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Sorry it took me so long to respond. I do appreciate the positive comments - Immore, still re-reading yours, not sure if I am reading too much into it or not! lol?? The past couple of days have been a little crazy, as expected I guess. Was hoping to have had the referral by today; will call the dr's office on Monday if we don't hear something in that morning. The center does offer family programs so we will participate in those as well. I spent last fall dealing with my uncle who is a severe alcoholic with a colostomy bag and other fun things. My cousins were so burned out and frustrated that they couldn't get him in anywhere. My brother and I stepped in for awhile. It took months - you can't force them to get help and he kept talking his way past doctors and counselors. He even passed an interview with another cousin, who is a nursing placement supervisor. She said that he answered all of her questions. Uh, yes he did but did you bother to check if the answers were actually correct?? They weren't. But it was too late, he had already been released. Finally, after being found by a policeman in a parking lot in below freezing weather at 3am (his truck had been stolen and he had been assaulted) he was close enough to death that a judge finally ordered treatment. He did 90 days, got out, is drinking again, in and out of the hospital. Fortunately, my husband's situation isn't that bad ... yet. I did take part of the day off today. Had lunch with a friend, went to the mall for nails, hair and shopping. Had bbq for dinner : ) It was all great therapy. Now just trying to keep the daughter and dad away from each other at home. Tired of the bickering over stupid stuff. Thank you for the private messages as well. Several shared their own personal stories and I really appreciate it. Nice to know I'm not alone.

You want to watch how many carbs are in them. You want more protein than carbs. I don't like the ones with too much sugar alcohol in them because that gives me bad gas. I love the power crunch bars from Walmart. I also get Oh yeah bars online at vitacost.com The choc./peanut butter does not have sugar alcohol but a lot of their flavors do.

Maybe check out any support groups in your area from the hospital where you had your surgery? ...or at the very least there is a 'Buddy/Mentor' list here, maybe just reaching out to another sleever who has similar issues as you, but farther along can provide some insight. I think we all struggle with this at some capacity...I know for me filling my time with hobbies, my sports teams, work, great friends, my doggies...keeps me on track and not so focused on food and the decisions I make. From the time I've overcome cigarette and alcohol abuse, it is a daily (sometimes hourly) conscience decision to stay clean. It's been 2.5 years and it does get easier, but my lifestyle had to change drastically and I'm not out of the woods yet. You're on the right path to seek out some help, if you need anything, send me a PM. xx Heidi

@@Dub Let us know how that hobby horse goes down! LOL! Your posts literally keep me in tears! Laughing of course. I am not a male nor am I a sleeve but thought I would add my two cents. I don't know if this is all bypass folks or just me. I love to cook and love to grill. My relationship with food has definately changed but mostly for the good. I have noticed that I don't tolerate smoke flavor much anymore. In fact it can actually make me sick pretty quickly. I think it could be an aversion but I definately know that it has happened post surgery. I figure like most things, this will resolve over time but for now bacon is about the only smoky flavor I can tolerate and I certainly cannot do double smoke. I am 13 months post op and have yet to try any alcohol. The most I have done is take a tiny sip of my sons bourbon. Then again, I did not drink frequently pre surgery, maybe once every 6 weeks or so.

Here is an article I read some time ago about WLS and alcohol. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/weight-loss-surgery-increases-risk-alcohol-addiction/story?id=16582225#.UN2tgeQ80xE

Just wondering what everyones docs said about drinking alcohol?! I was never given a specific timeframe, so just wondering when its safe...

How long after surgery before I can have a drink

Your liver sits on top of your stomach, and most doctors have you go on a special diet before your surgery to "shrink" your liver. This gets it out of the way as much as possible for your surgery. For my pre-surgery diet, I had to avoid carbs and sugars and alcohol. It was also high in Protein. Some surgeons have you do a completely liquid diet pre-op, but I was able to eat all the veggies I wanted, which was wonderful. It made the pre-op diet so much nicer.

If "it never happens", then why the guilt feelings? I agree that you should not "beat yourself up" about having wine, but if you are banded you should be compliant with your surgeon's instructions unless you are willing to manage the possible negative consequences for non-compliance. We were told that post surgery, your tolerance for all forms of alcohol changes dramatically, and that one drink can put your blood alcohol levels above the legal limits. My doctor warned us that he will not intervene in any DUI cases where the patient had a drink, drove impaired, and then was arrested.

