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The holidays are rough - lots of socializing and so much focus on food traditions and alcohol. I kept it at bay but it wore me out. I just wrote a list of fitness goals for 2016 and I'm happy the new year is here in a few days. I'm ready for the holiday food fest to end. Now I'm going to go for my walk!

I have lost 61lbs since surgery Sept 28th,2010. I'm happy with that. What I'm not happy about is I have been 219 since Feb 19th. I went to very high Protein and very low carbs even good carbs(Beans ect) for a week and still nothing. I think to be honest the last 5 months have spoiled me. I have honestly lost 61lbs without trying to hard. I have also had a lot more happy hours in the month of Feb so I'm thinking alcohol might be contributing to my stall. I know I need to start an exercise program, I always have an excuse being a single mom commuting 60 miles one way to work at a job I am losing next month. I love reading these posts they are helping me to motivate mysefl, so thank you. Wish me luck!!

I really need help. I'm almost two years out. I'm not eating or exercising like I should and alcohol has also added weight. I "know" what I need to do but I need help doing it. Started exercising again on Monday. PS... Lots of change in my life and just now getting on track -- divorce, going from being a stay at home mom to a FT employee, etc.

Tina and I visited a friend in the VA hospital in Brooklyn about 10 years ago. He was in the ward where the cancer patients who got cancer from cigarettes are and it was disgusting to see people who had had their larynx removed smoking cigarettes through the tube that they breath through in their neck. Tina quit smoking a little while after that. Our friend died shortly after also. A coworker who had his larynx removed because of cigarette induced cancer had to keep a damp scarf around his neck to keep the breathing hole area moist. One day I noticed that it had turned brown from smoking cigars through his breathing hole. I know a dozen people who have kicked coke, crack or heroin, and stopped drinking alcohol, but can not stop smoking.

That's why this board is so helpful...It's a great place to come for understanding from people going through the same thing as you...I think it is hard to put yourself in anothers position and truly understand until you've been there yourself...Like people who can't undertand Alcoholism or homosexuality or anything else that is personal and exclusive to certain individules. The important thing is that they stand by you and maintain a loving caring friendship...If they don't get it...You've got us!!!

Honestly I hadn't thought about focusing on stress relief but you are right if I learn to manage the stress it may help manage the eating triggers. The kids and I are going to attend a counseling works support group which starts in Sept. No offense about the alcohol. I'm aware of the research and that does worry me which why I brought it up here. Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I did "better" this week but still a way from back on track.

I thought the holiday’s with the band would be easy Well no ……I ate so much less than I would normally ( I ate less that 1 slice of pizza when everyone around me was on their 3rd slice) tried to make good choices but the holiday food got me Turkey, Ham ,cold cuts, Italian food, Chinese , Cookies , chips (not at the same time) In addition to Christmas and new years I have my birthday on dec 30- tried to eat a time bit of steak on my birthday and ending up throwing it all up (does not taste good at all coming up Most of the time I was ok with a couple of bites…..had a few restrictions some gagging but for the most part stopped when I thought there would be a problem. It is so hard to eat my tiny plate….slowly when others are devouring mounds of food and drink Always the last one at the table..wanting to eat more but unable because I knew the pain would be unbearable…found myself hungry a lot ..then would eat something bad then pain Felt sorry for myself .mad at myself and the world and other time happy with the band The worst part was the alcohol--- i used to like the flavored beers (lemon, lime ect) can’t drink them now because of the carbonation……even mixed drinks I like with soda so not too much to drink…mostly sober in a room full of half drunk people …not so much fun Am having a hard time getting back to normal….miss food want to eat but know it will cause pain Maybe I should so back to liquids for a few days and restart my system On new years I weighed in at 209.4 --- from 230+ before surgery aug 22 its working I know it will get better but its hard Bad foods that go down real easy Snapple Lemonade Chips Cereal (sugary ones) Peppermint candy canes Cake

Hi, I'll certainly answer your questions. Hope it helps! 1. How long have you had your band? Since September, 2008, which would be two years, 3 months. 2. How much weight have you lost? 70, then I kind of didn't pay attention because I had other surgery which distracted me, now I've lost an additional 10 3. How many fills and unfills did you get until you found the "sweet spot"? I've had three fills, no unfills. 4. If you stick to a particular diet (ie weight watchers, low carb, atkins, etc) which on works for you? No, just watch calories. 5. How often do you exercise? Need to start up again... 6. Does anyone do Yoga and how long did you wait until you started practicing again? No 7. Do you ever drink alcohol? No 8. What foods give you a problem? More than 1/3 piece of bread, sometimes chicken and turkey, definitely rice 9. Does your port stick out? No 10. How much water do you get in each day? 4 bottles religeously 11. Any tips that will help on the journey? Stick to it, it works if you work it!! Great questions, made me think...

