Hey everyone! I had my sleeve on 11/11/2014. I started my journey in August at 390.2 lbs. and as of this morning (4 days after surgery) I'm at 318! I'm very excited! But I have a few questions that hopefully you guys can help me with:

1) Every bowel movement I've had since surgery has been tarry black with a stench. I've looked over the forums and find that the first one is usually like this, has anyone else experienced it for as long as I have?

2) I just started Phase 2 today. I took in 581 calories and 76g of Protein. My wife suggested tomorrow I just drink an Isopure (160 cal and 40g of protein) and just drink Water for the rest of the day. I'm not opposed to that, but should I be taking in more than just 160 calories a day?

3) I do the spirometer twice a day and walked a mile today in 29:31. I'm about to start walking more each day. I have some gas in my stomach and up in my shoulder that doesn't necissarily hurt, but sure is annoying. How long did it take for you to have all the CO2 out of your system?

4) Any tips? Any advice you can give me would not fall on deaf ears. My wife will read this, too. She has been such an amazing help to me on this journey.

Thank you for your help. I'm looking forward to being active on this forum and helping people as I progress toward my goals.

I did't have a bowel movement for three days after my procedure. My stools were black for almost a week.

I was sleeved on a Thursday and didn't move my bowels until Monday morning. It was small but normal in color. I've never heard about the black stools before. It may be nothing but if it persist for more than a week, I would call the doctor's office. Are you on any pain meds still, or just regular supplements?

I had the black tat poop for almost a week! Yes, you should be eAting more than 160 calories a day! You will start a weight stall if you eat that little. If I stop losing, I always up my calories a bit and stArt losing again. Welcome to the losers bench by the way!

Tar

The black poop is likely old blood inside your stomach from the surgery. Blood got in your "new" stomach area during the surgery and is now making its way through your digestive tract. My doctor told me I would throw up black blood about 12 hours after surgery and I did. Lots of it. Thick and nasty. I got it all out and I felt SO much better.