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I've seen some great posts here, so I'm hoping I'll get a response. Sorry that this is so long. I was sleeved end of April. My starting weight was 200lbs. I am 5'5, and 55 years old. I was sleeved in Thailand, because this is where I live now. I wasn't given a liquid diet recommendation, just no alcohol, and watch fat and carb intake. I ate normally the night before surgery. I had broth for 2 days, then they had me on scrambled eggs for two days. After that I ate chicken, regular chicken that I needed to chew a lot. Here I am about 5 months out with a weight loss of 30 pounds. I don't do much cardio, because of a bad knee (the reason for my sleeve was to lose weight for a major joint replacement in October). I lift every other day for 1.5 hours and I use 10 to 20 pound weights for arms and shoulders. I've noticed inches lost, but not nearly as much weight lost as I expected. The only advice the doctor gave me is to cut out all grains, rice, potatoes, dairy, sugar and fruit. In other words, just eat protein and veg. I was told to take a multi-vitamin, iron, and calcium with a D supplement. And drink lots of water. I was very strict the 1st two months (and still no major weight loss), started "slipping" at the beginning of July with oatmeal or whole grain bread once a day. Went a little nuts toward the end of the month with the occasional chocolate and chips, and in August really refocused myself. Still nothing. My average calorie intake is between 850 and 950 right now. I woke up today with sore joints (not sore muscles). Please, I know you aren't doctors (mine is inaccessible, due to location), but I'd appreciate your suggestions. Thank you so much! Also, at times of the day I seriously feel ravenous...not just hungry, but I could seriously eat anything. I'm a lot hungrier during the day than I expected to be.

Trader joes sells these and they can be found in grocery stores and some gas stations. I am glad you like them. If I recall, they have kind of high carb from sugar alcohols (17 g) and calories are also kind of high (270) per bar. They are big so may fill better than other bars. http://www.amazon.com/thinkThin-Chunky-Peanut-Butter-2-1-Ounce/dp/B000CRHQN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375758703&sr=8-1&keywords=think+thin+bars The Cookies and cream is also good. Still a good option if you enjoy them. Some others that I have enjoyed are nu go slim, pure Protein and Quest.

I have a different view on VSG. I believe that I am a food addict and my body and mind is predisposed to crave certain foods. And not only that, my body is very efficient at storing calories against future needs. Currently, food addiction is not a recognized condition, but who knows, in a few more years, it might be. And eventually it could be treated like alcohol or any other addiction. But there is one thing I do know, food producers are working hard to make foods that make us want more of them. That only makes sense, produce products that people want. Unfortunately, those same products work too well on people like me. I can't explain my preoccupation with food for so many years any other way. I could eat a filling meal and then, two hours later, I'd be thinking about eating again. I'd get cravings for certain flavors and could get them out of my head until I ate them. I believed all the hype that if only I could just cut back on calories and exercise more, I could be thin like the beautiful people. Not being normal was a failing on my part. Six months post-op, and I think all that crap about "just cut back" "push the plate away" is just that - crap. When your mind is telling you that you're hungry every two hours, it's like a little kid tugging on your arm saying, "I want a candy bar, I want a candy bar!" And I couldn't get rid of him. And eventually it just wore me down, till I gave in. Whether the surgery removed the part of my stomach that was producing the "hunger" hormone or if the surgery was just the psychological kick in the pants I needed, I now have a completely different attitude towards food. I no longer have that "little kid" tugging on my arm and the only cravings I experience now are for bananas\strawberries\watermelon - good for you foods. And most of the time, I only want them because I happened to walk past them at the store. Those days of suddenly wanting a cherry pie or a double cheese burger with fries - for no apparent reason - are gone. Now don't get me wrong, I still fight head hunger and sometimes try to keep eating even after I am full. So I've still got things to work on. But I'm on the downhill side and I don't feel like I am in an impossible to overcome situation. I know I was in imminent danger - mentally as well as physically, just undiagnosed. well said. I'm a good junkie too.

