The Gals' Room

I had my 1st night out since surgery last night(7 & 1/2 weeks out)! I bought a pair of jeans size 14 (UK-I'm still not sure how this translates in US size, I think it might be 12 US??) and i could fit into them!! So I wore them last night with a pair of black stilletos and a loosley fitted top (still have issues with my tummy) I felt good about myself like I haven't in a long time. People commented on how good I was looking and I even had 2 cosmo cocktails (I know empty calories but i did put them on my calorie tracker, it added 1000 calories with all my meals yesterday, so not that bad). I just wanted to share with you that it was so nice to feel "normal" again. I k…

I read that B.C. Pills don't work as well after being sleeved. This seems odd to me because there are not supposed to be any absorption issues BUT... this is one fire I don't want to play with. What have your surgeons told you? Should I be concerned? Av

Not sure where to post this. Just wanted to vent, ramble. So yesterday was one year since my surgery and it's been wonderful. Really. I'm down 111 pounds and i don't think i've ever been in such great shape. So why do I feel so down? I only told like 3 people about my surgery so I didn't expect a parade or anything but there was like no one to really celebrate with. My family is just kind of OVER all of it and honestly the 3 friends i told I think are rather jealous and haven't mentioned my weight loss in like 6 months. I took a new job about 4 months ago with an old boss of mine. I hadn't seen her in 4 years and by the time I did see her I had lost over 100 pounds. She…

I remember before I had surgery everyone here saying that you go through a period of slight diarrhea after surgery followed by a period of constipation. Well, everyond was correct! So now what do I do with the constipation? I basically only go #2 every 3 days and I am painfully backed up, I can feel the trapped um, matter, in my lower intestines causing painful bloat. What to do? Afraid to take MoM with tender new tummy.

Apparently between the sleeve and my IBS I am no longer absorbing my wonderful (I'm not being sarcastic, I LOVED my pill) birth control pill. My husband and I have 2 girls under the age of 6, which is plenty busy for me. We are 99% sure we don't want more but with the minute chance left we might change our mind I don't want anything permanent. I can't handle the shot as I had two moods crying or mad after 1 shot 10 years ago. I've had Mirena IUD in the past and hated it. It looks like I have no choice but to have another one. I know IBS in women is fairly common, I just wish I could have been forwarned about this. For those with Mirena how long did you spot? I had o…

Had my lap band done 2 years ago and I am now heading in to have a hysterectomy done next month. Was just wondering if anyone else with the band has had this surgery with the band. Wasnt sure if there will be any specific complications or restrictions with it..Any advice would be greatly appreciated

OK... So I had my surgery last year and to date I have lost 80 lbs. Well recently my husband has been having some insecurities. I know I have changed only because I have gotten my self confidence back and am feeling good about myself. But he acts as if I am showing off for other people and that one day I will leave him for someone else. We have been together for 11 years and have been married for 9. All this is causing us to drift apart and it is scaring the hell out of me. I am wondering if I was still fat would he still be having these issues. I just want to know how other are dealing with the weight loss...

I am having terrible cramps. Is midol something that I can take? I can't seem to remember what my doctor said about midol.

I have been on Birth Control for about 14 years. After my band I found it was harder to take cause some days I just couldn't get anything down. On Friday I had the Implanon put in which is an implant in your arm..Since I have had this put in I have not been able to eat anything at all. I was just wondering if anyone else is using the implanon and if they have ran into similar problems..Am also worried about gaining any weight would love to hear from other users..Thans

Ok I have a question for you. I am told many people when they lose alot of weight like I did, your cycles get normal. BUT has anyones cycle become totally erratic? My not so nice friend who visited me on a regular basis before I lost the weight, which was like clock work once a month, every 28 days. NOW that I have lost a ton of weight I am getting my friggin period every week to 2 weeks. I know that the estrogen levels are off when you lose the weight but does it take forever to get back to normal? Not only am I hating it, my husband is about to kill me because it doesn't make for a good personal life. Please tell me that this will get better or should I take so estr…

so i lost around 20 or 30 lbs and i didnt really do anything and didnt really notice i lost it untill now. Now i want to keep loosing and im afrade of everything i put in my mouth will add the lbs, over the past few days i think im driving my self crazy, on the scale every day, feeling sad if i eat something that although is still good for me that i feel like i shouldn't have eaten (even though my bf reassures me its fine) My question is, is this even slightly normal? if it is how to you keep your self from doing it? if its not normal what should i do? AND also what is the difference between this and motivation??

