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When first making the decision to open up to the tool of bariatric surgery I simply assumed that the sleeve would be the procedure that I preferred. This was due to having the full run of my plumbing and perceived ability to eat the foods I wanted, but restrict the amounts. Seemed simple. My younger sister had bypass 15 years ago and I just didn't think that "aggressive" a procedure would be needed for me. After all.....I've lost large amounts of weight in the past through diet and exercise....I just needed a little help......or so I was believing. My physician who was discussing this with me eased me into the conversation and led me to find my way to the surgeon I've selected. I've been to his group presentation.....the first required step. Even after listening to my sister and seeing her progress.......for 15 years......and for secretly thinking in some small way that she took the easy way out.........I didn't "get" it. That presentation really altered my thinking about restrictive and absorptive restriction. I realized in that group session my "hero" status as the big brother doing it on his own......over and over again......was a stupid cycle. I needed to get all the help available.....every tool in the toolbox to get the lifelong results I strived for. Dr Carlson addressed the full room and fielded every question asked. An hour went by....then more.......he'd long since made his informative presentation.....yet stayed to discuss our concerns. A lot of "ah-ha" moments were had. I heard the lady seated behind me speak to her friend, "The sleeve is what will work best for me". My wife, seated beside me, was quiet. She reserved her comments until much later when we were driving home. She proceeded carefully fearing that she knew my mind had already been made up on the sleeve. It was a relief to her when I acknowledged that I felt I needed the bypass.......like my brave little sister did so many years ago.....doing her own research.....as a young woman on her own.......when most folks hadn't heard of such. One of my issues is reoccurring reflux. Some nights it can be really bad. It subsided greatly once I completely cut out alcohol from my intake on April 2, 2015. Back in early April of this year I'd begun resuming the fight to loose my weight. I'd taken evaluation of my current state of living. I loved to grill out.........really loved it. It is therapeutic. I loved to crack open a cold beer and fire up the coals. More beer throughout the cooking and serving everyone had me relaxed and happy. After dinner, I'd normally get drowsy due to several beers......then it'd be time to hit a couple tequila shooters and another beer......or a rum & diet coke or two. I'd get my relaxed and happy state back. It was clear which non-essential calories to drop first......cut out the beer and liquor along with seriously revising the menu on my plate. Guess what.....these were the nights the reflux was bad. Drinking + spicy food (the only kind off my grill ) = reflux. I discussed this "revelation" with my wife. She pointed out a few times since when I'd complained of reflux....since I'd cut out alcohol. I realized she was right......it was still occurring but less often. I have decided that I'd prefer the bypass.......but don't even know yet if I'm approved for it. The waiting and suspense of insurance is driving me nuts. Don't get me wrong.....I'm glad the procedure isn't something as easy to get as a bad tattoo.......but I wish it was more straightforward from the insurance company standpoint. Down the road the results I get from the bariatric will certainly lessen the costs I'd otherwise pose to them, right ? Sorry for the rambling. I'm just eagerly impatient and ready to get this ball rolling in the direction that will lead to successful and long lasting health provided I continue to do my part. I'm checking stuff off the mandatory list at least.....and this website and the folks here are already helping me find answers to the tons of questions I have. My mandatory checklist: Attend the group session---done in early June. Meet with the bariatric program's & surgeon's nurse to review my case and 8 pages of medical Q&A i was to complete--done this past week. Meet with surgeon on official