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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.

Baby oil didn't work on mine I bought some special. I dabbed it on I let it sit I tried pouring it on I let it sit 15 minutes No joy. Alcohol pads didn't work either. Lighter fluid MIGHT have worked but I drew the line at that flammable stuff. I ordered "allkare" adhesive remover for $20 It didn't work either. BUT over time, it finally wore off.

An alcohol pad should work well too.

A dear friend found this and passed on to me, and I would like to share it with you! Print it! BAND AS A TOOL Find a good support system. I can't imagine going through my journey without Julie. I cannot stress that enough. Whether you join a support group or get involved with an online group or find a great banded friend, you need someone you can compare notes with. YOU WILL PLATEAU. You will get frustrated. You need someone to tell you "It happens." My husband and family have also been instrumental in the support process. They've cheered me on every step... and also made it clear that their love is not tied to my weight. 3) Get an attitude check. You can't expect the world. You cannot expect to consistently lose 2 pounds a week. You'll stop for a bit. But you cannot get discouraged. Keep doing the right things, and you'll be healthier for it. STOP DIETING. NOW. I really believe that choosing the band is choosing to free yourself from food obsession. Weighing meals and counting calories just transfers one obsession with weight loss, to another... a food scale. People in Australia and the UK, the ones who've had bands WAY longer than Americans have, have this perspective. The band is a tool to help you watch your portion control and helps you get rid of the hunger. If you're hungry all the time and feel like you need to weigh your food, YOU NEED A FILL. Period. Once you get to the right fill level, you'll know when to stop. You might not be able to eat much, but that will be ok. You won't be fixated on it. I ate 1/2 a taco for dinner last night. That's IT. But I wasn't disappointed: I got what I needed to eat. If I want a burger, I eat a burger. If I want some chocolate, I eat some. I don't eat the whole bag, because I DON'T WANT TO. I am not hungry for a whole bag. I just need a taste. You'll see as you go through the process, you'll start making healthier choices. I know I have. We eat as organic as possible. I am a total foodie, enjoying the good stuff, cause that's what I crave. If I were to sit down and add it up, I probably only eat 800-1000 calories a day. But I feel PERFECT eating that, so that is the right amount FOR ME. How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted Used with permission fromJessie H. Ahroni, Ph.D., A.R.N.P Author of "Laparoscopic Adjustable GastricBanding : Achieving Permanent Weight Loss with Minimally Invasive Surgery" You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2pounds per week: A. You may need an eatingadjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of Protein a day 2. Are you eating 25 grams of Fiber 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories a. Soup can be sign of "soft calorie syndrome" b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram (1) It's also a stomach irritant c. fruit juice is just sugar Water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can't just eat what's easy c. cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals 6. Are you eating too much junk a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highlyprocessed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthydiet. But don't avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily 8. Do you always eat the protein first 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. meat or fish (1) 3 ounces – the size of a deck of cards b. Vegetables (1) ½ cup – the size of your fist c. Starch (1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don't need much (2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, Pasta 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner thanpeople who don't 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not thatgreat (1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of dietmargarine (2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzedfats from the body B. You may need a behavioradjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you're not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait. 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small Snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away,pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won't be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it's a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activityadjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 timesa week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physicalactivity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eatingand exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive – compulsive thoughts (1) Obsess about something else b. Perfectionism (1) All or none, black and white thinking c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as "good" and "bad" e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a bandadjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriateportion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and largeportions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising andhaving a good mind set. F. You may need your bandloosened 1. There are times when you can't get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables a. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (6) Peppermint a. Baking soda toothpaste (7) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (1) Tylenol is OK n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider 4. See your health care provider immediately (or call 911) if a. You have a squeezing, tightness or heaviness in your chest,especially if the discomfort spreads to your shoulder, arm or jaw or isaccompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat ornausea. These could be symptoms of a heart attack. b. If your symptoms are triggered by exercise. c. If your pain localizes to your right side, especially if you alsohave nausea or fever d. If you throw up vomit that looks like black sand or coffee grounds.Or if your stool is black, deep red or looks like it has tar in it. These aresymptoms of bleeding and need immediate attention. (Note: Pepto-Bismol or othermedications with bismuth will turn your stool black. Iron supplements can alsomake the stool tarry.) e. If your pain is severe

LOL yeah there were times when I was like... OK Crap... start deep breathing to get some of the alcohol to process before you end up face down on the bar. It sneaks up quickly! It does seem like the "Drunk" doesn't stick around for as long though too, which I found interesting.

