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Hello, I just got a pool this summer. I got a painful earache. I even started to have congestion in my head and phlegm. YUCK. I felt bad. I put alcohol in my ear and took a nap with it in. For the next couple of days, I put alcohol in my ears at least twice a day. It worked. I didn't have to go to the doctor. I was amazed.

You really can only stretch your tummy so much. If you eat more solid food, it will fill up quickly. At over a year out, I sitll max out at 4 oz. of solid Protein, and generally am very full with 3 oz. At first, I could only eat 1 oz. of solid protein with nothing else. Now I can enjoy a small amount of vegtables and a starch with my protein. For now, I think the important thing is to concentrate on making healthy food choices, getting enough protein and Fluid every day and avoiding eating so fast or so much that you feel ill. In my opinion, the thing to watch for as time goes by is eating things that go down easy, such as chips, popcorn, candy, ice cream, cakes and Cookies, etc. Or drinking a lot of calories, such as milk shakes, coffee drinks, or sweet alcoholic drinks. For example, I was in Starbucks on vacation. I could have chose the pumpkin Spice Latte and a slice of the Pumpkin Bread for a total of 630 and 17 grams of protein. Instead, I got my usual Soy Latte and an oatmeal, which I ate with Splenda, saving the nuts and dried fruits for a salad another day. 270 and 12 grams of protein. (I was excited to see they had Greek Yogurt Parfait till i read the nutrition info - 6 grams of protein and 270 calories! - it pays to read the label!) I do enjoy treats, but I pace myself. They are treats now, not everyday all I can eat extravaganzas. It's working for me. I've maintained my weight since March. Yeah Sleeve! Lynda

Cleo you asked about emotions after surgery....... I think the dr.'s make sure that you won't have other addictions. There are many articles about transfer addictions or crossover addictions. Gambling, sex, shopping, alcohol and even drugs, you name it. But for most overweight ppl, we've used food as a comfort, as a solace... it's maladaptive. I personally believe it's also as you've heard ppl say "alcoholism is a disease" - the only difference b/w us and them is that our 'drug of choice' is food. The maladaptive coping mechanisms we've used for years have to be changed. It took years to establish them, it's going to take time to address them. Further complicating matters is that immediately after surgery you have NO appetite. It slowly comes back, and some ppl have lost a lot of weight in a very short time period. Hormonally, your body hasn't figured out all of the weight it's lost. And you know how emotional women are specifically (ladies don't take my women's club card for saying it)... but imagine an overwhelming amount of estrogen flowing through your body AND now you no longer have the way that you coped. It is a hard time to go through. But I can say, been there, done that and this too shall pass. WLS of any kind is NOT a "magic wand." It's a lot of work after the sacrifice of putting your body through this ordeal, then it's work on your head and behaviors for life in order to be successful. In all honesty, the way you worded your questions Cleo, I'm wondering if you're researching a paper or an article....but good questions nonetheless. Success wished to you all!

Personal observation: I think that most people who are obese (that's all of us pre-op, btw) have used food to cover up some problem rather than deal with the problem. It's just like they tell drunks that the problems will still be there once the drunk gets sober. Our problems are still there whether we're fat or skinny. Some people think that getting thin(ner) will solve their issues, but it doesn't. It just makes it so that we have to deal with those issues without the crutch of food to self-medicate. That's why crossover addictions (to drugs and/or alcohol) are so common. IMO, one or two psyche visits probably aren't enough for most of us.

Carbonation should be avoided. I don't think the Cosmopolitan's would hurt you at all as far as digestion or the band is concerned. The biggest reason to avoid alcohol (other than the carbonated varieties which must be avoided) is because a lot of us became obese due to food addictions, emotional eating, etc. Anyone who suffers from any kind of addiction can be predisposed to switching addictions when the usual choice is no longer available to us. Also, some mixed drinks are swimming in excess calories. I am not a drinker, but I had a little virgin eggnog over Thanksgiving and found that a tiny half cup stores a whopping 300+ calories. That half cup was yummy but I am afraid to buy any now, lol.

I do fine with alcohol.. just be careful it's empty calories.

I was told no drinking because of 1. carbonation 2. empty calories. That and then the research that shows your body has to burn off alcohol before it gets to fat. I can't drink when I eat (normal drinks, make me feel stuck) and alcohol before a meal, irritates my stoma and it burns really bad, then I feel too tight to eat. Nothin like vodka sittin in your esophagus for a minute. Ick. If I drink, has to be no when I'm no where near eating and I do small sips.

