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I have a bunch of questions--go ahead and respond to anything that inspires you. I had the lap band surgery on november 23 of this year (3 weeks tomorrow). I lost 16lbs the first week and nothing since. I am supposed to be on liquids until tomorrow, but have been eating soft foods for 3 days with no problem. I am beginning to worry whether I should have had RNY because I want to lose weight so badly, but I haven't had a fill yet so I'm still open to the possiblity that this might work (although I have doubts). So...am I obsessing over not losing weight or is it possible that I made the wrong choice? Right now I feel like nothing ever happened to me. I don't have a sensation of fullness after eating anymore, I can eat a lot, I don't have PBs or vomiting or nausea or anything. I got too full a couple of times in the days right after surgery (from drinking too quickly or having too much Jello or something) but here's the scary part: it felt good! I love the feeling of being very full. It's like a drug for me, it calms me down. I'm afraid that may never go away and I won't lose weight. I also have the following questions: --how many calories a day should I be getting? the nutritionist said about 700 per day but that seems low to me. --would it benefit me to continue with weight watchers (which I was doing before the surgery)? I liked the plan, just had a hard time following it. --I was told I could never take ibuprofen again. Is this true? --I was told I can never have a carbonated beverage again. True? --I was told I can never eat anything sweet again, both real sugar and sugar alcohols (manitol, sorbitol, etc.) Also, I have had moderate to severe pain in my left shoulder since the moment I woke up from surgery. Tylenol doesn't help. Is this just me, or has anyone else experienced something like this? Finally, I am struggling to stay on the diet until my first fill, scheduled for Jan. 4. I am worried I won't be able to maintain it for that long--I was never able to stop myself from eating before the surgery and I don't know how they expect me to stop myself now, without any restriction!!! I really appreciate any advice you have to offer!!! THANKS

One time does not an addict make. However, be careful. You may find this interesting - Bariatric surgery trades obesity for alcoholism Before you belly up to the operating table for that bariatric surgery, take note that while you might be eliminating the consequences of one form of compulsive behavior — overeating — you may not be dealing with the underlying cause, and if that cause goes untreated, you could find yourself merely engaging in “addiction transfer” — and in the grip of some new and different compulsive behavior such as alcoholism, chain smoking, obsessive gambling or binge shopping.

