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Ive got DVD's, and almost everything else here. But still bored to death. Most of our outings here are eating out. It is all you have to do in this country. I didnt care if someone ripped me for asking about alcohol. If we were all angels we wouldnt have had to have the lap band. And I sure dont need a sermon at age 53, nor will I listen to one. So I appreciate the advice I recieved. Thanks

Ok so lets see if this dang thing will let me post today It's really miserable weather here today. Another snow/sleet/rain storm. My street isn't plowed yet and I have a feeling it won't be today and it's going to be a frozen mess tomorrow. DH worked hard cleaning up our driveway while I worked on the walkway and cleaned the cars. We drove DS to work today because it's really slick and he's not experienced in the snow yet...THAT makes for a nervous mom! I have a feeling his boss is going to ask him to stay after 2pm since he's there anyway and others may not make it in. We'll see :Banane11: We went to DH's work party last night and they had it at a race track. The restaurant was pretty nice, loud group but, fun. Ummmm I was buzzin to say the least. We got there early so DH and I waited in the bar area..they had this martini called a Tiramasu Martini. Ok I'll try that...WHEW it blew my socks off and when his boss came in he bought me another one. Ohhh I was a happy girl lmao. Prior to Chrispy's sangrias at my house party last weekend I hadn't had any alcohol in almost a year. So I'm a lightweight for alcohol anyway lol. Of course trying to save calories all day so I wouldn't go over with this meal meant I hadn't eaten much before drinking either lol. Both DH and I had upset tummy's this morning but, we're back on track again today. I think that's the end of parties so that's a good thing lol I only have 5 gift certificates to get and I'm done shopping. I'm suppose to be wrapping gifts today but, man I'm feeling pretty lazy after shoveling, salting and cleaning cars. Still have laundry calling my name too UGH. Sundays are FAR from a day of rest in this house! Betty - Are you feeling better now? I sure hope so. I hope you had fun at your party. I'll get a picture posted one of these days *wink...just hate having them taken lol Cindy - You're right...things get really crazy this time of year. Not enough hours in the day huh? Hope you've been able to relax a little bit between your job, school and volunteering stuff. Eileen - Hmmm can't figure out what to get DH huh? Does he have a cordless screwdriver? Got my DH one of those last year and he uses it constantly! Very helpful when fixing small things and in my DH's case the computers. Taking the casings off and on etc. He's told me several times he loves it. I got it at Sears and it has it's own case with lots of bits with it and rechargeable battery...it's not a huge thing, most like the size of a hammer handle but strong enough to do the job. I think last year it was $20 on sale or something like that. Not too pricey. Diane/Signgirl - Take a few more days of liquids and if you're having trouble even with those then consider a slight unfill. I just went through that myself. In the dr. office I was able to get Water down no problem but, as the day went on things swelled and the water wasn't going down right either. This is the 2nd time that's happened to me. The first time I couldn't even swallow my own saliva this time I KNEW it was too much. He had put in more than I told him I wanted and sure enough I was right. He thought i was nuts when I went back and asked him to please take out .25 since I wanted 1.25 not 1.50 that he gave me. He suggested that if I lost 10 pounds it would losen up but, HONESTLY did I want to wait 5 more weeks and not be able to drink or eat to get there? I was also suffering once again from acid reflux so I knew the slight unfill had to happen. Even with it I still had a little reflux but, I've since lost 15 more pounds and no more reflux :Banane08: I wish you the best with your fill...take it slow and easy and YOU know your own body :Banane23: Patty - sorry you're still having computer trouble. I know I hate it when mine isn't working right. I hope the boys are all feeling good and ready for Santa. Pat - I love the hair especially the coloring. Is it hard to style yourself? Don't you just wish you had a 3rd hand sometimes when stying hair? I know I do. They do