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I know everyone has different instructions for sugar/carbs/sugar alcohols etc. I'm wondering what you ate that made you dump? I don't mean that you are too much...but something specific you ate that caused textbook dumping: Nausea, quesiness, cramping, diarrhea, weakness, sweating, vomiting, heart palpitations.

Okay...so.... I have been HORRIBLE about the pre-op diet. Was supposed to start 7 days in advance. Cheated my way through the first three days, including one of my "old" binges, i.e., eat carbs until stomach hurts then go sleep it off in a food coma. I got on the "real" diet 2 days ago and IT DOES GET EASIER just like you guys told me! I actually feel pretty darn good this morning. Now...the caveat is the usual caveat on my blog...I'm always better in the morning. Still....this is huge progress. Also, all smoking cravings are gone and I'm not using any nicotine replacement (didn't want to get addicted to the gum - lol)! Another part of my experience that I thought I would share for those of you who are behind me in this process... As surgery gets closer, I actually am getting calmer. The 3 weeks prior to now, once I had my date, were pretty miserable. I truly went through a 3 week grieving period where I binged on foods and felt completely out of control -- all the worst parts of my food addiction. Spree, remorse, spree, remorse. I think it was a combination of two things: (1) the food funeral/electric chair eating effect; and (2) my nerves about the surgery (i.e., was I doing the right thing for the right reasons, was I really ready to change my entire life - quit smoking, quit soda, quit alcohol, and quit abusing food all at once??, would I be able to stick with my resolutions when in the past I never did, etc. etc. (these thoughts went on and on...). My pre-surgery craziness made me question again whether I was really ready for this. Now that I'm 2 days from surgery, it all feels bearable and I feel calm and confident. I will re-post this so that I can hear it again... I am not doing this for cosmetic reasons. This is not a vanity surgery. This is a necessary surgery to allow me the chance at a long, full life with my children. Even though my BMI is "only" 35 and I'm "only" 40, I have significant co-morbidities: sleep apnea, high cholesterol, PCOS, orthopedic issues. These will only get worse with time. And...as important to me.... I am SO EXHAUSTED from the food insanity. I spent so much time planning what I was going to eat, eating what I was going to eat, hiding what I was going to eat, feeling guilty about what I ate, trying to "make up" for what I ate by starving myself -- which started the whole insane process all over again with another binge. Although I know that this surgery isn't a magic bullet and that my head is going to have to change along with my habits, but I also believe that this is the first step toward sanity. Finally, for others who are Friends of Bill W., I will tell you that my program is really helping with this process. I remind myself that the 2nd step says that it is going to restore me to sanity. I keep repeating that. Take the action (the surgery), work the steps (my program), and be RESTORED TO SANITY. Now THAT is something to look forward to.... To me, this is even better than the 9th step promises! Okay...scrambling to finish up projects at work so I can have a little peace during recovery. Love to all, Angela

Laura I'm with you I am afraid with a gain after the weekend. The alcohol, food and chocolate was to blame and I am back on track today. It was a weekend away and I did really enjoy it, family celebrations turn up all the time so I have to learn better coping mechanisms. Or realise that the parties occur, enjoy them and get straight back on track. That is what I like about the 5:2 the fast days get you back in the right frame of mind. Here's to a good fast day.

Yep, alcohol will pack on the pounds! Thankfully, I haven't been able to drink much - it just doesn't settle well. It's good that you acknowledge what happened and are taking steps to get back on track

So last week I turned thirty and celebrated by drinking and eating all week. For the most part I was eating a little more than normal. However the alcohol seems to have speed up my weight gain to six lbs. I pretty much only worked out twice last week. Point I'm trying to make is I thought since I hadnt gained weight I was good. Served as a wake up call that this is a lifestyle change I must make and adhere to otherwise it'd be easy to gain it back. Oh we'll back to the gym and healthy eating =-)

I discovered how to make Protein pina coladas (non-alcoholic) Mix one scoop of vanilla protein powder, add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of coconut milk*, add enough skim milk to make 8 oz total, add crushed ice and a dash of rum extract (baking aisle in grocery store). Blenderize or shake vigorously. OPTION- use two tablespoons of crushed pineapple instead of the juice. * I buy "Naked" coconut milk which is low in calories, in the refrigerator section of supermarket with chilled sports drinks. Canned coconut milk can have a lot of sugar- always check labels on everything before you buy!

I used to drink more when I was much younger, but now a beer here or there or a mix is all I ever do. I do notice though that since I eat less to absorb the alcohol I feel tipsy quicker than I did prebanding.