visit----scheduled for July 1. Meet with program's nutritional guru----first of the 6 visits is on July 7. This I understand will be the "start" date of the mandatory 6 month timeline to surgery. Meet with psyche guru----awaiting appointment scheduling now. Internal scope evaluation of stomach and other plumbing-------to be scheduled after visit with surgeon I still don't have any type of official indication that bypass is a covered procedure (United Healthcare). I don't know if I can hang on 6+ months before getting this latest umbilical hernia taken care of. I want to get on to eating the foods I'll be living by after the surgery......eat like I've had the surgery......begin accelerated weight loss now......not wait until the surgery. I just want to be sure that I can't lose "too much" on my own that the insurance balks and says, "No way buddy.....you got this.....do it yourself". I can do a lot off by myself.....but I fail to keep it off. I don't want to sabotage my chances for coverage. So many questions that I'm sure will be resolved and clear in the weeks ahead......it's just right now I want to get going with progress of some type......no matter if it's from bypass or from my jumping onboard with the new plan. The compelling reasons for the need to get going are probably no different than most other folks here: I'm having back spasms from reoccurring back injuries due to herniated T-12 vertebrae. Spine surgeon stated that bariatric surgeon can do more for my spine than he could with back surgery. Sounds legit. Umbilical hernia is driving me nuts. It's worsened when back goes out and my posture and such gets weird. Knees are shot....ortho doc says I need knee replacements sooner than later....he's saying 5 years tops.....plus hip, too. He also stated that 200 lbs off my frame would push those replacements back a long time. I already feel some benefit in my knees from the initial pounds coming off. Swelling in my ankles is greatly reduced. Sorry again for the rambling. I'm jittery after finishing up the last day of miracle steroids (4th round with them since April) on my back. The side effects are sleeplessness for me. I get jittery after the 6 day cycles. I'm hoping for a good long sleep later today....tonight. Aside from dropping the alcohol, fried food and reducing sugar & starch intake (doing these).........what can you advise me to do? What other dietary-related actions? Breakfast choices now are oatmeal (made with Water and small amount of salt) vs sausage biscuits and such. lunch & dinner has me eating lots of salads. Snacks are nuts, fruits like blueberries and apples and occasional whole grain toast with small amount of health choice butter substitute or Greek Yogurt. Drinking tons of water. 40oz of coffee every day during the first portion of the day......a lot, I know. I use nonfat creamer and Splenda or Equal (10 packs for 40oz coffee). I'm still having 2-3 20oz Diet Mt. Dew's every day. Sounds like a ton....but it's way down over the number I used to drink. I go to one a day on days off....but do poorly during workdays. No more drive thru's and only salads from fast food restaurants. What else should I be doing? Should I order the "Big Book on Bypass" and get started on it ??????? Stir crazy and tired of my 46 years of fat fighting. 5 years ago I burned off 120 and felt like a new man.......still have many of the 2X & 3X clothes. I saved most of them.....refusing to toss them due to that being symbolic of me throwing away my hope of wearing them again. I lost that weight.....but failed to keep it off. The brief period at that reduced weight was enough of a taste of healthier living that I have craved ever since. Virtually painfree and full of energy. Leaner.......able to wear my old high school letterman's jacket and button it up......too small still, but at least it would button up. Another 100 pounds off that and I feel like i'd be walking around feeling like a Gazillion dollar lottery winner. I may never get a winning lottery ticket.....but I'll be supremely happy to get 200 lbs off........and MAINTAIN that level. So ready to get this machine krunk up and in gear and burn some rubber down the track. This waiting is like sitting there with the engine revving up but the parking brake locked in place...........