it so nice at the shop and then I try to repeat it at home it's like I need another hand lol. Have you finished your shopping and wrapping? Chrispy - ya still busy huh girl? hee hee. Been really snowing lately here hope you're staying warm with your new booo. (Psssss he's really nice ladies...I got to meet him last weekend. It's about DANG time as I tell Chris :success1: ) Kat - I think it's great that you do so much with your granddaughter. I would have a blast making the gingerbread houses with her. I love it when kids make them and you're clueless on what the heck they're putting on there and yet you KNOW they're doing it just to get as much candy on the dang things as possible hahaha. I've made a few with my friends daughter to learn that one lol. I think it's really special and your GD is very lucky to have you for a grandma. My mom never really got close to my son or her other grandkids....she loves them but, never really did anything with them and still doesn't. On the other hand my son is lucky my ex's mom spoils him rotten and loves spending time with him. She's 89 and absolutely adores "her boy" as she calls him. "Grammy" cooks him and his dad dinner every Wednesday night so they can spend time together and she loves making my son's favorite Fried chicken just for him. He puts in a request and you know it's made lol. She is so sweet and I miss her. Anyway....you're the sweetest to do all that you do for your family. Jetti - Your post is correct..one step at a time and it doesn't matter fast or slow as long as its something. You're really doing great with your walking and I used to do the same thing...tell myself ok today was 20 min, tomorrow i'll stay on the dreadmill 22,then 23 then 24...you build up to it. I've found if I put on a 30 min show then it goes by quicker and I don't watch the clock because I want to see the end of the show anyway :Banane27: Walking the mall has helped me too. Around here they open it up at 6am for people to walk so on weekends DH and I go for our walk around 7:30 or so and get in over 6000 steps before we leave. We'll go back again at night if we need to, to get to our 10K steps a day. Good luck my friend...keep up the great work. Diane - Oooo candy is a tough one. If I don't take the first piece I do great...take that one damn piece and I'm a gonner for the day. My favorite saying "One is TOO many and 12 isn't enough" helps me get past that urge to take that first piece...ON MOST DAYS. I'm far from perfect so I'm with ya on some of those days. Good luck staying away from it...now if you come up with a trick to trick our minds that that stuff is NOT tastey...pleasssssssse let me know hee hee Mandy - NICE gift from DH! :waytogo: You know I think the Honda I have in our shed is the same thing. DH and I bought it when I first got my motorcycle license and he painted the gas tank, fender and motor side covers this pretty paint that is green when you look at it one way and at a different angle it's purple. SOOo pretty but, ..... it's too tall for me to ride. Yeap....I'm too nervous on it for me anyway. So now it's sitting in the shed waiting to be sold along with my DH's Honda Hawk (I think it is) because when we went to look for another motorcycle for me I ummmm ended up picking up a Yamaha Midnight Venture instead. lol. Yeap I sit on the back and let him drive it. I'm holding out for an automatic motorcycle...maybe next summer or the year after. I'd be more comfortable with that for myself actually. I don't enjoy the shifting thing. Anyway, DH was suppose to post the things on Craigs list but, he's been stalling. I don't know enough about them to do it myself UGH. 3 motorcycles in a small shed just doesn't make sense lol. I wish you the best with yours..they really are a sharp looking bike and Hondas last so long :scales: Drive safe and you're right stay using your gear! May the angels ride alongside your bike :woot: (Yours too Betty!) Anne - Your dad is in my prayers and so are you and your family. Thinking of you my friend Hmmm ok I'm afraid I'm going to lose this dang post again so I'm going to click send now. So sorry if I missed anyone and I hope you're all doing well and shrinking. Oh and thank you so much for all the well wishes and congrats on my onderland. I truly appreciate it and I'm still finding it hard to believe that it's finally happened. Hopefully I'll keep it there with all this dang holiday stuff being around me lol