You're welcome RSG! That's too bad your first dietitian didn't work for you. Maybe your doctor could suggest another? I believe trying to go it alone is never a good idea. Seeking help is strength & smart thinking - you first sought help with your weight loss by getting a lap-band, now continue with someone who can help you eat smart. It's like alcoholics that seek help with AA - they are the ones most likely to succeed in conquering their disorder. I couldn't have come this far without my dietitian - she's a great fountain of information. I wish you the very best, and stay with us here and let us know how you are doing! :cool2: I agree too Jodi & Christasha - everyone is welcome here. :wink: And I hope I didn't sound like I was hatin' on the Protein shakes LilMissDiva! :smile: If it works and you like it, perfect! They just don't work for me, I'm hungry like 10 minutes later.:cursing: I really hate the day after a fill - drinking liquids for 24 hours drives me nuts. I do like StLouisGal's idea though, she made a very good point - those shakes would be perfect in the morning for people who have that tight band problem! just keep swimming! :thumbup:

Same here, I was told to go with the sleeve because I was going to be taking NSAID'S for arthritis and drinking alcohol. I was cleared for NSAID'S after one month post opt. My hospital was Newton Wellesley, the top wls hospital in Massachusetts.

:eek: I just wanted to thank all of you for replying. I appreciate the support. I think I will keep it a secret between one friend, and my parents and husband. what is a good liquid diet to go on? and why do some doc's say no carbonated beverages and no alcohol? thanks, texasmom

Butterflyhigh, From what I've read, you can still drink a little wine 1+ year post op but not everyday, just very occasionally, and not a whole glass. I drink only very occasionally and don't intend to give up alcohol completely. Vix, Yeah insulin resistance is usually cured when you lose a lot of weight. The thing is, it's hard to lose weight when you're insulin resistant. Catch 22 right? I have no doubt that insulin hunger has contributed to my weight today, although it's definitely not the sole cause. It's hard though because the one symptom I can't stand is nausea. If something makes me nauseous a few times, like a food, I'll never want to eat it again. Sadly, it has made it so I am not compliant with any Metformin dose over 500mg. I've never been able to get through the sweating, shakes, and nausea that I feel on that dosage. But metformin has not caused me to lose much of any weight anyway. I can't wait to kick this insulin resistance. For me it's truly the worst part of PCOS. Sent from my DROID RAZR using VST

Well I exercised yesterday but, not today go figure lol. I had a hair appointment today so got home too late plus had to write an annual self-evaluation for my annual review. Man oh man I HATE writing about myself like that. I feel like I'm always so freaking busy but, to put it on paper...ummm why is it I can't remember squat! Pat I broke out my Wii board yesterday...did the hola hoop OMG that's a workout, did the step aerobics and the ski jump hee hee did that for about 30 minutes, walked on my treadmill for 15 and the eliptical for 5 and I was wiped! I'm going to biotch again....LIQUIDS SUCK, LIQUIDS SUCK! OMG they suck! hahaha I'm hungry and getting biotchy about it. I still have another week :wink2: Ya know we were told no straws from now on......but I'm liking the sound of anything that would fit through a straw is ok to have lol. I'm trying to hold out. I ordered some new protein drinks, bars and snacks from that Lindora program I'm doing but, man it's taking a LONG time to get them! I want to behave but want something different. At least today I had egg drop soup for dinner. It was pretty good considering it wasn't a protein shake lol. We're suppose to have a nice Northeaster storm tomorrow 6-8 inches of snow. We had a dusting this morning. DH is going to drive me into work...doesn't want me driving yet because I still occassionally get light headed especially in the mornings. I hope we don't get too much snow...it's pretty but, man what a mess with traffic. We're having a quiet New Years here at home. I'll watch the Dick Clark special and go to bed lol. Although alcohol is technically liquid huh? lol. Won't be such a hit at the docs though so I'll behave again. One day at a time. Tomorrow I'll create a new thread and make it a Jan-March thread if everyone is ok with that? I figure we don't use enough pages to warrant one a month anymore. I'll post the link to it here so folks know it's ready. I'll create the exercise challenge thread too at the same time and post the link. thoughts?

