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Are you tracking your food and calories? Are you measuring portions? I ask because I didn't have a gain during my journey and I did those things. Maybe it will work for you. If you didn't cheat with food might you have induldged in alcohol? Because that will make the scale soar. Retention of Water when drinking alcohol is usually an issue.

I couldn't handle sugar alcohols before surgery. It would cause diarrhea. I couldn't even imagine what it would do post sleeve. Seriously, if I wanted a piece of candy that bad, I'd have a real one just to avoid how badly sugar alcohols hurt my stomach.

My surgery is Dec. 18th. About 2 weeks ago I came off all caffeine and started practicing eating very slow. One week ago I stopped all alcohol and made a conscious effort to chew each SMALL bite at least 30 times. This weekend is my last weekend to have caffeine free carbonated beverages and to start a high protein diet. Next week I will start replacing one meal with a protein shake. I'm also pushing water, water, water. Start now making changes. I for one didn't want to be detoxing off caffeine and soda while trying to do my 2 week pre-op diet. I would go postal!

Alcohol seems to relax the band and now my food addiction has a buddy. I have gotten to the point where I drink with many of my late meals and I get a double whammy of calories. All the trips to the gym and healthy food is not going to help if I keep this up. The weight loss has been stalled since last June.

I have just got back from a months holiday overseas and am really pleased that in spite of not eating very healthily I still lost weight. Down approx. 1.8kg and almost at goal. The main reason for the not eating as healthily as I should have should have is that for most of the holiday we were staying with other people so restaurants were selected that suited the larger group. We started off in California where we ate mainly Mexican or burger/ribs. I have to say that I like the fact that your restaurants allow and encourage meal sharing as it meant I could have some of hubby's food instead of having to order a huge plate of my own. I know the US has a reputation for huge meals but some of them are so oversized its not surprising so many people struggle with their weight, 4 sliders is not a starter and a sandwich is supposed to be 2 slices of bread not 4 plus chips! It was great to be able to eat ribs without spending the rest of the night in the toilet throwing up which is something that happened to me on countless occasions when I had my band. Then it was onto the UK home of the pub and pub meals. They are fine the first or second time but pubs are like Mexican restaurants - all the same once you get to no 3! We also ate a lot of lunches at store and stately home canteen style cafes. So I was sharing sandwiches with hubby and also sharing cake! One place I loved in both the UK and Hong Kong was Pret a Manger - they had lovely quick easy healthy options like Bircher muesli, yogurt with fruit, sandwiches etc. Our final destination was Hong Kong. This was the only part of the holiday where hubby and I were on our own. We should have had lots of lovely Asian food but we were so busy we mainly ate on the run. The "pasteis de nata" in Macau probably weren't the healthiest breakfast choice but they were fabulous. So essentially I ate a small portion of whatever I wanted without worrying about weight gain. Poor hubby did have lots of leftovers to eat and his relatives in the UK kept commenting on how little I ate although I thought I was eating heaps! I drank alcohol but not in huge quantities. The serves of wine and cider in the UK are huge, they would never allow that much to be served in 1 glass in Aus. I ate cake and I ate chocolate and even had an icecream. I ate that very cautiously as I was terrified I would dump but luckily I didn't. I did have 1 or 2 minor episodes of dumping ( nausea, shakes and palpitations) but that was when I deserved it for doing something stupid like eating chocolate first thing in the morning! Prior to my op I was very concerned as I kept reading about people that had accidents post op.I had visions of having to always carry spare undies or wear adult diapers. Luckily that hasn't been an issue although when I need to go I need to go - sometimes I had to find a loo in a hurry and the hardest place to do that was Hong Kong. Travelling with the bypass has been so much easier than travelling with a band and the variety of food I eat is so much greater and healthier.