Their regular protein bars are amazing...like 5 net carbs/20g protein. They are endorsed by Eggface and hungrygirl. Good ingredient list and some have no sugar alcohols at all, for people that have issues with that. Lots of great flavors too...chocolate chip cookie dough is awesome as well as apple pie and others. I got these peanut butter cups but haven't tried them yet either. Hopefully this product means they are branching out into the snack bar world similar to the Atkins snack bars that are more of a sub for candy bars. Anything that helps satisfy our cravings for the bad stuff is great!

Hot liquids and alcohol relax my sleeve. It worked with the band too, and I know some RNY'ers that use the same trick. Cold liquids definitely restrict my volume. I drink most everything at home at room temperature, and if I'm out I typically get easy or no ice.

I see a lot of folks saying that frozen yogurt is bad... The non frozen yogurt has 0 fat; 5 Mg cholesterol; 150 Mg sodium; 510 potassium; 15 carbs with 15 grams coming from sugars; and 11g of Protein. The frozen yogurt from Brahms has 2 grams of fat; 10 mgs of cholesterol; 60 Mg of sodium; 6g of sugar and 10g of sugar alcohols; and 4 g of protein. It is no sugar added and has the splenda label Would the frozen yogurt be bad to use as a Protein shake base? I like the consistentcy better but ive heard a lot of negative remarks regarding frozen yogurt. Reg yogurt is fine.... I actually like cottage cheese better as a base though; yogurt plain tastes so bitter. Any insight? I cant do Greek yogurt; it is too acidic for my tummy. Thanks y'all. I have not been sleeved yet but ive started incorporating Protein shakes for Breakfast to get the habit established.

I don't like soda pop at all, I have 1 alcoholic drink every month or 2, and the smell of coffee makes me nauseous, so I've never had a cup of coffee in my entire life ! ( Im 56). I have 1 cup of reg tea in the AM, and when that caffeine hits me Im bouncing off the walls ! ( I know, I know........ Im weird, but obviously very sensitive to caffeine and alcohol, etc....) After that, its decaf tea, Swiss Miss cocoa w/ water, and a little Propel water.

I do, but it's not because I'm replacing a food addiction with an alcohol addiction (food addiction is definitely still there!). It's because of a few reasons - now I live alone & a couple of nights a week I like to have some wine; sometimes if I've been having a stuck day I find it helps ease my band a bit. Those are the main ones. I do think I feel the effects a bit sooner than before, but probably only because I've probably been stuck most of the day so haven't eaten much & want to be able to eat at dinner (granted, it can lead to over-eating sadly).

I think it's always going to be a battle to an extent, but with time it will get better. I seriously consider this to be similar to recovering from alcoholism. I can beat my food issues, but chances are it's going to be a battle for the rest of my life. Although a lot of food thoughts went away once I was back to eating regular foods I'm finding myself having to push off some old habits wanting to return. For instance as soon as I get home from work I think I need to eat something although I really don't need to. I've also been annoyed this week at doing so much meal prep work. That's all tied in with my scale barely moving in the past two weeks. My head says the hell with it and have a few cheat foods, but I can't do it. Been through too much in this short period of time to give up to old habits. Can I ask if your plan is special/unique to your situation? The reason I ask is because most people, myself included, start the pureed stage after 2 weeks. Eight weeks seems a hell of a long time to just now be getting there.

I didn't like the Lean Dessert either. I get my Chike from ExpressMetabolics.com and it's around $38-40 a tub. But I just noticed that the Chike web site is selling it for $27. Well, shoot. I just bought a bunch at the higher price too. Yeah, Splenda is sucralose. Yesterday I got "Erythritol" at the store. It has no calories. I think it's a sugar alcohol though so that means it will give some people gas. I'm working on an Energy Bar recipe that calls for almost a cup of Karo Syrup and I'm looking for other things I can use instead to get the carbs and sugar down. I figure I'll use some of that and some of my whey Low and maybe some stuff that is already sweet and gooey like Peanut Butter.

Well, I think I have the best doctor in the world and I had absolutely no alcohol restriction except that you should be avoiding getting calories from liquids. There is some statistical data that indicates a higher rate of alcoholism in WLS patients, but there is also a higher rate of sex addiction. The fact is that if you are a food addict and the surgery takes away, or impedes that addiction an addiction transfer can occur. Just take it easy and talk to your doctor if you can.

Thank you for your thoughts. I am purely a social drinker but I'm in a band and most of our gigs are in pubs and clubs, so it somewhat goes with the territory. I'm not saying I need to drink but I can't remember gigging and not drinking with it, so that will definitely be an adjustment for me but I want to be thin a lot more than I want to drink alcohol. I'm hoping that I will be able to drink again in the future in moderation though.. lifestyle changes are good but I'm hoping not to become a nun here.