Since my Lapband I am having problems with acne. I have never had acne before even as a teenager! Maybe an occasional bump or two, but now I look like a teenager and I am 31. Am I having a reaction to the band or something? I have noticed since I have went from 388 to 327 my periods come every month on there on and before the weight lost I had to be on Birth Control to even have one. So, I am not sure if the Acne is from the band or from having a regular period. Either way I am embarrassed and want it to go away!

Ok ladies…I have thought about this so many times, so just thought I’d share with you below the things I would like to do once I have gotten to my goal weight. Be able to shop in ANY shop I want and not have to make sure they go to plus sizes. Eat out at restaurants and not have people give me the look thinking “she doesn’t need any more food to eat” Not to have to look out for and make sure the chair I want to sit it doesn’t have arms Not need a extension belt on an a plane and to fit comfortably in the seat Get into a bikini and not have to settle for a swimming costume to hide my lumps and bumps To be able to cross…

Alright, this is a WARNING that this will be long. I really have nowhere to turn at this point. Growing up I was always the "fat/chubby/chunky girl". I ALWAYS had a problen with me weight, the youngest I can remember is me being 8 or 9 years old and being on a diet. So yeah, I got the VSG and only told a few VERY close family members (Mom, Dad, Grandmother, My Dad's Parents, and my best friend). I had told my best friend...we will just call her "A", and asked her to NOT tell anyone. Before I even got the surgery, I had found out she had told people & friends in HER family. I got over it and said I wouldn't care what others thought. So growing up I have always been the…

Hi, all. I am not necessarily looking for replies...just had to get this out. I also am not looking for pity. If you have been through a loss like this, please feel free to reply or PM. Today I lost my best friend. I have known him for 7 years. We had a disagreement the other day and he does not want to let it go. He said that I am poison to him and that because of me being in his life, he is now a negative person who hates himself. He said he is scared of me and that I make him anxious. He said that I am mean. Next week he is going to see a therapist because I have apparently caused him more damage than anyone ever has. Why would he have kept me as a friend f…

I've been reading some old post on those of you that have Mirena for heavy bleeding. I'm wondering if there is anyone that it didn't help with this problem? Has anyone had weight gain since getting put in? Have you noticed a change in how fast your losing weight since you had it put in? And, this may be awkward...but how do you check the"threads"? I've looked on the Mirena website and can't find that...it says your healthcare provider will show you how? Do you check the threads monthly? One of the older post someone states that her partner didn't like nuva ring because he could feel it? Has anyone had there partner tell them they can feel it? I've had my tubes tied …

I just made a comment on someones post....and it got me thinking..... how many people out there in a relationship think about other men or women (in my case I think of both) .....what Im trying to say is ....why am I thinking of other men.... all the time.... I love my husband...he is a great person and would never cheat on me..... with the weight loss I think of other people wayyyy more often now... its like I can't control myself...I cant think ,,,breath,,, I hope this wont lead to cheating??? anyone else out there think of other people......have you cheated because of it???

First off, I took a vacation day and got weighed and only have 2 lbs to lose to be under 200 ! :thumbup1: Then I had a mani/pedi, got a massage and had my pre-scheduled hair appointment. While shopping for a pair of jeans I got a phone call and the job in San Francisco that I applied for is interested and wants to to do a phone interview :smile1: (I live in DE). Then I had to keep getting smaller jeans to try on and I am no longer in plus size jeans but in a regular size 16 skinny jeans :thumbup: woo hoo! I am trying to relocate to SF because my daughter is pregnant and I want to be closer to her and my granddaughter. :biggrin0:

ok....so my confidence has gone over the top... then I look in the mirror and see the loose skin... doesnt bring me down....just reminds me that Im not done loosing yet! hmm went skinny dippin with hubby and another couple...woooot! fun! (went skinny dippin a few times...but years ago) a little sex talk~~~~ well,, Im happy to say that this Girl is back on top baby!!! on top of the world... and on top of my husband!! a little more sex talk~~~~ now that I lost this much weight...and my hubby lost 20 lbs (he was never overweight) .. well,, he is too big.. wayyyy to big .. I know ..I know.... some women out there are like... damn girl don't complain...but,, wel…

How in the world do you stay regular after being banded? I used to use Phillips Capsules- I can't stand the liquid but that's not an option now. Any recs for me?