I was putting together my preop and postop plan to get myself in peak condition for surgery and I thought that some of you may be interested in what you can do to help yourself heal after surgery. I am a nurse, a lot of this I have learned over the years from managing surgical patients and from doctors. I hope that maybe some of information below will help someone recover from surgery faster and heal better. If you have any chronic illnesses or diseases be sure to speak to your doctor, in other words, don't solely take my word. ------------------------------------ Building up your Protein levels so you are in peak health for surgery is the #1 thing you can do for yourself since it is protein that facilitates healing of the stomach staple line. If your blood levels of protein and albumin is low your chances of suffering from delayed healing is greatly increased. I have started drinking 2 Protein shakes a day as a way to increase my protein stores and as a way to start getting used to the shakes so it is not such a shock mentally once that is all I am eating. PREPARING FOR SURGERY; Everything you would expect your MD to have told you. Now until 2 weeks from surgery; Below will prepare your body for surgery 1) Increase protein intake to at least 1 gram per kilogram of body weight. For my weight (260lbs) I SHOULD eat at least 120 gr of protein daily. 2) Take Omega 3's daily - Among Other Things (AOT) it will help your hair postop 3) Take Multivitamin daily 4) Take Vit C daily - AOT it helps healing 5) Take Zinc daily - AOT it helps healing 6) Take amino acids, L-Glutamine and L-arginine - AOT it helps healing 7) Take Coenzyme C-10 - AOT it helps healing 8) Take probiotic - prepares your gut for the change to liquids and possible antibiotics postop 9) Drink at least 1 ounce of Water per Kilogram of body weight daily. At least 10 days before surgery you MUST STOP below things; Causes bleeding or interacts with anesthesia 1) Stop Vitamin E, K, C and B including your daily multivitamin and all other herbals 2) Stop Fish oils, aka, omega 3's 3) Stop drinking green tea, alcohol, caffeine, aspartame (equal) 4) Stop eating cayenne pepper, ginger, flax seed, tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant, sugar, fried foods, transfats and MSG, fatty fish such as salmon 5) Stop Aspirin and NSAID's ONLY take the 5 things listed below from 10 days up to the day before surgery; 1) Zinc 2) amino acids (L-Glutamine and L-arginine) 3) Coenzyme Q-10 4) Probiotics 5) Prescription medications okayed by your surgeon Postop Day 3; RESTART everything below as okayed by your doctor; 1) Restart everything that you stopped 10 days before surgery 2) Keep your protein as high as you can; try for 1mg/kg (this helps healing and minimizes hair loss)

I tried different OA meetings in my area a few years ago. They were actually quite different from each other. One had a very large group, many different people participating & telling their stories. In another, there were 3 of us, including me. I didn't like the whole sponser thing, personnally. I found it more annoying than accountable- the first sponser I had I thought was crazy. (If I decided to eat a peach instead of a plum, I was supposed to call her and then she would give me a hard time.) I tried another one, but I still felt uncomfortable. There is a website for Overeaters anonymous where you can get an idea of their philosophy and you can read their online magazine sample and buy books. I am pretty sure it is www.OA.org (or just google overeaters anonymous). For me, OA helped me think about different ideas, but some people at these meetings have major issues. (One lady was telling us about how her alcoholic husband hit her and she thought her weight was the problem. I truly felt like speaking to her separately- but I am not a professional, but I felt she needed professional therapy. ) There is no professional in charge- but I did order some of their literature on line, which I found useful. They also have on-line meetings. It may work for you- its costs nothing to give it a try, so you should give it a try.

I've been in maintenance for a year. I love my treats and I do drink now. I can eat pretty much anything. I have to limit it to stay in my weight range. I cannot tolerate as much alcohol as I drank before. My limit is two drinks. And I drink 1-2 times per week. For example, this week I had a glass of wine on Saturday. I am going out today and will have two cocktails before dinner. For treats this week, I have had a 1/2 cup ice cream twice, a couple of mini candy bars, 1 T. Peanut Butter on a graham cracker, and a couple of blueberry muffins. Generally, I have one small treat a day. Lynda

Just wondering after my weight loss period can I eat cake on my wedding day? Can I have ice cream every once in a while? Do any of you guys go out to eat? What does alcohol do to you?

When are we given the clear for alcoholic drinks? I'm 6 months out and I have never thought to even ask my doctor this question LOL

I am going to Jamaica next week to celebrate my birthday with my girlfriends. I'm nervous about the trip. Should I take protein? Can I have a small Drink of alcohol... I'll be 8 weeks out... Please share your thoughts or experience!

I saw that pretty rainbow layered jello cake too but it was filled with shots of alcohol lol

I was self pay in Mexico. I read on here and dozens of publicly accessible medical journals through NIH, NHS and Health Canada before even making contact with the surgeon in Mexico. I started receiving preop emails around the time I was to begin and have received weekly post op care emails each week since surgery. I also fortunately had a long history (of success) with low carb and ketogenic diets, and unfortunately also with drug and alcohol addiction and other self destructive behaviours. The latter contributed to my weight gain, and I made a decision to get totally clean and chart a new path for my health and sanity. Perhaps that's why I don't mind straight advice. I can't get down with Jesus or higher power BS and thus 12 step programs were never on my radar. I indulged myself in information and tried to educate myself as well as possible about any and all possible outcomes. This has always been my approach, and I totally accept that it's not for everyone. Some people want information presented to them personally on a silver platter and some of us need to be muckrakers and find it ourselves to believe it. What I can't accept is anti-informational people. People who don't want the truth and are happy subsisting in an echo chamber of what they want to be true instead of what is true. People who want sympathy instead of empathy.

