Totallytater

The only trouble I've consistently had since surgery is problems going to the bathroom. I don't eat that much anymore so my bowels just don't seem stimulated enough to work well. I go to the bathroom every couple of days but don't produce much. Then every several months, I get severely impacted. It's so bad that I am homebound for a couple of days. The first day, I writhe in pain and pray for death (just kidding). Then I take laxatives and crap my brains out for a whole day and a half or two days. It seems incredible that a human can crap so much. Does anyone have this problem and has anyone found a way to avoid it?

It's probably less about you, and more about the situation he's in. Lifting weights and body building are probably just hobbies the folks enjoy while they are deployed. It gives them something to do, and goals for them to reach while they're over there.

It's hard to say what the right answer is. I started at a BMI of 49 so my choice was clear. You have to know that if you remain restricted, you will never get to enjoy food in the normal way again. I can only eat such tiny amounts. Bread and fries (my favorite foods in the past) are off limits completely. I cannot eat them AT ALL because they get stuck. You have to leave behind your love of food, because your ability to fully enjoy it will be over. The question is. . . are you willing to give it your enjoyment of food and eating forever to lose a relatively small amount of weight. That is what you need to consider.

Hi. I flew from Charlotte to Denver for my surgery since I was self pay. I am almost at my goal. I have 24 pounds to go. Good luck to you.

I have this same problem occasionally. I switch to only protein shakes for a couple of days (no real food) and it calms down on its own.

Marie, Do what I did. Fly from Charlotte to Denver. Enjoy a few days of vacation (Denver area is terrific). Then go see Dr. Kirshenbaum for a band at just under $10,000. Fly back to Charlotte, then lose your weight. You can get fills from Dr. Ahigian in Denver (NC) at Fills Centers USA. Dr. Ahigian is a great fill doctor. I also think there is a new New Hope Bariatrics in Charlotte that does it pretty reasonably for cash. Good luck.

Why not just go to Denver and see Dr. Kirshenbaum? Only $9950 and the safety of the USA.

You have a mixed up family, but luckily you made the right choice to go with The Heels!! That was a sweet game wasn't it? I found myself saying bizarre things like, "Darn, we are only up 19 points. I want to keep it over 20". It felt too close when we were under 20. What a blowout!

You are not restricted. I have restriction and I could not possibly eat a sandwich. I wouldn't even try it. I might be able to eat the meat off of the sandwich if it is not too much. I can't eat fries at all. If you can eat anything that resembles a whole meal (i.e. sandwich and fries) you are not restricted.

I am absolutely stuffed with 1/4 cup, but I am at my sweet spot after several fills. You won't be happy with 1/4 cup after 1 fill. It will take you several more fills to get there.

I haven't heard of anyone getting surgery in Hickory, but many in Charlotte or Concord.

Liquid diets (like Optifast) are quite common. Tons of people use Slim Fast too. I don't think many people will question it. It's a popular diet now.

Has nothing to do with the band, but I have to give my alma mater some love. GO HEELS!!!!

It's perfectly okay to hide your surgery. Boy, I sure have. I hid mine as a vacation. While I was gone on vacation I had the surgery. No one needs to know my business or yours. I am not at my goad yet but I look terrific compared to how I used to look. I eat very small amounts when I go out with my friends and they think that is why I lost the 100 pounds. They need not know the rest. Good luck to you.

MaryBN, are you going to see Dr. Ahigian? He is great! He gives a good fill. Good luck to you