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Six months was just yesterday. Started out 220, now 153. It's 68 lbs down. I can eat just about anything except salmon. I do also have alcohol which slows my weightloss. I do miss my taste buds but am glad of my decision! And when I say eat anything, I mean like two or three bites, excellent restriction!

Less body mass Ah, of course. How could I forget, it's the whole point of WLS. So if you loose 30% then you get drunk 30% faster or with a 30% smaller drink. I've been thinking, and I suspect the stomach acts as a "holding tank", releasing its contents (alcohol) slowly over time, and that with a smaller stomach the alcohol now hits the small intestine faster at a higher concentration. So the liver hits its max faster and the brain gets hit with the difference. Thanks for indulging a nerd.

Less body mass Ah, of course. How could I forget, it's the whole point of WLS. So if you loose 30% then you get drunk 30% faster or with a 30% smaller drink. I've been thinking, and I suspect the stomach acts as a "holding tank", releasing its contents (alcohol) slowly over time, and that with a smaller stomach the alcohol now hits the small intestine faster at a higher concentration. So the liver hits its max faster and the brain gets hit with the difference. Thanks for indulging a nerd. I think it's possible the shorter route through the stomach is also a factor. But body mass has a lot to do with alcohol processing.

My plan allows alcohol after 3 months but no beer, not even small batch craft beer.... I probably have 3-4 drinks a year but the food holidays are coming. ....I think your doctor pulled that "statistic" out of his bum.

A lot of it has to do with what your programs really prepare you for, I feel. I went through a very comprehensive program at Mayo Clinic, and a friend went through a very short program at a weight loss institution here in Phoenix and was under the knife in less than 2 months from his first visit. My process was a good deal longer and required four visits with a psychologist before they would clear you. Alcohol dependence was a big part of the discussions. The suggestion from the surgeon was at least a year, but the team basically said that it was all about balance. One every once in awhile was not going to harm you, as long as you are mindful about the rest of the things that go into your body (and NEVER drive after even one drink. Things hit us a lot faster and a lot more strongly after surgery). Living in NYC, I would drink often socially, but not to excess. Moving out to the desert, I went out maybe once or twice a month. I've had the occasional drink since surgery, but I'm mindful of how much and what I drink (a vodka and diet cran, normally) and I never feel the need to drink more, or more often. However, I know if I feel like I had the inclination to drink more or more often, I'd have to stop myself and make an appointment with the bariatric group, as I know this is a real concern among weight loss patients. So much of our successes (or failures) are due to not being mindful of the choices we make. The good thing is - the roadblocks that stand in our way ALWAYS have a detour.

So tired laying on my back, it hurts. Laying on my side really makes my knee's throb. What am I to do???? I call for drugs and alcohol. I guess I won't make the news like Anna Nicole, guess I'll behave.

