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I'm going to have surgery in June with the likelihood my date is moved up. I had joined a Facebook bariatric group thinking I'd find support and possibly friends there, but unfortunately left the group due to the outrageous number of posts regarding how soon people could eat pizza, drink alcohol, eat I cream or drink soda pop, etc., etc. then the myriad of unhealthy recipes that were posted was upsetting, even as I scrolled past them. Then, I came here. It's the same difference. The people who have knowledge are vastly outnumbered by the addicts and self indulgent. What's worse is if anybody speaks the truth, which is that the vast majority of people here are seeking a quick fix, don't want to put in the work, are food addicts and compulsive over eaters, and even lazy, then they risk the wrath of people who disagree and want to mess up for their own ignorant and selfish reasons. Stupidly and indulgence win out the day. I'm always from the school of thought if I know something or have information I ought to impart that to others. Knowledge is power and the truth is always better. It pisses me off to have to keep my mouth shut so that stupid or misinformed people win out the day spreading their crap all over these forums and ruining it for those of us who actually can use the encouragement and not use this site as a crutch for our self indulging. I was thinking of leaving. Then I realized I'm not alone after reading a post on here expressing the same outrage. Plus, I'll stick around for the few people who actually can use the help and viable info, not to mention have real issues with support outside these forums for reasons beyond what is normal, either they have limited net access and funds, or get a doctor that isn't up to par, plus I feel it's my duty to give out the correct information. And yes, there is actually correct information about this stuff. It's really easy to find and a great doctor will give it. Some of what I read is preposterous. Reading stupid crap such as it's okay to drink soda or pop because the stomach muscle left over from the surgery won't stretch - B.S! NOT TRUE, and if that isn't the worst if it, not acknowledging what sugar and fake sweeteners do to our bodies is the icing on the cake. Nobody is that daft in 2017. Rather than attack and change the nature of the addictions, people seek any excuse to indulge them. It's tiresome and boring. Have some guts, and stop spreading stupidity to others. Believe it or not, some of us want to be healthy and actually live longer by correcting the habits that got us here in the first place. If you don't like it, fine. It's not my job to encourage bad behavior, not for myself or anyone else. Leave a rude comment or not, that's your bit. At the end of the day it's about adding years to our lives and making the best out of a tool that not everybody has an opportunity out to use.

I had a fill yesterday. Doctor gave me a half CC to fill me up to 6.75 in my band. He handed me a bottle of Water and I took a big swallow. We both heard a bunch of gurgling and I laughed because literally just an hour before I was able to drink a huge mug of coffee without a problem in a few minutes. Doctor took a quarter CC out to see how I felt and the water went down okay. He declared me "green." I didn't know how I felt about this. I thought to myself "What if it still doesn't work?" I asked the doctor what I should do if I'm still over-eating. And he said "Well, this is your soft ceiling for your fills so from here on out, if you're not losing weight, we'll need to take a closer look at your diet and exercise. It's a tool. It won't lose the weight for you." BOOM. I've heard it a billion times before (the lap band being a tool) but I didn't really think about it. I will be honest. Over the last several months I learned how to eat around my band. Good ways to do this are drink while eating (washes the food right through the band into your stomach). Especially if I'm eating cake or Cookies - a glass of milk will slide those suckers right into my stomach. Drinking alcohol makes the band feel looser so I can eat more. Being one who loves to over-eat, I did this with some degree of frequency. I'm lucky that I didn't make myself gain weight, just maintained where I was (you can only get so many calories in if you're drinking a half gallon of water to get a meal down). I didn't measure my food, didn't really think about it. I stupidly thought my lap band would just magically stop me when I got full. Well... for that to actually work, I have to follow the rules. Now that I am consciously following the rules, it's working great. I thought with the lap band I could get away with not "dieting" for the rest of my life. By "dieting" I mean measuring everything, eating small portions of healthy foods, and skipping sweets. Okay, I know people are probably reading this thinking "What the hell did you expect, you moron??" I guess I expected life to carry on as usual without thinking about food as much. But it turns out this is similar to starting a healthy lifestyle except the band DOES help in reducing hunger. But it doesn't eliminate the desire to binge. That's where self-control comes into play. Without the band, I could try to discipline myself to eat a small plate of food (one cup) and eat tiny bites and wait 20 seconds until the next bite. But I would eat the cup and still be hungry. WITH the band, my little pouch fills up and provides the illusion of fullness (let's be real, it's not actual fullness because NO ONE gets full on a 300-400 calorie meal unless they're naturally 4'10 inches and weigh 90 pounds). For this to work I need to be mindful. I need to follow the rules. And I need to cut the drinking (both alcoholic and drinking water while eating). This is pretty much the extent of the power of the lap band. It's not going to change me, but it makes it possible to change.

