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On my plan sugar alcohols do NOT count. The way it was explained to me is that they're from artificial sweeteners and therefore do not spike blood sugar as much.

You can get fruit and nuts and veggies past your band if you don't have it too tight. The band reduces hunger and allows you to control what you eat but if you try to lose the weight too fast and have it that tight that you can't eat anything healthy then you are setting yourself up for disaster. Most folks want to feel full and can't work out that the band is all about not feeling empty rather than feeling full. I have been banded for 16 months, lost 48kgs and 4 months ago had all the Fluid out. I have since put on 5 kgs (almost straight away and nothing since) I am working out how to eat right without using my tool before I have it removed. I have the option to have it refilled in one large hit if I decide I can't go it alone. If your band is too tight then you learn nothing, you will probably get complications and if you have to have it removed you will probably regain all the lost weight because you don't take the time to learn while you lose. These things I knew before I was banded through reading everthing I was given and researching as much as possible. Those of you saying it is a scam; can you honestly say you were given no information and you had no opportunity to research for yourself or were you given the info that told you how it works and then expected it to work differently because that is what you wanted to believe? Were you really told that you would always feel full, you'd never think about food, the weight would drop off without any work from you and there was no possibility of any complications? or is that just what you wanted to believe? Slow down, take responsibility. The worst thing is an over filled band, fill it slowly and feel the difference, have it topped up as you lose weight because it gets looser. Learn as you go and don't blame the band if you don't give up ice cream/fizzy pop/alcohol/chocolate/lattes or whatever else you claim to be addicted to. What would you think of someone who bought a vacuum cleaner and then said it didn't work and that vacuum cleaners were scams just because they couldn't be bothered to take it out of the box, plug it in and push it around. If you used your vacuum cleaner right and had lovely clean carpets you would be unable to takeseriously those saying that vacuums didn't work at all. There are folks that the band fails but there are way more that fail their bands through lack of input. You hear about the band, you want the band, you dream about the band, it is the answer to all your problems then when you wake up with the band you don't like the reality because you prefered the dream and then instead of working to make the dream happen, you just move onto another dream, bypass or whatever. Let's face it, if you have half your stomach cut off then it has to be easy, right? I wish you all luck with your weight loss journeys but I think many of you need to start being pro-active and think about how to use this tool you have. And by the way, imho, once you have healed post surgery, you should eat good food slowly untll you are no longer hungry but never until you are full. Learn the difference between 'not hungry' and 'full' and if you are hungry an hour later then have a little more. Learn the difference between good foods and bad foods, good liquids and bad liquids and make the changes. Most of you will find it is up to you and if you do it right, it will work.

Alcohol. When are we able to drink again...obviously I am not talking about getting drunk, but what about a casual drink? I was banded a week ago and I know this is way too soon, but I am a single gal who likes to go out (which probably got me here in the first place, bars and greasy bar food!) and I was curious to find out how long people waited to try a drink again. Melanie

I stumbled on this support section on the forum last night and feel it was for a reason... I need some help . I am feeling like presently I am not only using food but alcohol as well to numb me and stuff everything down. I have had some complications and have been basically unrestricted and going crazy eating since May... I gained like 35 back now.... I also have been drinking as well all along and even when I was close to goal for the past four years... I am at a point emotionally where I realize I need professional help for my head and that I really need to sort out the baggage. It can't be pushed down anymore if I am using food and alcohol as my only source of comfort. Even when it was only a three ounce piece of salmon and pureed vegtables it was my source of focus and soothing always with an "expensive" glass of wine or more...Going "out" to a nice place was a n entire experience for me to make myself feel better... Is this so wrrong? I guess when you can'e control your eating and drinking it is... I am considering a 12 step...I have been to AA before a few years back but of course decided that I really did not have a problem ... I also had trouble finding a group I felt comfortable with. The person I asked to be my sponsor flaked out and I was scared off. I have been to Food Addicts for awhile. I have never tried OA . I just need some advice and connection with someone on here. I am banded ,,,soon to be re-banded and not your average case. I am feeling awful right now.

