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Interesting to know that it didn't do much for you.. I figured it smelled horrible lol.. Wonder what would happen if you nebulized a strawberry daiquiri or a pina colada or even coconut flavored rum??? HMMMM LOL j/k.... Oh well.. Thanks for trying it out and letting us know!!!! There are die-hard alcoholics that will drink listerine or in a worst case scenario, rubbing alcohol, when desperate...

Ok so it's been a while since I last blogged but a lot has been going on. I'm from Iceland. An island way up north. So I just came back from travelling to Spain, a Mediterranean country and let me tell you, things there are different from what I'm used to. I've been to Spain 3 times before and never thought that much about food. I just ate what ever and loved it. But having the lap band is more difficult. The town I was staying at didn't have that many restaurants but when I went to them, they carried BREAD BREAD BREAD. They loved serving bread or huge dishes! I love tabas mmmm but it's served on bread, thick slices of bread. I can only eat thin slices. So when out eating, I ended up eating fries, omelette and lasange. But only found one restaurant carrying lasagne. But I tried cooking at home as well, so I wouldn't starve and didn't really want omelette or fries for every meal. The temperature! Gosh it was HOT. That mean that my polar body was swollen ever day with extra fluid and that also meant that my stomach opening was a lot smaller. I had to make a lot of trips to the bathroom spit out food that got stuck in the opening. The Productive burping was terrible! No matter what I ate. My worst case was a tomato!! Hello!! A tomato, a very well chewed tomato! I just had terrible time with it. That's why I was afraid to eat what ever was on the menu. But fries, I know they are deep fried and not that healthy, but I could chew them into baby food! What does a hot woman need in a hot weather??? ice cream. mmmm love some good ice cream. And I had a lot of it. It was a guilty pleasure. But it was so good in the hot weather. Alcohol. I was very very careful with that. I wanted a cold beer very badly but I stuck to cocktails with no carbonated liquids in it and yes that was just fine. And never got drunk or tipsy or what ever. Did not want to add hangover and throwing up to the PB!! I even at once point thought that it would be best to finish the trip off by eating only chocolate and ice cream because that went down very well haha. Also the company I was with. They were so nice and understanding but I was giving myself hard time for making them wait for me while I ate really really really slowly. We could never eat anywhere in hurry, ever. I came with a solution though, I sometimes grabbed a banana because that's easy to eat on a go. Now at home, I'm still swollen from the travel but I couldn't wait stepping on the scale and no weight gain!! to my surprise! I'll see how it went after my body has adjusted after the travel. I have to tell you though that for the first time in my life, I had lots of left overs at the restaurants I ate at. I felt like apologizing for it to the waiters, for not finishing my food. I've always finished everything at a restaurant but I was very careful, even though the portions were big, that I would only eat until I was satisfied (not full) and I'm proud of that. Overall, I did enjoy my trip very much and Spain is a fantastic country. And I've always enjoyed the food there before the lap band. But this was a difficult trip food wise and not that healthy I'm glad it didn't set me back tough. I'm happy to be home and on Monday hopefully my body has recovered and that I will not have any extra fluid.

I was a major food addict and I'm sure I still am. I think of it like being a recovering alcoholic, I stay away from triggers because I know I'm just one bite from falling off the wagon if I don't. It can be managed but the key is realizing the problem is in your head, not your stomach, so the band can't and won't fix it.

B-52 I strive and pray every day to get to where you are. Bandista, yes, it really is freeing. And Karen, YES! I absolutely agree we are like alcoholics. I do come from a family of dependent of something people. It is a struggle most days. Thank you so much for the encouragement! People like you and others on this site are a true God send. Thank you.