Howdy folks - I'm a 41 year old software engineer (tells you about how physically active my job is :), and since I was diagnosed with MDD about 3-4 years ago and started on a 100 mg Zoloft (sertraline) regimen, my weight went from around 180 lbs to a current 204 lbs (I'm 5'8"-ish), without any change in eating habits or exercise patterns. God bless psychiatry whom I was a major skeptic of until I realized depression for some people isn't caused only by situational circumstances but also genetics and heritage contribute to much of it as well... My entire family has been dealing with their own anxiety and depression in other ways, via alcohol, lustful activities, gambling, shopping, overeating - since I don't come originally from the USA, the taboo on psychiatrists is even greater back home where I'm from..... and taking an antidepressant for most people who suffer is almost non-existent. Zoloft has helped reduce, or rather, help me cope with 90% or more of the symptoms I experienced - basically reluctance to do anything and just curl up and cry due to the severity of the depression as well as the several times a day panic attacks each of which felt like impending doom and death knocking on the door... Good luck focusing on mental work with those experiences in your head/body - I don't wish them on anyone. What I never saw coming as a result of my SSRI regimen is the progressive weight gain that has been taking place... obviously partially this is due to age, but the majority of it is really due to the side effects of taking an SSRI like Zoloft. I've found it nearly impossible in terms of time consumed and habit change to manage my weight with exercise and nutrition alone and I've scheduled a surgery with Dr Ortiz for this April after reading here extensively, watching Dr Ariel Ortiz and Dr Juan Lopez Corvala perform this procedure on numerous patients. It was a tossup for me between Dr Ortiz and Dr Corvala, I guess I really liked Dr Ortiz's website and information provided better, so I picked him, but I feel that these 2 doctors are probably among the best at what they do in the Tijuana area.... With a BMI of 30 and no end of the weight gain in sight as age progresses... I feel like I've made the right choice for myself, my wife and my children. Wish me luck and pray for my speedy recovery. Many of my colleagues suffer from extreme obesity, so I'm hoping I start a trend here :). M.

It sounds he's really suffering from food addiction. It's as real as drugs or alcohol. That's a shame that he's reverting to old habits so quickly. He's definitely on the road to regaining all his weight back if he stays that course. Did he go through any sort of required program prior to surgery? My clinic has monthly support group meetings and their own private Facebook page for support. This place is a great resource as well. He's not the only that struggles. You'll find a lot of stories of people falling back into old habits but looking to get back on track. You may want to nudge him this way at some point. There are some good apps out there to do food tracking. I use Myfitnesspal and there are some others specific for bariatric patients (can't recall the name but somebody will post it). It's hard to come up with a magic solution to his problem. The biggest thing I can think of is that the surgery is just a tool. You have to want to commit to the lifestyle change. It's no different than giving up alcohol or smoking. If you aren't mentally prepared for it then you're likely going to fail. The comments of "it's too much work" says a lot. Meal planning really isn't that difficult. That's just an excuse to go with quick & ready to eat foods (which most of the time means junk food). Good for you on reaching out to this group for info. Not a lot of friends would do that for somebody. Best of luck!

