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Hey Emmster! I just started mushies as well this week and found that sweet potatoes don't work for me, I think since my liquid diet I've become very sensitive to sugars and a lot of the "sugar free" items that contain sugar alcohol can also cause upset stomachs... a lot of them say so on the product so I would avoid them aswell... I think this is pretty normal though as we just came off of a liquid fast and are now re- introducing foods back to our body... any how congrats on the loss so far

Report from the Pittsburgh Tribune News GS Cookie Sales Crumble Nationally, cookie sales are reportedly down 19 percent from last year. Regionally, the outlook isn’t as dire. "I think the economy has something to do with it," Vance says. Since the cookie sale is the primary fundraiser for troops each year, Vance says decreased sales may hold girls back from great experiences in the coming year. My cookies have arrived, from not one, but two different Girl Scouts. I have no idea what my family ordered (remember I avoided that HERE) because I didn’t look. But I think my family help with the Regional Outlook being better…I’ve been told there are many boxes on our shelves…I’m staying away. This got me thinking about how I’m going to deal with my sweet-tooth as part of my lifestyle change. I’m a huge chocoholic and as you’ve heard me say so many times I’m all about starting into this change as a lifestyle change and not a diet, so it’s all about being able to make better choices without feeling deprived. I’ve never cooked/used many artificial sweeteners, but I’ve started some research on this. I’ve got some sugar free Russell Stover chocolates, individually packaged that work for me, so I thought I’d like to learn about artificial sweeteners, possibly even in cooking/baking. *Note I’m no Dr. or Nutritionist, I read a lot of articles and this was the gist of what I found out, I don’t claim to know what’s truth, and experts come down on both sides of the safety issues on all these. I started with the LB; What I’ve turned up so far is that several people have blamed band issues on artificial sweeteners…one declared that it was a major contributor to her band slippage, and many people have said their docs have told them not to use them (some say they cause sugar cravings). There are two types of sweeteners available on the market, nutritive and non-nutritive. Nutritive sweeteners provide sweet taste and a source of energy (calories). Their sweet taste comes from the presence of natural sugars glucose and fructose, alone or together, as sucrose. They are higher in calories than non-nutritive sweeteners, but they are all natural. Exceptions* - Common examples of nutritive sweeteners include typical table sugars (both brown and white), molasses, honey, agave nectar, and syrups such as maple and high fructose corn syrup. - Erythritol/Polyols, energy-reduced sugar alcohols: Slightly less calories than true sugar. Often called sugar replacements, these sugar alcohols are derived from natural sugars- fruits or produced commercially from dextrose. The most common include: sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and maltitol. Products are Organic Zero, Zsweet, Sun Crystals. Gas and laxative issues. - Stevia: almost 0 cal. New product. Truvia*(Rebinia), PureVia* (*some say both have artificial additives), or raw/natural Stevia. Some say has a bitter aftertaste and causes gas (I’ve actually grown this plant in my herb garden before). - Whey Low: 75% less cal. than sugar. Fairly new product. Made with different sugars-sucrose, fructose, lactose; studies not clear on calorie absorption-they claim 75% less calories because of the way the combination of sugars acts to not be absorbed in the intestines. The only studies were done by the company. Some say more studies need to be done on this product. Non-nutritive sugar substitutes offer no energy (calories) and sweeten with little volume. Non-nutritive sweeteners include: saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium and neotame. For many of you who drink protein shakes, almost all of them contain these. - Saccharine: 4 cal./pack Sweet ’n Low- thought to be dangerous was almost banned by the FDA, but public outcry kept it as it was the only substitute at the time, and it used to be labeled ‘cancer causing in lab animals. Made from petroleum based products. - Aspartame: 2 cal./tsp. Nutra Sweet, Equal, Spoonful- some studies show that aspartame is dangerous/cancer causing and is considered dangerous by most, by law has to show PKU (disease in infants) warning. Found in Diet Pepsi/Coke, SF Jell-O/Pudding, and Crystal Light. - Splenda/sucralose: Says 0 cal, but it's NOT calorie free-has 4 per serving, which can add up if you’re baking with it, i.e. coke zero has 4 calories. FDA rule- they can claim 0 if it’s less than 5, the same is true for all packaging; i.e. they can claim something is 0 carbs if it is under 5 per serving. Splenda has sugar: maltodextrin & dextrose/corn syrup and sucralose, the process changes the sugar molecules and turns some atoms to chlorine (other chlorinated products include pesticides). So, although it’s made from natural sugars the process changes the atoms. Remember that everything is ‘natural’ it just depends how you define artificial vs. natural. Most consider this the safest low cal. nonnutritive sweetener, but there have been no outside studies. - Acesulfame K/acesulfame potassium: 0 cal. sold as Sunett, Sweet One- thought to cause cancer (no new studies underway). It’s found in Crystal Light, SF Jell-O & Pudding. - Neotame: Newer product. From amino acids- Clabber Girl Sugar Replacer, Domino Pure D’Lite. Many consider it to be much more dangerous than even aspartame, which was considered the worst. Used in many gums, Herr's pretzels. The bottom line of what I found out was that although there are opinions on both sides, one thing that most everyone can agree on is that even if artificial sweeteners aren't bad for you, they aren't good for you either. I'm no health food/organic nut, but even I was appalled at the lack of studies on these products and the role of big business in keeping these on the market (ie. Saccharin is only still on the market because Congress passed a 2 year moratorium against any ban of the product by the FDA when they wanted to ban it in 1977, which Congress has continually extended). Even Cyclamate that was banned by the FDA in 1970 is currently being reconsidered (I lived on TAB in my teenage years...no wonder I was so skinny). I don’t have time to read every nutrition label and I’ll probably still chose to eat some things with the non-nutritives like SF puddings (let's face it, obesity will kill me sooner than aspertame caused Cancer). As with most things…all things in moderation. I do plan to limit my intake of Crystal Light, which I have always drank to excess on every diet, and just up the water intake. I don’t intend to start baking with any of the non-nutritive, although I might look into some of the nutritive ones more. I think this will turn out to be like the rest of my theme for my ‘lifestyle change’ …I’ll be using real sugar, and just like other bad foods…in VERY small amounts. Besides, I love really DARK chocolate…Like Hershey’s 70%, which are lower in calories and higher in the good aspects of chocolate like antioxidants (cocoa has more antioxidants/flavanoids than green tea)…a tiny bite satisfies my chocoholic cravings. The cave woman got most of her sweets from fruits, which were seasonal, so she bulked up in the summer and fall to survive the long winter. So stick mainly with the natural sweets...nature knows best!