Thanks all! I'm about 10 months post op & 135-140 lbs. I've had no problem with 2 glasses of wine (other than the buzz), but I don't think I've had more than 1-2 hard alcohol drinks since surgery, so last Sat was a first. I think a large part of it was I went into the evening dehydrated. So the alcohol just made it worse. I'm much much better today. Stomach's still a bit angry, but very much on the mend. Be careful y'all -- we don't live in the same body we used to!!

The alcohol convos always get heated.

Just drink tiny sips spaced apart I can't handle alcohol now It causes me to get very dizzy

Perfectly normal.. I'm 4 months post op and just like you and many others , had a what the hell did I do time during the first month even 2. Just like you I took care of everyone else and quit food , alcohol and cigarettes all at the same time..yikes!! It will get better!!! Believe me , it's the best thing that I could've done!! After you are off the soft foods and start working out, you are going to feel fantastic! I'm heading towards 60 pounds lost and shopping for new clothes! You did this for you so put yourself first, I know it's hard but it's what I had to do. I had to stay away from the smokers and drinkers for this to work for me, and I've been having a hard time with some friends, some others are supportive thou and those are the ones that you will want to be around. You are not alone

No I ain't had nothing to drink I knew that’s probably what you'd think If I dropped by this time of night Remember way back when I promised you I'd drop in At one of those meetings down at the Y Well, they started talkin bout steps you take Mistakes you make The hearts you break And the price you pay I almost walked away You could hear a pin drop When this old man Stood up and said I'm gonna' say it again Like I do every week For those who don't know me (Chorus) It's the simple things in life Like the kids at home and a loving wife That you miss the most, when you lose control And everything you love starts to disappear The devil takes your hand and says no fear Have another shot, just one more beer Yah, I've been there, that's why I'm here This ole boy stood up in the aisle Said he'd been living a life of denial And he cried as he talked about wasted years I couldn't believe what I heard It was my life word for word And all of the sudden it was clear (Repeat Chorus) That’s one of my favorite songs. It’s written and performed by Kenny Chesney, and for a long time I couldn’t hear it without crying; sometimes, I still can’t. I know it’s about alcoholism, but it’s also about me and my eating disorder. So many times, I thought, “I got this. I’m in control. I’m NOT an addict. I’m not ill.” Then there was the time when I lost 71 lbs. on Weight Watchers, and I was convinced that I was “fixed.” I was cured. I wasn’t “that” person anymore, and I was never going back; ever…but, I did. The devil definitely took my hand and I thought, “Just this once.” “Just this once” led to a downhill slide and a massive weight gain. I spent years beating myself up over that. I could not believe that after all that hard work that I blew it, like that. And then, my darkest days began. I felt as though my eating was so much bigger than me. It was something separate from me, that I couldn’t control. I hated life. Every day was a struggle of when do I eat/how much do I get to eat/when will I get to eat again/ what is there to eat? Worst of all, I knew that if I ever did get it together, that it wouldn’t stay together. And I hated everyone; but no one as much as myself...I really hated me. I think that everyone has to have their “moment of truth.” Mine came for me at 3:00 in the morning, watching a show on WLS. I remember thinking, “Life doesn’t have to be this hard.” I pretty much decided right then, that I was going to do this thing. You know, I would have NEVER thought that anything positive could have came from that 71 lb. weight gain, but I was wrong; several positive life lessons came from that. I learned that just when you think you’ve got your demon under control, and you get so high and mighty and complacent that it will rear its ugly head and kick your ass. I learned what to look out for, and what foods that I can’t handle; foods that are “triggers” for overeating. I learned that I am WAY stronger than I ever imagined. Lastly, I learned that the weight loss is secondary for me. The main thing is that I’m free. I’m free from the prison known as my eating disorder. And life is good. Life is very good.