So, I looked up body dysmorphia (body disphoria usually deals with gender identity issues) and learned that it's not terribly uncommon. I do hope you'll consider therapy/counseling to deal with this. You'll feel so much better and learn to accept your body as it is now. The causes are unknown, but abnormalities in brain structure, genetics and environmental factors play a role. Symptoms include a frequent examination of appearance in the mirror, comparing their appearance to other people, avoiding social events and photos. Treatment includes medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Symptoms The symptoms include: Frequent examination of appearance in the mirror Constantly comparing their appearance with other people Seeking dermatological treatment or cosmetic surgery Avoiding social events and photos Seeking verbal reassurance Excessive grooming Restricted eating Anxiety Depression Compulsive behavior Treatments Treatment includes medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Medication Antidepressants: Such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) of help with symptoms of depression. Fluoxetine Self care Avoid alcohol and drugs: as they may worsen symptoms Be active: Perform exercises and engage in physical activity Therapies: Cognitive behavior therapy

Months before bariatric surgery, I started making diet & lifestyle changes, such as NO sugar, artificial sweeteners, desserts, processed food, carbonated/caffeinated/alcoholic beverages, smaller portion sizes, no drinking during meals, and minimal bread or rice. This allowed me to lose 30 lbs pre-op. I did not tell my family, colleagues, or friends (except for 1) about my gastric bypass surgery. No one noticed anything different after surgery as I had already been losing weight and was eating less in their presence. This allowed me to focus on myself and not have to deal with negative comments, energy, or misinformation. It worked well for me. YMMV

Hello moonlightdreamer and welcome! Let me start by saying that you are not alone. I know that I have had an unhealthy relationship with food for the past decade and actually found that it stemmed from my coping with my moms alcoholism. It didn't affect me until I became a mother. I made a promise to myself that I wouldnt drink or become an alcoholic; I didn't realize that I was actually turning into a foodaholic! Like you, it wasn't until I was confident with my progress in therapy that I decided to move forward with the surgery. In the past my weight has fluctuated between 80-100 lbs each year! Eek! I was banded two days ago and I am excited for this journey! I commend you on seeking this tool for your journey as well. You have made a major decision that will dramatically change your life for the better. Keep us posted! Good luck on your journey! -Cozy:)

you will have a busy 2 months good luck on your journey. A few sips of Alcohol will be all you will be able to manage. still drink lots of water before and after.

Unfortunately she has placed the addiction of food with alcohol, dealing with the emotional issues of addiction will surely help your whole family. You should try to get into some counseling together. Have an honest conversation with your kids, all sit down and discuss the feelings that drinking has on each of you.

For me, there was no question in my mind that I needed to do this. I have been on the weight yo-yo my entire life, and I had nearly 100 pounds I needed to lose. Tired of being a frequent flyer with Weight Watchers. I knew the surgery would involve a commitment to permanent lifestyle changes, and I was ready. So far, I am at 4 months post-op and down 65 pounds. And I have NO REGRETS - would do this again in a heartbeat! It was the best decision I have made in a long time. But I will not lie - it has been, at times, difficult. My head still wants pizza sometimes, or pasta, or whatever everyone else is eating. But I am commited to doing this the right way - I eat my lean protein and veggies and quit after a few bites when I am full. Is it POSSIBLE to eat whatever you want after surgery? For some people, yes, and for others, no. I cannot eat concentrated sugar in any form without horrible stomach cramps. But it is ALSO possible to gain all that weight back by eating slider foods and junk. With the ability to eat so little, you must be focused on getting nutrition in every bite. And it all boils down to calories in, calories out. You can pack a lot of calories "in" with alcohol and slider foods. So unless you are ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle, I would say "wait." For me, it was a no-brainer - I was totally ready, and I have NO REGRETS.

I was cleared to drink alcohol at 3 months post-op which was right on July 4th. I made a mix of sugar free Cranberry juice and a shot of vodka. Tasted good, didn't make me drunk, sick or passed out. But made sure I ate something beforehand and drank very slowly. Have fun!!