Hi there, good luck tomorrow. I've been banded 2 years and I'm 15-30 lbs from goal. Not sure where I'll end up. My throat was sore from being incubated (spelling) so they gave me throat spray to numb my throat. It was pretty bad. Just an FYI. You may feel some restriction early on but that typically goes away. Don't feel bad if you don't lose too much weight post op, especially when you move to solids. You will lose more with a few fills. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions. BTW, I plateaued for 7 months and recently started losing again on the Weight Watchers core program. Its high protein, fruit and vegies, 3k a week extra for carbs, alcohol, etc. I lost 5 lbs last week and love it. Good luck tomorrow!

When you look at the inactive ingredient label. The second listed ingredient is ethanol, and the 6th is high fructose corn syrup. Since ethanol [ethyl-alcohol] is an alcohol, it might cause a problem, especially soon after surgery.

I don't know what surgery you are having, I had a sleeve, but we only had a two day clear diet, so I imagine you will be fine. Some doctors are just overly cautious, different protocols. Just don't cheat again--not just for the liver but alcohol thins your blood.

Smoke of any kind is going to be bad for your lungs and increase your chances of getting pneumonia post-surgery. That's a big risk. There aren't a lot of studies showing how many of the other tobacco-related risks apply to marijuana, so I'm not sure we can tell you how or whether it'll affect how fast you heal, whether blood clots are more likely, etc. But it seems risky? It's also likely to make it harder to modulate your appetite. And there are documented risks of people performing other addictive behaviors more obsessively, to compensate for their inability to eat to excess, which is part of why we're told to avoid alcohol for the first year. That reasoning applies to marijuana, too, even though it's not physically addictive in the same way alcohol is; you don't want your fun little habit to get totally out of control. My advice is to hold off for at least a while. Maybe a year is too much to ask, though that would be the wisest course. Maybe see how you feel after three months? Six, if you can handle it?

Had my 3rd fill yesterday. I now prop myself up on my elbows instead of laying flat, and watch the whole thing while carrying on a conversation about the weather, sports, etc.. He uses a very large bore needle, that has a open/shut valve between it and the syringe. He sticks it in the port, and pulls all the saline out of the band. Turns the little valve closing the needle off, then removes the syringe from the needle. I'm laying there as he examines the saline in the syringe with the needle sticking out of me like a pin cushion. He's basically measureing the volume taken from the band. He then replaces all the saline with fresh, plus a little more. Yesterday was 2 cc's more making a total of 8. He then re-attaches the syringe to the needle, opens the little petcock, and re-fills my band. After he pulls the needle out I hold pressure on the point with the alcohol swap, and walk down the hall to the Water cooler. I then have to drink the water in front of him to show him I'm fine. Then I'm on my way home. I have to say that mu port is right there under the skin. Not only can I feel/see the port, but also the small tube that runs from it for a few inches until it goes deep.

Jachut, you are so right. Looking for a hard stop with PBing isn't a healthy way to permanent weight loss. I tried it for a short while and I felt sick all the time. I am now trying to rely on myself. It isn't easy. It's like the alcoholics say...One Day At A Time.

Go, have a good time, as Sai says, sip on some water or unsweet tea. Doubtful anyone will press food or drink on you, but here are some sample scripts in case they do: Them: care for a cocktail? You: No thanks! Them: Here, have a slice of birthday cake! You: I wish I could, but my doctor ordered me not to eat food like that until I lose some weight. Them: why aren't you eating? You: I've been having some tummy issues recently, trust me, you do not want to see the results at this party if I eat some rich party food. Them: Why aren't you drinking? You: My doctor told me no alcohol because I need to lose weight. I swear I am not pregnant! etc. etc. Pick the type of excuse that works best for you, though I doubt you will have to use it.

LOL--not the kind you trip on! ROFL! I've heard the 3 months thing too. I was told not to try anything spicy or alcoholic until 6 months out, when the stomach is completely healed.

I'm not a big drinker but the beverage I do drink has 65grams of carbs. My question is,is it safe to drink when I have the band? (Keep in mind I only drink one a week)

OMG...Halloween candy sounds so good! I came home last night and a Reese's cup was staring me in the face, it took all my will-power to not just take one little bite. I didnt do it, but I am not going to lie, I was so pathetic, thats what I was thinking of when I went to sleep. But I didn't do it, I keep telling myself that I didn't go through the pain of this surgery just to ruin it. Although my nutritionist did say that once a week, a small treat won't hurt. Eventually I will treat myself to something, I am just to scared to do it now. I feel like an alcoholic...one day at a time.

no info given on pre-op or post-op. but there is a paper given at the seminar the DON'TS are smoking, NSAIDs, carbonation, fluids with meals, fresh coconut, snacking and caffeine. AVOID FOR THE FIRST YEAR arepregnancy, alcohol, read meat, orange and apple juice, corn, raisins and gum. and the DOs are positive mindset, take responsibility, exercise, water/water, quality Protein, multi-Vitamins with minerals, Iron, b12, Calcium with magnesium & zinc, support group and follow up. the seminar lasted 1 1/2 hours. it began at 550pm. open questions started about 645, but you don't have to stay for that; your choice. the doctor did have a open floor to those who wanted to stay longer and speak with him. i thought that was awesome. i drink Pure Protein already made in a can. i tried buying from their website, but you can only buy at health food stores. i buy minds at trader joe's. with that said, the surgeon will most likely give you your diet info. remember everyone is different. ohhhhh, the doctor mentioned also that they try not to use banding too much and they prefer to use gastric bypass, but the decision is yours. the majority of the class raised their hand for the sleeve. also if there are teachers out there, get that paper work in because you are definitely first in line.

