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Already had the coffee, gotta figure out what I'm wearing to community festival today. Five hours of all the seafood you can eat and the alcoholic drinks you can handle. I'll see a lot of people I haven't seen in a long time and I want to look thinner. Ya know how some clothes make you feel smaller. It's suppose to be 80 here today, but then once the sun goes down, so does the temperature. Hummmm, jeans or capris???

Don't throw in the towel.... pre-op is tough, but the de-carbing is, in my opinion, the most important so that your body will burn the fat around the liver so that the doctor can access your stomach. Here's my experience: I was banded March 20th. Post-op for two weeks, I was barely hungry because my stomach is still aggitated. By week three, i was eating pretty much normally again (despite the fact i should have still been on mushies.) with no restriction in the band, my consumption pretty much resumed to its normal rate. I wasn't worried and didn't feel guilty because i knew it would work eventually. First fill, yes, had some restriction but not enough. Second fill, which is where i am now - much much better. the band will FORCE you to slow down, take smaller bites, make different choices, stay satisfied longer. Otherwise you will feel ill. I may not be losing as fast as some (down 13 pounds) but my challenge is alcohol - i am very social, and that is part of my life. So even without having to take that away, i'm still losing weight.

I was 11 days post-op when I had my first alcoholic beverage since surgery. It too was at a post-holiday party. I had a vodka-cranberry (hey-juice!). I had to watch everyone else digging in to NY Strip steaks while I sat & ate 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes....I decided I deserved to get SOME enjoyment out of the evening. I sipped it slow, 1 oz every 15 minutes just like I was supposed to have my beverages.. It tasted good & there were no problems. But, day 4 post-op, I don't think I would have tried it!

Thanks Mkrupa - Appreciate the post. I'm kinda where you are in terms of it not being part of post op. However - I honestly don't feel like it would hurt either my weight loss or my band - but that said - my body feels a little to fragile to have a glass of wine. Fluffy - Really?? Is that your idea of support? Ultimately I will incorporate wine into my weight loss and I expect my surgeon (as great as he is) to be supportive of that. My view is that if you build a sustainable happy place for yourself with food and the band (even some alcohol) that you will be more successful in the long run. I was half joking about having it now - but wasn't looking for a preacher....

What's the story with alcohol? Is vodka the liquor of choice as far as 'clear' is lower sugar/carbs? I'm not a big drinker but I love my tap beer and shots now and then! I'm sure my 'shot' days are over!

Thinking Wellbutrin, it is the LEAST likely to cause sexual side effects and weight gain, which those two things are more important than the obsessive. Also, maybe combined with an ADHD medication, to help with energy and focus. Here is an exerpt from: http://www.bipolar-lives.com/benefits-of-wellbutrin.html (Note, I am not bi-polar) We know from clinical studies that Wellbutrin is more than just an effective medication to take if you suffer from bipolar depression. Wellbutrin is as effective as an antidepressant such as Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil, and is more effective than Effexor. Additional Wellbutrin benefits: Helps compulsive gamblers who have other bipolar disorder symptoms Helps smokers kick the habit (under the name of Zyban) Used as a treatment for ADHD Unlike so many other antidepressants, Wellbutrin does NOT induce fatigue Increases alertness and energy It is on the FDA approved list for treating Major Depressive Disorder as well as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Reminder: Wellbutrin is FDA approved for treating major depression but NOT for bipolar disorder. ... There is evidence that Wellbutrin medicine can help with social anxiety and generalized anxiety. However, it does not help against panic attacks and may even make them worse. (This is why I stopped taking Wellbutrin. For someone who does not have panic problems, Wellbutrin may still be a good option, especially in combination with an anticonvulsant mood stabilizer or with lithium.) Substance abuse? One of the best known benefits of Wellbutrin is how it helps folks quit smoking cigarettes – and marijuana! It may increase sensitivity to alcohol – or it may not – the evidence is inconsistent. Impulsive behavior? Wellbutrin has been shown to be helpful for compulsive gamblers. It should be kept mind though that Wellbutrin is a medicine with stimulant properties and there is not enough data at this time to understand how it may either fuel or control impulsivity. Obesity? Wellbutrin has been trialled as a weight loss aid and is unusual in being an antidepressant that contributes to weight loss rather than weight gain. This is extremely important as people with bipolar disorder suffer from higher than normal rates of obesity and are up to 3 times more likely to die from related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Not banded until 4/6 but have preband victories. 1. Lost over 40 pounds 2. 48 pants to a 44 3.4x shirt to some 2x (depends on how made) 4.more energy I know it's a hard road but i also know the best is yet to come. CONGRATS TO ALL OF US!!!!! Just recieved my preop diet and all they told me to do was not to smoke and drink alcohol.