I'm 42 and did my share of partying in my youth. I would choose surgery. After you can still go out just like before but drink a regular cranberry juice and pretend its alcoholic. Not only will you get skinny and hot but you will be sober enough to choose the best man in the bunch! Bonus!!

I got sleeved in early February 2015 and no regrets. However I have a feeling that people that had WLS and have regrets don't tend to frequent this board. I don't think that is the particular demographic that is represented here. My co-worker had the band 6 years ago. The sleeve was not an option then. She has lost the weight and kept it off but does not recommend the band to anybody. She gets stuff stuck and still vomits periodically. Her sister had by-pass 10 years ago and she wishes she had that instead. She would love to revise to the sleeve but has no band slippage so insurance won't cover. She is happy she had surgery just not that surgery. Her daughter had the band also 6 years ago and never lost weight. The doctor refused to do any more fills until she had a psych visit. She refused to have one. I bet she has gained another 50 or 75 pounds. She never should have had any weight loss surgery. She was not ready for it. She was also only 20 years old and very immature for her age. . She would eat, throw up, eat more. She never did the liquid diet pre-op and started eating solids too quick after surgery. She would eat slider foods and drink lots of alcohol. She did have a psych eval prior to surgery and "passed" it. Her cousin had the band 5 years ago and had the band removed a couple of years later since she never lost weight and then couldn't stand the thought of something foreign in her. Yes, most of the family has weight issues. It is a tool. Do your research, take your time and make sure that you are willing to do the work. It will take work and planning. It is not a magic wand. For me it has been well worth it. However it is not for everybody. Your choice in which WLS is also a personal thing.

Just remember, any sugar alcohols, xylitol, malitol, erythritol sorbitol,etc, are all wonderfully potent laxatives. With a sleeve a laxative effect can be magnified. And the last thing you MAY want is being dehydrated from the laxative effect or getting your body used to the laxatives, and then without them,you get constipated. Just a a friendly FYI. When i was young, many moons ago, we used to see who could chew up the most sugar free candies without running to the bathroom...needless to say, it never ended well. For fun look up the sugar free Haribo gummy bears on amazon, and read the reviews. you will fall over laughing. BTW DO NOT EAT THE SUGAR FREE GUMMY BEARS. lol read there and youll find out why.

I also liked to good out and have fun (party) when I was 21. That time of my life was fantastic and it's when I made the friends I still have at 40, so I understand. But when i was partying i didnt drink much. Not because i didnt want to, but because i had allergies that didnt allow me to drink many types of alcohol. So, i always ordered a drink, sipped it, and waited 15 minutes before taking another drink to make sure i didnt have a reaction. I still danced, laughed, flirted, and had a fantastic time. My friends knew about my allergies and never evwn brought up the dact that i would only have one or two drinks the entire night. You can still have your fun without drinking non stop. Going out with friends should be about enjoying the time with your friends, and that is not going to change.

keep away from anything carbonated. you don't want to all of the sudden without warning spit up. my doctor didn't want me to drink alcohol at all but did at 6 mos. allow me to have my Christmas drink of bailey's . I suggest asking your doctor all doctor's are different. and sipping on a white wine may not be off their list.

Not sure I would drink alcohol at this point but I'm sure your Doctor would be the best person to ask. I know at 3 weeks out I probably couldn't have drank if I wanted to. I might have opted for a fruit juice or Water with lemon .

These responses are exactly why I post on here. It's amazing how understanding this community is. On the other hand we are all different and have different outlooks on things. I've gone through periods in my life before when I was single and enjoyed exploring my sexuality and a good party and I look back on those times as some of the best of my life. I'm Brazilian and I was raised in a culture where there is nothing wrong with a good time alcohol and sex. I'm very comfortable with my sexual self and selective about my partners. I'm not the one night stand type but I may not want to be in a serious relationship each time I chose to have a partner. I don't feel badly about this. Call me liberal . I especially appreciate the comments on what effect domestic abuse can have on people however. It did affect me in terms of being able to commit to someone new. I'm wary of putting my eggs in one basket right away and giving away a sort of freedom for the sake of committing to another. I'm afraid of another relationship turning out the way the last one did. I don't want to end up with someone who is the wrong person!!! I want to be with someone because of the way I feel about him and not just because of the way he feels about me. I know what I'm looking for and it would be terrible if I settled for anything less. Can I trust myself to look out for red flags and walk away if there are too many? I tend to get attached and start making excuses for people if they aren't quite right for me. But then again no one is perfect. How does one know when a relationship is really right? Because I think this one is but can I trust myself. However I have years of my 20s where I dated wonderful men and enjoyed my life to draw from. That gives me some perspective on what's going on now. I do think it's healthy to want to date casually at times in ones life. Not every person is ready for a relationship at any given time. But I've chosen wonderful men in the past, so why shouldn't I trust myself to chose well now? So much of this just comes down to fear inside of me. I have my children half the week so I'm left with a lot of time to be alone. I don't feel like having a life outside of them is neglecting them. They are my priority and when I'm with them, im with them. When I'm on my own it's up to me. Im not taking risks or drunk driving or doing stupid things- I've never been one to do stuff like that. It comes down to - am I ready to be serious with one person or do I still need time to see what's out there and be independent, and also free of the heavy emotions and vulnerability that comes with a serious relationship. Am I just hesitating because I am afraid of making a poor choice in a partner because I did pick a bad apple once?? It's really a moot point anyway. I've already fallen for the man I'm currently dating. I'm not going to break it off and I don't want to. I just needed to vocalize some of the fears in my head. You can't always have the perfect timing and this man has entered my life and he is incredible. I have to see it through in spite of my fears.

