plan on staying in this size long - optimistic thinking??) As a celebration of hitting 50 lb (actually 51 today YEA) I am going to let him cut up ONE sports bra.....and I am making him take me out to dinner and we are …

So, i havent lost anything for a few weeks and im stressing. However, my period started on sunday. Do u still lose during your period or is it basically time out until after? Im really frustrated but before i call my doc i thought i'd ask.

I feel like my hair and nails are growing faster than they did before the surgery. Perhaps I've lost my mind, but does anyone else feel like this?

My son is a chemistry major at VT. So he's no dummy right? The day after surgery he looks at me with my swollen and gas bloated belly and says... "Ummm this wasn't supposed to be an instantaneous weight loss surgery... was it? " I could hear him thinking I should get my money back... LOL Khy

I was sleeved 12 days ago and I'm recovering well but I'm freaked out that my birth control will be less effective with weight loss. I'm not able to get into my OBGYN for another 3 weeks and my surgeon is in Mexico so I'm emailing him but wanted to hear what others have heard about avoiding pregnancy during our weight loss stage. Any suggestions?

Okay. This isnt for me. I guess I'm hoping the men speak up here too. My husband and I have both been overweight most of our time together. I've always had the sex drive. Unfortunately my hubby's has been getting fewer and farther in-between. Here I'm 3 months out, down 60 pounds and we've been together ONCE since surgery!!!! Once!! About 2 months ago. My hubby's weight is about 290. How much would that weight affect his libido?

I'm due to get aunt flo right around surgery day. Is it possible I could skip it because of anesthesia and dieting? My cramps and pain can be horrific to the point that I cannot sit, walk or function and the nurse told me to take Tylenol for menstrual pain. Seriously? This is one of the main reasons I went with the sleeve - so I COULD take NSAIDS. There has to be something they can give me until my sleeve is healed enough, right? I just don't think those who have never had issues with their period get how dibilitating it can be. Taking Tylenol would be like suggesting a band aid on open heart surgery. And this is coming from a woman who has had 5 natural child bir…

I was watching reruns of Project Runway this morning when an ad for this product came on. Apparently, it is a little hand-held laser that zaps your body hair. It's quite expensive if it doesn't work but a good deal compared to spa or medical laser treatment if it does. Anyone have any knowlege about if it and if it's worth the $450 price tag?

Ok. Now it is my turn to ask something embarrassing. I have been married to my dh for 12 yes and thought for the last 5 or so that the loving was lacking excitement for me just due to the fact we had been together so long ad "done it all" in bed and that it was normal for things to get kinda vanilla (plain) in that area of our lives. But now that I have been losing weight and have more energy we are having sex more often which is good. And it is more exciting and I am more sensitive down there and he even said he could tell a difference. Was my fat lady bussiness to blame for our lack of lust? Well I am glad that is resolving now! Anyone else have this experience?

Can I just say how much I love this Powder Room. I am fairly new to this site and am being banded 8-4-11. I really appreciate all the honesty and the questions that get asked here in what feels like a "safe zone". I really feel like I have "sisters" that I can ask that will be honest and give great advice. Thank you!!!! We all need that.

I'd hit a slow down period the last few weeks..not quite a stall but just the weight taking it's sweet time exiting the building. This week though I've been dropping a pound or so nearly every day again. It just so happens that every night this week my husband & I have had... well fun if you catch what I mean. I'm wondering if anyone has experienced this...? Do yall think that's had anything to do with the constant dropping again? I've never been one to believe that burns mega calories and all of that people like to cling to. LOL If it's happening because of that, I'm all for it!!! Anyhow, I was just curious about other peoples experience with this. BTW, I've hit 9…

All right, I am really dating myself here...but when I was younger, there weren't thongs, at least not for "real" people. There were rumors that fashion models wore them....I always wore bikini panties until I got fat and started wearing granny panties because the bikini ones looked gross on me or wouldn't stay up on the fat rolls. Now, I am wondering about what size I wear in panties. Has there been downsizing in panty sizes like in pants and dresses? And what does a thong feel like and how long do they take to get used to? I'm in my mid-fifties--am I too old to wear one?