Search the Community

I, too had a leg DVT caused by a torn meniscus. Mine was last Sept. and I immediately went on Coumadin. I had my band surgery the following February while I was still on it. I know you are overwhelmed right now, as I was initially but I honestly didn't find it hard to manage while losing the weight. I just recently was taken off of it as the clot had dissipated. The biggest thing to remember is consistency in your diet. Just get familiar with the foods high in Vitamin K and eat minimal amounts of them consistently. I had to have a blood test every week for months. Most weeks required a dosage change to keep my levels in the right range - no big deal. In relation to the band, the only affect was I would bleed much more than normal from a fill! We just used 2 bandages and my stomach would be bruised for a week afterwards. I was in the early stages of losing so I did not drink alcohol then, but prior to WLS I was okay with drinking in moderation. My advice would be to relax for a couple of weeks and feel sad about the DVT. Mine completely ruined my 50th Bday party celebration plans! After that, get back on track and just be more careful about your diet than you were even before. 3 months is not that long - I took them for over 8 months partly because I chose too. You will do fine.

Kristie, have they given you any um, digestive issues? I remember when I was low carbing on Atkins many years ago and the sugar free candies and bars came out with the no impact sugar alcohols they acted like a laxative for a lot of people, me included!! If they haven't given you issues I might try them, they look good!

alcohol will do the trick!

My weight came on after living in a household that watches tv every night- I don't have that in my life prior to the weight gain. I had a solid job before I started gaining- so stress and therefore stress eating and alcohol consumption have contributed. Additionally, I quit being as active after an injury resulting in knee reconstruction, which took 2 months before I could even walk unassisted. After that- I got serious & dedicated- recumbent bike, etc. Started planning our wedding, had a pulmonary embolism in June this year- and it all went to hell from there. Not proud of this story- but it's honest.

Extremely overweight people who become thin very rapidly through surgery can sometimes feel very vulnerable and unprepared to deal with not only their own changing bodies but also the reactions of friends and family to the "new" body. Sometimes they are uncomfortable being the object of sexual desire for the first time in their adult lives. Especially with women, I have also seen that some feel as though they are ostracized by other women because those other women believe that their formerly fat friend has become an attractive threat to their own relationship. Others may feel self-conscious or unattractive because an extreme weight loss leaves them with skin folds or scars. They sometimes feel that surgery did them no good because their bodies still stand-out in public and in private as unusual. One client referred to it as the "Is That All There Is?" syndrome. She said she somehow believed that losing 150 pounds would leave her with a body that society would consider beautiful and what she got was abdominal flesh hanging over her thighs. I notice this is especially true when a person going into the surgical process is focused on getting thin or attractive rather than on getting healthy. There can also be problems in intimate relationships. One woman spoke of her husband's lack of interest in her sexually. In all other ways the relationship was healthy so they were able to talk about it. What she learned was that after the weight loss her husband felt unworthy of her because he was still overweight. He also lost his sexual confidence when his overweight wife, in his words, became "one of the girls in high school who wouldn't give me the time of day." Also, if a WLS patient has early-life traumas unaddressed or not completely addressed prior to surgery the loss of food as a way to placate stress and to reduce anxiety can be a new source of trauma. This leaves many facing a very difficult transition to a life not centered around food. All of these stressors and others are a breeding ground for cross-addictions. It is vital to consider before surgery and in the "thinning" months and years after surgery how you will deal with stress, sadness, fear, loneliness, anxiety, or whatever thoughts and feelings triggered emotional eating in the past. If there is no healthy outlet for these the body and mind will create whatever outlets they can, which most commonly include alcohol, drugs, sex or gambling. The problem of replacing food addiction with alcohol addiction is the one I have personal experience with and have seen the most in people I've encountered. In 2006, three years after LapBand surgery, I developed an addiction to alcohol. I had lost food as my companion, soother of stress, provider of sensual satisfaction and entertainment. I was not able to eat the comfort foods that placated my fears of life prior to WLS and I desperately craved an outlet for uncomfortable emotions and beliefs I took-on and began running from during my childhood in a violent home. So three years after WLS, and after loosing 110 pounds, my dinner every night became a 6-pack of Vodka coolers or more (Sour Apple or Grape) and ironically Healthy Choice low-fat ice cream. At my lowest I was 220 pounds and I felt very uncomfortable and vulnerable in a smaller body. I continued to wear large, baggy clothes because I was afraid to look feminine. Feminine to me then meant I was vulnerable and open to attack. This went on for a year, during which I regained all 110 pounds lost and felt like a failure. Worse, I felt like a public failure because everyone around me knew I'd had LapBand surgery. What I had to do was address the beliefs and fears I had about what it meant to be feminine. I had to come to terms with my past and embrace a future in which it is possible and within reach to be healthy, feminine and safe. To avoid cross-addictions, it is important that individuals considering surgery or those who have had surgery take this very personal, individual journey into the beliefs they hold onto from their pasts. These are the beliefs that caused them to turn to food in an unhealthy way for comfort. It is vitally important to plan what healthy outlets for emotional pain they can create. A therapist or Weight Loss Life Coach can help with this. Dealing with the thoughts and emotions that caused compulsive overeating in the past and forming healthy patterns for working with and releasing fear and anxiety in the future are essential to long-term weight loss and the avoidance of cross-addictions for WLS patients.

