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I use saccharin - sweet n low. But I am going to try stevia blend with erythritol (sugar alcohol). Also I am old - I remember Funny Face (koolaid type) drink mix and it was sweetened w cyclamates - the US caved to errant reasearch and the sugar industry and banned cyclamates - but you can order it from Canada under Sugar Twin brand name. Many many countries never banned its use. I intend to order some.

Any update? And are you taking a PPI (e.g. Omeprazole/Prilosec), or consuming anything that could lead to an ulcer like NSAIDs (aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, etc), coffee, alcohol, smoking? I hope you figure this out and feel better soon!

Protein bars rating out of 10 P=protein C=calories S=sugar Sa=sugar alcohol Balance- Chocolate chip cookie dough 15p 210c 17s 5/10 Chocolate mint cookie crunch 14p 200c 16s 9/10 (tastes like thin mint) Chocolate peanut butter 14p 200c 17s 4/10 Cookie dough 15p 210c 17s 4/10 Bounce- Coconut macadamia 8p 160c 9s 4/10 Cliff bars- Blueberry crisp 10p 250c 22s 10/10 Chocolate chip peanut crunch 10p 260c 20s 7/10 Peanut toffee buzz 10p 250c 21s 10/10 White chocolate macadamia 9p 260c 20s 4.5/10 Cliff builder- Chocolate hazelnut 20p 280c 20s 7/10 (does not taste like hazelnut, more like caramel): Chocolate mint 20p 270c 22s 8/10 (flavor [emoji1303] texture [emoji1304]) Chocolate peanut butter 20p 280c 21s 6/10 Epic- Beef habanero cherry 13p 190c 9s 0/10 Chicken sriracha 15p 100c 0s 9/10 Fit joy- Birthday cake batter 20p 230c 3s 10/10 Homemade pumpkin 20p 220c 4s 8/10 GNC- Lean shake banana cream 170c 25p 2s 7/10 (not strong but no after taste) Lean shake chocolate 25p 170c 2s 6/10 Lean shake pumpkin spice 25p 170c 2s 10/10 Lean shake strawberries and cream 25p 170c 2s 9/10 Lean shake vanilla 25p 170c 2s 5/10 Isopure- Blue raspberry 40p 160c 0s 9/10 Larabar- Pumpkin pie 10p 220c 18s 4/10 Luna- chocolate cupcake 9p 190c 4/10 Chocolate chip cookie dough 12p 170c 15s 9/10 Chocolate coconut almond protein 12p 180c 13s 8.5/10 Chocolate peanut butter 8p 180c 5s 8/10 Chocolate peanut butter protein 12p 190c 13s 11/10 Chocolate peppermint stick 8p 190c 8s 10/10 Chocolate salted caramel protein 12p 170c 15s 6.5/10 Lemon zest 9p 190c 9s 12/10 Peanut butter cookie 10p 240c 18s 2/10 Oatmega- Brownie crisp 14p 190c 5s 7/10 Oh yeah! One- Almond bliss 21p 230c 1s 10sa 10/10 (tastes like almond joy) Birthday cake 21 p 220c 1s 10sa 10/10 Blueberry cobbler 20p 220c 1s 10sa 10/10 Chocolate birthday cake 22p 210c 1s 9sa 5/10 Chocolate chip cookie dough 210c 1s 11sa 6/10 Cinnamon roll 20p 230c 1s 11sa 0/10 Cookies and cream 22p 220c 1s 10sa 5/10 Lemon cake 22p 220c 1s 10sa 10/10 Maple glazed donut 20p 220c 1s 10sa 10/10 Mint chocolate chip 220c 8/10 Peanut butter pie 22p 220c 1s 9sa 10/10 Salted caramel 20p 220c 1s 10sa 11/10 Power bar- Cookies and cream 20p 210c 13s 1/10 Promax- Chocolate chip cookie dough 20p 290c 26s 6/10 Double fudge brownie 20p 280c 29s 2/10 Quest bar- Apple pie 20p 190c 3s 7/10 Banana nut muffin 20p 180c 2s 10/10 Blueberry muffin 21p 190c 2s 11/10 Cereal-chocolate 12p 110c 8s 10/10 Cereal- cinnamon bun 12p 110c 8s 8/10 Cereal-waffle 12p 110c 8s 10/10 Chocolate chip cookie dough 21p 190c 1s 10/10 Chocolate peanut butter 20p 170c 1s 5/10 Cinnamon roll 20p 170c 1s 4/10 Coconut cashew 20p 190c 1s 7/10 Cookies and cream 21p 190c 1s 10/10 Lemon cream pie 20p 170c 1s 4/10 Mint chocolate chip 20p 190c 1s 8/10 Mocha chocolate chip 20p 180c 1s 11/10 Oatmeal chocolate chip 20p 190c 1s 5/10 Peanut butter and jelly 20p 200c 2s 0/10 Rocky road 20p 210c 1s 10/10 Smores 20p 180c 1s 9/10 Quest chips- BBQ 22p 130c 0s 9/10 Cheddar sour cream 22p 130c 0s 10/10 Sea salt 23p 130c 0s 1/10 Sour cream and onion 21p 120c 1s 9/10 Quest shake- Banana cream 21p 100c 2s 6/10 Cookies and cream 20p 100c 1s 4/10 Peanut butter 23p 110c 1s 10/10 Salted caramel 22p 100c 1s 12/10 Think thin- Brownie crisp high protein 20p 230c 12sa 5/10 Chocolate peanut butter toffee 13p 180c 2s 9sa 5.5/10 Cinnamon bun white chocolate 10p 150c 5s 10/10 Cookies and cream 20p 230c 14sa 1/10 Lemon 20p 240c 13sa 10/10 Peanut butter 20p 240c 11sa 11/10 (tastes like Reese's) - [ ] Salted caramel 10p 150c 5s 11/10 Smores 10p 150c 5s 8.5/10 Zing- Dark chocolate coconut 10p 210c 13s 3/10 Dark chocolate mint 11p 210c 13s 6/10 (mint flavor VERY strong)