I was told a year, but I sipped a beer at about 6 weeks, hated the taste and still do 8 months post op. Had my first official drink 8 weeks post op, a margarita with lots of ice to dilute the drink. It will hit you fast, 2 sips in and I started to feel a tingling sensation in my nape, that's how I still know I'm getting tipsy. I did notice that even though it hits faster, it also metabolizes faster. I tasted wine about 4 months post op, prefer not to do it, cheap wine its not the way to go, my palate separates the alcohol and it taste like a sip of juice, followed by a sip of alcohol. Since then, I had done a skinny mojito twice. I do try to limit the amount of alcohol I'm consuming because of the empty calories, and because I do not want to go back to bad habits, socially I think is fine.

Hello Wv chef Im so sorry to hear about all your troubles & I agree with Crèekimp13! Alcohol is NEVER the way to cover over any problems! It just leads you to more as you have already experienced! I have a Niece who had a gastric bypass right after she graduated high school. She had been over weight most of her young life so wrhen she was old enough my Sister helped her to get the surgery. By the way shes now 25 or 26. Back then my sister, her Mom, didnt know about the gastric sleeve! Anyway my Niece loss all her weight & felt pretty & sexy for the first time in her life! She started to go partie, bars & started drinking, getting drunk which lead her to getting raped & anòther time she became pregnant & well...the fetus is no longer here![emoji17] To make a long story short.. she's still drinking despite all the help & encouragement from family & the TV show called Intervention. She is now living many miles away from her family, has a 4 yr old daughter, living with the babies father who is a drug addict & who beats her! So NO... alcohol is not good! And yes it will make you gain weight! WV let me ask you this...have you ever though about turning your life towards God? That is the Best direction you can go at this point in your life! Why not seek a way to have a personal Bible Study to show you how you can change you life & bring you much,much Joy! I promise you will never regret it or ever be alone no matter where you live! Sent from my SM-T530NU using BariatricPal mobile app

sooo today is my first saturday being out of bed / post op comma ,,, and my house mates have a few friends around having drinks in the shed and the all decided to get pizza : / and my favourite drink rummmmm EEEKKK so much temptation ,,, i knew that weekends would be hard as most of my friends head out clubbing and to partys on the weekends as do I ,, but not drinking alcohol is just al adjustment ill have to get used to ,, not just cuz the soft drink in the drinks will make me burp which is a little uncomfortable,, but also cuz there is soooo many calories in those drinks that its really NOT WORTH IT,, so yea just thought i would give you all a quick update,, get that off my chest as it is going to be one of those hurdles ill have to get through,, hope you all have a lovely weekend

I don't drink carbonated alcohol, and I count it in my daily calories, but once in a while I have a drink. Normally wine or white russian (CALORIES!!)..those are casino days when I'm not planning to eat anyway.

