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Haydee - There is a scientific basis for the way you feel, you're not just imagining it. You have reinforced the food=pleasure connection for 30-something years...creating very real, physical neurological connections that take TIME to re-direct. That's why people tell you to be good to yourself and find other ways to derive pleasure for yourself...it helps to create NEW pleasure pathways in your brain. (Same for addicts/alcoholics.) But that all takes time.... it takes about 90 days to really get over the hump. That's what the addiction specialist told us at the rehab center....and that guy knew his stuff!

are 2 oatmeal Cookies 9 days prior to surgery going to cause your liver to be inflamed and hazardously large for surgery? It's quite unlikely. Without being a surgeon, that just stands to reason. As others have said, so long as you don't make "slip ups" a habit during these tough 14 days, you should be fine. I had a low BMI and my surgeon put me on only a week of pre-op surgery to shrink my liver. My habits were not great on my liver prior to surgery, I enjoyed alcohol frequently, not to mention some other things. My surgeon said my liver looked perfect during surgery (I asked! I figured it was large and blackened, LOL!) and it was nice and small and easily moved out of the way. Just keep on your diet, and remind yourself that you will never ever be this hungry again! This diet is to assure that you have the easiest, complication free surgery as you possibly can in regards to your liver allowing your surgeon to have full access to your stomach. It's good that you are concerned, and realize you messed up and asked. I am sure out of the many VSG patients out there, there are plenty of people who don't control their urges to cheat during this time and figure it's no big deal. Better to be safe than sorry, and better to have the easiest possible surgery you can.

Hi everyone, I'm having a hard time finding a chewable/liquid/ez-melt calcium/D3 vitamin that's (1) vegetarian or vegan and (2) with no added sugar OR sugar alcohol (fructose is OK). I haven't considered vitamin patches - but I have an allergy to adhesive (tape, bandaids), so that complicates things! I figured I'd ask here in case someone has any good calcium products they can recommend. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! xxx

I went out last night with my girly-friends and had 3 glasses of wine, then we had dinner. I came home and ate TWO HUGE brownies. It's a sure thing: alcohol increases my sugar cravings and decreases my control. Period. Note to self: Do not drink alcohol!

Long2bThin, Thank you so much for this post. I too have stopped losing. But as you mentioned it is so easy to "get away" with things that you know you shouldn't do. My down fall has been alcohol. I stayed away from it in the beginning as told, but during the holidays I had some wine and it was okay. But then after the holidays, I still had wine. I was laid off from my job after 15 years and I was feeling sorry for myself. Who wants to hire an old lady? I am going to do what you suggested. I am going to remember how I felt post op and get that enthusiasm back. I know I can do it. Thanks again. Lone Star Loser

Thanks - The Look is just icing on the cake - what I love is feeling so much better having so much more energy... BeverlyDiane - It's not a dream it's possible... But I gotta tell you my original goal was 80 lbs (100 lbs seemed impossible in the beginning) - but once I got to 70 loss I realized I could push for 90 - then I just let the rest happened. Our weight loss is going to be diff for each of us - due to physical limitation - metabolism etc - So I just don't want any of you to get discouraged if it's not coming off as fast as you think it should - if you do your part and have proper restriction it will come off - maybe not as fast as others but remember the turtle won the race !!!! Prayers will be said for a safe surgery & speedy recovery on the 28th.. Pat Welcome !!! We are happy to have you - the 50 thread is one of the 1st threads I started with in the beginning of my journey - I found that I could relate and they were the most helpful - they are the ones who told me "the band is only a tool and not the magic cure all to our issues with food" They are the ones who prepared me for surgery answered my questions - Long - Of course GF I don't want you to hurt yourself more and then can't do anything - this is why I say we all should start out slowly and work our way up each week - for us who NEVER exercised prior to being banded - we gotta be careful not to injure ourselves . Again the turtle won the race and the little train did get up the hill :thumbup:. Charlene - Your doc says no caffeine?? I am sorry !!! I am lucky I can still have my coffee (1 or 2 cups max in the morning) & ice tea. You maybe like me - once I start eating it just fuels the desire to eat more.. Don't ask me why - but it's my addiction I guess - just like an alcoholic one drink is too much and 10 not enough - I am that way with food - I eat I am full but I still want to continue to eat and if I am busy doing stuff I don't even think about food .. Elaine - we have a food thread - go above to forums and look for the food thread - I too am a cook (I got fat from eating my own cooking I prefer home cooked foods to fast foods or restaurants ) It will give you ideas for diff protein drinks Pre-op will be determined by your doc - could be 2 shakes 1 meal (high protein low fat no carbs) or could be all protein shakes soups. Post op diet the same - some have clear liquids for a whole week or more some start out on full liquids which includes cream type soups. Pre op - I make my own chicken broth (it tasted better than canned) and the same went for the creamed soups most of the time - I just used my imagination - but changed my cooking from high fat to low fat - counted calories and protein grms - weighed & measured everything. I would make a pot of beans (pinto or navy) and puree the beans and add back to broth and I had cream of bean soup - which was more satisfying that the canned stuff MaryD - Welcome!!! Yes you are giving yourself the best present you can. Gotta whats your bmi - I thought that 40 bmi with out co-mobities was usually approved.. I really can't help on the appealing to the insurance issue cuz my bmi was 42 with high blood pressure and sleep apena - so I was approved right away (but again 42 was morbidity obese) Have you ck'd out the insurance thread - I think you will find help there on appealing to your insurance Good luck..