I'm 3 yrs out, down 130 lbs and maintaining!! I lost 40 pre op on my own. I think this was key for me. As it helped prove to myself that I was ready and could do this long term. Like most above, I followed the program to the letter for probably a solid year. That really helped me totally changed my eating habits and it's "just how I eat now" so I don't think I'm on a diet. I exercised as soon as possible. Walking shot distances at first and adding distance and speed gradually. Now I do 8-10 miles a day 5-6x weekly at a pretty fast pace. Exercise too is just now part of my life. I need it to maintain and feel good. I still track everything, Eat protein first, drink all my water, alcohol only on rare occasions and then one is plenty, and I'm still and hopefully permanently off pop. I also control the food that enters my house. So I don't keep junk food in the house. I know that isn't realistic for all. But really nobody living in your house is gonna die without junk food. The result, if I need a snack or mental eating...it's still a healthy choice. I don't deprive or avoid any food group or type. If I want pizza I get it, I make sure it's my favorite (no point eating bad anything) I have a small piece or two and move on. The great thing is a small amount always satisfies me so I don't have to feel guilty. And guilt free pizza tastes soooo much better. I always say.... the second bit doesn't taste any better than first. (Really think about that) So often one bit of something "bad" takes care of my craving. I hope this helps a newbie if I can do it anyone can!!!! Best wishes all

Good! You have the right attitude! It feels like a race in the beginning but it is a journey. In some respects the pre weight loss is harder than the post and you are held more accountable in the beginning because of the weigh in's. I was so scared even on surgery morning because until you are laying on that operating table you think that your chance could be snatched away for any reason. I took some of my liquid pain medication the day before surgery cause I had been tapered off my pain medication and we could not take any OTC because of risk of bleeding. Anyway I took a water pill and some of the liquid Norco my tail bone was hurting so bad not sure why. Oh and I did not give up caffeine either let me tell you the headache from not having caffeine hurt worse than the surgery. Anyway they test you right away when you get admitted for surgery and weigh you. My saving grace was the nurse brought regular tea on my tray rather than herbal lol it was hard but I kept sipping that nasty Lipton tea poof the headache was gone. Not even the high powered pain killers were touching the withdraw headache. In 2007 I tried to get gastric bypass but failed to pass everything, it was way harder then to get accepted. Then the sleeve became a thing so happy I waited. Anyway I am trying to get strict again, slowly being able to eat more and its scary. I still eat 1/2 cup no more than a cup of food per serving. Need to get back to chewing 30xs not drinking, get rid of carbs. Still fight the sugar & carbs. Caught myself drinking from straws, drinking alcohol. So yeah the work continues!!!! Let me know how you are doing. Good luck!

