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I've heard with the band you metabolize alcohol faster with the band, in other words you get drunk faster with less alcohol.

Well, you can definitely add me to the None of Your Business Camp. Besides the medical staff, the only person that knows is my husband. I've read the other posts where people tried to keep it semi-secret and you have only confirmed my fears. Someone always "swears" someone else to secrecy and then it's common knowledge. I struggled with the decision as far as telling my two sons (18 & 23) but decided it might be information they may tell their girlfriends, friends by "accident," and then I'm in the same situation where people that I don't want knowing my business end up knowing. Unfortunately, WLS is judged by society and not in a positive light. I, myself, feel that I have taken a very, very extreme measure in the fight of obesity. I can't help but sometimes wish I had the "power" to lose weight with proper diet and exercise and not with the aid of a tool. I am an alcoholic in recovery and have been sober almost 2 years so this may just be part of my problem, too. Admitting my food addiction may be even harder than admitting my addiction to alcohol. I am new to this lapband process so perhaps in time, I will be able to share this news in the future. But for now -- mums the word. I also don't know how successful I am going to be so telling others about this extreme measure and then failing would be devastating. PS: I do sometimes remind my husband that he is the ONLY person who knows and that if it ever gets out, I'll know where to go "Soprano Style."

i am almost done with this one..very long book very detailed.......will miss the characters when its finished From Lesley Lokko, an outstanding new voice in women's fiction, comes a story of family, love, grief, and power. In this sweeping family saga, Amber Sall has the world on a platter---everything a girl could ever want. She has a handsome, powerbroker father, an older brother she adores, scads of money, and two best friends, Becky and Madeline. But none of that satisfies her lifelong desire to win her father's love, and for success in a career on the basis of her own talents, not her family's power and money. Watching her beloved brother fail both tests only makes Amber more determined to succeed. Through the decades, she and Becky and Madeline need each other's support through the best and the worst that women can experience, but can their friendship survive? Max Sall, Amber's father, is a distant, self-made man, whose lust for power comes from his tragic childhood. He drove Amber's society mother to alcoholism by openly keeping a mistress in Rome. His daughter with that mistress, Paola Rossi, is spoiled by her mother. She grows up to be a beautiful, glamorous member of the international jet set, yet she is still envious of everything Amber has, and determined to do what her mother never could: get a man to marry her. But when Paola finally marries, the result is more disastrous than she ever could have dreamed. Moving easily from London to Africa, Bosnia to New York, Saffron Skies is an unforgettable story of wealth, ambition, family, friendship, passion, loyalty, and betrayal."

Yesterday Thursday, Feb 6 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1.25 yr PO Sleeve / 118.0 lbs ---------------------------------------- I just couldn't get to sleep last night, and am running on a bit over an hour of sleep (and I'm not even watching tennis!). As a result ended up eating around 1am (I was actually hungry), and again at 4am (I WAS NOT hungry). Also, I am becoming a walking cliché: The lack of motivation to exercise and make better food choices aside, now I'm probably developing the makings of an alcohol transfer addiction. #selfDiagnosingMakesMeAHypochondriach. I am realizing that for the past two days now, I have actually been drinking not for the enjoyment of it, but for the sake of making myself feel mentally and physically better. This realization came to me this morning when I was contemplating about having a shot of liquor at 9am, AGAIN (I had a shot of lemoncello yesterday morning AT 9AM and then wanted some Gin this morning to "re-live" the good feels). Spoiler alert: I put the Gin back in the cabinet. But I wasn't happy about it. Whomp, whomp. Anyhoo, the blues continue, but I am making a concentrated effort to be less angry today. ---------------------------------------- 9:00am - black coffee w/ stevia + 1 fl oz lemoncello 12:30pm - salad greens + vinaigrette + carrots + cucumber + 2.5 oz roasted brussel sprouts + 1 leftover BBQ chicken lettuce wrap from the day before 2:30pm - skinny tea latte 4:00pm - Grande Starbucks Blonde Americano Misto w/ 1 pump of sugar-free vanilla 7:00pm - salad greens + vinaigrette + carrots + cucumber + 1.5 oz avocado + 5 oz steak 1:00am - salad greens + vinaigrette + red onions + 1/8 cup avocado cream (sour cream, greek yogurt, avocado, lime, garlic) + 1 oz blueberries + 1/2 oz havarti cheese + 1/4 shredded cabbage 1 oz bbq pork loin 4:00am - 4 squares dark chocolate + 1/2 cup Good North protein ice cream + 1.5 oz chicharron ---------------------------------------- Totals: 1561 cals - 92g Protein 87g NET carbs - 82g fat