I have always loved to shop and now that I have lost weight and have had a face lift and have inherited money it became even more fun but I believe that I am finally hitting the wall with this particular recreation. I have recently been finding that although I still enjoy looking I am not too interested in buying anymore. :faint: Finally!!! :whoo:This is because I like the stuff I already have as much as or better than any of the stuff that I am seeing in the stores. My mate and I went out for lunch and a little recreational shopping yesterday - he likes to shop, too - and all I came home with was an arm load of books which were on sale. This was after looking at clothes, boots, bags, belts, etc. My husband bought himself some dark chocolate. We actually found ourselves whining to each other that everything looked the same and that there was nothing new to buy! :phanvan Dealing with alcohol has always been an issue for me. I am a depressive and we do tend to want to self-medicate whenever we are feeling lousy. :help:

I agree, I have a friend who became an alcoholic after her rny. I think that is one of the many reasons why my doc stresses walking (or some other type of work out) daily. Wouldn't it be great if it was just as easy to focus that energy on something positive?

Well yesterday was my first time attending a family function post op. It was a luau, there were lost of food and alcoholic drinks to be had by all. I am so proud of myself, I was phased by anything. On a side note, I made 4 cheese cakes, 2 white chocolate and 2 mocho, this weekend for my children and wasn't tempted. Question: Is this just a fluke or is it normal 2 weeks post op not to be bothered by one's trigger foods.

Ok recognizing right away this in nothing but a nebulizer ( ae machine for vaporizing liquid medicine) I immediately dug out the old nebulizer and filled it with vodka as the idea of relaxed and buzzed minus calories was very appealing! Well the alcohol did indeed vaporize. Buzz???? Not anywhere near what a shot would do. Worries? I could smell the alcohol, much like rubbing alcohol. Made my lungs ache. Long term damage?

I think if I am going to inhale anything that's been vaporized, I'd much rather inhale vaporized marijuana than alcohol!!!** LOL... I doubt you get the hangover with vaporized alcohol though, which is a perk... I don't really like alcohol much anymore, why get bloated on something that's just going to make you feel like crap the next day? But yes, similar vaporizers are available for illegal drugs... **I am not advocating weed smoking... Just making comparisons since it was mentioned that it is like drugs

I met with my nutritionist and she gave me a PreOperative Diet to follow for at least 2 weeks before surgery. As I had been such a bad, bad girl for the last few weeks (who am I kidding, last few months) knowign that surgery was coming that I am doing this diet for 3 weeks instead of 2- no alcohol, Protein shakes (I drink high protein slim fast), some fruit and a small salad with grilled protein- that is it. I am only on the 4th day, but I feel a little better already and it will help me get past the headaches, dizziness and empty feeling that would certainly happen after surgery if I was not prepared. Oh, I did get special dispensation to have a piece of birthday cake on my birthday which is a week before surgery!

The biggest dangers of alcohol are the empty calories and the likelihood excessive drinking can lead to other things like over eating and vomiting. Once your all healed up if you were able to stop yourself at 1 drink when drinking socially before the surgery talk to your surgeon but you should be able to do the same. Wine is a good suggestion but so is scotch. No one thinks anything of a person sipping a glass of Scotch for hours on end. Most expensive hard liquors have complex flavor notes that allow you to enjoy them slowly (except vodka since the better it is the more it tastes like water). The carbonation in beer means extra complications and the additional calories in cocktails (as well as the fact their designed to hide how drunk your getting) make them a poor choice generally.

I think both should be avoided whenever possible, but if you are going to have bad food and alcohol then be sure to count their calories in your daily total. Let their calories decide what to eat and not.

My surgery is 3-22 and need advise on this.... Fast food what is best eat and alcoholic drinks how many? Thanks

3 months after surgery. The first drink burned like hell but every drink after that was fine. However, alcohol effects you differently after surgery. Some lose tolerance. Some gain it. For me, I gained too much tolerance. Before surgery just one drink would cause me to flush and be hot and buzzed. Now I can drink multiple drinks and not feel a thing.