He's been performing bariatric surgery since the late 90s. He's done thousands and thousands. He developed the Mini sleeve and he does them daily. I trust him implicitly. I read the 1 review about alcohol abuse that you mentioned. I don't really believe that. If it did happen it was written 5 years ago if I remember correctly. He's fit, energetic, charismatic and bright eyed. (He's also eye candy... Lol!) I don't believe that review at all.

What I meant was I've seen bad reviews about Dr MCCarty. Such as abusing alcohol and drugs, just wondered if they were really true

Not 100% sure if this is a NSV or a crackdown on underage drinking, but I was carded twice while buying alcohol recently. I'm 36 years old and haven't been carded in at least 5 years! I know I look much better now maybe I'm looking younger?

Im thinking about it too.indid see he had license taken away because of alcohol issue.but thats a long time ago and he did rehab etc. I just want to know if he is goid at mini sleeve procedure. ..seems like a newer procedure...lets us all know what happens good luck!!

Obese people store fat in their liver, enlarging them (and causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). The pre-op diet shrinks the liver to give the surgeon more room to work and make it less likely they'll accidentally damage the liver, which could be life threatening.

I don't think you are dumping either. While sleeve patients can get dumping (like me) none of the foods you listed should cause it. You may be having issues with the protein shakes. They give me the terrible shits too. Check and see if there are any sugar alcohols in your brand. If so change brands. In fact, just change brands. Or don't use them. Protein shakes can really give you the runs. Just focus on your liquids for now and soon you will be able to eat some soft proteins that won't give you the shits. You won't hurt yourself for being low on protein for a little while, trust me. Also maybe ditch the sugar free jello.

If I have anything with sugar, even sugar alcohol, in the mornings I have issues. This morning I had oatmeal made with 1/2 cup of milk, and I had mild dumping. Later on in the day it is okay. I haven't even attempted juice yet. I have no issues drinking water, so there's really no need to do that anyway.

I wouldn't do it. I have a scar on my forehead to prove how alcohol effects you after wls. Just, avoid. Or one drink max.

Reasons why people have less success? I'm only newly post-op but I've done my research and what I've found is that a lot of it comes down to they weren't emotionally ready to make the lifelong changes necessary. the sleeve is only a tool, what you do with it matters! We're talking people who don't incorporate exercise into their lifestyle, people who drink calories (sweet tea, milkshakes, fruit juices, alcohol), people who eat unhealthy food too often (even if in smaller portions it's still going to add up!), people who trade large meals for small frequent ones (ie: a bag of chips eaten in one sitting pre-surgery is the same amount of calories as one eaten over the course of a day a handful at a time!), people who eat around their surgery in other ways, people who don't track or stay accountable to themselves or others, people who don't take advantage of support groups and don't have support systems in place to help them make lifelong changes... Basically, the sleeve will help you lose weight and may have a role in re-setting your body's "set point", but it's not a miracle procedure that lets you do whatever and still be skinny. Some people either genuinely don't realize that, refuse to believe it, or they really do want to make changes but don't have the support/preparation/mental-headspace to do so. I remember being on a bariatric surgery forum and a woman posted saying "why are y'all so worried about what you eat and obsessed with exercising? I'm eating whatever I want and never working out and still losing!"... but she was six months out from her procedure, when losing weight is easiest. that attitude will do nothing to help her once the honeymoon period is over. if she doesn't change her attitude and behaviour, then she will likely regain.

Hey cmbtexas! Good to hear from someone from the "good old days" with the chat room. It made me sad to hear about your struggle with the bottle and depression. I must say- I've had similar experiences. Wish we could chat more about it. I've managed to keep off all the weight I lost (100#). I've also managed to lose another 180# (LOL- got rid of the husband). But I picked up the bottle (again). Self-medicating? So, I went back to Alcoholics Anonymous. They have been the answer for me. I enjoy the meetings, the structure, and especially the people. A place to belong. Well wishes my friend!!

