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Hi all - I wasn't able to get on yesterday but came back and you are all doing so well! I think I'll get my first fill around Jan 22/23. Thats 6 weeks for me. I go in again on the 9th just to have another food talk - thats when he'll tell me to eat regular foods. I'm not doing bad on mushie/soft foods. My diet now is interchangeable with soft foods and its been pretty easy. Yesterday we went to a wrestling tournament - my great nephew just started in the peewee's - so darn cute - anyway, for Breakfast I ate a banana, lunch 3 pirogis, and a little Soup, supper was chicken and rice in general tso's sauce. I woke up in a hot flash tonight and started thinking about what I had ate so I had to get up and check the calorie content of the chicken - it was 240/cup - so I think I'm keeping my calories well below 1000. I also had 2 bites of my daughters milky way. I haven't felt sick at all since I had the surgery. None of the golf ball stuff or pb's - has anyone else? I keep worrying that I'm making the right food choices and now and then I feel like I need to burp - which if I get up and walk I do burp - big loud burps but thats probably from eating too fast. And I also find it so much easier NOT to snack between meals - I don't feel hungry at all unless its meal time. I LOVE MY BAND! The clothes swap sounds cool. I'm fitting nicely into my clothes again, yesterday I went through a bunch of old ones that still didn't fit and tried a pair of jeans on that did but then I remembered why I didn't like them. I hate low riding jeans! Why on earth would they make fatlady jeans that button below the belly button? I know I've got an odd shape with a apple belly and not pear shaped but still my belly button is low and these jeans still come 3 inches below MY belly button. I get no sympathy from my daughters who are a size 6 and 10 - they can wear crap like that. They usually start giggling when it comes to me and jeans. I hate the look but its so much more comfortable to wear the old lady stretchy slacks that come up above my belly button. My daughter has a pair of jeans that are all ripped up - you know they buy them that way for $50 - I"m old, I know - anyway I told her that next christmas I'm going to wear them. LOL not that I want to wear ripped up jeans but dang I can't wait to be that size! Well I've been up and hour - the hot flash is over so I guess I'll try to sleep again. This is my insomnia. I haven't had it for a while and when I feel like I haven't been sleeping well I take and otc sleeping pill - usually a half will give me a good nights sleep. Its so irratating because I know that tomorrow is New Years Eve and if I don't sleep tonight I will be crashing before the ball drops tomorrow. Which btw - Kay - I have 2 partys to go to - I'm taking mushy/soft food that I can eat - you know they are always potluck - I may have a glass of wine - I had one on Christmas and it went down well. I'm not a big drinker anyway so its not a big deal. Its funny because other then a glass of wine now and then the only alcohol I drink is dark beer and now I can't drink that at all. If I don't see you all later today - have a Happy safe New year celebration! Love ya bandsters!

:biggrin1: Beversman - Thank you for the advice on the peroxide. It was Deiselangel who had the question about it. I was worried to about her too, although I didn't have the details that you have. I am sure she will read this....I hope! Maybe I will switch from polysporin to alcohol, it will probably get rid of some glue marks as well! Thanks.

It is easier to point the finger of blame than worry about what our OWN cell phones, air conditioning, gasoline, alcohol, cigarette, food, paper product, etc., comsumption is costing the earth... That makes me wonder...what kind of "burden" do cell phones put on the earth's resources...all that infrastructure...plastic...probably taking advantage of some underdeveloped country's labor supply, too....???

:clap2: VA hey buddy .... I had a piece of toast for Breakfast today ...wow that was the nicest and slowest eaten piece of toast ever! I haven't eaten since but just to wet your appetite...I am going to have a feast this evening Heinz baked Beans and mini sausages. The beans I mush up and the sausages are almost the sort that melt in your mouth so it will go down well. Just the very tiny tin. I never thought that would be the main meal of any day ..just shows you that even at this stage, pre any fill, it has an affect. In fact I am surprised at how tight things get when you eat. I still have the plaster over my port wound and it seems to want to stick on there so I am leaving it. All the others are off and they are TINY...bless my surgeons [i had two because I was the first at this new clinic locally]. I am sooooooooooooo glad I found all you December bandsters...we truly need the support here. I am divorced, have been for 6 years and have a 19 year old. She's very supportive. I don't miss food....I miss a glass of Californian Merlot or Cab. sauvignon. Anyone know of any post bandsters who actually drink alcohol ever again..I see no mention of that in my blurb from the surgeon? You know the hardest thing I find? Not drinking when I eat. I realise now that drinking when we eat helps us to eat more. Often when I was feeling stuffed, sipping some diet coke cleared the way for more! This is the most difficult time of the year to be banded...and also I think the most sensible for us... we are avoiding the pounds piling on .. I'm glad of that and I am glad of all your company. I may sneak a chocolate on Christmas day!! Hugs folks...going off to heat up my baked beans!!:hungry: Karen