I'm going to be banded on June 5. I don't drink alcohol but am a diet soda junkie, which I know I have to give up for the band to work. I've stocked up on juices and other things to take the place of my diet drinks. You have to totally commit yourself to the fact there are some things you have to do in moderation if at all. I have heard an occasional drink won't hurt (not sure on that) and that I can have a flat soda pop if I choose but that sounds horrible. It's a very personal decision to get the band and it takes lots of work to get to the stage that you know it is what you want. You found us, so apparently you are quite interested. Where did you plan on being banded. In the US there are some tests required which vary state by state such as sleep studies for sleep apnea; a psych test to be sure you are ready; sometimes an upper GI. By the time you are through hassling with insurance (or perhaps you are self-pay or going to Mexico) you will be ready for your surgery. I've been preparing for the better part of a year now. Emotionally, I am more than ready. Physically I know I have to have this done in order to enjoy life to the fullest. I have aches in my feet and knees and am hoping that taking the weight off will help. I wish you the best of luck and welcome to LBT. It is a great source of support and strength and some very good friendships.

Hi Erynn123, welcome to LBT. I'm not a big lush either but I enjoy an occasional alcoholic drink! My doctor says it's not a problem that will bother my band but gave the fairly common - and completely accurate (DANG IT!) - caution about the super high calories in alcohol. The other thing you should know is that carbonation is a no-no with a lap band, which means if you enjoy beer, or Rum and Coke, or Scotch and Soda (blech! lol), or any mixed drink that involves carbonation you'll have to find a new favorite. Beer is my lost love, *sigh*, and I will always remember it fondly, but we had to split up!! Oh well, I'll just have to console my loss with a Margarita! Problem solved. You can see it, sure, but its not horrendous or anything. If you want to see some pictures, there is a thread called Scar Stages Show Yours - just use the search button and type in Scar Stages and it will come up. You'll see some people have more visible scars than others but none of them that I've seen are awful. Mine looks very much like a friends appendicitis scar. I'm only 11 weeks post-op and my scar is getting more and more faint. I'm using Maderma on it. Some people use Vitamin E. When you talk to a surgeon about getting a lap band, ask if he can use plastic surgery type sutures - it's called subdermal - and glue rather than using staples and you'll end up with less scarring. LOL before I went for surgery I attended more "Last Suppers" than Jesus on black velvet! Guess what? It was totally unnessesary. So far I can eat pretty much anything I like just in smaller portions. Granted, I haven't had a fill yet - I haven't needed one - so that's going to change as I lose more weight and have the band filled, but there are lots of people who eat the things they enjoy with their band, AND still lose weight. So far, the best benefit of the band for me is that I'm very aware of what I'm eating, I don't feel hungry all the time, and I eat less. There will almost certainly be things you can't eat - I recently discovered that scrambled eggs are off my menu because I got some stuck and had to bring it back up (it was unpleasant). But that's OK, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy eggs since I like them and they have a lot of Protein with low calories - over easy worked great, hard boiled with a little mayo was great, I haven't tried it but I'm betting coddled eggs will go down fine. Stuff like that. It's not the last time you'll get to eat. It's the last time you'll get to shovel it in with wild abandoned! But, in my case, that was a good thing! lol The lapband isn't magic. It does take work - read my signature line for a great analogy! - but for the first time in years I feel like I'm back in control of my weight. Good luck to you Erynn in whatever weight loss journey you choose. Keep posting on LapBandTalk, there are a lot of people here with a lot of good advise and insight.

