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OMG--I can't friggin' breathe! Gasp! This thread is too funny! I remember reading the post about the alcohol. I didn't get it then and I still don't get it now! Yikes! I've been passing some of the posts by as well. I get a sharp pain in the center of my head sometimes after I read them. I'm pretty sure the sharp pain isn't caused by my band...do you think I need to see my doctor? LOL

It's because caffeine dehydrates you (as does alcohol of course) and with a limited intake of fluids and foods, you need to use everything you're taking in hydration wise.

Just be careful of the sugar alcohols those can give you the runs as well. I by a carb smart ice cream bar it has two grams sugar and 6 grams sugar alcohols that is on the lower side that I have found and they satisfy the sweet tooth. Even though I can't even eat half lol. surgery date 08-01-12

10 ADD/ADHD Myths By Karin A. Bilich Separate the fact from the fiction! Many parents are confused about exactly what Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) really are. The first thing you should know is that the two conditions, while slightly different, are now both being referred to in the medical community as ADHD. Here are 10 common myths -- and the scientific facts to dispel them -- that surround this disorder. Myth #1: Only kids who are hyper have ADHD. While hyperactivity is the most common symptom of ADHD, it is possible for a child to be suffering from the disorder without being hyperactive. ADHD actually has three subtypes: A predominantly inattentive subtype: Signs include becoming easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds; failing to pay attention to details and making careless mistakes; rarely following instructions carefully and completely; losing or forgetting things like toys, pencils, books, and tools needed for a task. A predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype: Signs include feeling restless, fidgeting and squirming; running, climbing, leaving a seat in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected; blurting out answers before hearing the entire question; and having difficulty waiting in line or for a turn. A combined subtype: Which is the most common of the three. Children who fit into only the first subtype may be suffering from ADHD without showing signs of hyperactivity. Myth #2: Children can outgrow ADHD. If left untreated, ADHD continues into adulthood. However, by developing their strengths, structuring their environments, and using medication when needed, children with ADHD can grow up to be adults leading very productive lives. In some careers, having a high-energy behavior pattern can be an asset. Myth #3: Children on ADHD medications are more likely to take drugs as teenagers. While it's true that people with ADHD are naturally impulsive and more likely to take risks, those patients taking stimulants for this disorder are actually at lower risk of using other drugs. Children and teenagers who have ADHD and also have coexisting conditions may be at high risk for drug and alcohol abuse, regardless of the medication used. Myth #4: Ritalin "cures" ADHD. Ritalin, a psychostimulant medication, is one of the most common forms of treatment for ADHD. It's been shown to help children focus and be less hyperactive. But in order to be most effective, it must be part of a larger treatment plan that may include academic help for the child and behavior-modification treatment. Myth #5: Kids with ADHD are just poorly disciplined. ADHD is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior. While researchers have been unable to find the exact cause of ADHD, they have discovered a distinct change in brain size and activity in children with ADHD. Because these children have difficulty controlling their behavior, they may be labeled "bad kids." This is far from the truth. Myth #6: Children on Ritalin will never grow to full size. Ritalin may have an effect on some children's growth. But recent studies have revealed that any effect on height is only temporary. Even children who are still taking the medicine throughout adolescence ultimately do achieve their normal height. Myth #7: ADHD can be treated through herbs and vitamins. You may have heard media reports or seen advertisements for "miracle cures" for ADHD. However, the following methods have not been proven to work in scientific studies: Optometric vision training (asserts that faulty eye movement and sensitivities cause the behavior problems) Megavitamins and mineral supplements Anti-motion-sickness medication (to treat the inner ear) Treatment for candida yeast infection EEG biofeedback (training to increase brain-wave activity) Applied kinesiology (realigning bones in the skull) Myth #8: ADHD is a result of a child eating too much sugar. Research doesn't support the theory that sugar can cause ADHD. In fact, it's highly unlikely that sugar intake can affect the size of parts of a child's brain, as is seen in patients with ADHD. Myth #9: ADHD isn't associated with any other conditions. The majority of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD have at least one coexisting condition. The most common conditions are: Conduct disorder: Up to 35 percent of children with ADHD also have oppositional conduct disorder. Children with this condition tend to lose their temper easily and are defiant and hostile toward authority figures. Studies show that this type of coexisting condition is most common among children with the primarily hyperactive/impulsive and combination types of ADHD. Mood disorders: About 18 percent of children with ADHD also have mood disorders, more frequently among children with inattentive and combined types of ADHD. Children with mood disorders or depression often require a different type of medication than those normally used. Anxiety disorders: These affect about 25 percent of children with ADHD. Children with anxiety disorders have difficulty functioning because of extreme feelings of fear, worry, or panic, and may frequently suffer from a racing pulse, sweating, diarrhea, and nausea. Counseling and/or medication may be needed to treat these coexisting conditions. Learning disabilities: Learning disabilities make it difficult for a child to master specific skills, such as reading or math. ADHD is not a learning disability in itself, but it's a common adjunct to learning disabilities. These two conditions together can make it very difficult for a child to do well in school. Myth #10: Kids with ADHD won't amount to anything. Many famous artists, scientists, and politicians had ADHD as children. Here's a list of some well-known celebrities with ADHD: Ansel Adams Charlotte/Emily Bronte Salvador Dali Emily Dickinson Ralph Waldo Emerson Benjamin Franklin Robert Frost Zsa Zsa Gabor Bill Gates John F. Kennedy Abraham Lincoln Mozart Jack Nicholson Eugene O'Neill Elvis Presley Joan Rivers Anne Sexton George Bernard Shaw Sylvester Stallone Vincent Van Gogh Robin Williams Tennessee Williams Virginia Woolf Wright Brothers Frank Lloyd Wright Sources: American Medical Association; American Academy of Pediatrics; Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute

I am a food addict. There are soooo many emotions that go along with realizing it, fighting it, and relapsing. I saw a show where the guy compared being a food addict to being an alcoholic who has to have a drink 4 to 6 times a day but not too much. I was able to quit drugs and cigs because I completely stopped having them. You just can't quit eating. It's a constant struggle. I have not found a psych in my area that specializes in food addiction but I am still looking. Good luck. Feel free to PM me if you need support.

Hello everyone, So I haven't had my surgery yet. Still seeing the nutritionist and getting all the pre-op work finished. Haven't set a date yet but they said 6 months after my consultation so around end of October early November. That being said I'm going to Los Angeles with my mom on May 1 and I'm scared I won't be able to enjoy everything I have planned so I'm hoping to get some incite from others who are 5/6 months post-op and/or have tried the questions I'm going to ask below. Questions: Please be respectful and honest if responding (: I'm very new to this and these are just some wondering questions I had floating around 1. So yes, we all get the point of the surgery is to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle BUT that doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves sometimes. My favorite food chain is in LA, In-N-Out Burger. Will I be able to eat a cheeseburger and small fry with like a milkshake? Clearly I won't be opting for this on the daily but we all still need to indulge in our favorites once in a while and I'm not sure how much of it I'll be able to eat I'm assuming maybe like 1/3 or maybe 1/2 of the entire meal. But does anyone have experience with eating cheeseburgers, fries and a milkshake on like a vacation or for just a little "cheat meal"? (Again, I get the point is to NOT eat these types of food but sometimes you have urges especially on vacations). 2. I absolutely LOVE sparkling water like La Croix and San Pellegrino, does anyone drink sparkling water on occasion? 3. Cocktails and Wine, I'm not sure about you but being 24 I like to have myself an occasional couple of social beverages, how was your experience with alcohol both mixed drinks (hard liquor) and wine? (Don't worry about beer I don't like it). 4. Not to generalize but I think a lot of people have a sweet tooth, I love the occasional scone, croissant, cookie, French macaron, etc. how has your experience with these types of baked pastries been? 5. Coffee. I'm ADDICTED to coffee and espresso beverages; lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, matcha lattes. How have these affected you and do you sweeten them at all or keep it plain? Can you sweeten them with like flavored syrups like a pump of lavender simple syrup or matcha powder? 6. Now I know the clear answer and feedback I'm going to get on this question but for those who aren't going to just simply says "QUIT!!!" then I'd appreciate an answer, don't answer this is you're going to lecture me on how bad this is in general regardless of VSG, I know it's bad, I'm not stupid but it's an addictive habit I'm trying to quit. Smoking. How have cigarettes or e-cigs like Juul's affected you? Does it bother your stomach or can you smoke without issue? If so how many cigarettes or Juul pods do you go through a day? 7. This is hopefully not going to be a struggle but when I eat I like to sip on water or unsweetened iced tea, coffee, etc. I know in the beginning you're supposed to drink like 30 minutes BEFORE consuming food. How soon after can you drink something? Also will there be a time when eventually I can have a beverage while eating a snack or meal? Or will I forever not be able to consume liquids and solids at the same time? Thank you guys so much for the support and I appreciate all of the insightful comments to come! Best of luck on your journey. xo, CashmereAndBones

I just found out from my surgeon why I was suppossed to wait til 3 months post-op... If there is a raw edge from the staple line, putting the alcohol on it can ulcerate it. Yikes, I'm resigned to wait for 4 more weeks now.