I had to agree to never drink alcohol again. Yup, for the rest of my life. Apparently there is a high rate of WLS patients becoming alcoholics/drinking in large quantities after surgery. My surgeon called it food transfer addiction. Instead of being addicted to food we become can become addicted to alcohol. I don't miss it. But two weeks post op? Yikes! Your pouch is still new and is not healed.

It took me about 9 months into the band to realize that I used food to cope. While I was losing I was on a natural high and when I hit goal all of a sudden I actually got depressed because I no longer had the high of losing. Once I had lost the weight and I no longer ate to cope I was in big trouble. I went to a therapist and he said I had to make a choice, either find a new way to cope or cut out some stress. That's why many people become alcoholics after WLS. They can no longer eat to cope and so they turn to another vice to take its place. Learning that you stress eat is helpful in the process though and is a great step in making changes in your life whether it be finding better ways to cope with stress or ultimately making the decision to eliminate some of the stress in your life. I'm trying a mixture of both right now but I'm not ready to cut out some of the stress that I probably should. At least knowing what I'm dealing with and making the decision to put up with it is my choice and it sometimes makes it easier.

I thought of several things as I was reading your post. I've been battling chronic depression and anxiety since I was 14 years old. You have done an awesome thing getting yourself through college while dealing with depression, anxiety and weight loss surgery. You deserve a round of applause! When I was your age, I was chasing that "high" or any good feeling with a lot of self medicating with food, alcohol and other things. I don't suggest going that direction because it just made me more depressed than ever. I went through some therapy but that didn't really help much either. I finally sought help from a good doctor. He explained that some people have severe chemical imbalances in their brains that cause depression. I started on antidepressants at that time. I was really really really lucky that the first one we tried worked well for me, we have adjusted medication over the years when needed. The truth is that science does not know enough about depression yet, as in doctors really have to guess what medication to start you on and sometimes it can take a while to find the right one. Another thing that came to mind is that I always have to carefully watch myself during February because I also have Seasonal Affective Disorder. The theory is we get less sunlight during the winter months which affects our brain chemicals. During the winter months, and especially February, I can't watch movies about anything depressing. Like I usually enjoy movies about World War II but I do not watch them right now. I started watching a movie about civil war in Liberia during the '80's and started crying in the first five minutes. I watch comedies in February. I go outside several times a day when the sun is out and just stroll around with my dog. Or sit out in the sun. It doesn't take long for these things to help me. So, I'm just relating my experiences here. Not trying to be an expert, just saying what has helped me. I hope and wish you the very best and that you will find something to help you through this time.