Hey Bridgette. I am 11 days away from surgery, so I am already on my preop diet, but I did five weeks on my own first so that I could get my body a bit healthier. I ordered samples from Vitalady so I have my choice of Protein shakes during liquid stage. I am anal, so I already cooked and froze most of my lunch/dinner for mushy stage. For me, its easier to not cheat if my food is already ready for me. I joined YouTube. There is an incredible wls community on there and I have been participating and watching their videos - great inspiration and support. I have 1/2 cup and 1 cup gladware containers to make portion control easier. My Water is up to about 60 ounces a day. I am walking a bit more than before, but I haven't gone nuts with that yet. I took before pics before I started my diet, and will do another set right before surgery. Most importantly (for me at least) is I have been working hard at reworking my thinking. I havent had soda or alcohol (or any calorie beverage for that matter) in 6 weeks. I mostly gave up coffee too - less things for me to have to feel like I "gave up" on my surgery date.

Eating out or at a party I say to myself "eating that food is bad for me, or now that the band is helping me with hunger I don't have the urge to eat a cookie just because it was offered". I like tasty foods (we are built that way); I just need help not eating something because it's there. I will say that many of us having been mistreated because of our weight need to remember those moments. My mother has always said "the only thing worse than a recovering alcoholic is a recovering fat person!" They are very quick to point out someone elses poor food choices.

any kind of oil, or vaseline... haven't tried alcohol

Yep, alcohol will pack on the pounds! Thankfully, I haven't been able to drink much - it just doesn't settle well. It's good that you acknowledge what happened and are taking steps to get back on track

I've already had some alcohol.. Just sip and go slow. I had about half a margarita and was fine. Have fun in your trip!!

I was sleeved in MX on 3/12/12 this is what I was given. Hope this helps and please treat your tiny tummy and do this so you don't have any serious issues. like a leak. Also I see my primary care for follow up here in the states. She just did my labs for me a few months ago. This was my post op diet Days 1-3 Clear liquids only Days 4-7 Clear liquids and drinkable yogurt Days 8-21 Clear liquids and full liquids Days 22-35 Clear liquids and soft foods. Liquids try to get in 48-64 oz Clear liquids: broth, penitential, diluted apple juice, Protein Water, Popsicle Full liquids: Protein shakes, creamy soups no chunks, (I blended chunky soup) Soft diet: oatmeal, toast, crackers, tuna, mashed potatoes, puree vegetables, cottage cheese, apple sauce. Days 1-7 only clear liquids fruit juice diluted 50/50 NO nectar's Gatorade Special K protein water Vitamin water water tea (herbal) clear broth Popsicle Days 7-21 Day 4-8 begin with drinkable yogurt 1/2 cup servings, with no pieces of fruit. Day 8-10 add liquid Protein to the regimen, at least 30 g of protein a day. Day 7-11 add creamy soups (no chunks) if you can't drink it don't eat it Week 4 Begin with soft foods 22-28 Tuna cottage cheese oatmeal apple sauce Ensure pudding puree veggies mashed potatoes Week 6: increase food as tolerates, chew thoroughly, eat slowly. No carbonated drinks Take small sops, don't chug. Use a tablespoon at first. Drink only what you can. Do not force feed. Do not take more than half a cup at a time. Meds should be cut up or mashed. Take your Vitamins each day. The idea is to not expand the stomach pouch. During the fist week, you will Not be physically hungry (careful with the mental hunger) If you feel lethargic, or very, weak, it's because you are dehydrated, call or email the nutritionist. Important changes: Never combine solids with liquids. Liquids should be taken one hour later after your meal. Suck on an ice cube if you are thirsty. No carbonated drinks. They can make your pouch stretch Avoid high calorie drinks, juices, frappuccinos, milkshakes, alcohol... or you won't be able to lose weight. Or you can easily "dump" Sit down for a meal and take at least 20 minutes for yourself. ( yes you will need 20 mins for 1/2 cup of food) Take small bites. CHEW!!!! 30 Chews per bite Avoid productive burping (P'bing) eating too fast and not chewing food properly, eating solid food too soon after the surgery, drinking liquids with the meals or right after eating, eating too much at a meal. If anything gets stuck, stop eating, wait for it to burp up and don't eat again. Resume your meal later. Eat three meals a day ( solids, no protein shakes) Each plate should have a serving of protein, green veggies, fruit and grain, and one serving of fat If you feel restricted in the morning, drink something warm prior top your Breakfast. If you do not exercise use a pedometer and take 10,000 steps a day. Resume with your exercise 3 weeks after your surgery.