There is a book called "When food is Love" by Geneen Roth that I read many years ago. I still reference it sometimes and it discusses using food as a crutch to make ourselves feel better. I literally ate my problems pre-op and I'm now having to deal with all those issues, both internal and external, on a realistic basis rather than eat food to cover them up. It's very similar to an alcoholic, but my drug was food. I see a therapist regularly and I talk to her about the crazy urges to eat junk food. I do well so long as I keep myself busy and keep the junk out of the house. My splurges are that I allow myself chocolate flavored Protein bars for breakfast and I do allow myself one single serving bag of cheetos a month. For me, it works because I know that I CAN have something that meets my craving, but I can't have a ton of it. The sleeve definitely helps with that!

So yummy. So easy. 1/2 Spanish Onion, chopped or diced 4 pieces of garlic, chopped or diced 2 tbls olive oil or unsalted butter (your preference) Saute onion and garlic in large deep pan w/ olive oil or butter until golden brown Add 1 green and 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thumb sized chunks Stir continually Add approx 1 lb of Brussels Sprouts, stem removed and halved. Add any leaves that fall off too Add 1 package skinless tukey smoked sausage, sliced... Cont to stir until veggies and sausage are browned. Set aside 3 boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed, and tossed in 4 TBLS of flour, a teaspoon of salt and teaspoon of pepper 2 tbls of olive oil or unsalted butter (your preference) in a separate pan Added breaded chicked and cooked until golden brown Add chicken to veggie/sausage pan scraping along any breading that stuck to the pan Put collective mixture back on the heat Add 1 can of reduced sodium chicken broth Add 1.5 - 2 cups of dry white wine Stir. Cover. Simmer on low-med heat until wine reduces, and cooks out the alcohol, the veggies are tender, and the chicken in cooked through Serve over low carb angel hair Pasta