I agree with you and I do think I am at risk of this on some level. It's not something I'm super worried about however, as I'm not really much of a drinker. I'm more concerned with compulsive behavior. Although on the flip side I've always been a person who likes to live to the extreme. I enjoy a party and feeling alive and in the past I've always known when to check myself. I've never had problems with drugs or alcohol or making terrible decisions. Sometimes I think it's important to just trust oneself. I see a therapist every week and we discuss my life and she helps me gain perspective. Like I said I went through 7 years of basically being dead and having no life at all and being abused daily, and now I'm ready to live and live and live!!! I trust myself enough to give myself the freedom. Food was a way I dealt with stress and emotions for certain, but I also over ate simply because my body was just out of Wack. I find that exercise is a good release for me now, and I do. But having fun with limits is a good release too !

So this is for all the successful veterans out there....for those that lost what you wanted to lose, have made all the necessary lifestyle changes to be successful and continue to maintain your weight loss..... Why couldn't we do this without surgery?! The surgery was on our stomachs, not our brains. So how are we able to stick to whatever changes we've made and continue to be successful? For me, I haven't made as big of changes as a lot of others. I simply eat healthy, eat smaller portions and drink way less alcohol. I don't track, I don't measure, I don't exercise, I don't see a therapist. So why can I do this now and not the dozen times I've tried in the past? I've had some horrible emotional hits since surgery...I had to put both of my dogs to sleep, my best friend committed suicide and another good friend was just diagnosed with cancer. I exist in a fog of grief and anger and confusion over my best friend. I am overwhelmed with emotions and some days wish I could join him. I should be stuffing my face and getting drunk every night. That's how I've always coped in the past. Why aren't I doing that now? How about those of you who count calories and carbs and track everything in MFP and go to the gym and run C25K, etc.? Those are huge changes and yet you've made them. Why couldn't you simply do that before surgery? Why are you so good at the healthy lifestyle now? I'm asking because I have no answers to explain my changes. What about you?

I think lots of times we use alcohol as a way to escape, and relax when we are uptight about things etc.... You just might find that you don't need it as much when you feel confident and sexy! Good luck! ????

