Search the Community

Hi all.... I had surgery Wednesday and I'm feeling better each day. I'm still a bit sore and bruised but actually going to go to the movies today....YAY!! My question is about sugar.... My Dr suggests sugar free puddings as a snack. I bought the Hunts sugar free chocolate. But I looked on the nutrition info and even though it said sugar zero and 70 calories it had a lot of sugar alcohol in it? What exactly is sugar alcohol and is that still "bad"? My goal is to not be on sugar and to be low carb but I don't think this pudding is low carb....any suggestions, advice or answers appreciated. Hope all of you are well.... Meg

Been drinking sodas since I've been about 3 months out. I'm out now heading into 3 years. They are diet sodas of course and in the beginning I would always defizz mine and take it really slow. . now i don't defizz but still take it really slow. I also have my coffee, alcohol drinks and everything else. . . I'm living my life and am lovin it. . AND LOOK GOOD AT THE SAME TIME! yAHOO!!!! Good luck!

Paraphrasing Dr. Phil--I heard him say that sometimes habits form for one reason and continue for another--or other reasons. As I reach the conclusion that I do need WLS to be successful with permanent weight loss, I ponder why I got here (270 lbs.) in the first place. I know there are a lot of threads on this topic, but it helps me to "put it out there" for comments. I believe my THING with food started as a very young chlid. My family moved a great many times--I was in 3 different high schools 5 different times. Food was constant. Food was comfort. I definitely ate from emotions. But now--while I do believe I eat emotionally at times, I feel I overeat mainly for a sense of PHYSICAL CALM--perhaps for a serotonin increase or what have you. I've never been on anti-depressants, but I wonder if I need to be. I don't feel sad or hopeless. I'm just tired a lot (due to weight, I'm sure) and...I don't know. I know this, though. After my c-sections, I was given Lortabs for pain. While on these, I had NO desire for food. I felt calm. I can see how people get addicted to these pain meds. I just can't help but think that maybe we all (overeaters) have some slight chemical imbalance--some something missing that causes us to not feel satisfied on a normal amount of food. I'd love to know how thin people feel after eating little food. I'm sure many find other food substitutes to feel calm--like nicotine or alcohol. Ahh--I just want to feel normal. I'm near my "time" and have an incredible hunger though I'm not hungry. It's not emotional, I don't think. It's something definitely chemical/hormonal. Any thoughts?

I'm just going to put it out there. I was just like you. I started Protein bars early out. I never had a problem with them. Never. I just stopped them last week at 4 & 1/2 months. I did nibble on many things and still do. I've tried everything (no alcohol -I don't drink). But sometimes I've been so frustrated feeling so blah I just want to feel comfortable. I haven't denied myself anything I do want. I've had popcorn at the movies, Halloween candy, rice Pasta, breads, casseroles and I've been ok. Not every meal and of course in small amounts. I don't feel like a failure, and I know others out there will respond shocked. If you want to talk more message me.

I just asked my dr today when it was safe to have a little alcohol (hell if we cant eat we might as well have a little fun drinking every now and then!) So they told me 1 year post op. Im only 20 days post op...i don't think i could wait a whole year!

Hey all....I am going thru the need for crunchie stuff...chips, tortillas and salsa....i am craving anything carb related...bread,oatmeal,toast..i think it may be *hormonal* or just that i am missing these things. I haven't had a piece of bread or pasta in seven weeks! thats torture to an itallian!!!! what does everyone else do when that need for crunch comes into play? that is a hard one for me to over come, and carrots and celery sticks just don't do it!!! i try really really really hard to fight the cravings. i have been doing pretty good...but if I break, i would appreciate some suggestions on what someone else would do in this situation. I appreciate any input at all! ive done sooo far...ice cold water...nope doesn't really curb it.......a walk, does it a little bit but the craving comes right back....i have found these cheddar cheese flavored protein crisp things that are like rice cakes...they sell them in Super Walmart, (right next to the pudding oddly) and they are pretty good... however, I don't always do my food shopping in Walmart....and other stores around here dont carry them. I am scared to Death of trying toast. I fear the "getting stuck" situation...oh no no no...doesn't sound fun. Even more so, I FEAR the PB'ing affect......Sounds like a movie...NOW PLAYING AT A THEATER NEAR YOU...... THE PB AFFECT, Starting Tom Cruise.....I think im delerious without carbs .... I did however had my FIRST alcoholic drink last night! I am a Toasted Almond girl! I love em! I get into trouble when I drink too many of them...I played it smart, had only one! It tasted sooooo good! I can tell though I could get into trouble now only after two of em! I felt some affect with just having the one. I sipped very slowly, it went down really good and thankfully we got to the bar just a little before closing, sooooo we didn't really have time for a second round. PHEW Saved by LAST CALL! Okay..Im babbling....ANY SUGGESTIONS ON THE CRUNCHIES WOULD BE APPRECIATED...THANK YOU! ttyl