welcome to the december bandsters gonnalose. I think we all are feeling the same thing, excited/scared/nervous, all those emotions as well as STARVING if you are on the liquid diet. I am on day 9 of the pre diet and doing okay, ive had a few "emergencies" as my dietician puts it that required some chicken or maybe a cookie but otherwise okay. I have also quite smoking....today is day 22. I guess I am gluton for punishment, or maybe just stupid. Quiting all addictions at the same time has been difficult but if I can do this I can do anything and this time next year I will be healthy for the first time in my adult life (thank god we cant drink during the preop stage or I may be alcoholic by now, lol) Everyone in my family is excited for me except for the one (my mother) she is scared but optimistic at the same time. I wish you good luck and keep us all posted on your progress.

The main point I was trying to make is that any alcohol beverage will affect Lapbanders much faster than they're used to. I understand the article quoted was directed at people with bypass surgery, but a lot of what was said also applies to Lapbanders. Reading through the various forums, many posts say that the poster was surprised by just how quickly alcohol affected them after Lapband surgery. I'm obviously not against drinking (in moderation), but just be careful.

Ok This Thursday I will be 3 weeks post op. I have a party to go to on Friday night and there will be alcohol served. My doctor says 6 months before having alcohol, but a few people that I know have the band started drinking pretty early on, at least sooner than 6 months out! I'm not worried about calories, I just want to know if anyone had alcohol as soon as 3 weeks post op? Thanks in advance!

It still amazes me today the things that people feel we need to hear. I have been overweight pretty much my whole life. There was a time that I was a size 8, during my Metabolife period. My immediate family has always been big. My sister is skinny now though, she has eating issues… My uncle was the worst. Of course people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. He died when I was 7 or 8 of complications with his diabetes and alcohol, he was in bad condition. But anyways, he always had a fat joke to say when I was around. His sons were not skinny now mind you. In fact one had diabetes too. What gets me to this day is when I hear any form of this rhyme or song. It makes me cringe…Kelly Kelly Bo Belly, banana Fanna Fo Felly Fe, <st1:place><st1:City>Fi</st1:City>, <st1:State>Mo</st1:State></st1:place> Melly, Kelly. I am sure anyone with names that rhyme with Belly Full of Jelly, or any other weigh induces child’s rhyme can understand. There were two guys that I remember from middle school that really stick with me. One was a tall shinny guy names Cory. Cory loved his “fat jokes”, I am sure we all remember them: You are so fat that you use a VCR for a pager, You are so fat that when you are at the beach people yell beached whale or How do you have sex with a fat girl? …. I am not finishing that one. He was good too. He make everyone in class laugh at our comedy routine. Some days he got me to cry. Thanks to scheduling and being in a small town we had half of our classes together. We performed often….People love to laugh at the fat chick. The other person was Dean. Dean was the brother of a guy I was “seeing”. We were all hanging out talking trying to figure out what we wanted to do. It was prob about a group of about 8 kids. Dean was a mean spirited person to begin with. For no reason that I can think of this day, he walks over to me and announces for everyone to hear “If I was as fat as you I would just kill myself.” I was about 12 at the time. People don’t understand that most everything that they say to a person, stays with that person. Especially if it was a negative remark.

http://www.newstatesman.com/200703120024 From the Linked article: America won't simply be paying with its dead. The Pentagon is trying to silence economists who predict that several decades of care for the wounded will amount to an unbelievable $2.5 trillion... ...It is sobering to think how the money going down the drain in Iraq could otherwise have been spent. "For this amount of money, we could have provided health insurance for the uninsured of this country," Bilmes tells me. "We could have made social security solvent for the next three generations, and implemented all the 9/11 Commission's recommendations [to tighten domestic security]." That kind of list goes on: the annual cost of treating all heart disease and diabetes in the United States would amount to a quarter of what the Iraq war is costing. Pre-school for every child in America would take just $35bn a year. __________________ Questions that need to be asked: Will the "Support Our Troops" crowd be there with the money for the mentally ill Vets? Will the "Support Our Troops" crowd still support the Iraq Vets who commit crimes like murder at 5 or 6 times the national level? Will the "Support Our Troops" crowd still support the Iraq Vets who are involved with spousal abuse at many times the national average? Will the "Support Our Troops" crowd still support the Iraq Vets when they are homeless and try to pan-handle money from the public? Will the "Support Our Troops" crowd still support the Iraq Vets with tax-funded alcohol and drug rehab centers? Will the "Support Our Troops" crowd still support the Iraq Vets with tax-funded prisons to incarcerate them and then preach about "Personal Responsibility"? These are Questions that need to be asked, even though we know the answers. We know the answers because we have seen the support for Vietnam vets. "Born on the 4th of July" should be required viewing for the "Support our Troops" crowd. I support our troops; by trying to bring them home where they belong. The "Support Our Troops" crowd in reality are the "Support our Stupid Wars" crowd, who never saw a war they couldn't support. They might also be called the "Let the mighty USA beat up small countries" crowd, because as cowards, they like to watch the blood and gore as the civilians of small nations are bombed, killed and maimed. It is the "Support Our Troops" crowd's version of wrestling.

