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Hi, I am having surgery on Tuesday (yeah!) and I am worried about my liver. Prior beginning my lap band journey, I used to drink a lot (not to the point of having a problem, it was just more a part of my life). My liver function levels were all good at my pre-op and I have been following a pretty low-carb diet, but I am still worried. Has anyone else been through this and did the banding go OK for you? Thanks!

From what I have read, this particular kind of euphoria is rare, everyone feels good after exercise but this is different. I could count myself lucky to feel such mind bending pleasure from strenuous activity *cough*, but I also think it has something to do with a genetic predisposition toward addiction, basically our brains are overly sensitive to pleasure, we feel pleasure more intensely than normal people. So, some addicts abuse this gift with heroin, others with alcohol. Me, I hit the cheeseburgers. And people can legitimately become addicted to exercise, I'm sure I'm a looong way from that, but I get it.

Yes I do live in SE Idaho. I've quit drinking Diet soda for about a year now. I occasional have one at a restaurant but I usually have Water. That is one thing I am worried about is my water intake. I drink a lot of water, I guess I am just going to have to figure it out. Probably not a big problem. I never really drink alcohol much, I only do on occasions. I quit smoking two months ago. Which probably led to my last increase of weight. This overrating thing is my last vice I need to shake. I'm just impatiently waiting for bariactric services to call and get me going. Thank ya'll for your encouragement and comments. I appreciate it.

Nope not at all. I've had those bad food choices and alcoholic beverages my entire life and it hasn't gotten me that far. So, I am looking forward to the complete lifestyle change. You won't miss it! Good luck [emoji2]

I can totally relate - if it's not food, it's cigarettes, spending money, sex, drugs, alcohol etc. It's a disease and it's not your fault. You can cure it. I'm not sure what's available in Australia, but I would look for a 12 step group - they have a Debtors Anonymous (DA) or even Overeaters Anonymous (OA). I promise you the programs work if you work them: Debtors Anonymous Good luck to you - and don't forget to ask God for help.

I'm a lawyer at a megafirm in NYC, so, though I'm not an executive professional, we likely confront many of the same issues. Actually, I find most in the workforce, irrespective of position or salary, share the bulk of these issues (i.e. worrying about advancement due to weight, proper work attire, uncontrolable shared office food temptations, etc.). I do agree with you though that one issue that comes up more for the professional at a certain level (and that I've not been able to master) is the client lunch/dinner. I travel on business a fair amount and client dinners are almost always a component. These have been my biggest impediment to weight loss! Particularly as a female attorney, where female partners are already set apart from the norm, eating like a bird and not drinking feels socially unacceptable. So, I take in far more calories at these events than I would like, particularly in alcohol (which I could do without, but for my career). So, I guess what I'm saying is, I choose to "play the part" to the detriment of my diet. My band is a secret in my professional life. I feel like the deck is already stacked against me with my gender and I don't need another thing setting me apart. I make up for it by not taking in the calories when I'm certain I can comfortably hide it (like ordering a diet tonic with no alcohol if I'm at the bar alone), or by always taking my gym clothes with me on business trips. Speaking of business, got to get back to it!

Sweetie, I've been obese for over 20 years and I was one of those "you're taking the easy way out" people until earlier this year. I'll tell you one thing: YOU are the only person who can make this decision for you. What finally flicked the switch for me this year was realizing that I've fought my weight for over 20 years, repeatedly saying "I can do this myself...I don't need the easy way out!" And yet...here I am. 215 lbs overweight. So if I can do it myself...why haven't I? I am now able to look at this surgery as a tool and not as an easy way out. In fact, if you look at the facts and what we all have to do before and after surgery...this is NOT easy. This is a tool, not a quick fix or a guaranteed thing. We all have to work to get the weight off and change the way we're living our lives. Finally, I thought about my Dad...who was never able to beat his alcoholism and died at the young age of 67. I realized that if there had been a surgery that would have helped him to stop the drinking...I would have supported him. I would have wanted him to do it. Because I would have had so many more years with my Dad...and now he's gone. I'll never have that. You have to do what is right for you. Let your friends and family know that you've made your decision and that you're standing by yourself. Make it clear that you've heard their input...and now it's time for them to shut it. You can stand your ground and have healthy boundaries...you're going to need to flex those muscles in the months and years to come. As far as support is concerned, you have it all right here sweetie. You can do this. And we will support you and be here for you.