I did something I didn't think I'd EVER be able to do Saturday night: I attended a bachelorette party for a good friend, jumped on a party bus with 11 other ladies and didn't touch a DROP of alcohol the entire night. Well, ok, there was ONE sip at a comedy club after my friend sent her margarita back twice claiming it had soda in it so I just had to see for myself how truly hideous it was. And it WAS. But that was it! We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant. My FAV food in the world. Not a chip passed my lips. No beans. No rice. Just some grilled chicken with a bit of salsa on it and a few black beans. The moral? If I can spend 7 hours on a bus full of crazy drunk people, pass on Mexican, (oh and did I mention there was cake?), pass on cake (I shall leave the "shape" of cake to your imagination) - I CAN DO THIS. Just how tough was this? Oh so hard. Normally I'm the life of the party, and at my current height/weight I can put it away. Bottom line - WILL POWER. One week until surgery. I've turned down fruit, beer (gulp), chips, etc. My size 0, 19 year old daughter left a 1/3 eaten Snickers bar on the counter the other day (who DOES that?!) and I wrapped it up and stuck it away for her later. I wasn't even tempted to finish it as I would have been a month ago. I want to be healthy more than I want the 2 second gratification of tasting chocolate. The other thing I'm learning is that food is for FUEL, not for emotions. Old me: "Hey! It's sunny! I need a bowl of cereal! Oh crap, it's raining, I should probably make a pot of pasta and have 3 huge bowls. Look at that, I'm sad - better grab some chips and dip" (you get the idea). Now I'm listening to my tummy for cues that it needs fuel. Let me close this post by saying - to know me is to know how hard this has been and will be for me. BUT I'm doing it and so can you. Stay positive - eye on the prize.

Thursday, the 22nd we are leaving on our 9 night southern Caribbean cruise...I am looking forward to all the delicious food choices, restaurants, and not to forget all the alcohol I'll probably be consuming laying in the bright sun on those white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise Water.... But first, starting today, I'll go 3 days of liquids and mushie type foods, all sliders, to ensure my band is in tip-top shape... We cruise often, and a year ago I decided to put my band to the test, eat what and when I wanted, and let the band do what it normally does everyday for me at home...it performed perfectly..as a matter of fact I lost a pound or two...although I'm sure my cholesterol was probably high... I also bring Protein shots with me which I take every morning before my 5:30am workouts, along with my Vitamins and other supplements...and I cannot eat Breakfast no matter what so I still make my own shakes....just like I do everyday at home! But I'm ready! Been waiting for this and it's almost here!!! 3 more days!

You need to get something that doesn't have sugar or alcohol. Try a diabetic approved cold medicine.

When I had my surgery I lost a lot of weight in a very short period of time and am now at the point where I am experimenting with fills and have hit a plateau. I lose about 3 lbs over the five day week, and then gain 3 lbs. over the weekend over and over and am so tired of it!! I am walking 2-3 miles almost every day and am trying to make good food choices but I do count calories on myfitness pal. It just seems like every weekend there is an event and I go a little crazy like an alcoholic in a bar. I can't just stay home but it seems home is the only place I am in control. Ugh sorry, I just had to vent.

Well yesterday was my first time attending a family function post op. It was a luau, there were lost of food and alcoholic drinks to be had by all. I am so proud of myself, I was phased by anything. On a side note, I made 4 cheese cakes, 2 white chocolate and 2 mocho, this weekend for my children and wasn't tempted. Question: Is this just a fluke or is it normal 2 weeks post op not to be bothered by one's trigger foods.

I have absolutely no problem adjusting to any social situation. If it's in a restaurant I portion. Out what I can eat and ask for a take out container right away. If I go to a partyI'll take a taste of this or that and incorporate it into my calorie count. If I get samples from Sam's I always ask to see the nutritional label so I can add those calories in my count. I use an app called my fitness pal and I log the calories right then and there. There are a lot of good apps that keep you accountable and you'll be able to adjust to any situation involving eating. Let's face it, you can stop drinking alcohol but you can't totally stop eating. We need nourishment to survive. Before you know it your new eating habits will become second nature to you. Good luck!

Im not a huge drinker by any means. I have a drink about 3 times a month but what about those nights i still want to have a good time? Is getting drunk even a possibility with the band? Im 420 friendly. From what i understand things like drinking out of straws for example cause excess gas as well as smoking cigarettes. Id appreciate if readers completely ignored 'munchies' for this entire post. Aside from that and the obvious toxins caused by smoke...are there any thoughts on post op lap band and smoking weed? Has anyone actually asked their doctor/surgeon if there are any other risks? I still want to be able to live my life with moderation if it is necessary.