... I've looked the list up and down several times and this is as close to accurate as I could get. I'm not ranting and/or raving... It's not a 'men only' thing... It's not a boy/girl thing... I'm not 100% certain that it's a 'success story' thing either because the story isn't over yet.. It's just a thing.. Anyway, here's the s**t.. My story is similar to many others here. Got fat... Got sleeved... Lost weight... Hit a "stall"... (I use the " around stall because technically, it wasn't all a stall. In the beginning it was. After that it was Christmas, New Years, holiday, drinking, not watching intake...) I've posted about my "stall" before... Unfortunately, the "stall" happened when I was floating around the 100kg (220.462 pounds) lost mark. I went from 98.5 kg lost to 96 then back to 98.7... This went on for four weeks or so leading up to Christmas... Once Christmas came, I knew it wasn't gonna break in the near future so I stopped weighing. So for a month, I stopped worrying about calories and carbs and all that stuff. Yes, I made sure to keep up the Protein and Water, but that was all. Then, once I was back at work and into my routine, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and weigh in. I was scared that I'd gained... Scared that I'd undone some of the good that I'd done... So with great trepidation, I stepped on the scales (first thing in the morning, straight after a pee, naked apart from my reading glasses). I could not believe what I saw... The scale hadn't moved... I was still within a couple of kg of my 100kg lost. Well, that got me going... It was head down and arse up for the next two weeks, making sure I watched EVERYTHING that went in, got right back into training and all that... No cake at work morning tea. No waffle fries at the baseball. No alcohol at the races... (I know, right??!??!) Protein, water, protein, water, good fat and carbs, repeat... Tonight, as I walked in the door, something told me to check my weight... I dunno what it was... The universe maybe... (Please don't make this a God thing... That's a whoooole other story...) Whatever it was, I listened... I weighed myself.. No fear... No trepidation.. And I'm pleased to say that, as things currently stand, I have officially lost EXACTLY 100.3kg (221.124 pounds) since Feb 25 last year. I still have approx 50 kg (110 pounds) to go and hope to have that gone by year's end.. But I'll think about that tomorrow... Tonight is for enjoying the moment... Please... If there's anyone reading this who is struggling or needs support - PM me. I'm more than happy to answer questions or give opinions/anecdotal advice. Thanx for reading... Kinda...

I would ask your surgeons insurance coordinator and your psych Doc to go to bat for you. I have always asked about that question on med docs, because of this exact reason. If you respond yes to the "Do you drink?" question it sounds like your an alcoholic even though you are only having maybe 1 beer a week or just at social occasions! It is the way they ask it, there is no way to say sometimes, maybe once every two months, I have two drinks at a party but nothing imbetween... I just shared this during my psych evaluation and told her I hate that question for this very reason. She explained that she understood that I only have a drink or two every once and awhile, and that they were trying to identify those who were drinking excessively. She shared that a recent patient was drinking two bottles of wine every night at dinner and didn't get that it was an issue for weight loss surgery. In any case, if they are going to accuse you of being an alcoholic, they better have more than stupid question to go on! Maybe even your state insurance representative could help, here in Washington our guy is a hero because he goes to bat for individuals all the time. One woman was denied coverage because her ex boyfriend beat her up, some stupid clause was referenced, it was huge in the news, the insurance company backed down and paid her claims. ..

<p>OK you are not going to like this but here goes.</p> <p>NO DRINKING! NO DRINKING! NO DRINKING!</p> <p>Anything else?</p> <p> </p> <p>Alcohol will cause irritation at your restricted site. This will cause swelling. This will cause acid reflux and Then will cause tightening. This will (can) cause erosion, migration.</p> <p>Be carefull this is a slippery slope. </p> <p>Sure you can have a drink maybe even several. But maybe the first one will cause you to swell up and PB. Is it worth it? Get a nice glass and put some cool tea with some big ice cubes. Looks like Scotch. Who is going to know? Its your band take care of it.</p>

Same here with the alcohol. No difference post op. In fact I think I felt it more before surgery because I had room for a couple of cocktails but now I can't finish one.

