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I am a recovering alcoholic and go to AA meetings. I have struggled with other addictions. I am almost 9 years sober, but I abuse food.

Hi All !!!!!! Long but hope it helps someone You are not alone BUT it will all work out 3 DAYS TO SURGERY! - STUMBLING BLOCKS ; PRO-OP DIET; & HOME PREP ... Questions about Vit Patches This time went slow at first but now it seems there is no time left! I was approved right before the New Year... pulmonary cleared me with moderate but then the surgeon said NO... had to do a fast track scheduling for the CPAP titration. Then the requirement was 30 days compliance?? I wasn't fighting it because I am the one who will benefit but time was winding down fast and it was Jan 20th and no CPAP machine Surgery is February 21st. Had to call a few times to the medical supply company and WHEW they got me in on that Friday and I started that night. Talk about playing it close. THEN the insurance did the wrong expiration date for March 2016..how when they approved me December 2016???? They also approve it for out patient. My patient advocate (Maria) said the insurance company had to submit it back in for approval. I will tell ya... I didn't even let the idea of "Well can they deny me now???" go through my head. They were giving her the run around... she said during that week well its Wednesday I will give them til Monday and call back. I said look I asked for an approval before Jan and I got it on Dec 30th so they will call by Friday. Next day...insurance called...approved a 2nd time and did it correctly for in-patient! Down to the wire Pulmonary said they will approve me for compliance 3 weeks BUT medical company has to send the report. Of course left msg no call back...few days later the ONLY person who handles this said she will call back because she was in a meeting (she never returned my first 2 msgs)...guess what she didn't call back and now its the weekend. Tuesday again I call FINALLY she took my call and sent report that same day which was the deadline! WHEW! Cardiologist - well lets just say took them 2 months to send the clearance letter after myself and the patient advocate called. Pre-Op diet uggg my tummy doesn't handle milk products so well especially these! Constipated BUT taking in lots of fluids and the dietician is letting me supplement with fat free cream of chicken soup and she said if I just had to I could consume non starch veg and lean protein at dinner but keep it in my calorie count. WHEW...I had lost 10 lbs since the New Year and lost 2 more this week!. Monday is all clear liquids. Home Prep - If any of you have children you know we have to not only shop for ourselves but shop for easy things they can cook themselves or make meals to freeze that they can heat later. Cleaning....checking the list and checking it twice make sure the next 2 weeks diet is stocked up real nice! Did I say cleaning? I also got my alcohol wipes for when I give myself the blood thinner injections and other items for the hospital and first 2 weeks after. Other things I will get later because I know at our 2 wk check-up they will evaluate and go from there. Last but not least QUESTIONS: Has anyone tried the Vitamin patches, Biotin etc. that I saw on this site? If so, how do you like them? Do they work the same as the regular pills? Blood thinners & menstrual cycle: Can this increase the blood flow? That's all for now...I haven't been able to post for a few so I put it all in one lol.. If I can give you all only one thing I would say to stay positive! Positive energy gives your dreams & desires life and when that happens, everything around it has to get with the program. Keep speaking life to your situation and it will obey. Just because it didn't happen quite the way we thought or as smoothly as we thought it should, doesn't mean it's denied from you...it just means you are in a part of the process. HUGSSS!

I found the book The End Of Overeating really useful. Dr. K. points out that it's not 100% willpower, and those who try to depend on willpower alone likely fail at getting control of their eating. Sugar salt, and fats affect us neurologically, and are as addictive as tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. I write a bit about it on my blog but this is the link to Amazon. I did search and find it at my library, as an ebook, as well. We can't do it alone and asking for help is the intelligent thing to do! Hang in there!!

I'm a year out. Not sure if that makes me a vet or a newbie! I sneak sips from family, but it's all I can do because it makes me uncomfortable. Used to be addicted to Dt. Dew. Don't miss it. But I drink out of (gasp!) straws all the time with no issue. I chew gum (another gasp!) and I drink alcohol. This is life. It's my own rules. Do what you want. It's your life. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi Carole, I say this without judgement: it sounds like you could really use some counseling, to help with the grief and the self-medicating use of alcohol. And I hear a lot of self-blame, when I think it's amazing you lost 130 lbs! We're not perfect but we do need to be accountable to ourselves. Counseling or therapy can help with that. I don't know quite what a behaviorist does, but changing behavior is easier when you address the underlying feelings that drive the behavior. Be well, Chris