I got this from a google search for natural gas relief: Indigestion and heartburn are caused by an increased or decreased secretion of acids and other digestive enzymes in the abdomen. Symtoms include burning, a feeling of fullness and gaseousness in the abdomen. Reflux esophagitis is the medical name for heartburn. The acid reflux is caused by the flow of gastric juices up the esophagus. Indigestion and heartburn are usually caused by overeating, obesity, chocolate, fried foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, coffee, and cigarettes. Eliminating these causes is the first step in preventing occurrences of indigestion. Eat small meals, eat slowly, limit intake of Fluid during meals, avoid spicy foods, eat whole-grain carbohydrates such as bread, brown rice, and Pasta, and avoid eating fruit with or after meals. The following remedies for indigestion can be found in health food stores. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center><SCRIPT type=text/javascript><!--google_ad_client = "pub-6167988213978292";google_ad_width = 180;google_ad_height = 90;google_ad_format = "180x90_0ads_al";google_ad_channel ="5878910303";google_color_border = "FFFFFF";google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";google_color_link = "339933";google_color_url = "000000";google_color_text = "000000";//--></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><IFRAME name=google_ads_frame marginWidth=0 marginHeight=0 src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6167988213978292&dt=1167690625265&lmt=1114756961&prev_fmts=336x280_as&format=180x90_0ads_al&output=html&channel=5878910303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpapa.essortment.com%2Fnaturalremedies_rvff.htm&color_bg=FFFFFF&color_text=000000&color_link=339933&color_url=000000&color_border=FFFFFF&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dnatural%2Bremedies%2Bfor%2Bgas%2Bpain&u_h=800&u_w=1280&u_ah=766&u_aw=1280&u_cd=32&u_tz=-480&u_his=56&u_java=true" frameBorder=0 width=180 scrolling=no height=90 allowTransparency></IFRAME></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Peppermint in tea or tablet form contains menthol and has an antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract. It relieves gas and stomach cramps. Chamomile in tea or tablet form has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gas-relieving effects. Slippery elm bark in tea or tablet form helps form a protective coating in the stomach. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is an anti-ulcer agent. Ginger in tea or tablet form relieves gas and reduces bloating and pain. Aloe vera gel helps soothe the stomach. Activated charcoal tablets or capsules are useful for gas pain. Charcoal absorbs medications and should not be taken within two hours of taking any medicine. To relieve pressure at night, use blocks to raise the head of the bed frame at least 6 inches. This will lessen the pressure on the stomach and prevent stomach contents from moving into the esophagus. Wait a couple of hours after a meal before lying down. sleep on the left side of the body, the stomach is lower when lying on the left side. Stress, obesity, and pressure on the stomach can cause indigestion. These causes can be eliminated by participating in regular exercise such as walking, bicycling, swimming, or yoga. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after a meal. Aromatherapy can relieve an upset stomach. The following essential herbal oils can be used in an infusion or diluted with almond or olive oil (four drops of herbal oil with an ounce of almond or olive oil) and massaged onto the abdomen: Peppermint Marjoram Fennel Coriander Always consult a physician before proceeding with any remedy. Aloe Vera ( aloe bardadensis) History and uses : Nowadays a surprising number of people take advantage of the skin-softening properties of aloe vera in some way. It has long been used in folk medicine, and modern research indicates that when applied externally, aloe vera restores skin tissues and may aid the healing of burns and sores. It can also be used on blemishes and dandruff, and it works cosmetically to keep skin soft. While aloe seems to be the most potent when taken fresh from the leaf, it is an ingredient in several skin creams and shampoos. However, these products contain only small amounts of aloe. Aloe gel has also been taken internally for stomach disorders, while dried aloe latex - a different substance derived from the leaf - is a strong laxative. Anise ( Pimpinella anisum ) History and uses : Anise with it's nippy licorice flavour, has been used for centuries in both foods and medicines. The ancient Greeks, including Hypocrates, recommended it for coughs. Ancient Romans used anise in a special cake that concluded their enormous feasts. They included it not only for it's flavour, but to aid digestion and ease flatulence. The ancients also used anise as an aphrodisiac, for colic, and to combat nausea. Today anise is still used for coughs, in both syrups and lozenges. Drinking a tea made from the crushed and steeped seeds is said to aid digestion and ease gas pains. Some herbalists also recommend the tea to nursing mothers to increase milk flow. Anise is considered safe when taken in reasonable amounts. Plant Parts & Active Compounds : Seed. Anethole and other aromatic compounds. Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) History and uses : Herbe royale to the French, a sign of love to Italians, and a sacred herb in India, basil has a rich and fanciful history, and a reputation for both good and evil. Some ancient herbalists believed that basil damaged the internal organs and caused the spontaneous generation of scorpions inside the body. Various cultures of the world have found their own uses for basil. In the Far East it has been used as a cough medicine, and in Africa it has been used to expel worms. American colonists considered basil the essential ingredient in a snuff used to ease headaches. One folk remedy says that tea made with basil and peppercorns will reduce fever. While most herbalists prefer other, more effective herbs, basil is still recommended for a variety of home remedies. The herb is a carmenative, meaning that it relieves gas, and when brewed in tea is said to aid digestion. Basil tea may also be useful for relieving stomach cramps, vomiting and constipation. Cascara Sagrada ( Rhamnus purshiana ) History and uses : Used primarily as a laxative, cascara sagrada was first used by North America's native peoples, and is still in use today. The name means "sacred bark" , a reference to the medicinal part of the plant. Cascara sagrada is popular for the relief of constipation, and it is reported to restore the bowel to a healthy tone, making repeated use of the remedy unnecessary. Small doses of tonic prepared from the bark are sometimes taken to ease digestion. Cascara sagrada extracts are found in many over-the-counter preparations. The bark is considered safe when aged for at least a year, however it should never be used by pregnant women. Chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla ) History and uses : A soothing cup of chamomile tea has long been a popular way to take the edge off a long, hard day. Indeed, some studies have shown the herb to be an effective mild sedative, and so it has been used to combat insomnia. To get the strongest possible effects, the tea should be steeped in a closed vesel for at least ten minutes. Chamomile has a number of other uses as well. The oil of chamomile is sometimes prepared as an extract, which, when applied to the skin, may help reduce inflammations, and thereby alleviate the pain of arthritis. The extract may also be used to heal wounds. When taken internally, chamomile is said to aid digestion and relieve menstrual cramps, as well as settle acute stomach upset. This variety of chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, is know as German chamomile. A related plant, Roman chamomile (anthemis nobilis), is less common but has similar effects. Both plants have feathery green leaves and delicate daisy-like flowers that, when crushed, give off a faint scent reminiscent of apples. And both grow along roadsides, in meadows and other abandoned places. Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylaicum ) History and uses : Cinnamon is a common ingredient in folk remedies for colds, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. It has been shown to be carminative (releasing gas in the stomach and intestines), and so is useful for settling an upset stomach and for alleviating diarrhea. Cinnamon has also been used as a treatment to stimulate the appetites of anorexics. Consumers should note that the variety of cinnamon available for home use is actually derived from cassia bark. It is a related species and is said to produce similar effects.

