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Hi Shazam, you sure have your head in the right place -- pre-band here and loved reading your post. Transference is the term for trading in one addiction for another. Those seeking escape through food and unwilling to really look at that are prone to finding another way. Alcohol, for example, or just straight-up sugar. Something to stay in a fog rather than really showing up for life, which it's easy to see you are doing. Congratulations on all -- you are navigating some difficult people around you. Stay strong and stay away from any one who is toxic for you. We all know chips, ice cream, etc. are excluded -- why go through all this not to be successful on the band? We want health, vitality -- beautiful futures full of promise!

You my friend, will be a success. Congrats on your understanding what life changing really means. It's ladies like you mention above who give WLS a bad name. People see those folks doing nothing different and figure it's the 'easy fix' and then they wind up gaining the weight back anyway. Your friend with the alcohol problem has just changed her addiction. It happens alot from what I understand. Find your true support in life and here virtually and enjoy your new life..you have earned it.

Keep in mind I am 9 months post op. But the carbonation didn't seem to be a problem. The problem was purely the impact of the alcohol which was much stronger and lasted much longer then in the old days. Also the calories were probably not good but I haven't brought myself to look it up, lol.

Wondering if this is a serious thread of not but here goes: I drink a lot of alcohol in one sitting. I don't exercise (my skin looks pretty okay) I am beginning to feel my bulimia rear it's ugly head again and consume my life. I'm scared to confess this to my doctor and get actual help so I pretend like everything is okay when it's not

Hi, I'm Abby. Wasn't exactly sure where to post this as didn't think it would be appropriate in newly banded for new bandsters that are learning like me. If anyone has any advice, please help! I know there are several topics on heartburn AFTER a patient has been too tight or has had fills but I haven't had anything in my band. My lapband surgery date was 9/13/13. I had the AP-L band with no Fluid placed in band. I did have hiatial hernia repair 3 x 4 CM. Today is my 14 day post op and I am having heartburn. I did not have heartburn at all the first week post op. I do not lay down after meals, so I know it is not related to that. I also have ONLY had Water to drink for fluids since day 8 and forward from surgery. I had my post op appointment this last Wednesday (9/25) with the nurse. I had only had one bad heartburn experience the past weekend and thought it was an isolated incident but still mentioned it. She suggested that I trial prilosec for about a month or so until the swelling subsides from the surgery. I just wanted to give you some background information and what I’ve been doing so you have all the info. Prior to surgery, I probably have had heartburn 5-10 times in my life that I can recall. The only thing that triggered it was if I drank more than two glasses of alcohol which was a rare occasion. I was never sensitive to any other types of food. It was also relieved by taking two tums within 10-30 minutes. My first week post-op I was unable to burp for 6-7 days. Every time I had the pressure to burp, I was unable to for some reason. Starting day 6-7 and forward I burp multiple times throughout the day. I don’t know if that’s a factor since it opens up the Lower esophageal sphincter. I do try to not gulp air and try to SIP my water. My first heartburn experience was on day 8, first day of pureed/soft type foods per surgeon guidelines. I had three bites of lowfat cottage cheese at 12:00 p.m. I tolerated that fine. I had no other food and only sipped on water starting at 1:00 p.m. At 3:30 p.m., I developed heartburn that lasted until 7:00 pm. I took two tums and a chewable prevacid around 5:00, the heartburn finally relieved itself two hours after that. I had no episode of heartburn on Sunday. On Monday I had very mild heartburn that lasted about 1-2 hours and then went away. No episode on Tuesday or Wednesday. Yesterday Thursday (9/26) I had heartburn from 4:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. I did have ¼ of tomato Soup at noon but had no symptoms of heartburn and had tomato soup previous days without problems (I understand this is acidic) At 3:30, I ate two ounces of tuna fish and 1 low fat laughing cow cheese wedge. At 4:00 p.m., I had heartburn. I took two tums and prevacid at 4:30 without relief. I continued to sip my water but no other food. At 8:30 I took two more tums and then Pepto-Bismol. Had no relief. Finally at 9:30 I started to drink my Protein shake (only water and whey protein) and I had relief. I was afraid to try any more food even though I was hungry in fear of having heartburn all night. This morning I woke up around 8:30 a.m. with heartburn. It is my third day of omeprazole. I’m really upset as it is uncomfortable, I had no problems of reflux prior to surgery AND I had a hernia repair. My throat and esophagus feel irritated now and then to have another episode makes it more irritated than the initial episodes. I don’t know if there is something wrong but this is NOT normal for me. If this is related to swelling from the surgery, wouldn't of I experienced it the first week? Or no? I have NO night cough, no nausea, no vomiting. I also don't feel gastric juices in my throat. Just a "burn" from my sternum to my throat area. I've had minimal hunger since surgery. Maybe feel hungry once a day. I am eating roughly 500-700 calories this week. I have tolerated swallowing everything I've tried. No PB or slime. I've tried Protein shakes (only water and whey stirred), broths, blended Soups, lowfat cottage cheese, refried Beans, greek yogurt, pudding, tuna fish, laughing cow cheese wedge, and Peanut Butter. Is there a reason post op with no fluid in the band why I would be experiencing this? . I left a voicemail to make an appointment with the surgeon but seeing if in the meantime someone else had a solution. Thanks. -Abby