Is it time or near your time of the month? That can bring it on, as can stress, and sluggish digestion. The liver can also be the culprit. Here are some internet suggestions for under eye bags: Try to avoid stress and get extra rest, especially during menstrual discomfort. Drink plenty of warm Water. Avoid ice cold and carbonated drinks. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol. Add coconuts, raisins, papaya and sweet juicy fruits to your diet. Only take a moderate amount of sugar. (or use agave nectar) Avoid red meat and heavy fried foods. Avoid drinking fluids before bed. Favor only natural beauty products Do not smoke, and avoid second hand smoke. Get plenty of sleep. Place a washcloth dipped in warm water over your eyes for 5 minutes once or twice daily. Make sure you are laughing every day it gives excersize to facial muscles. For puffy and swollen eyes, make facial steam or facial wash with warm, salty water. For tired eyes use silk eye pillow. For inflamed baggy eyes soak cotton pads in cold milk with rose water, or cucumber slices or cool tea bags placed over closed eyes for five to ten minutes.

Tomorrow will be 12 weeks into my banded life and I still don't have a single regret to report! I've never been more sure of my decision, and it's been many years since I've felt healthier and better about who I am! I just spent 11 days on the best beach vacation ever! A girl's trip to Gulf Shores, AL was just what the proverbial doctor ordered, and I'm home tanned, relaxed, and more than a few inches smaller than I was when I left!! How's THAT for vacation? Perfect if you ask me. I lost a whopping total of one pound while I was gone haha! But towards the middle of last week I noticed that my bathing suit (which I spent a lot of time in) was fitting very strangely. It felt too big in the stomach for starters, but then I noticed that the bra cups in it were all deformed looking. I realized that the girls had shrunk! YEEE HAW!! There's hope on the horizon my friends! I admit I was a little concerned about vacation eating, especially since I didn't get a fill before I left, but I had decided that I wasn't going to stress about it. I ate very well.. I ate normal sized portions, and had no problems with wanting to snack between meals. I drank at least one frozen alcoholic concoction every single day while I was on that beach.. along with lots of water and lemonade. I felt a little restriction at times which was comforting, and let me know my band was doing its job, and had a couple of "stuck" episodes that were mild, and lasted only a few minutes. I ate LOTS of steamed shrimp! Mmmmm! I miss that yummy steamed shrimp.. the kind you can get on the Nebraska prairie just doesn't compare. One highlight of my trip that I must share ~~ I PARASAILED!! Oh yeah! I stepped right outside of my comfort zone and flew high above the Gulf of Mexico! I absolutely loved it and will do it again if I ever get the chance. I felt like super woman when I was done, and I kind of still do! I was without a scale for the entire vacation, and that freaked me out a little.. I figured that I'd have gained a pound or two by the time I got home, even though it was pretty obvious that I'd left a few inches down in Alabama somewhere! I was pretty happy when I stepped on that scale yesterday and realized that there was no gain, and I could still be friends with both the scale and the mirror! I'm happy to be home.. and while I didn't use a gym even once while I was gone, I did have the sand to walk in so I got a little added exercise I guess! It's back to the gym for me this week! I'm also looking forward to adding a daily fruit smoothie to my diet! Hey~ it's my healthy version of a daily frozen concoction that will remind me of the beach as I delve back into reality! Thanks Aunt Jan for introducing me to the wonderful smoothie! My other butt is getting closer.. I can feel it! I hope you all have had a safe and happy Independence Day if you're in the USA~ and mostly, that you spent it with the people you love! That's all for this week ~ thanks for stopping by! Follow me @ http://www.myotherbutt.blogspot.com