Hi Betty, I was where you're at around Thanksgiving and began moderate alcohol consumption again. I was 216 then and now 193 - down 23 pounds or about 2 lbs a week. I am 3 lbs from goal. I also am finding that on days when I drink, I also end my stall and actually lose weight. At least that's been the case for 9 of the last 11 weeks! It wasn't an easy decision because it was ahead of schedule per my program, although their advice was inconsistent. Here are my own personal rules: 1. Don't drink everyday - even if you're only having one. This is good for your diet, your liver, and keeps you in full control and knowledgeable that you're on the safe side of any sort of addiction. 2. Log everything you drink and their associated calories. Stay within your calorie limits. 3. If you do this, you'll be limited to 1-3 pure drinks. I drink bourbon and Water, red wine, and vodka (all around 100 calories a drink). In the case of vodka, I started with a shot in a 12 ounce wine glass full of ice. I would let it sit for 10 minutes until it became vodka and water. I am now adding seltzer water up front. I know that it is carbonated, but the vodka seems to kill the bubbles. It looks completely flat. 4. Wine (red) is the only thing I drink when I'm out to dinner. It is easy to sip one glass over the course of a 1-2 hour dinner. 5. I am on an antacid and since ulcers are the primary risk of alcohol consumption, I take it a few hours before my cocktail. Also, recognizing that alcohol is a diuretic, I make a point to drink extra water before and after. I think the key is moderation and if you do drink, have a plan and stick to it. Like most simple carbs, it's a slippery slope, so be aware and be careful! Cheers...

I did some searching online about the smoking. Not too much other than the fact it makes for a slow healing process (like you mentioned) post surgery and you are more prone to infections and illnesses like pneumonia, since your lungs are compromised. I continued to look and this is what I found on one site: Lap Band erosion: The lap band erodes into the stomach and causes the stomach to leak. This leads to a failed lap band ineffective and the patient may not lose any more weight. The most telling symptom of lap band erosion is infection near the port and the patient may even vomit blood. An endoscopy may be required to diagnose lap band erosion. There are two types of erosion: early and late. Early erosion may happen within 1-6 months of the surgery, whereas late erosion may happen much later and may go unnoticed. Alcohol and smoking are known to increase the risk of lap band erosion. Lap band erosions happen in about 14% of patients. (Source: Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery by William B. Inabnet, Eric J. DeMaria, Sayeed Ikramuddin) Lap Band Revision Surgery Abroad | Medical Tourism Hope this helps! (Oh, and I think hubby and I actually resumed um, "activity" the week after I had the surgery LOL)

I know that had to be hard for you to say! I am having the surgery in 2 weeks and am on my pre-op diet. We are addicts, just like alcoholics and drug addicts. The only difference is that every where we turn the temptation is there for us. I am finding it very difficult. I know there are things I shouldn't eat but I want them nonetheless. You have made it 8 years, which is remarkable. You can do this, you are a fighter, that is what got you this far. Don't give up. Every day is a new day with endless possibilities. We are all here for each other, this board will help you alot, it has helped me.

Lena-I've been looking at these two sites all morning and I'm thinking now that Fitday might work better for me anyway, so maybe it was one of those 'happy accidents' afterall (we'll call this a 'blondes have mor fun moment'). There don't seem to be nearly as many reports on MyFitnessPal (but I put in some questions on the message board). There isn't even a section for goal reports at all. I couldn't even find a way to show a graph of projected weight loss...and what fun is dieting if you can't keep looking at the goal. I love that graph on Fitday with actual weight loss and the goal line together on a graph...Fitday let me do this projected 2 years out. The thing that worried me about Fitday was there's no 'help' button and as a newbie you get stuck sometimes (like where the heck is SUGAR in the nutrients breakdown?...alcohol?). But now that I know SOMEONE on the site...hee hee Did you upgrade or are you on the free version? -BG