You have got a TON of great advice from everyone on here!!! One thing I can add is STOP STOP STOP watching cooking videos of foods you miss on YouTube!!!!!! That's pure torture!!!! That's like a recovering alcohol sitting at a bar watching everyone enjoying alcohol. It's torture and could lead to using bad judgment with food!

I do a low-ish carb diet. I have meat and/or eggs and green vegetables at virtually every meal. I do moderate dairy: yogurt, whey protein powder, grass-fed butter, and occasionally small amounts of cheese. I eat fruit and nuts as snacks (in addition to jerky and more green veggies). Excluded: grains, starchy veggies, dairy milk, alcohol, beans and legumes, and sweets. I make rare exceptions on special occasions, but they really are rare. This particular plan works well for me because if I eat sweets or other carby foods my cravings go absolutely insane. This diet keeps them in check.

Surgeon said protein 1st, fruits and veggies 2nd, carbs last. Eat healthy 95 % of the time, but have a little bit of a treat too. So , daily I have a cookie or a bit of WW ice cream. 2-3 x a week I might have a piece of cheese, or a small glass of 2 % milk. I don't like alcohol, soda pop, fried food, or salty stuff. Sweets are my trigger food, so I try and keep them to a minimum. Works for me , and it something I can live with for the rest of my life !

@@kgagmg You have SO much going for you! You've made some incredible, life-changing decisions for the better over this past year, and the fact that you realize you might have an alcohol problem is a huge step in and of itself toward getting some resolution. The first thing I thought of when I read your post is I wondered if your surgeon could recommend a psychiatrist/psychologist for you. My surgeon's office does, and she specializes in patients with eating disorders- maybe finding an expert in the field could be worlds of help for you. I wish you the very best of luck!

I think I know what she is saying. She wants to 'try' the pre-op diet we all are on before we get banded as a 'trial' to see if she can lose weight? Am I right? In anycase, we are on the pre-op for a reason: is to 'shrink' our liver before surgery. We will not be eatting like this for the rest of our lives. Once banded we will have what is called 'restriction' and will only be allowed to intake very small amount of foods in at a time. This is what gives ourselves the 'advantage' of loosing the weight and keeping it off. I know you said you are only 21 and still want to hang out and party. Understandably so, I know so many people banded and still continue with their daily lives. Yes, they go out and drink, party, eat, but its relatively in 'smaller' portions and when consuming alcohol you have to be super careful because drinks can easily add up to some pretty hefty calories and are loaded with sugar. Some of those yummy summer drinks can easily be over 800 calories for just one. Lastly, you really need to be ready to do this and have a good head on your shoulder when making this decision. Its not a miracle fix or cure, its a tool to help you lose the weight. My only advise to you because you are very young is to do more research on the lapband. go to youtube and watch the video about lapband surgery. Stay on this site and read read read. As said by Cazzy, I think some of the 'younger' bandsters could be of more help..... Best of luck to you in your decision -Patty

Thanks for replies everyone! I'd love to hear more, thanks for all the info and ideas! Papoose, when I said lap band diet, I was referring to the diet a website I found online that said I should try. It was something along the lines of a high protein/low carb diet for the first few weeks, then the liquid diet, then the soft foods, as well as keep the portions down to a few ounces.I didn't know much about it so I thought I'd ask around. As far as the food and alcohol goes, I'd be lying to say there wasn't a part of me that didn't want to go out with their friends once or twice a month, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that as long as it's in moderation. I'll only be young once. I can deal with the smaller portions and giving up the alcohol the majority of the time, but not many people my age want to sit out on everything for the next few years. Maybe this means I'm truly not ready to commit. From what someone said above though, it does sound like there is some flexability if I do choose to have a lap band done where I could have my fun every once and a while. If this is true, maybe this is something I should look into more.