Everyone is doing SO awesome. I'm amazed and astounded by everyone. Especially those of you who run or jog. My bra size has definitly (and sadly) decreased, but I still can't find a sports bra that would make anything other than a brisk walk OK. I need to look on-line, Walmart's the only thing we have here, and not really the place to buy something like that I guess. So I'm sure the problem is not unique to me, but I have this total "all or nothing" mindset that definitely hurts my progress, rather than being helpful. It's not new since the surgery, it's always been my problem. But I know I need to fix so many things - I need to eat more healthy, drink more Water, drink less alcohol, work out more, be better about the money I spend, keep my house cleaner, treat my car better, walk my dog more, spend more time with my family, and be more focused at work. So I decide I'll fix it all. I make rules for myself in every aspect, and when I fail at one, I decide it's hopeless and give up on everything. Logically, I realize I should just pick one thing and focus on it, I can fix the rest later, you know? So, that's my main goal for June. Focus on a few things, and don't beat myself up for the other things I should be better about. Therefore, I've decided to concentrate on the following: WATER CONSUMPTION - there's no way I'm taking in enough water, and I can actually feel that I'm dehydrated way to often. I will drink (and by drink I mean drink and FINISH, not take a few swallows then leave it lying around somewhere) two of my bottles of water - each bottle is 33.8 ounces. NO FAST food - I don't eat a lot of it, but chicken McNuggets are my answer to a quick meal, and I'm fooling myself that they're OK. Just because they're chicken by name, does not make them healthy. Also, it's like 2000 degrees where I live (forecast for the next two days is 106) and my treat is a Mister Misty Float from Dairy Queen (if you've never had one, it's kind of like a rootbeer float, but it's vanilla ice cream in a slushie). And it's not I like I get the smallest one they have ... though I will say I never finish the ones I buy anymore. But it's sugar and crap I don't need, and a total waste of calories. So, fast food is gone. This I can do. WORKING OUT - my goals are small and wimpy, but I've been so bad about the workouts I'm starting smaller. First of all, I will walk at least one block a day. This is such a small thing, but I go so many days now without even this amount of exersize. And if for no other reason, it's mean not to take my dog out at least that much (I pretty much walk to the corner and back with him when he needs to go out, which is just not right). And I will go back to the gym. I will. Here I have to succeed. Thanks for everyone's support. Oh, and that's my other goal - I'll log on here at least 4 times a week - I won't go two days without logging onto this site. It keeps me focused and keeps my goals in mind, and otherwise I can turn a blind eye to my band and my goals and my reasons for being here in the first place. So I'll remember the support I have hear, and use it as one more tool to help me towards my goals.

Thank you all for your replies and words of encouragement. Sometimes things just get to me a little and I need a little prodding to keep me focused. When I got banded (Oct 2nd) I also quit tobacco. For those of you who have done that...you know the emotional ups and downs that you can encounter! If I had to guess or imagine what PMS was like, I'd say that quiting tobacco would come close. LOL. So, I have no vices! Food as I knew it is history, Tobacco is not in my life anymore, Sex has been non-existant for the last two years, and I quit drinking alcohol several years ago! But...I think I have a thing for sugar free popsickles now. I do at least a half dozen a day! Hopefully that is one vice that can't be or won't be taken away from me. Hey, I appreciate this web site and I really appreciate the support and encouragement I get here. I'm "hell bent" on losing that 10# by Christmas! Nothing will stand in my way....not even me. Hugs to you all..........Jimboss

Just a thought of you who are planning or going to Halloween Parties you pretty much know how to handle being around the alcohol or sweet wouldn't it be a treat to take a cake or food or something that is Sugar free or healthy no one else has to know but since it will be about Halloween why not make ants on a log you know celery with penutbutter or make and a few raisins. or deviled eggs with sliced green olives with pimento in the middle for the eyes or what version ay be , now that we have these options, have fun and not worry or your favorite kind of dip modified your way , besides you dancing , talking and mingiling and moving not to even think about what can I have , that these next Holidays will be even more enjoyable than they have been in the past.

I caught myself sleeping on my stomach the other night and well im a big tummy sleeper, I did change to my side just because im still a bit tender. As far as alcohol there is a video that explains about that. I do have to say its all up to u. If u go thru this journey do u really want to still hVe the bad habits we had before?

Learn new habits & keep your follow up appts with your own surgeon. Follow their advice but rememeber to: Eat slowly/chew well and Protein first (try to get in 70 grams of protein a day) Hydrate often during the day - no soda/alcohol, limit caffeine such as ice tea, coffee - drink minimum of 64oz a day Take your supplements daily Seriously limit your carbs while trying to reach goal - I followed Tiffykins advice of under 30 a day and met my surgeons weight loss goal in a little over 5 months - my goal in 6 months Don't slip back into old patterns - slider foods can sabotage your weight loss (chips, bread, Cookies, potatoes) Do you see my weakness here? Exercise daily! If all else fails take a 20 minute walk after dinner before you sit down to "relax." Walking is relaxing. Use light weights to tone up those arms - you will be happier Enjoy the journey of change. I was a good lady before but now, I am improved version. Good luck ... no regrets!