I am at the stage in life where I divide everything into two categories: my problem - not my problem. If it's my problem I fix it. If it's not my problem I don't worry about it. When you do this life becomes very simple. I avoid toxic people. I avoid negative people. I don't tolerate whining well. I have a list of coping skills on my bulletin board. When I feel I need food to cope I read through the list first. Be realistic Get perspective on the problem Be optimistic Give up perfectionism Meditate Reflect Think Relax Journal This will not last for ever Create positive energy Talk to yourself Talk to others Visualize One thing at a time Exercise or engage in physical activity Hobbies Do something you enjoy Look to the future Make healthy lifestyle choices Eat less, decrease caffeine, decrease alcohol Sleep, exercise, seek balance Share feelings, talk Use groups Use your relationships Love, support, guidance Give in, be flexible Go easy on the criticism of self and others Change your reaction to the situation Change your thinking Change your feelings Change your behavior Get help Get professional help

I started a lot higher than some of you (most of you? all of you? LOL) but just couldn't do bypass. I picked my goal because it's what I weighed in my early 30's; I felt good, fit into most "normal sized" clothing, and so on. My PCP told me if I got under 200 pounds he would cry happy tears of joy and could keep me healthy for years to come! So my main motivator for this isn't to look hot like many of you younger ladies (and maybe some of the gents) but to be able to be more active, mobile, and fit in the world. I hope to prevent development of DM II ('i'm borderline) to keep from developing hypertension (I"m borderline) to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (borderline) ... to quit being "borderline" ! Once I get under 200 (2 years? maybe?) I'll reassess!

Im Just 15 days post op . But my doctor said 6 months no alcohol so your new stomach can heal bc Thats how long it takes . But i do have friends that have started sooner i would Just say wait it out , after so much that we aré going through i think its worth the wait

I went to NYC about 1 month after surgery and my surgeon said it was fine to have a cocktail or two, just don't over do it. I tried a glass of wine and I'm not sure if I didn't appreciate the vintage (I'm a bit of a wine snob, sorry) or the wine itself so I just don't drink wine anymore for the time being. I usually get a vodka and Water and put a flavor enhancer in it. I don't drink much anymore but during the holidays I will have a cocktail or two. I will say the alcohol gets to me really fast, one drink! That is a good thing!

I waited probably 4 months to try alcohol again. I was primarily a red wine drinker pre-op, but tend to prefer whites or mixed drinks (with grapefruit juice) since I don't do diet soda anymore. It's harder to work in alcohol around meals these days since I tend to comply with the no drinking while eating rule, then once I've eaten I'm too full for hours to drink anyway.

Just jump back in! In the past it would, for me, be, I messed up, ate something I shouldn't have, the day is ruined mine as well finish the day off eating like crap and start tomorrow. Now it's, ok you had a treat, back to the program. Gotta get your mind around that. One bad meal is NOT going to ruin all your progress. You may initially see the scale go up a little, but it won't be a true gain. As for the alcohol, I hate the taste, so I can't help you on that, sorry.

At the Mexican surgeon, their recommendation is to avoid caffeine except for decaf -- which does, btw, have some caffeine in it -- and wait until after the solid food stage to drink alcohol. They're just not really all that concerned with alcohol especially after the stomach starts working properly which takes a while. That said, one thing you should be aware of is that there are reports of leaks and other problems much later in the story, at nine months or near one year.