Oh there was one more question...she asked if I have been or currently am addicted to drugs or alcohol. I said no, too busy being addicted to food!

So since today is New Year's Eve I was thinking about having a glass of wine or two. I am about 5 weeks post op from my sleeve surgery, do you think this would be ok?

How was the hangover? I haven't had alcohol yet.

What are you eating in a day. Post some sample menus please with daily totals if possible--also how many cals per day? Also, what volume is a meal? And are you still drinking protein drinks? How many meals/snacks/times do you eat a day? Are you drinking alcohol? Do you drink/eat at the same time? Are you taking supplements? Do you exercise?

Years ago I gave up pizza because I continue to fight the wheat and on some things I am very good but I still struggle. If I could only have one food the rest of my life it would be pizza. But that isn't going to happen. I have reigned myself that maybe once every 3 month's or so I have 1 slice. But I have so much guilt eating what I know is not good that now I don't want it. I instead look for the healthy option.maybe a quesidilla with a little pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. I need to eat without guilt because the guilt after the instant gratification kills me. That was my change. I read so much about real food vs process food that now things I used to love I find disgusting. I still struggle with sugar and I am working on that like an alcoholic...one day at a time. Sugar is my cocaine. Addictions are hard but focusing on what that addiction really is like gross food really helps. I used to really admire Oprah but now I see her as a sell out. You can't eat chips or bread and expect that to be good food. I am hoping my surgery will be my turning point because as soon as I lose the first 20lbs...I will feel powerful against bad food. Sorry for the long post. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using BariatricPal mobile app

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.

I have some good news for you. After a month of blended food, a piece of baked fish will taste like a bone-in rib eye! I am 5 weeks out and just got okayed for some solid food. I bought a container of Lloyds pulled chicken BBQ and it tastes heavenly. I know it's nothing compared to the real thing, but it's still Great. I am also looking forward to some wine in the not too distant future. When I do, my plan is to eat before I drink and go slow with Water on the side. I think the key to wine (or any alcohol) is: 1. Pick your poison wisely. Red Wine is probably the best choice. I lost a lot of weight on Sugar Busters and red wine was the only permitted alcohol. 2. Count the calories in booze. An ounce of distilled alcohol is around 60 calories - the same as one of those Jello SF puddings. Find a very low cal mixer (or water) to mix with and then count your drinks and calories. 3. My #1 source of extra calories pre-opt was the food I would eat while drinking. I think I started drinking thinking I wouldn't eat so my brain was already compromised before I set foot in the kitchen. During my pre pre/opt diet I discovered Jolly Time 100 calorie pop corn. I plan to have that and a couple of other safe Snacks planned before I start imbibing. One last thing, there appears to be no consensus on when to start drinking. Talking to doctors, there seem to be two issue that we have to watch out for. From a medical perspective, it boils down to ulcer avoidance. Booze, coffee, tomatoes, citrus, all can overload your sleeves ability to resist ulcers. My plan is to avoid all of these when I do have some wine. The other is weight gain. But I think my plan (listed above) will help me avoid it. Good luck...