Nothing to add except this odd coincidence today 🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒 Story Time 🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒 So I'm sitting here the ER with a sore throat (waiting for my thoroughly hot physician to evaluate me) when a random patient blasts past me and nurses chase her down. I overhear the following conversation: *names changed to prevent HIPPA violations* Nurse Jackie: Where are going , hun? Sally Speedman: I'm going home to sleep Nurse Jackie: we can't let you go home. Youre intoxicated and threatened to harm yourself Sally Speedman: I want to go, I'm not drunk Nurse Jackie: Your alcohol level was over 400. We cant let you go. Security or Police will stop you and we will need to strap you to the bed. We don't want that. Please follow me back to your room Sally Speedman: This is my life & I can do whatever I want. I had gastic bypass so my alcohol only appears higher than normal people Nurse Jackie: Sorry but you are intoxicated and you have threatened to harm yourself 4x this month alone. The bypass doesn't change how much alcohol is currently in your blood. You are a danger to yourself. Crisis will need to evaluate you and your levels need to be stabilized before you are released... 🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒🕒 Patient is escorted by nurses and security back to room. I'm beginning to wonder how many people are experiencing crossover addictions/increased addiction/mental health crisis after WLS. We don't talk about it much prior to surgery except the warning not to drink etc but I don't see a lot of support groups/threads for it popping up either. Are they too embarrassed to ask for help so they simply fall through the cracks? Are Surgeons/Teams just not prepared to support these patients?

No alcohol lately but I have taken Motrin for headache. Band seems to be great no vomiting, nausea or any problems. No trouble with acid reflux just confused where this is coming from.....