I've struggled with my weight since the 2nd grade. Always been very active, but I had always comforted myself with food. Being totally honest, I'm in my 20s, so a lot of my calories came from alcohol too. I decided to have surgery when it became difficult to bend over and put on my shows because my stomach was in the way. Something small and simple, but it bothered me. In January 2014, at the age of 28, I began the process to get my gastric sleeve surgery. I had to go through several visits with my surgeon's office and three visits at the hospital. Finally, my surgery date arrived on April 8th. I had the gastric sleeve surgery, hiatal hernia repair and my gallbladder removed. Before going in to surgery, the anesthesiologist warned me that being young and female, the nausea caused by the anesthesia would be very rough when I woke up. Next thing I know, I'm waking up with such debilitating nausea, I don't know how I'm going to make it. The first 6 hours were horrible because of the nausea. I didn't even want to open my mouth to talk. The only pain I felt was from the gallbladder removal. The nurse said they have to stretch a muscle really far when they remove the gallbladder and it felt like I was ripping that muscle in half every time I moved. The nurses encouraged me to walk, but I didn't until that first 6 hours of nausea passed. Then, my mom and boyfriend took turns helping me walk the halls every two hours. The toughest thing was blowing into the spirometer the tech gave me so that I wouldn't get pneumonia. It felt like I was ripping out my staples when I took deep breaths in order to blow enough air into the spirometer. After 8 hours, they gave me juice and water to drink and it wasn't difficult for me to drink at all. They gave me all of my antibiotics intravenously, so they only sent me home with nausea meds and the spirometer. I had picked up my prescription liquid painkillers the week before. I ordered ready to drink bottles of clear Isopure protein drinks ahead of time, so I drank those, along with water the first week. I ate sugar free Popsicles and chicken broth with Cajun spices mixed into it. I alternated between taking liquid Tylenol and prescription pain meds. The most difficult part of recovery was getting in and out of bed because of the pain from the gallbladder surgery. I was only off work for a week, but I should've taken off for two weeks. I'm a pediatric speech and feeding therapist, and I spend most of my day on the floor with infants and toddlers. My staples began to loosen and push out and get caught on my clothing. Everything was fine once the staples were removed 10 days post op. Taking all of my chewable vitamins (multi, fish oil. B12, calcium and D) was difficult the first month and finding protein sources that I liked was difficult. I have only thrown up one time since having surgery because I did physical activity too quickly after eating. I had horrible diarrhea from having my gallbladder removed, but that stopped after my nurse recommended drinking an ounce of blackberry juice each morning. Now, It's been over 5 months and I have no pain or regrets. I still take chewable vitamins (they're absorbed better than capsules and pills) every morning. If I dont take them, I get very sluggish by midday. I drink a GNC ready-to-drink lean shake in the car on the way to work each day and I have a Quest Bar for lunch. I eat a snack after work (usually edamame or tuna) and a 4 portion of whatever I cook my boyfriend for dinner. I feel sluggish if I don't get at least 60g of protein each day. I've never had a problem with getting my liquids in, so I drink 64 oz of water and unsweet tea each day. I walk on the treadmill or do strength training activities 3-5 times a week. I'm 5'1" and started out at 212 lbs. After 5 months, I'm down 50 lbs! My arms, legs and chin area look great. I do have some extra skin on my stomach, but it's not too terrible. My breast will need to be repaired. I was a 42D, so they're sagging and feel empty and flat. My butt isn't sagging, but it's flat too. I think squats will suffice in that area though. I used Bio Oil for the surgery scars. They've faded a lot, but can still be seen. After I'm finished having children, I'll go in for breast augmentation and a tummy tuck. My hair began falling out last month, but I can tell it's not falling out as much now. I know it will thicken up again and I've taken Biotin chewables for the past 4 months. I feel like I look great in my clothes and I know I'll look great out of them one day. I've got 32 lbs left to get to my goal, and I know I can do it. Weightloss stalls some weeks, but I still lose inches. I was a size 17 to 19 in April, and I'm already down to a 9 in September. I'm getting married next April and I can't wait to see how small I'll be when its time to shop for dresses!