First year out, I didn’t drink alcohol. The empty calories were not worth stalling or stopping my weight loss. I still have a great time. My friends use me as the designated driver. I get free food and nonalcoholic drinks. After goal, I started drinking occasionally. I am a total light weight after surgery. It's not pretty when I go over two glasses of wine. I can’t keep it classy.

I agree with the others about it likely being the shakes. Check the artificial sweetener they use in the shakes & the yoghurt. The sugar alcohols are renown for causing bloating, discomfort, diarrhoea, etc. Wouldn't hurt to try the plant protein shakes & dairy equivalents to ensure it’s not a lactose issue but if you didn’t have issues with dairy before you shouldn’t now. (After surgery some people do develop a lactose intolerance but it usually is temporary.)

Honestly, this will be unpopular but if you start drinking during WLM, you risk NEVER reaching your goal. You are playing with fire. And did you REALLY have surgery and think you wouldn't have to change your behaviors with the things that got you MO in the first place? WL is very hard on the liver and drinking on top of it adds another insult to an already at risk and taxed organ. I do drink now. And I did drink rarely and minimally during WLM. But when I did, I almost always saw a loss of 4 days of active weight loss. And frankly, most can't afford to squander their honeymoon period. Drinking alcohol is one of the leading contributors to weight regain.

I had my fill today - Not a big deal AT ALL! ANyway, she (Dory Ferraro--very experienced LapBand NP) said that I should be able to drink alcohol no problem -- even tonight. Of course she warned about the empty calories but still, good to know I can celebrate St Paddy's!

OMG--I can't friggin' breathe! Gasp! This thread is too funny! I remember reading the post about the alcohol. I didn't get it then and I still don't get it now! Yikes! I've been passing some of the posts by as well. I get a sharp pain in the center of my head sometimes after I read them. I'm pretty sure the sharp pain isn't caused by my band...do you think I need to see my doctor? LOL

Well I had a single glass of wine yesterday since my last fill and was instantly very drunk! Been ill all day today with nausea and not being ale to keep any food down at all. So that's the end of alcohol for me !

I dont think you're sposed to drink at all as well as the low fat diet, so the liver will shrink and be less of a hindrance to the surgeon.....thats what I keep reading on here hunny. I didnt have to do that last time though:blushing: I like a couple of drinks almost every night, so I must be an alcoholic, saying that though sometimes I dont bother. I think its a very done thing these days, or am I fooling myself? I did go out last night cos it was my birthday last wednesday, so I do sometimes have a life:w00t: Doesnt seem like my stupid x-rays have arrived...knowing my luck they're probably lost in the post. I will be thinking of you a week tomorrow hunny:thumbup: Oh and btw I didnt have any trouble drinking alcohol after I was banded. lol

Ah garry dont mention bevvy to me my heads still bangin lol not at all well lol Yeah i know drink doesnt help but usually it doesnt bother me food wise id near lose weight after drinkin cos once im havin drink i cant stomach food lol maybe i should turn alcoholic il stop eating and shed the lbs lol

Forgot to add in my last post they weighed me again today so since my fill on Thursday I lost 3 lbs!!! Drinking: nope I've never been drunk either partly because I don't like most alcoholic drinks but put me in Hawaii with lava flow drink and who knows lol

And Phyll....Yes, you can make a shake out of Merlot. Just make sure to not ruin it with too much ice. You would hate to screw up the alcohol content!

