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She's PERFECT! People are hideous! These same people probably have something that actually does make them a bad parent but you cant see it...alcoholism, abuse, smoking, etc !!!Otherwise why are they looking at someone else...again, she's PERFECT!!!!

Dave, you can't compare food portions post-banding with food portions pre-banding. That's because it's completely different. Once you're healed up and start getting fills, (usually starting about six weeks after surgery), you won't be able to eat like you once did, and you won't want to. The placement of the band at the top of the stomach puts pressure on the Vagus nerve, which controls hunger and production of ghrelin, the chemical that causes hunger pangs. So you'll eat a smaller meal, but the miraculous part is that you'll feel full after a small amount of food. And if you're feeling full, and are not hungry, you can safely stop eating without any problems. It doesn't matter that you only ate a fraction of what you used to, your stomach THINKS it's full. And that is the magic of the band. If you use it right, you can eat less and not feel like you are not eating a typical full meal. Once you get out of the habit of eating "big," you'll be able to focus on eating healthy, and eating smart. And the natural side effect of eating smart is weight loss. Easy, simple, and remarkable weight loss. You made a comment in your reply to my last post that it's our culture, and that everything is about food. I used to think that, too. Then I learned that holidays are about family. Food is just something we do to have a reason to get together. My family still knows and loves me as much as before. And we still get together. They eat "big," and I eat what I want, until I'm done. I still socialize and enjoy the time together, but the one difference is I eat less than I used to. Oh yeah, and I take up a lot less room at the table. Okay, you asked about my recovery. I'll try to be brief. Ask me if you want to know more about anything: I had surgery Monday, December 6, 2010. My doctor did not require a pre-op liquid diet. They put me on high Protein, low carb instead, to try and shrink my liver. I only had to do one day of clear liquids, on the day before surgery. During the surgery itself I had a hiatal hernia and a ventral hernia repaired, so where most band patients end up with five or six incision sites, I ended up with thirteen. I spent two nights in the hospital because they wanted to monitor my recovery, since mine was so involved. I was discharged on Wednesday, Dec. 8th. I had several weeks of sick time available to me from work, so I opted to take three weeks off work for recovery. My surgeon required three weeks of liquid diet after surgery. Nothing pureed or creamy. Only Protein shakes, and liquids you can see through. I had no appetite for quite awhile, and managed to get along drinking two ounces of Protein shake every hour from waking up till going to sleep - about 16 hours a day. In between the protein shakes I was drinking 64 ounces of Water daily, roughly four ounces per hour for those same 16 hours. Things went along normally for the first week, until I hit the only speed bump I've had. I discovered I was lactose intolerant, something I never knew. On the Monday one week after surgery I started having "dry heaves," but I wasn't throwing anything up. My body just had the wracking spasms that go with that. After consulting my surgeon (who was about two hours away), I made a trip to the Emergency Room. They gave me a single pill, and the urge to throw up instantly stopped. They found I was dehydrated, and gave me two bags of fluids via IV. After that I was fine. My Nutritionist and I went through trying a number of alternate liquids for protein shakes, different kinds of milk, soy, whatever, but nothing helped. I finally started drinking ready-to-drink shakes (Muscle Milk Light and/or Premier Protein Shakes, both of which were great, taste good, and filled me up perfectly with no side effects.) They worked great, and from there on out I was fine. At the three-week mark I went on soft foods for a week, (slider foods, thicker Soups, creamy stuf, and pureed foods.) It was like heaven. Then I did a week working my way back onto solid foods. The first thing I had was Wendy's Chili. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. It was amazing, and remains my "go to" food when I need a high protein meal that's easy to get, tastes great, and is perfectly band-safe. By the time I was back on solid foods, I felt absolutely normal. I can't feel the band at all, and I was ready for facing life as a bandster. At six weeks after surgery my hernia repair doctor (who had done his part during the band surgery) cleared me from all restrictions. I'd been on a "light duty" thing, not allowed to lift more than 15 pounds prior to that. On the same day, if I recall things correctly, my surgeon gave me my first fill. It was 3cc's, to go with the 3cc's he put in during the band placement surgery. So I was suddenly at 6cc's in a 14cc band. A month later I got another 2cc fill, which put me at 8cc's. A month after that I got a .5cc fill, putting me at 8.5cc's. And just today I got another .5cc, so I'm now at 9cc's. My surgeon's team and I agree I'm right at my sweet spot now, and I probably won't need any more major fills - just small .1cc or .2cc fills from here on out. My hunger is well under control, and I can go four hours or more without feeling hungry. You asked about my daily routine. For the last few months it's been pretty consistent: I've chosen to follow a modified South Beach kind of eating plan, with higher protein, lower glycemic carbs. I avoid (note I didn't say "never eat") fried foods, heavy sauces, and Desserts. So when I'm looking for a meal, I will gravitate toward a higher protein option. I eat "real world" food, not "diet food" because I know I have to function in my own life. I eat out in restaurants regularly. I don't drink alcohol, or anything with carbonation. I know some bandsters do, but I choose not to. I don't miss it. I do use artificial sweetener (Splenda, or one of its derivatives) when I want to sweeten something. I do drink coffee, tea, and unflavored iced tea often. When I wake up, I have a cup of coffee while getting ready for work. In the car while driving to work I have a ready-to-drink Premier Protein shake. (160 calories, 5grams of carbs, 3g sugar, and 30g of protein.) It kick starts my metabolism, and balances my blood sugar. About an hour after getting to work I have what I call a "naked sandwich." It's a Breakfast sandwich without any bread: A fried egg, a sausage patty, and slice of cheese. About 300 calories, and about 20g of protein. I'm good to go till lunch at that point. For lunch I usually have some solid protein, like a grilled chicken breast, roast beef, steak, pork loin, or similar. I may mix it in a salad, usually with a touch of a vinaigrette dressing. Sometimes I'll get a grilled turkey BLT sandwich, and set the bread aside. I'm fortunate to work at a hospital, and the cafeteria offers a pretty good selection of choices. If the volume of food is fairly large, like a full-sized sandwich, I usually only eat half of it during my lunch break. I take the rest back to my desk as leftovers, and I may or may not eat it as a mid-afternoon snack, if I need it. When I leave work I go directly to the gym, where I work out for about an hour or so. I usually ride a recumbent bike in the "fat burn" mode, but lately have been gradually adding some weight training. On my way home I may grab some dinner (like Wendy's Chili or their half-sized Apple Pecan Chicken salad. Maybe a Sourdough Chicken Club sandwich from Jack in the Box. Good stuff!) I don't get the "meal deal" at fast food places - so I'm not tempted by French fries or soft drinks, and I usually peel off the bun or bread and set it aside. Later in the evening, if I feel the urge to have a snack, I'll eat a cheese stick or two, or a cup of lowfat yogurt. I don't keep "trigger" foods in my house. No junk food, desserts, chips, or empty calories. And I drink water all day long. I keep a bottle of it with me at work, in the car, and at the gym, a tall glass with ice water at home, and anytime I'm awake. It really helps. If I go out to a restaurant for dinner, I try to select something higher in protein, and substitute steamed vegetables for any sort of potatoes. One favorite is at Olive Garden. They have a Steak Toscano. 12 ounces of grilled to order steak. I eat about a third at the restaurant, then take the rest home, where it makes two more meals. It's very filling, and the whole thing is only 400 calories and has 20g of protein. That's about all there is to it. As you can see, I'm following what works for me. I am NEVER hungry, I get in at least 100g of protein every day. I take my Vitamins and supplements daily, I drink lots of water, and I work out regularly. I was banded five months ago this past Monday, and as of today I've lost 83 pounds, with more to follow. My surgeon says I'm doing exactly what they expect, in terms of weight loss, and they are very encouraged that things are going so well for me. I hope this gives you some real world tips you can use. I learned what works for me, and I do my own thing in terms of how I eat, and what it means for me to be banded. I don't measure anything, and as I said, I drink with meals. But I eat slowly, I chew thoroughly, and I take small bites. All that is in deference to how the band works. I manage it, but I don't let it manage me. The rest is in the details, sorting out how to make the most of it. Hope this helps. Dave