I had VSG on 11/30/2012 and have kept off about 110# in the 6.75 years since then. I am ~ 25# overweight but right about at my original goal. I'm 5'11" (male), 195#, 34" waist, very fit and active, etc. I was down to 175# when I ran marathons but have had a few hip issues that are now resolved and had a minor regain. I actually really like how I look / feel at this weight as I looked a lot older at the lower end. I'm pretty happy with my weight loss. But since about 2 weeks out I've had ridiculously bad GERD. I get an annual endoscopy (familial cancer syndrome) and ever since VSG, I have had erosions show up from the reflux. This last time it was diagnosed as Barrett's Esophagus, which is a pre-cancerous syndrome. I cannot control it fully with meds. I either take 5-6 PPI (200-240mg esomeprazole magnesium) or 6-8 extra strength Zantact (900-1200mg ranitidine). These are of course way above the recommended limits and in the case of the PPI there are long-term risks associated with it they don't want for me as I need good bone density for my hip implant. The bariatric surgeon (University of Wisconsin) has recommended for years that I convert to RNY and after the Barrett's Esophagus diagnosis, my PCP and the genetic cancer team both strongly recommended it as well. So I'm going to do it despite not really wanting to. I have been approved by my insurer and have an early November surgery date. I have several concerns, most notably that I don't really have more than 25# to lose or I drop to the < 18 BMI range and I don't want to be there. The surgeon says he will make a larger pouch and a smaller bypass portion but it's still there and I work out all the time so I already know I will lose more than I want in the beginning. I guess I have a bunch of questions. Feel free to answer any and all if you've had this type of revision: 1. How long did you take off work? I'm told 2 weeks. I usually work from home at a computer. Was there much pain? 2. How long before you could work out again? 3. Did you lose more weight than you wanted? 4. Did it resolve your acid reflux (if that was the reason)? 5. Were you able to enjoy good food at special meals (holidays, etc.) with RNY? I'm terrified of losing ability to have a nice meal with family. What does a normal meal capacity look like at a year out? 6. Are bowel movements normal at some point? 7. Could you drink alcohol again? I'm fine going months without but at some point would like to enjoy a glass of champagne again. I can't right now as carbonation is brutal. I'm just reluctant even though I know I have to do this. Any re-assurances would be helpful.

thats me too! late-evening alcohol is a BIG trigger for my reflux. So? NO late evening alcohol. So, for those of us that have reflux symptoms - is this fill the last one for us? I mean, getting another fill - regardless of how tiny it would be - would only make the reflux stronger. So whats the point of ever even attempting getting another fill? hmmm... being 30 pounds from goal weight vs waking up in the middle of the night with vomit boiling in my throat.... not a hard decision. Although, I do feel cheated. Cant imagine how you feel, Sue.

No judgement here I love my wine and vodka!! From my experience I started drinking around 6-8months. Just be careful cause you don't want to dump. I had a vodka cooler once before my 1 year was up and it was embarrassing cause was at a social event. Bent over with cramps and running to bathroom. See if wine okay for you but that first year dumping can happen and it's like wth caused that?!! I went on a girls trip 4 months post op and didn't drink - it was hell!! But it's only a few months. Also you'll feel the alcohol very quickly I always have to eat and drink or I'll be under the table. And if I remember correctly we're supposed to be holding off on drinking with meals for the first few months....as that can also lead to dumping. Good luck it does get easier with time and as your body heals!

I went to a support group tonight. Problem is I am having my sleeve on Feb 5 on the east coast of Florida and I live on the west coast (about 2 hours away). My insurance only paid for Cleveland Clinic Florida which I am thrilled with but its a long way to go for the support groups. I decided to check out a support group here in my hometown and although they had good intentions and everyone was so nice, I freaked out and started crying. I was the only one in the group of about 25 that was pre op. Although everyone had good results (except one who started drinking soda and beer post op and stretched her sleeve), it brought it all to reality to me. I'm scared to death. I am an active "social butterfly" who loves to have fun and enjoy evenings and happy hours out occasionally with my friends. Many said its not possible anymore. They talked about how difficult it was to change their lifestyles and how they just stopped going out because the temptation was too great to have a cocktail. I am by no means an alcoholic and I am 50 years old so this has been a big part of my life for a long, long time but I do enjoy a couple drinks after a tough week on the job, a day at the beach, a cold beer at baseball game, sharing a bottle of wine with my husband at a nice romantic dinner, etc. You get my drift. Even my job requires me to attend work related networking events and business trips. And it's not just the drinks, it's just how everything will change and I love the way my life is now except for the fact that I am obese. Can I tolerate the changes I am about to undergo? Can I really do this? Am I going to regret this decision? Am I going to start refusing to go out or to the beach or hang with my friends anymore? Will I still be a fun person? AUGH!!!!!!! This is so much harder then I thought and I cant stop crying. Help!!! I don't want to get this far just to chicken out!!