I'm 13 months, almost, out. I'm down 102 pounds. I don't want my old life back. That was the life where I had to be sitting and could only walk short distances because of the knee pain. Where I couldn't help my daughter do college tours (or now move into her college) because I was tired and winded. The old me couldn't go ziplining in Jamaica, and horseback riding and tubing. The old me couldn't fit into size 8 pants. The old me couldn't be a competitive fencer in my age group. What the new me can do is all that and enjoy dinner and a drink, provided I've made an allocation in my calories for that alcohol, and enjoy the company of people. Went to a big picnic/party for my husband's running club last weekend - was able to eat a few things, have a glass of wine or two and enjoy the conversation. Give yourself some time - you are mourning the loss of a person you were and a time in your life to which you will never go back. You're doing great. Keep up with your plan and another six months from now, you'll look at that pre-op photo you did and go - crap - did I really look like that and feel that awful all the time. You've got this.

I told my family. Most of my family is overweight and has diabetes. I told them to tell them they have a choice to make their lives healthier. They all told me how much better and healthier I look. They really don't want to make the change and give up their love for food and alcohol. That is their choice. I have done this for me. I want to live a healthier lifestyle to me a role model for my two children. My daughter is 26 and my son is 20. They are so very proud of me. I guess it depends. I have always had a huge family and we have always gotten along well and loved each other. I thank god for my moms support as well. I just wish my dad would get the surgery. But he won't make the lifestyle change. I am so glad I have made that change.

I feel differently. Maybe you're a lot younger than me. It might look like drinking and eating a lot means you're having more fun. But what is fun? To me, fun would be, laughter and banter at the social event, a taste of something yummy, dancing or walking or playing a game. Maybe meeting someone special. That is actually more FUN than stuffing my face with large quantities of food, or feeling sweet alcoholic drinks go down My throat. Think about what REALLY means fun to you, and look to increase your actual fun at social events. No one ever ever ever says, the morning after the party, "I wish I had eaten more of that cake / drank more of that vodka."

3 months out. I've had a couple glimpses into my old life, and I miss it. I'm happy with my loss (about50 lbs), but I've been in a couple situations where I couldn't eat (like my old normal) or drink alcohol. For the most part I don't miss it, but part of me does and I feel sad. Sometimes mad, that I can't be like everyone else. Then I feel like I am just jealous that I can't eat and drink like a piggy without showing the entire world how fat and lazy I am. I've lost 50+ lbs. I've done some kind of exercise every day. But I still feel like the above.

So I'm 22 years old and had VSG surgery 2 weeks ago. I am very happy with my weightloss and honestly not being about to eat isn't bothered me in the way that I expected. I don't miss food that much but I miss the social aspect of it. I am a person that enjoyed very much cooking large meals and having dinners with my friends and family to show them that I care. Baking cakes for my friends birthday and just going out to eat in general. I honestly didn't realize how much of my social life had food and alcohol in it until I had this surgery. Now all my friends are having dinners and parties to celebrate new jobs and back to school, my best friend is a pilot and she just got her instrument rating and a big dinner to celebrate. I'm like torn should I not go and spare myself the agony of watching everyone eat and drink or do I just stay home and be a sour puss. Any suggestions and tips on how to be social without making everyone feel awkward will definitely help !!! Please I need it. And plus I'm moving to another country in a few weeks so I really want to be able to spend time with my friends now.