That is very encouraging! I also have no problem living without soda or alcohol, I have heard soda can cause problems but I can do without it. I had not heard anything about straws, I use them all the time, hmm......I hope I can keep doing so!

Hi everyone, I have been reading posts for a little while now, but this is my first post. I am a 40-year old guy, and I live in New Orleans with my partner of 7.5 years. I have battled my weight for entire life. When I was 21 years old, my parents and I went on Phen-Fen together. That was the first time I lost 100 pounds. I have yo-yo'ed ever since, losing 100 pounds another two times in my life, and 30-50 pounds more times than I can count. Last year, I had to travel a lot more than I have had to in the past many years for work. (I am a Delta Diamond if that means anything to any travelers out there.) All of that travel meant eating for convenience and drinking more wine than I would if I were at home. I was already heavy before (370 pounds), but by December 2015, I weighed 397 pounds. My family had been encouraging me to have weight loss surgery for about a year. (My dad had a gastric bypass many years ago; my mom had the sleeve about 3 years ago, and my brother got the lap band about 2 years ago.) After seeing the nearly-400 pounds looking back up at me from the scale, I agreed that it was time to do something about my weight once and for all. And my partner was ready to deal with his weight as well. (He started at 316 pounds, so he wasn't in quite as bad a place as I was then. For the record, he has lost about 70 pounds himself, so I am super proud of him!) I was finally able to get in to see my PCP in February, and had my first of six consecutive monthly appointments with the surgeon's medical staff that is required by my insurance on March 3. I had two weeks of filming work in California right after (something new for my team and full of stresses), so I didn't begin my weight loss journey until March 21. In the past 5 months, I have lost 83 pounds while going to see the surgeon's staff once per month. This morning I weighed 314 pounds. (In case anyone is interested, I have done low carb/high protein/high healthy fat. I keep carbs below 20 per day -- usually below 12 per day. I have reduced my calories from 2000 to 1800 to 1500 to now 1200 for the past many weeks. I have cut alcohol out completely for now to conserve the calories. I walk 5 days a week, involving inclines and such for a majority of these 45 minute sessions. The surgeon's staff did give me a phentermine prescription, so I have been taking that since early April.) Now, I'll get to the point of my post if anyone is still reading... I had my sixth diet visit, and I am waiting on insurance approval now. It's been about a week so far, but they say it can take up to 30 days, so the surgery will likely be sometime in early October. I have been reading everyone's posts about the surgery itself, the pain (or lack of), the changes, etc., etc., etc. Some days, I wonder if I should really go through with it, or just stay the course with what I am doing. But, then reality sets in -- I still need to lose at least 100 more pounds, and really, I'd like to lose more like 125-135 more pounds, so I need to have the surgery. I am worried that since I have lost so much weight on the front end that I will lose weight slower after the surgery and then be disappointed (especially after putting my body through all of that trauma and altering the way I will have to eat and drink for the rest of my life). Can anyone offer any perspective on this? Specifically, can anyone speak to losing a lot of weight pre-op, and how you transitioned to weight loss after the surgery? The surgeon has already said that I do not have to do a liquid diet before the surgery because of all the weight I have lost. I just have to fast the day before. Please forgive the length of this post, and I hope to hear from some of you soon.

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

My goal is between 1000-1200, and sometimes I'm a little short, sometimes right in range. How many calories am I able to eat? A lot more than what I am actually eating. All I'd have to do is "eat around the band" -- drink with meals, drink calories like juice or alcohol, eat chocolate or ice cream... The band can't stop you from eating junk. It will help keep you feeling full between meals though if you use it right.