I am certainly not recommending that any cocktails are lap band friendly:lol:but I recently posted about how I get through vacations successfully with my band and ENJOY myself so you may find a few hints at: Lap Band Success – How To Enjoy Vacation With Your Lap Band If you have not had any alcohol in a while I suggest you REALLY LIMIT yourself. One glass of wine took me for quite a ride after not having any for 9 months after I was banded. Getting your Master's is certainly something to Celebrate. Good luck!

So I planned on waiting a few months before experimenting with alcohol, but sometimes life throws well laid plans out the damn window. Was with my mom this morning driving her to a consultation for a lifestyle lift. She was so excited, dressed to the nines and I even did her hair and makeup. We arrived and were walking into the building when I heard her cry out. Turned around and she's on the ground not moving. Long story short, she fell badly and on pavers. And she's on cumidin. So now we are both covered in blood, ambulance to the ER, 40 some stitches later, her right leg and knee is destroyed and she can't walk or move her leg. Immobilized. Got her home and in bed, went to pick up scripts and stopped for a small bottle of vodka. F it. So a double vodka later, with Water and mio, and I feel nothing. It's like I didn't even drink it. I might have another and report back.

@@brians34 I actually had already begun a supervised weight loss program before I went in for my consultation with the surgeon. As far as my failed attempts, I just wrote a letter discussing my weight struggles and all failed attempts of weight loss, including fad diets and professionally supervised diets. I then just had my doctors office give me a copy of my paperwork from each visit I had over the past 2 years (to show my weight). One thing that I did not do and it yelled my approval up several days, was get documentation from my primary doctor, saying that I had not been treated for alcohol or substance abuse in the last year. Except for that minor delay, BCBS Federal was very quick with my approval. The surgeons office sent my info over on Thursday May 22, and I had a response Tuesday May 27. The 26th was a holiday, so it only took 2 Business days. I didn't get to fax in the missing documents until June 3 bc my primary doctors office took forever to get it to me..but I was officially approved on June 4!!

Yeah... After my birthday, and the first few weeks of school (celebrating my birthday), there will be no more alcohol... I will behave!!! ahh!

I was completely wrong no lectures at all. I was talking to my sister and I said to her, I know i am a super fat ass because even while i am dieting and losing weight im like i cant wait until this **** is over so i can get some gnocchi, and i am worried about the surgery because some people say they never can eat Pasta again. we can have some time apart, but i dont know about us never seeing each other again. i dont smoke now but i have before and cant say that i never will again, it is something i like to do on occasion, and if the mood strikes me in a tropical island where there is usually ripe picking id hate for my indulgence to result in bleeding ulcers. i am really stressed about the eating and drinking thing just because im a very thirsty girl and i put down Water like a camel. sometimes i will stop eating until i get some water because im too thirsty to continue, but i guess maybe that doesnt happen when you can only eat so much. i am so curious about the alcohol thing, some people say they get tore down immediately (which i think may just be because your used to drinking for a plus size person and now your not) but i have seen a lot of, it wears off very quickly and i cant really understand why since i cant see how a reduced stomach effects alcohol absorbing into your blood. haragl thanks for the advice, i have not even gotten a surgery date but my nutrition is loving me becaue im losing so much weight pre-op and i expect to get it after our next meeting on 6/25. im trying to make sure i am making the right decision, and though it is a little embarrassing, as you can see food is really important to me. since your a nurse any idea about the alcohol thing? dreambig and serendipity i cant believe you guys can eat all that stuff at 3 months out! and 8 oz of water is super impressive (i have been worried about thirst a lot) other than alcohol water is my drink of choice, but i have not ever managed to have a meal without some and that is still a worry. I love the fact that you guys answered, and differentiated between personal choices and abilities. I hope I get some more answers.

I stopped mine somwhere around 4 months. I haven't had any issues with acid or heart burn. However, if I know I'm going to be drinking alcohol in a few days, I start taking some.