Unfortunate but she will probably find a doc to band you if you do not tell the truth about your alcohol consumption. If you're consuming that much and you own a bar you really should find a new profession....

well 10 drinks would be about 4k.... so drinking 4k and eating 1k wouldnt take work for an alcoholic.

I am not here to preach. I guess I am just confused by your motive to get the lap-band surgery. Is it to lose weight and get healthy or is it to help curb your alcohol consumption? Have you been approved by a surgeon? I would imagine that surgery would be risky due to the possibility of a fatty liver d/t chronic alcohol consumption and overeating. I am certainly not a doctor...or an alcohol counselor.... Usually when you want to have this surgery, it is to gain an overall healthier lifestyle. I apologize..I know you do not want to hear any preaching or AA info, I just don't know what you are expecting to get here? Are you looking for affirmation that you will be able to drink less to get drunk? Hmmm-maybe. I just think it seems like a strange reason to have this surgery. I am interested to see what others will respond. Best wishes to you.

I think it's great that you've recognized an emerging problem before it's able to derail the amazing progress you've made. I'm a nurse and one of the tools we use to assess for potential problems with alcohol is called the "CAGE" assessment. It's 4 quick yes/no questions and can be a great way to gauge whether or not someone might have a problem. C: Have you ever felt you needed to CUT down on your drinking? A: Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking? G: Have you ever felt GUILTY about drinking? E: Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning ("EYE OPENER") to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover? Two or more "yes" responses mean the possibility of alcoholism should be investigated further by a medical professional. I hope this information helps. food is a way of self medicating for many of us and when that is taken away, it can be very easy to adopt other unhealthy coping mechanisms. Best of luck to you on your journey (and to anyone else who might be reading this and struggling with a similar issue). Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. I think it's very likely that you have emotional issues that you need to see someone about. The reason is because, at first, you were overeating. Now you have found another way to comfort yourself. Do you actually crave the alcohol now? Or are you doing it to feel something?

Well I have a surgeon and I have a date - Friday 16 March 2007. Weighed in at 120.5kg when I saw Dr W. He has asked me to lose a few kilo's prior to surgery. I reckon I could lose 5kg in 2 weeks. He seemed skeptical and said he didn't care how I lost weight, but that if I can lose a bit my liver will shrink and make the operation a bit easier (for him I guess, not me). My goal is to get to 75kg. I figure if I am only 115kg when I am banded, it's 5 less to lose later, plus it has given me the kick in the butt to cut out alcohol in the lead up and start walking again. Have walked both days since I saw him. I am not too sore. I am taking "Scorch" to try and increase metabolism and curb hunger. When Warren goes back to work on Tuesday I will start having a liquid dinner (protein drink). It makes me feel a bit woozy. I feel this is a good prep time for the operation. Don't know how long it will be after the op before I can do some exercise. Surgeon is adamant he won't operate on smokers due to smoking being a far for serious health issue than obesity. I have always thought I need to tackle "one problem at a time" but can see that in taking such a dramatic step as obesity surgery, means that I can tackle my smoking and weight together. I plan to start nicotine replacement therapy on Tuesday (when Warren returns to mine site). I have now doubt that I will be feeling shithouse for the first 6 weeks, so being a ex smoker at the same time may just see me feeling totally empowered.