I understand your struggle because I too struggle with losing weight. Check this: I'm post 1 year out of lapband surgery and I have lost 35 pounds--but I've hit a snag. I blame myself for this, but I did not stay continuous with my eating and exercising. I started back doing the exercising and eating right, keeping the food journals, etc. Now I'm back on track. Now, I'm not going to lie, I may have a few naughty things at the end of the week. But, as long as I stay motivated by exercising and doing the things I need to do and don't go overboard, I will continue to see results. I am a binge eater. That's why I have the band. Someone mention earlier about the psychology of why we overeat and getting to the bottom of the deeper issue. My issue has always been insecurity and shyness. I hope I'm not being long winded but the bottom line is I have issues. Some of us have issues. It's probably the same issues that follow people who do drugs and alcohol. I was a chain smoker and a binge drinker. Hell, quitting (praying) those two things is a something else. And you have to applaud yourself for that. Take in all the victories. I'm in college and I'm taking a class in Addiction. I should have earlier, but, better now than later. Off the dais!

A lot of drs are different about these things, and I've been wondering about them too. Especially coffee?? I knew a lot of them said to wait a while on alcohol and I had also heard about it hitting you faster and harder. This is the first I've seen mention of never drinking either again. Hmmm. I will have to ask my dr too. I rarely drink alcohol but I love my coffee! Kelly

So, without any diatribes, why have surgery if you're just going to ignore the guidelines, drink empty calories, and then pump your body full of appetite suppressants? Why not just use the surgery as the tool it was meant to be, lay off the booze, suck it up, and lose weight without drugs. It's great you haven't gained weight, but Adipex isn't going to kill off the empty calories/sugar/carbs you're consuming with the alcohol intake. All it's going to do is hype you up, increase your heartrate, and maybe keep you from eating nutrient dense food all while stressing your liver on top of the booze. Mexico must be fabulous, but the after effects of what you are choosing to do to your body might not be worth it down the road.

I have been eating like a crazy person for the last few weeks. My restriction is adequate, but at night I eat the wrong foods all evening long. Evening always was my problem. I'm not gaining any weight, probably because I'm exercising. But I don't understand why I'm doing this. My life situation is not exactly ideal, but it hasn't changed recently. My mood has been good. I'm not stressed about anything. I don't get it. I've started writing in my journal again, hoping that something will occur to me to explain this behavior and help me change it. Then again, I'm wondering if part of the explanation could be that overeating is just a bad habit that is going to rear it's head from time to time, similar to a relapse for an alcoholic. What do you all think? Nancy

I would stay away from the drinks since alcohol affects the liver and the whole reason behind the liquid diet is to shrink your liver for a safer surgery.

You may have developed a small ulcer and it can be fixed easily with a prescribed antacid. I have taken one for years and will continue taking it even though my ulcer has healed. Maybe the stress of waiting for your surgery and all the paper work has just stressed you out (leading cause of ulcers) along with caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. I would back off any of those if you are using them in any way. Good Luck.

I got a couple of free samples of Quest bars in the mail and I really liked them. They're low carb, 20g of Protein, no sugar or sugar alcohols, and around 170-210 calories each. http://www.questproteinbar.com/ They did keep me satisfied for a long time.

I'm over a year and a half and I haven't tried a drink yet. Not because I'm scared of the side affects but because I hear of WLS patients turning into big drinkers. Socially we are out more and partying more so naturally we would have a drink or 4 before surgery. It's even more important to control that behavior and ask yourself, do I really need an alcoholic drink to bring on the new year? Not worth ruining your night or developing a bad habit. Take it easy and enjoy your healthier life. I'm glad you asked this question because I'm sure there are tons of people who wanted to. Enjoy your new year!!!

I don't know you, so I am not implying anything about YOU, but this is what I found for ME. It could also be true for you. I do not lose I am not honest with myself. I need to eat around 900 calories daily to lose weight I have to average those calories over days and weeks A few extra calories over a weekend (in the form of alcohol or anything) will absolutely kick my average calorie consumption up over the 900. I can't graze. It's very hard to track calories when you stick a bite of this or that in your mouth. I gain when I do that, even if I try to track it all. It's all easier said than done, but so worth it!

The process may be similar to what happens when an alcoholic enters recovery. There are lots of "friends" who fall by the wayside when partying leaves the picture. Then there are those who also enter recovery when they see a close friend or relative learning how to enjoy life in a healthy way. Everyone makes their own choices, and the trick for us is keeping their choices from affecting our resolve to make a better life for ourselves.