hi! i'll be banded 10 months next thursday...i've only gotten stuck a few times and only pb'd once...i've really tried to do my best with eating slowly, and most of the time i do pretty well with it. the reasons you stated are part of it; it's also a fact that your brain doesn't know you're full when your stomach does; that's part of the slow eating principle. it takes your brain somewhere between 10-20 minutes to know your stomach is full. i am a carb binger too (i think it's like alcoholism - something you can't call yourself in the past tense even if you don't do it much anymore). i can still carb binge at times. i went to the beach for a few days in june, and i did a lot of bad carb binging. it's still a real possibility for me, but i really work hard to monitor what i do and really restrict those occurrences. when i was first banded (after i got through liquids, mushies, etc) i would often get tired of eating so slowly. now it's just second nature. i make sure i watch the clock when i'm eating, and no meal/snack/etc takes less than 10 minutes. you get used to it. good luck!

These ladies are correct in that the band does not keep you from making bad choices. However, I disagree that it will not help you with your eating disorder. I am a compulsive overeater/food addict. I have been for many many years, and have tried all sorts of diets that didn't work. I've even been to Overeaters Anonymous (which I do recommend if you are suffering from the same disorder), which helped but I needed more. I was banded in August 2009, and have since lost almost 160 pounds. Because I could not physically eat as much, the band forced me to find other ways to deal with my emotions. It is only recently that my compulsions have returned, but now I know how to deal with them and will not relapse as badly as I would have pre-band. Yes, you will have to learn how to control your addiction and compulsions, otherwise you will be in a tremendous pain. And the band is not full-proof and it will take a while to get to good restriction. After surgery you will probably be very motivated and will follow the rules to a T, which will help while you are in "bandster hell" (not having full restriction yet). I am a firm believer that the band can help you overcome compulsive overeating/food addiction. It is a disease you will live with the rest of your life (just like being an alcoholic or drug addict...our drug of choice is food), but if you have the right tools you can learn to live without food controlling you. As long as you stay focused and follow your doctor's directions, the band WILL work for you. It is very freeing when food no longer controls your life!

Selswick, your weight loss is ASTOUNDING--great job! It's really hard, though, sometimes--isn't it? I'm a stress NON-eater, but in the past have eaten in response to other emotional triggers, so I understand that it's tricky to know what to do when they hit post-banding. You're obviously very committed to finding good alternatives and continuing your excellent weight loss. And in this, I think the band can be a tremendous aid. The court sometimes orders repeat DUI offenders to place "governors" on their cars. These require that the driver breathe into the device. If their blood alcohol level measures too high, the ignition will not work. If they test clean, the car will start. I named my band The Governor. Just like the governors in cars, it makes sure that I can't eat beyond a certain point. So far, I have not tested its limitations. (This does not mean I never will.) Instead, I've tried really, really hard to find other things to replace eating. I write (here, in a journal, on Facebook, whatever....), I walk my dog, I go to the gym---when worse comes to worst, I pack it in for the day and go to bed! I am not burying my feelings---I think that tends to bite us in the behind (and if you look at the size of MY behind, you'll know that I mean this quite literally; stuffing feelings can have disastrous results, weight-wise. Now that I don't have the ability to overeat, I very much want to avoid cross-addictive issues). Rather, I'm trying to find substitutes. One thing I'm doing---that is surprisingly difficult (but it really shouldn't surprise me, given the lengths I've gone to to avoid it for four decades!) --- is taking the time to really identify the emotions I'm feeling and their sources. And then TALK about them with the appropriate people (or in write when that is not possible). OMG--it is SO FREEING! It's hard at first, but I feel like a more genuine human...like this band--this silicone device placed in my body by a surgeon with completely different intentions--is opening the door to a completely different relationship with myself and with others. Not everyone loves this, I have to warn. Some people prefer NOT to hear what I'm thinking! But really---it's a good thing. It feels healthy, and it feels right, and it feels true to myself. And you know what? I'm seeing positive changes extend to others around me. The way my husband and kids relate to me is subtly different. I can't quite pinpoint it---but if I had to define it, there is an element of greater respect, I think. It's NOT because of the weight loss. They really were quite blind to my body size---truly. It's far more in response to my self-respect, I think. I don't know if any of this made sense. I guess what I am mainly saying is that you CAN find alternatives, and they will make you feel good about yourself. And that good feeling will reap rewards that extend far beyond weight loss.

The intention of the pre-op diet is to shrink your liver. Alcohol goes straight to your liver. Why not drink some camomile tea and/or take a hot bath instead.

It's not a matter of weight loss at this point as much as healing. Your stomach is swollen and irritated right now, alcohol is an irritant. It's not a wise idea at all to be drinking alcohol at this point. I'd call your doc and get his opinion, I'll bet it will be a "no" to alcohol just yet.

My surgeon's instruction say I should wait one year before drinking alcohol. Doubt I'll make it a year with no wine...