Hey girls~ What a nice evening! Rick made it home, he has to go out early, but we got time together anyway---spent some time in the backyard, just planning and saying "what if we....." lol Sitting up, waiting for Megan. They are stopping by, but it won't be until about midnight. One of the girls in their group was running so late, they did not make it by before leaving for prom, so since 2 of them have to be home at 12:30, they are stopping on their way to take them home....so I can get pictures. Even with his early schedule, Rick said be sure to wake him up! This little girl is part of our lives and part of our hearts!! When she was little our son would take off with her shoes, especially her favorite "hello kitty" platform sandals, and she would go nuts! Rick would rescue them for her, and she still acts like he can fix anything!!! But she also loves giving him a hard time! I guess she is going to Denver with us when we take Kinsey. Talked to my SIL there, and she said we could get one of her grandsons, that Kinsey gets along with really well to go ride things at the 6 flags there. We were going to take her and Connor, and that fell apart, so we will move on to plan B!!! She will be happy with it, she and Brandon played together really well, he is older, but small. Will be better anyway, they will both be tall enough to ride most things I think. Oh I will send you the info to look at her pics. You will laugh at the fake smile in some of them!!! The ones with the pink netting I had made into a collage---and also the last one, a close up of her face, I had a collage made with it large in black and white, and the 3 bright ones with all the flower backgrounds and the rock, in small ones down one side. That one is going to be a surprise for her Mommy from her for Mothers Day. It is soooo cool looking!! I am excited. I cannot see the collages on the website, or the highlighted pics. One of them, the same large one, we had just some flowers, and her eyes colored....the rest is b&w. FIL is doing better---he had some pretty serious bleeding, but MIL said tonight he was better. I have avoided going out, my cough is sooooo bad. The last thing he wants to do with how he is bleeding is be coughing like I am! YOWCH! Talked to my nephew who is going to be a Daddy today. He is kind of shell shocked, and shy about it, but happy too. His picture is in todays paper, he is a volunteer with Special Olympics, and shows him helping a boy in a volleyball game. He will make a great dad----which is really surprising, he had no role model. His Dad is a nice guy, but just not around much, and has an alcohol problem. Rick is hoping to be off early tomorrow too---but not holding our breath! We have a few things we want to do....but we'll see. Is his last day in the field. He likes his job so much better, it is a relief. I hope it remains something he likes as things are starting to pick up again..... I would have looked into the sleeve if it had been an option at the time Tracy, simply to avoid the trips involved with fills. Lucky for me, I have not needed but 3 since I had my band surgery--but even check ups are so far. Never adjusting would be nice!! DH changed jobs didn't he? What is the new insurance???? You mentioned part time work. I have 3 different people I know who went to work for Starbucks just for the insurance coverage for WLS.... I just hate seeing you unhappy! Think I will go get my jammies on and wait for the kids. My baby Megan, at prom....with a boy no less!!! UGGGHHHHHH

Thank you for sharing. Sadly I am in the same position and today is my 3rd day without alcohol and the withdrawals have been so bad that I needed medication from the doctor to get through it. My blood pressure raised at such high levels it was dangerous. All this is such a shock to me and before my bypass back in December 2017 I was never really interested in alcohol but over the last few years my drinking has increased so much so it had taken over my life…I seemed to look forward to the joy it gave me and the quick fix that food no longer could give me. I am hoping I can keep going and start to feel better soon. I hope to learn to live my life without alcohol and the extra weight gain from the late night snacks and start to enjoy eating healthy and to feel alive again! 🙏🏽