Find a way to get it through their heads. I had the sample situation my entire life but for a different reason. I don't drink, never have. I was never included in any parties that would include alcohol. Good luck

Honestly...I know my husband loves me to death but he has never had a weight problem so he doesn't know what any of this is like and I just wish he would have told me "no" on the times I've wanted to gorge myself on things that were no good for me. He didn't want me to be mad at him but what he didnt realize was that I would have gotten over being mad and I would have thanked him afterwards. I've tried to explain to him that I am no different than a drug addict or alcoholic. food was my drug of choice and I would equate me asking for Mickey D's or Burger to an alcoholic taking a trip to the liquor store but he just doesn't get it because he doesnt have that problem. And if your wife truly wants this I wouldn't worry about her being mad. One day she will thank you. :thumbup: Kudos for telling her no. If she doesn't realize it right this moment she will later realize that you did it because you love her and know what she is going through.

Hi there, I have been where you are....I am what I would like to call myself "a professional dieter". I have done it all....weight watchers, Jenny Craig, Southbeach, or whatever fad diet there was at the time. I went to extremes...starvation, purging, overexercising...you name it! The problem was that I ALWAYS came back to the food. It medicated me when I had any sort of emotion that I couldn't handle....stress, boredom, sadness, happiness, etc. The food was always there for me and comforted me. I was a closet eater too....drive through windows, eating in my car, etc. I hid wrappers so get rid of the "evidence", I ate off my kids plates, I (embarrassingly enough) ate out of the trash. I was and am powerless over food. I can't stop eating something that is not healthy for me if I start. In saying that, I became a member of Overeaters Anonymous in June 2009 because I was in a deep depression because my world revolved around my food, my weight, my dress size, etc. I was on TWO antidepressants which only helped marginally. Through the process of being OA, I have found peace and some semblance of control around my food. I am accepting now that I am a compulsive overeater. I am addicted to carbs (flour, sugar) just as an alcoholic is to liquor. I have found out WHY I overeat and how to manage it. OA has given me the coping skills to deal with those emotions that are unsettling and how to handle situations that come up without using my drug of choice. If any of this rings true for you, you may really like OA. There are meetings you can go to or even phone meetings so you don't have to travel anywhere, just sit in the comfort of your own home and just listen to what others' experiences are. I do not want you to think I am pushing this on you or anyone, it is just I have found so much peace over the last couple of years. I am off my antidepressants, I am calmer, I don't cry anymore......and I can see that I am meaningful and that life is worth living! Good luck. If I can help at all, let me know. Thanks, Katie

I feel you, banded bob, I really do. I work a job that takes a lot out of me and causes me extreme stress, but the money is good, so I keep going in for more. I don't do much booze anymore because of the effect it had on my triglycerides. I'm doing prescription anti-anxiety medicine because the shrink figures now that I am of a healthier weight, the stress will be what prematurely kills me. Stay away from the drinks that involve fruit juices - lots of empty calories there. If you need a mixer, diet cranberry juice is not too bad and will help save some of the calories. I have only had alcohol 4 times since I was banded 6 months ago (OMG, it is 6 months, isn't it) but when I had it I was in a social setting, so I ordered only an appetizer, that I shared with the person next to me, and the alcohol was allowed to have its full effect on me. Also, I mixed hard liquor and beer, which is always interesting. But I've always been a two drinks under the table kind of girl...

I am 3 months out too... 1. eat and drink together...I know we are not supposed to, but I do...it causes discomfort, but this is a very hard habit for me to break. I am getting better about just sipping to wash something down instead of a good drink 2. Alcohol? Yes, I have had crown & coke together. I have had a few Bud lights...I felt the effects much more quickly & I am still a big girl, so it isn't that I have lost weight. I didn't feel so well the next day. 3. Alcohol & food...I never do this even before surgery 4. Smoke - I have never smoked. 5. Weed - I have never used any type of drugs 6. Rice - swells & makes me feel uncomfortable 7. Pasta - I haven't tried it yet...I love it, so I hope I can tolerate 8. Spicy - Not tried alot...salsa and jalpenos have been fine for me 9. Fried - yes, but I go to the restroom shortly afterwards..