This is going to sound harsh...do you want to be fat or do you want to party? You said that much as you have a great life, it is limited because of your weight. You avoid doing things because of your self-esteem and you feel like you are surrounded by all your beautiful friends and guys never look at you. You're going to need to give up booze for a few months after surgery, but after that if you want to you can still go out and drink. If anything you will be a way cheaper drinker because less alcohol gets you buzzed faster. I can appreciate in a sense how you feel because when I was 21 (and under 21) I had a great time partying, however back then I was normal sized. When I did finally decide to get the sleeve (when I was 29) I hadn't gone out in several years because I was so ashamed of what I looked like. Guys wouldn't give me the time of day, so no matter how much fun I had with my great girl friends, I felt like not only was I bringing them down because guys had to send in the grenade jumper (the dude that jumps on the ugly fat girl so his friends can hit on the hot girls) before they could come hit on my friends but I was embarrassing myself in the process. As a result, I just decided staying in and being alone was the better option. I am now slightly under goal and for the first time in a very long time dating someone. We go out places and instead of people looking at me like I should be at home on a treadmill, men hit on me all the time. People are nice to me. Women and men make comments about how tiny I am. I'm not a big drinker anymore, but when I do drink I really don't notice a huge difference between before sleeve and after sleeve now that I'm almost 2 years out. I can still go out, have a good time, and drink...I just don't eat a lot of the foods anymore and I don't spend the entire time wondering if people are laughing at me. Really though, I would give up booze and partying forever if it meant that I got to be the size I am now for the rest of my life. Being thin, healthy, and attractive is worth way more to me than being able to drink and eat my face off whenever I want to. So...getting the surgery will not kill your social life for more than a few months, but if your priority is not with being healthy and is instead with going out, partying, and keeping the bad habits that contributed to your weight problem in the first place, the sleeve isn't going to help you much past the first few months. I can easily eat and drink my way to WAY too many calories, but I'm more focused on being thin and healthy than I am in enjoying food and booze. It sounds like you, like me, want to be thin because you want to be hot. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, however in the long term the motivation to be thin has to be more than the motivation to go out and have fun every night. Being hot comes with sacrifice and if you don't think you're willing to make that sacrifice, wait until you're a bit older, a bit less interested in partying everynight, and a bit more oriented toward making the healthy choices you will need to make if you have a sleeve. I'd say I'd do a shot for you tonight and wish you luck on your decision....but I'll drink some carrot juice for you instead.

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

Hello all my fellow sleevers! I'm 5 months into my nutritional visits so I have 1 more before I get to submit to insurace for approval. Iv been having second thoughts about the surgery and its giving me so much anxiety I can barely sleep at night. My life is great.. To a point. I have amazing friends and we love to go out and party quite often. There's only one thing.. I miss out on so much because I hate my body. Its kills my self esteem every time I'm out and I can't even get a guys head to turn because I'm constantly surrounded by my beautiful tiny friends. I want to lose the weight, I want to be happy but I just wonder, how am I going to be happy if I loose the weight and can't go out and have fun? And please don't judge me when I say this, but I'm 21 and "going out and having fun" always includes drinking. I mean I know I'm going to have to stay away from alcohol for a good 3 months after and my tolerance is going to be a lot lower but has anyone been able to maintain a party life with healthy vsg foods and proper exercise? And I know alcohol is extra calories but I really could use some insite from someone my age who understands the struggles I'm having. PLEASE comment!! Is there anyone out there who's like me?!

Hi my husband and I have been married and hpjust celebrated 25 years of marriage , this surgery only enhance my love life my husband loved me unconditionally regardless of my weight but he went to every appointment and seminar with me regarding my weight loss procedure as well as he went to every appointment I had for my tummy tuck and I am now 9 days post opt from having my tummy tuck . He has been awsume and our love life and marriage is stronger . I agree with the above statement that your marriage does not end as a direct result of wright lost or gain there are other underlined factors there . It is so nice to be healthy and have energy to engaged in activities that I once use to partake in as well as activities I never would have tried rather physically or sexually because for one I was not physically able to or had the self esteem to try . Now I do because I am comfortable in my own skin . My confidence is unstoppable and it shows I smile more I am now taking pictures which I never did . Remember communications is everything and reassurance is everything . You will get attention that you are not use to as well as you might even loose friends because they are intimidated by the new you , but remember you are worthy of being healthy and happy and you don't have to apologize to anyone for that . Also the addiction you were referring to is caused by people who use to use food got everything from stress, comfort , or love and they have replace said addiction with alcohol, shopping, and sex this cross addiction needs to be monitored and discuss with your significant other as well as a professional if needed . Good luck .