You said it in a nutshell, this is why OH band forum is now DEAD, because of evil band bashers, some I honestly remember kept their bands too tight, had to always "look for trashcans" to vomit, many admitted to vomiting 25 times per day? I honesty did not know it was possible to vomit that many times per day... I've heard of some "healthcare" professionals and nurses filling their own bands....creating horrible infections in their ports...alcohols, drug addicts, I've even heard of some folks taking meths to induce their weight loss with their bands...you have NO clue of what is going on with that person... This is why I am so cynical when it comes to band issues...I've heard so many horror stories of band abuse...it will make your head spin. The thing is most people will support people that abused their bands, as long as they fess up as to why it happened, regardless of what type of complication someone has whether, it surgeons fault, patients neglect with aftercare, abusing the band, or whether it eroded, slipped, or whatever, most people will get support. I think when people come in with a fly by night post and just say'...the band is a piece of crap and liked to killed me and everyone else that has one will suffer the same fate, with no explanation of "what happen" --- should always be avoided and in my opinion given absolutely -- NO SUPPORT.

I also am in AA, and in my neck of the woods, if someone came in with a drink we would pull that person off and make sure they had everything they need to help them. We wouldn't do it with kid gloves on, either. In my original post, I asked what the OP was looking for by posting a picture of chips. Did I do it in a sunshine and lollypops way? No. I am direct. I believe working in fluff does nobody any good. Just like alcohol, people are dying from obesity folks. I take my journey with my sleeve very seriously. I understand everybody else has their own journey, but it is difficult for me to stand by and smile if I see someone potentially sabotaging themselves one more time. I'm sure this post, too, will be read cynically, but all I can say it that it is based in love and concern. I hope if someone here sees me sabotaging my efforts they will be strong enough to point it out directly. I'm a grown up ... I can handle it.

Natalie, u r precious, I love your honesty & the courage it takes to reach out. Hug yourself for that. There will b lots of opportunities for turkey etc when your diet stage dictates. I guess we cld ask ourselves this... Is eating this xxxx worth causing a leak or other medical issue? I had a conversation inside my head not too long ago b4 starting this journey. Someone brought a box of sees candy to work I had lost 40 pounds and was on a sugar free streak. The box of candy knew my name, it beckoned me to the break room, we were all alone. I walked out and made it a point to avoid the break room the rest of the day. Once I start I act like I am never going to get another piece of candy in my life, like there's going to be a candy shortage. I literally gave myself a pep talk and said... Is eating all that candy going to help me get to my goal? Will there be another time and place that I may enjoy a piece of candy down the road? For that day, that instant it helped. Alcoholics, drug addicts can avoid encounters with those items, as food addicts( I use this term loosely) we must face food ever single day. We are confronted 24/7. Being able to rewire our thinking and behavior is where it's at. Small steps.....falling down, reaching out.....small steps. Hope this helps. Remind me of this when I am struggling k?

I haven't had surgery but I've been on a cruise and honestly you will be having so much fun food won't be as big of an issue... Alcohol might be :-( but the food is good but not all that... I was so busy I forgot to eat every meal... I made it a goal to maintain weight on the cruise not lose and not gain.... Enjoy the cruise they are fantastic.... I think you need to take each meal as the come but don't stress over the food.... Careful with the drinks they hand u one as u walk onto the boat.... Lol!

I had a 2 week diet to shrink the liver before surgery day. I was given precise instructions and was reminded NO cheating. The list contained a variety of non starchy vegetables, steamed/baked chicken or fish the size of your palm but not more, protein soups, bars, pudding purchased from the surgeon's office, fat free/light canned broths and such. No alcohol, no sodas, no fried foods, no pizza or bread based foods, no pasta nor rice.

Hi I've been following your thread all day. I'm in Austin and I was sleeved on 9/10 2013. Today is my first day of week 3. I had a lot of dizziness the first week, was better the second week and it's gone now and I have a ton of energy now. I'm eating Campbells cream soups & tomato soup added to my broth. But there's no way you're going to get the Protein that you need with the food we are allowed to eat right now. I highly recommend getting a Protein powder to add to your soup. I use unjury chicken soup flavor because the first two weeks it was only Clear Liquids and that one counts for clear. I add at about 4 tsps of tomato soup or cream of chicken soup to 8 ounces of Water and it takes me about an hour to get it down plus my protein powder. But it has 21 grams of protein! and in the morning I do a premier Protein shake vanilla or chocolate. You can get them at Sams or costco. 30 grams of protein 1g sugar... and so tasty! Dannon makes a yogurt called light and fit vanilla flavor with extra protein I've been having one of these a day its 12 grams of protein and 9 carbs. I'm also a recovering pain pill addict. I have two years and 9 months sober from pills and all other recreational drugs and alcohol. Let me know if you'd like to talk more about this. I think the main thing is that every person is different every medical history is different in every doctor is different. So there can't be just one plan for everyone.

Every surgeon seems to have a different opinion on the subject of alcohol consumption. My surgeon said 6 weeks. Some say 6 months and some are firm on never. I would highly recommend you do not do that right now. You are way too soon post op. Your stomach is not anywhere near healed and no good can come from that right now. You must concentrate on hydration this soon and wine will only hurt that goal.

I have the occasional small glass of wine that takes me an hour to drink or a 1 oz. shot of vodka (which I sip over 1/2 hour). No adverse effects and I haven't gotten tipsy from it. That small amount once a week or so is fine for me and I figure it into my daily calories, too. I'm dying for a cold beer, but even a sip of carbonation makes me ill now. I don't recommend alcohol for everyone.

I got sh*t faced 7 weeks out by accident, it for sure hits you A LOT harder than you would imagine. If you're going to drink, try a small sip first, I also tried drinking a shot at 5 weeks and it burned waaaay too much. everyone has different opinions on alcohol

Hi sleevers- I was wondering how long after surgery did you have any alcohol and what the experience is like. Thanks

Wishing and PRAYING for ALL of the NEWBIES going for surgery... THIS is your FIRST STEP! THE REST IS UP TO U!!!.. Literally, YOU are the one that has to FOLLOW THE RULES TO SUCCEED!!..... WIshing ALL of you the success........ DO NOT COME BACK in 1-9 weeks and say OMG I am gaining, you have GAINED the last 2-5-10-15 YEARS,.... YOU have been GIVEN the TOOL work with IT........ Drink YOUR WATER, get in your PROTIEN. YOU did NOT gain this in a MONTH, DO NOT EXPECT to lose 50-250lbs in a WEEK!!!!..... if you follow the DIRECTIONS.......... YOUR body will shed the POUNDS~~~~.DO WHAT YOU KNOW YOU NEED TO DO!!!.... HOLLER IF I CAN HELP YOU..... REALLY ONLY SERIOUS HELP! STAY OFF THE SCALE........ Drink your water., get in your protein and NO you CANNOT DRINK ALCOHOL, 4 weeks after surgery!!!!!!

I waited until 6 months. I noticed anything with sugar alcohol was causing cravings.

Weight Loss surgery is NOT A MAGIC PILL. You will HAVE to follow the rules, you will not lose 25 lbs a week, you will GAIN and you WILL LOSE, but you have to give your body TIME to HEAL.... Get in your WATER, and AS MUCH PROTEIN as you can.. do not come back in 3 weeks and say when can i drink Alcohol...........etc... you either WANT to do this (lose the weight) OR you Really just THOUGHT you DID....... Holler if I can help you!!!!! DO NOT COME BACK IN 2 4 5 12 weeks and say YOU are GAINING, THERE IS NO WAY.... you are gaining...... you are not drinking your water....... COME BACK in a year and THEN CRY you have gained weight, if SO , YOU are the reason........NOT the surgery!!!!!! Please if I can help ANYONE. Let me know, been there DONE THAT and some!!! ROCKING SIZE 8P... and FEELING & LOOKING WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Must remember I was pushing out or Women's 18P

I am not annoyed with them at all. Quite the opposite, actually. I remember the demons of wanting to eat the way I wanted to. I still battle those demons as I mention in a recent post regarding a cruise I just went on. It is difficult to make these changes which we developed over a lifetime. But you have to know some folks are looking to validate behaviors down deep they know they need to change. If you were at an alcoholic's anonymous meeting and someone who was struggling walked in with light beer asking if it was OK to drink it, how would you respond? Sometimes it's tough love.

There is absolutely nothing that I can never eat again. Grapes, citrus, pineapple, soda, sesame seeds, fibrous veggies, alcohol -- all things that were restricted for me for a time, but once I was fully healed, no issues whatsoever. The only thing I don't eat is any wheat products.. but that's due to an intolerance unrelated to the sleeve.

U guys r crackin me up!! Lol I also quit soda back in May. It's actually not bad!! Broke down once or twice since then. Pretty proud if myself. But I too am eating as much as I can lol. Making dates with friends for one last hoorah lol. I think the one thing I will really really miss is alcohol!!!!!!!!

For the hospital, I wish I knew about the nausea after getting out of the procedure, it was horrible and for me lasted 2 days. A small pillow is a must so you can hold your stomach to cough and blow into the spirometer thing. Everything else is just the lifestyle changes that come with surgery and are second nature to me now. I don't think about them too often, except when I go out with friends. I vowed not to drink alcohol until next March because I don't want to introduce that sugar and extra calories until I am at goal or close to it. When going out, it is difficult because I enjoy a glass of wine with friends. With that said, nothing is more important to me right now than getting to goal. I have discovered that I have something in me that I never knew was there.....self monitoring and self control. With the advantages the sleeve gives you as a tool and the right mindset, we can do this. I'm not saying it is easy because it most certainly is NOT. Most things worth working for are not easy. It is achievable though and I hope to keep my mindset moving forward and take all that comes with the surgery in stride to a successful finish line. Good luck to you on your research journey.

This is one of those topics that get a lot of debate. Some say never, some say a few weeks or months, some are given straws in the hospital. I started using a straw about 3 weeks post op. I get more air without one than with, that's just me. Here's how I look at a lot of the different surgeon's instructions on everything from post op diet, some people are on soft foods from day one, some, it takes a month. Also, caffeine, alcohol, straws and grapes. Yes, some are told to avoid grapes. I don't even get that one at all. The list goes on. In my opinion, first our surgeons give advice and instructions based on medical fact, medical opinion, covering their asses and lastly serving the lowest common denominator. I think we need to take everything in and make the best decisions for us. Hope that helps.

I had bad experiences with the LapBand, I'm totally unfilled. I am 99% certain I will try the RNY. Still researching for information, experiences, etc. * I'm doing it for ME, but my husband is not so sure about it since I failed the Band. He is worried because 1. I'll be hospitalized. 2. I'm having major surgery 3. ( I think) He was traumatized by my past surgeries and doesn't want to feel that way again. 4. He's afraid that I will fail the RNY too. 5. (I think) He doesn't want to go through all the "food" changes again, 6. ( I think) He's afraid that I'll succeed. He is an alcoholic, seeing me do my thing with the RNY just magnifies his addiction. * There's tension. I KNOW I can succeed at RNY (even though I question, question, question) but how can I help him be on the same boat as me? How can I assure him it's the right decision. The only decision? He's not selfish, he's very supportive, except on this issue. My soul knows RNY is the way to go, how can I get him to see that? Have any of you experienced someone that's not so supportive of your decision? * It won't stop me from having the surgery but I'd like to help him out.

OMG I am really excited to have found these! I'm sure a lot of you know about them but I just discovered them. For those who haven't tried them, they are protein bars that taste good, are extremely low in sugar (2-3 grams), very satisfying and 20 grams of protein! Best of all, the original line has NO sugar alcohols whoo hooo! I really dont want to have two shakes a day forever and, I wanted something I could travel with when necessary. Awesome!