A bit long but very funny! FROM: Patricia Harris, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 4th DECEMBER RE: Christmas Party I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...please feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if the Managing Director shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1.00 p.m. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over 10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! The Managing Director will make a special announcement at the Party. Merry Christmas to you and your Family Patricia ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM: Patricia Harris, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 5th December RE: Holiday Party In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our ' Holiday Party.' The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians. There will be no Christmas tree or Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment. Happy now? Happy Holidays to you and your family, Patricia. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM; Patricia Harris, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE : 6th December RE: Holiday Party Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table...you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only," you wouldn't be anonymous anymore!!!! How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody? Forget about the gift exchange, no gift exchange allowed now since the Union Officials feel that 10.00 is too much money and Management believe 10.00 is a little cheap. NO GIFT EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED. Patricia. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM: Patricia Harris, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 7th December RE: Holiday Party What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during day l i ght hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs, perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party - or else package everything up for you to take home in a little foil doggy bag. Will that work? Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the toilets, Gays are allowed to sit with each other, Lesbians do not have to sit with gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangements for the gay men's table, too. To the person asking permission to cross dress - no cross dressing allowed. And No, no blow-up sheep. We will have booster seats for short people. Low fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food. We suggest those people with high blood pressure taste the food first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" Desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?!?!?! Patricia. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM: Patricia Harris , Human Resources Director TO: All F*****G Employees DATE: 8th December RE: The ******** Holiday Party. Vegetarian pricks I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death", as you so quaintly put it. You'll get your f****** salad bar, including organic tomatoes, but you know tomatoes have feeling, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!! Hope you all have a rotten holiday * drink, drive, and die! The Bitch from HELL!!!!!!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM: John Bishop - Acting Human Resources Director DATE: 12th December RE: Patricia Harris and Holiday Party I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patricia a speedy recovery, and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, Management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and instead, give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd December off with full pay.

