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I'm not a teacher, but I am a school-based occupational therapist in 2 public school systems. I've been in the schools for 13 years. Most people do not have a clue how hard teachers work. It is definitely not a 9-5 job. Most teachers I know work long hours, both in and out of school, to do the best they can for their students. The behaviors that are in most classrooms today is appalling. I don't think that people know what happens in school. Many classes I work in are special education. The majority of classrooms are now cross-categorical, meaning that many types of disabilities and behaviors are now in one class rather than having more specialized classrooms that serve a particular population. Classrooms that used to be just for mentally retarded kids now have kids that have behavior and emotional disorders. Kids with autism are thrown into the mix. Teachers are overwhelmed trying to serve each student according to their individual needs. There is often not enough staff in the classroom. But I don't know one special ed. teacher that hasn't gone above and beyond to make sure that her students get the best from her. Regular education teachers now have special ed. kids mainstreamed into their classes on a regular basis, whether that child is appropriate to be mainstreamed or not. They have to deal with behaviors and needs that they were never trained to deal with and are expected to adjust the curriculum for that one student so they can "fit in" to the class whether they can do the work or not. Kids today now have family members that are drug addicts, alcoholics, or in jail. Many see violence as part of their daily life. Some parents don't give a damn about their kids, never participate in school activities, or offer support to their children at home to enhance the learning process. These are often the parents who scream the loudest because their kids are struggling and it must be the teacher's fault. The "No Child Left Behind" requires that all children are tested at their grade level for standardized testing. That means that a 3rd grader with mental retardation who functions at the level of a 2 year old, must be tested as a regular 3rd grader. The schools looks bad because then the tests make the school look like their students, as a whole, are testing poorly. So funding is lost and programs are cut, the kids lose out, and parents are bitching about what a rotten job the teachers are doing with their kids. What do I hate the most about teachers? Nothing. Over the years, I have met a couple of people who really should have gone into another line of work. 99% of the teachers I have met are dedicated, caring, do their best for each of their students, want their kids to succeed, and will do as much as they can to make sure that the time in school is safe, nurturing, and a haven, for some, from the crappy reality that is life outside of school. I have nothing but admiration for teachers. Thank you to all that teach our children.

I think countries should be able to refuse entry to anyone for any reason. They should just apply it equally across the board to all, from any country. I liken my country to my home. I have the right to refuse anyone entry into my home and I think countries should have the same right. I think citizenship should have it's priveledges, and if you are born in a country they are stuck with you period. To be fair NZ, or any country, for that matter have a right to only admit healthy people. The bad thing about obesity is that it is kind of hard to hide. If you are a smoker or an alcoholic, that can be covered up as long as it hasn't started to effect your health. So if you are fat, you are screwed.

I already have short hair that is thin. I have it almost like Myley Cyrus. http://www.ibtimes.com/why-was-miley-cyrus-hospitalized-singer-might-have-self-medicated-drugs-alcohol-after-1572796 My top is a bit longer so it doesn't really form bangs The sides and back are clipped. The top is longer and flipped to one side. Currently the long side comes to the bottom of my ear. It is symetrical in that I can flip it to either side. In the summer the short hair is my dark brown/almost black natural color and the long hair is bleached pretty blonde. In the winter the long part is caramel with red highlights.

Jeter, This is coming from someone who is ADHD (not diagnosed until I was 46 and it helped drive me to alcoholism) and banded. Starting off, your sister has the problems, not you. I have no idea where all of this stems from but she's worrying too much about your life, not her own. You are taking care of your business and trying to make things as good as you can for yourself, your daughter and your mom. Your sister is mad and confused about some part of her life and is trying to blame you. Do you best not to just keep on living your life to your standards and expectations. Your sister's opinions and valuations of you should have absolutely no bearing on what you do. As for ADHD, medications can help in some situations but they don't work by themselves. You need to start working with your daughter on how to cope with ADHD. There are tons of books out there that can help (Hartman has written several that are OK, plus "you mean I'm not lazy, crazy or stupid?" book is good). You are fortunate that your daughter was diagnosed so early in life. There are habits she needs to start developing now to cope that will help her for the rest of her life. I wish my parents knew about this when I was 8 years old. ADHD is a blessing in addition to a curse. There are parts of the ADHD mind that really help with creativity and problem solving. Learn about the ADHD mind and you'll find ways to really improve your daughter's life. Back to your sister. You may want to examine her drinking habits and medication use. From your description, her behaviour is not rational. Good Luck. EQ