Hello all, I am going to be sleeved on Tuesday (19th September 2017) and I found myself on this website this evening creating a profile... I suppose I am on here for some support and guidance, but also because I thought it might help center my own thoughts about my journey to 'have to' type it out. Mini therapy, I guess. I also couldn't find - maybe I was being lazy - too many people sharing their journey with my sort of stats, so many I will be helpful to some younger, female patients on the 'light' side of the scale in terms of what to expect etc. We are all in this together! VITAL STATS Age: 26 Height: 159cm or 5'1" Weight: About 86.5kg, or 190lbs - I will verify this and put it on my signature when I am weighed pre-op. Female Location: Australia, home for the operation but I live in London, UK. Surgery + Date: Gastric Sleeve 19/09/17 JOURNEY TO NOW I suppose I always had a bit of a problem with my weight. I have certainly gone through periods in my young adult life where I was slim. The trouble for me, I suppose, is that I have an identical twin sister who has always been slimmer than I have (maybe 5-7kgs) and, as such, I have always subconsciously felt like the 'bigger' twin. My twin is tiny - she is now about 20kgs lighter than me and it really gets me down. She lives in Australia still and I am in London, but imagine living with a 20kg lighter version of yourself! Someone who is exactly like you but 25% less weight. It can be hard, although she is really supportive. I am a really emotionally stable and rational person, but I have self-control issues and I emotionally eat. In the last 2.5 years, I have gone through 2 serious break-ups. The first was with my boyfriend of on-again/off-again 9 years...and the second was with a man I loved possibly more. I turned straight to food and alcohol (which I seldom drank prior) to forget the pain I was feeling and to be able to get on with work. Over this 2-2.5 year period, I have gained about 25kgs. I remember being 62kgs at Christmas 2013, and when I was weighed a month or so ago at the surgeon's office I was 86.6kg. To say I was devastated was an understatement. Although I admit I have self-control issues, I certainly have it within me. I guess I would classify as an 'all or nothing' person; I can easily eat and eat and eat, but when I reallllllly get on a roll with a diet, I am the type to be able to starve myself. This has lead in the past (over 10 years) to yo-yo dieting and I have tried it all; starvation, protein shakes, exercising, duromine/metermine pills...really anything. Sometimes it has worked, sometimes it hasn't. My mother has been overweight my whole life and although she doesn't have diabetes, her mother did. I live in a family of eaters and providers, and I see patterns in my own behaviour that mirror my mother. My mother was a very attractive woman in her youth - she is still attractive now actually - but I do not wish to see the same health and aesthetic issues she has repeated in my own life. I find myself not wanting to go out and socialise because I have nothing to wear; my clothes don't fit and I always tell myself I should lose weight before I buy more...I say no to outings, I hide away and eat. I am embarrassed about my weight - I hear myself telling people that I 'put on weight recently' and over-compensate for it by saying how I used to be slimmer....I go shopping and I don't even bother to look at perfectly normal, lovely clothing because I seem to have subconsciously (or otherwise) decided that I could never wear something like x, y, z. All of this might seem extreme given that I seem to be less overweight relative to some people on this forum - but I am sure these are issues we all share to varying degrees. Also, I am so short and small in frame that my weight is probably largely as evident as others. All in all, I suppose I subconsciously 'decided' I was chubby years ago and have become obese as a result. It is such an unhealthy pattern. GOALS First goal: get under 80kg. Second: get under 70kg. I want to take it as it comes. But, longer term: to be 60kg or under. 55kg would be ideal. 60kg would be great, too. NSV: Throw out all the old clothing I have been wearing to cover up - aka my 'fat' clothes. NSV: Buy size 28 jeans for comfort, like I used to. I am currently in a 32 of the same jean. To be honest it's really hard to write my goals as I have not yet even conceptualised this working! It has been so long since I lost weight and felt good that I can't even remember....perhaps I will work on the goal list later! I'm also gonna post some headless pics....I think that will help me... Anyway, this is a start. I have an appointment on Monday to see the Dr and take bloods...then it's straight to it on Tuesday. Wish me luck!

11 months out and I don't touch alcohol or soda because the fear of heartburn and reflux. Lemons and limes give me reflux as well so stay away from them as well. I was never told not to have soda but definitely told not to have alcohol in the first year.

BariActiv vitamins have some sugar alcohols in them (though not a large amount). I have read that post bariatric surgery sometimes people are sensitive to those. Taking it with food would slow the absorption so it makes sense that it would help.

I was told by my NUT & Surgeon not to drink soda or alcohol that it stretches the stomach. My NUT told me I could have alcoholic beverages a year out as my surgeon told me to never drink it. So for me I just don't drink either of them. I'm 9 months out.

Yes, I can drink alcohol. I didn't have any until I was 4 months out. I will not drink any alcohol after I eat because I do not want it sitting in my esophagus. I will have a glass of wine before a meal or an hour or two after a meal. I'm surprised how much I do not miss it. I think the weight loss has helped me focus on other things. I only have 1 or 2 drinks a month at most, as I am still trying to get to goal. I plan on still keeping the alcohol to the minimum after I reach my goal, so I can stay at goal.