I appreciate your concern but I’ve actually be doing really well food wise and am just trying to make wise decisions for Memorial Day Weekend and such. I already gave up alcohol for lent just to tack on another reason why I can’t drink it lol!! Right now all I drink is water with the occasional diet snapple. If you have any preferred drinks please share!!

So after some arm wrestling i got blue cross to cry uncle, had my pre-op clearance, and I'm scheduled for wednesday AM (dec 15 -- Northwestern in Chicago). I have been *so* good for the past two weeks. stopped smoking, stopped drinking, did not let one carb pass my lips. Even was compliant on that damn CPAP machine. I hate that (*^_($^(# thing. Tonight, after confirming alcohol was not a carb, I went ahead and had a couple (vodka). Smack me with a noodle, but i was starting to lose it. What a really wanted was a going away party with white castle, but I held back. I actually don't mind the whole Protein shake thing. I got a gold card at GNC, and I think the 42G protein shots are fine. I honestly like those Ostrim meat stick things. So that 'll be fine. I'm pretty sure the "iso" whey thing is just a marketing gimmick, so clue a brother in on that. thoughts? What i'm gong to miss is pizza. and crusty bread. Crap -- I'll stop talking. Look at the audience -- im sure you know what i mean. So anyway, glad I found this group. I may need some help doing those ticker updates. Tomorrow I take my "before" measurements and pics, even though I've already lost 8 lbs on the pre-op diet. I'm ready. cheers.

Well at least he'll get cancer treatment, and organ transplants if he needs them.. while on death row. And if it's lethal injection, they'll use an alcohol swab.

Last month I was all cleared for surgery and then 7 days into the pre-op diet, I freaked out and cancelled the surgery. I started thinking of all the things I would have to give up ALONG with the food and I started feeling depressed. The 7 days that I was on the pre-op diet made me feel like I was getting a glimps of my future without food and (I'm not going to lie) alcohol. I was highly irritable, short tempered, and hated that everyone around me could eat what ever they wanted and for the rest of my life, I would never be able to do. My husband and I LOVE (and make it a point) to try different kinds of food and drink from different cultures and such. For example, we traveled to Jamaica and made it a point to eat jerk chicken from a street vendor (always the best way to go for authentic)and had to, in the spirit of Jamaica, drink a Bob Marley. Went to india and of course had to have authentic indian food, went to mexico and (well you get the point.) I'm 31 years old and am a newly wed (2 years.) I'm afraid that if I "can't" eat, we'll never have fun and my husband will think I've turned into a "skinny brat." It's been a little over a month since I cancelled my surgery and I feel guilty about it every day. I am really considring rescheduling, but I am afraid I am not over my initial fear of losing more than food. I'm afraid that down the line my husband will not like me. What's a girl to do? I'm so confused.

Cfincham: Here's a great post that has been posted elsewhere, about how to know when you need a fill.... HowtoTellWhenYouArePerfectlyAdjusted: You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of Protein a day? 2. Are you eating 25 grams of Fiber? 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories? a. Soup can be sign of soft calorie syndrome b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories 7 calories per gram.(It's also a stomach irritant). c. fruit juice is just sugar Water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can't just eat what's easy c. cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals? 6. Are you eating too much junk? a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don't avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily? 8. Do you always eat the protein first? 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. meat or fish (3 ounces the size of a deck of cards) b. Vegetables (½ cup the size of your fist) c. Starch (If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don't need much - Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta) 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine. d. The body has no way to break down artificial fats). a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you're not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small Snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won't be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it's a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive compulsive thoughts (Obsess about something else) b. Perfectionism (All or none, black and white thinking) c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as good and bad e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables (6) Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (7) Peppermint (8) Baking soda toothpaste (9) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (Tylenol is OK) n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider

Kerri, you should find that you will not need as much alcohol to get a buzz. I drink too. It does slow your weight loss down considerable. I averge 1-2 lbs per week and drink at least 1 drink a day.