My 2-week liquid diet countdown is about to begin. In a way this is a fair test of my commitment to VSG and more importantly the post-surgery dieting necessary to achieve the weight loss. It is time to get serious, establish my commitment, and get a do-over dealing with my obesity. Yes, obesity, I have hidden from admitting my situation, much like an alcoholic denies being a drunk, I am a foodaholic which in many ways is worse. I am tired of looking in the mirror and "remembering" my lighter days. It is too easy to say that my weight problem began when I quit smoking; but, facts are - I simply enjoy eating and when my taste buds recovered - my oh my - did things taste better and we all know what happened next. My issue is more than just losing the weight (100 lbs.), its about dropping the associated health risks, diabetes, high blood pressure, more drugs than I care to list, cholesterol, and a family history of heart attacks. I bought an assortment of protein drinks, soups and vitamins to start a dietary journey to a lighter me. Having read what so many others have posted in their topics, I believe that I too can show the same determination and will be reading and posting often. Have a great week, and thanks for being out there and sharing your successes.

Well I am so proud I finally took the plunge! Everybody hang in there and we can do it! I just need some help on foods to eat! I have diabetes, high blood pressure and other health issues! Hard to find things to eat that are sugar free but yet are filled with sugar alcohol! Any suggestions! My doctor said always think fat free, sugar free and low calorie! HELP! SUGGESTIONS!

The nutrition facts of the Quest differ with the flavors. Some use sugar alcohols while flavors don't. They range in calories, etc also.

I don't love the Quest bars, but I found them tolerable. I am usually full after 2/3 of it, so I toss the rest and feel quite proud of myself that I didn't "clean my plate". I love love love the Oh Yeah Bars. I am not a big sweets eater so one satisfies me and I have no carb cravings after. They are definitely a meal for me. Make sure to get the grab and go, not the BIG HONKIN' size. Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 bar (45g) Servings Per Container 1 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 180 Calories From Fat 80 Total Fat 9g 14% Saturated Fat 4g 20% Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 5mg 2% Sodium 65mg 3% Potassium 70mg 2% Total Carbohydrates 19g 6% Dietary Fiber 1g 4% Sugars 8g Sugar Alcohol 7g Protein 14g 28% Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 4% Iron 4% Phosphorus 6%

We can do it, Laura! I'm detoxing. Turns out that I'm mid-cycle now and the weight jump isn't too surprising, nor is the desire to snack. Was back to my same 'ole number this morning. The very day after I reported my loss here I bounced back to the number I've been pretty constantly seeing (142.4) for several weeks now. I got a little up, go a little down, but I always settle right back here. Dang it. At least I'm not up like yesterday. So, confession: I've been logging my food at the end of the day instead of at the start of the day. This is not working for me! So today, I already have my food planned out. I am drinking two Protein Shakes today and eating Protein heavy meals all day. I'm hoping to kick the carb cravings - I got some bad habits while the kids were here because they eat a lot of snack foods we normally don't have in the house. Why can I walk past an entire container of homemade Cookies or danishes but not a bag of salt and vinegar chips? All that stuff is leaving the house - usually it's not here, if we want chips, I make them. So the processed stuff needs to leave because right now I'm having a hard time staying away from it all. Introduce any stress and it gets much harder for me to abstain. Sure, I only eat a handful of chips. But I do it EVERY day. That can't be good. Secretly, I'm scared that one day I'll just lose my mind and hide in a closet and eat them all. The fact that it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it can't happen. There is no longer a skinny woman inside me screaming to get out. There's a fat woman inside me and she wants the food. ALL OF IT. So I have to shut her up with protein shakes. chocolate ones. I've got my limits. Anyway, I'm also curbing my coffee intake. I've been drinking quite a bit of it and want to see how I feel without it. You know, besides tired. And I'm proud to say that once I decided a few weeks ago to stop using alcohol daily I have only had a drink here or there. Nothing regular and there's no time of the day where I just feel like it's beer or wine time and I need a drink. This is a good thing. Hope everyone is well. Happy Weekend! We're dragging the kids off to tot Shabbat (ugh...as if spending an hour with thirty other kids six and under wasn't bad enough we're doing it outside in the muggy buggy woods) because hubs insists and I've been finding excuses not to go for the last two months. Ah well, I knew it couldn't last. ~Cheri

Well, I don't know but alcohol does not increase my appetite at all. I haven't had any problems with my band either so I would say everybody's body is different. I don't drink often but I include it in my calorie count and I don't get hungry.

If they are like the Blue Bell SF pops I had, they are made with sugar alcohols. While not completely carb free, from what I've read, your body only absorbs about half the calories from the sugar alcohols.