Can you drink any alcohol at all or does it just made you feel sick? I'll miss my glass now of wine Sent from my VF-895N using BariatricPal mobile app

I was doing the same thing in reverse just days ago. i.e. What would I (a morbidly obese 61 year old male Australian) say to my 15 year old (or 18 year old) self given temporary use of a time machine? My four top answers would be: 1. Don't eat factory-generated breakfast cereals or any added sugars or sweeteners. 2. Moderate portion sizes are best and "seconds" should be a rare thing NOT your normal thing. 3. Soft drinks or carbonated drinks are unnecessary ... including all diet varieties. 4. Alcohol, especially beer, does not have to be central to social life or "winding down". - - - While I cannot guarantee that these four pillars will stop my adult overweight, I'm sure that I would not have reached 191.8kg (423 pounds OR 30.25 stones). Five of my grandchildren had a dad that was 208kg (458 pounds) in January 2015 and is now 99kg (218 pounds) today following diet shakes for six months then Gastric Sleeving in late July 2015. In fact, it's his success that finally prompted me to go for Gastric Sleeve surgery myself. He and my daughter do not want any of their five kids to repeat his life or mine. They operate under my first three advice points for their kids. My daughter and the youngest grandchild in that family are Coeliac as well. So food and eating and drinking sensibly are at the core of their daily life.