it has alcohol, no alcohol on my plan for 1 year

I hope that you find the answers that you are seeking. My reason for having surgery boiled down to the sheer amount of food that I was able to eat in a single sitting. I wasn't a huge processed food snacker. I was able to eat 5-7 cups per sitting, which didn't hurt me when I was eating veggies and brown rice. It did hurt me when I ate something bad though. Unfortunately, eating 8 slices of pizza, and 5 tacos on a cheat day derailed my progress during the other 6 days of my diet. I didn't have surgery with the hope that it would make me not want pizza or tacos. I had it with the hope that I would possibly be able to eat 1-2 slices of pizza or 1 or 2 tacos. I also knew that cutting that 5-7 cups down to a more manageable 1-2 cups would make a huge difference in the amount of calories I was taking in on a daily basis. I really had no idea that I would be eating 1/2 to 2/3 of a cup of food per sitting. Since surgery, I have had both pizza and tacos. I have made them myself though. Cauliflower crust pizza loaded with veggies, a very tiny amount of sauce and a very tiny amount of mozzarella cheese. Veggie sausage, egg white and spinach tacos made with 1/2 of a Flat-out light wrap. I could eat a little over 1/3 of a 9" cauliflower crust pizza, and it would be just over 150 calories. The tacos would be a little over 160 calories. That is a win in my book. I once took a month long nutrition class (for insurance purposes) that said that you can contribute at least 20-30 pounds of your excess weight to each group of bad foods you eat. If you eat salty snacks, sweets, fast food, drink alcohol.....Each of these groups can really pack on the pounds. I think that everyone must realize that this surgery doesn't help as much if your problem is snacking on processed junk or eating fast food unless you yourself are willing to change. 5 ounces of candy is A LOT of calories. 5 ounces of Doritos is A LOT of calories. 5 ounces of ice cream is A LOT of calories. These are all sliders, have almost no nutritional value, and will not make you full. Even a small cheeseburger and small fry from McDonalds will carry almost 550 calories. Have that 2 or more times per week, and you could still wreck your progress. There was a bariatric doctor that said that if you want to be successful in weight loss, you must do the right things at least 90% of the time. You will have stalls, but you can still lose fat during these stalls. Get back to your program. If you must snack, find healthy snacks that you like eating. I like crunchy veggies and raw nuts, but have an occasional turkey roll or two (turkey breast slices, cream cheese, chives). Remember, no surgery is going to overcome the brain's urge to eat junk food or processed food. You've got to learn to have that every loooonnnnggg once in a while, and hopefully, in the case of junk food....Make better choices about what you have. You can have a salad anywhere. Just don't pile on the dressing, croutons and/or tortilla strips. LOL! You can do this. It won't be easy. I won't be fun. It WILL make you stronger. It WILL be worth it in the end. Good luck my friends!