Telling a food addict to "just not eat" is about as dumb as telling an alcoholic "just don't drink." The dumbest advice I ever got was to moderate myself when it comes to sugar/sweets. I realize that many of you on this board can do that; I just can't. Once I start eating sweets/sugar, the cravings begin and I'm on a bender. So...for me "moderate" was the worst advice. I spent YEARS trying to moderate while I slowly put on 70 lbs!

This is an incredibly perceptive observation on the use of the word "cheat." It absolutely implies that there are supposedly some "rules" that all people should play by ... when there just aren't. What's that pill some alcoholics go on ... the one that makes them violently ill if they ingest alcohol? Is that a "cheat" because other alcoholics use their will power? No, it just observes that for some people whose issues run deeper, "will power" alone isn't enough. Great for the other people if their will power is stronger. They win. I'm not them, but if the size of my behind was any indication, that was already obvious. Of course I can lose weight with diet and exercise. If I make my life's profession losing weight, which I have to do, then I lose the weight. But, my body goes into panic mode always after around the 3 month mark. Continuing to eat at diet levels makes my subconscious kick into survival mode, and I frequently found myself eating portions that were even larger than my "pre-diet" portions just to get that "okay, I'm satisfied now" feeling. I need the help. The one neighbor I told in great confidence actually said her sister had undergone the procedure ... used to be a large woman and now is quite petite, and very happy! It did take me a while to tell my husband ... he surprised me by being incredibly supportive. He even said he was really excited for me! As for my extended family, fortunately the only two sisters-in-law who would ever say anything on the subject, both of them have had liposuction and breast work, so they are the last ones to point out anything about "cheating." But, great observation again on the "competition" - there sure is, in their minds. I also liked very much the comment about yes, I'm cheating ... I'm cheating an early death ... good one. Kim in the pipeline, looking for surgery date probably April 2010

Ill preface this by saying im getting a bypass (because I have serious GERD) but the sleeve is the better option for many if not most people. Its safer, less side effects/long term complications, less long term risks, its a much simpler operation, it doesnt change the anatomy, and it allows you to still consume alcohol and NSAIDS (yes one of these two is much more important than the other) And im an operating room nurse in a facility that does a ton of bariatric cases and unfortunately ive seen a few cases first hand of what can go wrong with a bypass years down the road, so I know how much more dangerous it is than a sleeve. I have NEVER seen a patient come back to the operating room with long term complications from a sleeve. But ive seen many patients come back with Petersens hernias, perforated ulcers, bowel obstructions from Gastric Bypasses. Some of these are life threatening and altering. Sure theyre both great operations which have their benefits and drawbacks, with situations where one is clearly superior to the other. But if one of them was the "winner" I would certainly say it was the sleeve.

Cigarettes and alcohol can be given up. But food...we have to learn to make good choices for the rest of our lives in order to live linger.