Hi all, here is my Journey so far. I was one of the lucky ones (NOT) who had a JP Drain. I hope my story helps others. So far, so good - no regrets at all!! June 2017: My ins just dropped the numerous lengthy requirements and is allowing sleeves. I jumped on it, and was able to navigate thru the list quickly. Start to finish took me about 2 months. Do Ins companies really think we haven't tried every program out there prior to considering major surgery??? Stupid! They no longer require 6 months of Dr administered weight loss program, but my Dr watched me for a few months, and submitted it just to make sure I would not run into any problems. I was approved 10 days after submission. I hate having to jump thru hoops, but the savings was worth it. Altho, I would have paid out of pocket if denied. Check off the requirements, and you should be fine. Most Drs have a good relationship with the ins claim reps. My daily (boring but working) pre op intake is: coffee with a splash of Premier Protein banana or caramel , then the rest of the Premier Protein Shake for Breakfast, at 10am I have 2 C of chicken broth, at Noon I have 2 C chicken broth + another Premier Protein shake, at 2pm I have 1 sf Jello cup, at 6ish I have 2 C chicken broth (appetizer ) and another Carmel Premier Protein shake, 8pm snack another sf jello cup. I don't really like any other flavors of broth or I would have those. My shakes have to be under 200 calories, high protein (these are 30g) and as low sugar as you can find (1g). Premier is handy, pre made, and I like the flavors (Caramel, Banana, and strawberry Cream are my favorites). I SWEAR I have not had any headaches, and my energy level is really good (just fall asleep earlier which helps me not dwell on food). Aug 25/2017: Surgery day and I couldn't be more excited!! My surgery went well except that I needed a JP drain that will remain in for about a week. I was up walking 2 laps of my floor that night. The nurse said she had never seen anyone do as well as me. She said my positive and excited attitude surely helped! My pain never got above 2 or 3 and I needed very little pain meds. 3 ice chips made me nauseous, so I did not eat or drink anything the first night. I do have to give myself shots in the stomach of Lovenox (blood thinner) to prevent blood clots for 2 weeks. Aug 26: Got discharged this afternoon after my upper GI and chest xray came back ok. Was able to keep down 4oz of liquid before I left the hospital. I'm off the pain meds now, and don't even feel the need for Tylenol. The Lovenox shots are not as scary as I thought they would be. The trick is to freeze the area for 10 minutes before you give yourself the shot, and put the ice back on right after you are done (the after affect feels like a wasp sting). Now I just need the gas to pass (pun intended). All said and done, I feel great for what I've been through, and lost 12 pounds pre op. I will keep up with updates. Thank you for all the support and info. This Forum is great, and I hope to pay it forward. Aug 28: Ok, so to continue my journey, I am 4 days post op and my drain is still working over time Im not concerned, but can't go back to work until its removed. After having little to no pain, this morning I noticed pain on my right side - like a stabbing pain. I have to hold my stomach when I walk for any relief. Seeing as most of my stomach was sliced off, I am assuming that now that the swelling is going down, some of this is "normal". Its definitely NOT gas pains. I don't like taking the liquid pain meds so am taking tylenol only. liquids are going down no problem. Energy level is up, and I'm looking forward to Protein Shakes on Friday. Update: Dr said my drain most likely moved which is causing the pain. Its pretty intense. Good thing is they will be removing it on Thursday. Bad thing is I will be living with the pain and have to take the liquid pain meds until then...a small price to pay I've discovered a love for tropical flavored sugar free popsicles !!! Aug 29: Having a good night and a great hair day so I'm psyched! Lol. My incisions are dissolvable stitches with a rubber cement waterproof type paint over them. The stuff just flakes off when healed. Easy peasy. I SERIOUSLY think I could have returned to work tomorrow if not for the JP drain. All bodily functions working perfectly, and no hunger pains. BUT I know that even tho I feel good, my body is still recovering from major surgery, so I am working from home Thurs and Fri and returning full time the day after Labor Day = 10 days post op. Knowing that there is still swelling and fluid retention from my hospital stay, Im staying off the scale until my post op appointment. I have ankles again!! August 31: Got my JP drain out today (yes, it hurt), but as soon as it was removed, the pain went away!! I feel like a million bucks Sept 1: Diet additions today!! I get to have protein shakes again, yogurt, milk, and cream soups. Still not feeling hungry and am down 18lbs. Had half a protein shake for breakfast, yogurt with sugar free cheesecake pudding mix stirred in for lunch, broth and a half glass of milk for dinner and sugar free jello with sugar free whipped topping for dessert. I heard that some are lactose intolerant after surgery, but I had no issues with anything I ate. I'm paranoid of gaining anything back, so am kind of afraid to eat. I will have to watch that. Having cabin fever so decided to venture out for the first time since surgery. I have a tendency to feel good and over do it, so wanted to be careful. Took a quick trip to the store, and then for a well deserved pedicure. Heaven. Energy level is still up. Since my boyfriend took good care of me, I decided a date night was in order and we went out. Challenging to say the least. How do you go into a bar without ordering a drink?? Pre planning helps. THIS IS A NO JUDGEMENT ZONE!!! I ordered a tall glass of water with lots of e and 1 small shot of vodka. Then I added Crystal Light cranberry to it that I brought along. Nursed it for 2 hours and did not even finish it. I have read others say alcohol hit them quicker after surgery (no noticeable change for me) and I KNOW that its not allowed (this soon or in some minds at all), but I am human. I gave up diet coke for Gods sake Next challenge coming up = lunch with friends in the liquid stage. I am mentally preparing already. Eat before, and take my Crystal Light. Since I am keeping my surgery secret, the only viable option is to say Im having a little tummy issue. Stay tuned. Sept 2: More milestones accomplished today! Ride my motorcycle - check, go boating - check Sept 3: Lunch with my man and his mom.....First I had to reassure my fiance that he could eat in front of me, and I would be ok. He was considerate enough to make sure that it was ok to plan lunch with his mom. Sweet man. I had a protein shake for breakfast and some vitamin water. We chose a restaurant where I knew they had soup on the menu. I told my future mother in law that I had been having stomach issues, and was changing my eating habits. I am not telling people I'm on a diet, or that I had surgery because history has shown that when you do say these things, people watch what you eat, or fill your ears with "helpful" tips etc. I'm not having it. So I ordered water and a cup of soup. Ate the broth and inconspicuously covered my cup with my napkin and handed it to the server first chance I could. Mission accomplished! You can go out to eat when in the liquid stage. Sept 4: Family bbq planned today.......Again, I will eat before we go. My fiance and I came up with a plan. We will both take plates and put food on them, he will then eat his plate of food, and then mine. Oh the games we play....Again, sweet man! I really don't care what anyone thinks, or surmises, this is my Journey and I will do it my way. 2 more weeks til I can eat real food The bbq was great. Truly a testament to the fact that it isn't the food, it's the company. I drank a shake for breakfast and then had some Greek yogurt before we left. Packed some So Be Life Water (my new staple). My brother in law tried to tempt me with Sangaria and grilled pineapple and I simply told him that I was trying very hard to eliminate sugar from my life plan and I was feeling GREAT so I must be doing something right. My fiance and I carried thru with our plan, and as we went thru the food line, he put on my plate half of what he wanted and then ate everything on both plates. Nobody said a word!! Not even my brother in law who notices, and comments on everything. That night we hit one of the last post op milestones Sex 10 days post op is just as fantastic as pre op. Yay! Sorry for the TMI, but this is a question that others are wondering about. Sept 6: Planning our road trip evac for hurricane Irma. I am packing protein shakes, cream soup packets, SoBe Water, crystal light packets, cottage cheese, yogurt and sugar free pudding mix for my yogurt. Wish us luck! Sept 12: The past week has been hell thanks to Hurricane Irma. Prepping 2 houses and 4 days of travel thru 3 states.....Boy, if I ever needed comfort food, or wanted to garbage up, it was now. But I stayed true to my plan by packing a cooler, and was never hungry! Sept 14: I am now in the puree stage and happy to be "chewing" kind of. I still love my sugar free popsicles. I have been switching it up with egg salad, tuna salad and lots of soups. I am surprised that I do not have any hunger pangs. So far I have not had any issues keeping food down. Watching my fiance eat the foods I used to eat does not bother me because I am so looking forward being thinner and healthier. So far I am down 24 pounds in 1 month (that includes my pre op diet week). Yay!