That's how long I have been banded. I am at work right now. I am so tired I could throw a temper tantrum. I'm a little dizzy and in a little pain:crying:. I just took some liquid Tylenol - a single dose to help me get through this day. I get off work at 3:35. It's 11:40 right now. As soon as I can I'm putting my head on my desk and sneaking a nap. Think I may start taking my liquid vitamins twice a day until I get back on track. I think I'm supposed to be doing that anyway. The liquid diet is still ok. Of course I get those moments when I want to put something chewable in my mouth, but I just remind myself that I am not really hungry and more importantly, I did not put my body through this just to fail. I'd better succeed just to justify the scars on my once perfect stomach! I have lost one steri-strip. When I bath I do not face the shower head and I have tried to barely get my stomach wet. In fact I clean my stomach with an alcohol wipe or two. I like that because it also helps with the itchy skin that the steri-strips cause. Oh! - A co-worker asked me if I was losing weight!!!! YEA!!!!!!:biggrin: I have only lost 10 pounds since surgery and I'm sure that 's not really noticeable on a person my size, but I will take any kind of victory can get. I need all the motivation I can handle right now. Now if only I could figure out how to post my weight loss ticker and find a rarely used bathroom in this place - I'm gonna need a little privacy:embaressed_smile:...

Alcohol . I get confused cause my dr said 2 months but most threads on here say three months and wondering if anyone did sooner. I'm not to fussed about not drinking

I was told 1 year .. no alcohol... I hope it isn't so!

My surgeon's instructions were 6 months after the surgery for caffeine and alcohol intake. I also had to sign a disclosure advising of the negative effects of alcohol and consequences after vertical sleeve surgery. As much as I love a good cocktail, I'll wait. Not interesting in doing anything that could cause me harm.

Hello all; this web site was very informative and supportive in my Gastric sleeve journey. So I am sharing here some information that would be helpful to all: Gender: Male Age: 40 Height: 173 CM (5.6 feet) Weight at day of Surgery: 259 Pounds (117.5 Kg) Weight today August 8th 2013: 207.4 Pounds ( 94.1 Kg) Surgery date: 15-5-2013 Surgent: Dr. Hekmat Mattar - Abu Dhabi - Highly recommended - an amazing doctor food intake: between 400 and 1000 cal's depending if am excising or not that day. I am practically eating everything except sweets, sugar, and bread). I am still eating them, but quantities are close to nothing on a weekly basis. Water intake: 1 to 2 liters per day. That is a problem, I should increase Fluid intake as I noticed in the weeks I drink more water, I loose more weight even with less training. Main exercise activity so far: brisk walking 2-3 times a week. between 4 and 8 km per walk. No weight lifting yet... did some scuba diving two weeks ago which helped a lot continue the weight loss. Planning to start going to the gem next week to continue the weight loss. Medicine and Vitamins intake : in my last visit to the doctor he was not happy at all that I am not taking my medicine and vitamins as he prescribed. He scheduled me for 3 shots of Calcium. Also he stressed on quiting smoking taking Pariet 20 mg to protect the stomach from acidity and Centrum every two days as Vitamin supplement. The Good: no major complication so far, losing weight incredibly fast, eating everything (much smaller portions). fully functional at work after 5 days of the surgery. exercising (though not regularly) The Bad: water intake not enough, not recording food any more, not getting used yet to chew enough. When I don't chew the food enough, I will definitely be vomiting. I am drinking alcohol again, but only once a week, one or two glasses of wine of blended whisky. Just trying to feel normal The Ugly: I am back to smoking cigarettes two weeks ago this is really ugly. I am feeling its effect on my stomach and its making my energy low again. I am working on quitting. Hopefully more intense exercising will help... Below image has my weight progress over the last 84 days. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU

Yeah...think I'd be a bit irked if I heard that from a doctor. So, what, wait a few more years until you do actually have comorbidities and then it'll be okay? I really get tired of people that say "oh you just to diet and exercise more." Sure. Just tell somebody dealing with alcoholism to stay out of bars and all their problems will go away. Well, in the end you're the one having surgery, not him. It's ultimately up to you. Man this burns me up reading this...lol. Put this in your pocket and break it out the next time you need it.

I read an interesting article recently about how scientists and therapists are now finding that quite a few folks who have had WLS have developed other addictions such as alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, etc. Makes sense to me, if you can no longer satisfy a food addiction and someone has an addictive personality, then one would substitute another addiction for loss of food.

