Search the Community

My Dr/Nut said absolutely no alcohol or carbonation for a minimum of 3 months after surgery. By law they are required to say 6 months. But my nut was like *wink wink* you "can" have some at 3 months out.

First, I'm a lap bander.... One of the most liberating things I ever did after this surgery was to stop counting calories, measuring portion sizes, etc. I also stopped using my apps like fitbit, MFP, etc...drove me crazy and I was not loosing as good as I hoped. I simply learned to eat good, healthy nutritious foods, and let the band do it's magic....I eat when I'm hungry, and when I do I eat well, and stop when I do not want to continue, again when the band says stop. I have friends who have never been fat a day in their life....yet they go out and enjoy things in life, go to parties, alcohol when they wish, etc, etc. I observed their habits when it comes to food and so forth. Also their activity levels, always involved in something such as cycling, running, swimming....always into something as a past time. My lifestyle is, and has been for a few years now the same as theirs, which I consider a normal lifestyle, that lead to a normal weight and good health.....I don't know if they have to work at it or not.... I know I can do it now because the band enables (forces) me to......before surgery, forget it...absolutely no self control around food, and not much in the activity department either.... This is a new lifestyle, a new day to day way of life....DIET is a four letter word, something I will NEVER have to do or worry about again.... Since I eat so little, less often, and there are foods I will never be able to eat again, I have become a real health nut when it comes to food....vegetarian, organic and natural when possible, and always Protein first and foremost.

Am 4 weeks can i have a drink??

I am actually afraid of EVER eating ice cream again. First, I would have to say that chocolate ice cream has always been my favorite treat, even when I was previously thin. However, I developed a very bad habit of dealing with work stress by stopping at Baskin Robbins on my way home from work. This developed into an addiction as I stopped 5 times a week for over 2 years. That is the single biggest thing that caused me to gain 60+ pounds in two years and grow to 243. I am almost 8 months post sleeve and I have not had a single bite of ice cream. I am so afraid that, like an alcoholic, if I allow myself that first bite, it will start me down the path of weight gain again. The good news is that I don't crave it or even miss it. I LOVE my Protein shakes! I use unjury chocolate splendor powder in skim milk and I add about 2-3 inches of frozen banana, ice and a little powdered Peanut Butter. Blend away, and I feel like I am having a milk shake. This is better than Baskin Robbins because it tastes delicious and it is a healthy choice. Is anyone else afraid to even have a small amount of certain trigger foods?

Hey Cath, I'm now eating normal food but I need to be careful coz sometimes it doesn't sit well. I'm two months out now. Had my first drink if alcohol last night and seemed to go down ok. How are you going???