One word of advice: if they try to pass you off on it, ask for a liver panel (also included in a comprehensive metabolic panel). When I went in and asked them to check my gallbladder, they still weren't convinced, but to appease me they did some blood work and my liver enzymes were out of wack. The doctor asked me if I drank alcohol. He said either I'm an alcoholic or my gallbladder might be acting up. When the ultrasound came back showing problems with my gallbladder, the doctor apologized to me and said he should have listened to me.

I am here to tell you that it can be done. I started the process for the sleeve in October 2011. I quit smoking December 26th. (over 5 months now) stopped drinking any alcohol or caffienated drinks six weeks ago and I was finally sleeved on 5/29. I found quitnet.com to be a very helpful site on my quitting smoking journey. I have learned a lot about myself in the process. I am looking forward to the next year to see my transformation. You can do this! When I first quit smoking i was not happy about it. I thought I would just go right back to it once I had my sleeve done. Not anymore. I have ZERO desire to smoke now. I want to be healthy 100 percent. Good luck in your journey! Lori

I live in Nome and have used Dr. Jones as my fill doc since I was banded 7/07. He's great, but insists that if you come from out of town that you stay for a few days just in case there are complications. I know he'll "tweak" the fill for free if it's within the week. He and I have had GREAT communication at our visits and he does what I want. I don't know how the other docs in Anc do it, but Dr. Jones uses a small needle...cleans the area with alcohol, shoots it in and it's done...other docs do a whole prep thing that seems a bit tedious (and I work in healthcare!). To note: I was going through Anc. a couple of weeks ago and was going to get a fill, but Dr. Jones was out of the office....bummer! So I called around (Dr. Searle, Dr. Todd, and the x-ray place that does the flouros) the docs were about $400 to set up and $200 for the fill, the x-ray place was going to be about $800....FYI. I was lucky enought to get a doc (Dr. Lawrence) out here in Nome to do my fills (he'll do them at the hospital or at my home). Our first fill together was a little crazy (finding the right spot), but things are good now and I have no trouble being the guinea pig for him...if it allows others to get fills out here without having to go to Anc. to do it.

Hang in there! If you have problems w/ your blood sugar dropping too low, it can make you feel sick to your stomach. When I was waking up from my surgery, I was very nauseous. The nurse had me sip on some "strong" Hawaiian Punch and put an alcohol swab over the bridge of my nose. I know it sounds goofy, but the alcohol swab worked wonders! :confused:

Yes I have been drinking alcohol after one month. The doctor said it's fine but it will slow down the weight loss. Usually 2 drinks but I have been at many social events the past 6 weeks and do see a slow weight loss and increase in drinking ability, so I have given up now for at least the next 4-8 weeks.

I am new to this site and started my journey January 13th with Cigna Open Access in NJ. I was told not to gain a single pound as well. Today was my last nutrition appointment and my 90th day. I have now gained 3 pounds. The nurses are giving me till Tuesday (The day after Memorial weekend by the way) to lose the 3 pounds. If I don’t lose the 3 pounds they are saying Cigna will deny the claim. Does anyone know of this is true? Not only that, if they do approve the claim and I have gained any weight since my first visit, my surgeon will cancel it. I am totally freaking out. I worked hard the 4 months and now my 50th Birthday is approaching.... I would hate to have it cancelled now. I am doing everything I can to lose the weight and I don’t plan to enjoy my birthday (6/7) with any favorite foods or alcohol any more. 😪

As much as I love vaping, and how much better I feel since the switch years ago... If one can just quit cold turkey and never go back, that is just awesome. The money spent is real too. Lol coffee, a caramel green apple vape and knitting gives me the "Je ne sais quoi" daily pleasure. Thank goodness I never cared for alcohol, it makes me nauseous. For that I'm thankful. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App Thank you for not being offended. Honestly, we have to do what works for each of us individually, I just wouldn't want anyone to go back to anything when the nicotine withdrawal is already passed. Mental craving is a whole other story... Sort of like head hunger! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was told that the sleeve is a high pressure environment and that it will increase, albeit slightly, the predisposition to reflux. But of course so do spicy foods, milk products, fatty foods, alcohol, smoking and possibly caffeine, tight clothing and laying flat. What i do is take it every other day and if that works then i take it once a week. when it flares up ( in a month or three) then I start over. I lived with reflux before they invented any of these meds and it was horrible, i dont mind being on them and dealing with whatever problems may or may not come up. alex