Wow. This is quite sad. While I don't defend people who are asking about funnel cakes etc... I do have a somewhat different perspective. Not everyone is intelligent or has common sense. Many people (me ) were self pay and had NO pre op classes, no nutritionist, no counseling, no booklet to refer to. My friend on the other hand had all of that plus a huge binder to refer to. Thank God I'm in the medical profession and read what I needed to. We all got overweight for different reasons. Some lack of education, some emotional trauma, lack of money or resources, hereditary, or any other reason we know nothing about. The sleeve didn't cure them but then the sleeve didn't cure their mind either. It's like an alcoholic---just because he is in the 12 step program doesn't mean he knows it all or can control it. They go to seek advice and help -so do some here. No one is perfect and yes they might need justification but maybe that is their coping mechanism that they are working thru. Let's hope they are successful with whatever coping mechanisms work for them (instead of food) Yes , there are trolls and really dumb questions but we are not in their shoes and don't know their intentions or reasons. I see patients who are on 5 liters of oxygen but still smoke, I had a patients husband tell me he puts 18 sugars in his coffee and gives his diabetic wife juice with no idea it had tons of sugar in it. I have patients that have no idea what a carb or Protein is. I don't ridicule them or make them feel dumb. I try to educate them. I think everyone hopes to be a success story and be around to help guide others. But unfortunately the sleeve doesn't do the work and there are so many people that need support whether it's to educate or listen or just let them vent. Yes we all know it should be common sense not to eat Cookies, cake and candy. But if someone takes the time to ask maybe you will be the ONE voice of reason that helps them on their journey and gets thru to them. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I keep thinking that I don't dump but maybe it's just that I haven't eaten any of these foods. I don't think I've had rice pasta or bread... Well except I did have a sushi roll with light rice. I haven't tried orange juice or ice cream. I was worried when I ate a yogurt that had 13 grams of sugar. I have a think thin protein bar in my purse but I'm afraid to eat it. It says sugar free but there r 11 grams of sugar alcohol. I'm wondering if sugar alcohol will make me sick?

I've had a tiny bit of wine..I say tiny because the 2x I've tried it I was pretty much tipsy after the smallest of sips. I think my surgeons program called for at least 1 year out for alcohol..naughty me I tried it. It hit me super fast. I'm nearly 7mo and just now in the last month or so trying it.

I was told that alcohol is a no-go like caffein since it isn't good for the pouch. Is this just my Dr, or is it just a strong recommendation?

I am almost 4 weeks out and it just keeps getting better and better and better.This is the hapiest I have been in a long time just knowing that if I follow the ''rules'' and do as I should I actually have a chance to be thin and regain my heath! That to me means no more CPAP machinewhich =better sleep (God willing)and relief for my Osteoarthritis pain in my knee which = better motion/mobility.(God willing). Another benefit is I am no longer ravenously hungry to the point of feeling like a "bottomless pit"when I eat.I had a bad problem with emotional overeating that after I conquered that habit,I knew a band would further help me in that habit not returning because it will be ther to remind me that I may have pain if I overeat again ,for whatever reason.I handle my emotions differenty and I get out /express what is bugging me instead of destroying myself with food,cigarettes,or alcohol.; Newbie,if you do the best you possibly can to follow the band "rules" you will be very successful and over time you will not think of food the same way ever again.This may seem frightening for you now but over time you will look back and feel as if this was the best thing you ever did for your health and self esteem.I have lost 30 lbs already and that is from July 19th -September 26th,and I am feeling better every day. Yes,it is a complete lifestyle makeover but what you will gain in health,self-worth,and how others will treat you better is priceless.Good luck to you on your journey!

Also your body might be trying to catch up "inchwise" with the weight loss. I find if I stall, I kick the scale under the bed for a few days and get out the tape measure. Also I have noticed that if I have a glass of wine or a "high sodium" day, I gain about a pound and it takes about two days to loose it. I think the alcohol and/or sodium makes me hold in water weight.

*typed as I sip my starbucks... Through a straw* I *think* the main reason they say no straws is because typically we use straws when drinking sodas and milkshakes and alcohol and.. and... you get the point. Sure there's a chance that it could cause you to take in extra air, but the amount would be so miniscule that it likely wouldn't bother you too terribly much. I think it's more just the fact that straws are associated with stuff on the no no list.

You also need to know what the med was, how much they gave you, what happened. Cuz any future operation will ask if you've ever had probs with anesthesia. They will need specifics to make sure it doesn't happen to you again! You also need to be very honest with them about your history of drug and alcohol consumption, cuz it all plays into how much anesthesia or pain meds they have to give you to have you receive the effect. So sorry you had this scary time!!!! ((hugs))

Hi ya.. I am due to be having my band fitted at the end of Aug and since booking the op - i have had loads of questions and hoping you guys who have been through it could give me an honest account of what is to come. In terms of drinking alcohol- what is the situaion with that? Can you still have a few drinks and do you get drunk easier?? With food- what types of foods do you seem to struggle on- and is it rite you cannot drink fizzy drinks? Oh typical; i cannot remember my questions now- but any handy hints you have learnt since being banded would be appreciated- and congrats to you all who have lost so much its so inspiring. Take care & keep it up..:thumbup: Kel

Carbonation causes most people to get gas that I've heard is painful. It also stretches the pouch. My surgeon and nutritionist also encourages people to stay away from alcohol because of the empty calories, you get drunk faster. They also feel that it puts your liver at a risk while losing weight by not only burning fat, but also having to filter alcohol. It's too much stress.