Alcohol is empty calories, but I do imbibe weekly. Red wine doesn't taste that great to me any more though :-(. Merlot Used to be my favorite. Now Pinot grigio goes down well. I just include it in my daily calorie carb count to make sure I don't go overboard. Also wine and different alcohols can be dehydrators so drink lots of water. I drink one extra glass of water per glass of wine. A few weeks ago, I had a margarita made with almond tequila. Oh my gosh it was good, but then I looked up the calories and about had a heart attack -- something like 600 calories! Not doing that again for a very long time if ever.

I am in the same boat. Three days until surgery. My surgeon’s record is almost perfect. Only one leak in many year doing about 500 per year, never killed anyone. The pre-op liquid diet has made me drop many pounds fast, which makes me think I could do this on my own, but then reality sets in and I know I will over eat. Its just a matter of time. Then I start thinking about all the life style changes I will be committing too. How will I spend my now idle time when food isn’t part of the equation? How do I deal with social interactions without food and beverage? No more alcohol. Ouch On the bright side getting my health back will be great. Everyone in my support group says you get more energy and feel much better fast. As you said a few weeks of struggle and everything should be better. I have to say everyone I have met that has had this surgery has enjoyed the benefits. Each one seems to have their own set of struggles, but they are content with their decision. It comes down to taking a leap of faith. If I make it though the surgery centers doors on Wednesday I will be asking for some pre-op drugs so that I dont turn and run. This is tough and I am scared. .

Well I made it! My surgery was at 4pm so I didn’t make it to my room until late. That first night was tough. I woke up from the surgery in a lot of pain but the nurse wasn’t giving me a lot of pain meds because I was breathing slowly. Luckily I was able to have my mom there because she works at the hospital. Yesterday was better. VERY sore at the incision sites, hard to tell if it’s the incisions or my insides that were hurting but the pain meds help wonders. Don’t hesitate to use the pain meds. Luckily I didn’t have much gas pain, I think they did a good job at removing the majority of it. I was still very sleepy from all the meds so I only walked 3-4 times during my stay in the hospital. They wanted to discharge me last night but I ended up staying last night and got discharged this morning. Only a little nauseous when I took the liquid Tylenol but they gave me Zoltan and oddly enough waving an alcohol swab in front of my nose helped wonders. I’m home now still in some pain but it’s most just tightness in my abdomen, still using the pain meds. I was a mess crying all the way up until I when to sleep but I survived and so will you! I’m having no trouble with water or protein shakes so that’s good

What you're feeling is completely normal at your phase. Please believe me, it gets better as your progress to eating more normal food. Try not to isolate yourself! It's super hard at first to see everyone enjoying food and alcohol around you, but as you progress to different foods, it will get easier. I think most of us felt the way you do at first, but it gets better! Hang in there! Why do you feel you're disappointing your husband?

You know what has happened to me... over time. I care less and less about my food addiction and more and more about the rest of my life. That doesn't happen overnight and I am FAR from perfect. I am a person who definately has "treats". I probably have one or two alcoholic drinks a week for example. I go out with friends and we sometimes like happy hours etc. I didn't do that during the loss phase, but now that i am in maintenance - it is something I really enjoy - it is a social event and in my world, "normal" behavior. I however KNOW that ice cream is a demon with a red dress on. That stuff is like poison to me... I eat it and can't seem to stop at a reasonable quantity... and then i feel physically sick. So, I don't want to tell people... go ahead and have that martini - because I don't know YOUR world and if you can control it appropriately. I do what works for me and one of the reasons I do 5:2 is so that during my non fast days I don't have to be quite so careful. I don't go crazy, but I feel normal ... and comfortable. I do really believe that people who want to get to goal should take seriously being pretty hard core in those early months... first year or so. My opinion... to each his own though.