So update.. After finishing my first fast day yesterday of my second week I'm holding steady at 168 (no loss today) last week I started at 171 I had been stuck at the number for months. After first week of the fast I went down to 169 which was very exciting! After a major party and much alcohol I went down to 166!! (dehydration I know) Evened out at 168. I'm good with it and I know my body well enough to know it will probably stay there this week. Oh and the first two fast days I was grumpy and off yesterday being my third, I felt a lot better

Have I become a picky eater??? YOU BET!!! And I am loving every minute of it! Before Lap band surgery, I was a disgusting fat gluttonous pig with one foot in the grave...diabetic, one heart attack resulting in cardiac surgery....I would eat anything and everything put before me, then finish whatever was left on my wife's plate But after Lap band surgery, I have NO hunger, NO cravings...I have NO interest in food or eating in general....I have gone full days and have forgotten to sit down AND EAT.... At times, I can stare at a menu and not find anything that interests me. I can wander around a grocery store and not find anything to bring home for dinner. My Tastes have changed dramatically...things I used to crave have no flavor anymore. Because of the band, there are foods I had to give up...I don't eat meat, things made from flour such as breads and Pasta, no longer eat rice, nothing deep fried.... Not only is my hunger and cravings limited, but My portion sizes are very small because of the band. So when I do eat, I have to make the best of what I can...the most nutritious, healthiest choices I can make...don't want to blow that opportunity on something bad. So I have become a very "picky health nut" Always looking for the most nutritious,healthiest, all natural, organic, non processed and high Protein foods I can Am I Picky??? YOU BET! I go to the gym every chance I get....usually at 5-6am where I run 5 miles, then do weights. I have NO BODY FAT left! (or very little)...It is not my goal, but my bodies decision to stop where it is the most healthiest - normal. I have not felt better, been healthier, in over 35 years...all because being very "Picky" thanks to this WLS... I have friends, read magazine articles, advertisements etc, where people find this lifestyle very "Chic" and they work hard to try to live it everyday....for me, it all became easy and fell into place because of my Lap Band surgery... As a disclaimer.....on top of it all, since I am no longer dieting or have fear of gaining any weight back...I still enjoy life's little pleasures....we will go out and get a Ice Cream Sundae with all the toppings at least twice a week....I do not hold back on alcohol....I enjoy a good beer with my friends from time to time.... In other words...food does not scare me.... I Love this new life! Call me picky...I LOVE IT! It beats the alternative....

PdxMan - so well put. Many relationships are based on sharing these types of things together; drinking, drugs, food, etc. When one person stops doing it, the whole dynamic changes. Years ago, the last time I dropped 90 pounds, I myself no longer enjoyed spending time with one of my very good friends. We used to sit & eat, drink, smoke pot.....for years. When I stopped doing all of it and reclaimed my life, it was no longer fun to hang out with people doing it. She is a good enough friend that my absence didn't end the relationship. But her feeling was, it's fine if you don't want to partake in whatever, but I'm still comfortable doing what I'm doing. We no longer spent the same kind of time together, and saw each other much less. I went in a whole other direction, and at a different point in her life, so did she. Anyway......that friendship remained, but others were lost. My friend's (same friend) sister is a full blown alcoholic. Her husband is a pot head/drinker. This is what they've done together since they met. She goes through periods of wanting to get help and stop drinking, but she also knows that the marriage will end. They have an autistic child, and a lot on both of their plates. Anyway......I guess what I'm trying to bring out is that once one person leaves a shared addiction behind, most times, the relationship ends. Sad but true. And logically, it has to be that way so the "healthy" one can continue on their healthy path.

Me too! Goodluck! Me also, how are you feeling? A day before me, wow , So close, how are you feeling? Day before me The pre op diet is interesting, I was on the low carb under 800 cal pre op but I swapped to the milk diet , which my dietician said was fine , 3 pints of milk, two diet yogurts, allowed low cal drinks, unlimited coffee and tea, one salt drink. I prefer this than measuring food, and I drank abit of alcohol before the pre op diet, and feel I need a boost to shrink my liver! . Goodluck Goodluck Day before me, I am not excited, I am just worried lol just want to get it over with Lucky you have no pre op diet ! I am one day before you Happy birthday and goodluc The day after me Lucky you have n pre op!!