I had my sleeve a little over 5 months ago, and my hair is falling out horribly!!!! Does anyone know about how long this will last? IT'S REALLY BAD I've been eating more protein and taking Zinc and Biotin. Any other tips about what else I can do? But more importantly, how LONG WILL THIS LAST?? :crying:

I have a very caring, loving boyfriend. He says that he is attracted to me and I believe him, but he has issues with my skin at the moment when we try and become intimate. I am very sad about this and it's causing me a lot of emotional stress. He is also having issues due to the fact he feels this way and he doesn't want to. Damn some men with their visual needs lol.. I am still a long way out from having any PS so I only see this getting worse before better. Has anyone experienced this or have any suggestions of how we can try and work through this period of time? Thanks :Dancing_biggrin:

I don't work out on the weekends because I get to see my fiance on those days. Instead I have crazy monkey sex to help burn the calories. They say you burn 130 calories for every 30 minutes. So we just have multiple sessions each day for an hour at a time. He has great stamina and loves that I'm taking the initiative. I really hope I'm not the only one who does this...

soooo...random question that just came up, i'm not on birth control because they didnt want me to be on it for 2 months before surgery. i'm having my lap band surgery this tues 7/13 so in 2 days!!! Of course at this wonderful time, my monthly friend came, any one have any thoughts or had this happen to them? can they still do the surgery? i've looked it up online, and i got mixed answers some saying yes, some saying no they might have to bump back my surgery date. i've been waiting for this surgery for like 2 months now..i can't bump it back..so im a little concerned.

:w00t: Oh my gosh, I go this Monday to find out when my surgery is and I am a total bundle of nerves. I am SO nervous that I have been sick for a few days!!! Please, any words of wisdom are appreciated. My stomach feels like it is inside out. Ironic right? Trying not to be a sissy but nervous out of my mind :rolleyes2: Liz

I am 4 weeks post op and I'm having my first period since the surgery. This period is heavier than any I've ever had before. I'm bleeding through a heavy duty tampon and a XL maxi pad about every 2-3 hours. Also, I am having very watery diarrhea about every hour. I can't drink water or fluids because it's making me nauseated. I'm feeling very weak and very moody. I feel like I've been beat up by Mike Tyson, I'm so achy all over. Sorry for the TMI, but I have no one else to share this with.

I've always had trouble buying jeans. I would refuse to buy them because if you buy a plus size the legs in the thigh and legs were always so big, which make you look even bigger! JCPenney has these jeans called A.N.A. low-rise skinny leg jeans and they also carry crop pants. These are great! I haven't worn skin tight jeans for years. The jeans are stretchable so they are very comfortable! They have several different ones but the low-rise skinny leg are the best. Don't pay full price they are always on sale. I found that there wasn't much difference in the sizes, so you may want to try one size smaller just to make sure :cursing: Oct., 2008 LAP-BAND® S…

so just the other day i posted the thread "glimpse at my future body". all those feelings still stand. but i am also freakin out majorly about how icky i look right now. how icky i perceive myself to look now? maybe thats a better way to put it? i am thrilled with my weightloss. i knew from get go i would need a tummy tuck and some boobie work. i KNEW that. but omg, my stomach is so nasty right now. it is bothering me so bad. i cant stand to be naked. if i catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror after a shower it makes me sick. i stand there for a good 10 minutes pushing and pulling on stuff just hating it. when my husband and i are intimate, i have to keep …

I was working my university's booth at the State Fair. The booth faced the entrance so it was great for people watching. As I casually watched people/families come in, I noticed a couple of interesting things. First, most people were overweight/obese. Maybe 20% weren't. And of those who were overweight, about half looked like they had BMIs of over 40. I had the Fair brochure that listed all the food booths available, and out of about 50 choices, only two were reasonably healthy (kebabs and fajitas). The rest were full of sugar/fat and/or fried. I thought--"look how ingrained unhealthy food choices are in our culture--people couldn't make a healthy choice here even if th…

Hey Guys, Ive always had this problem so its not weight related but since im starting to loose weight I want to fix up skin problems that I have to make my slimming face, prettier. My fiance has a huge problem with make up. He HATES the smell of it. If i have hugged someone who cakes on the make up and then go near him (even hours later) he can smell it on me. He has a very sensitive nose.... Bastard. So I need a fix for my skin problems that is natural and will keep my skin in the best condition it can be. I currently cleanse, tone moisturise and exfoliate. But thats about it..... I have dark circles around the bottom of my eyes which are my main piss off right n…

bladder suspension. Here's the story. I have stress incontinence and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. In May I had uterine ablation but it really hasn't helped so my next step is to have my uterus removed. My Ob/Gyn would like to do it a few weeks after my Lap Band surgery. I also have stress incontinence. He said I can either get that fixed while he's in there or wait. He said if I lose the excess weight it may go away on it's own. So here's my question. Right now I'm at my out of pocket max for the year so my medical coverage is at 100% until December 31st. Would you go ahead with the bladder suspension or wait it out and see if the weight loss would help it? I …