Just now 3 months out from my bypass, I had to wait a year after getting my band out to get the bypass.. I learned a lot in that year (wait time was a combination of healing and insurance requirements). The big difference is you won't feel "stuck"... just full with a small amount. I did have a drain and after they removed it they didn't tell me it "MAY" leak for several days, some do, some don't. Have some pads available just in case. The other thing they warn you about is sugar. Now I have not tested the sugar/dumping syndrome thing because I don't want to dump. However, watch those sugar alcohols you know in the different shakes and protein bars out there I have found I am very sensitive to even Spleda and all the like. Other than that I wish I would have done this first... I don't know why I was so scared!

Once you pick a bariatric surgeon, I think normally their office will arrange all these tests for you (at least mine did). I've only gone for two visits and I've already had most of them done (except I have one blood test and sleep apnea test left). My surgeon's office said that they've never had to refuse anyone based on the psych test and they've done thousands of surgeries (center of excellence). They do sometimes have to refer for additional counseling, but never had to refuse surgery. The written psych test is really kind of funny. One of the questions is 'Are your favorite hobbies archery and stamp collecting?'. I'm sure its in there as a guage to make sure you are actually still reading the questions (its a loooooonnnng test), but I had to laugh out loud at that one. But, the test will probably show them if you have other possible psych issues (depression, anxiety, alcoholism, eating disorder, etc.). I have generalized anxiety disorder (controlled w/medication - lexapro) and it was funny to see so many questions that I would have answered differently prior to being on meds for this. But, even if I didn't have it under control, I don't think they'd refuse surgery. I think they'd just want to make sure I got it under control before surgery.

I was wondering how the "feeling" differ between the two. I'm on day 6 of all liquid pre op diet....and im surviving. The first few days were hard but I've survived making three meals a day for my family, going to a 50th party full of food and alcohol, and, a date night with friends out bowling and drinking. I was okay for it all...and that's just crazy for me. Funny thing was if I look at the food it didn't make me crave it but if I could smell the food is when I was like "oh hello". So I guess my question is...is the hungry urge different after the surgey or can I expect kind of the same thing? ????

@LilMissDivaIrene, hi! I didn't know you in the Bad Old Days, but ProudGrammy did. if she's said you're a good one, I may have made myself a new friend. Kathy's been a good buddy, keeping me from going bonkers while I wait and struggle to get to surgery day. You have had 3 surgeries?, Well this will,be my third(and I hope final) attempt to convince a surgeon my proper place is on his operating table. I have somewhat jokingly said I would do my own RnY. I already own a box cutter, fishing line, hair clips and a Swingline stapeler, that pretty much covers things except for the 3-way mirror on top of my dressing table. I don't have any drinking alcohol let alone any other anesthesia but maybe I could hold my breath,until I pass out? I'm 72, time is running out for me, I don't have time for somone to dither around or go play darts somewhere. So I sit here in Central Ohio,with a smile pasted on my face,waiting to see what happens next in my life. I have an important(to me) appointment April 25 with Staff Psychologist Dr Kramer at Martha Morehouse Pavilion in Columbus Ohio and hopefully he will clear me for Bariatric Surgery at OSU-Wexner Medical,Center. Kathy says I should stop saying hopeful, she bellieves in me. I ten to think in a defeatist frame of mind and she says that will get me nowhere. So like Don Quixote ,I go forward to tilt with my own windmills.. Answer back,of you feel like it, okay?😭