1) I am a huge (no pun intended) Star Trek fan, too. My husband and I gave each other the Vulcan Salute when we married. 2) I've been married to my (for lack of a better phrase) soul-mate for 18 years on August 11th. We enjoy an active and loving relationship. He doesn't keep his hands off me now--and he's already talking about "elevator" sex when I've lost weight. Oy vey. I refer to my husband as my "crash test dummy" sometimes. Oh, honey! Will this work? Now, hold that position...I need to capture it in my mind and translate it onto paper! 3) I write romance novels. I write steamy, spicy, happily-ever-after and even a few happy-for-now novels. I once received an email from a reader saying that reading my book aloud as a couple was the best foreplay they'd had in years. Cough! I have older relatives who call me the "Porno Queen." Grrrr. I do not write porno. I do write bodice-rippers and crotch-burners, but there's a huge difference between romance novels and interent porn! HUGE! I have some very strong opinions about porno addiction, to wit: It broke up my cousin's 17 year marriage. It removes a level of intimacy in marriage (or bonded couples), and leaves them both unsatisfied. It desensitizes and anesthetizes. It can be a gateway drug to a seemy, smarmy underbelly of images that are both illegal and immoral--not just sexually titilating. It is a serious addiction. If you know someone with an addiction, talk to them about getting help. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, whatever. Pray, talk, point them in a direction where they can learn to overcome their addictions and regain their lives. I truly want all women to know love; to know the joys of intimacy and even if it's achieved alone, the release of climax. If, for any reason, you are not finding satisfaction in your life with your partner, please discuss it, pray on it, go seek medical advice. Loving relations are too wonderful to dismiss! I don't usually discuss this kind of thing on forums, so if I've offended anyone, I apologize. Darr

I am saying good bye to all my favorite foods so not really heeding the diet. My BMI is 32.7. I am not too worried about my liver esp. since I don't drink alcohol. The 6 week liquid diet shouldn't be a problem since I am scared to death of getting things stuck, puking, and band slippage. I'm self pay.

We're almost twins! I was 245 at surgery and am at 178 today. No exercise. I am discouraged and mad at myself for not taking full advantage of the honeymoon phase, which I fear is over. I've let some bad habits creep back in - sugar, alcohol, carbs. Still losing but only 1-2 lbs per month. I'm recommitting this week...getting rid of the bad stuff and trying to get to goal once and for all!

I was recently at an event that turned into a drinking party (wake for a friend). I was 10 days post-op and knew I couldn't drink. I had a cranberry juice. It was 1/3 cranberry juice, 2/3 Water, served over ice in a pint glass. Nobody ever noticed that I didn't have alcohol in my "vodka-cranberry." I just made sure that if someone bought me a drink, I surreptitiously dumped it and got another one of my "specials." My husband had suggested I do just water with a lime in it, so it'd look like a gin and tonic. You can do this! Are you on mushy foods yet, because if you are, you might find something at the party that you could eat (like the filling of a deviled egg or something). Honestly, if it gets really awkward, you could either take tiny portions of things and just push them around the plate like you are eating or use any of the "outs" Bufflehead suggested. You've got this!

Ugh forgot about the sugar alcohols! Thanks for the reminder.

Has anyone drank alcohol after surgery. My nutritionist says it's ok to have a little wine from time to time. Anyone else know anything about this subject?

Tested things out this weekend and unfortunately for me, I didn't get to enjoy the perk of having less alcohol affect me sooner. I easily could have consumed just as much as I used to pre-surgery. As it was, I had way more drinks than I planned and am paying for it this week while trying to fight off what was probably a week's worth of calories consumed in one night.

It's not stevia it's the erythritol a sugar alcohol http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truvia#Gastrointestinal_side_effects What is your pre-op requirements, everyone is different, way different. Mine was 14 days of protein with either milk or water, broth or jello or sf (yuck) Popsicles.

I've been invited to my friends bday party , who I have not told I've had my op she says there's gonna be loads of food worse nightmare and alcohol lol I don't no what I'm gonna do and I want to to I'm nearly 8 weeks post op I'm not interested in food or alcohol in just need to get out I've been so isolated what am I gonna do food and alcohol worse nightmare to me ???????? Sent from my SM-N910F using the BariatricPal App

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

Good morning. I'm on vacation in Virginia Beach with my best friend, give me the strength to get through these next couple days without completely going off the deep end with food and alcohol lol. I'm just hoping to get through without a gain. Wish me luck.

Thank you. If you're diabetic watch the sugar alcohol with the sugar free russel stovers.