Some of us have very serious and dangerous food addictions. Would you tell a recovering alcoholic it's ok to have an occasional drink and not to beat themselves up over it? Because that's what it's like for me. All it takes is just one slip up and it's like I fell off the wagon. I'm so happy for you that you don't have these issues, sincerely, but please don't judge those of us that do. For some of us that little slip of really can seem like the end of the world. Just saying. .. lol

What's so hard about this addiction is that we aren't physically able to abstain. Alcoholics can avoid bars/alcohol, drug addicts can completely avoid drugs, smokers can completely cut out cigarettes.. But food addicts can't cut out food unless we are tube fed the rest of our lives. We just have to realize WHAT the issue was before surgery, and try to resolve it. Perfect example is that while you (gamer girl) have a sugar addiction and must avoid all sweets, I've never had a sweet tooth and could take it or leave it. Me on the other had, am a carb addict. I love me some Pasta or bread or mashed potatoes. Plus, my portions were outrageous. As far as the portions go, I weigh my food so I could "empty my plate" without going over. I've slowly been learning that I don't have to empty my plate, and it's ok to leave food over. It comes from my mom and I being poor when I was little, and always being taught to eat everything on my plate. As far as the carbs go, I avoid them, just like you avoid sugar. They are a trigger, and once I have one, I want them all. I'm sorry for rambling! But I think a lot of people "enable" and act supportive is because the second someone uses "tough love", they are pounced on and called "heartless" or an "internet bully", so some refrain from being blunt all together.

Just as one element of dealing with Alcoholism is avoiding triggering situations, the same can apply to at least some eating disorders, that you should avoid triggering situations. If you are triggered by this sites food talk you can get the same information from other places without the triggering food discussions. I stopped going to my Surgeon's support group because the talk was about how to cheat, or at least that's what I got out of it. So I stopped going. There is no law that says we have to allow ourselves to be triggered. Even if others think it's nonsense. Perhaps especially. Take care of you, do what you need to do. Good luck, Tek

I am very much in the way of a libertarian when it comes to the issues of sexual practices between consenting adults and this includes prostitution, the use of soft drugs, and the use of tobacco and alcohol. Nevertheless, I am all for certain curbs. In France it is illegal for prostitutes to solicit near schools or hospitals. This seems like a good idea to me. The current legislation which bans indoor smoking in public places also makes sense. While I am a libertarian when it comes to the use of alcohol, I do believe that the penalty when caught driving under the influence should be severe, and the penalty for killing someone while driving under the influence should be very severe. It should be noted that using a cell phone while driving is also an unsafe practice, some say that this is almost as risky as driving under the influence. Nevertheless, I do not believe that suffering a whiff of second hand tobacco or marijuana smoke while you are on the street and not in an enclosed space is anymore lethal than sucking in a load of vehicle fumes. While you may disapprove of the practice of smoking this really is an ill-advised witch hunt. Open air smoking fumes do not equal car exhaust. I live in Toronto, which is a large city in southern Ontario. As soon as the mercury begins to rise during the summer months we find ourselves subjected to a number of days when there are smog advisories. These are warnings that the air in southern Ontario and northern New York state just isn't moving and that it is so polluted that we should avoid outdoor activities. Now, this toxic air is blamed upon excessive vehicle use and on industry; no one has blamed the cigarette and ganja smokers as of this time of writing. Each summer we citizens are asked to car pool/use public transit and to avoid turning on our air conditioners as much as possible. We have never yet been asked to butt out. Smokers in Ontario have long been accustomed to being forbidden to smoke indoors in public places. As for ganja, this has never, ever been legal in Ontario. It is certain that the above poster is not clear on her facts. Canada's previous government was considering decriminalizing the simple possession of pot. This change would have meant that the guy caught with a joint or two would never end up clogging up our legal system; dealers would still be on the hook. This is, as you can see, entirely different from legalising the drug. I will also mention that Ontario is only one of ten Canadian provinces and as such simply cannot set its own policies on the legalisation of those drugs which are deemed to be illegal by the federal government of Canada. I will mention that I do, however, have friends who smoke even though I don't. I sure don't have anything against pot, it is just that this is a drug which reacts very badly with my own brain chemistry. I don't enjoy the drug. This is why I don't use it. I have never become stoned from smelling pot fumes. I will also confess that I found the above posts very irritating because the writer showed no grasp of the facts concerning either Ontario or Canada's stand on soft drug use.