My suggestion is to go back to the basics that you used in the first few weeks after surgery. Changing our eating habits and controlling our cravings for foods off the approval list is a learned behavior. Using adipex isn't changing one's behavior. Reset your mind and body without drugs. Exercise 30 minutes every day. Limit your caloric intake during the reset period to 550-850 calories a day. Start with two Protein Meal Replacement shakes a day and one meal of 3-4 ounces of protein from something that had a mother. Eliminate dairy during reset Eliminate extra carbs. Don't cheat. No alcohol. Reduce cheese consumption. Drink 64+ ounces of Water a day. Eat at the same time each day and schedule meals about 4-5 hours apart. Consume at least 60 grams of protein a day. Use a kitchen scale and weigh all protein after cooking. Eliminate fruit during reset. Avoid caffeine.

So my surgery was due on 12th of June, got a call Friday to tell me that it was being postponed AGAIN! Because I needed a psychiatric assessment! So over the weekend I have been eating like a woman possessed, I thought im not getting my surgery for another few weeks I can have my food freedom again for a while, so this morning I get a call from the nurse saying the psychiatric assessment is no longer needed and the surgery is still going ahead on the 12th! Prior to my phone call on Friday I had been doing the post op diet for 8 days, My question is, would I have done much damage to my liver shrinkage over my weekend foodathon, which didn't include alcohol and only 1 pudding, And if I do the liquid diet till Friday do u think that will be enough for me to possibly shrink my liver a bit more for the op? Thanks

1 what was your doctor and hospital Dr. Beeman Kahlil - Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), a Sutter Medical Affiliate El Camino Hosptial, Mountain View, CA (3.2 mi from my house!) 2 do you have Anthem Blue Cross covered thorough a covered California Plan? Or through a work plan? I have Anthem Blue Cross through my job at a start up software company 3 what medical requirements were there? I am required to explain in depth that I have tried to diet for at least 6 months. My doctor was EXTREMELY thorough in my consultation appointment, where we talked about my diet attempts. BMI 40 or 35 with health issue Pre and Post Op Nutrition - no 3 or 6 month requirement Psych Eval 4 what medical tests were required? Usual blood work - CBC, thyroid, liver, Hep B, and a few others. There was only one that was fasting (CBC). I was happy to know that I didn't have to do a fasting glucose test. (Your doctor will probably recommend that you begin taking a Multi Vitamin, D3, B12 and Iron - if they don't, you should see another doctor) EKG - super simple, literally takes more time to undress and put a gown on (makes sure your heart is healthy enough for surgery) Chest X-ray - to make sure your lungs are clear and healthy (helps the anesthesiologist) Upper GI with Barium - this is to see the shape of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine (This sh*t is NASTY. The smell is pleasant, but the taste is REALLY thick and chalky. Other than that, simple.) 5. Did you have to do a supervised diet? No. Not official. My doctor prefers you start weaning yourself of bad foods - sugar, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, etc. I don't consume most of the before mentioned. I started drinking 3 shakes a day and one small meal (Protein, veggie, whole grain). 6 how long for approval? Not - sure (will report back after July 8, 2015) 7 what was good about them? n/a 8 what was bad? n/a 9 what should we know to watch out for if anything. Come prepared and educated. You are YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE.