I was planning on telling everyone when it got close to my surgery date but at the last second opted not to. Only my immediate family, work, and a few close friends knew that I was having it. My main reason is that Facebook is such a cesspool at times I didn't want to deal with the people that would say it's too risky, you don't really need it, blah blah blah. Towards the end I was second guessing myself a lot on whether I wanted to go through with the surgery, but I knew it was what was best for me. So maybe part of my backing out of telling people was because I was afraid they would talk me out of it. I'm 3 weeks out and still haven't made any sort of formal announcement to people. This weekend I plan on saying something. Mainly because I'm down about 40 lbs since I've seen most people and I don't want people to think I'm sick or anything. It probably comes down to the general ignorance of people. I get so tired of people that just say it takes will power and exercise. It's like somebody that doesn't understand what being an alcoholic is like and telling somebody "just stay out of bars and you'll be fine!" They don't understand the core of the problem in our battles with weight. Those types will never change. Maybe that's the real reason - I'd hate to know good friends or family are that ignorant...lol

My doctor said to wait 6 months before any drinking. Be careful cause they say it doesn't take much for the alcohol to hit you Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using BariatricPal mobile app

If you aren't into alcohol or "avoiding it for the rest of your life" and all that.... Why are u on this thread then? Soooooo NOT a teachable moment yo..... Ijs

A big reason they preach against drinking alcohol is because a fair amount of people end up becoming alcoholics after surgery. Essentially replacing food with a different addiction. I have some serious mourning for my craft beers despite not being a big drinker. There's a craft beer fest tomorrow that I won't be able to go to for the first time in years. It's sad, but I'll eventually get back to it. Unfortunately I've never been a wine guy! lol

I'm more surprised about the wine than the food...lol. My doc said no alcohol for at least a year after surgery. I recall one lady in our support group that said the first time she had a glass of wine (after a year out) that it pretty much got her drunk off half a glass.

My nut advised that the Protein is not as readily absorbable by your body, and not complete nutrition. Also, Atkins oftens adds sugar alcohols which she also said to stay away from. They are more difficult to digest and can cause diarrhea. She said Atkins products are OK occasionally, but not to rely on it for my main sources of protein, like shakes. I buy my protein from GNC instead of online, in case that helps you. Best of luck.

I accepted a long time ago that Pasta, rice, and bread were off the table for me permanently. They are to me like booze is to an alcoholic. I just can't have them.

I ate something I shouldn't have eaten on Saturday (fried food -- I know it was dumb). Now it is the following Wednesday and ever since then my stomach feels sore. It feels like the day after drinking too much alcohol, only it's lasted numerous days. I'm taking Carafate and Gaviscon with little relief. Lying down makes me feel better. It happened one other time and went away after about a week. I even went last time to see my surgeon and had an ultrasound and labs that came out normal. Anyone else have this happen? I just want to feel better again. [emoji27]

Just wanted to update on this topic as I know Gastric Plication is one of the cheaper and less used options for Weight Loss Surgery. I am now two years post op and have remained at my goal weight since reaching it at almost one year post op. My relationship with food has completely changed. I still do the things that helped me reach my goal weight such as keeping a food log, weighing my food and sticking to a high protein/low carb diet. I know a lot of people have not had the same experience as I have had with this surgery. I do not know why my experience is different than most others. I still meal plan, and carefully watch what I eat 80% of the time. As time has gone on, I am able to eat more as my surgeon had cautioned that I would. I want to mention that I have done a lot of work in regards to understanding why I became so obese in the first place. Surgery will not be a fix to the emotional aspect of obesity and if you are not putting in the work to understand yourself better, no amount of surgery will keep the weight off. I am sure we all know someone who has had WLS and has gained weight back. As I was self funded for my surgery, I wanted to make sure it would provide me with long lasting results. I had to dig deep within myself and really be truthful. I used food as comfort, as entertainment, as a way to soothe myself. I ate out of boredom, out of sorrow, out of happiness. These were behaviors that I had to unlearn. I also was eating more processed food than should be allowed. I now cook more often than I don't, so I have better control of what I am eating. I no longer drink soda or alcohol. Yes, doing those things are hard, but being fat and unhappy was harder. Choose your hard and get real with yourself. This journey should be about more than vanity. It should be about longevity and health. When times get rough and you feel like giving up, you will need a reason that is strong enough to keep you going. My family and being healthy to participate in life like I want to are what keep me going. With that being said, my life is completely different, healthier and more fulfilling than it was two years ago. I do not regret my Gastric Plication surgery at all. It has given me everything that I knew I deserved. I have worked hard to lose the weight and have had to strengthen my discipline and willpower. I put in the work everyday to keep the weight off and will have to everyday for the rest of my life. Surgery alone will not keep you thin. I cannot stress this enough. I went from 240 pounds (size 16) and have maintained a weight of 160 pounds (size 8) for over a year.