Well I have a surgeon and I have a date - Friday 16 March 2007. Weighed in at 120.5kg when I saw Dr W. He has asked me to lose a few kilo's prior to surgery. I reckon I could lose 5kg in 2 weeks. He seemed skeptical and said he didn't care how I lost weight, but that if I can lose a bit my liver will shrink and make the operation a bit easier (for him I guess, not me). My goal is to get to 75kg. I figure if I am only 115kg when I am banded, it's 5 less to lose later, plus it has given me the kick in the butt to cut out alcohol in the lead up and start walking again. Have walked both days since I saw him. I am not too sore. I am taking "Scorch" to try and increase metabolism and curb hunger. When Warren goes back to work on Tuesday I will start having a liquid dinner (protein drink). It makes me feel a bit woozy. I feel this is a good prep time for the operation. Don't know how long it will be after the op before I can do some exercise. Surgeon is adamant he won't operate on smokers due to smoking being a far for serious health issue than obesity. I have always thought I need to tackle "one problem at a time" but can see that in taking such a dramatic step as obesity surgery, means that I can tackle my smoking and weight together. I plan to start nicotine replacement therapy on Tuesday (when Warren returns to mine site). I have now doubt that I will be feeling shithouse for the first 6 weeks, so being a ex smoker at the same time may just see me feeling totally empowered.

Oh and atkins chocolate chip granola. 17 grams of protein. One gram of sugar. They DO have 9 grams of sugar alcohol though. It's not horrible, but if you're super sensitive...It could have an impact I guess.

***I LOVE this article. Almost every single person that I have heard complain about re-gaining their weight has done it to themselves because THEY EAT THE WRONG THINGS JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN!! It's totally ABSURD! Why would you put yourself through the discomfort of having the majority of your stomach cut out if you are just going to sabotage yourself?!?!?!? This is a fantastic article...It's about time we started getting real with ourselves and others! Let me know what you think.***-Liz My Two Favorite Words In Bariatric Surgery: Personal ResponsibilityDecember 26, 2012 by tammy My Two Favorite Words In Bariatric Surgery: Personal Responsibility Bariatric surgery will not work unless we resolve the issues and change the bad habits that got us to the point of being morbidly obese. People email me all the time regarding the topic of keeping the weight off and staying happy and focused on their weight loss surgery journey. We all know that regain is such a big problem for so many of us in this community, and it can be really frustrating. It is also leading to more and more people inquiring about revisions. And for the record, no, I am not one of those people who think revisions are bad and should not be done. I do think sometimes things happen medically that require a revision, but also we can undo some of the good things our surgeries have done for us, which can sometimes be fixed by a revision. Here is what I have a problem with. I recently met a lady who has had two revisions in the last three years. She is still about 80 pounds overweight. She told me how frustrated she is and how sad it makes her to see the weight keep coming back. I asked her why she thought it was such a problem for her, and really expected some story of complications and issues that were beyond her control. What she told me actually made me even sadder than the medical issues would have made me. This beautiful lady told me a story of how she just loves her carbs. Rice and butter for breakfast, cookies for a snack, crackers and butter for another snack, and the list goes on and on. Bariatric surgery will not work unless we resolve the issues and change the bad habits that got us to the point of being morbidly obese. For some of us it will take therapy and dealing with a food addiction to be able to maintain these changes. One of the hardest things for me to do after my surgery and initial loss was admit I had an addiction and seek treatment for that addiction. I can thank my good friend, Dr. Connie Stapleton, for that light bulb moment. I have to take personal responsibility for my disease, its treatment, and for my recovery, which is so very important to me. How many of us truly take proper care of the second chance at life we have been given? I really ponder that question a lot. I know there are days when I do not. I like to have a drink when my husband and I are on vacation or go out on the weekends. Is that good for me? No. I make a poor choice when I put anything into my body that is not healthy. I then have to live with that choice. When we agreed to go under the knife and have weight loss surgery of any type, we took on a huge responsibility and a personal commitment to a new healthy life. This is not something I can take lightly. And my passion is to show others what a precious thing their treatment is and how it should never be squandered. I feel like every time we as post-ops make bad eating choices, it is no different from a patient who smoked their whole life, got lung cancer, then had surgery to remove the cancer and was cancer-free, PICKING UP A CIGARETTE AND SMOKING IT AWAY. If your best friend had lung cancer and then had surgery and chemo and was cancer-free, what would you say to them if they started to light a cigarette? Why then do we not say this to each other when we are out and one of us chooses horrible foods that have no nutritional value and will do nothing to improve our health? I hear so many in our community fighting tooth and nail to have obesity regarded as a disease, which it is for sure. But then, when we now have this amazing treatment for this disease, why do we not all see it and treat it as a miracle and a second chance and a real blessing? I think our path and our resolve has to be even firmer than that of a drug addict or a smoker. Why? We can live without alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes, but we cannot live without food. The temptation will never go away. I in no way expect every bariatric patient to be perfect. I surely am not, and I will always struggle with bad choices. I am human as you are. But I would simply challenge you to make fewer and fewer of the bad choices and more and more good ones. When I looked at the Doritos, my mind went to all of the people I know out there who want and need the treatment I was given and will never be able to have it for themselves. For me, that is a thought that literally stops me in my tracks. I have to think of where I would be without gastric bypass and how different my life would be. I think of the amazing things I can do, feel, and experience now because of the newer, healthy version of me. Your weight loss surgery was so much more than just a way to get skinny. You have been given something so precious and valuable. Nothing makes me sadder than seeing people just treat it as if it were nothing special and squander the chance they have been given at a new life. And, yes, I know many are thinking, “But, Erin, what about those of us who had terrible complications?” I know that happens and it is sad, but it’s one of the risks involved with trying to save our lives and get healthy. I have had a few, and am thankful that they have been minor and my heart breaks for those who have had serious ones. Please, the next time you are tempted to eat that cookie, or donut, or piece of cake, or plate of nachos, or have that sugary cocktail, or whatever your trigger food was, the food that contributed to your disease, think of where you have come from and where you want to be. Think of the person sitting in their room, crying their eyes out and miserable because their insurance just denied them the treatment you have been given. You owe it to yourself and those who love you to be the best and healthiest version of you that you can be. Never expect perfection as it will only leave you frustrated, but strive for 95 percent good choices and for optimal health. You deserve it, and you have a responsibility to make good choices. It is your responsibility to care for that treatment and tool and to never find yourself throwing it away. If you are someone who has regained, and are exploring a revision, I would encourage you to seek therapy first. Only when we fix the emotional parts can we really be the total package of health we all long to be and deserve to be. We are all works in progress, and the best we can hope for is to keep growing and learning. I love this community, and I love all of the amazing and diverse people who make it what it is. I also want to see us all be as healthy as we can be together! That will show the world how wonderful weight loss surgery really can be! Through personal responsibility, we can all better convey that truth to the mainstream media and general public! Erin Akey, FNC, LWMS, CWFI is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach and a Certified Aqualogix Water Fitness Instructor. She is the host of a weekly radio show about life after weight loss surgery called Fit Living. She also runs a company called The Bariatric Guru and is hosting a national conference series in 2012 called The Bariatric Breakthrough Challenge. For more