Yep, ad nauseum. (I was |-| close to being a psychologist, decided against, but went ahead with the schooling anyway). A good psychologist will definitely be looking for addictive tendencies and will likely start to recommend alternatives or ways to try and supress the behaviors. It's also called "addiction hopping." One if the biggest problems is that the new addiction is either more damaging than the eating addiction (rugs, alcohol, etc.) or cannot be sustained for long periods of time, which can end you up right back where you started. Unfortunately this happens a lot in people who lose the weight on their own. They swap their food addiction for, say, an addiction to exercise and instead of eating 6000 calories a day, they're working out for 3 and 4 hours. Think about it. Who could really sustain that long term, that wasn't otherwise motivated to do so? Not many!

So much of my life revolved around food. I am a very good cook, if I say so myself, and I loved to do it. I am an accomplished cake decorator, and I loved to do it. My relationship with my husband started around food 20-some years ago and continued to be centered around food. I was sought out for cooking advice. My coworkers asked me to make this or that for the group. I hosted all the family get togethers. Of course I was terrified about the impact on all aspects of my life: family, marital, work, social. But guess what? No impact whatsoever. I still cook and bake for my family and coworkers. My husband and I still enjoy good food together. I still decorate cakes, but not as often, because I really will kill myself licking icing. I still host all the family get togethers. I just send most of the leftovers away, keeping just enough to enjoy one more meal of Thanksgiving goodies or whatever. I will say I don't enjoy eating out as much, but strictly from a practical point of view. I don't eat much, and it doesn't take me long to do it. I get fidgety while the others eat - but I'm not envious of them. I just don't feel like it's not worth the time or money anymore, but I go when I need to for social reasons. I never did drink much alcohol and still don't, but I will enjoy a drink now and then. It was altogether anti-climactic really. Oh! Almost forgot!! I just turned 60 and my coworkers threw a pizza and birthday cake party for me. I ate almost one slice of pizza, kinda greasy, and a pretty decent sized piece of cake! Just like everone else, except they ate an entire piece of pizza or maybe two.

I felt the same way. All of my milestones (onederland, certain pant sizes, goal weight) have kind of been anticlimactic because I don't know how to celebrate now. No cake, no alcohol, no huge steak dinner. I never went with the "buy yourself something" advice because 1) I don't have a lot of spare $$$ just lying around and. 2) shopping can certainly become a cross addiction...no sense starting up a bad habit. So I end up just sharing the news with my sister or a close friend, posting on here, and quietly embracing the warm fuzzy feeling and pat myself on the back. On the flip side, I'm hoping I can handle life's sad/ disappointing moments as non-destructively as the good times, since food and alcohol were my go to's for those also.

You may already know about the risks of replacement addictions, or even be fighting them yourself. The theory is that food is an addiction for pre-op bariatric surgery patients. Weight loss surgery helps you break your addiction to food, but it leaves a hole and puts you at risk for other addictions ranging from drugs and alcohol to exercise. Replacement addictions may be more common than you realized. This article describes research that found that 21% of gastric bypass patients in one study developed alcohol abuse problems over the next seven years. That is one out of every five gastric bypass patients! Being aware of the risk can help you avoid the pitfalls. You can also try to prevent negative addictions, such as drugs and alcohol, with positive ones. For example, you can fill the “food void” by taking up a new hobby such as gardening or art, or spend more time volunteering or exercising. Are you concerned about replacement addictions? If you are a post-op patient, have you developed any? Have you taken any steps to prevent them? If you are a pre-op patient, have you been warned about them? Are you planning any steps to prevent them?