Hi jabs i will be 3 years out on May 15th, my new birthday, wish it was 35 years. as of today I'm 97 lbs lighter. Never had any regrets, not an instant. Nothing I can't eat or drink, except for extremely sweets, i can only have one [/url]chocolate, not half a box. i was pre diabetic, needed a knee replacement but now no problems with my knee and i have a clean bill of health. My favorite thing is being able to cross my legs in addition to wearing flattering clothes. Be sure to get your Protein or you may risk anemia so I have a Protein Drink each day, i can only palate Premier Protein at 160 cal and 30 grams of protein. You can also eat greek yogurt at 12g and you will have a good head start. I don't worry about calories anymore. if i feel like eating anything i go for it but in very small quantities, kids meals are too much but the toys are cool. I give them to the food bank. I love Soups but still hates salads. by the way if you want to fell full for free, have a free meal by eating samples at costco I'm usually full before the lasts samples. Remember, liquids first but you will learn. Sometime my eyes are bigger than my stomach but my stomach always wins. I usually share with whoever i am eating with or order an appetizer which is always too much so i eat lots of leftover. If you like to drink alcohol, be careful you get drunk real fast on very little and sober up kind of fast. I no longer like wine just light beer but very occasionally now as i was developing a habit. I now have tea in the evening as i realized i was just thirsty, i don't like Water. My only comp;location is eosophagal cramps that resemble a heart attack its noes,let common, the first time it happened i was at a hotel and had to call the emergency. The EMT tested me gave may an EKG and my heart was fine, i took a couple of Tums and it went away. I was lucky to have a dr who recognized the condition right away soI now i take an omapremazole every day, i tried nexium but it doesn't work for me. Don't expect to look great naked, actually pretty creepy but i don't want plastic surgery at my age and except for my hubby, nobody else sees me that way. I have a wonderful husband who want to see me healthy and happy. i do look great in jeans. congratulation on your decision to live longer

Protein first, 3 meals 2-3 small snacks, protein every meal, reduce sugar, drink 30 mins after meal not with and no alcohol... what we did the first year.. But we learn the tricks on how to cheat! Like I could live off carbs but I'll gain weight and won't lose. Oh and exercise 30 mins daily. I'm with you I want to lose some more and I know I've been developing bad habits!

Here's my background I am 67 years old. I was a thin child. My weight gain started at age 40 and yo-yo'd from 130 up to over 200. My blood sugar was pre-diabetic for the last 10 years. Family history was littered with heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes. And I was miserable. Depressed, embarrassed, ashamed and did I mention miserable. My Dr. told me in August that she was going to be forced to diagnose me as a full on Type 2 Diabetic. Spent a several month researching this surgery and I was a self pay. It was a lot of money to spend. Here's what I know after 5 months. 1. It isn't easy. I was so lucky, I had no complications, very little pain and was absolutely committed to following my (very conservative) Dr.'s instructions. I take my Vitamins, drink my Water and down 1-2 Protein shakes a day. The first month was challenging......there was discomfort, there was some second guessing, but never regret. I was finally NOT HUNGRY. Bored with the regimen, and chafing at having to set timers to drink something every 15 min. and so ready to crunch something.......but never regrets. I still long for an occasional cracker (again, the crunch), a good glass of wine, and that satisfaction sugar can bring. But I have the tool now to just say no.......and feeling good about myself is worth so much more than that moment of pleasure that eating a cookie would bring. 2. Here's what makes it worth it. The Dr. visit when she told me that I was in the normal range with my blood sugar and removed the Pre-Diabetic and Diabetic diagnosis in my record. When she took me off my Statin drugs for cholesterol problems. When she told me that my BMI was now out of the Obese category and in the Overweight range. (still working to be in the "Normal" range). Being able to get up and down off the floor to play with a grand child, walk 2 miles with out panting, walk into a department store and go to the regular women's department and not the Plus or Women's or Fat girl section. And what a joy to look in a mirror without wanting to cry. Sitting down in an airplane seat and being able to fasten that seatbelt without the struggle. Finding old bracelets and watches that actually fit around my wrists. I feel badly for the gentleman who has such regrets, but just as my experience is particular to me, his is a journey that I hope won't scare anyone considering this surgery away. You have to chart your own path. I just know that this was a miracle for me. I still have 30-40 lbs. to go and am pumped to see where the next months take me. Five months with out caffeine, alcohol, sugar, chips or bread would have been impossible for me to accomplish without the surgery. It isn't easy, it isn't cheap, but if you embrace it and follow the plan.........oh, the rewards.