JBFlorida...Thanks for responding. My friend and I have almost a "family" connection. Her daughter is our God Child. My relationship with this certain friend is somewhat a complicated one. I am not angry with her. I guess I am more disappointed than anything. After all the support from me through her finding that she had uncontrollable diabetes for the last 12 years, encouraging her to take care of her self (she eats and drinks alcohol and IMHO is out of control) I just wish once she could have found it in herself to make one little gesture of support. I do realize that she must not have that within herself. All you guys are so sweet with your support of me. Just what I needed. Things will just remain the same in my relationship with my friend. I love her too much to blow her off.....I will just accept that she does not have the capability of support at this time.

I agree with the addiction transference theory(ies). A friend of mine that had bypass transferred to shopping. However, I don't think it's only bypass-related. I'm sure that's why we also go through the psych eval - to make sure that we don't have a past with drug or alcohol abuse so we don't transfer to former bad addictions!

Ditto all of this! It is certainly part of the journey to be unsure at some point as to which surgery is right for you. And, I ultimately came to the same conclusion as the above poster. One thing that made a difference in my decision, too, was that I learned that dumping (sugar aversion) only stays with you for the first year or two w/bypass. So, eventually, even w/bypass, you will have to deal w/your sugar issues. The reason why some bypass patients gain back is because they are counting on the bypass to prevent them from eating sugar. And, it really does for awhile, and very well. But, eventually, you will have that looming that you will need to control it on your own after you no longer have the dumping. Also, w/the bypass, my surgeon says you should really NEVER drink ANY alcohol again. I know there are many bypass patients who still drink, but they are taking some significant chances w/their liver. The stomach is the first line of defense against toxins in the body. And, the body does recognize alcohol as a toxin and the stomach does significant work to metabolize that before it actually ever goes to your liver. When you drink alcohol after bypass, it is like injecting alcohol straight into your system. The stomach has no chance to detoxify it at all. For me, this is scary cause I really do like my wine. I am cutting it out for the first 6 months or longer just because it is empty calories, but when I imagine a 'normal' life after reaching goal, part of that means that I can have a glass or two of wine occasionally as long as I am exercising enough and eating healthy enough to maintain a healthy weight. But, bypass is a lot better if you have Type 2 diabetes. The bypass will cure that immediately. Personally, I think the sleeve may be the very best choice of all, but my insurance doesn't cover it right now.

Okay, went on vacation, drank lots of alcohol and ate lots of seafood. I'm out of ONEDERLAND :thumbup:, but it's my own fault. I NEVER drink, but we had so much fun!!! I'm a little surprised that it is so much because we walked all OVER the place and I limited my portions too, but oh well... I'll see ONEDERLAND again...back on track I go!!!!!! 202.6:nopity:

Hello, I too was banded by him on Feb 13th & no complications either. He is such a sweet caring doctor. Iv'e lost 14 lbs which isn't as good as I could have so on tues when I got another fill he asked me to keep a food journal & stop drinking alcohol so frequently & wants to see me again in two weeks, also he suggested calling the Beverly Hills office to make appt for the support group. I told him I have issues in my personal life so i think he wants me to deal with things that may be interferring with my weight loss. I recommend him to anyone looking for a great lap band surgeon he actually cares about his patients unlike some places that just want your money.

