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Hi, I have not yet seen anybody talk about the lack of fizzy's in their diet?! And by this I mean that I was told that I could not have anything fizzy post-op. I have also experienced that fizzy drinks causes me to blotter out and feel really uncomfortable. Gazes have nowhere to go??? Anybody out there having similar problems? When I came back home after the op, one huge problem was what to drink if we went out socially. I am not big on orange juice and let's face it it isn't a low fat option! Coke is out of the question and so it lemonade! We experimented down my local pub with various drinks! My tipple is Brandy...like you wouldn't have guessed that! LOL. Very hard to make a long drink with a non fizzy option. After various unsuccesful (and sometimes hilarious or disgusting!) attempt, I am now having Brandy and coke but I flatten the coke first. That's ok when I am in my local as they put it in a pitcher and I have a great band of friends who take it in turn to stir the coke until it is flat. Sometimes a bit dangerous when some lovely landlord decide to put sugar in to flatten it quicker!!!! Do they not get the meaning of diet pepsi!!!!! Very annoying when we are going around town or when visiting friends. I normally end up carrying bottles of already flat coke with me! I also found that however well the coke is stirred, there are still remnants of fizz in it and it eventually still makes me feel blottered. My surgeon says that I should not find it a problem as I should not be drinking much alcohol as it is fattening...one I gave up my food, not my alcohol altogether as well!....two, I still need to have a soft drink option when socialising...or should I stay home as well!!!! Any kind soul out there who would like to share their wisdom on the subject?

Hi Brandychick, I'm a vodka and diet coke girl myself and if I have it in a tall glass with lot's of ice, it goes down no problem. Sorry but there is no way I am giving up alcohol !! Hope this helps, Take care, Donna x.

Hey Friends, Had a total unfill today! Let me give a little back story. I got a fill back on 8/8--no problems etc.. Then two weeks ago got a complete flare up of eczema--sounds gross and it is--I only get it once every two years when I get more than one or two mosquito bites (highly allergic) So anywho both arms and hands are looking like I have small pox eek! Which means my histamines are going crazy--everything is swelling and yep you guessed it--my esophagus and stomach tissue!!! So the restriction was pretty much like 4cc in a 4cc band--HOLY SH$T! So for the last week I have been PBing like a muther---and two nights ago woke up with acid reflux that put me in to an asthma attack. And this morning I threw up water!!! So I was like---ain't freakin' doing this crap anymore and went to my doctor. He took out 1cc--had me drink some Water and it made all sorts of weird sounds and it hurt--so he said we are taking everything out!!! AARGH! He told me that on the 25th of this month we would start my fills again but under fluoro to make sure I haven't slipped!!! Girls...I am so nervous about not having Fluid. To make matters worse I got a steroid shot and will be on three weeks of intense steroid treatment for my eczema from freakin' hell! My doctor says not to worry--I won't gain back pounds in 17 days- The nurse told me that this would be the time to eat foods that I haven't been able to eat since the band--ie hamburgers. I think that would be like giving a drink to an alcoholic. Just looking for so hugs right now...I am so depressed and itchy! Denise---"aka the itchy bitch"

Thanks Dee, for your response. i too gave up sugary stuff for lent even though I'm no longer a Catholic. Somehow the discipline of lent from youth is still with me; stuff I couldn't give up in January becomes easier to give up beginning Ash Wednesday. Lately I've been reducing the carbs too. This morning my weight was 120.8, Hurray! I can eat more than I used to be able to, so I think it's important for me to concentrate on Protein and vegetables and to limit carbs. I'm back eating artificial sweeteners and though I don't think they are actually healthy, they are far better than the alternative. Sugar is such a drug for me. The sugar alcohols have side effects which is a good thing for me. I cannot eat a 100gr bar of SF chocolate because of the stomach cramps it causes. This means that my portion sizes are reasonable and not gluttonous--in the end a very good thing indeed. I think the weight thing will always be a struggle for me, but at least I have a chance of winning this battle now instead of trying my hardest and losing miserably. I feel pretty good of my protein-first diet. My BF and housemate are both on no sugar diets so I don't have loads of temptattion. My boy still eats sugar with abandon, but I can dismiss that more easily. Sugar now seems like pixie sticks or cotton candy--stuff you eat in your youth but wouldn't really ingest during adulthood.