I had mine 2 1/2 years ago and have never regretted it. I admit as I was getting on the OR table I was like do I really want to do this? Yes you do. It's a tool and not perfect but gave me my health back. I am an RN too so I was glad to be an example to my patients. Go for it. There is pain the first week or two and you have to ease back into solid food but you will get there. The straw thing is real. The air in your stomach can hurt. The feeling full too you will feel it! And if you push it you will vomit[emoji33]. And the not drinking while eating is true too but after a while you can sip a little if you need to. Eating spicy food you need to!if you try an alcohol drink watch out! It can hit you really fast. But look at this way 1 drink and you are done! Saves money. Also the take home box is your friend. I order what I want but I usually take 1/2 or more home. But if I feel like it I eat it later. Again it's a tool not magic. But I wanted to live a better life and I have. Good luck. Remember get up as soon as you can after the surgery. Also use the binder they give you. It helps a lot the first 2-3 weeks giving your abd wall support. Also use pain medication. You don't get extra brownie points for going without it. So says the RN in me! The pain mostly comes from the larger hole on the side of you belly button. It's the place the do most of the surgery from and they have to move in and out of it more. So don't be surprised if there is more pain in that area. They close it with a web like suture that you pull and it closes he hole. They usually use it to close a person up who has a chest tube for a collapsed lung. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Exciting that your surgery date is coming up!! Giving up coffee sucks but try and do it now. It takes about 3 days to get over giving up coffee u get headaches and feel like crap. You want to do it now so it's one less thing you have to go through after your surgery. You can't drink coffee after surgery for about 6 - 9 months..about the same amount of time I gave up alcohol. It's worth it! I have a completely new and active life now. Coffee will make you sick after surgery and it dehydrates you. You don't want to be going through withdrawal and healing from surgery at same time.

I know it can be tough. Look at it this way - it's like being an alcoholic and having to face up that you can't go hang out in bars anymore. Yes, food is something comforting and what we are used to, but it's also the root of why we had to consider having surgery to help fight the battle. The other day I had a realization that realistically I'll never go to an all you can eat buffet again. it would be a complete waste. Does it make me a little sad? Sure, but when you sit back and think that sort of thing is why we have such an obesity problem in this country to begin with. As to foods that I really miss I know most I'll be able to enjoy some again in due time. For me I obsessed over quantity rather than quality. Binge eating was my biggest battle and needed something to combat it, so that was my reason for choosing surgery. It isn't uncommon to second guess things, especially during this period where we are so limited on what we can have. Way I look at it is that I've punished my body for a good 35 years so a few weeks of penance on my part is going to be worth it in the end!

I have not been sleeved yet, but am working towards it. What you said in your post sounds like addiction to me. I am a recovering alcoholic and also a food addict. I am afraid I will have the same thoughts you are having. You could try Over-Eaters Anonymous? This post is not meant to be offensive by any means, so please do not take it as such.

Usually it's alcohol, smoking, or NSAIDS. I did none of those, they don't know why.

I did the pouch reset. It helped me get back on track I have lost 10 more lbs in 8days . Alot is water weight but it made me look at things different . It resets your head too. It isn't easy but it works and the uncomfortable feeling is back when you eat to much so I make sure I am minding my p's and q's. And dotting my no beer either and I love my beer. It is best to stay away from that stuff because the alcohol numbs the stomach and you also eat to much at least I did . Please look up pouch reset. And get yourself back on track you can do this . We all have an awsome tool . I was 458lbs when I started this journey and I am now back down to 268lbs. So it works . Mind set, mind set ,mind set Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

Thank you! It is the kind of support I need! Just having someone to help me understand at least. I've been through all kind of appointments since August 2016, and my last meeting with the nutritionist was 2 weeks ago, and nobody mentioned anything about the weight gain. I'm on day 6 of the liquid diet, which only allows me 3 Protein shakes a day, broth, tea, and some green veggies with no oil or dressings. And I've done it perfectly!! I'm very proud of myself because it has not been easy at all, but I'm so excited and committed to this. I asked to meet with the surgeon tomorrow, but they seemed pretty sure about their decision. I'm going to try anyway. It's very unprofessional and heartbreaking for me to hear that I've made it this far to not know now of a date. Thank you again for your support. It feels good to let the frustration out. At least I know now that I can use this forum groups for support instead of using food and alcohol when things go the wrong way and I'm filled with anxiety

My surgeon suggested 6 months before alcohol, but I have heard of some saying a year! No liquids a 1/2 before eating and after. Make smart choices keep you food options clean.