My doctor advises his patients not to ever drink carbonated beverages again because they can stretch the pouch above the band (that includes beer). As for me, I am not much of a drinker to begin with, so not drinking wine or other alcohol is not a big deal to me. I would probably avoid alcohol anyway because it really doesn't fit in well with living a healthier lifestyle as a bandster--liquid empty calories are not really the way to go. You should check with your doctor and follow his/her instructions about carbonated beverages! Good luck!

Gayla, I think most docs do know what they are doing but it appears you got one that didn't. I have a friend who got LBS and her surgeon put it on wrong and shortly afterwards lost his medical license over his alcoholism. He moved to Florida I hear. She had to have her band removed. There are some bad ones out there that's for sure. And I do agree that surgeons may embelish results or screen the % of results. My only advice for you is to somehow try to find the enthusiasm you once had for the band and try to find those positive thoughts that have been crushed by a bad doctor. Can't blame you for being pissed but the band won't work for you till you can find the silver lining in the crap you've been dealt. tmf

I drink one of those nasty energy drinks periodically when I need to wake up more at work. I am not a soda lover, so it is a one time thing, and because they aren't the best tasting things in the world, I don't guzzle them. I drink wine or a cocktail when I go out...other than being empty calories there is no problem with it, except you DO have to watch your consumption because you are eating less, weigh less, etc., and the alcohol can hit you harder, faster.

For me, nothing happens. But I could count on one hand the number of carbonated drinks I'd drink in a year, I'm just not into them. When I go out I drink wine and when I've had enough wine, I drink water. Same at home, more water than wine though, lol, dont normally drink alcohol on a daily basis.

Lots of questions!! That's good, a wise person will ask a lot of questions before making such a major and irreversible decision. I can't answer them all, but I'll give some of them a go. Being active before surgery can only help, can't hurt. Lots of folks who were never active become active after surgery, so you'll have no trouble returning to activity, it'll just put you on the sidelines for a very short while. Don't worry about the size of your stomach. Every surgeon has his or her preferences, but in the end we're talking about millimeters of difference. The standard is to remove about 85%. That sounds awful, but it really isn't. Some folks have longer stomachs than others, so those folks can eat more than those with shorter stomachs, because the surgery only affects the circumference, not the length. You'll be able to eat enough to sustain yourself. Lots of folks experience regain, so that proves that the stomach won't be TOO small. It's fairly unpredictable what you will/will not like/tolerate post-surgery. I loved Water before, drank it constantly, can't stand it now. But I compensate with Crystal Lite and tea. I do drink coffee every day, but it was a few months out before I could resume. I am able to eat all the sugar I want, unfortunately. But I've read it makes some folks sick. Same with Protein drinks. Some couldn't stand them before or after. I loved them before and after. I had to MAKE myself stop drinking them at about 10 months out because I was then able to eat all the protein I need, and was taking in too much, believe it or else. I eat two servings of nuts every day. Post surgery, they are a healthy source of protein and Fiber. Fiber becomes hard to get in, so don't discount nuts. Fruits, well, you will not eat much of that for a while. Too high in sugar and carbs when you need to focus on protein. I personally haven't had wine or any other alcohol in my year post-surgery, but lots of folks do have it and fare well. They just drink much less and nurse it over a longer period of time. I have not experienced any reflux before or after surgery. Maybe someone else can chime in on the points I've missed, or share their experiences. Good luck with your decision!!

One time does not an addict make. However, be careful. You may find this interesting - Bariatric surgery trades obesity for alcoholism Before you belly up to the operating table for that bariatric surgery, take note that while you might be eliminating the consequences of one form of compulsive behavior — overeating — you may not be dealing with the underlying cause, and if that cause goes untreated, you could find yourself merely engaging in “addiction transfer” — and in the grip of some new and different compulsive behavior such as alcoholism, chain smoking, obsessive gambling or binge shopping.