Ok where to start... I know this post will probably open me up for all types of responses. But I think brutal hoonesty is what I need.I have read other post that talk about low self esteem, thinking we don't look good etc. I am not sure if that is my problem or not. First let me start by explaning why I think I am stuck on stupid. I have been married for 15yrs to a wonderful man. Of course he has his flaws but he is great and supportive and loves me to death. He is better than any man I could have hoped to some day marry. All that said...there is a guy from my past who has come back into my life. This guy had a strange affect on me when I was younger (20Yrs ago) and st…

Hi everyone I'm 21 and am getting banded August 13 Today I was prescribed Yasmin pills to regulate my heavy and painful periods. The doc assured me that this brand would not cause weight gain So my only concern is whether i will be able to continue taking them once i get the band I am taking them purely because my periods are horrible and has caused my Iron to be really really low Has anyone else taken them for this reason?

okay... well... if you've been on the board for a while you probably know that every so often, even though my weight loss has been pretty good, I freak out and say I'm not loosing. Well. I'm freaking out again... but with a little pondering of the subject I have realized that my freak out posts probably belong here.... since they appear to be closleky tied to my cycle. 3 days before I start I feel fatter than ever and start to believe that I am a medical marvel and the sleeve will not work for me. So this time I'm onto the pattern. I've never been a 28 days kinda girl... It hits me whenever mother nature pleases... so I just wait. I've been feeling fat and unsu…

One of my SV "rewards" is a tattoo I have been wanting for a long time. I was going to wait until goal however I'm thinking about doing it at 100# lost. For those of you with tats, how has your skin held up? My arms are in need of PS work but I'm wanting to put it on my foot...would I be okay to do it now or should I hold out another 60# or so? Thanks for your input! ETA: I have searched posts about tattoos but can't find anything about "feet" LOL!

So I spent like 13K on my lap band surgery and have been struggling to drop my pathetic 8lbs this last month. No alcohol, no bread, no Pasta, no soda, only sugar free sweets, no fun. And walking my tail off on the treadmill. My husband cut back to diet Jack and Coke and stopped eating quite as many Cookies in the evening and has already dropped like 15lbs in 2 weeks. Yes, this is why we hate men.

Hi There LapBanders! So in order to get myself back in check, and help a few of my fellow Chat Bandie Buddies out. I'm starting "Mini Challenges" every week. Each new Mini Challenge will be posted at some point on Sunday Night. Feel Free to join in!! Post your Mini Challenge start weight and your Mini Challenge Goal Weight in your post and leave words of encouragement for others and yourself! (See My Example below) Make sure you come in and post when You've gotten in your 30 minutes of Cardio too!! My biggest problem personally has been accountability and motivation. I thought this may help myself as well as others!! SO...this first Mini Challenge is going …

I'm trying to decide on what vibrator to use. I want one that is small and has a really strong vibration to it. Do you gals have any good suggestions? I used to use a plug-in back massager which worked GREAT but it was just too heavy and loud and hubby couldn't lay on top of me while I was using it. My friend told me that you can put the bullet inside of yourself so your husband can get stimulation during intercourse....that sounds so cool! She also said it had a strong vibration to it but I need a really, really strong vibrator to get me off. Thanks gals!!!

Hi Ladies - Just read the labia question .. wow that took guts! So I don't feel as bad since it looks like no holds barred in the ladies room .. Was wondering if you had any issues w/ urinary icontinence prior to your lap band? I am not just talking a little dribble with a cough .. I'm talking complete loss of urine lifting milk into the trunk at the grocery store parking lot.. awake 4 times a nite to pee.. I was being worked up for a bladder sling and we are at the point of all the testing is done and it's really just a matter of setting a date. The urologist had felt wt. loss would not be a huge help given my test results.. now I see my lap band surgeon for the 1…

I had my period when I was banded on 2/3 and tom stayed on in full force for 31 days. I made a gyno appointment but with the snowstorm in northeast last week, they couldn't get me into the office until today. Period has stopped but he still did an exam - the this is the tmi part - it hurt very badly when he pushed on my stomach to feel my uterus. I've never had any pain with a pelvic exam before so this caught me by surprise. I suspect he pushed down on my port, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience post band?

Okay ladies, I'm far from my target weight; however, with my weight loss, my thighs aren't rubbing together as they once did. As a result, I swear I now feel that my privates are more prominant. I can actually feel my privates while I'm walking. Nope, never felt this before the weight loss and it's kind of weird to say the least. Please tell me I'm not the only one out there experiencing this.