Saw this on Yahoo and I have to say, it's true for me. I can drink WAAAYYY more than before my surgery and I tend to find myself drinking daily, instead of socially. Need to change that asap, which I will. "Weight-Loss Surgery Increases Risk of Alcohol Addiction" Andrew Kahn was only a social drinker before his weight-loss surgery. He never imagined he would develop problems with alcohol because he had bariatric surgery. But he did. The 61-year-old from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who had his gastric bypass surgery in 2003, eventually developed alcoholism and was treated at a rehabilitation facility for his addiction. "I never had any guidance or education about that," said Kahn. "If I was given the choice between being obese and becoming an alcoholic, I would have thought about [my decision] more." The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric surgery estimates that approximately 72 million people are obese in the United States and 200,000 people have bariatric surgery each year. Kahn's alcohol addiction may not be a unique result of gastric bypass surgery. New research suggests that having Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, where the size of the stomach is reduced and the intestine is shortened, thus limiting how much a person can eat, can increase the risk of alcohol-use disorders. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, adds to mounting evidence of a link between have the popular gastric bypass surgery and the symptoms of alcohol-use disorders. Before the surgery, the nearly 2000 study participants completed a survey developed by the World Health Organization that is used to identify symptoms of alcohol abuse. The patients then completed the survey one and two years after their weight-loss surgery. The study found 7 percent of patients who had gastric bypass reported symptoms of alcohol use disorders prior to surgery. The second year after surgery, 10.7 percent of patients were reporting symptoms. The findings were published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "There have been previous studies that show there is a change in alcohol sensitivity in gastric bypass," Wendy King, a research assistant professor in the department of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and the study's lead author. King's study is the first to show that with this increased sensitivity there is also an increased risk of alcohol use disorders (AUD), the term used to describe alcohol abuse and dependence. Dr. Mitchell Roslin, a bariatric surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said the link between gastric bypass surgery and increased alcohol use has been attributed before to the shifting addiction theory and that this is false. The shifting addiction theory is that if a person has an impulsive drive to eat and the ability to eat large amounts of food is taken away, then he will shift his addiction to another addictive substance, like drugs or alcohol. "A gastric bypass patient has a small pouch [for a stomach] so alcohol goes straight into the intestine and is absorbed rapidly," said Roslin. "When it is absorbed rapidly, there is a high peak and rapid fall." The higher absorption rate makes alcohol more addictive, he added. Indeed, before his surgery, Kahn would have two drinks, then feel sleepy and go to bed. After the surgery, he said he felt the alcohol would go through his system faster, which allowed him to drink more. "It wears off so quickly so you can keep going and going," said Kahn. Gastric bypass is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the United States and represents 70 percent of all surgeries performed during the study. Laparoscopic gastric banding, where an adjustable band in placed around a patient's stomach and limits how much food the stomach can hold, did not have an associated risk with increases in alcohol problems. King said this is to be expected as gastric banding does not change the anatomy and thus the metabolism of alcohol like gastric bypass does. The study also found that the increase in alcohol-use disorders was not seen until the second post-operative year as opposed to the first year after surgery. "This emphasizes that continuing education about alcohol use is needed until the second year after surgery. With follow up [patients] need to hear about consumption and what is appropriate," said King. Dr. Leslie Heinberg, the Director of Behavioral Services for the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, thinks these increases are causes for caution more so than concern. Patients should be educated before their surgery about the changes that will occur in how they will absorb and metabolize alcohol. "Given that the increased rates of alcohol use disorders post-operatively are equivalent to what is seen in the general population, it shouldn't be a reason to avoid a life-saving procedure," said Heinberg. "Rather, it points to the importance of education, informed consent and continued monitoring." King said her study highlights one of the risks of the surgery but it is important for patients to take in context all of benefits and risks and work with doctors to determine what is the best option for them. "Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment we have for obesity. It would be shame if people walked away thinking gastric bypass was a bad procedure based on this [study]," said King. Andrew Kahn said that he did not have the opportunity to know that alcohol addiction may occur after his surgery and he wants other patients to be informed about these risks. He initially lost over 70 pounds after his surgery, but in the six months he was heavily drinking, he gained 35 of those pounds back and became depressed. He eventually attended a detoxification program and has been sober since 2010. Kahn said he would not have had an alcohol problem if he did not have gastric bypass. Still, he wouldn't have traded in the surgery if given a second chance. "Gastric bypass saved my life," he said. http://news.yahoo.com/weight-loss-surgery-increases-risk-alcohol-addiction-003820087--abc-news-health.html

That's how I've tried to explain it - it's "help" - that's all. I need control. I'm old enough and know myself well enough where I know what I can and can't control w/o help. I am a food addict. Period. Unlike booze and drugs, I can't just completely stop eating. Take an alcoholic and give them just a little bit of booze each and every day and see how they do.

I only had a 24 hour pre-op diet. About 2 weeks out I traded lunch for a Protein shake. At that point I also cut out coffee and struggled to cut out alcohol, I ate clean. Pretty much lean meats and vegetables only.

Penny, it sounds like you are in excellent hands with Dr. Hunky! That's the kind of Dr. you want when you're faced with difficult decisions. He is very reassuring and I hope he is 100% correct in his educated diagnosing. My prayers are with you. Lisa, I am so glad to read that you have decided to see a gastroenteroligist. (is that spelled right?!) You had an infection of long duration, and it probably requires long duration anti-biotics to resolve it. I hope the Dr.s take a personal interest in your case, and do what it takes to get you healthy and your band back in full working order. Best wishes your way. Oh yeah, I love to drink. It is my remedy of choice when stress comes a knockin'. I really watch myself though, because my dad was an alcoholic, and I don't want to go there. I strive for moderation, and it has worked thus far.