What have you been trying? I've been supposed to lose 10lbs since January but gained 10lbs instead. I have been trying everything I could think of since April and I finally think I have it right. I've lost 6lbs in 3 weeks. Here's what's working for me. Following my nutritionist's program with some adjustment: 60+gms of Protein, then veggies. I can't do the carbs, I just don't lose if I do. I'm trying to keep carbs under 50gms, all fruit and veggies. 64 ounces of fluids. No carbonation, no alcohol, no caloric drinks. 1000 calories a day or less. My program says 1200 but I just can't lose on 1200. Believe me 1000 calories is not much food. I'm hungry all the time but I just drink Water until my next meal. I can't exercise much due to my arthritis but I added a chair yoga class and an arthritis-focused water aerobics class and I'm trying to increase my average daily steps to 5000 (from 3000). Here's a day's menu: Breakfast- shake with a scoop of chocolate Designer whey and 1T PB2 (defatted Peanut Butter powder), 4 strawberries. Snack- half of a Nugo Slim Protein Bar lunch - 1oz of tofu, 1oz of almonds and cashews, half a cucumber, a few bell pepper slices Snack- 1/4 apple with 1 teaspoon almond butter dinner - Same shake as above with 1/2 a frozen banana, a green salad with homemade low cal, low carb dressing. Snack - my special treat- 1/2 of a homemade chocolate peanut butter cup made with stevia, cocoa, Protein powder, peanut butter and coconut oil. This is 115 of my calories per day but it's worth it as it keeps me from feeling deprived. Hope you can find a way too.

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.

This is something I too have been worrying about. I am no way going to give up alcohol either and wine makes me drunk really quickly. I Don't really like Vodka with fruit juices so will try the flat coke route. I only had my first fill last night so am a bit scared of everything at the moment, cos last week I could (and did) eat or drink anything! Trish

Ok I confess..... Last night instead of going straight to school... That evilness subconcious knocked out my lapband diet angel.....and ...made me decide to stop at WallyWorld(WalMart).... for what....for some SUGAR! sugar free candy that is....hey..hey I know what you are thinking ...it is not as bad as some of these other posts...but calories are calories...no matter what it is that you eat.... (ha! I recognize that today...what about last night....dumb..dumb) any hoot......I convinced myself I was going in to buy a bag of the sugar free peanut crunch only.....ha..... I bouth a bag of the sugar free peanut crunch...a bag of the sugar free reese's Peanut Butter cups and a bag of sugar free coffee chews. So I go back in the car...drive off to school and while driving had about 4 peanut crunch's, 3 peanut butter cups and 2 coffee chews.... there went a hard days work of exercising! Oh...and then I hide the bag and receipt in my bag and left it in the car last night.... after class guess what I was doing...yep ..:teeth_smile:.pucking...... Darn that evil voice for winning...... I was just out of control! Point is....we are no different than alcoholics...a sip of that drink...is still a drink!:crying:

What procedure did you chose and why did you chose it over the other options? I chose gastric bypass. After researching the 3 main types of WLS and consulting with my surgeon, we agreed that it would be best given the amount of weight I needed to lose and my lifestyle and diet at the time of the consultation etc. What was the general reaction from family and friends? Initially my parents were apprehensive about it. I took my mom with me to my first appt and I explained the procedure and the pros and cons to my dad. They came around and are two of my biggest cheerleaders. My boyfriend was supportive from the start and he is in the pre-op phases of WLS himself. All of my friends have been supportive and excited for me. Surprisingly a lot of them already knew someone that had WLS. Most of them gave that attempt at flattery "Wow really you're not even that big!" which I know is mostly their way of playing nice but nobody was against it or tried to talk me out of it. Everybody who knows about it has been nothing but supportive and excited to watch my journey. What was the biggest surprise during the process? How relaxed I was going into surgery. How minimally uncomfortable and in pain I was after. How long was your recovery? I took 3 weeks off from work but truthfully I could have gone back after two. But I was very fatigued during those first few weeks and having difficulty with getting in my liquids and with some foods. I didn't want to be sick at work. How fast did you lose the weight? I've lost 66 lbs so far. I lost 30ish in my preop and the rest since surgery 8 weeks ago. I'm averaging about 3 lbs a week, sometimes more. How has your life changed since having the procedure? I no longer need to shop in specialty stores for clothes. I enjoy exercise more. I'm more confident. I'm happier. I dont wake up with back and knee pain. I don't huff and puff on a walk or hike like I used to. I'm appreciative of little victories, like touching my toes or being able to cross my legs comfortably. I no longer feel trapped in my body or enslaved to food. My social life has slowed down unfortunately. A lot of my friends are foodies and love to go out and eat and drink and party and I can't eat the way I used to with them, and though alcohol isn't prohibited, it's not recommended since gastric bypass patients have increased absorbtion of the alcohol and because it's mostly empty carbs/sugars, i choose not to drink. To be honest, I'm a little afraid to. Would you do it again? In a heartbeat! Any regrets? Only that I didn't explore this sooner. Or visit the world famous San Diego Donut Bar What should I be aware of? Just because your body restricts your food intake doesn't mean your brain will follow it. You will still want foods. Things will trigger you. You'll test the waters. Know what affects you. If you're choosing RNY, know what makes you dump. Know what you're "i'm completely full can't eat another bite" feeling is. That one extra little bite can be the difference between your meal being done and your meal being spit back up and wasted. Don't compare your progress to others. Some people seem to lose 10 lbs overnight. Some people go over a year and don't hit their goal. Your journey is your journey, don't try to put yourself next to others. What, if any, foods do you miss that you can no longer have? Regular sushi rolls (with rice, sauces etc). It sometimes is hard to find a place that can do riceless rolls without having to show them a picture or without being charged extra.

I know they make alcohol drinks I didn't know they started making protein drinks Sent from my LG-H901 using the BariatricPal App

That is a big definite yes. I am typing this as a non sleever right now so forgive me. I have really been watching what I eat, when I eat, etc for a long time now and have been on a slow drop for a while. We started the Biggest Loser at work a couple weeks ago and I have dropped a good bit. As I weighed in yesterday morning, I realized that I have hit the weight that I stalled at 4 years ago. That was THE STALL OF ALL STALLS!!! I am not kidding at all. I had been watching everything I ate, I was jogging between 9-18 miles a week, no alcohol, NOTHING!!! I tried changing up my diet, my exercise, fluids, Protein up/down, carb cycling, detoxing, colon cleanse, fasting, increasing calories, you name it and I did it and I could not budge off of 315. I have been doing great the last couple weeks but after I saw 315 on the scale yesterday, I almost had a nervous breakdown! Not even kidding because I remember how that went last time. Now granted I am currently as low as I have been in 4 years, I am getting very nervous that it's gonna happen again! I know how you feel and wish you the best! I plan on keep on doing what I am doing and hopefully fight thru it. Thats all I think I can do..... Good luck.

I like your phrase, "food anesthesia". I'm going to borrow that. Because, that is what it is for me when I abuse food. It is the same as alcohol. As a long term member of a 12 step program, I learned early on that alcohol wasn't my problem, it was my solution. I was the problem ... how I lived life on life's terms. If I didn't want to feel the emotions of the day, I could anesthetize myself with alcohol. That worked for a long time ... until it didn't. The same came true for my relationship with food. It comforted me when I was down, was there for me when I celebrated. It was an option for me when alcohol wasn't. And just like alcohol, food worked for me for a long time ... until it didn't. WLS has been the tool to help me not abuse food the way I used to. But there is still the deeper problem. Me and my ability to live life on life's terms. I still have the same roller coaster life. I still struggle with doing the next right thing. But I don't have my old coping mechanisms, and that is hard, sometimes. My solution has been to re-commit myself to my 12 step program as for me, I have learned a lot of life skills there. I have never been to an OA meeting, or seen a counselor as it relates to my relationship with food, but I would suggest to anyone who doesn't already attend some form of the many forms of 12 step meetings, to seek out one of these options. For me, it has been critical to help me find the serenity I need in my and my family's lives.