coffee. My husband is having his coffee but he doesn't know it is 1/2 decaf. Dr. Callery Bariatric Surgeon Administrators Posted 13 October 2012 - 02:12 PM You’ve asked a great question. What is the effect of caffeine on sleeve gastrectomy? To answer your question, I did a search of the medical literature on PubMed, the index for the National Medical Library. I couldn’t find any articles that address your question directly. Incidentally, there were no articles that addressed the effect of caffeine on gastric bypass either. Next I searched for both sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass and coffee. Again the medical library search engine did not return any articles. Thus, so far there have been no studies performed on sleeve gastrectomy patients or gastric bypass patients that would permit or discourage caffeine or coffee use. Most surgeons recommend that gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients avoid caffeine or coffee. These recommendations stem from research work that has been done on non-weight loss surgery patients. Before looking into this further let’s distinguish between caffeine and coffee. Caffeine is an alkaloid chemical that has stimulant effects on the central nervous system as well as other parts of the body. Caffeine is a moderate stimulant of gastric acid production. In some studies it has been shown to decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure and thus potentially promote reflux. In other studies, the effect on sphincter pressure is not so clear. Coffee is brewed from the coffea plant. Coffee contains numerous biologically active chemicals including caffeine. The degree to which these compounds are present in a given cup of coffee depends on the specific species of coffee plant as well as the roasting and processing methods used to bring the coffee to market (see article by Van Deventer below). Even the type of filter used in a coffee maker will change the types of plant oils that remain in the brew. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD or GORD) is reflux of stomach juices into the esophagus. GERD can cause heartburn. There are several full medical articles attached at the bottom of this reply. Please download these for further information. Coffee/caffeine and gastric acid stimulation There is general agreement that caffeine and coffee are two factors that stimulate stomach acid production. According to Cohen and Booth (1975) “Decaffeinated coffee gave a maximal acid response of 16.5 per hour (mean)which was similar to that of regular coffee, 20.9 mEq per hour, both values being higher than that of caffeine, 8.4, on a cup-equivalent basis.” Thus there are chemicals in coffee aside from caffeine that have potent acid stimulatory effects. In this study, decaffeination did not reduce acid stimulation. Further information about decaffeinated coffee was put forth by Feldmen et. Al (1981): “At equal concentrations, decaffeinated coffee was a more potent stimulant of acid secretion and of gastrin [an acid stimulating gut hormone] release than peptone [a Protein meal acid stimulus]. The ingredient(s) of decaffeinated coffee that accounts for its high potency in stimulating acid secretion and gastrin release has not been identified.” Coffee, caffeine, and esophageal reflux There is considerable controversy in the medical literature as to the effects of coffee and caffeine on esophageal reflux. Here are the conclusions to three articles on the subject. The full article summaries are added below. Wendl (1994) writes, “Coffee, in contrast to tea, increases gastro-oesophageal reflux, an effect that is less pronounced after decaffeination. Caffeine does not seem to be responsible for gastro-oesophageal reflux which must be attributed to other components of coffee.” Boekema (1999) and associates came to an opposite conclusion: “Coffee has no important effect on gastro-oesophageal acid reflux in GORD [GERD] patients, and no effect at all in healthy subjects.” Zheng (2007) conludes, “In conclusion, this large monozygotic co-twin study provides evidence that BMI, tobacco smoking and physical activity at work facilitate the development of GER, while physical activity at leisure time appears to be a protective factor. The association between BMI and frequent GER symptoms among men may be attenuated by genetic factors. In addition, heavy coffee intake may be a protective factor of GER in men and lower education may be a potential risk factor in women.” CONCLUSIONS Caffeine, and more so, coffee and decaf coffee stimulate gastric acid production. Caffeine and coffee may promote gastroesophageal reflux. Caffeine and coffee are just two of many factors that promote gastric acid production and gastroesophageal reflux. Clinical Implications: For sleeve patients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, it is best to avoid caffeine and coffee. For sleeve patients who do not have reflux, I do not see any reason not to enjoy coffee or use caffeine products in moderation. For gastric bypass patients, most surgeons recommend against caffeine and coffee because the acid stimulation that occurs may contribute to the development of anastomotic ulcers. Since there are many other factors involved in the development of these ulcers (alcohol, cigarette smoking and nicotine, and NSAID drugs), it is impossible to know how important the role of coffee and caffeine is. Most surgeons are thus saying avoid coffee and be “better safe than sorry.”