It sounds like you are active, but sometimes, it's not enough. I know you mention that you're eating lean cuisines, but the packaged foods are loaded with sodium, so you really need to pay attention to your Water intake. Are you getting at least 64 ounces of water a day? For Protein, how much are you taking in? My doc tells me 70g, but I am actually around 80-90g per day and it does make a difference. I understand the need for 'cheat' days here and there, but they should be every now and again during this time and when you get closer to goal, perhaps you could do more often (this is what I did, which is why I am still 10 lbs from goal LOL). You have the tool to help and until you get a fill, try to find alternatives to one of the lean cuisines. Perhaps do some chicken and veggies for lunch or chicken salad with light mayo and wheat thins. I bring lean cuisines to work because it's just easier, but I make sure I drink a ton of water to balance out the sodium. 2 a day might be a little much, so you really have to get that water in. The good thing about the band is that it's always there to help you, but to be successful, it truly is a way of life. It's not an easy road, but it's definitely a journey--we can't just snap our fingers and BAM! we're all following everything to the "t". So, pace yourself. Don't be hard on yourself and try to Celebrate your successes with things other than alcohol or food (me, it's usually a pair of shoes or new jeans LOL). I do have some wine during the weekend, but try to keep it within reason. You'll get there. It's definitely not about deprivation, but moderation. Good luck to you!!!

I'm not sure how accurate it is, but I read on another thread that someone had been told by their surgeon it was ok as long as you stir some of the fizz out with a spoon before you drink it! I was most afraid of giving up fizzy drinks out of all the changes I have faced, I would get through 8-10 litres of pepsi max a week until my surgery, and I have to admit that I have had a few sips since (when no other drink option was available) and its just soooo uncomfortably gassy!! I found a bottle a few weeks ago which was so old it was completely flat, and it was nice, but it didn't particularly make me want more of it. I guess that as time passes and habbits change the urge does reduce significantly. The biggest problem I have is finding suitable mixers with alcoholic drinks (cranberry juice all the way now!). I do on occasion allow myself a beer or a cider, but some of those tend to be more bubbly than others (I do do the stirring trick, which looks a little odd in a pub), but I've found some ar emuch more gassy than others, so if I find one that goes down nicely I'll try that again in future, and slowly avoid the ones that didn't suit. wow - I just re-read my post and realised how much it sounds like I drink!!! he he!

I've only told about 6 people....trusted people. Sometimes I wish I hadn't even told them. When people ask if I joined WW....or how am I doing "it"....I just say that I've cut out anything white, no bread, sugar or alcohol.

Everything seems about right! Have you reached out to your NUT and surgeon? I'd say this is pretty slow loss considering what you are eating. One thing I can say, I stalled after 2 weeks post op, and did not start loosing until I started exercising. I mean, cardio with keeping my heart rate increased for 30mins+ per day. This isn't meant to sound bad, but obviously your physical activity at your job wasn't enough pre surgery, so it may not be enough post surgery. Some vets on here don't believe as much in exercise, but we have almost identical stats and exercise worked for me. I'm 8 weeks post op and down 65lbs. Also, I increased my calories at about 6 weeks post op to around 800-900 calories per day. I track 100% of my food & exercise on MyFitnessPal. I keep my carbs to under 50 grams per day and my protein at around 75 grams. I don't eat any pasta, white bread, processed sugar, processed foods (for the most part, about 95 fresh/5 processed split), caloric drinks, or alcohol. I'd like to see what your stats are after logging you food for one week.

No. You can never drink alcohol or eat greasy bread and be healthy..... Just my opinion as a nurse and person who has struggled with my weight forever It's sad I know!!!! Some say it's ok to cheat every once in a while that you need it to keep from binging. I also disagree with that once I cheat I want to cheat more! I think it's best to say good bye to eating crap for forever!

This is like any other voluntary association. Sometimes I have time to pay attention, other times I don't. It is a little odd for me to think of myself as some sort of veteran. I like to help sincere seekers. (and I dig @@dubs food porn). I remember where I was when I started. This site was a little daunting when I first found it. It takes a little while to figure it out. You don't realize at first to look at surgery date and number of posts when you are judging how much credence to give an answer . You don't even know how to create preferences so you don't get flooded with email notices. Heck you don't even know the right terms to search. "Geez what's a stall?" You know until November 2014, I wouldn't have known to search for that, all I knew was I wasn't pooping and not losing weight and I was kind of scared. I appreciated the online "hand on my shoulders" and people telling me "this is normal stuff, you got this." So yes, it gets a little old. No one should ever feel obligated to be here. But I remember where I was. I try to help out when I have time, and I do appreciate those who voluntarily and unselfishly give their time to help others. It was huge to me when I REALLY needed it. Now for the vets, I want to suggest a thought to you...have you thought about what YOU get when you help some one new to this? It reinforces what you are trying to do. We have had some people pop back after being gone for a while, and lamenting they have lost their way and gained some weight again. Now I don't think that being here guarantees success, but I think it is like my sisters work in drug and alcohol recovery. She is an alcoholic. She helps others in recovery through AA. Not only because she can, but it reminds her every day just how important her sobriety is and what a gift it is. So while there are problems with the internet chat board world that no one will ever be able to fix, please reflect, what you get, when you give.