And I remember complaining in June about my ins requiring a 6-month supervised weight loss plan.. I have to honestly say that without these last few months of consults and dr visits, I would probably be nuts and still totally oblivious to several things. Basically, this is my manifesto of sorts.... I've learned not everyone who has been supportive in your addiction, delusion, destructive behavior (in my case overeating) will support any decision that will encroach on the benefits they are receiving I don't have to depend on another person's validation, support or acknowledgement of my decisions about my life, yes, nice to have, but It's MY LIFE and I want a better one!! This is my right and no one can stop, change or deny this (I can of course, but I won't!!) everything I thought about myself, my motives, passion and intentions have come into question, but the victory is this.... I still love myself for who I am and I love myself too much to stay the way I am physically I am a perfectionist is a way that can be detrimental to my success in life if I dwell on the past and what I can't control... I don't like making mistakes and I felt horrible that I know ALL about the human physiology, nutrition and exercise, thus, I have allowed myself to become morbidly obese... BUT... this same perfectionism will be my catalyst to making great strides with my tools, including the sleeve, an awesome therapist and my new mindset. I have nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to asking for help with my weight problem.. Alcoholics and drug addicts are scorned or called lazy because they go to AA or NA or rehab. I refuse to be ridiculed into submitting to a life of obesity-related illnesses because some people have nothing better to do than to try and analyze why I'm STILL obese after all these years and what I should try... people are afraid of change... and so, perhaps I won't be the same "whatever you need, I got it, whatever I have that you need, it's yours" friend, daughter, sister, aunt, associate...Or maybe I will, just a lot smaller physically.... Perhaps having "LESS FAT" will allow me to see clearly what some of these people actually think of me and their true motives behind our relationships and associations.. My weight issues have fueled issues in every other aspect of my life.. food had become the only trustworthy friend and also my worst enemy... I could rely on my Snacks to be there, but they also stood as a reminder that I was not in control!! Finally, I've learned to release myself from all guilt, condemnation, anger, resentment and bitterness that I've been harboring against ME!! I no longer look in the mirror and shake my head in disappointment because I feel stuck and unable to get out of this rut... I am no longer fearful of trying again.. at anything!! Though, I've tried and not succeeded in successfully losing weight, that will not stop me from giving my ALL this time and every time... I will not be overcome by disappointment any longer.. I am strong, I am beautiful, I am COURAGEOUS enough to believe that my life will change for the better. I am not the same person I was in June or in October even. It has little to do with actual physical weight loss (I've lost less than 10 pounds).. it's more so that weight of the mental and emotional torment I've subjected myself too for years and years... These months, this board and many of my new friends have all worked together in what I would like to call Divine Orchestration to help me pen the new song of my life, one the represents each step, heart beat and all the love I have inside.... I will sing my new song, I will BE my new song!!!

I was emphatically told that I was to avoid all alcoholic beverages for an entire year post op...

I also became an alcoholic after gastric bypass. I've been sober for over 2 years now but it was a tough fight to get there. I only recently found out that gastric bypass makes you prone to alcoholism! That's because the alcohol goes straight to your small intestine (bypasses the liver) and into your bloodstream and brain. It's a powerful head rush and very addictive. You can google "gastric bypass alcohol" and find articles about it. So it's not all your sister's fault that she is addicted to alcohol. They should warn EVERY gastric bypass patient before their surgery and forbid them from drinking after the surgery. You might be able to help your sister by going to al-anon or other support groups for family/friends of alcoholics. It will help you too. Hopefully once your sister is ready she will be able to stop drinking. It took me a trip to rehab and then 4 months of drinking on and off before I finally gave it up for good. Re support groups after gastric bypass: for me there weren't any. That could be partly why I failed. I went to the US (Rochester) to get my op done and then there was nothing here for me in Canada. For my lap-band I deliberately chose a clinic that offers a lot of online and in-person support after the surgery.