I had a thigh lift with the groin incision. Basically the incision starts around mid thigh on the front (in the crease between abdomen and thigh) and goes all the way around the inside of my leg to mid buttock. The giant "smile" shaped pieces of skin were excised from each thigh. The remaining skin was separated from the fat, some of the fat was excised and then the skin was pulled up (like hose) and stitched. Honestly, it has been the most painful part of my procedures. You cannot escape the pain caused by merely moving your legs. Also, going to the bathroom is really complicted when you have incisions just below your butt cheeks. Ever since the procedure I have carried a small spray bottle of alcohol to spray all public toilet seats (hovering above them is not possible and using paper covers just sticks). I sure don't want an infection just because I have to go pee in the grocery store. I am still very swollen but can see a big difference already. I guess it boils down to the shape of your legs. I have seen people that look great after the vertical incision TL procedure and those that have bulgy looking knees. I would check with more than one PS because most surgeon's don't like to perform the non-vertical one. It is much more difficult for the surgeon and takes longer to recover and see the results.

Hedwig, we are in the same boat girl. I am down exactly the same as you, 34 lbs since June. My doctor has me at 3cc in a 10cc band. I don't know what my problem is. I have days that I can barely eat. Today I took 2 bites of sushi and had to run to the bathroom. My band is really fickle. I am waiting until after the Holdays to decide on more restriction. Its discouraging, I know. Some days I exercise, some days I don't. My alcohol consumption is still there which I know is a detriment. From the sounds of it, I think you need another fill. The worse thing that can happen is you are overfilled and you would have to have some taken out. You should be able to consume a lot of food. Write me back and lets stay in touch. Maybe we should try a written diet together for a week to see how we do. Keep in touch.