This thread got me interested in further research on the subject, I found this article and the references fascinating... http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2013/10/cocktail-science-do-alcohol-calories-count-digesting-spirits.html And add to it the problems of figuring out your caloric set point that HBO highlighted in their documentary on the weight of the nation special...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i_cmltmQ6A It is made even more complicated by the changes in hormone levels due to surgery and weight loss changes our body and makes us more efficient metabolic machines. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/grp/2013/528450/ This all points to one important thing, we don't know everything. So to the point of this thread, don't go nuts trying to figure out each calorie, but, it is a guide to help you lose and a good tool to aid you. But we are very complex critters. So eat well, just less of it and hang on as we keep learning new things. And keep listening to the many successful people on this site and their advise, I do.

Leave now. Do not pass "go." Do not collect two hundred dollars. Or you will go directly to jail. Men who abuse drugs and alcohol do not respect themselves much less anyone else. Their God is the drug and their lifestyle revolves around the worshiping of same. I believe I gave my ex-husband the choice: Marijuana or me. Go to treatment or our marriage is over. He chose drugs over me. I'm rather happy with that decision as my second marriage is a blessing--but damn, girl. Get out while you still can.

Going to trial and making him lie on the stand or fess up is going to be about all that might make DH's charges lessen I would imagine. HIS actions do not make YOU a hypocrite unless you go around saying your DH never does this or that. Those are his actions! I would say go to an Al-Anon meeting, you will find many others who feel just like you. Loving the person, and loving their actions when alcohol is involved are 2 separate issues, and they will give you guidance in ways not to enable him to have the "why you mad at me?" attitude. It will also send a message to your DH-----his alcohol consumption and lying are serious problems, ones you are not taking responsibility for. I know it takes a lot of energy to be mad. But hang on to that mad, do not let DH convince you to just get over it. You deserve to be treated better---YOU were not out partying with friends while your family was at home....he was. Kat

BRAVO!!! This is what we are trying to accomplish. Besides the immediate danger, the OP is setting herself up by continuing her normal "I crave it so I'm going to have it" habit. Not only are these months for healing, they are for completely changing you eating habits and your issues with food. It's a training period for when most people just really do not feel like eating normal foods anyway. Maybe we should have a pinned DO and DO NOT list posted and pinned like: DO follow your surgeons post-surgery diet to the letter DO eat Protein first and fill in the edges with a little healthy carbs like veggies and Quinoa. DO take your Vitamins, minerals and Calcium daily DO exercise when you get cleared DO drink all your water/fluids DO NOT eat popcorn or nuts until cleared to do so. DO NOT eat until you feel sick or hurt. DO NOT drink alcohol until cleared to do so and then WATCH IT. Cross additions are common and alcohol has tons of calories. DO NOT eat nutritionally devoid high calorie foods such as white flour, white rice, high sugar, etc. DO NOT eat highly processed foods. The last two are debated by some people, but as a rule I follow the last 3 except for very special occasions.

WTF, Dan you are absolutely right some here are very rude and uppity,some are worse than a recovered alcoholic talking to someone who drinks.You know the (I been sober for 2 years ) and that makes them an expert or something.But the great news is its a small percentage .

It sounds like at least a chunk of this is due to not taking supplements and developing an alcohol and painkiller addiction rather than the surgery itself. I'm sorry that you did not get better advice and support from your surgeon.

Well, I was a social smoker too and, honestly, I cannot even remember when my last smoke was... maybe one month before surgery. But, I never declared myself as a 'smoker' to my surgeon because I didn't think smoking 1-2 cigarettes a month really meant you were a 'smoker'. And, I don't know all of what they tested for when I went for my pre-op testing, but they said my results were all good including my chest x-ray. As for alcohol, I used to drink almost daily. I cut that out about one month before surgery, but I still had a couple glasses of wine w/my friend about one week before surgery. I had surgery on 12/17, then had wine again on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Years Eve. My surgeon did not give any cutoff date for drinking alcohol. The dietition did say to try to avoid it after just because of the calories, but that it wouldn't hurt the band. I feel good that I was just able to give up my daily habit w/it and it didn't turn out to be as hard as I thought it would. I feel like I have a lot more respect for my body now that I have this band and a chance at getting my health back.