Hi Erynn, welcome to LBT!! 1: NOT THAT I 'M A BIG LUSH OR ANY THING BUT I'M ONLY 23 AND I DO LIKE TO GO OUT EVERY NOW AND THEN (MEANING EVERY WEEKEND OR SO ) BUT I WAS WONDERING IF YOU CAN DRINK AND HOW IT EFFECTS YOUR STOMACH. Drinking is "allowed" post-banding, but anyone who is serious about weight loss will realize that alcohol is the worst kind of empty calories. Another downside is that it can relax inhibitions, making it too easy to eat too much, too fast, or not carefully, with negative consequences that night or the next day. (Or so I'm told, not being a drinker myself.) But there's no physiological reason to avoid alcohol after banding. 2: IS THE SCARING FROM THE SURGERY VERY VISIBLE???? NO! Of course, everyone heals differently, but most of the incisions from laparoscopic surgery are more like punctures than regular incisions. I have three of these that I can hardly find now, and one slightly larger scar that is also virtually invisible. 3: HOW DO YOU EMOTIONALLY PREPARE YOUR SELF FOR SURGERY AND FACING THE FACT THAT YOU CANT JUST EAT ANYTHING YOU WANT ANYMORE???? Well, this varies for everyone. For ME, it was a matter of being completely, totally ready to get healthier. There was nothing more important in my life than my children, and I was literally unable to be an effective or competent parent to them. So that was my "bottom" and once I hit it, food was easy to give up. I was emotionally ready the moment I heard about the band.

I went today to see my surgeon for our 2nd consultation. I absolutely love everyone at Dr. Cardwell's office. They are the greatest team. We discussed any concerns that I might have and went over what he expected post op. I didn't realize this, but he is putting a lift restriction on me for about 6 weeks post op to promote the best healing. I can't lift anything over 10 pounds for 2 weeks and then nothing over 20 pounds for 4 weeks after. He said he wanted the stitches and stomach to heal completely before I tried anything overly strenuous. After talking to him, I saw the financial advisor and paid my co-pay for the surgery. Then, I went to see the nurse to discuss pre-op diet and then some rules for post op. So, here it is, the completely liquid diet...Optifast. I am to drink 6 Optifast shakes a day...Breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, evening snack. Along with the shakes I can have sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles, coffee, tea, broth, Crystal light, and ice tea (unsweetened). If I can see through it, I can have it (except alcohol of course) as long as it is also sugar free. After talking about everything at the surgeon's office, I went over to see the dietician, Jenny. She is fantastic. We went over the pre-op diet again, but then we focused on what could be eaten post op. I will be 3 days post op on Christmas day. She said that I should be on full liquids/soft diet by then. She told me for Christmas I could have a few tablespoons of mashed potato or potato soup. She also told me, and I really love this, that I could scrape off 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie off of the crust and mix it with a teaspoon of Cool Whip and mix it up and have it for desert. Yum. So, I don't have to feel completely deprived. I was also told that if you really just have to have cream in your coffee, you can use a little vanilla Optifast to substitute. I drink mine black, but still it is a nice tip. The other ideas for Christmas (or anytime for that matter) that I thought was cool was pouring the vanilla Optifast in a glass, add a little nutmeg and cinnamon and voila, a substitute egg nog. Cool huh? The other thing, pour the Optifast in a freezer safe bowl, put it in the freezer and make an ice cream of sorts to change the consistency and make it feel like you are having a treat. I love how people get creative when faced with just a few things that are okay to eat/drink. So, bright and early in the morning, I get to start the countdown to my surgery day. December 22nd at 6am I will be changing my life. Take care, Jen

My doctor cleared me at 6 weeks for alcohol and spicy food and caffeine (although I must admit I started 1 cup of coffee at 4 weeks) I will only order a glass of wine to see how I handle it and I usually have a driver or take taxis so driving at least isn't an issue.