Got "home" about 5 pm. Got a late start. Jacki wanted to make us these Scandinavian things... aebleskiver. Anyone know what I"m talking about?? They're kind of like round pancakes... about like doughnut holes. Very good.. hollow inside. Very tricky to make...have to have a special pan. And have to keep turning them with a knitting needle to get them round. Anyway, her granddaughter was throwing up all night long, so she didn't get up until 9 a.m. That's why we got a late start. Then we had to stop at Costco for gas and to look for something for our neighbor... she was taking care of the cat. I wanted to get her a bottle of Egg Nog... Costco has been selling it... already has the alcohol in it. But they were out of it. She also likes "Fuzzy Navels"... the wine coolers. They didn't have those either. So we have ot go somewhere else to get her something. We both had headaches all day long.. hope we're not getting what our friends' DGD had! Had more friendly conversation with DS #2 yesterday, and then his son called... the one that has been among the missing for the last two months or so. We had a really good talk. Remember when his mother called me.. several times, so drunk I could barely undrestand her?? well that's why he left. Said he can't take it anymore. And she & her parents (his other grandparents) are growing/selling "medical" mj now, so... unsavory characters hanging around and he wanted out. He was court ordered to live with his mother and judge would not listen to any of his allegations so he ran away. He turned 17 last week. He wants me to help him get emancipated, and he wants to enlist in the Marines. He's talked about that for as long as I can remember.. like 6 yrs old!! So I'm going to do a little research online and see what is involved. He is staying with his girlfriend's family and I talked to the dad for a while. He's wanting to help, too... even said he'd fly DS up there to sign papers if it was necessary. Will need parent's signature to get emancipated, I think, and definitely to enlist at 17, if that's even possible!

So sorry for all that!! Drugs/alcohol can sure mess up your life. Too bad it impacts the whole family. Yes, good advice, Steph. Earl slept a little better last night but I think he's taking way too much over the counter stuff plus some meds the neighbor gave him. He's got the a/c on.... not opening any windows since we got here. I hate being shut up like that. This early in the morning, I'd love the door open. And he's had the front window covered up since we got here, too.... big foil window thing plus curtains, so I can't see out except through his window! Took Zoey out last night though.. played catch for a while and visited a couple of neighbors who were outside that I hadn't had a chance to talk to yet. By the time we came back I had to turn on my headlights.

I'm bored. Need to so homework but don't want to. Can't get my head going. I need an adventure. an adrenaline rush. Karri go hers getting drunk last night. I'm too old for that, the heal-up time can take days. It is sad when your excitement for the month is going grocery shopping knowing that you have enough money to buy what you need. Very sad. Candice how are you today? Hard sleeping I imagine. Jackie are you feeling better? I can't afford to get H1N1, just remember to use your inhaler and drink and sleep. Water, not alcohol. Linda where are you? Steph, enjoy your day alone. Find something to putter with so your brain can do the hard work it needs to. Question, I can't remember what you said about Michael's father? Is he available to be in the picture and help with the healing process Michael needs? I know you miss your dad, I can't even imagine what it will be like when my dad is gone. Other than to know that my mother has made it clear that I will have to handle everything. Why...because 'she can't, brother will fall apart, and sister is too busy'. Then there will be the whole thing about her trying to move in with me. If that happens you might as well make me a reservation in an asylum, because that's what I will need. But Steph, this summer going through your father's treasures was an honor as well as down right fun. Remember the fun times.