Here is what I just got done telling someone else...hope it helps you. The reason you are on the liquids is to shrink your liver. This is the hardest part of the procedure. In this stage everyone wants to cheat. Everyone feels as if they could eat a horse and everyone has a VERY hard time. The only advice that I can give to you is to tell you, don't cheat no matter how hard it may be because I have heard of doctors canceling the surgery because of that. What I can tell you is that you are almost there and things will get better for you. The first week after surgery you should be ok until the swelling goes down and then you will unfortunately be hungry again until your first fill. The benefits are awesome though. Just wait until the weight starts falling off of you. You will feel much better. You can now tell everyone that has ever said, "this is the easy way out." that they must be out of their minds because there is nothing easy about this process. Right now your body is going through starvation mode. You will feel tired, you will feel all kinds of things, but like I said it does get better. Hang in there. You can do it. I have faith in you, have faith in yourself. We will save you a seat on the losers bench. In the liquid phase you can pretty much have anything except alcohol. Drink your Protein shakes but you might want to get some unflavored Protein powder so that you can mix it in broth also. The more protein you have the more full you will be. unjury has an unflavored chicken Soup flavored protein that is very good. (UNJURY is Medical Quality whey Protein Isolate. Best Tasting Whey Protein Powder. Most Trusted Whey Protein Powder Supplement. Taste the difference!). Please feel free to add me as an email buddy and I will try my best to encourage you to keep going. The best of luck to you. Keep looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, your almost there.

I'm 10 weeks, haven't been craving anything really. Heavy carbs or fatty/creamy/buttery things are too much for me, can't handle more than one bite or two then I feel ill. I'd mentally love to eat pizza, but the thought of actually eating makes me feel ill. Wish I could get more veggies down. They agree with me (cooked ones at least), but I just never get more than a bite after my protein, too full. I have found that ice cream, roasted pumpkin seeds, and alcohol (all no-nos) go down just fine I can't stomach carbonation at all, not even the tiniest sip.

gained two pounds over the weekend LOL. being a very very bad girl. saturday night mother's day dinner with four course meal (see below) then alcohol alcohol alcohol! so this week it's all no sugar (not even fruit or high sugar veggies like corn or carrots!) no carbs, no alcohol and clean up my act! workout five times is the goal. 3x is the min. let's do this! need to get to 140!

I did flip I was convinced the wine burnt a hole my my new stomach and I was dying. ... yes a bit extreme but so is blood. I was a mess till they told me I would be okay. Said it was like pouring alcohol on a fresh cut... causes it to bleed more and it hurts.

I had surgery 2/2/16 so I am in the same spot as everyone here. I have been eating soft fried eggs every morning for like 4 days now. No issues whatsoever. My HW is 390 my Pre Op Weight was 365, CW is 328!!! Im male, 5,10 (single lol) I'm feeling great! Also I've had a couple servings of alcohol, one whiskey sour and sipped one shot of Patron tequila. All went down smooth. Tried wine once but it was too acidic going down. Alcohol will def be a once in a great while thing tho. I was two lbs lighter on the scale the next day if you can believe it! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

TMI. Warning: I had blood in my stool and urin. Went to the doctors and they said I was bleeding and asked if I had consumed alcohol. Lol My consumption was mindless.. and it hurt when I drank it.

How are you feeling? What are you eating? How are you sleeping? Do you use a Cpap? Have you had any acid reflux? I want to know everything about everyone, lol! =) Feel great...down 55lbs, 2 shirt sizes and 3 pant sizes. Not bad for a month. I sleep longer than I used to...I need about 9 hours to feel energized. I've never needed a cpap. The acid feeling is weird, I don't help it because I have indulged with the occasional cocktail...is what it is though. Thank you! I sleep better as well, so odd because before surgery I had so much trouble. I hope this part continues! I got a wedge pillow to sleep on to raise my head, I'd try that at night for sure if you haven't yet. I haven't had alcohol in a 3 months now. Really ... and I never liked hard alcohol or wine, I only like good beer. But I can't have the fuzz nor the alcohol. Yet? O.o

Yesterday I went to a friends after work and like normal she handed us all a glass of wine. I thought nothing of it forgot all about the fact that I have a new stomach and took a sip of wine. My body reminded me immediately that it was not ready for alcohol and I felt that wine burn all the way down into every crevice of my stomach. My face turned bright red I got hot and I started to panic I grab some water and started sipping on water. I won't be making that mistake again an ytime soon.