Saturday, July 11, 2009 Evidence of God's Sense of Humor--ADHD The connection between ADHD and compulsive eating is something I've been noticing in myself for some time. I've never actually read a study directly connecting them, but ADHD in women is known to cause depression and low self-esteem since it often affects our ability to keep up with things that are automatically expected of women--like neat, clean houses, organized schedules (for the whole family), doing all the shopping, following recipes, etc. We spend a lot of time trying to be good at things we're not good at, and trying to fit the mold (which nobody really does-but we don't even come close.) Eating has always helped me concentrate and focus and sit still. Maybe there is a study out there that shows a relationship. I found one article that mentioned it but I mislaid it. LOL. One of the strongest markers of ADHD in women is disorganization and an inability to stay on task. (Although some people actually overcompensate and become rigidly organized because otherwise the world is too overwhelming.) ADHD people tend to be more right-brained and creative. I read Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Effective People 2 or 3 times, attended training in 7 Habits of Effective Organizations, andhad a Covey/Franklin Dayplanner, which I was continually searching for and forgetting to write stuff in. I can tell you what people need to do to act organized and I can fool people into thinking that I am organized (temporarily) but it didn't change the way I was made. I make lists and lose them. I go to the store with a list, check things off, and still come home without something on the list. I don't do recipes with more than 3 ingredients. I cook by the seat of my pants. I've come up with many compensating techniques that have helped me survive. Food, especially chocolate, is one of them. Chocolate, of course, is full of caffeine. People with ADHD frequently self-medicate with caffeine. They are also more prone to self-medicate with alcohol, tobacco, and certain drugs. So why shouldn't food be one of the "drugs?" Chocolate is also known to produce seratonin in the brain and therefore is a natural antidepressant. Like we need one more excuse to eat it. But food and chocolate helped me survive. I think I should be grateful for them even though I now have to move past them. The high protein low carb nature of the food recommedations for bandsters works very well with my ADHD. I'm supposed to pick protein first and then veggies and fruit and if there's still room I can have a little bit of of carbs like potatoes, noodles, rice, etc. I keep Atkins high protein shakes on hand if I don't feel like cooking or if I feel like my stomach really doesn't want solid protein right now which, first thing in the morning, it tends to reject. My stomach definitely does the weighing and measuring for me on the protein, especially if I don't drink for 30 minutes before, or during, or for 30 minutes after the meal. I am quickly full and have little room for anything else. I put a variety of proteins in my home so I don't get bored with my food choices. I'm not a huge veggie and fruit eater but I have V8 and diet V8 Splash as part of my 64 oz of liquid and I get my dairy in my two 20 oz. iced decaf lattes with 1% milk and Splenda. I sip one all morning and one all afternoon, and the milk seems to keep me from getting hungry. I have a very skinny straw that only allows me to sip, so I'm not gulping my liquids or finishing them fast. I have sugar free low-fat pudding snacks for at night if I'm hungry, and low-fat Mexican cheeze to make the proteins taste better. These help toward my dairy, too. I don't make potatoes, rice, or noodles and so am not tempted. If I'm eating somewhere other than at home I may allow myself a little--after I've eaten protein. I may try a taste of this or that treat at a party, just to not feel deprived but then I go into another room away from the food and stay there. This is actually a pretty simple diet. It doesn't involve any planning or writing down my food. It doesn't involve weighing or measuring portions. It works with my ADHD instead of against it and I'm not walking around feeling guilty for not being able to do all those other techniques just like I was not able to use a planner. I'm walking at least 45 minutes a day which helps control my ADHD as well as my appetite. At night I write my blog which is really helping me to not eat at a time when I used to eat treats non-stop. It's also helping me to explore the reasons I eat. Putting it down on paper is really helping me deal with and eliminate the cravings. Writing has always been a way to get what's stuck inside me, ideas, feelings, etc. out where I can deal with them. I've said before that ideas flow out my fingers like confetti when I'm composing. Its like my creative, feeling, flight of ideas right brain cooperates instead of fights with my language centered, logical left brain to create amazingly (to me) well-written organized articles. I'm learning to love this crazy complex lady who alternates between being a ditz and being competent, sticking my foot in my mouth and moving people to tears, letting myself be controlled by other people and overcontrolling others, hubris and self-contempt. It is so amazing that God loves me, that he gave me the the gift of ADHD with all its attendant problems and joys. He also gives me the tools to survive and even thrive. ADHD people are frequently huge brainstormers and creative problem solvers. We are the best solvers of the problems our ADHD creates. Such irony. God has a sense of humor.