Here’s something my dietician provided me for the pre-op diet, the basic and alternative if you can’t do all liquid. The Diet: 1. Drink at least 64 ounces of fluids per day (all must be sugar-free, calorie free, and non-carbonated) 2. One multi-Vitamin with essential minerals per day. 3. Consume 1000 - 1200 mg of Calcium per day 4. No Alcoholic beverages 5. Drink 4 - 6 no sugar added Meal Replacement shakes each day (recommends Adkins Advantage even though it has 1 gram of sugar. They taste great and have 15 grams of Protein and 24 essential nutrients plus calcium and no trans fats) Sample Day: Breakfast: 1 shake Lunch: 1 Shake 4pm: 1 Shake (optional) Dinner: 1 Shake Bedtime: 1 Shake (optional) What if you break the liquid fast or just cannot follow a liquid diet for 2 weeks? Plan B - A shake and food meal plan that will keep the fat extremely low. The goal is still to lose as much weight as possible before surgery. The Meal Plan: 2-4 8-11 ounce high Protein Shakes a day 1 meal a day, composed of 3 oz seafood, turkey or chicken (no skin) Or 1 cup Non-fat/low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese or ricotta cheese And Non-starchy vegetables - up to one cup No corn, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes or baked Beans Fresh Fruit - 1 piece (1 cup) per day Olive oil - 1 tablespoon a day, no salad dressing, no mayonnaise Eat only 1 meal a day. Limited to 20 minutes per meal. Sample Day 1: Breakfast: 1 Shake Lunch: 1 Shake Dinner: Stir-fry 3 oz chicken ? cup broccoli ? cup mushrooms 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash 10-minute Mesquite Marinade 1 tbsp Olive oil Snack: 1 Shake Sample Day 2: Breakfast: 1 cup 2% Cottage Cheese 1 cup fresh peaches 1 cup Lettuce Lunch: 1 Shake Dinner: 1 Shake Snack: 1 Shake Sample Day 3: Breakfast: 1 Shake Lunch: 3 oz shrimp Lettuce 1 cup zucchini 1 tbsp Olive Oil Salsa 1 Pear Dinner: 1 Shake Snack: 1 Shake Hope this gives you some alternatives. Hugs, JoAnne

A nurse at my doctor's office says her husband is no longer addicted to alcohol. He's now addicted to AA meetings. A friend of mine divorced her huband because he opted to replace his drinking with hallelujah-religion. These guys are both just as obsessive and just as out of control--and obnoxious--with their replacement addiction as they were with the original one.

I was an over weight alcoholic. I was faced with a dilemma, die young because of my obesity or lose weight so I can grow old with my family. No brainer, I quit drinking (for the most part... details later), had the surgery. I am 9 months out today and down 116 pounds. I feel great. life is great. I was given a second chance. I do occasionally drink red wine. Bourbon was my daily vice. I have had it once since surgery (on my birthday). Don't let booze control your life. I know you are 21 and it seems like a huge part of your life, but that will wear off. I am not sure of your stats (height/weight) but you are young, this will give you an amazing rebirth. You can still go out and party. Yeah, you can drink. moderation is key. I am glad you found this site. read on here. sooooo much info. it motivated me to do the surgery and has made me successful. good luck!!!

I think Debbieduck4 is correct. You should talk to a councilor about your concerns. My advice is don't choose alcohol over your health. Best of luck to you on your journey.

Keep in mind that there are plenty of things you enjoy that you'll still be able to eat. You might just have to modify how it's prepared or swap out lower calorie/fat/sugar/etc. ingredients for the full versions. I recommend google searching various recipes to kind of get an idea of how easy it is to prepare foods that are perfectly fine for you to eat but can also be enjoyed in larger portion sizes by other people. That way you and your husband aren't having to prepare different meals. Two books I recommend are: The Gastric Sleeve Bariatric Cookbook and The Bariatric Foodie Holiday Survival Guide. Especially with your surgery being so close to the holidays you wanna make sure you have a plan to get yourself through a time period that is so food-centric. Alcohol is never a complete no-no. You could always do A shot or have A beer (although I wouldn't recommend the latter due to the carbonation), but maybe not so close to your surgery. A lot of people I've spoken to recommend waiting a year after surgery before reintroducing alcohol and only having 1-2 drinks a month because of how it affects you. It is not at all uncommon for WLS patients to become alcoholics as they replace their food addiction with alcohol, so be wary. I'm 1 week post-op as of tomorrow and the only issue I'm having is boredom with the limited options of clear liquids. I start full liquids tomorrow so that will open up a few more choices for me and pureed foods start on Halloween (so that'll be my little treat). It's definitely gonna be a life changer for you so don't stress too much. Get it done and take each day as it comes as a new learning experience.