Hello all. I had the Realize Band put it on 6/13 and have now lost approximately 17 lbs. A friend of a friend, who had bariartric surgery turned me on to obesity.com and that's how I found this website. I am rapidly approaching 60 years of age and could not take the weight off myself. I have probably gained and lost the weight of two people before this surgery, and this will be my last. My doc is very nice, but there is not a lot of communication so I find corresponding with people and reading these topics very helpful. I do have some questions for all of you out there: 1) When can you begin a regular exercise program, like Curves (this worked for me before, so I want to try it again) 2) When can you start to introduce fresh fruit and leafy greens into the diet? I'm allowed to begin eating regular food again this week, but the diet plan excludes fresh fruit and leafy greens and I have no idea why. 3) Can you ever have wine or other alcoholic beverages? 4) Do all doctors prohibity the consumption of fluids for an hour before meals and an hour after meals? Why is this? Thanks for all your postings and keep your fingers crossed that I am able to make the long journey with all of you.

Indio Girl 55 - Thanks for the well wishes and prayers, which one can never have too many of. I feel priviledged to sharing a band date with someone who has been so successful with her band. The doctor diagnosed my staph infection as 'cellulitis'. I've heard of MRSA but I'm not really sure that's what I have as the infection site is not open and oozing which really has me stumped because I have no breaks in my skin. My family also razes me because I'm such a stickler about getting them to wash their hands and clean everything and spray everything with Lysol, alcohol or antibacterial products. I'm just thankful the antibiotics are working as the infection is going away. It's 94 degrees where I'm at today. I can bet you are REALLY warm in Palm Springs.

I have gained 25 pounds on the dot and in the last month have only lost 5. So it is clear like you, I have slipped into old habits. We worked too hard for this god damn it. It was NOT easy, it was pain and suffering. SO LETS DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! I am going back to the old old old diet that I started on. I am going to be eating a clear soup for at least 50 percent of my daily meals. No more junk, no more snacks, NO MORE ALCOHOL. My capacity to eat is still really small. Anyone wanna do a thing for a month? Like a support group? For real, no judging we encourage each other and try to reconnect with the habits that worked.

We've been told that if we drink alcohol, it's not an issue of if we have complications, but when. My NUT and case manager worry about gastritis and ulcers, along with transfer of addiction. That being said, not quite 6 months post op and I've enjoyed an occasional glass off wine or beer. No upset tummy yet.

I have done a bunch of research into what causes ulcers. Gastrin is a hormone that is released by eating protein which causes the parietal cells in the stomach to release acid. Well, can't stop eating protein. Alcohol and caffeine directly stimulate parietal cells without affecting gastrin. So all alcohol & caffeine of any amount are out. I have cut out my morning coffee and sometime 1 glass of wine after work & feel a lot better.

"Can" is asking for permission. "Should" is for what is inevitable or likely to happen in the future. Can I eat tacos, drink alcohol, eat a 20oz steak when I am barely a week or two post? Sure...you SHOULD have never had the WLS eitherif you were NOT going follow your medical team plans concerning your post-op diet.

Careypea, don't worry about the nurse. If (when) she starts to give you a hard time, tell her it has been an emotional thing with you - and you are there to get your fill because you are dealing with those issues. You are not there for a lecture, you are there for a fill. Does your surgeon have a psychologist set up for patients to work with? I have continued to see the one I saw prior to surgery - on an infrequent basis, but still seeing him about every 2-3 months. We are on an "as-needed" basis at this point. You have some issues he/she could help you with - practical help with emotional eating and such things. Most surgeons work with a person like that or have suggestions about some who help people with our disease cope with the emotional aspects of it. Required reading for my shrink is a book called "The Emotional First + Aid Kit" by Cynthia L. Alexander, PsyD. It is available on Amazon for a modest price (paperback). My shrink said to BUY it, not borrow it from the library, because I could find it very helpful to refer back to as needed. The unfortunate thing about our disease/addiction to food - the drug addict can stop - the alcoholic can stop - but we still have to eat. You have taken a huge step in putting your emotions down on paper. It has helped you to talk about it with your most treasured friends. There will always be those like the nurse who are well-meaning in intent, but mis-guided in action. Pay attention to their intent, and forgive them their action. You do not owe an explanation to those people, but you do owe your best effort to yourself. God has guided you to this point and He is not going to abandon your here. Let it go and concentrate on the steps to make this journey successful.