I'm learning so much more on the internet than I am from my physicians! I received instructions from the hospital on how to take care of my drain, but they weren't the entire instructions (as per the instructions I found on the internet). Nowhere in my verbal or handout instructions did it say I was allowed or required to change the dressing - just empty, alcohol wipe, bend and close. I know this is gross, but I did sniff the output before flushing it down to make that it actually wasn't the fluid. The output didn't have a smell, so I deduced that the smell was the dressing. I walked to Walgreens and bought saline, gauze pads, and tape. Removed the film (which had been loosening due to my showers anyway), cleaned my wound, and redressed it. I feel so much better now (no smell, and the pain has decreased significantly). When any of you had it, did you get specific instructions in terms of the dressing?

Hey, Bandsters! Time flies when you’re having fun. If you’re like those of us here at Celebrate Yourself This Valentine’s Day! Keep reading for more on each of these stories, and when you’re finished, come on over to LapBandTalk.com for more motivation and information. The conversations never stop! And, as always, please free to drop us a line if you have any comments. We love hearing from members! See you on the boards! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder LapBandTalk.com Please be Respectful on the Boards! We started LapBandTalk.com to help lap-band patients and people who may be interested in getting the lap-band. We are very proud of the array of resources on the site, and recognize that you, our members, are our most valuable assets. From the conversations on the boards and feedback we receive from members, we know LapBandTalk.com has been successful in reaching out to thousands of members and making a positive difference regardless of where you are in your weight loss journey. One of the most valuable features of LapBandTalk.com is its welcoming, respectful atmosphere. Because of some recent incidents on the board, we’d like to remind you that rudeness is not tolerated. Board etiquette is outlined in the dinner with wine. Before starting your weight loss journey, you may have celebrated by exchanging boxes of chocolate and eating too much fat and sugar at home and at work. On your pre-surgery diet and after surgery, these unhealthy choices are no longer for you. High-fat, high-sugar foods aren’t part of your weight loss surgery diet. Pasta and shrimp can cause problems with your lap-band and alcohol with dinner can make you lose your control and overeat. So what can you do to enjoy Valentine’s Day – with or without a special someone – while keeping your weight loss on track? We have a few ideas. Give your sweetheart flowers instead of candy. Opt for broiled lobster or chicken with vegetables instead of steak with creamy mushroom pasta. Skip the refined pasta at dinner. Instead, try a small amount of orzo or another whole grain – but only eat it after eating your Protein and vegetables. Choose strawberries for dessert instead of chocolate cake and ice cream. If you still have chocolate cravings after dinner, sip sugar-free hot chocolate instead of going for the chocolate truffles. There’s nothing more romantic than dancing. Burn a few extra calories with some slow dancing before watching a movie after dinner. Picking out a few slow songs to dance to with your sweetheart will show how much you care. Take a walk. A short after-dinner walk lets you and your valentine enjoy the fresh air and focus on each other. Don’t have a valentine? Call up one of your single friends and take a leisurely walk together. You’ll both benefit from the chance to chat. Make a Valentine’s Day card. Do you remember how good it felt to get them from your friends when you were in elementary school? Making one instead of buying one lets you put your own personal touches on it. These are just a few possibilities for enjoying your Valentine’s Day without interfering with your health. Everyone should be able to enjoy, not dread, this happy holiday, and we hope these suggestions are useful as you make your plans. Member Challenge: Be Your Own Valentine! The Member Challenge portion of the newsletter is an opportunity for you to try something new or discover tricks that’ll help you with your weight loss and health. It’s not a competitive challenge; it’s just a way to challenge yourself to achieve new goals. This month, we’re sticking to the theme of Valentine’s Day. Some people think that Valentine’s Day is only for couples, but we’re going to let you in on a little secret: anyone can celebrate Valentine’s Day, even if you’re by yourself. Take advantage of the occasion to show yourself how much you love and appreciate yourself – especially as you work toward becoming healthier. The challenge this month is to show yourself how much you care about yourself and appreciate your efforts to become healthier and happier. These are a few of our ideas to treat yourself without going off your weight loss surgery diet. Get a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure. Try a calorie-free chocolate treat, such as chocolate chapstick or chocolate-scented body lotion. Make or buy yourself a Valentine’s Day card. Frame a “before” and “after” picture – with or without your sweetheart – in a Valentine’s Day-themed frame. Try a dance class – you’ll burn a few calories and may meet a special someone! If you are dedicating February 14 to a special someone, take a few moments to treat yourself, too, or treat yourself on another day. Use one of the above ideas, or come up with your own way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without missing a beat in your weight loss journey. We’d love for you to tell us how it went in the Challenge Forum! Sharing your ideas and experiences gives you a sense of purpose and helps other bandsters hit their own challenge goals. Don’t forget that the archived Newsletter Forum is always there for you when you’re ready to try an old challenge. We’ll leave you with these thoughts of Valentine’s Day, hoping that they’re warm enough to carry you through the rest of the cold winter. Keep up the great work with your weight loss journey, and we’ll see you on the boards! Thanks as always for your support. Take care of yourself and each other. Sincerely, Alex ============================================================== If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: {unsubscribe}

