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a person i know uses xylitol based gummy bears to break constipation. gastric “side effects” happen with overconsumption of some sugar alcohols (a couple spoonfuls of the sweetener may work too)… the body can’t process it for energy so no calorie issues

wow....this is like being in a huge family of nothing but sisters. But thats cool, I always wanted sisters anyway, I only had one miserable, drug addicted, brother who has caused nothing but pain to our family. ANYWAY..... I went to Sams and bout about 300 dollars worth of Premier shakes and the Clear drinks, which taste ok but leave you with a very dry mouth so I really do not care for the Premier Clear Protein drinks. Too bad I bout 5 cases. LOL Surgery is 6/15 and I am only supposed to do a 2 week pre-op liquid diet but I have been trying my best to start it early. I have been doing ok but I find myself getting bored at night, especially since being laid off my job a couple nights ago. So I have been slipping in a meal or two of regular food. Still somewhat healthy and has protein, like hamburger patties and sausage. Boredom is one of my worst enemies when it comes to eating. I have got to find something to occupy my time, something that won't cost money since I am jobless now. I am also have a hard time weaning myself off the alcohol. I wouldn't call myself an alcoholic, but the last year os so I have found that a couple or a few glasses of Crown Royal or Vodka help me to fall asleep. I don't ever get hangovers and something tells me it is safer than taking sleeping pills (which never worked for me in the past anyway). But, I do know that I need to stop drinking soon and at least until a couple months post op, and even then, only vodka. Anyway, Just figured I would jump on here and babble a bit rather that go look for food. LOL I know some of you are starting Instagrams for this journey, If anyone is interested, I have one that is mostly of st journey with my VSG. I haven't posted in a while since gaining back a bunch of weight but I will probably start again with this upcoming revision. Feel free to follow me at JamesL_1973 and I will follow back. Look through my followers, there are a LOT of very inspiring people in there.

I can remember having a second helping of chili with beans and rice, when I was seven, I think, and my mother saying, “Your friends are probably already in bed.” <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> She died when I was nine, and I bought my first box of cookies soon after that, for twenty-five cents. And that’s when my love affair with cookies began. But I was a think child, even though I’d buy bags of cookies whenever I could, which wasn’t often, because I didn’t get an allowance. My father was an alcoholic, and I stuffed myself when I could, because it felt good. <o:p></o:p> I moved in with one of my older sisters during my senior year in high school, and had three meals a day, something I didn’t always have at my father’s. But my weight began creeping up when I was in my twenties. I remember weighing 209 pounds, and going to a Gloria Marshall figure salon. I lost thirty pounds, maybe thirty-five, because I was 174, and my sister commented on how little I looked. That was the last time I saw the one hundreds. The next time I became conscious of my weight was when it was 290, and I joined Overeaters Anonymous. I went down to 232 and back up to 286, and had a hysterectomy, when I went down to 263. I know there are other times I yo-yoed, but this is the basic pattern. <o:p></o:p> About four years ago, I began working with a personal trainer, but I’m not sure how much weight I’ve lost, because I never allowed myself to be weighed until I began considering getting the lap band. <o:p></o:p> I know a lot of my eating is because of my family life, where I experienced a lot of physical and emotional neglect. My brother called me Fatso, even though I wasn’t big, but like so many, I believed him. One of my sisters called me Brahma, and I always thought it was because she thought I was fat, too, but she told me recently it was because of the way I walked so fast <o:p></o:p> The last time I went to my doctor’s office, I didn’t ask how much I weigh, but it’s got to be over 331. Guess I just didn’t want to know. <o:p></o:p> Oh, did I mention that, like so many others, I too snuck food, even when I went to Gloria Marshall, which I did twice, when I was in OA, I ate sugar free stuff, but still had large portions? Denying myself the sweets only caused me to sneak on weekends or hide food in my closet.

I eat totally normally, just less. I dont count Protein, I dont focus on protein, I eat carbs, usually Cereal and bread daily, I drink alcohol in moderation and enjoy what I want in moderation when I go out to eat. I basically eat 3 meals a day, no Snacks, that works best for me. I've never drunk a Protein shake and I've never been advised not to drink with meals. Every so often I have a really bad day or week where I eat badly - too much chocolate or Cookies in particular. I write it off and get back on the wagon, I dont wallow in it and go right off the rails. I dont fuss over what there will be to eat wherever I'm going, and I dont obsess over takeing home doggy bags of food I've not finished in a restaurant. So what if I dont eat it all? I just make a decision from what's available wherever I happen to be and yes, sometimes that's even McDonalds! I hate ice cream and sweet drinks so never had to deal with that particular issue. I run for about 45 minutes 4 or 5 times a week and do three fairly tough circuit training sessions a week as well. I've lost 85lb in 18 months which is more than 100% of my excess weight. I'd say its been easy, I really would. It's just been gradual and natural and I've lost my terrible obsession with food and dieting.