Hi all. This may be kind of long, so please bear with me. 13 years ago, due to a nasty divorce, I went on a diet of coffee and Water, and lost somewhere around 100 lbs in a little over 3 months. At that time, I started having major chest pain every time I had my period-to the point where I needed to be hospitalized every month for 4 days. I was throwing up bile and in so much pain every month-it was what I imagine a heart attack would feel like. They did extensive testing on me, and figured out that it was some kind of combination of endometriosis coupled with a strange form of pancreatitis. They decided there was some kind of pancreatitis involved, because during 2 different hospital stays, my amylase levels were way way up, and any surgeries that were consequently done triggered off attacks as bad as the ones I got with my period. They went in looking for the endometriosis, but never found it-although they told me that although they couldnt find it that didnt mean it wasnt there. I should also mention that until then, and after that I was never able to get pregnant, and we did end up adopting 2 beautiful children. I begged my dr to do a full hysterectomy, but he refused because they werent exactly sure what was causing the problem, so therefore they couldnt be sure that would stop it. I should mention that during this time, since they were testing for all kinds of things, they found I had a huge amount of gallstones, and they did a laparoscopy to remove my gall bladder. The surgery went well, however I did have an attack that lasted 4 days after, and the only thing that helped with the pain at that point was shots of dilaudid-(a form of heroin usually only given to cancer patients in their last days.... The doctor finally did put me on Lupron shots to stop my period, and I took them every month for over 5 years. The attacks all stopped, and I havent had a problem since. He did stop the shots 6 months ago, and although I have my period again-very irregularly, very heavy-I havent had an attack-thank goodness. Now, with all the reading I have been doing, I see that one side affect that is listed in the side affects that happen in less then 1% is pancreatitis. I also see that they wont put the lap band in someone who has chronic pancreatitis. Now I should mention that many pancreas problems are due to drinking excessive amounts of alcohol-which I dont do-not now nor ever. Other then maybe a glass of champagne on new years and a beer or 2 in the course of a whole year, I dont touch the stuff. The doctors never felt this was chronic pancreatitis-but they believed that endometriosis may be attached to the pancreas somewhere in my system which is extremely unusual. I guess my question is twofold. I have about 200 lbs to lose, and although I havent had an attack in over 4 years, of course I am scared to death that it will start again-I really cant even describe the kind of pain that was for me....My health is severely deteriorating due to the extra weight. I cant walk far because of my legs, my ankles are always swollen, I wake up short of breath very often, and I am out of breath from walking across the street. I really dont know how long my body can take all these extra pounds, and I have a 4 and a 5 year old to be here for. I am wondering if anyone here has had their pancreas affected by the band at all, and how it happened...If the surgeon is willing to do the lap band surgery, can anyone familiar with pancreas problems give me any suggestions as to what the dr could do to avoid it? Do you think the type of meds they use to put me under could also have something to do with the problems I have had? I know no one here is a dr, I am just wondering if anyone else has had any kind of experience with this sort of thing. I have been reading alot on alot of different message boards, and I havent seen anyone mention anything about it....:help: If youve gotten this far in my messy story, thanks for reading-and thanks to anyone who can offer me any insight. I do have an appointment in early July to start the ball rolling...I know the dr will have his own opinions....I guess I just want to know what others think as well... ~Dawn