Good Morning everyone! I'm back from vacation. It was wonderful! I ate plenty of 'bad-for-you' food, drank more than enough Starbucks (we don't have one where I live so I had to make up for it!), and drank many empty calories worth of alcohol! Shameful I know, but it was not just any old vacation...it was a vacation from rules too. We did however, hike a lot and walked everyday. I couldn't believe that I actually lost 2 pounds (despite the above mentioned) and my clothes are looser. What a bonus! Plan to ride today...miss it. I got to hike a trail on Long's Peak (my ultimate goal is to climb it--over 14,000 ft) and it gave me a very clear idea of how much training I need to do!! OMG! We stayed at my family's house which is located at around 8,000 ft. I am always impressed at the cyclists that can climb that mountain and are still breathing! It's incredible to see them ride. Juli...made me think of you. You and your love of hills! LOL I see you all have been very busy! D and HP...WOW! You girls are getting in some serious miles. Nice! ~Carol

Are you kidding? An alcohol shot? Wow, totally keep us up to date on this. I have it in both feet and I would be soooo happy if something like that would work. BTW, I CERTAINLY hope that you're not implying that I am somewhat off kilter. I view myself as a staid and serious academic professional who always behaves with great decorum. I'm sure you must have been referring to OTHER members of the group.

OK people, I'm not doing so well this week. No weight loss. I'm eating badly and can't really fathom why -- why would I stop at McDonalds and get a $1 sausage biscuit for Breakfast? There's nothing healthy about it, I was doing so well, etc. I'm having a hard time motivating myself to exercise as much. I started immediately thinking...OMG I need a fill right now! But my fill doc wanted me to wait 3 months after my last fill, which would put it at mid-August. He said it was fine to come back earlier but if I'm losing weight & doing everything I'm supposed to be doing, then I should not need one. So I started thinking. Someone gave me this link (I will copy & paste some of it here): 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 food syndrome b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories -- 7 calories per gram (1) It is 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 cant 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 dont 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 dont 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 dont 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 youre 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 wont be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes its 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 FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal 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. And I realized...I don't need a band adjustment. I need an eating, behavior, activity & attitude adjustment. I am eating unhealthy stuff, not tracking every day, not eating consciously. I am not exercising as much or for as long. I am obsessing, eating because others are, & weighing myself daily. So...I am going to spend the next two weeks getting back on track. I forgot for a bit that I have to work with the band, it can't do it all. If I am certain that I have everything in place & I am still not losing, then and only then do I need a fill! I am so glad that AdorKable & Brandy posted -- we were worried about you guys!

never smoked, and gave up alcohol prior to surgery.

I’ve read this entire thread and it’s been so helpful to know we have each other. For now, I’m going with this plan... First, I was able to get back to 118 but I found that I liked 115 better so I just float between the two now. It’s my three pound window. Second, I can have a cookie or a bite of pizza crust every now and then but I’ve found there is no room in my world for that type of carb on a regular basis. I haven’t touched a slice of bread in a couple years...no buns, no sandwiches, no biscuits...I simply can’t. You might as well ask an alcoholic to taste your drink. I’m fine with the carbs I get from proteins and natural fats and veggies. Finally, I’m frequently monitored for for vitamin/blood/mineral levels. My health is incredible, especially for a woman in her mid-50’s. When someone comments that I appear to be too thin (and I’m amazed that people, strangers even, feel free to do so) I just smile. I no longer wonder if I need to do something. I feel fantastic. After 27 years of retirement, I’m a working actress and model again. My husband is loving, supportive and my family is thriving. I just continue to track everything on LoseIt and adjust my intake accordingly. It’s almost effortless. I'm no longer overthinking this. I’m just using the habits that got me here to keep me stable. I'm living life and enjoying the freedom this weight loss has given me back. I wish all of you the peace and happiness you’ve helped me find.

RE: coffee/caffeine Doc/team is fine with me me drinking coffee, though did ask me to refrain for 1 month post op (which I did) Now I drink maybe 1-2 coffees and 1-2 teas a day. I don't drink any pop/soda (diet or not)...with the exception of club soda as a mixer in alcoholic drinks occasionally (though I don't think it has any caffeine in it anyway....?)