Thank you, CMB Texas, for your story. I pray you will be successful resetting your resolve and getting help for your addiction. As a Mormon I do not think alcohol would be a replacement addiction i would have a problem with, but I can see shopping getting too big, and that could hurt my marriage. Thank you for the warning and power to you in your struggle.

Thanks for sharing your story! I totally agree, the effects of alcohol is not discussed enough. This past year I noticed a difference with my alcohol assumption. It had increased and the effects were higher. I have now cutback on drinking wine, out of the thought that it could become an addiction. Very scary feeling, but deep down I know this has to do with the surgery. Now I am VERY mindful of what I drink, and have learned my limit. Unfortunately it is what it is, I love wine, but its not worth risking my happiness and my wellbeing, such as gaining back a large amount of the weight or blacking out.

Well done you for telling it straight. Find group support for your alcohol problem and maybe a nutritionist could help you get back on track with your eating program. Best Wishes

I am almost 5 years out from surgery. I lost around 155 pounds and kept it off for about 3.5 years. But in the past 1.5 years, I have suffered from depression and started drinking alcohol excessively ( I typically would have ate food excessively in the past). In the past I could have several drinks and be fine; however post surgery the side effects were much more severe (depression, a feeling of real dependency, blacking out suddenly with no recollection of where the cutoff point would be i.e. 2 drinks now was just as strong as drinking 5) The alcohol goes so quickly into your system that it is a real danger if not properly monitored. Although my eating habits didn't change, without daily exercise and with the added calories of excessive alcohol consumption, I regained around 60 pounds. In addition to the weight gain I have struggled with the affects of alcohol dependency, which I never had experienced before. As VSG patients we were all cautioned on drinking and how it affects us differently after surgery. I didn't really take heed to those warnings until it had become a problem for me. I am working on it daily now and also am struggling to lose the weight all over again, which feels pretty much like as difficult as it had been prior to surgery. I think this is not talked about enough and I'm sure I am not the only VSG patient who has experienced this. As a community being open with one another, and as individual seeking out help earlier, I probably wouldn't be struggling with these 60 pounds now. Anyone who's been through it should reach out sooner than later. Not only have I suffered from this issue, I have had to deal with the fact that I messed up my own progress and success and now have to deal with the ramifications of starting all over again so to speak. This I can say for certain, staying in a support group and dealing with your issues is imperative to continued success in this journey. I'm not sure if I'll loose all of the 60 I've regained again, but I am willing to fight the battle to do this all over again and to warn others of how dangerous alcohol consumption is for us post surgery!

I am almost 5 years out from surgery. I lost around 155 pounds and kept it off for about 3.5 years. But in the past 1.5 years, I have suffered from depression and started drinking alcohol excessively ( I typically would have ate food excessively in the past). In the past I could have several drinks and be fine; however post surgery the side effects were much more severe (depression, a feeling of real dependency, blacking out suddenly with no recollection of where the cutoff point would be i.e. 2 drinks now was just as strong as drinking 5) The alcohol goes so quickly into your system that it is a real danger if not properly monitored. Although my eating habits didn't change, without daily exercise and with the added calories of excessive alcohol consumption, I regained around 60 pounds. In addition to the weight gain I have struggled with the affects of alcohol dependency, which I never had experienced before. As VSG patients we were all cautioned on drinking and how it affects us differently after surgery. I didn't really take heed to those warnings until it had become a problem for me. I am working on it daily now and also am struggling to lose the weight all over again, which feels pretty much like as difficult as it had been prior to surgery. I think this is not talked about enough and I'm sure I am not the only VSG patient who has experienced this. As a community being open with one another, and as individual seeking out help earlier, I probably wouldn't be struggling with these 60 pounds now. Anyone who's been through it should reach out sooner than later. Not only have I suffered from this issue, I have had to deal with the fact that I messed up my own progress and success and now have to deal with the ramifications of starting all over again so to speak. This I can say for certain, staying in a support group and dealing with your issues is imperative to continued success in this journey. I'm not sure if I'll loose all of the 60 I've regained again, but I am willing to fight the battle to do this all over again and to warn others of how dangerous alcohol consumption is for us post surgery!