Here’s my story Weighed 3 lbs 11 oz at birth, My Mom thought I looked like a wet rat (I was her 2<SUP>nd</SUP> child) my Dad thought I was beautiful. <O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> Looking back at baby pic’s I was a normal size kid – but must have started gaining weight in grade school because I remember my Mom taking me to the family doctor to be put on a diet. Must have been 4<SUP>th</SUP> grade. Doctor gave me liquid medicine (must have been some sort of diet pill in liquid form) - I remember losing weight and I don’t know how much I weighted then. I do remember being in 8<SUP>th</SUP> grade weighting 165 and I was considered the fat girl (God how I wish I weighted 165 now) Remember my Mom telling everyone – can you believed she weighed 3 lbs at birth – look at that pretty face. That’s when I started hiding my eating. My Mom was always watching what I ate. I remember coming home from school changing in to my play clothes and stuffing saltines in my pockets and going outside to eat. At our house we had plenty of food – but no one had seconds, I think I was the only one who wanted them. Remember eating what was left over out of the pots as I was doing dishes.<O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> Issue’s that may have contributed to my looking to food for comfort – Found my Mother when I was 5 – after she tried to commit suicide. Yes, my Mom had mental issues and was mean to us girls (me & my sister) the boys she loved. My Dad told me once when I was older that my Mom was jealous of me. My Mom could be very abusive and was a mean drunk – On the outside we looked like the Father Knows Best Family (yes I am dating myself ;o) but on the inside of that house there was drama. My Mom was the abuser – to me, my sister and my Father (yes the wife was the abuser not the husband) both verbal & physical <O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> Then the summer between 8<SUP>th</SUP> grade and my freshman year I lost 30 lbs without even trying – in fact after summer school would come home and eat tons of junk – but again I was a lot more active – walking to baseball games to meet the boys – to and from school.<O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> I weighed 130 when I was 16 and got pg with my Son. Gained 35 lbs during pregnancy and the Doctor kept telling me I was going to look like a whale – Well he gave me diet pills after the birth of my son and between not having $$$ for any extra food and those pills I lost the baby weight and in fact got down to 117. Stayed that way for years – didn’t have $$ for food and had an abusive boyfriend who always had me scared – and would degrade me - Remember Hot Pants – here I was weight 117 – and he told me I looked bad in those shorts. In fact all those yrs that I was skinny I never felt skinny and didn’t realize the body I had until I saw an old boyfriend who said “what happened to that great body you had” <O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> Well – got rid of that abusive guy – got a nice guy who was a tad chubby his self – and then the weight started back on and with in a yr gained 40 lb – then that boyfriend said I was fat and wouldn’t make love to me – so I went out and found one that would – Now at this time I was weighing about 160 (I’m 5’4). Thick but not fat… <O:p></O:p> Again would gain and lose gain & lose – really didn’t obsess about food too much – would love to eat a bowl of mash potatoes with tons of butter or burritos and sweets. <O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> Food is my drug of choice. I don’t do drugs or abuse alcohol. I used to be mostly a nighttime eater - could go all day with out eating – still can if I am out doing something (except at work – want to eat – but that’s the stress) But find that I do now eat during the day and watch out at night – I think I self medicate to sleep and I love to sleep on the weekends – I know you are going to say I am depressed – but I don’t feel depressed.. I think I do feel numb as I have read in some of these other post - I think I might be numb maybe that’s why I like the peace and quite of my life – My life is pretty good, I am divorced (which is find with me cuz I don’t need the drama) My 16 yr Grandson lives with me (who by the way is just shy of being anorexia) – I live in a nice house, drive a nice car – have no money issues. But I still EAT --- Eat – I am at my heaviest (last time around – before in my late 30’s 232 was my highest ) Now at 52 I am 240 and being menopausal it’s all over but now my tummy is the biggest it’s ever been)<O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> I eat because I Can, I eat because I Hate feeling Deprived, I eat when I’m Bored, I eat cuz it taste good – and get seconds or thirds (when I make something good) cuz I don’t taste the 1<SUP>st</SUP> serving – but by the 2<SUP>nd</SUP> serving it’s taking real good and I want more. And then after I go to bed it’s up again to eat more so I can go to sleep and then I wake up again and eat some more. –I don’t exercise – It’s too much effort to change clothes when I get home and go for a walk – it’s so much easier to change into my house dress and plop my fat ass in front of the TV.<O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> Ok – so this got a little long – but it’s my history – I want to get banded and have been talking about it for a year now – but haven’t done anything about it. I think I am afraid to lose my friend FOOD… I have high blood pressure – my Dad had heart problems (my family all has a tendency to be on the heavy side – My Dad got real big after his divorce from my Mom (who did successed in killing herself when I was 15) My Brother who died had weight issues too – and my baby bro is most likely 280 my big sis really doesn’t have a weight issue – but what we all have in common is being night eaters) <O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> I am here on this board looking into what to expect if I get banded – I don’t want to die, but why can’t I just take the 1<SUP>st</SUP> step and call the Bypass Doctor. Am I hiding behind my fat?? <O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> I don’t like difficult things in my life and if it’s to difficult I won’t do it – I think that’s why I don’t even try anymore to diet. It’s just too hard – it is easier being fat. (Not really but you know what I mean) <O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> Can I go to the surgeon directly – I have Blue Cross Ppo(California) I have done all the diets – Pills – Weight Watchers – Jenny Craig – Medifast – etc but none are recorded with my current Doctor.<O:p></O:p> <O:p></O:p> Well, my dinner is burning – and I wish I was as articulate as some other these other posters and maybe I gave too much info – but I NEED HELP – Skinny people don’t understand Fat people – they think all you have to do is stop eating – well if I could do that I wouldn’t be fat...:help: <O:p></O:p>