When is the first time you had wine and pizza. I know alcohol is supposed to be a one year wait but I was wondering if anyone tried it a little earlier.

I have had eleven fills and I have lost sixty pounds in twelve months, I'm still not in the green zone but I'm losing consistently with very little difficulty . I have learnt that I can't drink alcohol as it loosens my band and it takes me at least a week to get it back. I'm happy with my loss and the time it s taking.

I had my surgery in Mexico, at Mexico Bariatric Center, because it is too expensive in the US and I didn’t want to wait 6 months as required by my insurance company. It took no time to decide on my doctor and reserve a date for my surgery with Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela at Mexico Bariatric Center. My driver Victor, who was very nice, met me at the San Diego Airport on time. He took me to the Marriott where Tatiana my care coordinator who explained my stay and logistics met me at the Marriott Tijuana. The hotel was Marriott with 5 star service and personnel. The hotel’s shuttle takes all bariatric patients to the various hospitals at 6:30am. I checked out and met several other ladies that were to have similar surgeries that morning. Mi Doctor hospital is comparable to any European hospital. It is clean and has 24-hour surveillance and security. There were four other ladies that were having the gastric sleeve surgery that morning and we waited in the reception area together. The receptionist called us one by one to complete documents. I then received blood work, an EKG and other health screening tests. After my test work came back I waited for my turn to have my surgery in my room. I came with someone so my room had two hospital beds (no extra cost). They provided cable TV, a large bathroom, with a walk in shower. It was clean and well kept. I changed into my toms and surgery scrubs. Around 4PM my turn had arrived and I was whisked off to surgery. They did not attempt to influence me to have the surgery. Ultimately, you are not committed to the surgery until you are on the table and are about to receive your anesthesia. The doctors are very professional and they explain in detail the surgery and anesthesia. After the surgery of 45 minutes, I recovered for another 45 minutes then was taken to my private room. In the room I attempted to walk immediately because the surgery calls for CO2 to expand your stomach and the remaining gas must be released. I was nauseous due to the anesthesia, but it did not affect the other ladies. When the anesthesia wore off I noticed a drain attached to 1 of the 5 incisions, it was to drain for the next 1-2 days, in some cases longer. There was approximately one nurse to 2 people that provided round the clock care. Dr. Valenzuela and other doctors visited several times during the first 24 hours. After 2 days at the hospital my drain was removed and I was discharged because my leak tests and other tests were fine. (Marriot) They provide in-depth details about the surgery to give to your primary as well as a video of your drip test. They give you a manual on how to take care of your little tummy. At the hotel I continued my doctors orders and the care coordinators kept in contact with me. After two days in the hotel Arturo drove me back across the border that used a fast pass that granted us quick access through the checkpoint. With any surgery there are risks and the risks do not disappear in the US and Canada, they are the same. I was comfortable with having my surgery in Mexico because Dr. Valenzuela was more experienced than the doctor I was with in the states. You do not have to be very big to have the surgery in Mexico. A BMI of 32 is all that is needed. The doctors in Mexico expect you to be adult enough to tell them the truth about your health issues and follow pre-op and post-op procedures because they do not see you but for a few days and there isn’t much history to go buy. There is no handholding going on so after they give you pre- and post-op instructions you must take the initiative to follow them. They do give you their nutritionist’s information that you can contact anytime. However, I saw with my own eyes Canadians and American patients completely disregarding doctor’s orders and pre-op procedures such as pre-op liquid diet, drinking alcohol and smoking. Some ate tacos before surgery. One patient was caught smoking just before her surgery and 3 doctors talked to her for hours about her health and potential complications. Going to Mexico is an option for people who need another option. It is Mexico so expect most of the staff to speak Spanish. They are still able to communicate with you. I had a Care Coordinator and another person that is dedicated to watch over you. If you are interested in any other procedures let them know day one so that they can find a good deal. (Botox, Lasik, Braces, Skin Care etc.) Ultimately, I feel like a million bucks. I pat myself on the back because of my decision. I saved money and time. And no insurance agency dictated what and when I had my surgery. I can only endorse Mexico Bariatric Center but have heard of many other great experiences at other practices in Mexico. I hope this helps anyone who is thinking about going to Mexico for the surgery. Email me for a verbal recommendation. Kesha

My neighbor's celebrating her1 year anniversary this month. Shes lost 60lbs in 12 months when u average it out thts only 5lbs per month. Her highest weight was 307. And she has no loose skin. She looks Great! She doesnt eat right she has small portions of junk all day long. She drinks alcohol on weekends sodas and even breads whenever she wants. She says shes excited to have lost the 60 than to have gained 60 I love her rock star personality!