Thanks so much. And you'll get there. Don't lose faith. I lost 130 total. 40 of that on my own before surgery. It was very gradual for me about 2 pounds a week on average post op. A few of my early rules were. (I don't think they are original by any means) 1. Protein first!!!! If I was going to eat even a snack it had to be pure lean protein first to make sure I got my protein in. That always filled me up so I was eating very little carbs by design with little effort. 2. No eating out for a few months helped. It is so much easier to be in control in my own kitchen. 3. Get my water in!!! No alcohol or pop. I'm permanently off pop by choice. But admit now that I'm maintaining I on occasion have a drink. 4. No deprivation. I wanted this to be a lifestyle change so I didn't treat it like a diet. It's "just how I eat now". For example I love cheese. So I eat it regularly, it's my favorite protein snack. I just don't eat a brick, I pick really strong flavored cheese so 1-2 oz is such a treat. 5. Get creative with your favorites. What food can you not live without...find a way to make it lower carb, fat etc. example. I was a pasta junkie. Now zoodles are my friend and I enjoy them with my same pasta sauce. Turkey balls instead of beef meatballs. 6. I made working out a part of everyday life!!! Like I said nothing original. Just stayed committed to myself and the plan until it stuck!!!! It's easier today but still takes making good daily choices. I had some stalls of course. Just trust your new body, stay the course and you will succeed!!! PS 185 is a great weight. So no beating yourself up. But if you want to loss more try going back to the basics on diet and changing up your work outs and young the water. Your body just might be in shock from the loss you've already had. I'm happy to help with any other questions and in the mean time I'll be out here cheering you on!!!!!

Do you notice any slowing of your weight loss? I am 3 months out as well. I just started having a vodka with Vitamin Water zero as well! I usually just have one and that's plenty. One time I did have two and I felt a little icky afterwards. I got a headache.! I only just started doing this so I'm not sure if it is going to affect my weight loss or not. What have you noticed? Did your doctor clear you? I hear many different things about when it is safe to introduce alcohol back into your life. At 3 months post-op I would think that our stomachs are pretty much healed and that one drink here and there would not heard it. But I'm not positive! I have not asked my doctor yet. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 3 months out from surgery and was cleared for alcohol a few weeks ago. One glass of wine or a vodka and vitamin water zero. Mich W Hw 223, SW 217 CW 184 GW 135

Yes it is the pressure, for sure. I drink sparkling waters and prosecco if I'm having alcohol (with Dr blessing) and it makes a real difference to me which brands I drink. The more bubbly it is, the less good/comfortable for sure. If you like sparkling mineral waters, I find that Pellegrino is delicious and has little (smallish) bubbles [emoji4] Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