Hi Magnolia, First, as far as staying logged on to the forum, that has something to do with whether your computer uses Cookies and what your security settings are. That's a technical thing I can't really help with, but suffice to say it's on your end. You are staying logged on DURING each session, right? This forum is organized by message "threads" within topic areas. If you want to see the just the recently active threads click on "New Posts" at the top of the home page when you arrive and after you log in. That will show you only those threads that have new posts since you were last here. The ones marked with black dots are the ones in which you have posted. Posting a reply can be done by clicking on any of the "reply" buttons, and of course we always try to stay on topic. Next, about your 1cc fill: Every doctor approaches fills differently. There is no "right" or "normal" amount of Fluid, and in any event the effect of a certain amount varies immensely from person to person. Ask your doctor what he expects the result of this fill to be--did he expect you to be substantially restricted right off the bat, or is he approaching good restriction slowly? Once you have the answer to that question, you can evaluate whether this fill was successful or not. a small turkey buger patty, tomatoe, smashed avocado, pickle and half an ear of corn with no problem Did you eat all this quickly at one sitting? It sounds like a perfectly fine meal and one that I might be able to eat, but only if the burger had no bun and it would take me a while in any event. My point is that's not a whole lot of food and I'm sure it's nowhere near what you would have eaten prebanding. There is another whole thread about alcohol. Is it OK to have a margarita? Well, sure, if you're willing to take in the empty calories and possibly compromise your sense of fullness. Many people report that even one drink is enough to get a buzz and also makes them eat more absentmindedly, which at best means more calories and at worst can mean pain. But it's up to you.

Bridget, this is Penny.......the other scared girl on your thread. I can relate to what you say about "I eat because I want to eat." Actually, that is what scares me. That is what I hear from alcohol and drug addicts who are fighting treatment. Even though their health, career, family are on the line....they won't consider stopping the destruction. It's the addiction that has them convinced that they are drinking or drugging because they want to. The fact is, they drug and we eat because we are addicted. You and I are faced with early deaths and yet we still are hanging on to the lifestyle that will take us from our families "just because we want to." I agree with IndigoGirl, you and I need to have a plan beyond just the band and diet. We need to have a plan to address our addiction. I am glad your husband loves you just the way you are but with your family history, he won't have that luxury for long. I am a health care social worker, I watch young people (50's and 50's) die every day from earlier life choices. It isn't pretty and the families suffer so deeply. Love yourself and your husband as much as he loves you and be healthy to grow old together. Maybe now isn't the right time for the band, but it is the right time to do your addiction work. Here's to us and our future!!! Penny

Momto6ix, why don't you leave it up to your husband about the bday party, including the menu and alcohol that he wants to serve? That's what I would want in his place. If I were him, I would definitely want to still have the party and I would enjoy my time with family and friends and I would make sure there were a couple of sleeve-friendly things that I could eat. You really have an enriched experience focusing very little on the food at these gatherings when you are post-VSG. It sounds like you might miss the routine with your husband of having a buddy who likes to go out to eat with you or doing food-centric things with family. I wondered about this with my husband bc we have only gone out to eat twice since I had surgery 8 weeks ago. But he has not complained at all and we have actually saved some money, too.

So true Chris R. Alcoholics and drug addicts can avoid people who use those substances, but everyone EATS! Not to mention there is a fast food restaurant on every corner. Multiple food commercials on every channel, every hour. Such a difficult challenge. I am glad there is now scientific proof that certain foods are just as addictive as heroin!