Hello everyone i am 6 weeks post op gastric bypass and my girl surprised me for a vacation to the caribbean this saturday, any ideas on drinking n eating out this early thanx

Oh poop I agree with being careful about not falling prey to no sugar added. It's a tricky thing to say the least. Once you're far enough out, if you want a cocktail then have one. Make sure it has low glycemic impact is all. It's fine to warn cautionary on addiction switches but not everyone is going down that road.... there are plenty, likely most, who will not fall victim to this. There are plenty of us here who can enjoy an occasional alcoholic beverage without needing to concurrently enroll in detox and AA programs. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I find I categorize people a bit now....there are the ones who loved and supported me when I was huge.....and there are those that criticized me for being big and said I wasn't worthy of their time.....the first group has my undying loyalty and I just pray that the second group has God to remove the ugliness from their hearts....people battle drug and alcohol and addictions and yet are still supported more and encouraged more then big people....we were looked at as fat, lazy and often times complacent....now we are Champions and everyone wants to be around a champion just be careful about who you let into that circle.... Onyx

Every one is different. We are all unique. It is true that there are those that can pick themselves up from their bootstraps and resolve their issues on their own. It is also true that not all counseling is good. I have experienced that also. However, I will offer this. I would say that the large majority of us are considering WLS because we have NOT been able to do it on are own. If we could, what would we be doing here? I mean no offense, but is it reasonable for a psych to consider excessive alcohol a problem, one that could benefit from counseling? I think so. Can someone take care of it on their own? I guess so, but most do not. I have seen it time and time again. With respect to WLS, I saw first hand an acquaintance with a habit of drinking socially swap out his food addiction with drinking and become an alcoholic after surgery. If you are one of those that can deal with this on your own, more power to you. But is it reasonable for a pysch to be concerned for you and ask you to get counseling, knowing that you already have an issue with food that has caused you to seek the help of others to correct it? Absolutely!

Had my 3 Mon Post Op Check up today and weighed in at 165 lbs. Dr said that I was way ahead of where I should be and if I continue burning calories at this rate I'll end up ay 120 at my 1 year check up. Of course I burst out .... "Oh hell naw, that's too too small". She agreed with me and moved be all the way to the last stage of the game. Added bread, Pasta, grains, tri tip.. pretty much no restrictions just not alcohol, sodas and unhealthy foods. She wants me to take my 1000+ calorie burn all the way down. Absolutely no more cardio... Only body building/sculpting. Focus all on muscle building. She also wants me to increase my calories from 700 to 1200 and try and eat until I feel stuffed. I was like... "Lady you don't have to tell an Ex fat person that twice... Don't mind if I do pig out." LOL Blood test were awesome... Just need to increase me Iron during my monthly cycle since um flowing pretty heavy now. So yes... This was a MAJOR NSV for me. My entire life I've had to watch everything I eat and feel and look fat. Now... I officially feel like a skinny person not having to worry about cardio, low cal diet and my clothes not fitting. Kinda excited about the body building process... Yahoo for me!

Some of the shakes can cause constipation because of the extra fibre many contain to fill you up - it can bind you up. So I’d probably avoid the Benefibre pre surgery - it’s great after surgery. Try a stool softener to get things moving. For the diarrhoea check if your shakes, popsicles & jello contain sugar alcohols. They’re sugar alternatives used to sweeten many foods & drinks. They that end in ‘ol’ like xylitol, sorbitol, etc. They’re renowned for causing diarrhoea (bloating & cramping) if you consume too much. How much is too much differs person to person. It can become a bit of a cycle. Diarrhoea then constipation cause you’ve cleaned out your bowels. Then diarrhoea again.