I was allergic to the pain med. Loritab because of the alcohol in it. I didn't take anything after the first dose at home and had a reaction. The pain when I would get up off the couch was pretty bad on my right side on and around my larger incision. I also had a lump under it. I slept in a recliner for the first week because the pain was to bad to lay down. Walking hurt, standing was super painful and showering I shook the pain was so bad! No pain meds at all! I'm sure if would have taken the Norco they sent me on day 3 I might off been in less pain. So take your pain meds. At day 15 woke up and no pain! I had do get out and do all my Christmas shopping so I had no time for pain... I was so tired but I did it. I definitely got my walking in!! I'm 7 weeks Wednesday and I'm down 36 pounds and I feel great! Everyone has been saying how great I look, it feels wonderful!! So pain is common, my Dr said that's where he takes a really big stitch. He said on the outside its an inch long but on the inside its a lot bigger, through mussels ect. But call your bariatric team they will advise you what to do.

I wish i could tell you but there is such a huge range of recovery times. Some people are up same day as surgery and dont look back. others are laid up for days and take several weeks to get back into more normal routine. You have your youth on your side and i would hope you will be in the up and going gang busters group. All you have to know about "How it all works" is you need to eat very small meals and consume alot of protein while drinking water all the time. Dehydration is your enemy. as to the alcohol - just remember that it will hit you much much harder than before. I recently read a study that showed a huge increase in blood alcohol level from the same amount of alcohol given to sleeved vs. non sleeved test subjects. So exercise caution and make sure your safe. good luck and enjoy your time abroad

My kiddo sprained her ankle at college and found one of those wheeled book bags really helped. LL Bean makes a sturdy one. Maybe something like that would help in early days after surgery? When traveling, plan for medical complications. It's rare, particularly in someone young and healthy, but strictures happen...margin leaks happen...obstructions happen. Have a plan in place, find a bariatric doctor where you're going to at least have a phone number, and traveler's health insurance for emergencies. I would be extremely careful with alcohol and run the experiment at home first to know how you react.

Thinkingslim70 - A friend of mine had her surgery a year and a half ago (before I even started my journey). Everytime I would see her, at some point in the visit she would go into too much detail. One time we went to dinner and she ordered a margarita, I said, "Oh, you can still have alcohol?" And she went into this huge explaination of beer and bubbles and regurgitation and the size of the stomach opening and more stories of regurgitation. To tell you truth it was a little nausiating. While she was reviewing the menu, she would give explainations of why she couldn't eat each different dish. And when the food came, she would go thru a big production of getting the To Go box right away and explaining it all to the server at length. Then she would comment on how fast I chew or how she could never eat that much food now, or even the types of food on my plate and why she couldn't and what would happen if she did. When I complimented her jacket, I had to hear about all her other clothes that don't fit, how she has to buy a new size every couple weeks, how her work uniforms don't fit, how her bra sizes keep changing, etc... I know her surgery is life altering and it affects all areas of her life. I think she looks amazing and I am so happy for her. It's just my friend who used to be such a great jokster and lighthearted fun friend has become a surgical text book about vomiting and bodily functions and sutures and hair loss. Sometimes it can be a downer. I would never complain directly to her because I understand this is so huge to her. Now here is the kicker, I am going for surgery on Feb 4th. I catch myself sometimes answering friends' questions in too much detail. I try to remind myself of my friend and only answer what I am asked. I'm sure your friends are very happy for you and are supportive in their hearts. Maybe they have heard too much or too often. Even the best stories will lose their effect if heard too often. It doesn't make the story any less impressive but the response given maybe less impressive.

I was the most run-amuck food cramming undisciplined individual you'd ever see. I yo-yo dieted all my life (I should be given a Life-Membership at Weight Watchers SIMPLY for the number of times I have joined!) I've done every diet in the world (half-assed, I might add). I am like an alcoholic who says "I'll drink to that!" whenever someone says they need to stop. Discipline???? HAHAHAHAHA!!! So it was with a dose of trepidation that I had my band put in. WHOA!!!!! I am astounded at my ability to change my behavior. Almost 4 months out and I am OVER 50% to goal. I plateau and lose and plateau and lose and on it goes. I have ZERO regrets and KNOW I have saved my own life.