Yes, Whole30 is a strict paleo diet. 100% clean eating with no processed foods, sugar, sugar substitutes, dairy, grains, legumes, or alcohol. So approved foods are meat, vegetables, some fruits and fats. One thing I've done consistently is start and end my day with a 20 oz cup of hot tea. I did this from day 1 of my pre-op diet and continue up to today. It automatically gets me 40 oz of Water each day so it makes getting at least another 20 during the course of the day really easy. Another thing I try to do consistently is choose Protein first every time. I would say I do this 90% of the time. But life gets in the way and I've gone off track a few times. When I do this I try not to beat myself up. I'm not on a "diet". I made the decision to eat that ________ (fill in the blank). Then I make sure the next decision is a better one. Before Whole30 I always had certain items on hand that would keep me on track - cottage cheese singles, cheese sticks, boiled eggs, beef Jerky, Protein Bars, etc. I know my biggest trigger is being stressed and unprepared at work. If I forgot to make boiled eggs for a quick Breakfast I would grab a cottage cheese. If I get lightheaded at work because I haven't eaten enough I always have a Protein Bar in my desk. So knowing my triggers and being prepared for them has been very helpful. Now on Whole30 it's a little more difficult to have approved Snacks on hand. I make a giant frittata on Sunday and cut it into a portion I can grab and take to work to heat up. Snack is usually blueberries or a banana. Today I had some nuts. lunch is leftovers from the day before and dinner is whatever scrumptious recipe my hubby decided to try. I miss cheese. A lot. And Splenda...but I've got to work through these addictions. I made it through the first week easily but I have a feeling the next week is going to be the hardest. While my husband and I enjoy cooking, it's a lot of work. Lots of prep and cleaning. But the food tastes better than any takeout our town offers. But I still miss the convenience of picking up some grilled chicken or a rotisserie some days. Thank goodness for my crockpot!!!

Those fiber gummies can be a great help however, they can also cause loose BM, they have sugar alcohols in them (not to be confused as sugar). They also cause GAS so they might be your problem or at least part of it. They say on the box itself that they can cause gas and not to exceed one serving a day which is generally two gummies equal to 5 grams of fiber. They will not bind you, on the contrary, they will have the opposite effect. If you are eating fruit, try one that can be binding such as banannas. Also, you might want to see your doctor to have a test to see what could be going on in your intestinal tract. Change up the veggies you are eating and see if that helps. Also, perhaps you need more Protein in the form of meat, seafood or other non-fiber forms - some protein sources such as Protein shakes and other processed protein foods for bariatric patients contact fiber and/or sugar alcohols. Good luck.

I am sorry your husband is suffering with the cruelty of cancer. My heartfelt good thoughts are with you. I hope you can take in the caring posts you have received here so far. When we are struggling with any form of depression, it's sometimes hard to think as rationally as we would normally. You are under an extreme amount of stress. And you undoubtedly know the dangers of transfer addictions (alcohol being a biggie) associated with WLS. Caregivers so often feel the need to be invincible. Taking EXTRA care of your WLS body and mind in order to provide the ongoing loving care and support for your husband has to be your #1 priority because YOU WANT TO. Wanting to means that you value yourself and do the basic things like feeding your body nutritious foods and exercising it, especially when you DO NOT WANT TO. You didn't mention exercise, but I would guess that it's quite difficult to dedicate time for yourself to get it in. But even the smallest things can help, both physically and more importantly--mentally. Have you ever done any of the Chair Dancing DVDs (Chair Yoga, Chair Meditation, etc)? Perhaps it might even be something your husband could participate in with you? (even if bed-bound, just to be connecting with each other) You mentioned that since your husband cannot eat, "it doesn't matter if you cook a meal or not." It matters for YOU. Could you maybe make a little arrangement with your nephew/friend, etc for a few months to help you make a week's supply at a time of nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and Snacks, all pre-portioned, so you don't have to make any decisions when it comes to meal times? Everything is all ready. Maybe you can think back on the strength it took to make your decision to have WLS. Draw on that strength now. You made a commitment to yourself to live a new, healthy lifestyle and let go of bad habits that were not serving your body well. You ARE stronger than you think you are.

I awoke to my left side under my breast being sore after surgery,took an alcohol swab and cleaned it,then thought nothing of it until today,I lift my underarm area under my breast to find chaffing and red bruising,with some open wound,this is also like sunburn or something,called Dr office assistant ask was it a incision from surgery, I said, I wasnt aware of any cutting supposr to be goin on in that area. So waiting for Dr to call me. Has anyone else experience this?