I am almost 5 years out from surgery. I lost around 155 pounds and kept it off for about 3.5 years. But in the past 1.5 years, I have suffered from depression and started drinking alcohol excessively ( I typically would have ate food excessively in the past). In the past I could have several drinks and be fine; however post surgery the side effects were much more severe (depression, a feeling of real dependency, blacking out suddenly with no recollection of where the cutoff point would be i.e. 2 drinks now was just as strong as drinking 5) The alcohol goes so quickly into your system that it is a real danger if not properly monitored. Although my eating habits didn't change, without daily exercise and with the added calories of excessive alcohol consumption, I regained around 60 pounds. In addition to the weight gain I have struggled with the affects of alcohol dependency, which I never had experienced before. As VSG patients we were all cautioned on drinking and how it affects us differently after surgery. I didn't really take heed to those warnings until it had become a problem for me. I am working on it daily now and also am struggling to lose the weight all over again, which feels pretty much like as difficult as it had been prior to surgery. I think this is not talked about enough and I'm sure I am not the only VSG patient who has experienced this. As a community being open with one another, and as individual seeking out help earlier, I probably wouldn't be struggling with these 60 pounds now. Anyone who's been through it should reach out sooner than later. Not only have I suffered from this issue, I have had to deal with the fact that I messed up my own progress and success and now have to deal with the ramifications of starting all over again so to speak. This I can say for certain, staying in a support group and dealing with your issues is imperative to continued success in this journey. I'm not sure if I'll loose all of the 60 I've regained again, but I am willing to fight the battle to do this all over again and to warn others of how dangerous alcohol consumption is for us post surgery!

At 5 months you will be on a regular diet - so when you have breakfast you have have eggs or an omlette. Lunch - there's plenty of protein at the various restaurants - so maybe some fish with a veg. Dinner - same thing. If you're really concerned, pack a container of protein powder and a shaker bottle. The bigger issue will be dealing with the temptation of all the sugars/sweets/carbs/pastas and alcohol. And avoiding the temptation to eat all the time, since food is always available. Make use of the fitness center and when you are in port, get lots of walking in and other exercise to offset and "slips" which might occur.

I have been failing miserably at my pre op diet. I do well all day but then have eaten cake, drank alcohol, had crackers, etc. my surgery is in 6 days! Should I cancel!?

I think you're OK. Anyone who says this surgery "fixes" any sort of food cravings is crazy. I crave sweets all the time still. If it makes you feel better, about 5 weeks after surgery I had alcohol. It was Christmas time and I come from a heavy-drinking Irish family that doesn't take "no" for an answer when they offer you food/drink. And I survived. This is going to be the reality of the rest of our lives. You're going to have good days, and bad days, just like if you were trying to lose weight the "normal" way. The only big difference is now you have a tool to help you, like using the bumpers in bowling Good luck! And don't beat yourself up!

I posted a story, "Never Again." I had made frozen drink and drank about 5 sips and went into what's described as Dumping syndrome. Sugar+alcohol =HELL I walked around in agony! I had spasms from my throat to my bottom. The cold triggered it, sugar, and alcohol exasperated it. Relief came after I got into a hot shower, and after put a heating pad on my tummy. I did not have other gastro issues some might imagine. Just pain that I couldn't even stay still. June will be 1 year and white wine works for me. Vodka knocks me on my Butt. Red wine is too acidic for me.

Cigarettes and alcohol can be given up. But food...we have to learn to make good choices for the rest of our lives in order to live linger.