Alrighty. So am back from vacay. This was my first real "indulgent" vacation since going into maintenance. I've been on a couple road trips since deciding to stop weight loss, but those were weekend trips and not all-inclusive ones, nor was I surrounded with endless food and drink. So how did it go? Well, the lead up to the trip had a little fear-of-the-unknown going on. I worried that I would have nothing healthy-ish to eat and I'd strave, or, that I would eat everything I see like I did pre-wls. Turns out there was nothing to worry about. Was there a lack of healthy-ish choices? No. There were always choices everywhere I went that fit into my normal eating (salad, grilled chicken or some protein), whether it was on the resort or off it. So I didn't have to pack all those packages of beef jerky, chicharron and protein powder, lol. The kids ended up eating my jerky and chicharron and I gave the protein powders to a bartender. Did I eat everything I saw? Yes and No. I did sample many things that I normally would not eat (I'm talking to you sugary desserts, fruits and some bread-like products), but only bites, not full portions. My restriction took care of that. Also thanks to my restriction, I learned after the first day that I need to pick and choose what I want to sample, because I literally have no room to try everything (I had to hurl twice the first day due to eating too fast and too much). So I only tried the stuff I really wanted to, and if after sampling it, it was only OK tasting, I'd put it aside. Only really yummy stuff got a second or third bite. It's sobering to realize that a lot of stuff really only looks good, and just tastes meh. However. I drank alot of alcohol. I did limit myself to maybe 5-6 mixed drinks of the super sugary kind (I'm talking to you pina coladas and margaritas) for the entire trip, but I was basically a bottomless pit for skinny mojitos and tequila shots. Also, I formed an addiction to these mini chocolate chip cookies that they served in the coffee bar. They were like a version of a not-so-sweet, not-so-buttery shortbread-type cookie with chocolate chips in them. They were about the size of poker chip and I swear I must have eaten at lest 10 of them a day. Along with 4-5 Americanos a day.... I did log everything I ate (to be best of my ability...I had to eyeball everything), and according to the stats, I averaged about 3000 calories a day over the last 8 days. And roughly half those average daily calories came from my cookie and alcohol consumption, yikes. In all, despite the record-breaking calorie intake, I managed to weigh in exactly a mere 1 lb more than before I left. Which means I've at least found my upper calorie level, of sorts* *Though I did run way more than usual though, as well as generally burn more cals what with all the walking/water sports/dancing/heat-enduring, so need to take that into account... So what was the lesson learned? Well, that I'm not going to suddenly explode with massive weight gain if I indulge. But I WILL slowly gain weight back if the indulgence continues beyond a short period of time. 1lb a week over a year is 52 lbs. And that is not acceptable to me. So back to figuring out my sweet spot...

I only had a 4 day pre op because I had been traveling and my doc said he'd do it just after I got back- probably because I was a lower bmi. He said my liver wasn't fatty at all when he went it which totally surprised me- my gi had said a year before that my liver looked like an alcoholics liver even though I barely drink. I lost 6 pounds in those 4 days. Mich W Hw 223, SW 217 CW 199 GW 135

It's pretty normal for all of us on the liquid stage. It goes away when then you will most likely have the opposite problem.. But the last poster has a good point about the sugar alcohols not helping.

How would one liquid be more likely to stretch your sleeve than any other, say.... Water? That's preposterous. I heard the same thing in support but I never bought that jive. Alcohol and soda and crap will put weight on a person but actually stretching a sleeve is, from what I've read, nonsense. It's the swelling going down; rarely it's due to some sort of dilation. Anyway ultimately it's what goes into our mouths.

I am so impressed!!! alcohol, cigarettes and food. Every minute of every day, you should pat yourself on the back. I smoked for 25 years. Quitting is very hard. That advice about the first 2 weeks being the hardest is BS. It is hard for much longer so keep your guard up. It is not just the physical addiction but it was such a part of your life. It was a reason to take a break, it was something to do with your hands when you were bored, it was something to do with your mouth instead of eating. right? I promise it does get better. At first you will be preoccupied every minute of the day and think of nothing else. Gradually the time between will get further and further apart until one day you'll realize you went a whole day without thinking about a cigarette. It helps to remind yourself that never again will you have to go stand outside in the rain or snow to smoke, never again will you need to wake up on a Sunday morning and run out to the store because you ran out, never again will you have the awful smell on your breath and clothes, and best of all you will not develop those deep vertical lines on your lips as you get older. so proud of you!!!!

Mmm sounds yummy! For me, my surgeon and nut said no more than 6g of sugar or sugar alcohol but 7 is close enough. You also have to watch the fat as high fat foods can also give you dumping. Let me know how it goes! HW 283. SW265. SD 3/22/13! CW 244.

No, it's not offensive to me at all, even if we don't see eye to eye on it, that's besides the point, one important thing is to know and be able to trust the candidate, regardless of what party is, but that's the thing, it's so hard after you start finding out about their skeletons in their closet, I know you can't believe everything and I don't , from the ads or just in general but there are some things that you just can't ignore and will make you doubt inevitable... but that won't prevent me from voting though.. I thought I agreed with my boss's position and I even believe that there is still honesty to him, but sure it's confilcting when I hear them talking out of both sides of their mouths. I agree that it does matter who the president is for the same reasons that you mentioned, but sure what party dominates congress extremely important, so it's not all just the President. I would never consider not voting, you are right about that too. It must have been kind of a sweet and sour experience to work for your boss who you agreed with politically, but his personal life was affected by alcoholism, he probably could've done a much better job if he was handling it all by himself and sober, so to see that must be conflicting too...ugh!

My Doctor's philosophy is that there isn't a lot that will damage the sleeve. So, technically, he said I can have alcohol as soon as I can tolerate it.