Hi Gang! First, I want to say that this board has been a GODSEND to me. I have learned so much from you guys and received so much support from here - wow - I can't even thank you all enough. But Thank You All!! :sad0: I cannot BELIEVE I'm finally here writing about my journey three months out; time went so fast but at times, it's like, it's about time!! The journey has been nothing short of incredible, mind boggling and, like Tiff said at one time, a mind twist for sure! It's all good and I wouldn't change a thing! I am so happy I did this!! I have posted some pictures in my album, I'm .5 pound short of 60 pounds today - I figure I'll hit 60 later today after I ride my bike - that's always good for a pound or so. The pics are 50 pounds down and also include the other two that had surgery the same day as me - you all are familiar with Gary_B - that's him before. I'm in the pink shirt. Samantha had rny with Aceves. My goal was 50 pounds by tax day - I beat it by three days. A few observations thus far; people didn't really start to notice my weight loss until I was well into the 40+ pounds lost. Very aggravating. Now, less than 60 lost, some are saying don't lose more. Moral to the story, keep the public tuned out!! They mean well but they really don't know what they are talking about most of the time! Eating has been wonderful; I have always had an Iron gut and that remains. Nothing has bothered me and I'm happy about that. I've only "hurt" myself twice; once when I first went onto solids and ate a hard boiled egg too fast... so that's what sliming is all about... that was horrible, and a second time when I was trying to eat on the fly and ate some wings way too fast again... Not as bad of an episode as the egg but gross nevertheless. I've never thrown anything up but came close these two times. I still have a terrible time slowing down eating - it really is hard for me, especially being around my family that inhales their food. I am trying to get better with that and hope I don't damage my sleeve in the meantime. I do know when to stop, however, and don't do anything to make pain, obviously pain is bad. I also have very bad head hunger sometimes and am thankful (mostly) that my sleeve is there to keep it in check. I was in New Orleans by myself last week on business where every other business is a fantastic restaurant - I thought I was going to go nuts. Double whammy on going out to eat alone, I won't do it because of the tiny portion business... I do find myself obsessing about food more than I like; the old fat girl is still there, no doubt. I'm hoping this gets better, I really hope it does. I am staying under 1000 cals per day, under 25 carbs per day and as much Protein as I can get in - I try for 90-100 g's. I log religiously on myfitnesspal.com. Hunger; I have had plenty but I know it's just gastric juices and not real hunger. My stomach likes to toy with me, however. I've really tried to listen to what my body is telling me and I've found that when I get these so-called hunger pangs, I've noticed that the feeling only lasts for a couple of minutes, usually. If it doesn't, it's rare and it's usually late in the day; I've had to take an extra half nexium on occasion because of this. If I don't, or if I forget to take my dose in the morning, I pay dearly. I'm hoping this gets better but at least I know it's all acid related, controllable, and I'm not truly hungry. Weight Loss; I have been thrilled with the ride so far, haven't had any real stalls but a couple of slow downs of barely 2 pounds in a week. I average about 4 pounds a week, give or take. I am following a very low carb diet while I'm in the losing phase. I know I could just take the restiction and lose slowly but that's not how I work. I am looking forward to a few more carbs once I meet goal for sure, but, I have to say, this has been the easiest "diet" ever. Even starvation didn't take 60 pounds off of me in three months. Not that I ever did starvation for three months... Anyway. I?m hoping to meet goal by my birthday; July 30. I think it?s very possible but I'm not going to obsess any more than I already am! :wink0: Drinking; I was surprised to find that I was/am more disturbed about not being able to chug liquids more than I ever thought I would be. I still can't chug like before but what I can drink is MUCH more than at the beginning. I still wish I could take more, especially when exercising but it's all good. This bothers me more than food issues. I am, however, getting in plenty of fluids; easily 100 oz per day. I keep a sport top Water bottle with me, mix single packs of Lipton or Arizona tea in them, and refill the same bottle for about a week from the tap before I toss it. Trying to do my best to be green. Tried alcohol once, two bloody marys, didn't get intoxicated, really a non-event. Avoiding alcohol now because of the calories. A glass of wine would be sooooo nice, however... coffee has been the best thing ever, I started back probably 2 or 3 weeks out; heaven. Just my one power cup in the morning. I make it extra strong with splenda and powdered creamer. Yummy!! My periods have been a little whacked since surgery... will save the details but I'm hoping they get back to normal... Any regrets? NONE! Would I recommend this for someone thinking about it? Absolutely!!! I know that I had an easier time than many and anyone thinking about this should absolutely do their research including plenty of soul searching. Thanks again to everyone for listening, you guys are the best! Carol

Wow! So let me get this straight...lifestyle and diet modification is a MUST in order to experience long term weight loss? You really won't maintain long term if you continue to eat the things that "brang" ya to the Obesity Ball the first go-round? I'm actually pretty stoked to see this study. Thanks for posting it. I've believed that we had to change, and change fast and permanently since the year leading up to my surgery, and despite no matter how kind and gentle I shape my responses about this, I'm constantly slammed by "people who know better." People who want their proverbial cake and eat it too...(I'm not talking about the occasional "cheat" meal. I'm talking about people who think this is magic bean surgery that does all the heavy lifting for life and requires no effort or help from them. Who deny responsibility for their own behaviors re: food/alcohol/drugs/etc). This is most especially true on FB...not quite so much here in BP online community. Thanks for posting this. I'm def. gonna save it!

Hello out there! I am expecting to get banded this summer. Has anyone gone through Dr. Dent in Ottawa (Ontario, Canada) for the recomendation to Dr. Graber in Utica (New York, USA)? Also, Dr. Dent is recommending the RNY bypass, but I would really prefer the Lap Band from all I've read. It seems a little less invasive and leaves you with a slightly more normal lifestyle. (From what I understand bypass, never any caffiene or alcohol, but with lap band a glass of wine occasionally is ok and coffee is tolerable for many). Any comments would be appreciated!