Well, tomorrow I see the NUT for visit 1 of 4. I was hoping to find out what Dr. Turnquest decided about doing surgery on me (Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis) but I have the feeling I won't. Earlier this week they hadn't gotten my records from the liver doctor (liver dr said 7-10 business days). It has been over 10 days but I doubt I will know anything one way or another tomorrow. Any suggestions how I can get things moving so I will know? You know how a doctor's office staff can be. I really don't like (can't stand) waiting another month! Besides that, I have so many tests, etc that have to be done pre-op, as you all know, and I don't want to do any of that till I know for sure I am having surgery. Waiting is pure hell!

What procedure did you chose and why did you chose it over the other options? I chose gastric bypass. After researching the 3 main types of WLS and consulting with my surgeon, we agreed that it would be best given the amount of weight I needed to lose and my lifestyle and diet at the time of the consultation etc. What was the general reaction from family and friends? Initially my parents were apprehensive about it. I took my mom with me to my first appt and I explained the procedure and the pros and cons to my dad. They came around and are two of my biggest cheerleaders. My boyfriend was supportive from the start and he is in the pre-op phases of WLS himself. All of my friends have been supportive and excited for me. Surprisingly a lot of them already knew someone that had WLS. Most of them gave that attempt at flattery "Wow really you're not even that big!" which I know is mostly their way of playing nice but nobody was against it or tried to talk me out of it. Everybody who knows about it has been nothing but supportive and excited to watch my journey. What was the biggest surprise during the process? How relaxed I was going into surgery. How minimally uncomfortable and in pain I was after. How long was your recovery? I took 3 weeks off from work but truthfully I could have gone back after two. But I was very fatigued during those first few weeks and having difficulty with getting in my liquids and with some foods. I didn't want to be sick at work. How fast did you lose the weight? I've lost 66 lbs so far. I lost 30ish in my preop and the rest since surgery 8 weeks ago. I'm averaging about 3 lbs a week, sometimes more. How has your life changed since having the procedure? I no longer need to shop in specialty stores for clothes. I enjoy exercise more. I'm more confident. I'm happier. I dont wake up with back and knee pain. I don't huff and puff on a walk or hike like I used to. I'm appreciative of little victories, like touching my toes or being able to cross my legs comfortably. I no longer feel trapped in my body or enslaved to food. My social life has slowed down unfortunately. A lot of my friends are foodies and love to go out and eat and drink and party and I can't eat the way I used to with them, and though alcohol isn't prohibited, it's not recommended since gastric bypass patients have increased absorbtion of the alcohol and because it's mostly empty carbs/sugars, i choose not to drink. To be honest, I'm a little afraid to. Would you do it again? In a heartbeat! Any regrets? Only that I didn't explore this sooner. Or visit the world famous San Diego Donut Bar What should I be aware of? Just because your body restricts your food intake doesn't mean your brain will follow it. You will still want foods. Things will trigger you. You'll test the waters. Know what affects you. If you're choosing RNY, know what makes you dump. Know what you're "i'm completely full can't eat another bite" feeling is. That one extra little bite can be the difference between your meal being done and your meal being spit back up and wasted. Don't compare your progress to others. Some people seem to lose 10 lbs overnight. Some people go over a year and don't hit their goal. Your journey is your journey, don't try to put yourself next to others. What, if any, foods do you miss that you can no longer have? Regular sushi rolls (with rice, sauces etc). It sometimes is hard to find a place that can do riceless rolls without having to show them a picture or without being charged extra.

I'm a year and 10 months out and gained 5 outside my goal of 145 that I'd been maintaining for 1 year. I've returned to basics... journaling food and exercise, cranking up my exercise intensity, (I never stopped exercising, but let the intensity fall). Cut back on the alcohol and treats, etc and I'm finally back to the top end of goal. Now working on getting of 10 pounds to put me a bit below goal (still well withing normal BMI) and allow for some wiggle room. Cutting out as much processed crap as I can, trying to keep between 1000-1200 calories per day, exercising 5x per week, getting my 75+g of Protein every day. It's working, but it's slow. Fix my head and my relationship with food? Nope. It's still a fight. Every damn day.