I am planning on having one margarita tonight. I was never a big drinker. Very rare so of course no alcohol since 12-27 surgery. Thoughrd? Is it really easy to get drunk? I do NOat want to be drunk. Just a small social drink. Any one have experience to share? If it's a bad idea I might just call it off. Thanks! Sent from my VS995 using the BariatricPal App

Keep in mind that as we get a handle on food addition, other additions may show their ugly face for example shopping addition, gambling, alcohol addition.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Brandy, I'm sure you've heard all of this before but... You need to break your addiction to sugar, just like an alcoholic you can not just have the occassional sweet, artifical or not. Being PCOS just makes it all the harder. You need to eat only lean Proteins, veggies and occasional fresh fruit. Nothing processed. Cut back on your dairy and drink plenty of Water. Don't eat low fat products they are full of sugar. It doesn't matter if there are only a few WW points in a sugar free fudgecicle, you don't want to eat it. It's a real change in life style, but believe me it's a much better life to live!!

well you certainly MUST make changes - that is what this is all about. If you must have a plate of spaghetti once a week that will no longer happen. Your stomach goes from the size of a football to the size of an egg. My instructions from my surgeon and his team are: 2 months post surgery 2-4 oz of food per meal Protein first and it must account for at least half the meal then produce, then starch by 18 months post surgery- 8 - 10 oz per meal still at least half protein, then produce, then starch also check the food nutrition thread on here. I know I am done with sandwiches - there is no way I can handle the bread, Peanut Butter is completely out along with most nuts. I've been advised to never drink out of straw again. Absolutely no sodas, no carbonated drinks and no alcohol. I've seen others post diffeerently on this so you need to go by your surgeons advice. It was made clear to me that as little as two drinks of wine will register me over the drinking/driving limit. I was told to absolutely avoid alcohol for at least two years and be very careful there after (I rarely drink so its not a biggie) Tina

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

There is always non-alcoholic beer! The weight loss is really more important, but you are a grown up and your priorities are your own.

Why can't you have alcohol. I am only 12 weeks banded but I have had alcohol twice (a friend's birthday party and New Years Eve) with no problems. You just have to be accountable for the calories and make choices about what you are willing to do (either accept the weight gain or work it off). No whining if you don't lose weight the week you chose to drink alcohol.

Well having your alcoholic husband commit suicide right before you give birth sounds like situational depression to me. :thumbup: I also find it bizzare that this therapist told her (essentially) that he would have failed her if her doctor didn't need the business. That doesn't sound right to me and it would be one more bad therapist experience to add to my list and make me distrust the entire profession.