I started counseling before surgery and continue to go see a therapist twice a week. What I am finding is that this process is very hard and when I slip up, I feel an even deeper sense of inadequacy. Before surgery I used alcohol and food to help me deal with my feelings and now that those are physically not an option, I feel like I lost 2 of my best friends. My advice would be to be honest with yourself and your own feelings. It makes it easier to confront and deal with those issues when they come up. I don't feel like the surgery increase my depression. I feel like it revealed to me how unhealthy my coping strategy was, and that was probably exactly the revelation that I needed.

you have to a recovering alcoholic for a year before you can get the surgery. i don't know how it is with everyone else's insurance or drs but this is the way it is with mine. if she isn't willing to take the steps to stop drinking then the band isn't going to help. you have to have self control with the band and not eat or drink. i'd def go in or call the drs office. if you call they might blow you off but if you were to go in person it might be better. but i would open my mouth. she does have to do the other tests like was mentioned so they might pick up on it. good luck

Amanda, we are so in the same boat. I did the 3 month insurance required diet and lost, but the whole time I just kept telling myself I was making better choices and choosing to eat smaller portions - I never really had a hard time with it and didn't have that "I'm STARVING" feeling, like I do on most diets. I had my pre-op on Wednesday and my pre-op diet consists of 3 or 4 replacement/protein shakes and a small Lean Cuisine type dinner. I tried to do some of it on Wed night, but didn't go so well. So on Thursday and Friday I tried to follow it, and now I feel like I'm STARVING! When I was on the 3 month diet I hardly ever felt hungry, went hours between my morning shake and lunch shake without a problem, and now I can barely go 15 minutes without thinking of something I can have, or feeling the need to eat. My stomach is rumbling and I'm grouchy and I feel like I did on every diet before. :-( My doctor wants me to lose 10 pounds in 7 days - I thought it would be easy, but since I lost over 20 pounds already that quick weight loss isn't happening now. Hopefully it will be fine no matter what - the nurse said since I've already lost a lot and I'm not that big anyways (one of the ONLY times I've ever heard that for many years!!!!) that even just a few pounds should be fine. Oh, and adding to the stress of a starvation diet I now have PMS, and I can't take anything but Tylenol. Or alcohol. I feel bad for my family having to live with me for the past couple of days. Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one having a hard time with this. Yesterday I ate about 1-2 cups of pistachios....definitely NOT on my pre-op diet. ~Kelly <3

The answer to the question would be true, maybe true, partially false or False. So a question would be, i have never had a problem with alcohol

I will probably catch a lot of flack, but here's my opinion: Have that 6 oz of wine. I know there are empty calories there, but you could do worse. Don't let the alcohol persuade you get "snacky", and let this be a one time thing on your pre-op.

Hello all...lately I have been having trouble being a good bander on the weekends (alcohol, food, exercise) but I was determined to change that. I'm proud to say that although my TOM hit over the weekend, I still lost! I'm officially in another decade. 230's! It has been years since I have seen a 2 and a 3 preceding the last digit! I weighed in at 239.2 this morning. I walked around the lake on Friday morning (before it got too hot! I'm in the south) which completed my 4 workouts for the week. AND I went to body step class yesterday afternoon so I'm already one workout behind me for the week! Plus for the entire weekend I got in my water and took my supplements. I'm pretty sure I ate much less that I should have. I have heard ladies say that during TOM they have more restriction...well I find that to be true. Saturday morning I cooked steak, eggs and grits. The steak got stuck! Never had a stuck episode like that before, needless to say, I didn't try anymore. I really thought I was going to throw up! After that, I just wasn't hungry. Didnt even think about food. I like that feeling!! I hope to keep this downward trend going....soon I will be seeing a 2 and another 2 before the last number! Woohoo!!!