Tired of those same old 55 questions about me surveys? Well here are 55 I guarantee you've never answered. 1. Is your second toe longer than your first? Nope 2. Do you have a favorite type of pen? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a fountain pen. But I settle for the convenience of a gel pen. "You might be a writer if.....you test drive pens!" 3. Look at your planner for Sept 14, what were you doing? As little as possible and eating liquids -- I was one week post-op. 4. What color are your toenails usually? French pedi or au naturel 5. What was the last thing you highlighted? Something clever that I need to learn/remember in my Dave Ramsey course. 6. What color are your bedroom curtains? Green 7. What color are the seats in your car? Grey 8. Have you ever had a black and white cat? Yes. Her name was Cookie. 9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on? A medical bill 10. Do you know anyone who lives in Wyoming? Can't say that I do. 11. Why did you withdraw cash from the ATM the last time? Hmmmm.....it escapes me. But then cash always does. *ba-dump-bump* 12. Whose is the last baby that you held? My GrandBuddy...Desmond...my daughter's little boy. 13. Unlucky #? Do I have one? Nobody told me!! 14. Do you like Cinnamon toothpaste? uh---No. 15. What kind of car were you driving 2 years ago? 1996 Buick Roadmaster 16. Pick one: Miami Hurricanes or Florida Gators? I'll take my gator fried and my hurricane non-alcoholic. 17. Last time you went to Six Flags? Myself? 1987. But I've dropped the kids off since then. LOL 18. Do you have any wallpaper in your house? Nope -- first house I've lived in in 25 years to NOT have any wallpaper in it. 19. Closest thing to you that is yellow? The wall to my left. 20. Last person to give you a business card? A doctor, I guess. 21. Who is the last person you wrote a check to? My church for tithes. 22. Closest framed picture to you? Tootie and Bean -- my daughter and granddaughter, auntie and niece 23. Last time you had someone cook for you? My hubby made chili dogs on Saturday. 24. Have you ever applied for welfare? Not yet! 25. How many email accounts do you have? Three that I use -- several that I don't. 26. Last time you received flowers? Um....Mother's Day, I think. 27. Do you think the sanctity of marriage is meant for only a man & woman? Absolutely. 28. Do you play air guitar? Nope....I know my limitations. 29. Has anyone ever proposed to you? Yes 30. Do you take anything in your coffee? I prefer my caffeine carbonated and over ice. 31. Do you have any Willow Tree figurines? One 32. What is/was your high school's rival mascot? Gosh, I don't remember. The school was Baker....but I don't know what their mascot was! 33. Last person you spoke to from high school? Tonya 34. Last time you used hand sanitizer? Does antibacterial soap count? 35. Would you like to learn to play the drums? Why bother...like I said, I know my limitations! 36. What color are the blinds in your living room? off-white 38. Last thing you read in the newspaper? The ad for Hobby Lobby 39. What was the last pageant you attended? Can't say I've ever attended one. 40. What is the last place you bought pizza from? Pizza Hut 41. Have you ever worn a crown? Only in my imagination. 42. What is the last thing you stapled? The budget 43. Did you ever drink clear Pepsi? Nope 44. Are you ticklish? Very much so. 45. Last time you saw fireworks? July 4 46. Last time you had a Krispy Kreme doughnut? Right before they closed down the one on Bay Area Blvd....so like 18 months ago maybe? 47. Who is the last person that left you a message & you actually returned it? Ha! Good question. I don't remember! 48. Last time you parked under a carport? At my daddy's, four years ago. 49. Do you have a black dog? Nope 50 . Have you had your mid life crisis yet? Since I've not yet acknowledged that I AM "mid-life", the answer is NO. 51. Are you an aunt or uncle? Auntie 52. Who has the prettiest eyes that you know of? My hubby -- or one of my kids that he gave them to. 53. Believe in Karma? I can't, since I don't believe in reincarnation. I believe we should treat others as we would like to be treated. And I sometimes see people suffer through things they shouldn't have to. But I know God is the judge of us all and He will make it all right in the end. 54. Do you remember Ugly Kid Joe? I'm thinking......er.....no. 55. Do you have a little black dress? Well, in my case it would be a BIG black dress, but yes, I have several.