Bibo Are there any local support groups in your area? Does your doctor have a therapist you can speak to about your relationship with food? What is normal exactly? Being able to run through the drive-thru and order a Big Mac and a large order of fries? Maybe that has become normal in our culture but it's not healthy at all. We have become a fast food world in a fast food mindset. Even regular home cooking. I would make these big delicious meals and I would absolutely stuff myself. Two helpings! Two platefuls! At that rate, I wasn't going to be able to survive to see my grandchildren! There comes a time when you have to decide which is more important and why food has such control over your life. Food for us is very much like booze to an alcoholic. It controls our lives and it wrecks our health because we can't seem to consume it in moderation. You say you can't pick up your two year old right now. At the rate you were going, were you going to be around to see him/her graduate from high school? How many diets have you tried and failed at? I too sometimes think I should have given diet and exercise one more try. Well to be honest, I am dieting now! I have to watch my carbs and my calories. I have to make good food choices. But the one thing my band helps me with is quantity. Even if I do indulge in some mashed potatoes, I can't consume nearly the amount I used to! I am in a partnership with my band. It can't do it without me and I can't do it without my band. It definitely sounds like you have not come to terms with the changes you are going to have to make in order to be successful. This is a drastic lifestyle change and commitment. But it's a commitment to yourself and to your family. You're not going to be any good to them if you cannot move around or have diabetes, sleep apnea or any of the other comorbidities associated with obesity. You and I deserve to be healthy and happy people, not someone who is a slave to food. Find someone you can talk to locally to help you through this transition.

I have developed a plan. I imagine that with 26 people, they will start splintering off into smaller groups so I will gravitate to whatever group she is with. From there I will kind of gauge the situation. This thing ends around 10:30. Since it's a work thing, there's no alcohol. I'll assess the situation and see if an opportunity arises and ask her to go for a drink or something after. This is not something I have done before so it remains to be seen if I can follow through on it.

Oh there was one more question...she asked if I have been or currently am addicted to drugs or alcohol. I said no, too busy being addicted to food!

Wow, I must have missed the mean posts you guys have been reading...either that or I didn't read that into it. I think there is a definately a problem with written words as you cannot hear the intent or see the person writing it --- so something that may be said with sincerity may not come off that way. I guess for me I figure if I put something out here for the world to read/respond to then I have to take what responses I get and ignore any that rub me wrong. Don't let a few bad experiences chase you off -- people are imperfect and you never know what was going on with that person that day....we all have bad days/weeks/months....and sometimes it takes our buffer off and we may say things and not realize how it comes across to others. Ya know? I know on days that I am feeling stressed and tired that things annoy me a lot more than they normally would....and it could be the case that I could say something that someone takes wrong. I would hope that nobody would intentionally go in and be mean....if so I think we need to vote them off the island! LOL Hang in there --- there are lotsa wonderful people on here and everyone has their own experiences and advice...those grey topics like alcohol or soda pop will always spark a debate, it seems, and it is one of those things that folks will tell you what they did/heard from their doc/ etc and then you make your own decision. I can't tell you have many times I have read the negative posts about how wrong it is to drink pop, yadda yadda, which irks me...but I don't care as they are not my doctor. *I* make my choices and my doctor said it was OK after you have healed....and I like the caffeine free diet pop....I figure one or two a day isn't going to kill me, regardless of what everyone else thinks! My advice is to stay here and focus on the positives ----- and cut folks some slack if they may say something you don't like....unless it is a regular thing where they are being rude all the time to folks and then we need to take action and report them. This is a place for us to find compassion and understanding from our peers, not knock them down! Good luck! Kim

Hi there! I was sleeved by Dr Hart also, on May 15th, so I'm exactly 8 weeks out today. Lost 35 since surgery, 50 since heaviest weight. I'm doing really well, but I like to drink alcohol a few times a week. Vodka doesn't bother me at all, but trying to find new ideas for mixers. Seems like everything is either sugary or carbonated. Any yummy suggestions for what you drink? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, I am just wondering what I will be able to drink and looking for suggestions once I am back to drinking! Thanks for any replies :-)

Says anyone who was told "no liquids with calories" and who struggkes with carbs. I think that's tge majority here...your ability is in the minority. Pkus,all of my meds say bot to have alcohol ic beverges with them