Hi all, I had my consultation with my surgeon on Friday. Things went great, but 1 question went unanswered, well, kind of. I asked him several times about drinking alcohol, but all he had to say is that it is high in calories, stay away. I am not a big drinker but, one of my favorite hobbies is planning 3-4 "theme parties" a year to get all of our friends together. People come from all around, and it is surely a blast! On these occasions I usually like to get a "buzz" or maybe go a little further and *gasp* get intoxicated..lol. I want to know what happens if you drink (non carbonated) alcoholic beverages on the band?? Or rather crudely asked... is it possible to get drunk if you are banded?? lol.. Thanks in advance, I really appreciate any input:) ~Kerri

My name is Morgan and I am 22 years old. I have been overweight all my life. I grew up where we would go to burger king about 4 nights a week and on the way to school we would get McDonalds for Breakfast. Once I hit 200 pounds at a very young age I kept telling myself I wouldn't gain anymore weight. Then I would get to 225 and tell myself I would never get to 250. Then I hit 250 and said I would never hit 300 pounds. The huge BUT (not pun intended lol) is I never did anything about the whole losing weight thing. I kept eating the way I did. I was so self conscious and had zero self esteem. I ended up turning to drugs, alcohol, sex, and self harm. I have come a very long way in this journey already. I met the most amazing, caring, honest, trustworthy man and I quite the drugs and alcohol and self harm. We got engaged and set our wedding date and then found out we were expecting We kept our wedding date though because I knew if we pushed it off until after our son was born, then who knows how long it would be before we could actually plan the wedding and get married. We got married May 14th, 2011 while I was 8 months pregnant and it was incredible. I loved being pregnant while I got married. The feeling is indescribable because yes it was a commitment day for myself and my now husband but also to our unborn child. The pregnancy was a rough one and I was on bed rest from 14 weeks until about 30 weeks. Normally during pregnancy you gain weight but I ended up losing 40 pounds which was ok because I went into the pregnancy at 370. After my son was born on June 10th, 2011 I weighed about 330. Over the last year I have gained all that weight back and am now up to 374 I am sick of being overweight! I have tried diet plan after diet plan and I get so frustrated when I know I am doing good on the diet and exercising but I would only lose a little bit of weight. I want to raise my son with him knowing how to eat healthy. I want to be healthy for my son and husband and obviously myself so I can live longer and be able to enjoy doing activities with them instead of losing my breath after walking up a small flight of stairs. My aunt had gastric bypass done in 200 and has lost over 100 pounds and has kept it off. After seeing my aunts success, my mother decided to get the surgery done in 2003. She has lost over 150 pounds and has maintained a healthy weight since then. I have been wanting to get this surgery done for a long time now there were just things holding me back. 1. I didnt have the insurance or out of pocket money to get it done. 2. I was mentally not ready to get it done. Now I know it is the right time and I am ready to jump in and make the commitment. I am ready to change my life for the better by starting fresh. Eating healthy. Exercising. Taking up softball and hip hop dance. I am determined!!! I finally have insurance that is going to cover my surgery and I could honestly not be happier! I have my first pre-op appointment September 5th to meet with the surgery center, psychologist and dietitian. I cannot explain how motivated I am and 110% ready! I will be starting weight watchers on September 1st so I can get in to the routine of things before surgery. I have an amazing support system that will help me through my life long journey. I also have been diagnosed with PCOS so it has been very hard to conceive. Our son was a miracle baby, due to having PCOS and not having a period or ovulating for more than a year. Having this surgery will hopefully improve my PCOS and eventually after my surgery and weight loss we will be able to try for baby number two. I also know that this surgery will improve my depression, self esteem, self confidence and make me enjoy and respect life life more. I am on here to look for advice, support, input, similar stories and make friends. I am looking forward to starting my new and healthy life Here is a recent family picture when we went to Yellowstone at my highest weight of 374. The second picture is of my mother at my sons 1st birthday in June. She used to weigh the same as me and got the gastric bypass done and is now in her target weight range, healthy and happier than ever. It is very inspiring!

thanks, all. i have no idea what's going on. my stomach is just rolling and clenching, and i'm keeping a wet cloth on my neck and sniffing rubbing alcohol to try to stave off any more heaving. i'm just trying to make it through to the morning, then i'll drive the hour to the hospital where i had my surgery and go to the emergency room. right now, i want an iv, some anti-nausea meds, and some pain meds. i'm seriously, seriously miserable. i've been in tears on and off since it happened, worrying that the band got messed up, that i made a horrible mistake in even getting it. it's a true pity party of the highest degree. i'm pretty sure it wasn't a pb. i felt like my toenails were going to come up, and it was so loud it woke my son from a sound sleep.