So I thought I'd run it all down. I might add some pictures tomorrow when I take them for my records. 10 days before Surgery two months ago I weighed 346 lbs. Everything made me out of breath. I wasn't exercising nor dieting. In fact had probably spent the last few months leading up to this going to as many restaurants/fast food places as I could, getting my favorites for one last time. Started the full liquid 10 days before surgery lost about 12lbs and on July 24th, 2017 I was SLEEVED. *insert "Law and Order" chung-chung sound here* It took a week after that to feel only a mild pain from the incisions, probably 2 weeks after for the pain to be gone entirely. I was on clear liquids for the whole first week after surgery. Walking helped, shuffling around the house in my slippers. I didn't have any gas pains and I'd say my best friend, or the best thing I bought after surgery (at the advice of some angel on the forum) was a stomach support stretchy velcro thingy. It kept me feeling like my guts weren't falling out...gave me stomach support when it was weak. Noticed the pounds coming off at a steady, very steady, 2lbs per day. That is, until the three week stall which is REAL y'all. Went through the entire month of August on Full Liquid diet. Consisted on two protein shakes and a bowl of soup and of course lots of water. Didn't really do a whole lot of exercising all that much, but that has changed since my last Surgeon's appointment when he said I could go to pureed for a week, then solid foods. I've been walking about 2 miles a day and increasing daily and it's making the pounds move. I have 6 - 8 months to maximize this loss and I am going to do it. I'm already addicted to walking everyday and loving it immensely. I don't get out of breath easily at all anymore and I'm pushing myself gently to the point that I actually feel like JOGGING!!! Cut to today. I am at 290. That is a loss of 56 lbs and I definitely can feel it. This is only two months in. Problems: After Surgery and a little recovery I had a hard time figuring out what to do with my life in my leisure time. Everything had always revolved around food and eating and or drinking with friends. Checking out new Restaurants, going to favorite restaurants, drinking at local watering hole - these all had to be requestioned and rethought. I had to figure out what to do to occupy my time better. i think i have since worked it out. I still go to my neighborhood watering hole, but I have that - water and I pay for some of my friends drinks that way I am contributing to the financial necessities of the establishment and not just taking up space. I have bought a pop up camper from 1970 and I am in love with it and spend at least one pretty day a week tinkering with it and getting ready for a big camping trip at the end of the month. Eating in general has slowly become a Non-Pleasure. I use solid food as medicine now. if I am hungry it takes soooooo verrrrrrrrryyyyy littttttlllllee before I just have to stop. it's just a necessity and definitely not a desire. My pleasure sensors or joy sensations when it comes to food have all but burned and fizzled out. Is that really a PROBLEM? I don't know. It CERTAINLY is confusing. I NEVER know what will work or not in my stomach right now. It's a virtual guessing game. Almost. I say almost because I know there are "guides" and recommendations, but the reality of having to look everything up before you attempt to have a meal is ridiculous. The mood swings, the toxins stored in your fat releasing itself into your system as the fat dissipates causing the mood swings and the bursts of hormones/testosterone are a roller coaster ride and not always a fun one. Sometimes they are not fun at all. The loss of the feeling of "completion" with eating. The loss of the "full and content" feeling has been weird to me...it's just, you're done and your stomach might feel queasy or your stomach might just feel fine, but you're just done and that's it. I don't know, again, if that's a real problem but it's just...different. The way my torso, specifically my stomach and man boobs are going to take the longest to lose fat certainly can make the rest of your body look weird in the mean time. Good Stuff: Inches and Pounds, Inches and Pounds! Dropping from a 3xl shirt to now just a 2xl shirt is a wonderful feeling. I have only bought one new pair of pants because I went out of town on an overnight trip and forgot my friggin' clothes so I had to buy some. The jeans I bought were 6 inches below what I had been buying. 6 inches is a lot in jeans. They start looking like regular jeans instead of flared bell bottoms because your goddamned waist is so huge that it continues down the pant leg. I've been tracking the inches lost and that will be measured for the second time post surgery tomorrow. Noticing the fast changes in my body mass. Other people noticing the changes. Looking down when I'm sitting and seeing my lap instead of my stomach? more energy better sleep already 56lbs off your frame makes Sex a wee bit easier and more fun. Skin looks great with so much water and non toxic food going through your system. Dry skin gone. Greasy skin and spots gone. Having a neck with tendons in it and clavicle bones look cool. Putting on a t-shirt and before you get it past your arms, you already know it's gonna fit perfectly. I know you know what I'm talking about. Everyday is a new and interesting day. I am certainly taking it one day at a time and each day I wake up excited about the possibility of walking and getting lesser and lesser. I'm really confused and still adjusting to what eating has become. I still enjoy an occasional dance with Mary Jane if I need to get out of my head, but was never a fan of alcohol that much anyway. I can't imagine what is beyond this....I haven't ever been "normal weight" since I was a child. I am willing to get there though. I guess overall I am happy that I chose to do this really , really weird thing to my body. And there you are....

nope. in fact, i don't think alcohol and sugary soft drinks have been a problem for anyone but you...

My plan counts net carbs so once you subtract the fiber and sugar alcohol it's only 3 net carbs