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I honestly haven't had any bread, pasta or rice yet. I am 3 1/2 months post op and I don't think I will even have any of it for a long time. A lot of people eat them with no problem and yet as many do have problems. I think you will have to try this to find out if you can handle it. Please keep in mind when you start adding carbs back into your diet they make you crave more of them. For me they are like alcohol to an alcoholic and I have to stay away from them. If you can handle them more power to you!

September has been a crazy busy month! I am actually looking forward to my surgery, so I can rest. I am a person that strives to do everything, even when there isn't enough time. I had to admit defeat this month and miss out on a family wedding. I was disappointed that I didn't get to celebrate my cousin's marriage to his beautiful bride and spend the day with family. However, I spent the day out at a little airport with my husband and a group of his students. Although it rained most of the day and the days plans were ruined, it was still a good day. Watching how passionate everyone is about aviation was quite a sight. There was a group of atleast 50 people that sat around inside just waiting for the weather to clear for about 6 hours. Optimism was abundant and the pure passion they all have for aviation was abundant. My husband’s passion for aviation is unwavering, job losses, uncaring bosses, he just keeps driving on. Recently he said to me, “If you loved being an engineer half as much as I love being an aircraft mechanic, you would have so much fun.” Where does my passion lie? Sure I am an engineer, mostly because I was good at math. Did I choose to be an engineer? No, my dad thought I would be good at it. There are days that I absolutely love my job and many where it is just a job. What I really love is helping people. Last night when I was walking back to my hotel from dinner, I gave a dollar to an older gentleman in a doorway. I know, you shouldn’t give money to beggars as they usually buy alcohol or drugs with it. It really wasn’t about the dollar, I was nice to him, told him to have a nice evening and his face lit up. I had just watched a man and his children completely ignore the older gentleman. Amazing how a bit of kindness can brighten someone’s day and your own. I do love helping people when I do my job, just need to find more days where I love it. My surgery is in 9 days. One class to finish, a Piper's Barkery event at a dog fair and one work day to survive! I know I can do it! Ready for the next chapter in my life. I will then have 3 ½ weeks off from work to recuperate. Hope I can do a little self-reflection and rediscover my passion in life.

Hello! My surgery was on 8/6/13 and I am currently down 27.4 pounds. I am not sure if I am on target but it seems slow going. I lost most of my weight early on and have only lost a little over 4 pounds in the last month. Is this typical? Im being honest here, I have struggled with the Protein and the Water intake, even though I love to drink water. I just cant seem to get it all in. I have been experimenting with just about any kind of foods and seem to be able to eat most things, just not too much of anything at once. I have had some foods I shouldn't, but even though I dont think I have consumed more than 1000 calories any given day. I have had drinks containing alcohol a few times. It doesnt seem to bother me or affect me different than before. My family are big beef eaters and so I have ate ground beef a few times, I havent had issues with that. I havent exercised much due to the fact that I am prepping my house for moving and that is a lot of physical activity. I am tired as can be at the end of the day. So, looking at this, there are many areas I can improve on, but I am just living my life as normal as possible and not constantly thinking about the sleeved stomach or when to eat. I would appreciate any feedback and advice. Thanks All, Joan

Army of me: Reversal isn't an option as there's no viable tissue left. It's all just one giant ball of scar tissue. Eventually they'll end up having to do a radical gastrectomy and take out everything above the small intestine and he'll end up with a J-tube. Unfortunately, this will not do much for the pain because of all the scar tissue that's built up and the damage to the liver from all the acid leakage. One doctor told him his liver (or about 1/3rd of it) looked like that of an alcoholic....All necrotic and nasty and green but that he knew it couldn't be alcoholism because it was only on the 1/3rd portion. He's putting that off as long as he can bear to because he is so upset about the notion of being thirsty and not being able to even take a drink of water. He tells anyone who asks him about the surgery to either lose the weight on your own or just enjoy being who you are now because he can guarantee that regardless of how miserable they might be overweight? It's NOTHING compared to what he goes through on a daily basis. Oldoneyoungagain: I sincerely hope it comes fast. We're constantly one paycheck away from being homeless and while SSDI is no lottery win by far it would at least make sure we're never on the street between what he'll get for that and what I make. The last thing: IDK how many of you have been through or know someone who's been through the provess to get SSDI but based on our experience? I don't understand how so many people are on it. You're treated from the get go like you're some sort of burgler who's trying to break into the USA's safe and they're doing everything they can to keep you out of it. Tony made between high 5 figures and low 6 figures when he was able to work. Would someone PLEASE tell me what sense it makes for him to try and "make out like a bandit" on less than 1/4th of what he was making while he worked? It just makes no rational sense but I'm telling you.....You're treated like you're trying to get away with something from the get go. Tony was a workaholic and loved his job. He would give anything to be able to go back to it. Again....Much thanks for all the well wishes. It's cathartic to have a place like this where you can just vent and no one judges and is so supportavie....

I had strange cravings for me personally. Spicy food though I'm allergic to peppers (assuming all kinds because I have had reactions to bell peppers, jalapenos and hot sauces). The next craving was alcohol, especially wine. I didn't drink much before hand, and wine was the last choice on my list if I did. And lastly a burger. I was never one to eat red meat but for some reason I just wanted to go to Ruby Tuesday and eat one of their new burgers they had on the commercials. Then I realized all of my food cravings were related to commercials (Burger King with new boneless wings, wine tastings in the Finger Lakes, and Ruby Tuesday pretzel burgers). I'm not one to watch much TV but I couldn't believe how much it was influencing my thinking/cravings. I am much better now, but those first few weeks were tough. I just don't understand why those certain foods, especially when we all know there are a million other food commercials out there. It wasn't something that I craved or desired before hand so why was it after surgery.

Hello - I was sleeved on 9/10 and so far my recovery has been right on par. Everything I expected to happen, happened (THANK GOD FOR THIS WEBSITE!!) and every day I saw drastic improvements in how much Protein I was able to get in, fluids, etc. Small victories, but exciting nonetheless. In addition to quitting medicine for Diabetes Type II and Hypertension (yea, kicked them in the a**)... I've quit smoking and quit caffeine (I am also a recovering drug/alcohol addict with almost 3 years sober). So, I have a LOT to be grateful for and proud of. But, I have a lot of fear and anxiety that "it wont happen." Anyone else have this post-op? I even gained 3 lbs when I switched from Clear liquids to full liquids. I'm still getting less than 600 calories a day, 70+ grams of protein and as much Water as I can. Is this normal? How can I not focus on the # glaring back at me from the scale? Thanks!

At 4 weeks I don't see the harm. Just try one and see how it goes. I had to be careful with sugar alcohols at first (like in some SF candy). It had me running to the bathroom.

My nieces and nephews always know I have a bowl of candy on my dining room table. Well, since I have had RNY 1-week ago I haven't had candy around in about a month, maybe two months. Does anyone have any recommendations on sugar-free candy to keep in a bowl? And can RNY patients eat sugar-free candy due to the sugar alcohol? If there is a way to keep some of my old "perks" as an aunt, but tweak it so that I am also helping the kiddos with sugar-free candy. Thank you.

I completely understand your fears. Like you, I looked forward to the movie popcorn (and junior mints) more than the movie. Sometimes I couldn't tell you what I saw, but I could tell you what I ate...! I had surgery on 8/22. Here is what I can tell you about it. The surgery itself wasn't bad at all. I had the worst time the few weeks leading up to surgery. It was a real mind f--k. Soooo many fears (similar to yours). After surgery, it was really easy for the first couple of weeks to follow "the plan." You don't feel good enough to not follow it. Now, at 4 weeks, I feel great and I am struggling with my "food issues" again. Last night, I was at a party and there were all my favorite foods there. I grazed some on Cookies, which then awoke my carb monster and I got pretty miserable because I wanted to eat more. But... I look at it this way: Before, if I would have grazed on some cookies, I would have followed it up with a couple bowls of Cereal and then a PBJ to top it off. A "binge" these days isn't much food even when I make a bad choice. And, today, I'm back on track. I'm doing things now that I NEVER would have/could have done before surgery. For example, today, I am spending the day cooking my meals for the week, creating 1/2 cups of healthy, Protein rich foods. Then I will do what I said I would NEVER do -- track it all in My Fitness Pal. Again, don't let these things overwhelm you - I never thought I would be able to do this. My fear was: If I were able to diet and exercise, I wouldn't be in this predicament in the first place. Surgery DOES help with it. I hope you will reach some peace with your decision, whatever it is. Only you know what is best for you. That said, given you have insurance approval, I'd think long and hard about it (I had to self-pay...with insurance coverage would have been much more incentive for me). One more thing I will add: I am in AA. I don't bother myself too much with the question of whether I am a "real" alcoholic. I have a desire not to drink, which is all that is required for membership. The 12-step program has helped me SO much with all of my addictive behaviors (I quit smoking for surgery). Like you, I can get addicted to pretty much anything. And after surgery, you aren't going to be able to drink for a long while and, when you can again, it will be in limited amounts. AA has been a real life saver for me. If you don't go with AA, you could also consider OA, which is another version of the 12 steps. Each of these programs costs $1 per day - much cheaper than one-on- Good luck to you!!! -Angela

I think it's funny that we were all worried we couldn't do this...and now we're all pretty much at 100 pounds lost, give or take a few. How many of us have tried alcohol? I ask because we have the 50th annual wine fest next month. It would be nice to sample a few. But I don't know. I'm fine without it and I wouldn't mind drinking water. :shrug: I'm not a dumper. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. :X I've been keeping busy with exercise classes and taking classes. I took 12 hours over the summer...and I'm in 9 now. After this semester I'll finally be a senior. I'm sorry if it seems like I haven't been following the boards. I really have been, I just haven't been posting much.

the only thing i really had a funeral for was alcohol. a week before my three week pre op diet i went out with a bunch of my friends and had two drinks. and after not having alcohol for like two months i was on the FLOOR. i also ate some fried foods, but the next day I was back on the horse. i NEEDED to lose 20lbs before surgery otherwise i felt like my surgeons were going to be angry. they're very intimidating lol. just remember that after surgery you're allowed to eat whatever you want, it's just making the right decision not to eat those things that is harder.

At 5 months out, I can eat most things (except what's on my forbidden list - alcohol, gassy liquids) but choose not to eat certain things such as rice, bread etc. I still find that if I forget to really chew food fully, it can be uncomfortable but that's my fault, not the food's. For me, it's not so much about what I eat, it's about how I eat and mindful eating certainly helps avoid discomfort.

Sassy, you're right about that. Pain meds make me want to smoke more. Alcohol makes me smoke more. Heck! Everything makes me want to smoke more! But you're right.. it's the pain meds which are making me smoke like a train at the moment. Good identify there, lady!

I'm a smoker and yes, I am still smoking. I am only day 3 post op (which yes, I know, is terrible so no berating required), but I have had about 5 so far. I have been smoking since I was 11, so am a card-carrying nicotine addict. For someone like you, that's not addicted? I wouldn't bother sparking up a proper ciggie. Why not get one of those fake ciggies? Like an E-ciggie with no nicotine. There is no point in you picking up a dangerous new habit, just because you 'fancy it'. As for the beer? I hear ya. But, obviously, the gas would no doubt render you in a lot of pain, I would have thought? Maybe you're craving the wheat in the beer? Have you thought about trying a gas-free stout like Mackinsons (if you get it in the states), or letting a normal stout go flat, such as Guinness? Lot of goodness in that - although there are a lot of calories also. Just a thought, but if you fancy it, there's obviously a reason you're craving it. I would probably try to identify exactly what it is you're craving and search for viable alternatives? If it's an alcohol buzz, my partner suggested vodka Jello shots last night. Naturally, I raised an eyebrow! Best of luck

A real easy way is to have some diabetic candy. It is loaded with Sorbitol which provide a 'laxative' effect. You have to figure out how much you need. If your sensitive to sugar alcohols it won't take long. Mag Citrate.... Oh, I gag at the thought...... Also, I you like tea....Smooth Move or 'dieters Tea' has senna in it. Usually works over night. Be sure you're drinking water

I agree with the above poster. He may not be quite ready yet for the lifestyle change that is required after surgery. I think to go through with this surgery, you have to be willing to do 'whatever it takes'. A lot like addiction, you have to reach a point when you're so done with it all, that you become willing to make changes. I'm sure you understand that. Sounds like he is going through the stages of grieving. Denial, anger, bargaining, acceptance.... you are doing all the right things, being supportive. Remember when you gave up drugs/alcohol and you went through mourning a loss like you'd lost your best friend? Give him time, encourage him to get support (OA? Bariatric Support Group?) and maybe he'll get to where he needs to be to be successful.

i am almost done with this one..very long book very detailed.......will miss the characters when its finished From Lesley Lokko, an outstanding new voice in women's fiction, comes a story of family, love, grief, and power. In this sweeping family saga, Amber Sall has the world on a platter---everything a girl could ever want. She has a handsome, powerbroker father, an older brother she adores, scads of money, and two best friends, Becky and Madeline. But none of that satisfies her lifelong desire to win her father's love, and for success in a career on the basis of her own talents, not her family's power and money. Watching her beloved brother fail both tests only makes Amber more determined to succeed. Through the decades, she and Becky and Madeline need each other's support through the best and the worst that women can experience, but can their friendship survive? Max Sall, Amber's father, is a distant, self-made man, whose lust for power comes from his tragic childhood. He drove Amber's society mother to alcoholism by openly keeping a mistress in Rome. His daughter with that mistress, Paola Rossi, is spoiled by her mother. She grows up to be a beautiful, glamorous member of the international jet set, yet she is still envious of everything Amber has, and determined to do what her mother never could: get a man to marry her. But when Paola finally marries, the result is more disastrous than she ever could have dreamed. Moving easily from London to Africa, Bosnia to New York, Saffron Skies is an unforgettable story of wealth, ambition, family, friendship, passion, loyalty, and betrayal."

My dr also is under the school of thought that there's no such thing as dumping with the sleeve. Every single time I eat ice cream my stomach cramps. I would'nt think that was dumping until a few nite ago. I ate ice cream before bed (yes, I know I'm a slow learner!) and 2 hrs after falling asleep I woke up with severe stomach cramping. For 2 hrs I suffered with cramping and explosive diarrhea (sorry tmi). I promised myself I wouldn't eat ice cream again (not unlike begging God for mercy and promising never to drink again upon vomiting with too much alcohol!) if God got me thru it. I will probly eat ice cream again (when I forget about how it feels) but not anytime soon.

Crusoe's Daughter by Jane Gardam -- love her character Polly Flint! Here's a review from a while back: http://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/27/books/polly-came-through.html Also taking a long time finishing a memoir called Mother, Daughter, Me by Katie Hafner -- I prefer fiction but a friend lent me this book and it's very compelling for any one who grew up with an alcoholic mother or some one in the sandwich generation of an aging parent plus a child at home -- here's a review: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/04/garden/mother-daughter-me-a-feel-good-experiment-that-wasnt.html?_r=0

Hey sleevers. I wanted to share a diet I am starting today! I have 20 pounds to go and am only losing 1 pound a week on 1000 calories and 5 days of exercise for 1 hour at the gym. So to speed things along I have decided to do the Mayo clinic diet. It says you will lose 20 in 2 weeks. how convenient thats how much I have left to lose If anyone would like to join me or try this diet I have included the menu and rules. I think my body has become used to what I have been doing so im gonna try this for the next 2 weeks and hope to God that these last 20 pounds fall off Mayo clinic diet Diet for 2 weeks only Abstain from anything not included in the diet and be sure to eat what is assigned rather than do without. NO EATING BETWEEN MEALS!!! Breakfast is the same everyday 1 or 2 eggs,grapefruit or a cup of grapefruit juice + coffee/tea no sugar or cream. Monday lunch: 2 eggs, grapefruit/juice Dinner:2 eggs ,grapefruit/juice,combination salad,1 piece dry toast,coffee black Tuesday lunch:2 eggs , tomatoes, coffee dinner:steak,tomatoes,cucumber,lettuce,olives,coffee Wednesday lunch:2 eggs , spinach,coffee dinner:2 lamb chops,celery,cucumber,tomatoes,tea Thursday lunch:2 eggs,spinach,coffee dinner:2 eggs, cottage cheese, 1 toast, cabbage Friday lunch:2 eggs , spinach, coffee dinner: fish, combination salad,dry toast, grapefruit/juice Saturday lunch:fruit salad(put in any fruit you want) eat as much as you can dinner: plenty of steak,celery , cucumber,tomatoes , coffee Sunday lunch:chicken,tomatoes,carrots,cabbage,grapefruit/juice, coffee dinner:Cold chicken, tomatoes, grapefruit/juice Warning: do not stay on this diet for more than two weeks Weight loss should be about 20 pounds in 2 weeks, basis of diet is chemical and maintains normal energy while reducing weight. quantities are only important were indicated. whiskey may be taken on days when meat is eaten, otherwise NO Alcohol So, I got this diet from my sister. today's day one. if anyone wants to give it a go and test it out let me know how you do . My weight today is 170 I'll check back and let you all know how I did have a nice day

Hey all the December sleevers. I wanted to share a diet I am starting today! I have 20 pounds to go and am only losing 1 pound a week on 1000 calories and 5 days of exercise for 1 hour at the gym. So to speed things along I have decided to do the Mayo clinic diet. It says you will lose 20 in 2 weeks. how convenient thats how much I have left to lose If anyone would like to join me or try this diet I have included the menue and rules. I think my body has become used to what I have been doing so im gonna try this for the next 2 weeks and hope to God that these last 20 pounds fall off Mayo clinic diet Diet for 2 weeks only Abstain from anything not included in the diet and be sure to eat what is assigned rather than do without. NO EATING BETWEEN MEALS!!! Breakfast is the same everyday 1 or 2 eggs,grapefruit or a cup of grapefruit juice + coffee/tea no sugar or cream. Monday lunch: 2 eggs, grapefruit/juice Dinner:2 eggs ,grapefruit/juice,combination salad,1 piece dry toast,coffee black Tuesday lunch:2 eggs , tomatoes, coffee dinner:steak,tomatoes,cucumber,lettuce,olives,coffee Wednesday lunch:2 eggs , spinach,coffee dinner:2 lamb chops,celery,cucumber,tomatoes,tea Thursday lunch:2 eggs,spinach,coffee dinner:2 eggs, cottage cheese, 1 toast, cabbage Friday lunch:2 eggs , spinach, coffee dinner: fish, combination salad,dry toast, grapefruit/juice Saturday lunch:fruit salad(put in any fruit you want) eat as much as you can dinner: plenty of steak,celery , cucumber,tomatoes , coffee Sunday lunch:chicken,tomatoes,carrots,cabbage,grapefruit/juice, coffee dinner:Cold chicken, tomatoes, grapefruit/juice Warning: do not stay on this diet for more than two weeks Weight loss should be about 20 pounds in 2 weeks, basis of diet is chemical and maintains normal energy while reducing weight. quantities are only important were indicated. whiskey may be taken on days when meat is eaten, otherwise NO Alcohol So, I got this diet from my sister. today's day one. if anyone wants to give it a go and test it out let me know how you do . My weight today is 170 I'll check back and let you all know how I did have a nice day

Thanks for sharing this!! I agree that sugar CAN be an addiction. And it's just as powerful as cocaine, drugs, alcohol, etc. Totally 100% agree with that. However, for me personally, I am in the moderation camp. I know that is not always a popular decision. A about a year before deciding that I wanted the sleeve I went on a very strict, NO sugar, NO carb diet, and in 6 weeks I lost -17lbs. How exciting right? Then I spent the next 9 months trying to stay on that strict diet and failing, and ended up gaining +25lbs in those 9 months. So for me, I do practice moderation because I've been there done that before with eradicating it from my diet, and because I do enjoy a piece of cake, or ice cream once in a while. I chose to have the sleeve OVER the bypass because of several reasons, but one of them was because I didn't want to have my surgery tell me when and if I could have a slice of cake at a wedding. I wanted to be in control and while there are some days I wish that someone WOULD take sugar out of the equation for me, I am reminded that sometimes enjoying something sweet is one of the greater joys in life. I think everyone has their own take on this. There are some people who cannot in all honesty enjoy moderation. Because a little ice cream sends them over the edge and they can't stop. I know that, (again for me) when I indulge in extra sugar and carbs, it truly does make me want more (hence agreeing with the addiction aspect of the article) so I have to be very intelligent and reasonable about when and how much sugar I consume. Again, thanks for sharing!!!

I was once at a Burger King with my family....as a treat. We don't frequently allow our children to eat fast food, because it is unhealthy. There was a family there that had two children that were both obese. One of the kids had just finished eating his super sized adult meal, and said to his dad that he was still hungry, so the dad went up to the counter and ordered the kid another adult sized meal! I was floored! It was all I could do not to strange those parents! Because of my genetics I have always been super conscious to male sure that my children always eat healthy food, and to know about portions. I rarely allow junk food in the house, but when I do the kids know that not only do they have to ask before they are allowed to have any, but they also know that they have to get a snack sized baggy to put the junk food into, to make sure they don't eat to much. Some may think I am being to harsh, or overly protective....but I don't want my children to ever be obese. I truly believe it is child abuse to allow your children to constantly eat junk food, and not teaching them about portions and nutrition. In my opinion it is just as bad as providing them with drugs and alcohol. Parents need to wake up about their child's eating habits. This generation is the first one that the life span of adults will be longer then the life span of the kids! That is so sad! It truly is heart breaking!

Why, do you get WLS, any type, and then not listen to your doctor or dietitian? Why? When I was given the pre-op diet, I followed it to the 't' because I was afraid. When it came to the post-op diet, I followed it to the 't', also. When I get a fill, I am on 3 days of liquids, 3 days of mushy and then back to my regular foods. I listen to the doctor and his staff. They have been dealing with WLS for many many years. So WHY, get the surgery and just follow your own rules?????? Think before putting the chip, the french fry, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts in your hand, let alone your mouth. If you have to have one of these, at least wait until your surgery has healed and you can eat regular foods. People who have had the band for a while, I have had mine for almost 14 months, maybe some of us know what we are talking about. I listen to the masters, they have been here longer than me. I try to help and if I don't have an answer, I will say it. So when you are getting wheeled into the operating room, just remember WHY, you are there. To get healthy and live longer. Have a great night. Arlene ps Saturday night I have a wedding and yes I will eat but not over eat and I do not drink when I eat and never alcohol.

You sound very well prepared!! I also had some decent success over about a 1-1/2 year span where I exercised at least 3 hours a day and ate 1000 cal or less. It was great. BUT it started climbing back up. I couldn't have eaten any less and I certainly could not have exercised any more. So, I gave up. I feel I can easily do the work...I'm not a binge eater, emotional eater, stress eater, etc. I actually like low carb foods, I can give up soda and alcohol. I'm not a big sweet eater. I just don't want to be hungry all the time. So, I feel this surgery would be a good option for me. I will probably get more excited and start stocking up more when it becomes more real...after I finish the various appointments! Let me know when you get your date!