Hello! I am new to this site, I just have to say first off.. I love your attitude and outlook on this all "the professor" I will be having my surgery for my lap band on April 7th!!! I am equally terrified and excited! I have struggled for so long and am ready to take the plunge. What is a realistic goal for weight loss?? I am 5'6 24 y/o and 234 lbs and at my heaviest. My lightest adult weight has been 149 and I miss being that size terribly. Just years of bad habits and depression helped pack the weight on. Also what do you choose to drink when you do have an alcoholic beverage? How long after surgery were u able to have a drink? I would just hate to give up my social life completely.

To find out how to compare products to better understand added sugars, click on Natural vs. Added Sugars. Use the chart on the second page as a guide to compare products.The chart compares applesauce and Greek style yogurt. You will see the products with only naturally occurring sugars, products with added sugars and “light” versions of the product. You will also see that the product with the most amount of sugar has the most calories.The front part of the food label usually doesn’t have any clues that the product can have a lot of added sugars. You must be a detective and investigate the Nutrition Facts Label and the ingredients list. Start your sugar hunt by using foods and beverages in your pantry or fridge to discover where added sugars are lurking in your food choices. Like any hunting expedition, it will take some time and practice to find the healthiest products to use on your journey towards health. Sugar Comparison Chart We are born with a preference for sweet tastes. However, sugar carries calories without any fiber, vitamins or minerals. Sugar is basically empty calories. For bariatric patients, too much sugar can lead to dumping. Natural Sugars vs Added Sugars Naturally occurring sugars are in fruits (fructose) and milk and dairy (lactose). The current Nutrition Facts label doesn’t tell us the difference. A teaspoon of sugar = 4 grams of sugar. If you drink a 12 oz. can of regular pop or 12 ounces regular fruit juice, that means you’ve consumed 40 grams of sugar. This translates to 10 teaspoons of sugar. That’s almost 1/4 cup of sugar! Other names for sugar When you read the ingredient list, look for words like syrup (corn, high fructose, maple, pancake, maltose), corn syrup solids, agave, molasses, beet sugar, brown sugar, turbinado sugar, invert sugar, cane juice, fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, nectar (peach, apricot, pear), powdered or confectioner’s sugar, raw sugar, maple sugar, date sugar, malted barley, honey and anything ending in “–ose” (maltose, dextrose, glucose, fructose). These are all types of sugar. When you see these words in the ingredient list, look for foods that have sugar listed after the 3rd or 4th ingredient. When you see several sugar ingredients, look at the total amount sugar. Decide if it’s worth it to eat that food. Sugar alcohols These have less impact on your blood sugars. They are more slowly digested than sugar. Sugar alcohols have anywhere from 2 to 4 calories per gram. If your weight loss stalls, check to see if your “sugar free” foods have high amounts of sugar alcohols. You may be getting more calories than you think. Caution…eating too many sugar alcohols can laxative effect! Alternative Sweeteners Artificial sweeteners include Splenda (sucralose), Sweet ‘N Low (saccharin), NutraSweet (aspartame), Sweet One (acesulfame potassium) and Neotame. Stevia is extracted from the stevia plant and is considered a natural sweetener. Monkfruit is extracted from the monkfruit and is considered a natural sweetener. Natural vs. Added Sugars: Comparison Chart How do I find the amount of added sugars in a food? One way to find out what the added sugars are is to compare similar products. Comparisons of applesauce and Greek yogurt are detailed below. The order of appearance is the unsweetened, sweetened and light or low sugar version. Use this chart to compare other products you might choose. Remember that natural sugars are in milk/dairy and fruit. Is all that sugar worth it?

Well the truck is considerably higher than when he got here. I fixed dinner for them, there are only 3--one of the guys chose to stay home, get drunk, scare his wife with his ramblings, and is now sobering up in detox! He has been a serious alcoholic for a long time, and he goes on benders frequently. But when he does this trying to get to and from the reservation, while smashed, it makes me mad-------I have loved ones on the road, he needs to not be! Hope they lock him up for awhile this time. Dinner is meanwhile getting cold, because when they thought they were done and I set it out, they forgot some plate on the front of the truck......grrrrr thats ok, they get cold enchiladas, and Beans and rice and corn bread! LOL Well I am gonna eat mine while it is warm. BBL!!