Hello, I will quickly tell you my story and then about my son... I am a surgery success story of 20+ years. At age 18 I had a stomach stapling procedure. I was cut from the left rib to the right and a band of surgical plastic was put around my upper stomach and five rows of staples partitioned off my lower stomach to create a small pouch with the ring working much like the lapband. It has worked wonderfully and I have been able to keep the weight off, fluctuating 20lb on and off, all these years. Nothing was bypassed or cut out and it is totally reversible. Reading the posts sounds just like the experiences that I have had with my post-surgery life as to the slimming, occasional vomiting and learning what foods never work. My oldest son is now 17 and has a bmi of 51. Last year we discovered that he has high blood pressure and is on medication to control it. We have tried all the diets and nutritionist, lifestyle changes ect... since he was about 5. My other two children do not seem to have the same desire to eat, but it is heart breaking to watch my oldest suffer with his weight just like I did. Now that he is almost 18, we have begun the steps to obtain the lapband surgery. We have not even considered the bypass. My sister had the bypass two years ago and it has terrified me. She is loosing her teeth and has become an alcoholic from not eating like she should and trading addictions. I am absolutely against my son having this irreversible life after bypass. I am thankful that the lapband is now approved by Kaiser insurance. Kaiser has a very extensive pre-op program and we have about 6 more months of work to go. He is anxiously waiting and has to loose 50lbs before surgery. The hardest thing for him right now is the thought of no more soda and not drinking with meals. We are practicing that now, but he is not convinced that he can ever get used to it. The hospital that we have to go to is about 160 miles away and we have two same day apt every month plus the yearly visits for life at this facility. It is a big commitment, but I know that it will be worth it. One of the works in progress that our doctor recommended was to join a support group, so here we are. I am also looking for a local face to face group that we can go to. I think it will be helpful to be around others who are in his same situation. I am having trouble finding an adolescent group though. It is a little different to be 18 and have this procedure because Mom and Dad are there to help you keep on track, cook your meals and shop for you. A support group could make or break his commitment in the long term. It would help me to know that he has a group that he can learn from and share with. If there are any 17, 18, or 19 year olds in this forum who would like to share their experiences either pre-op or post-op we would love to hear from you. Thanx Mom

I second the resale shop suggestion above. Look online for thrift stores or the salvation army has stores in many areas. I have a store in my area that benefits a womens domestic violence shelter. We joke with the ladies there that I rent my clothes. I buy them, (really cheap) and then re-donate when I have lost out of them. I have gone from a 22 to a 4/6. Now they keep an eye out for me, and when things come in that fit my style and size they hold them for me. Remember that alcohol is empty calories, and the hangover isn't really worth it. Don't go down a dangerous path without a really good plan, and drinking is a dangerous path. Since you already know that many people turn to alcohol then be prepared, and keep any drinking in strict moderation. Also remember that your tiny tummy will absorb the alcohol quicker, so you will become drunk very quickly, and then sober up just as fast. Since my surgery 10 months ago I have only had 4 drinks, 2 glasses of wine at formal dinners, a mixed drink in the Bahamas, and a hard cider. That's the extent of my drinking, and I always made sure I had someone to drive me after, and also that the people around me knew that I had a low tolerance for alcohol. You were very pretty pre surgery, but you are smokin' hot now. Great work!

I am finally down 100 pounds!!!! Only 40 more until I hit my final goal! My weight loss journey began in December of 2012, and I had surgery in December 2013. I still cannot believe how much life has changed. The only thing that bothers me a little is I feel like I lost apart of me? Like my jolliness isn't there anymore LOL! But nothing tastes better than skinny feels. I will be turning 21 in September, and I've heard a lot of horror stories about patients turning into alcoholics after surgery. Anyone have anything they can share about this? Also, I am running through jeans like no tomorrow. Any advice for clothing tips since they will only last for a short time before they are too big?

I feel for them but distance myself as well. I'm glad I've been thru so much as child with their alcohol problems as an adult I don't drink and I've never done drugs. I'm a Christian as well you and you bf are in my prayers. Kudos to him for staying clean for so long

I'm 9 months post op. I average 750-900 cal. a day, mostly lean protein and veggies. Weight loss has slowed but still losing 10-15 lbs a month. I am able to eat larger portions now but just because i CAN doesn't mean I SHOULD. I have begun dabbling in carbs, you know the simple ones that got us to this forum in the first place. My body clings to them like a drowning man to a rope. Any weight loss comes to a SCREECHING halt. I can even gain several pounds in a day. WTF!!! I have two things only on my no go list, carbonation and alcohol. I tried both once, and did NOT like the results for either. I look at it this way, I know there is poison ivy in the woods. As hard as I try to avoid it, sometimes it gets me. But if I start to itch, I know what to do about it. After a little while it goes away. Once in a blue moon though, I'll get naked and roll in a patch of it, and later ask myself if it was worth it... My NUT suggested 1-2 T. of grains per day AFTER I reach my goal as a way to slow weight loss(also switching to full fat dairy-milk and cheeses). Keep up your hard work, it pays off!

I am 4 months out. Ive lost 75 lbs and I am feeling great. About 20 lbs from my goal weight and everything is going well, no coffee, no alcohol, and following all the rules accept 1. I still eat pretty fast. I dont eat much and I am eating very healthy but eating fast is just a habit I cant break. Does anyone know why we have to eat slow? Is it because we will stretch our our stomachs again or just so we dont get intergestion or something? I dont want to screw this up.