Not a single person in my family is obese. A little heavy, maybe. I wanted love and acceptance. I have 3 older sisters and had an oler brother(o d on drugs). When I was little I would watch my mother kiss, cuddle give I Love You's to my brother and wait for my turn. But It never came. I was never invited to sit on my Mothers lap. Than my opinions became "stupid". I made no sense, "you don't know what your talking about". She made fun of me when I cryed. My brother was also an alcoholic and would put me down and tell me how fat my thighs were.(i was only 120lbs) He would tell me I don't deserve to eat the food in the frige or have the eye glasses on my face. Oh, the joy of family. When I was little, I use to sleep with my mother, you guess it, my father left us to be with his other Family. But would pop in with treats of FOOD. Any way, my Mother would make us, her and I, special bologna sandwiches @ nite. She would cut the crust off, spread the mayo just so, and cut it in perfect little squares. We would sit in bed wacth TV and drink milk and eat. Gee I wonder why I like to snack at night? And think so little of myself. Or why I have a screwed up relationship with men. Our eating comes from the same place inside us, how do we "fix" or "fill" that place?

I could blame genetics because most of my family is obese, but really it's my fault. If I didn't eat junk for everyday I would be this way. It is really an addiction. An alcoholic or smoker can give up alcohol and cigerettes but we cannot just give up food. Though I guess I could give up the junk food. But I am getting the band next Wed. and I am hoping for a big change!

It might come from living for so long where I felt a decided lack of control---but I don't like being that out of it! If I were to drink straight anything, I would be a zombie in nothing flat! Not to mention I would feel like I'd been hit by a Mack Truck the next morning. I don't mind a few mixed drinks on occasion, lightly mixed so they taste like something besides alcohol---but I would never have one unless we were out, or celebrating, or had a party going on. I don't think I have ever drank by myself......hmmmm OMG I bore myself!!! Kat

Spa's not my thing either. I think our Saturday is pretty packed. I don't think Friday is a good boot scootin' night after all the travel and I'd really like to take some time to get to know the Violets in person and settle in without all the hoopla around at least for the first night. I'm looking forward to talking and laughing and perhaps a little Bible Study.... after all...............:eek::tt2::tt2: But that's just me.. I'll go along with the crowd on most things. Just really don't expect me to be drinking anything except Crystal Light. Not being a party poop... I just don't like the taste of alcohol. Like I said before... I'll be the designated spiritual advisor. (who's sleeping with a lesbian and considering a tattoo..... )

At 15 months out, Other than carbonation, I can eat anything. However, if I eat too many sweets or too many artificial sweeteners or too much coffee or too much alcohol I do get a bit of gastritis. Rolaids or a few days of a PPI will help, but the best is just not to eat "too much". The week of Christmas was the worst...Even though it was all SO GOOD I was looking forward to finally getting back to Protein and veggies. I've never dumped and other than 1 time (very recently) that I ate way too fast, I've never vomited. And just know things change as your sleeve heals and you find what does and doesn't work for you. What I could eat at 3 months is way different than 6 months and a year.