Frannypants, I missed you terribly. Babs and I had a rough time at the border, so by the time they let us through, she friggen ran me across to the US side as I begged her to slow down. She weighs about 90 pounds but even carried all our luggage just to get us to safety. We were both panting and exhausted and freaked out and then missed the freeway entrance. I even told Babs how bad I wanted to see you... sniff sniff. We had our sugery together... we're band-bonded silly! I regret my meeting with Ms. Don was so short and intense. Seriously, the whole Mexico experience had a permanent tape of "there's no place like home, there's no place like home" running through my head. After we got to the US side the tape finally flipped to "On the Road Again." Babs and I were exhausted. Donali, wouldn't it figure the first time I'm actually sleeping I get 2 calls? Chris called me an hour before you did! Yes, I'm normally up at that hour, but you try spending a weekend with that wild woman! Now I truly regret not going straight to my hotel room after the procedure instead of shopping, and because I'm so brilliant, partaking in beverages of the alcoholic nature. Dr. Kuri should have put me in a straight jacket till the good drugs wore off. But I couldn't help myself cuz I felt so damn good. Not only was that alien out of my body, but I likey mucho the shot. I hope I didn't screw myself up. Don't let Donali fool you guys either. Just cuz DeLarla wasn't pole dancing doesn't mean she wasn't tormenting Tijunana.... if you only knew! Uh, Donali, you forgot to tell them about the mariachis. Yes, I can now play the first several bars of Cielito Lindo en la guitar! After Lisa's surgery was over, DeLarla took over and by midnight was singing Mexican love songs at the top of her lungs at La Rocak, the bar across the street from the hospital. Sing with me... La cucarocha, la cucarocha, ya no puedo caminar.... DeLarla managed to con the guitarist to hand over the guitar and show her a couple things. Babs and I are both engaged to other men. About 4 each, so don't let Donali worry you that D's gone dull. Damn, how can I have a fever? Maybe I should just dial 911 already and demand a few R & R days in my local hospital, just for sport! Love, Fartypants.

Donali, take notice to the time I'm posting this... 2:30 a.m., which does not mean I'm ever, ever up at this hour (laugh here.) Yes, our friend, Susan, recalled many moons ago that we told her if she ever plans on driving drunk to please call us instead. At 1:44 a.m. she called falling-down-drunk, crying, blubbering "Lisa, appreciate your husband cause he loves you" 23 times. So Chris went to get her and she asked me to stay on the line till he got there. I had to laugh cuz I may partake in beverages of the alcohol persuasion from time to time, but I haven't been that drunk in years and remember the humiliating morning after. Poor Suzy. So here I am, getting in a quick post in the middle of the night, slurping on a lil Koolaid Jello... full from 1/4 cup. My fever is got to 100.9 but is down to 99.1. Not feeling too shabby considering I was waken up. Sore boo boo but feeling pretty good for 2am. Hubby home & thinks we should take advantage of one of Vegas's cheap 99cent Breakfast right now and nickles for the mamma! He calls me NickleFoFickle or Gambalina. Hell, my TJ adventure is beging extended, why not? So I'll see you guys at some other weird hour. Peace, babies!

Then it would be a good idea to say that in your question, wouldn't it? Speaking only for myself, the dealbreaker for me is the presence of sugar alcohols. My sleeve doesn't have a problem with them but my gut sure does. I've lost my taste for sweets, anyhow, so seeking out sugar-free, lactose free ice cream isn't on my radar. I mean I did say can we? And ahhhh ok thank you

I'm on soft foods, but honestly I've been eating all types of protein, even steak. I can only eat 1-2 oz at a time, so there is still no way I can get up to 1000 cals, if I'm making healthy choices. I also am choosing not to snack (mostly) and have 3 meals a day, plus a protein shakes, so that restricts the calories I can consume. I totally understand about empty calories. I don't consume alcohol when I'm on my own. But at events like I'm at this week, it would be very conspicuous if I only had a glass of water in my hand. I'm trying to hide the fact I've had this surgery. My calorie consumption from food is so low, honestly a few hundred calories from a cocktail isn't going to hurt. I'm also confident that I can handle an ounce or two of liquor with no consequences. I'm not taking a shot, but sipping on a single cocktail over 4 hrs.

I second what you are saying here!!! too suffer from binge eating disorder, as well as alcoholism. I'm scheduled to be sleeved in February. I went through intensive outpatient therapy later last year as I got closer to being cleared for surgery for exactly this reason. Dysfunctional eating will not be cured by getting this surgery. You need help. You've been given a physical tool, but you haven't been given the mental tools and resources to learn how to cope with the urges and the emotional eating that you have used in your life. I just want you to know you are not alone. This is not your fault. You sound like you're beating yourself up. This is a genuine disorder. You need help. What's great is once you get the emotional support you need, you have a fantastic tool in hand, or in abdomen ????, to help carry you through to your physical goals. I wish you all the luck. I don't know where you're located but if you look for eating disorder programs there are a few around the country. Best of luck. You aren't alone. And this isn't your fault.