Bit of a strange question here but I am wondering what is the correct ettiquette for disposing of used sanitary protection when at someone elses house. When I was growing up it used to be easy as in those days you just used to flush. Now we are not supposed to flush items as they pollute our waterways. At home its easy you put the stuff in your own bin, at the shops its easy they have special units but what do you do at someone elses house? I don't feel comfortable putting something into their bathroom bin and its embarassing to have to ask them where they would like the items disposed of so what do you do?:thumbup:

I have a question regarding the courage to get naked after massive weight loss. It's difficult now but, everything is at least .... full? I assume it is different for marrieds out there, you are already in a relationship but for singles, how do you find the courage to get naked with someone when your breasts are flattened tube socks, when your stomach flap just hangs there, and your thighs are shrivelled? Of everything out there, this is what causes me most anxiety. I'm afraid that a man I meet, who thinks I look good in my clothes will think it is false advertising once we get undressed. I know I know, if a man wants to sleep with you it won't matter but, still. =(

So, last night I had sex for the first time since my surgery. I had a bit of an issue. I was very, very dry down there. I've never had that problem before. I am getting in all of my fluids... but I was wondering if anyone else had that issue? If so, did it get better or did you have to use lubricant?

This probably doesn't belong on this site, but I'm feeling like crying and thought I would just write what I'm thinking which I think has been giving be head hunger all day. I'm 51 had a very short lived and disastorous marriage about 4 years ago...I know my weight has kept me from opportunities to explore relationships with men I've really been attracted to who I know have liked me on every level but haven't been attracted to me physically. I'm not angry at them...I have my preferences too and I understand attraction is an important component. So about 2 months ago I met someone (from a personal ad) who I had a couple of really amazing dates....we communicated almost…

Good lord - almost 40 and I think I have a crush - oh strike that - I HAVE a crush. Some I have this great friend - let me tell ytou he is awesome. We went to grad school together and when I first walked in that class with him sitting in the back row I knew then how special a person he is - 7 years later I'm crushing still. In 2007 we took a trip well two actually one was a long weekend to my home town for a special festival/event. Then we took off for a month and travelled around the southern hemisphere. I came so close to telling him then on the last week but couldn't muster the words. Now we are talking about taking another month long trip. I should mention…

It's been a while since I popped in here, but I'm hoping to find some good experience stories. I am just under 3 years post-op and planning on reduction surgery in June. I haven't found any good sites like this to share worries/concerns and general experience. I wasn't expecting to lose enough in my breasts to be happy; it's not in the genetics cards for me and I lost in the band rather than cup size. I'm expecting to drop from a 36 DDD/E to a 36 C. I'm excited and hopeful to not have horrible back/neck pain, shoulder grooves, etc... but it would be nice to hear from anyone who's been through it. It doesn't matter to me if you're post or pre-op for the band. Thanks …

Today my naughty doggie Lucy died. She was my friend. She was mean to other dogs and would try to bite them on the bum. She loved to try and run away and go on doggie adventures, and she would poop where she shouldn't. But, she also was there every day when I came home good day or bad to crawl under the covers in my bed and lick my feet (gross, I know.) And most importantly my dog was a friend to my foster daughter Maryah. Maryah felt confident because she took responsiblity for Lucy, and they loved each other. Maryah carried Lucy around on her shoulders like a pirate and its parrot. So, like Maryah said,"we will be sad, and we will cry." And, I will also be grateful that…

Yesterday I had my yearly mamogram. I'm waiting in the "Sunflower" waiting room after I disrobed, washed away my deoderant and donned one of those ugly blue robes. In walks a 6' tall, skinny, Amazon goddess and says, "hi I'm Chris and I'll be doing your test today". I smiled swallowed hard and followed her into the exam room. She reviewed all my pertenent information and then asked me..."are you still about 220 lbs?" I was going to update her on the 7 lbs I had gained since last year, but didn't. So after she lifts my boobie onto the machine and massages it into the exact spot she wants it, I have to grab this bar, lean this way, lift this elbow, pull my shoulder …

I spent time with a teacher I knew from years past the other day. She had lost so much weight I asked her to share her secret. I was positive she was going to say gastric bypass surgery. NOT! She gives herself injections of a hormone called HCG. She has to order it overseas. She says that she is on it for so 6 weeks and off of it for 3. She said she follows a 500 calorie diet when she's on it and is never hungry. She told me she got it at the Betabolic Weight Loss Clinic here in town and paid a fortune, but now she orders it herself. Anyone ever heard of it? She says it's derrived from the urine of pregnant mares. She has lost 85 pounds and can wear some size 6 jeans…