As I watch a program on obesity on Discovery Health, I know the reason I committed to the surgery . . . my life! I have thyroid disease and have been struggling for 20 years with weight issues. I've lost weight on phen-fen and medically supervised diets only to gain it back. With no thyroid, I have no metabolism to burn calories. I can't tell you how much better I feel since the band has limited my intake. Before the band, I was always hungry eventhough I didn't physically need the calories. I finally found something that works! I am four months out and 31 pounds lighter. I still have 50 pounds or so to make my goal but I am happy I spent the money (self-pay). I feel better everyday and would not hesistate to do it all over again. Recovery was very easy for me. As mentioned before, the band does change your life. You can cheat the band by eatting high calorie foods. However, once you start losing weight, you will try really hard to make your band happy. I had to give up beer. That was really hard for me. But, I discovered wine. I have really cut back on my alcohol but I refuse to give it up completely. You can still eat and drink most anything, just in small quantites. Once you get fills, you may also have to adjust the time of day you can eat certain foods. I'm pretty tight but can still eat most foods in the evening. It is a big decision and only you can make it. The best thing is it is reversible. Good luck! PatU

I think the main reason most ask you to wait so long is to cut down on your chance of transfer addiction. Mine said he wants me to have the full year to overcome whatever 'food addictions' I may have before adding in alcohol.

Just don't tell anyone. Your medical business is private and you owe nobody an explanation. Especially if you're getting the sleeve. Other than my Dr, there are 3 people that know I had surgery. With the sleeve you lose slower, I averaged 2 lbs a week. So I made sure I was working out, everyone saw me at the gym everyday, they saw me passing on alcohol and snacks. I started following the post op diet months before my procedure so I told everyone I was trying to make a change and eat healthier and asked for their support in that. I even said I'm gonna avoid eating out for a few months to see if it helps. Then I just had to "be busy" for a few weeks while I recovered. If ever questioned I honestly answer this was a long gradual road nothing happened overnight. I earned every pound. All true. This is your journey do it on your terms. And if that means keeping your HIPPA protected medical information private, that's your prerogative too. Best wishes whatever you decide is best for you.

I was so nervous before my first fill, I almost asked him not to do it. It's actually super easy and it doesn't hurt hardly at all. Each surgeon is different I'm sure, but mine just had me lay on the table, he felt around for my port (had me do a crunch to help it stick out), swabbed the area with alcohol to clean it, drew up the saline to inject, then poked it in. It hurts way less than a tetanus shot (if you've ever had one of those). When my surgeon pushes the saline in, he puts in a small amount then draws it back out to confirm he's in the port. Once Fluid comes back out (indicating he's in), he injects the rest. I then have to stay in the office for 5 minutes and sip Water to make sure it all goes down okay. I do 24 hours of liquids then 24 hours of mushy food, then back to normal. Each surgeon is different, but that's the general idea.

Beer would be bad if you gulped, but sipped over an extended period of time probably won't hurt. I've had my second fill and I still drink (very slowly) carbonated beverages. I'll do a 12 oz can in a half hour. Sip, burp-burp-burp. Sip, burp-burp-burp. Regardless of what you choose, it's up to you to moderate. Alcohol is emtpy calories and it goes down quickly. The more you drink, the more poor decisions you're apt to make. And since you're probably not going to be eating during this time (right?), the alcohol is going to affect you quickly. Do you have a fried at the bar to help you stop or moderate?

Yes....you can totally defeat the purpose of the band by cheating...eating the wrong foods that are easier to get down will sabotage your efforts with the band....like ice cream, cream Soups, alcohol, etc. It isn't wise to drink while eating, having a drink ready in case you get that stuck feeling isn't such a great idea....for most of us, drinking when we get that feeling just makes it even worse. Just follow your Drs instructions on what, and how much you are suppose to be eating and you will be okay.....sooner than later you will reach an adequate level of restriction with your fills and as long as you don't overdo it with high calorie food choices you'll be fine. Carol

I haven't figured a way to cook for 1.5 people.... And for the past year my daughter and 18 month old granddaughter have been living with us... So i now cook for 3/4 which is most likely what i cooked for before. But I can honestly say my bill stayed about the same. If I was single I would be saving a bundle. What has gone down is eating out. When it just the two of us hubby eats like he did but I get an appetizer or something of the child's menu and no alcohol for me or sodas so our eating out bills have decreased dramatically. Also I used to spend at least $50 a week on lunches and that has dropped dramatically to basically nothing. However once in a while I will go out with coworkers for a treat but my bill is usually under 5$ depending on where we go.

Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe bars - 180 calories, 20g of protein, 17g of carbs (2g of fiber, 4g of sugar alcohol). Protein calories to total calories is only 44% so 56% of calories is "other stuff". Not great considering their shakes average 85% of their calories from protein. But the bar is over the top good and when you're on the go, you can't beat the convenience of a bar. They come in a lot of other flavors but this one is just too good and since I probably eat one or two a month I don't need a lot of variety.

it varies. General rule is if you are stalled lay off the sugar alcohols

I was sleeved on 12/16/14 at the Khalili Surgical Center in Los Angeles. Today, exactly five months to the day, I weighed myself and was thrilled to see that I have hit the "100 pound loss" mark, way ahead of schedule. Since the surgery, I have taken up light jogging (thanks, C25K app!), and COMPLETELY changed the way I eat and drink. Not a drop of alcohol since the surgery (I was an "every night" drinker), not a taste of sugar, and not a miligram of caffeine. Other than family and my wife, I haven't told anyone that I had the surgery. I'm sure people must be wondering, but the truth is that the weight loss has come from my complete 180 degree lifestyle change more than the surgery itself. But if I hadn't had the surgery, I certainly wouldn't be as motivated to succeed as I am. Hell, you can install an Olympic-sized swimming pool in your backyard, but you'll never get better without doing the laps! Anyhow, I know that this 5 month period is just the beginning, and I will have plenty of chances to fall off the horse, but I committed to making hay while the sun shines, and making sure that I got off on the right foot, maximizing the early weight loss in order to set up a long-term run. I'm so proud of how hard I have committed, and wanted to share my success with anyone on the fence about getting the sleeve surgery done.

Your stomach is just another muscle that is susceptible to swelling just like the rest of your body. Think about the lapband as if it were a ring around your finger? If your body(finger) swells due to TOM, sodium, alcohol, carbs(complex and simple), stress and anxiety, so can the gastric lining of your stomach. This can be the perfect time of year for most all of the swelling reasons previously mentioned. The lining of your stomach can swell making the stoma a very small opening for solids to pass through.

Devana -- I remember that episode. I also remember laughing at it. You just made me feel bad. I never even though about how the chubby boy must have felt. I just remember Cos hamming it up, and the boy laughing. he was the silent kid who used to run out of the house, right? heheheh I don't know if I've ever been weight discriminated against. I probably have, especially when it comes to personal preference (dates). I'm confident, outspoken, intelligent, successful, beautiful and have a great personality. I've never been denied a job or failed to get what I wanted (even men) because I'm fat. I was embarrassed getting on a ride at Six Flags, because they had to get 2 men to muscle the cage shut due to my big ass. I haven't been back. That is one of my goals for next summer - get on that ride and snap the latch without needing assistance from 2 brawny guys. But even then it was embarrassing, but not cripplingly so. I have always been outspoken, I have always been one to stand up for myself. I call people out on their bullshit. To the woman whose uncle said "Well she is." I would have said, "And you're an idiot" or something equally biting. (e.g., "And you're an alcoholic," "Your wife is a whore," "Suck my dick") I don't take it - maybe that makes me an angry fat woman, but I am quick to remind people that they are no better than anyone else. I don't internalize put downs, and I don't take them lying down either. I never understood why so many fat people are voiceless and feel worthless because of their size. Stop thinking that way! Speak up for yourselves. Don't accept that second-hand treatment. Fight back. We may be heavy, but we're just as good, just as smart, just as worthy, and have just as much right to be as anyone else. To believe otherwise is practicing weight discrimination on yourself.

Everytime I've gone on holidays since being banded, I've lost weight despite eating out and enjoying food, and drinking alcohol most days. I think its becuase we're on the go and busy - so there goes the snacking and nibbling between meals. And with a band, well it doesnt make much difference whether you eat out or eat at home, you still cant eat much! Plus I always run daily even when I'm away and there's usually TONS of walking and swimming/body surfing etc, just a heap more incidental activity. So yeah, I always lose weight.