I was banded for 2 years. I chose the band because it was reversible in the event of a problem, and less invasive than the RNY. There was a problem...erosion - 80% was inside my stomach...so much for less invasive huh? 2 years ago I had it removed/reversed, and it reversed me all right...right back up the scale, and I'm now scheduled in Aug for the VSG. I've spent the last 2 years researching, reading, and waiting before finally deciding what to do. I've finally decided to do the VSG. The studies say it's as effective or better at 5 years out than the RNY in weight loss and maintaining. Wasabubblebutt is right, they use an improved technique to prevent stomach stretching. I've read that you may gain a 3 to 5 % stretch over time. That's still a very tiny stomach. I've read that some patients do experience a bit of a dumping feeling. A discomfort if they intake the wrong food, generally sugar alcohols... or eat too fast, described as a feeling of discomfort in the chest and or abdomen, lightheadedness, feeling faint, and sweats. It eventually passes, you have to wait it out. Many do not experience any kind of dumping feeling. I would think it would be a good thing to train us avoid foods that arent good for us. I've also read that the body compensates over time and generates a new location in the intestine for grehlin production, but it's never at the former levels that the stomach produced, so it's still a reduced level of hunger. It's permanent. Just like the band you can eat around your sleeve with high calorie liquids. We still have to monitor what we fuel ourselves with. I've read that much like the band causes the slimes, VSG can cause 'foamies' brought about by eating too fast, not chewing well or eating too much. I like the newest VSG studies for 5 years out. I like that this time it will be permanent. No risk of erosion, no risk of slippage, no port, no fills, a constant sweet spot not affected by TOM, stress, time of day... I'm having difficulty locating any post up VSG'ers who regret the sleeve, but am finding lots and LOTS of banders that regret banding.

I am considering the band but have some reservations. I have a BMI of 34 with chronic knee pain due to arthritis ( I am only 36) Since I am about 8lbs away from a BMI of 35 I have to pay for the surgery out of pocket. The sleeve which I think I would prefer to get is out of reach because I dont weigh enough (never heard that before) Obviously you have to change you lifestyle to be successful but I am afraid it will change too much. I love to entertain and have people over for dinner. I enjoy wine of course some pepsi every once in awhile. The research I have found says you cant have alcohol or drink carbanated beverages, that you cant drink while eating. Am I going to miss that part of my life so much that I regret it? Will I be a completely different person at social events? I am not really sure what I am trying to say, I am just scared.

I thought giving up diet pepsi would kill me, now I don't even miss it. It's ok to drink alcohol you just have to watch the calories and be careful because it will affect you much quicker. As for the 8 pounds needed to get insurance to pay, just strap on some ankle weights and leave on your shoes!

Too many simple carbs will make me have it. Also alcohol will. I do better with adequate protein, healthy fat, and lots of leafy greens and low glycemic veggies, and a few berries here or there. Sorry you are having this!

I am by no means a big drinker....I drink a few times a year at best.....I have family coming home and would like to enjoy a few socialables....I am worried about how it will hit me and what to have.....does it hit you faster now that your stomach is smaller? Please let me know what to expect.

I just need to say it... My name is Breanne, and I am a food addict. *sigh* I believe my addiction began at the age of 17. I had always been an over eater prior to age 17 but it was more emotional eating than addictive eating. I got my first car in May of 2004. I remember the freedom finally! It started out being able to go to whatever fast food place whenever I wanted. I remember always loving KFC, but my mother never let me go, so the first week I got my car I couldn't get the place out of my head! I stopped there everyday after work on my way home and got the BIGGEST popcorn chicken they had and ate it before I got home, and then hid the container. I think that when you hide food is when you become truly addicted. I met my husband the following year. We fell in love and got married just six months ago. Let me rewind......from the time I met him to the day we got married, I gained 60lbs! A lot of people ask me why, and until now I didn't know the answer. Much like alcoholics, a food addict is unaware that they have a problem! I tried to blame it on my PCOS haha. In all honesty, I was the one to blame. We ate out constanelyy, but the biggest problem was, I was eating the same amounts as a 6'3 250lb man! What was I thinking, I can totally relate to that Dierks Bently song! :cursing: "I knew there'd be hell to pay, but that crossed my mind a little too late!" I want to be open and honest about my addiction. If anyone has any questions or feels as though they may be a food addict as well, don't hesitate to contact me! I don't have all the answers, as I am just starting the journey to recovery, but I'd love to hear from some people who think they might have a similar problem! Stay Strong!:rolleyes2:

I just need to say it... My name is Breanne, and I am a food addict. *sigh* I believe my addiction began at the age of 17. I had always been an over eater prior to age 17 but it was more emotional eating than addictive eating. I got my first car in May of 2004. I remember the freedom finally! It started out being able to go to whatever fast food place whenever I wanted. I remember always loving KFC, but my mother never let me go, so the first week I got my car I couldn't get the place out of my head! I stopped there everyday after work on my way home and got the BIGGEST popcorn chicken they had and ate it before I got home, and then hid the container. I think that when you hide food is when you become truly addicted. I met my husband the following year. We fell in love and got married just six months ago. Let me rewind......from the time I met him to the day we got married, I gained 60lbs! A lot of people ask me why, and until now I didn't know the answer. Much like alcoholics, a food addict is unaware that they have a problem! I tried to blame it on my PCOS haha. In all honesty, I was the one to blame. We ate out constanelyy, but the biggest problem was, I was eating the same amounts as a 6'3 250lb man! What was I thinking, I can totally relate to that Dierks Bently song! :thumbdown: "I knew there'd be hell to pay, but that crossed my mind a little too late!" I want to be open and honest about my addiction. If anyone has any questions or feels as though they may be a food addict as well, don't hesitate to contact me! I don't have all the answers, as I am just starting the journey to recovery, but I'd love to hear from some people who think they might have a similar problem! Stay Strong!:thumbup:

This happens to me too, especially the chocolate based Quest flavors. I think I'm sensitive to the sugar alcohols or something. I can only eat half at a time and even then it's iffy. The mint Quest flavor was particularly bad and sent me running for the bathroom within 30 minutes. So, I finally learned my lesson and just gave up on the Protein bars. If I'm on the run I'll carry stuff like beef Jerky, nuts or pork rinds.

At 5 months you will be on a regular diet - so when you have breakfast you have have eggs or an omlette. Lunch - there's plenty of protein at the various restaurants - so maybe some fish with a veg. Dinner - same thing. If you're really concerned, pack a container of protein powder and a shaker bottle. The bigger issue will be dealing with the temptation of all the sugars/sweets/carbs/pastas and alcohol. And avoiding the temptation to eat all the time, since food is always available. Make use of the fitness center and when you are in port, get lots of walking in and other exercise to offset and "slips" which might occur.

It's called trichotillomania and I am not in the position to diagnose people but my guess would be that before surgery you would have been living with an underlying anxiety or stress issue. Maybe your mode of coping mechanism was eating, cooking or planning meals previous to surgery? Now that you are unable to use that coping mechanism, you are pulling hair... That's OK and well done to you for picking up on it. People develop very sophisticated means of directing their attention energy into tasks, chores, hobbies etc and can quite successfully 'cope' through this. Meaning that they can continue to live quite happily.... but if the coping mechanisms are noticeable to others or you are prioritizing carrying out the behavior without the ability to anticipate negative impacts on yourself, others or your lifestyle; drugs, alcohol, obsessive behavior like shopping, eating, gambling or even self harm etc ... Then the means of coping has become toxic to you, not helpful at all. We all carry 'baggage' and most people aren't aware... Just look into some cognitive brain therapy, counselling or whatever form of help you feel most comfortable with. Above all, remember that you are human and humans are strange, complex and amazing animals . . . we all need a bit of help figuring out what is really up with us. Xx

Part of the issue with Quest bars is the sugar alcohols and part is the Fiber. Many people have issues with them. I did when I was earlier in the process, but have been fine with them since about 9 months out.