7/21 was my surgery date, and everything went very quickly, very smoothly. I woke up pretty quickly and felt really good almost immediately (thanks, Morphine!) My surgeon used an On-Q pain pump - it's a subcutaneous line that constantly drips pain med directly to the sight of surgery; I had to carry around a little 'hand-bag' for a couple days, but it's totally worth it! Up several times the first day. Had the catheter out the second day and didn't have any problems urinating after that. Had an x-ray with contrast (yucky stuff) on second day to check how everything was running. Stopped using Morphine and went oral on pain med the Wed morning after surgery, and other than one right before they pulled the Q-pump and the Penrose drain, as well as the central line IV in my neck, the afternoon of discharge (Wed afternoon) I really haven't needed pain medicine at all! I have some soreness, to be expected, but nothing I would even want a Tylenol for. I still had quite a bit of drainage in my Jackson-Pratt drain (the one with the bulb) so I went home with that - it was finally removed on my post-op appointment this last Wednesday (10 days with drain). I'm healing up really well, still a little bit of oozing from Penrose drain site, really nothing from the Jackson-Pratt drain site, and I'm itchy itchy itchy. I got oxygen delivered when I got home, I was needing just 1 liter of O2 during exercise and 1 liter at night; now I'm just 1 liter at night for another couple weeks - I've been sleeping really well, so it's helping me heal faster. I was sent home with Enoxaparin, an injectible blood thinner, and had to do that twice a day - here's a tip: be sure to let the alcohol dry before you inject, and keep the fat pinched for a few seconds after you're done injecting, it eases the burning. Prior to my post-op appointment I had to take a nutrition class, and there were several other people that had surgery the same day. I'm graduated to soft foods (yogurt, cottage cheese, scrambled egg, soft fish, etc.), and in another week or two I'll be introducing more soft foods, with solids in about 6 weeks. The day of surgery I was down 5lb from the start of things, and at my post-op I was a total of 20lb down (10 days out). Definitely the first couple of days I felt like I was sloshing around with all the liquids they put in my IV and what I was drinking. I was warned that I could gain Water weight right after surgery and that the scale is not your friend right now! I have noticed a change already, not so much with my clothes, but I can walk down my apartment stairs now without my knees crying - and that's at 20lbs! I would seriously counsel you all to NOT WEIGHT YOURSELF the first few weeks. In fact, I don't think the scale is a friend at all - you should be trying to eat right, drink right and exercise; working the program will guarantee weight loss, but focusing so much on numbers might just discourage you. I went back to work the Monday following surgery, I've been part-time this week but have had zero trouble driving (I have a 5-speed). FYI - the three things I only used from home in the hospital were my small fan, my Android cell phone with charger, and an extension cord for both. With my phone I had relaxing music playing at night, and with the fan I really did rest well - when I wasn't being woken up by nurses! lol Honestly, this exerpience has gone so smoothly and couldn't have gone better. I felt well educated going in, the doc and nursing staff were amazing and I feel a billion pounds lighter already! The only thing I'm pretty disappointed about was that I could not post anything on my cell phone! I have an Android and am using Bariatric Pal Pro, and everytime I tried to post I was kicked out - so annoying. Anyone that is going into surgery, I wish you all luck and good health.

It could be dehydration...But you also need to consider that it maybe Hypoglycemia. Both act similar and alcohol has a lot of sucrose in it! If you do have dehydration. G2 or coconut Water will help.

When I told my mom I was going to get surgery she just looked at me and said "your crazy, all you have to do is diet and exercise", really, wow problem solved, and an alcoholic should just stop drinking and a smoker just stop smoking. If only it were all that easy! Lets see, in my 53 years of life all but a few have been spent dieting and exercising and obsessing over my weight (0-10 were okay).

I am proud of the fact that I have quit alcohol for the time being in preparation of surgery. I think that most of my weight is from those bourbon drinks! Eventually I would like to have a drink or 2 in the future. Glad to know that I can if I really want too.

My psych also specializes in children and adolescents but I've been with him over 8 years now and I wouldn't want to change. At this point we're just in medication management. He asks me how I'm feeling and about my family situation (he also saw my ex-husband while we were married and he talks with me about my 20 yo son's drug and alcohol abuse). He accepts my insurance so that's not a factor for me. I only see him every 3 months to make sure the meds are still working. It's "medication maintenance". Maybe you could ask your doctor if he could write you 90 day scripts and just see you every three months. That will help with the costs and from what I hear from friends who see psychs for med maintenance it's normal practice. It's what my insurance will cover as well. Let him know it's what you'd like and see how he responds. Then you can make a decision to stay there or move on. Good luck!

I haven't heard of that particular one, but I do know there are lots of "Protein breads" out there. But again, there's always way more carbs than protein in anything like that. It's the nature of the beast...baked goods, bread, Pasta and grains will ALWAYS be carb heavy, no matter what they do to try and sell it as a protein or low carb product. Believe me, I don't eat perfect 100% of the time, but I sure did for the first 4-5 months. Since then I have had ice cream, tiramisu, cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, blueberry muffins, alcohol, crackers, noodles, etc. But not until I was at (or darned close to) goal weight. I don't plan on dieting the rest of my life, so I'm OK with eating these things in moderation since I'm technically in the maintenance stage. But 90% of the time it's still protein first, then veggies, fruit and whole grains/fiber.