Last week I went to my three year surgery follow up at Kaiser Fremont. It was a group appointment that took a couple of hours and included talks by our Bariatric Medical Doctor, Bariatric Psychologist, Bariatric Nutritionist, and Bariatric Surgeon. If you needed one on one appt, they scheduled those after. Kaiser does a great job with education. There were a lot of good handouts and good information shared. Some highlights: From the Surgeon: When people get a revision, weight loss is only around 10 lbs., which the surgeon credited to the liquid diet followed before and after surgery. He said they don’t know why there is not substantial weight loss with the revision surgery, but he theorized that whatever was reset during the first operation was a one time thing. He also showed an image of stomach and how blood flow to the stomach is decreased with each operation. I hadn’t realized how many veins and arteries were connected to the part of our stomach that is removed. A lot! The stomach can only stretch so much. It does not continue stretching once it gets to maximum capacity. People may think they are eating more at one time because the brain adapts. Ulcer is leading cause of death in long term complications. Ulcers are caused by too much alcohol, smoking, and some drugs, including SSRIs, immunosuppressors and the usual suspects. Not spicy or acidic foods. From the medical doctor: Kaiser Vitamin recommendations have changed. For the latest, along with the latest Kaiser Bariatric Surgery Guidebook, see: Iron in Ferrous Sulfate form can cause stomach upset, that’s why they recommend Ferrous Fulmanate or Ferrous Gluconate. Take with stool softener if needed. Watch for birth control pill malabsorption. For those that don’t like pills, she offered the following schedule:Morning: Wellese liquid Calcium or calcium citrate chews, multi with iron Evening: Wellese liquid calcium or calcium citrate chews, multi with iron Weekly: 5000 mg B12, 250 mg B1, Iron with Vitamin C Once per month: 50,000 iuVitamin D From the Psychologist: Tip for eating less: Do not put serving plates on table. People eat more then. Serve from kitchen so people don’t see extra food and have to get up to have a second helping. Cross addiction is more common in year two than year one post op. She had a whole list of books for us, but strongly recommended Mindess Eating by Brian Wansin. She had a handout from AmiHungry.com for Mindful Eating After Bariatric Surgery. Download it here: Water, etc. From the Nutritionist: Eat 20-25 grams of Protein per meal (70 grams per day). 3-5 planned meals per day, 1200-1500 calories per day, limit carbs to 30 per meal (15 carbs average in 1 starch, dairy or fruit). Eat protein first, then up to ½ cup veggies, then carb such as whole grain, fruit or dairy. Eat protein with any foods with higher sugar content. For example, have some cheese with grapes.

Happy birthday!!! Thanks for sharing! How alcohol is tolerated has been something I have wondered about. I am going on a cruise next August for my birthday (and celebrate my new me). Last time I went I got the alcohol package and drank, well, a lot (hey, it was vacation a decade ago;) ). I figure it won’t be worth it at all to get the package (especially since my husband doesn’t really drink much ) but I do plan on having some adult beverages for that 5 day cruise.

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

Hello All- As you can see from my stats- not very impressive - no one would be asking me to be the postergirl for the lapband. I did not get enough fills early in the process, but believe that I may actually be approaching my sweet spot soon. I have come to realize a few things and wonder if anyone can relate... I became depressed a few months after surgery when it did not fix everything. Now, I am smart enough to know that it wouldn't, but, it still happened. As a result, I found myself drinking alcohol becuase I could and as a way of numbing myself. Alcohol passes just fine through the band and has oodles of calories. So do many other things that I should know better than to eat (ice cream, chocolate, etc) So, I faced all of this and stopped the antidepressants (yeah, I think they were messing me up more than helping me) and although, I swore that I would never do this again, walked in to a Weight Watchers week one meeting. Yep - accountability - just like at the start of the band process. I really never thought I would have to do this again, but the band does not fix everything - it really is just a tool. :tongue:

I'm Miss Wisconsin...oooh wait...maybe not... I'm Jennye...27, soon to be 28...live in Wrightstown, WI which is between Green Bay and Appleton...hmmm...single...same situation as Michelle and Alexandra said earlier...alcoholism...unfortunately we still own the "condo from hell" together and it has been on the market for 2 years...he has moved out and hopefully once it sells I can finally wipe my slate clean...been dating but nothing promising... I'm the mommy to my little rat Rummele who is a little tiger cat and my beast Fischer, a Vizsla and the best damn walking partner in the world...put it this way...if he thinks I'm not going for a walk he runs upstairs, opens my dresser drawer and starts prancing around with my socks... I'm currently in pursuit of my Masters...Management and Organizational Behavior and have worked at Wisconsin Public Service, an electric utility for 8 years. I've been at a standstill for the past few weeks with my band...my nice and tight fill ended up being too tight thanks to some antibiotics bothering my tummy and stress from my Mom having a stroke...now with the unfill...watch out...bolt it to the floor...I'm getting another fill hopefully back to my comfy tight on the 16th...so far I have lost 69 lbs...I'm hoping to lose another 31 leaving me at 150. Other than that...I've been MIA for some while and trying to get back into the board...I've missed you guys!

Well, all these introductions seem fairly recent. Interesting, since I actually joined this forum when it first started a year ago. :-) It's interesting how much we all really do have in common. As for me, my name is Leatha. I am 43 yrs old, about to be 44. I am single now, since 1998. I was married over 20 yrs and have two beautiful children. Mimi is 22 and Jeremy is 18. Mimi and her husband currently live here in Texas with me and my son is in Ca. with his father. We just returned to Texas after living in northern Cal for nearly 2 yrs. In that time, I had my band placed by Dr. Albert Wetter in San Francisco. I originally sought surgery in Texas, but due to having Systemic Lupus and a history of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, the guy I wanted refused to do my surgery. I travel 100% for my job, so it didn't really matter where I lived. My daughter and son-in-law wanted to move to Cali to be closer to my ex-husband and son, so I went with them for awhile to help with expenses. I had met another lady online who also had Lupus and had a history of clotting problems who raved about her surgeon, Dr. Wetter so my mission in moving was more selfish. I had banding in mind. We moved in August, 2002 and I gained an additional 20 or so pounds. I reached my all-time high of 250 lbs. At 5ft even, my body was ready to give-in. My cholesterol reached a whopping 309 and I had to make a choice of whether I was going to fight this monster or die. I wasn't through living, so I put in motion my quest to be banded. I was banded successfully on May 29, 2003 and was the first person ever to have a vena cava filter placed at the time of my lapband surgery. Thankfully, I never developed high blood pressure or diabetes, but I knew those weren't far behind, if I made it much farther without a cardiac event or stroke. To date, I have ONLY lost 55-60lbs and am currently un-filled due to a recent diagnosis of slippage. Interestingly, my slippage has been totally silent, until I recieved an overfill from someone who called my 'slippage' 'pouch dilation'. Even with pouch dilation, he should have UNfilled, instead of overfilling. Even then, I only had nighttime reflux which I had not had at all before. As for my history with weight. I was a very vivacious teen. Very curvy but petite. I thought I was 'fat' at 124. Boy, what I wouldn't give to be that 'fat' again. Interestingly, I went from that 18 yr old at 124 to nearly 200 lbs by the time I was 20. All I can attribute that to is depression and a change of activity. I married a man who didn't dance or swim, which I had always done with gusto. We ate out instead. Not his fault really. I allowed it to happen. Again, I think depression played a large role. I, too, am the daughter of an abusive alcoholic and have done much research into co-dependency and the over-eating correlation. I find to be a very common link to many, but not all of us. So, that's quite alot about me before and up until now. Now, I am waiting for tomorrow morning, so I can call Denise, from Inamed, back. She called on Friday. I missed the call, but I'm sure it has to do with my emailing Don Mills to tell him I'd been told I had slippage. I am also on a quest to locate a surgeon in the DFW area who actually sees new patients and takes my insurance too.I really would like to get this slippage seen about before it presents with more serious complications and I really cannot afford to gain any of this weight back. I had just gotten to a place where I could see the 180's coming and now I'm just trying to keep from gaining. So, thanks for allowing me to return to the group after so long. It has been a really great, but busy year. Thank God I was allowed to live it. :-) Leatha May 29, 2003 Dr. Wetter 250/194/wherever I stop, but not here.