Wow, that must have been discouraging! I find it hard to believe that one evening of excess=5 pounds, but it must be true. Likely a combination weight gain and water retention (due to salt, alcohol?, high carbs, etc). Just get back on the program and all will be okay. Learn from this and add it to the list of things to avoid in the future. Part of this journey is figuring out how you gained so much weight in the past (and you just got a clue on the weekend). Good luck and carry on.

thanks my biggest success from the surgery was that it CURED my GERD as a side effect. For the first time in 30 years, I do not have GERD E.V.E.R. (It helps too that I am not eating things like marinara sauce). So guess what......? I can drink ORANGE JUICE - however, due to the sugar and my <still> fear of GERD, I only drink 50/50 and I replcae 1/4 of bottle with water - so it really is watered down. But I never thought I would be able to drink OJ ever again. I dont drink soda AT ALL or alcohol, so 98% of my fluid is water. Thanks for the response & kind words!

Only carbonated water is good work is alcohol lol. I'm wasn't a big sofa drinker before surgery. Maybe once a week if at all but I really miss my southern sweet tea!!!!

I got a sale flyer today for Memorial day, so put in alcohol orders now. I know sour mix, tequila, triple sec. Does anyone want vodka, gin, bourbon, scotch or some other mixer? Actually I don't know if the mixer are on sale, but I am the sale shopper and the booze is!!

Absolutely not. Have at it. As long as you're not getting smashed out of your mind (because alcohol dehydrates and can take a while to work out of your system) and its just a feed of mexican food (hopefully the balanced good stuff), it will not throw your pre-op diet off. I was reliably informed by my bariatric nurse, the pre-op diet is to stop those who are chuffing down multiple bottles of booze and eating fried everything daily. A week before surgery I went out on the lash (drinking) with some gusto about 7 days before surgery. The night before surgery I had pizza, chicken tenders and a coke. I was given permission to do so.. That being said, however, i was a relatively low BMI starter, so the liver shrinking wasn't such a pressing issue for me. Whats your BMI right now? If my BMI was very high, I might not consider having the alcohol and just have the dinner. If you moderate your intake, so you're not a total glutton (maybe max 4 drinks, with Water in between and some food), it should be all good by Monday. Just be mindful as previously stated; it might mess with your head a bit after you get sleeved. I definitely mourned what I could no longer have in the short term. But then in saying that, this could be seen as a little food funeral (and EVERYONE, has had some form of that). I say go for it. In three days your world is going to change. Dramatically. Enjoy

It’s winter time and still cold and gray. The big holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year are over, but some of us haven’t weaned ourselves from holiday sweets and alcohol that crept into our daily and weekly menus. And now Valentine’s Day chocolates are on the horizon, not to mention Super Bowl, Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day parties. Whether you’re slogging through your pre-op diet or you're trying to maximize your post-op weight losses or you're at goal and trying to figure out maintenance or you're a long-time WLS veteran – how do you stop occasional treats or variations from your normal eating routine from turning into daily bad habits? Specifically, what are some victories you’ve had in cleaning up your eating act?

I am 9 days away from a year out, and I have no regrets. I did think I'd be at goal by now. I still have another 30 pounds. To be honest, I think I could have been at goal by now if I'd continued to deny myself some food types. I don't eat a lot of them, but it slows my weight loss (popcorn/alcohol, for example). Part of why I didn't deny myself is because I didn't get this surgery to deny myself. I wanted a tool not a lock. I still plan on getting to goal. It just didn't happen the first year. But what I have lost and how much better I feel? Priceless.

OP- Everyone has a different preop diet. Your nutritionist should have given you a list of acceptable and permitted foods. You are essentially starving. I'm almost done with my preop diet (surgery is Weds) and they tell everyone else clear liquids the day before but because I'm working a 12 hours shift the day before I get to have protein shakes as well. If it were that easy to shrink a liver alcoholics who have fatty liver could just stop drinking for two weeks. The real purpose is to reduce abdominal girth and put you at a lower BMI so the surgery is successful and get you used to not eating solid food since it is so critical in the early stages of the diet. I don't looks at this as breakfast lunch dinner etc I look at this as drink something all day so I don't fall over. Try Tylenol for your headache and stick with the plan your doctor gave you.

FYI, Alcoholics should never go on a Ketogenic diet, and there are other negative effects that I was happy to learn about. The way I avoid it (I am a recovery Addict and I also don't like the side effects) is I incorporate a Complex Carbohydrate (Fruit/Vegetable) mini-meal twice during the day. To learn more about Ketosis, here is a link that might be helpful: Ketones, Ketosis, and Ketogenic Diets, Weight Control, Weight Loss, Strategies for Weight Loss, Dieting, Holisticonline.com Love to All! Lisa