You know, it is funny, if you mention alcohol, you hear about empty calories, blah, blah. I know they are emply, but I love an IPA, such as Sierra Nevada Torpedo. I am getting sleeved on Sept. 24, so I am worried I will miss it too much. You still have to live your life.

I was a big alcohol/beer/diet soda drinker before surgery. I drank like Kindle said she did. I have not tried alcohol since my surgery 4/9. I have not touched a diet soda since the day before surgery, butttttt I do have about 1/4 cup of Dr. Pepper every morning. I do not drink coffee, my Dr. Pepper is sort of my "coffee". I do not have any problems from it. I don't over do it. I make sure I do not drink more than 1/4 cup each morning. I say go for it. Within reason. I wouldn't drink a 12 pk...ONLY because of the calories, but I would partake. Enjoy it while you're young. You only live once. Don't listen to all the preaching. It drives me NUTS!

I was told no caffeine or alcohol for the first 6 months. I live on herbal tea and Vitamin Water Zero, the squeezed flavor is amazing!

Let’s face it - after bariatric surgery, life is not the same. Your diet will change, your body will change, and in many cases, your attitude will change. For many of us, however, a point in time comes when we find ourselves in a different state. In some respect, we almost forget that we’ve had bariatric surgery. After our initial phases of being on liquids, soft and chopped foods, and transitioning into full solids, we spend some time reveling in our ability to eat a ton less and to be able to only eat certain foods. For the first 6-12 months, we are in a “honeymoon phase” of sorts - we’re losing weight easily, we have the assurance that we just CAN’T eat certain things such as rice, bread, pasta, etc., and we’re in a certain mindset that I’ve dubbed the “Bariatric Brain”. For some of us, that mindset remains because we are never able to eat certain things without them getting stuck or without experiencing dumping syndrome. For others, that mindset all but disappears when we discover that we can eat certain foods without sliming or them getting stuck, or that other foods no longer send us to the bathroom for an hour. From my own experience, the downfall out of the “Bariatric Brain” began 6 months after my surgery. I was told my my nutritionist that I was allowed to have carbonation from that point on. I was a little confused, as all of the other people I knew with the sleeve had been told they could never have it again, but my addiction to diet soda was stronger than my common sense. From that point on, I learned I could also eat bread (8 months), pasta (10 months) and rice (14 months). From there, it was no-holds barred. Something else that happens with the sleeve that they don’t tell you is that at a certain point - your stomach capacity will increase after a time. This is because for a few months, it’s swollen to a point that you can only hold about ½ a cup of food at one time. After the first year, and it is completely healed, that capacity increases to about a cup. For someone that’s not expecting that, it can be a little confusing. For a food addict, it can be exciting and tempting. At that point, you are no longer bound by restrictions. When this happens, some people begin to forget about their surgery. They begin to get back into a different mindset. One of “oh, I can eat this!” instead of, “Nope - gotta leave that off”. When this happens, the diet shifts to one of fast food, sugar, carbs, soft drinks, and alcohol (not every food in every case, mind you). It is that moment when the tool that we so greatly loved and admired begins to fail us. Or, rather, WE begin to fail our TOOL. When this happens, it’s time to return to the mindset we were in during the first year. It’s time to think like a bariatric patient again. This is no easy feat, after all, we’ve returned to our addiction - FOOD. But at the same time, in the case of most other addictions - drugs, alcohol, nicotine, etc. - there is almost always a backslide. A heroine addict may sneak out of rehab for that one more fix, an AA leader might get depressed one night and get insanely drunk, someone trying to quit smoking might sneak a puff or two at a rock concert. These instances are normal and, some believe, even a healthy part of the healing from addiction. If this is acceptable in these cases, why is it not acceptable in the weight loss world? When this happens, take a step back. Look at yourself from the outside in. It’s important here to remind yourself that getting off track is NORMAL and OK. Although not everyone has done it, many MANY people have - and some of those people have the most successful weight loss stories on the Bariatric Pal forum. With that in mind, how does one go back to the “Bariatric Brain”? Go Back To Basics Remember what started the weight loss to begin with? Protein, water, walking? Get back to it! Make sure you’re getting AT LEAST 60g of protein a day (even better is 80-90g!). Make sure you’re getting AT LEAST 64oz of water a day, and make sure you’re getting some kind of activity for AT LEAST 15 minutes a day (30-45 minutes is better). Return To Liquids? Some people return to a liquid diet for a few days (no more than 3). They feel that this helps “reset” their system and returns their mindset back to where it should be. One way of doing this is through the “5-Day Pouch Test” (designed for RnY or Gastric Band patients) in which you return to liquids for a few days then gradually return to solid foods. For those that have the sleeve or the duodenal switch, the pouch test might not work for you as it’s not designed for that kind of surgery. That being said, if you feel the need, you can also return to liquids for a few days. Return To Support Groups Support groups are the #1 key to a successful weight loss surgery, regardless of your surgery or your stage. If you are a year or more out, consider returning to a support group. Hearing what the people in the early stages are having issues with, and helping them work through those issues can, in fact, help you work through yours. Read, and Educate Yourself Consider finding books, articles, cookbooks, and magazines on bariatric surgery. Do research on one aspect that really interests you. Immerse yourself in it again like you did in the beginning! Remember Your Motivation What was your reason for having Bariatric Surgery to begin with? Your health? Your family? Your looks? Looking at what you wanted from your surgery and where you are now might help you to refocus. In The End Remember … What you are going through right now is okay, and completely normal. Thousands of people are going through exactly the same thing you are. You are not alone! Remember that if you’re REALLY struggling, you can always find help. Talk you your nutritionist or dietician, seek mentorship in a support group, or find a good counselor that has experience with food addiction and bariatric patients. And ALWAYS remember - YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Have you gotten off track and lost your "Bariatric Brain"? Maybe it's time to start thinking like a bariatric patient again! Let’s face it - after bariatric surgery, life is not the same. Your diet will change, your body will change, and in many cases, your attitude will change. For many of us, however, a point in time comes when we find ourselves in a different state. In some respect, we almost forget that we’ve had bariatric surgery. After our initial phases of being on liquids, soft and chopped foods, and transitioning into full solids, we spend some time reveling in our ability to eat a ton less and to be able to only eat certain foods. For the first 6-12 months, we are in a “honeymoon phase” of sorts - we’re losing weight easily, we have the assurance that we just CAN’T eat certain things such as rice, bread, pasta, etc., and we’re in a certain mindset that I’ve dubbed the “Bariatric Brain”. For some of us, that mindset remains because we are never able to eat certain things without them getting stuck or without experiencing dumping syndrome. For others, that mindset all but disappears when we discover that we can eat certain foods without sliming or them getting stuck, or that other foods no longer send us to the bathroom for an hour. From my own experience, the downfall out of the “Bariatric Brain” began 6 months after my surgery. I was told my my nutritionist that I was allowed to have carbonation from that point on. I was a little confused, as all of the other people I knew with the sleeve had been told they could never have it again, but my addiction to diet soda was stronger than my common sense. From that point on, I learned I could also eat bread (8 months), pasta (10 months) and rice (14 months). From there, it was no-holds barred. Something else that happens with the sleeve that they don’t tell you is that at a certain point - your stomach capacity will increase after a time. This is because for a few months, it’s swollen to a point that you can only hold about ½ a cup of food at one time. After the first year, and it is completely healed, that capacity increases to about a cup. For someone that’s not expecting that, it can be a little confusing. For a food addict, it can be exciting and tempting. At that point, you are no longer bound by restrictions. When this happens, some people begin to forget about their surgery. They begin to get back into a different mindset. One of “oh, I can eat this!” instead of, “Nope - gotta leave that off”. When this happens, the diet shifts to one of fast food, sugar, carbs, soft drinks, and alcohol (not every food in every case, mind you). It is that moment when the tool that we so greatly loved and admired begins to fail us. Or, rather, WE begin to fail our TOOL. When this happens, it’s time to return to the mindset we were in during the first year. It’s time to think like a bariatric patient again. This is no easy feat, after all, we’ve returned to our addiction - FOOD. But at the same time, in the case of most other addictions - drugs, alcohol, nicotine, etc. - there is almost always a backslide. A heroine addict may sneak out of rehab for that one more fix, an AA leader might get depressed one night and get insanely drunk, someone trying to quit smoking might sneak a puff or two at a rock concert. These instances are normal and, some believe, even a healthy part of the healing from addiction. If this is acceptable in these cases, why is it not acceptable in the weight loss world? When this happens, take a step back. Look at yourself from the outside in. It’s important here to remind yourself that getting off track is NORMAL and OK. Although not everyone has done it, many MANY people have - and some of those people have the most successful weight loss stories on the Bariatric Pal forum. With that in mind, how does one go back to the “Bariatric Brain”? Go Back To Basics Remember what started the weight loss to begin with? Protein, water, walking? Get back to it! Make sure you’re getting AT LEAST 60g of protein a day (even better is 80-90g!). Make sure you’re getting AT LEAST 64oz of water a day, and make sure you’re getting some kind of activity for AT LEAST 15 minutes a day (30-45 minutes is better). Return To Liquids? Some people return to a liquid diet for a few days (no more than 3). They feel that this helps “reset” their system and returns their mindset back to where it should be. One way of doing this is through the “5-Day Pouch Test” (designed for RnY or Gastric Band patients) in which you return to liquids for a few days then gradually return to solid foods. For those that have the sleeve or the duodenal switch, the pouch test might not work for you as it’s not designed for that kind of surgery. That being said, if you feel the need, you can also return to liquids for a few days. Return To Support Groups Support groups are the #1 key to a successful weight loss surgery, regardless of your surgery or your stage. If you are a year or more out, consider returning to a support group. Hearing what the people in the early stages are having issues with, and helping them work through those issues can, in fact, help you work through yours. Read, and Educate Yourself Consider finding books, articles, cookbooks, and magazines on bariatric surgery. Do research on one aspect that really interests you. Immerse yourself in it again like you did in the beginning! Remember Your Motivation What was your reason for having Bariatric Surgery to begin with? Your health? Your family? Your looks? Looking at what you wanted from your surgery and where you are now might help you to refocus. In The End Remember … What you are going through right now is okay, and completely normal. Thousands of people are going through exactly the same thing you are. You are not alone! Remember that if you’re REALLY struggling, you can always find help. Talk you your nutritionist or dietician, seek mentorship in a support group, or find a good counselor that has experience with food addiction and bariatric patients. And ALWAYS remember - YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Sorry to hear Linda, but maybe venting and telling about it a little is part of the healing process. I wish you the best in recovery. I went through a one and a half year period several years ago (2007/2008) that was very trying and painful as well. During that period I went through a divorce, sick for 4 straight months which ended in having my tonsils removed at my advanced age, lost my oldest brother and best friend to brain cancer, shortly after that my mother died and then I lost my job.....just a week before Christmas. My family was very close and all of a sudden family life as I knew it was ripped apart. I never resorted to drugs or being an alcoholic, but I did some serious emotional eating and regained all of the weight I had lost prior to that crazy year and a half. I love life and this whole journey thing, but AT TIMES.....life can just plain suck. I just look at my life as that roller coaster ride, most of the turns are good and there are more ups than downs for my life, so I am thankful for that.

Hi everyone, I have enjoyed this forum and all the information and stories from others. I am scheduled for surgery on 8/12/14 and going for my pre-op appointment tomorrow. I was told my liquid diet would be about 10 days so for the past 10 days it seems I have been enjoying foods I know will be a thing of the past when this is all said and done. I just to know from fellow banders if anyone has lost friends or relationships because of your surgery and the necessary changes. I have a friend who I just hang out and drink with once a week and since last night was my last beer night with her, I received some hurtful comments. I have been open with her and she knows my timeline of events. Instead of support I was repeatedly asked when can I have beer again (um never) and can I meet up in two weeks and what is she supposed to do once I've done this surgery. I told her I thought it would be a minimum of 6 weeks before I could even have any alcohol and honestly I don't know if I even want it then. So after she left I felt horrible and re-thinking everything like I'm abandoning my friendship with her when I know it's about me and a healthier life. I feel like I'm so up and down emotionally since I made this decision and I would hate to think I would lose people in my life because of it.

I did not have any alcohol until I was back on regular food which was about 2 months post op. Now I do have an occasional drink but I have had to change my ways a little. Beer I have to drink really slow because of the bubbles and once it gets warm I am pretty much done so I don't drink beer too often. I can handle mixed drinks just fine but I stay away from the sugar heavy mixers. I do not have any issues with a vodka tonic although I do drink a little slower so I don't get too buzzed and so I don't have any issues with the carbonation. One odd thing I have noticed is that when it comes to wine I am ok with white but some red wine will make me nauseous almost to the point of throwing up so I have been avoiding red wine. You may notice your tastes changing after surgery also. My advice is to just lay off the alcohol for a little while after surgery to give your stomach time to heal and then slowly reintroduce it back into your life but as everyone else has mentioned your tolerance will change so be aware of that. One last thing, even though I have had to change my drinking habits no one has really even noticed. On the weekends after softball games the team always heads to the bar that sponsors our team. I can still hang out with the boys and enjoy myself just like I always did!!

When I went to my pre-op appointment they mentioned no alcohol beverages after 2 months of surgery. Hope that helps out.

I am a "chick" but I could out drink most guys I've ever met before surgery. It's almost like I'm immune to the effects of alcohol. Sure, I could get puking, stumbling, falling down drunk in college and in my 20's, but as I got older it's like I couldn't get "drunk" anymore. 12+ beers and numerous shots of whiskey and other mixed cocktails in a single day camping or boating would leave me a little buzzed but mostly sleepy. I had 2-3 very strong whiskey or vodka cocktails everyday after work just to "relax". (This was after my brother died and a food and alcohol daze is the way I chose to cope) I would definitely call myself a productive alcoholic. I was actually looking forward to alcohol affecting me more strongly after surgery, like so many people have reported. After 4 months out I had a glass of wine.....nothing. Then I had 2 glasses....nothing. Then one weekend at a golf tournament I had 3 vodka cranberries....got a little buzz, but nothing special. Had a Bloody Mary at a Kentucky Derby party but could only finish 1/2 because I got so full. As for carbonation, I've tried beer, sprite, and hard cider. They were all a no go. The bubbles burned and hurt. I've managed to take a sip or two if some new local brews, but a whole bottle would be out of the question. And to tell you the truth, I really haven't been that interested in drinking postop. I've been to several parties and out with friends and I am easily the only non-drinker in the crowd. The examples I listed above were more of "I wonder if I can" kind of experiments, but my craving for alcohol is totally gone. No one is more surprised about that than me! So I guess you will just have to wait and find out your yourself how you feel about drinking and whether or not you can tolerate carbonation.

@@H3LP, welcome. There are a lot of really nice people here and lots of good info. Your struggle sounds like many others on here. Of all of the things you said one phrase stood out; binge eating. I would strongly encourage you as part of your pathway to health and surgery, to seek counseling as well. Whichever procedure you may decide on, it won't fix your brain or your heart. Whatever drives you to binge eat will not be fixed through weight loss surgery (WLS). In fact, as you read through people's posts, you'll notice a lot of folks saying they wished they had dealt with the mental aspect (food addiction) before having surgery, because it is much harder afterwards to battle. Some people have no trouble at all and some people leave one addiction (food) and quickly swap it for another, such as alcohol. There are even some people who return to their old destructive patterns, stretch their sleeve out and regain weight. So my best advise is to research as much as you can and address the underlying issues to the best of your capacity, and with or without surgery you'll be successful. Best wishes to you.

All of my attempts at weight loss have been in good faith and with, what I thought, was a fairly educated mind about how to do it - yet I always failed. What I didn't do, until I was getting ready for WLS, is to address the emotional part of HOW I GOT to 330 pounds. I mean, how does that happen to someone? How can I be college educated, seemingly successful in other areas of my life and be squarly on a path to an early grave at my "own doing"? I had never really let go of my ego. I always had that bargaining voice in my head that rationalized and minimized dieting and weight loss. What this site did was to help me see that I AM NOT ALONE! There was power in that for me. I can't explain why, it just was. My parents are both alcoholics. My mom has 30+ years of sobriety and has dedicated her adult life to helping others with addiction. My dad has never gotten free from his addiction. I was exposed to the tennant of AA and the 12 steps a long time ago. As a teen, the foundations were laid but I NEVER really embraced the concept of accountability. I think this surgery MAKES me be accountable. It also gives me a control I have never experienced. That concept of "control" is one major difference between food and alcohol addiction. It is not a one size fits all. It's not like there is a perfect recipe for how to be successful in this BUT there are similarities of how people become successful. For an alcoholic, you don't go to bars, you don't take the first sip. For a food addict, it's not as simple. But there are lifestyle changes that support my goals. Again, I had NEVER, EVER considered the emotional side of weight loss (except for attending one, solitary OA meeting at age 23 in which I was so full of shame I could never go back). This time, at 45 and in a very different place in life, I was able to say "I am a food addict and the data (weighing 325+ pounds) supports that. I can't run from it." And all of that self realization brought a huge amount of shame in the beginning. I am coming up on my one year anniversary for my first doctor appointment (mid August). It's gotten easier to think about my failures in the past without shame. It's still there but it's less and less. I do know that if I get too far away from this site, the voices in my brain that tell me "it's okay to cheat today" start to creep back. This site, belonging to a community, helps me stay focused and accountable. I am far from perfect (I ate a half piece of cake yesterday) but I have come so far. People tell me how great I look and I minimize it. Not because I am not proud of myself, but because it doens't support success. When I say I have so far to go, they say "but you've come so far you should be proud". I have started explaining to people that I can't "celebrate" in the same sense of before. Celebrating tells my brain that it's ok to reward myself with an extra calorie or two or two hundred. It's a slippery slope and always will be. I still have a LONG way to go to get to a goal of "normal". The hardest work lies ahead. It scares me but I have some tools for success and I am going to keep coming back here checking in and being accountable. Thanks to all who commented - it helps keep us going!

The carbonation will stretch out your sleeve. Your friend is not doing the right thing. If he keeps it up he will fail and gain weight back. Alcohol is an issue because of the sugar. My niece had the lapband and lost 150 lbs. The problem that I see is the band can be loosened or tightened therefore consuming more food. I am worried about her because she is gaining some back. I've also read that the alcohol will hit you system faster and I have read to use caution when driving. I also read somewhere that you can have alcohol after 2 months up to a year. Question I have for my doctor. All I drink are margaritas and a beer occasionally. With the condition I am in now I will not miss the alcohol. I bet you will find you don't need it because you are going to be involved with so many new things. If these guys are friends they will support you. Going with this surgery is major, which is more important, getting healthy or having a beer with the boys. Good luck to you. Please post how you surgery goes next week !!

aaaahhh, Marybeth have your La Margaritas now because we aren't allowed to drink alcohol for at least a year after the surgery...or so says my surgeon. sort of sad too - never been much of a drinker but I was really enjoying trying out the variety of ways a margarita could be flavored...DInner's at La Casita, Wednesday the 20th at 6:30-ish for those of us who can do a central location. For those of us who can do a trip to the Becker/Albertville area or a return to the Maple Grove area...I'm seeing some interesting places in the immediate Albertville area - Space Aliens: http://spacealiens.com/albertville-mn/menu , D. Michael Bs: http://www.dmichaelbs.com/ordereze/Menu/0/Menus.aspx or Neighbors: http://www.neighborseateryandsaloon.com/# or we have several we can do in the Maple Grove area - 3 Square, Pittsburgh Blue, Granite City, Biaggis, Sawatdee, Claddagh Irish Pub, etc. Any thoughts? If we can do on Saturdays, that's good too... Share folks - what do you think? Later, Tyra