We've been told that if we drink alcohol, it's not an issue of if we have complications, but when. My NUT and case manager worry about gastritis and ulcers, along with transfer of addiction. That being said, not quite 6 months post op and I've enjoyed an occasional glass off wine or beer. No upset tummy yet.

I eat greek yogurt for breakfast or a protein bar. The pure protein are about 180 to 200 calories but they have sugar alcohols that can cause stomach upset and gas. I limit those to about 1 a week. I eat tuna, boca burgers, black bean burgers, cottage cheese, low sodium V-8 because I dont always eat my veggies, I make black bean casserole. Edamame with sea salt, sometimes but rarely chicken salad and I do not do low fat or fat free anything because the amount of fat I eat in a day is not too much. I also buy any of the pic sweet veggies in the single serving size. Protein shakes I am done with. I don't think at a certain point you should still drink them. It is liquid calories and they do not keep you full. I eat eggs for breakfast too with a small amount of ketchup to help them go down. I hardly eat any meat because it doesnt like me. There are many things you can eat you have to try them. I thought I would never eat tofu but I love it. Sauteed in cabbage it is so good with lots of different seasoning such as dill, seasoning salt, cracked pepper. Packed with protein and taste like whatever you cook it with.

6 per week is a drinking problem? My friend must be a full-blown alcoholic, cuz she can knock back 10 at a time!

I definitely drink and I'm sure that is why I only lost 52 lbs in a year. I am trying to stick to alcohol only on the weekends but it is hard. Either way I am still losing, just slowly.

She had RNY with a pouch and stoma. The pouch is made from the stretchy tissue (fundus) of the stomach, and the stoma is a man-made hole so stretching of both are common with RNY. She never stuck with healthy eating and alcohol consumption was a leading factor to her regain as detailed by her husband and her self-admission of eating the wrong foods especially after the birth of her children.

Yes.....I would tell an alcoholic to stop drinking before rehab. Sorry...I don't see the problem.

Well. I did not wait long. I resumed drinking about 6 months out I think. And that was a big mistake, at least for me. Alcohol effects me differently now. If I haven’t eaten enough I get DRUNK FAST and I’ll blackout. It’s bad. I had to learn that the hard way. It’s also takes the place of food calories because I struggle to drink and eat together so it becomes a choice between drinking or eating. And I need the food more. And you do too!! Especially early on. I do love wine but even three years out I try and limit my alcohol intake. I’m careful about it. I can see why you want to drink and I wouldn’t think in moderation it’s a problem. But it could possibly slow your weightloss. For me, it did not slow my weightloss but I oddly tend to lose weight when I drink. Most people gain from it. But if you are feeling healthy I don’t see a problem with having a little in moderation here and there, maybe a Glass now and then. I’d say in the first year you can just be very cautious. [emoji4] and don’t let people on here bully you. There is a nice way to give advice and trollish ways. Just remember the people on here, they are all hungry and sober AF.

The crystal light mock alcohol drinks are so good, you could easily pour it into whatever glass and blend in at a party or whatever. The margarita one even has a tequila-ish after taste

@KarenLR75 my BMI is 54.7 I believe so pretty high. My surgeon hasn’t mentioned anything to me about calling it off due to the size of my liver or anything. I do have “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” which I believe most morbidly obese people have. Mine is mild if I remember correctly. Either way, I will do better and hope everything works out on Monday. If we could give up food that easy, no one would be big and there would be no need for weight loss surgery. It’s a tool to help with smaller portions, which lead to healthier choices.... eventually, no or minimum bad cravings. So, I don’t try to beat myself up too bad. I’m sure surgeons realize that people will cheat. How can we not? If you don’t, please share some will power :)