We can all beat ourselves up with the if only we hadn't allowed this to happen story but it's not changing a damn thing I think of this as our "rehab" there's drug abuse alcohol abuse etc everybody goes to rehab it's expected well this is our rehab let's use it wisely and stop living in the past and move forward what's that saying u can't change what u don't acknowledge? Well we know we have a problem and we are trying to fix it let that be our new story and a new start

My husband and I researched WLS 10 years. We knew what to expect, what the risks were, and what our risks were if we had not had the surgery. I hope anyone who has not had surgery yet makes sure they can handle this. It is not for everyone. We both had hernias. We both were prepared not to eat pizza and french fries the rest of our lives. We gave up cola and alcohol. We are smiling at each other today, over 4 months later, because the sleeve surgery has exceeded our expectations. I am so sorry for anyone who has had these extreme problems, but I have also seen threads where someone is very sick and in two days they post how much better they are feeling or had an issue resolved by their surgeon. I would do everything in my power to follow strict eating and drinking guidelines, even if it meant eating yogurt 3 times a day because nothing is worse than being ill. WLS is not for everyone. You will still want pizza. If you are depressed you will still be depressed. If you drink and party, you will still want to drink and party. I wish better days for everyone who is feeling sick. Linda

I used to enjoy bourbon before my surgery. If your doctor cleared you for booze - enjoy. Just be careful when you first start. My first experience with alcohol after surgery was not great. It felt like a roller coaster ride.

I knew it was coming. I knew I hadn’t lost any weight, or not nearly enough to be pleasing to myself. Sure enough, I’d lost a mere 5 pounds in the past six weeks. Despite the reassurances of the nurse taking my weight that almost everyone had the same difficulties due to the weather being so cold, I knew I could do better. My appetite had been on the increase, and consequently, my caloric intake on my FitDay.com report showed a gradual increase. So, I went in today for my visit, determined to have maybe a couple of cc’s just to nip that trend toward weight gain in the bud. Nope! Once these pounds come off, they are not going back on by golly! See ya! Buh-bye! I’d only lost 5 pounds, but about 4.9 of those pounds was pure fat! Now, that’s a reason to Celebrate. I might have lost more, but Dr. Baptista’s nifty machine said I had Water weight issues. Yes, I did, mostly in a swollen left ankle from doing too much this past weekend. Told ya it was a nifty machine. Finally, that incredibly handsome doctor with the soulful brown eyes and the talented hands (Get your minds out of the gutter! I’m talking about his surgical skills, thank you!) appeared. He seemed to agree that I needed a nudge toward the sweet spot. Thoughtful man that he is, he also remembered I’m needle phobic. He took the time to reassure me while swabbing my port area with alcohol. It was somewhat painful, but more weird than uncomfortable. I hate needles. I am a certified needle phobic with a tendency to faint when shown a hypodermic, much less have one coming at me. Sure, it stung. I expected that. I didn’t expect the second stab of pain when he found the port. I think he used a butterfly or something. My tits were in the way, and I have the good sense not to look down in case I do see a needle. (wry grin) Whew! No matter what, I was glad that part was over. Yes, I’d do it again, if necessary. I knew that immediately. It wasn’t THAT bad. He put some saline in. I was okay with it, and I could feel the change in pressure a bit. That was cool. Then doc had me drink some water and tell him when I felt “full” and when I felt the water go away. I never really felt full, and never really felt it go away. He said I needed more restriction. By the time I drank close to 16 oz of liquid, I had a whopping 4 cc’s in the band. Apparently, I needed more restriction than I’d guessed and that explained why I hadn’t lost. All my loss up to now had been low carb diet and habitual dieting, not a restriction. What a shame. I really thought I’d been close to my Sweet Spot. Oh, well. If millions of others can fiddle with their band until they find bliss, so can I. Well, I’m on liquids for the next couple of days. Fine by me. I’ll pop by Wal-Mart and get some more Meal Replacement shakes. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when I’m allowed solids again. I don't feel anything much when I drink a meal replacement shake, but I'm burping like an adolescent boy with a carbonated soda. :laugh: