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That's really horrible to hear, especially since you went to a center of excellence. Part of the "hoops" that most people need to go through is phyc counceling. When I had my appointment she was as honest with me as I was with her. She told me that I should get counceling throughout my weight loss. I chose not to. I was honest with her about my past and she told me that if I didn't deal with my issues, I could turn my food abuse and become abusive with other mediums, like alcohol, sex, gambling, smoking, as well as other food driven issues. I knew from the get go that the band was a tool. It was very plainly NOT the magic pill everyone is looking for. Even today at my fill... man is that another story, the Dr. was questioning me about eating, exercise ect. What kind of treatment are you starting Sat? Counceling?

OK. I went to OA at Atascocita Methodist on Pinehurst at 7PM. I just going to report it without sugar coating...You decide.... There were 6 of us. 2 of us were new. Everybody else had been going for decades and they were all fat. I know for sure I am a compulsive overeater and that it is very similar to alcoholism for me. I also know I reacted to this meeting like a lot of alcoholics do to AA. It was sooo slow. It was sooo methodical in its structure. The rules allow for testimonies but virtually no dialog between people. The readings were repetitive. I vascillated between antsy and sleepy. I also found that the structure was soothing. It didn't allow me to gloss over anything for myself... or talk too fast....or get wound up...or be entertaining... or glib. There's no place to hide. And it feels safe. You are to read the literature, work the steps on your own, use the tools (phone calls, getting a sponsor, writing, developing a food plan, etc), do it in your own time frame, and then the function of the meeting itself is to put some overall structure to the process, I think... I know I need it, probably as a philosophy for my life too. I just wonder if I want to devote the time to it now. They say to NOT make a commitment and just go to 6 meetings and then decide. I think I'll do that. Everything that anyone said rang true to me. And it's a big commitment.

I have just read the above two posts and found them to be very interesting. I don't much about you, Fluffy, but it seems to me that the life that you, your husband and your kids lead is a healthy, interesting, peaceful and responsible one. I know that when I was a young kid I used to dream of living in the country with lots of animals around me. You and your family are evidently very happy and very successful and this is how life should be for all of us. And lizrbit, it appears that your stand on individual reproductive rights approximates my own: it is up to the owner of the uterus to decide how she chooses to use it. It really is no one else's business. And now the modern demographics on reproduction in the affluent west further indicate that environmental footprint left by those couples choosing to have large families is more than cancelled out by the couples who are choosing to only have one child or are opting out of having kids altogether. It strikes me that there are two major groups of individuals who concern themselves in this business of other folks' reproductive activities. One of these groups is the right-to-lifers, a right-wing group whose membership is largely drawn from various Christian factions, and this gang would like to see women robbed of choice and thus over the control of their rights over their own bodies. The second group of individuals, unlike the first, may be said to come from across the political spectrum; these are those individuals who are distressed by the numbers of women who are unable to care for their children by reason of drug addiction, alcoholism, poverty, poor physical or mental health, violent/unstable family relationships but persist in having them irregardless. The right-to-life gang are anxious to see abortion made illegal. Many, but not all, of those individuals concerned with the issue of what they view as irresponsible fertility would like to see more of those women take advantage of abortion as an option.

Yeh. I think all docs tell you that. But my dietician told me that it was fine to drink non-carbonated drinks (i.e. sugar free margaritas/daquiris (see www.bariatriceating.com for GREAT mixers) and my personal favorite is WINE. Also, if I can spare the calories I'll go for a Cape Cod (cranberry juice and vodka). The bubbly drink thing is supposed to be for the rest of your life (or at least your banded life) because "supposedly" the carbonation can expand the pouch and the extra gas causes discomfort. About 2 months out I had a sip of champagne and it didn't bother me, but I just don't want to risk it. Generally docs say no alcohol for a year or so because they don't want you to have the empty calories. Kristin P.S. LMAO at your screen name! I love it!!

I'm sorry that you are struggling with this tough issue on top of dealing with all the other "band rules". My doctor makes his patients sign a "contract" that says we won't drink for atleast a year. He said that alcohol is liquid calories but more importantly causes stress to the body which releases cortisol and cortisol causes the body to store fat, particularly in the belly. I hope this helps.

Well, I hate to admit it, but I am worried about this same thing. I often socially drink and usually have a couple of beers or drinks to 'wind down' at the end of the day. It DOES add up. I wonder if I start looking at this as calories rather than a nice relaxation thingie would that make a difference. Truthfully, I can't see myself giving up my nightcap, but I know with alcohol, like food, I will have to make adjustments to my life and figure out what is working and what is not. Cashley-that is too funny...let me go through my cabinet and see what 'alcohol substitues' I can fine....(kidding yall)

I don't think there is enough alcohol in the world to make me ready to see plain's, um, toys. Nope. Now, the pink wig and cone bra? I am so there!:thumbup:

I'm also an ICU nurse, and I agree with PCindy. Plus, the 'resp depression' usually is the patient breathing too slowly or not deeply enough, not WANTING to breathe and not being able to. Its exactly like someone who drinks a massive amount of alcohol and then passes out on the couch. The reason its given over two mins is so that it dosent irritate your vein and burn like crazy. I cant believe that doctor didnt just admit what they did instead of leading you to believe that you have some sort of problem with the drug. very scary:(

Yay! Dawn is back! Yep the band changes how much alcohol we can handle. I rarely drink anything anymore, I already was a cheap date! Glad you had nice night out. Enjoy the 4th week!

The hard part is there is going to be LOTS of alcohol flowing but I have to make sure it doesn't flow my way 0_o

PRBrooksie, I don't think anyone meant to offend you but all of us experience different things in life. Using the collective experiences and finding the answer or combination of answers that work for you is the key. Everyone of us is an individual that shares the common bond of being overweight AND trying to do something about it. Food *IS* a drug. And in some ways far worse than drugs or alcohol as those you can opt to avoid. Ask any professional and they'll tell you an alcoholic should not touch a drop. Unfortunately, a "foodalholic" doesn't have that option making it a much harder addiction to kick. You have to have food. The key is eating in moderation. (A drunk doesn't get to drink in moderation!) Mental health, and I'm not talking about being "nuts", is key. YOU have to have confidence in your ability and stop beating yourself up. No one else is going to be as big of an advocate for your success than you are yourself. You may need some help in changing your outlook. Once your start with that, the rest may become much easier. Tom

I'm trying to think of all of them as trying to be helpful. The only one I really blew it with was my mother. I did so well at Christmas dinner, and then my mother brought out this incredible lemon cake pudding that I adore. She said she made it just for me...sugar free and with only a tablespoon of flour for the whole batch. i ate it with gusto. Then she told me it really had sugar in it and she just didn't think it would hurt me on Christmas. I told her that was like shoving a bottle of liquor in an alcoholic's mouth. She said she'd never do something like that and how could I say that. Then she said she'd never feed me again. Then we let it pass and went on enjoying Christmas. Brutalized and duped by my own enabling 90 year old Mother! Oy vay! I was actually more annoyed with me than her...I've been going after lots of sweets...odd since I rarely did before. Not sure what that's about, but thanks for helpin' out, Ma!

I'm ok. I canceled my fill appointment because I was still ill from the weekend. Let's just say I now need to swear off alcohol!!! I did get on my elliptical yesterday for 30 minutes. I'm going to shoot for every other day. I cut out the sweets yesterday and only had a small sample today when I went to Publix. I'm a sugar addict so that's a plus for me. Still fighting the head hunger like crazy, though. I can't believe I've had this band 6 months and I haven't made progress. It's all my fault, though. I've started having the "wish I had had RNY" thoughts but then I remind myself that that would have been cutting up my insides. I've had 2 days of success (as I define it) so hopefully I'll keep going. Thanks, Nat, for always checking in on me!!!

My regular doctor had me on ranitadine. I was having problems crushing all my meds and this was a liquid. It's basically liquid zantac. The problem-it contains 7.5% alcohol. Also I'm on a very strong antibiotic for an abscess tooth. They said it would destroy a regular stomach let alone a small one. They now have me on protonics. I took it years ago. Hopefully all this will work... Jess...Surgiversary 9/19/12

Hi Engelyn, I understand your fears. I have some of the same especially around alcohol restriction and people knowing. I'm taking this as an opportunity to stop alcohol consumption for good as I know it's one of the main things that gets me to put on weight and I'm better off without it. Once I start socializing again, I'll be drinking water with lemon and graduating to sparkling water with lemon. I've bought different types of citrus essential oils and 1 drop in 1 glass water makes it taste great. I've only told my very best friends that I'm getting a sleeve. Everyone else I've told I'm being operated for a hiatial hernia and that the doctor is putting me on a liquid only diet afterwards (true!) Graduating to smoothies and finally after 1 month, easy solids (true!). I say that I'll most likely lose some weight and that this is an added bonus! So, when people see me eating less and losing they won't be surprised. Then I'll just say that I'm taking the opportunity to continue eating well and losing (true!). As for social life afterwards, I'll still be going out but eating less and mainly proteins and drinking water. The main thing is being out with friends and socializing, enjoying their company. People don't really notice what you drink as long as you have a glass in front of you. I'll also be meeting people more for coffee and teas. I hope my thoughts help you in some way.

It very much depends upon your surgeon. They all say different things. My surgery involves a sleeved stomach (just with added intestinal changes) and my surgeon doesn't allow rice (doesn't want us to ever eat it again because it swells and can potentially cause your stomach to stretch), they also don't want us to eat pasta (though I was told veggie pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta is fine in moderation), bread is off limits for six months, starches are off limits for six months (potatoes, beans, etc), they don't want us to drink alcohol ever again (but if you do they want you to wait a minimum of 1 year)... and that's all can remember off the top of my head other than no processed meats or other foods (which is a given).

Some would definitely hate me! 🤣 I think we are, or at least were, very similar with the amount of restriction. Mine was pretty extreme, which I was grateful for, most of the time. Near the 1 yr mark my relaxed pretty significantly. I can eat enough now that it doesn't usually attract attention when I eat out. We are also pretty similar in that I didn't have much physical hunger for a long time. Even now mine is pretty controllable if I fast & push liquids. Here's my brunch yesterday (Hush puppies covered with sausage gravy & bacon) As the picture illustrates, I get my calories in by eating pretty calorie dense foods, by eating frequently, & liquid calories (ie alcohol) (I don't drink daily, but I'm by definition a binge drinker)

I am staying off my scale until next Monday--scary thought!!! I'm going to be out of town without scale access... I'm sort of freaked out by the thought of not jumping on there in the mornings and I don't know why. On the up side, I'm heading to a professional conference where I'll be seeing old friends for the first time since surgery. Looking forward to it!!! LOL What a change from previous conferences, where I kind of dreaded seeing everyone and actually looked for reasons not to go or to leave early. I think the additional salads/fruits/veggies are paying off. I feel good, and I seem to have dropped a pound over the last few days, although whether that's a "real" weight loss or just Fluid moving out (I do dehydrate really easily) remains to be seen. I'm about to get in lots of walking and more alcohol than usual (conference!), so I don't know what that combination is going to do. Planning to be careful but also to enjoy myself. Hope y'all have a good rest of the week!

** P.S. sorry for all those empty posts up there...no idea how that happened...?? ** Yesterday Tuesday, Feb 11 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1.25 yr PO Sleeve / 116.0 lbs ---------------------------------------- 8+. Hours. Uninterrupted. Sleep. *drops mic* Oh, what a difference sleep makes. I honestly feel better this morning than I have been in about 2 weeks. I think the fact that I only had 1 coffee/caffeine product for the entire day helped. But also maybe the fact that I was pretty tipsy when we got home from dinner was also a factor. Not ideal, given my self-diagnosed increasing fondness of alcohol, but I'll take it...this time. And, as if the universe were giving me a symbolic high five, its a clear-skied, sun-shiny day today with a balmy temp of 1°C ☀️ (Yeah, yeah, I know 1°C is c-c-c-c-old for many of you, but its a FEBRUARY morning in Toronto, people. This is WARM! Almost t-shirt weather, lol) ---------------------------------------- 9:00am - coffee w/ stevia 6:00pm to 9:30pm - 2 tbsp foie gras 6 oysters + 1 tbsp seafood sauce + 1 tbsp horseradish 1 tbsp beef tartare + 1 toast cracker 1.5 oz smoked black cod + 1/4 cup sauteed spinach (w/ capers and smoked bacon) 3 glasses red wine 2oz calvados (apple brandy) --------------------------------------- Totals: 872 cals - 31g Protein 34g NET carbs - 36g fat

Today, Tues, Nov. 12 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1yr PO Sleeve / 114.5 lbs ...had some friends drop by tonite bearing bottles of wine and snacks...I consider it a win I limited my wine intake to only 2 glasses. BTW, my self-imposed alcohol ban has been permanently lifted. My PPI-wean-off expirament seems to have proven that alcohol doesn't bother me as much as spicy foods, citrus, and laying down too soon after eating does. 10:00am - coffee w/ stevia + 2 earl grey teas w/ stevia 12:30pm - * ate about 2/3 of this * Salad greens + vinaigrette + 1/2 an avocado + 2.3 oz Air-fried Porchetta leftovers sans skin + Curried Chicken salad (2.8 oz grilled chicken + 0.8 oz gala apple + red onion + 1 tbsp homemade mayo + 1/2 tsp curry powder) 3:30pm - * ate the rest of the 12:30pm meal * + 1/2 cup full fat cottage cheese + 1.5 oz blueberries 6:30pm - Salad greens + vinaigrette + 1/2 avocado + 1 oz gala apple + red onion + 3 oz grilled chicken + 1 oz chicharron 10:30pm - 3 oz various cheeses + 3 oz various cured meats + 8 red grapes + 2 glasses of red wine Totals: 1882 cals - 125g Protein - 39g NET carbs - 113g fat

I've used goo be gone to get labels off of glasses and the like. I never thought of using it on my skin. I wear hormone patches and it leaves an adhesive residue every week. I've tried baby oil and it doesn't work. I've tried alcohol too. I guess I'll have to try goo be gone.

Actually the only way to stop an addiction is to quit it and never touch it again. I was a true addict too. I drank about 6 cans a day and quitting seriously sucked. Just like a drug addict or alcoholic can't have their addiction in moderation and remain in control of it, neither can we.

My liver shrink diet go like this Remember: Vegetables are unlimited on this diet. (except potatoes, corn, beans, and peas) Breakfast Protein Shake or Protein Bar Mid Morning Snack 1 small piece of fruit (if you have Diabetes add 4oz low-fat yogurt) Lunch Protein Bar Or Shake Mid Morning Snack 1 small piece of fruit (if you have Diabetes add 4oz low-fat yogurt) Dinner 3oz meat (lean)-The size of a deck of cards steamed vegetables or salad with Fat-free salad dressing 6 un-salted crackers or 2 slices low-calorie bread or 1 small baked potato 1/2 c fruit or 1 small piece of fruit Evening Snack 1 small piece of fruit (if you have Diabetes add 4oz low-fat yogurt) (you may use any shake as long as it has 220 or less calories and 10g or less fat/serving) (you may have non-caloric beverages on this diet) NO ALCOHOL Examples: Decaf Tea, Crystal Light, Sugar-free Kool-aid, Water This is only for the 2 weeks before surgery This is what my Doctor gave me

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

I like sweet drinks like pina coladas, where you can't taste the alcohol. One of the major reasons I don't drink is that I hate the way I feel afterwards. I get major hot flashes if I drink any alcohol, and I do mean any. I start sweating, my face turns red, and I honestly feel like I'm about to either puke or faint.