Next week will be my first real social test; I will be 4 weeks post op and am attending an industry conference. I will be around buffets, Snacks, diet cokes etc. Every evening will also have cocktail parties/dinners. Have any of you tried alcohol yet? I am planning to take Protein shakes with me and am not overly concerned about the food---I am worried about being tired mid day and drawn to the diet coke (kryptonite for me) but am wondering if I can have a cocktail.

My 2 week post-op appt went well today! I've lost 18.5 lbs, all of my incisions are healing well and I got my diflucan! Best of all, my doc released me to eat whatever I want...he said he trusts me to do the best thing for myself and that my stomach, at 2 weeks, is healed enough to handle anything as long as I chew it veryveryvery well. No caffeine, no NSAIDs and of course no alcohol, but otherwise I'm free to eat as long as I'm shooting for 90g protein and limiting sugars/simple carbs, just as I've been doing. Tonight I had a little bit, maybe 2 oz?, of grilled salmon. It was heavenly. Now I need to start seriously tracking what I'm eating, so I need a good food tracking app. I'm using My Fitness Pal, but I don't love it. I have another app called Baritastic, but it doesn't track fiber so my dietitian doesn't like it because she wants me to track fiber later on. Do any of you use something else, or have any suggestions about things you've heard of? Sounds like we all had good appointments today, yay June sleeve buddies!

PdxMan - so well put. Many relationships are based on sharing these types of things together; drinking, drugs, food, etc. When one person stops doing it, the whole dynamic changes. Years ago, the last time I dropped 90 pounds, I myself no longer enjoyed spending time with one of my very good friends. We used to sit & eat, drink, smoke pot.....for years. When I stopped doing all of it and reclaimed my life, it was no longer fun to hang out with people doing it. She is a good enough friend that my absence didn't end the relationship. But her feeling was, it's fine if you don't want to partake in whatever, but I'm still comfortable doing what I'm doing. We no longer spent the same kind of time together, and saw each other much less. I went in a whole other direction, and at a different point in her life, so did she. Anyway......that friendship remained, but others were lost. My friend's (same friend) sister is a full blown alcoholic. Her husband is a pot head/drinker. This is what they've done together since they met. She goes through periods of wanting to get help and stop drinking, but she also knows that the marriage will end. They have an autistic child, and a lot on both of their plates. Anyway......I guess what I'm trying to bring out is that once one person leaves a shared addiction behind, most times, the relationship ends. Sad but true. And logically, it has to be that way so the "healthy" one can continue on their healthy path.

I like your answer Michelle!!!! I want to drink or eat so bad right now!! I can't eat or drink til after my test at 2:00!!! I had to take my medicine this morning so I took it with a swig of coffee instead of water. I figure it really is just flavored water?!? I will have to think on the alcohol, maybe a cheap box of zinfendel? Any other suggestions?? I am not a big drinker, and usually drink vodka and seltzer with a lime, to much to make, this way voila it is ready as soon as it is poured. But I do like Margaritas!! How do I order them? Oh well of to my day. Jane

I am not much of a drinker, so I always use mixes---as I don't know what to add otherwise!!!! I usually drink Amaretto at home, or when we go out. But it is not something that matters to me. I can drink a bottle of water and be happy being with all of you--or I can get really trashed and drink one of everything you are all having!!!! LOL You girls be sure to keep track of what all you spend....so we can cover our share. I know alcohol, and soda, and snacks are not cheap! Especially for us! I have a zip lock bag in my checked suitcase with tea bags in it already----yay me!!! LOL I did it when I thought of it, or I would have forgot!!! Well Ms. Kinsey is awake, so I think we will hit town early, get our shopping done, finish off with lunch with Rick, and get back home early!!! My DIL nor my youngest DD have brought me any pics....dangit! I know Abbey is off in another world right now! They are so thrilled over this baby. I might end up there with tons of pictures of Kinsey and none of anyone else.......oh well....maybe today! Kat