Sounds to me as if you have some folks who are uneducated and scared to take responsibility for your coumadin/warfarin maintenance. If he thinks you may have a problem because of a fill, He is really very naive. It's a pin prick. They're not going into an open vein or artery. The amount of blood loss you may have is minimal, less than a nose bleed for sure, barely more than a finger stick, in my experience. True, blood thinners are critical drugs, but with patient knowledge and doctor's education, it's very manageable and easily maintained. I was bounced between my PCP and finally, a cardiologist to monitor mine because the PCP just was not comfortable with being responsible for the maintenance. Today, I do my own home testing, I call in the PT/INR to my Cardiologist's coumadin clinic and all is well. Of course, I know that the last thing I want to do is get dumped off the back of a motorcycle going down the freeway, or be involved in a major collision in my car. I don't skydive on a regular basis, but if I knick my legs shaving, I am NOT going to bleed to death. The day I got my lapband, they also inserted a vena cava filter, so that I might prevent any further major issues in my lungs, brain or heart. I have had numerous fills since without ever having to halt any meds or taking any extra precautions. To help manage your INR be sure to arm yourself with knowledge about different foods and drink that effect the drug levels. If you eat too many foods that contain Vitamin K/green foods, it will decrease the effect of the coumadin and thicken the blood - hence your levels become to low and clot faster. If you drink too much alcohol, cranberry juice, grapefruit, other things, you could cause it to become too thin. These are all serious but manageable things as long as you empower yourself with the knowledge it takes to maintain. Check out this website for great information www.ptinr.com Good luck!

What type of Protein shakes are you using? I had my sleeve done 11/11 and when I tried Slim Fast Advantage again, I had major discomfort and pain, likely because of the sugar alcohols. Give Premiere Protein a shot and stick to only sipping out of a one oz medicine cup at a time. Slow and steady is the best way. I assure you that it will improve greatly as the days pass. Good Luck and Hang in There!

Personally, I wouldn't. Cocktails are empty calories to begin with but also the alcohol is going to hit you very hard. I'm not sure what the recommendation is for wait time for alcohol but that doesn't seem long enough.

Hi guys. I was searching for Protein drops online and I came across this website. It has sooo many interesting recepies for low carb/low fat drinks.....and it lists all the liquid Protein Drinks available and their websites I believe....Maybe it this can be made into a sticky? I dunno. Please check it out and lemme know if its been helpful! There are some AWESOME non alcoholic, low fat, low carb mixed drinks in there too! http://www.teklawgirl.biz/Liquid_diet_recipes.htm It is entirely possible that this link has been mentioned here before...and I am sorry if it has, but I got excited over it. :cheeky TTYL

You reminded me - no caffeine, no alcohol, practice drinking 30 minutes before and after meals, practice drinking 1 oz. over 15 minutes, no soda (unless it is diet and completely flat).

The body does not require carbohydrates to live properly. The body does require Protein and fat. That said, if you do not have any diabetes or pre-diabetes carbs are not as critical to restrict. Atkins bars are tricky. They contain sugar alcohols and according to Atkins diet planning do not count towards carb count.....neither does the Fiber. I find sugar alcohols do count towards my carb count as well as provide side effects that cause me uncontrolled diarrhea. If your NUT is one you trust....trust. If not, find another that is less Atkins in his/her approach. I did spend quite some time eating red meat only and lived just fine on ZERO carbs for over a year. it is really what you can modify in your diet and live with LONG-TERM. Otherwise it is nothing but a quick fix that will not be followed and weight regain will occur. I know all about this.

I'm 3 months post op and having a girls weekend around the time of your birthday (happy birthday!!!). My friends and I only get together once every few years and there's always a lot of drinking involved. I feel like I'm going to feel left out/ not as merry. I thought about drinking a glass of wine each day (sipping slowly), but then I also think why even go there? Will I want more and not have the best judgment? So, I'm pretty sure I'll abstain and just keep reminding myself that it's the company not the alcohol that makes the get together special.