I third it. It may be some time before you are allowed to eat some of those foods certainly while you are losing. The time while you are losing is a great opportunity to break old habits, cravings & food preferences & to find alternatives to your traditional food choices. Also many find their taste buds change too so don’t buy up big as you may find when you try them they taste disgusting. Carefully read nutrition panels not just for protein, carb, sugar content but also the specific ingredients. For example no sugar products usually mean no added sugar but rely on artificial sweeteners (some find they upset them after surgery especially the sugar alcohols) & fruit juices/purées which still feed your desire for sweet & you don’t know how much they use. Look to low processed foods & raw ingredients. Try to prep more food yourself so you have better control over the ingredients & how you cook it. Look for & try other foods you can snack on & not just a high processed ‘healthier’ version of a something you always ate like chips. Not saying don’t have them but be very conscious of portions & frequency. They can be useful to have on hand & if travelling. I always have baked fava beans or chick peas, hummus & rice crackers in my kitchen for when my young nieces & nephews or friends pop by. When losing I got in 50-60g protein every day without any protein enriched processed foods (except yoghurt) or protein supplements/shakes. I get in 60-70g now. In saying all that you will find your own way, what suits your body & it’s needs & your lifestyle.

It sounds like you have unrealistic expectations of the band. It is not supposed to make you feel full, nor is it suppose to restrict what you eat or how much you can eat. The only thing the band is suppose to do is help you to be satisfied with less food for longer periods of time. Satisfied meaning no longer physically hungry. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean you don't need another fill. You very well may. But if you are looking for a full feeling or for the band to restrict what you eat or how much, then you run the risk of getting over-filled. Being over-filled leads to slips and you definitely don't want that. Have you considered counseling? Food addiction is very real and very hard to overcome. I know I still struggle with it all the time. I have to constantly ask myself "Am I physically hungry or do I just want to eat?" Unlike drug or alcohol addiction, us food addicts can't just give up our addiction. We have to eat to live. I hope you consider counseling, it really can help a lot. Best wishes to you.

Several powder and liquid forms of water flavors now use stevia. These are easily available in grocery stores. Stevia can be plain stevia or listed as Truvia, which is a combination of stevia and erythritol. Erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol and will have a few calories. For powder forms of water flavors, look for the Crystal Light Pure and the Great Value version from Walmart. Crystal Light Pure does have four grams sugar per half-packet, so some patients may not be able to tolerate this product. In the liquid drop form, brands to look for include MIO with stevia, Great Value version, Skinny Girl, Sweet Leaf and Stur. Add enough of these products to taste right for you. Too much can get super sweet in a hurry. For protein powders, look for Jay Robb and Syntrax Nectar Naturals. Even yogurts are joining in the natural sweeteners trend. Look for the Greek style yogurts Chiobani Simply 100 (has stevia and monk fruit) and Oikos Triple Zero (has stevia, look for black label). Experiment with different stevia or monk fruit sweetened products to see what you like.

My doctor really didn't give me any sort of limitations. I just don't drink anything carbonated, so I stick with wine and cocktails. But, be careful. It only will take a little bit to feel the alcohol!

Ask your doctor. Some restrict alcohol the first 6-12 months after surgery. Others allow it after you're fully healed 4-6 weeks after surgery. It all depends on your surgeon.

I come from a wine family, father was a vintner, wine was pretty much a staple at dinner. I didn't having any alcohol for the first two months post-op, then went back to my normal habit of wine with dinner. I rarely ever have more than two glasses because of the effects, and always count the empty calories...

Don't know about anyone else's experience, but after the band I'm just not big on alcohol anymore...not that I ever was, but I could drink one or two cocktails. Now, I take a couple of sips and don't want anymore.