I am going to try for a fifth time to post this!! I am writing it first on word, then cutting and pasting so if I lose this post nothing else will be lost. I want to express and my thanks and gratitude for a GREAT time that I had. I was reluctant to go, but am so glad I did. The first thanks are to Haydee, Terry, and Tracy for the great food, drinks, alcohol, and the wear and tear on their cars. Special thanks for my magnet (Judy), which will proudly hold the group picture on my refrigerator, candle (Michelle), note pad and purple pen (Kat), my purple beanie baby (Laura), and last but not least, Pam for the wonderful corsages we all had, and the violets we had in EACH room!!! A special hug for Judy for her EXTREME patience while her plane was very very very late!!! You were such a trooper. There was an incident on the river, where Haydee, Terry, and Tracy W came to my rescue!!!! Does everyone remember Martin Short playing that slow synchronized swimmer on SNL? He had water wings and a nose plug and said he wasn’t a very strong swimmer?? Well I am not a strong toober. That is putting it mildly. Let me just say it was not pretty, and Haydee and Terry took control of the situation while Tracy was risking life, limb, and back/butt to save me (I really wasn’t in that much peril, but it adds to the story!!)! All three of them didn’t even think before helping me and I applaud them!!! I really am moved to tears when I think about how much people helped me. All I can say is aren’t you all glad I wasn’t drinking?!?!?! Thanks to everyone for the hurried get away we had on Sunday!! It was a mad rush and nerves I am sure were shot, but nobody complained!! That leads to the next thank you to Haydee, she washed and dried our wet clothes! How nice was that!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to Laura for befriending technically challenged me and taking control of my pictures. THANKS!!!! I guess the same can be said for PAM?!?!? I have never laughed so much and so hard in my life. So exceptional thanks go to Haydee, Jennifer, Judy, Kat, Laura, Michelle, Pam, Terry, Tracy M, and Tracy W. This was a great trip. Last but not least extra special thanks to Terry for all her help in planning, organizing, and carting me around!! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!! Jane

What, if anything, is too serious to joke about? Nothing, in itself. Depends on the audience. Joking about anything too close to the listeners' hearts is unacceptable. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or one ability, what would it be? To be able to have more fun, enjoy life more. To lighten up. Whom, if anyone, do you envy enough to want to trade lives with them? No one, now. If I'm ever reincarnated, I'd like to have a life like Jimmy Buffett. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what woud it be? Take alcohol out of the equation. Period. If there were a public execution on tv, would you watch it? Absolutely, positively not. Would you rather arrive at a party underdressed or overdressed? Underdressed. I'm sort of used to that. What's more important: actual experiences, or the memories that remain from those experiences? The quick answer is the experiences, but without the memories did the experiences really happen? In real conversations, do you tend to talk more or listen more?If you had to chose one, would you rather be blind or deaf? I definitely listen more, but it wasn't always that way. And if I had to choose one, I'd rather be blind... deaf... blind... deaf... hmmmm.... ummmm.... wow. Deaf, I guess.

A copy of my favorite all time post on this website:::::: HowtoTellWhenYouArePerfectlyAdjusted: You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of Protein a day? 2. Are you eating 25 grams of Fiber? 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories? a. Soup can be sign of soft calorie syndrome b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories 7 calories per gram.(It's also a stomach irritant). c. fruit juice is just sugar Water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can't just eat what's easy c. cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals? 6. Are you eating too much junk? a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don't avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily? 8. Do you always eat the protein first? 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. meat or fish (3 ounces the size of a deck of cards) b. Vegetables (½ cup the size of your fist) c. Starch (If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don't need much - Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta) 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine. d. The body has no way to break down artificial fats). a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you're not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small Snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won't be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it's a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive compulsive thoughts (Obsess about something else) b. Perfectionism (All or none, black and white thinking) c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as good and bad e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables (6) Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (7) Peppermint (8) Baking soda toothpaste (9) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (Tylenol is OK) n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Yay girl!!!! Congrats!!! Love your thinking!!! So glad you're on the way back down. Pre-surg, alcohol would completely stall my losses for 4-5 days any time I drank.