My doc approved anything with no-cal sweeteners. Although my stomach likes diet drinks like Crystal Light, it does not play well with sucralose or alcohol sugars. You just have to test each one to see what your stomach likes. I don't know of any artificial sweetener that is considered safe. They scream about sugar, they scream about honey, they scream about every artificial sweetener. I figure I am doing more harm to my body every day by being fat as opposed to drinking artificial sweeteners every day.

I recently posted the following comments on another thread and thought they were useful enough to live stand alone in a new thread: If it is helpful, my NUT at Swedish hospital in Seattle (yay Britney) recommended eating like the induction phase on Atkins for the pre op diet. I did not have any trouble with that as lots of practice there over the years. The Atkins Induction phase is essentially a very low carb diet, no breads, starches, caffeine, etc. You eat proteins as much as possible with some low glycemic vegetables. The surgeon stated that I had a super healthy and small liver because of doing this type of eating pre op. Most people will end up losing 10 lb. a week by eating low carb before surgery. For example, I switched my diet one month before surgery to be like Atkins induction phase and lost about 30 lbs dropping my weight to 335 lb., probably reducing complications that might have been present had I been 30 lb heavier and still eating junk. I felt it also gave me a good kick start on learning to eat better *before* post op physical and mental struggles. Really important!! Maybe this simple suggestion will help you or others who read this later. I also like the idea of drinking protein shakes before surgery. That will help you get used to the post op drinking of protein shakes. All we drink are protein shakes for up to 3 weeks post op (aka the liquid phase) so the more you prepare yourself for this, the better. However, I do have to warn you that your favorite protein shake flavor pre op may no longer be your favorite protein shake flavor post op. Our tastes often change when going over to the other side. For this reason, it is not a good idea to load up on tubs of protein powder pre op thinking you will be also drinking the same flavors post op. happened to me. MyBariatricPantry.com and other sites like this let you buy sample packets of protein shake flavors. Try some or all until you pick one or more that you do not mind drinking. Again, do this post op as your tastes may have changed after your stomach is removed. I happen to like Nectar sweets (several flavors) both pre op and post op, but did not like Nectar fruits post op where others really like Nectar fruit flavors post op. I used to be big on peach and banana flavors pre op, but hated them post op. Everyone will have different tastes. I still have 1-2 protein shakes daily. They are really helpful for when I need a low effort 1st meal and a recovery drink after working out. Still love to drink Nectar Cookies and Cream even today. I feel good that protein shakes are helping me get in an extra 40-50 grams of protein a day. I try and eat 150+ g of protein a day today. Water and milk will taste different post op, maybe even gross or cause GI issues. I could not drink milk again due to lactose intolerance issues until month 5 post op and plain water again until month 6 post op. You may find an alternative like light soy or almond milk will work just as well as nonfat/low fat milk post op; it will be smoother on your stomach and less trips to the bathroom. Everyone is different. As for water, I could taste all the minerals and it sat heavy in my stomach post op. I am still flavoring my water today at month 9 post op, but can drink bottled and tap water again without flavor if the need arises. Luckily, the need does not arise very often because I have water flavoring in my pocket most of the time. Try and drink as much water as possible to flush toxins from your system. As you are dropping weight, the stored toxins are released into your liver and it needs all the flushing it can get to keep up. I try and drink 100+ oz water a day today. An Atkins style diet without the higher fat foods actually works remarkably well post op to drop lbs month over month until you are able to add back in good carbs around month 5 or 6. For example, month 1 (45 lbs.), month 2 (45 lbs.), month 3 (15 lb), month 4 (15 lb), month 5 (15 lbs.) and month 6 ( 15 lbs). I am maintaining at around 180 lbs now for 2 months. This is only a suggested style of eating post op as it will not work for everyone nor will it be preferred by everyone. As an aside, I also added coffee back in at week 6 and alcohol at month 6. My remaining pre op vices, I suppose. Hey, I am a Seattleite and need my coffee! Today I have transitioned into a Paleo diet with supplementation (shakes and bars) to help optimize my running and cross fit activities. Up until month 5, my exercise was mostly walking / elliptical and I encourage everyone to really get good at walking before taking on additional exercise activities. Besides, your dog will love you for it! Hope this helps! Please add other tips that have worked for you so pre ops will have a smoother transition to post op with regards to eating and drinking.