Sunwyse, Hi. I was banded about 8 months ago, and it is true that I am moodier than ever, but I feel as though the depression I felt reight after surgery has lifted. I think it is common because when I go to get my fills they have me answer a questionnaire and there are 4 or 5 questions on moods and depression on there. I do not currently see a therapist, but at the suggestion of fellow bandsters will look into finding one soon because I definately think that helps. I also need to start attending the support groups that my surgeon/hospital have. I am lucky that my sister had the band done 2 months ago so we are great support for one another. I sure saw her depression and moodiness after the surgery!!! That is getting better, she is on effexor and she may have upped her dose. I consider my getting the band a life changing event. It is similar to me to when I quit drinking alcohol and using drugs 15 yrs. ago. I was ready to be this happy, straight, RICH, and without depression. My mother simply told me..."I don't mean to burst your bubble, but you weren't a whole lot of fun to be around BEFORE you started drinking!!!" (My mother doesn't mess around, she says what she wants to!) I was shocked and thought thanks a lot mom! But she was absolutely right. Just because I was sober did not make me happy rich or not depressed. I just did everything minus the hangover! I guess my point is just that I have to learn to accept and love myself the way I am. Everyday I will have to learn it again. Good luck learning to love yourself today! bbanded

It looks like the responses are from mostly newly banded or soon-to-be banded folks. Except for Elfiepoo - and Fran - way to go! Not that I discount anyone's opinion but I really wish I could hear from folks who have had it for more than a few years. If the definition of "successful" is to lose excess weight and keep it off for 3 years then I have been successful on my own. I lost 50+ lbs. and kept it off for 3+ years. I weighed between 135-142. Then I got pregnant, then I injured my back and the rollercoaster started again and I gained way more than I lost. I'm just scared to try again because then I might gain even more and I really can't stand the thought of being even fatter than I am now! I hear all of you and it makes sense that the band would help with stomach hunger and not head hunger. That's where the willpower comes in. OK. I get that now. So would this help me is what I have to figure out. When I'm hungry I go for the real foods like meat and vegetables and bread. I eat way too much regular food - I like the feeling of being stuffed. Then after the hunger is sated I start craving the sweets. No, not just sweets, CHOCOLATE! I can look at a piece of apple pie or a sugar cookie and it not do a thing for me, even when I'm hungry. I want real food when I'm hungry. When I'm craving I want chocolate. I can act like a normal person as far as turning down Cookies, candy etc. until the chocolate comes out. Then it's like showing an alcoholic a bottle of whiskey. So do you thing this would help me? I'm trying to be as objective as possible because I don't want to be disappointed by having unrealistic expectations. Thanks for all the info!

Lovemyself2012 I haven't had my surgery yet but I believe & listen to everything I read online so the first thing I'm going to do one month out of surgery is get hammered & then as a result become an alcoholic! And it will all be your fault!!!! LOL Seriously tho how can you really know if it didn't slow down your weight loss? However I do know that when I drink alcohol I become a "professional" dancer & shake my booty all night at the club far more than if I drink Water all night.

I asked after a month after my surgery if I could drink because it was my 30th birthday, I couldn't make it through a milestone like that, that I couldn't drink... I am fine. My surgeon said, "your weight loss will slow down..." I have discovered that vodka and DIET OCEAN SPRAY CRAN-GRAPE OR CRAN-POMEGRANATE juice helps. My weight loss has not slowed, just happened. Y'all need to be informed!! Drink!!! It's awesome!! Just don't substitute your FOOD addiction for alcohol.... Alcohol can still be enjoyed, just don't over do it. Love all my VSG family!

When I asked my NP about these she said she has asked several companies to send her the research with proof that they really do absorb through the skin and not one has yet to send it. So do your research. She said it mustn’t be simple that it absorbs through skin otherwise things like hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes we use on our hands (and she says she uses a ton of all day) would be absorbed into our bodies and that sorta made sense.

The science of transdermal patches are real, effective and proven. I can't speak for vitamins or this brand. Ever heard of nicotine patches, prescription pain medicine patches or DMSO? That stuff is 100% effective. It uses a "vehicle" to transport the product into the skin. Your nutritionist may not know about transdermal patches. If you plied sanitizer or alcohol into a transdermal patch, theoretically it also could cross the skin barrier and enter the muscle/blood using whatever vehicle they use. Nicotine patches work. It might just be possible!