When I went in for my two week post op visit I was actually instructed NOT to sip anymore. I was told to drink in large quantities at a time. I can get down a 16-20 oz bottle of Water in less than 20 min easy. I usually have 32 oz in the mornings while I'm getting ready for work over about two hours and that is really taking my time with it (sometimes even forgetting to drink for 30-45 min at a time). Yes you will be able to eat fruit and veggies before getting in 60 gm of Protein in first. I haven't been released to eat red meat yet so I'll let someone with more experience than me answer that one. And I was told to stay away from alcohol for at least the first year. I do know that my NUT does not want me eating and drinking at the same time again, ever. So I'm guessing that would be a no to the wine with dinner but you could have one before dinner after you are far enough out

Soda, pop, fizzy drink! You're all wrong... DownUnder we call it "soft drink", as in, not an everyday drink (despite how frequently one may drink it) but not hard liquor (alcohol) either. And like the rest of the world we say "Coke" for any version of that brown coloured soft drink and "Fanta" for any orange coloured soft drink.

A question was asked to people who are in a similar situation. I think your personal lectures on "backsliding" and such is really uncalled for and rude. We all have vices but they're not the same. The analogy using AA was good except when you go to a meeting and admit you fell off they don't get lectured they get support to fight another day. The purpose of this forum so I thought was for support. The purpose of our new tool is ultimately to learn how to live life with things in moderation. If you can drink soda, eat dessert, drink alcohol and any other taboo behaviors in moderation then your on point!! Less judgment people we get enough of that from "regular" people no place for it here. Have a blessed day! ; )

Ok this is how it is dang it. I was and am and always be a Dr.Pepper and Coke Cola addict!!! All of you out there who thinks its gonna be ok to have a sip and not go back to it again you are wrong. Its like any addiction whether it be certain foods, sodas, alcohol, illeagal drugs, prescription medicine, pornography or anything else that you have withdrawls from. You need to really look inside yourself and be honest! Dont lie! Ask yourself am I addicted and will my world end if I do not have this soda ( or what ever it is). I know I an addict. I got this way because of sodas. A 12 pack a day or more. And no they were not diet, matter of fact diet are worse for you. Good luck and realize who is going to win this battle? You or the sodas( or whatever your addiction is) I ve been there and Im still here fighting.

So update.. After finishing my first fast day yesterday of my second week I'm holding steady at 168 (no loss today) last week I started at 171 I had been stuck at the number for months. After the first week of fast I went down to 169 which was very exciting! After a major party and much alcohol I went down to 166!! (dehydration I know) Evened out at 168. I'm good with it and I know my body well enough to know it will probably stay there this week. Oh and the first two fast days I was grumpy and off yesterday being my third. I felt a lot better I will throw this post over to the 5:2 thread.. Not sure if we are trying to move it all there or what?

This past week seems so focused on the $10million question.. do I need a fill?? I've posted the link to this list in other threads, but thought I'd just go ahead and put the whole thing here for those of us who need reminding. I hope that all of us who are questioning the need for more (or less) restriction will take a few minutes and go thru this list of questions, answering each honestly, and then make an educated decision rather than just walking in to the Dr.'s office and letting them decide for us based on only a tiny bit of the entire picture. Here ya go: Adjustments How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of Protein a day 2. Are you eating 25 grams of Fiber 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories a. Soup can be sign of “soft calorie syndrome” b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram (1) It’s also a stomach irritant c. fruit juice is just sugar Water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can’t just eat what’s easy c. cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals 6. Are you eating too much junk a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don’t avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily 8. Do you always eat the protein first 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. meat or fish (1) 3 ounces – the size of a deck of cards b. Vegetables (1) ½ cup – the size of your fist c. Starch (1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don’t need much (2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, Pasta 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine (2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you’re not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait. 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small Snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won’t be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it’s a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive – compulsive thoughts (1) Obsess about something else b. Perfectionism (1) All or none, black and white thinking c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as “good” and “bad” e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables a. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (6) Peppermint a. Baking soda toothpaste (7) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (1) Tylenol is OK n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider 4. See your health care provider immediately (or call 911) if a. You have a squeezing, tightness or heaviness in your chest, especially if the discomfort spreads to your shoulder, arm or jaw or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat or nausea. These could be symptoms of a heart attack. b. If your symptoms are triggered by exercise. c. If your pain localizes to your right side, especially if you also have nausea or fever d. If you throw up vomit that looks like black sand or coffee grounds. Or if your stool is black, deep red or looks like it has tar in it. These are symptoms of bleeding and need immediate attention. (Note: Pepto-Bismol or other medications with bismuth will turn your stool black. Iron supplements can also make the stool tarry.) e. If your pain is severe