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Because hunger is not the only thing that makes you eat. People eat because they are bored, lonely, depressed, upset, stressed - and ghrelin has nothing to do with those feelings. That stuff is all in your head. I believe this is partially why we get the psych evaluation... I am 10 weeks out and I do feel the restriction and it is a major tool. But in all honesty, I for example love nuts - and seriously, there is little to no restriction on nuts and I can easily eat ounce after ounce (with 1 oz. having almost 200 calories). So, if I don't control this, I can easily eat an additional 600 calories - 3 ounces of nuts are not a lot. You can also drink an almost unlimited amount, so milk shakes, juices, soda and certainly alcohol go into you like you are not sleeved.

May 15 surgery- 250 day of surgery- today 187. Was a size 24 day of surgery- yeaterday- bought my first pair of 12s ever! 63 lbs lost since surgery- 67 since 3 day preop diet! Walk twice a day- no sugar- no unnatural carbs- no fast food- no cheating- no drugs- no alcohol- just hard work and it's paying off!!!!

Hi guys, I am very new to this site. I've posted before like a month ago. everyone was really helpful. So i just got my official date of surgery. it is January 8th. I am so scared, nervous, yet excited. I just hope I'm ok and make it out alive. death is by far my biggest and greatest fear. I just want to live and be ok for my baby girl, my wife, my family, friends, and myself. i need to fast with a liquid diet for 6 weeks before i have my surgery, per my surgeon. anyone else have to fast for 6 weeks? i heard 2 weeks was the norm... maybe it's because i do weight 370?? actually i am now down to 362. i am trying a little to lose weight even before my liquid diet. i want my liver to be small so the doctors can get in and out and i have a better chance of survival/recovery etc. so has anyone done the liquid diet? what is it like? is it all like Protein shakes, slim fast, boost and ensure and Water? any coffee or alcohol at all? i doubt alcohol bc that effects the liver correct? what is life right after surgery. i am expect the first week to be brutal. people say they wish they never had it during the first few days, that true? what can you eat and drink? also well after surgery, can you drink coffee and alcohol or no? how about beer and soda, can you have drink that ever again? also how do you guys eat now? are the portions really that small?? any additional tips or advice is greatly appreciated. from the bottom of my heart. i thank you.

It is so hard. I know it's in my head, but those thoughts and habits die hard. Initially when I would go to restaurants with family, I even secretly resented them for being able to eat all the things I wanted. What I do now that helps: I'll order a smoothie or a frozen drink without the alcohol. I've found anything frozen goes down for me, and then you're not just mooning at their food, lol. I think it's really more about having something to do, so even hot tea works.

I stick to high Protein for the most part: eggs, tuna, salmon, Greek yogurt, and some veggies. On a not so good say I might add some rice or Pasta. I also have a drink from time to time. How bad do u think that affects weight loss? Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App I'd say that the "drink from time to time" is as wide ranging in impact to your weight loss as rice and pasta. Rice and pasta have zero value to you now and will certainly keep you from achieving ketosis (if that's a state you hope to get in). drinks, on the other hand, may not keep you out of ketosis for long. Depends on the type of liquor and the macro content of the mixer. I've got out for an evening and had vodka or tequila with a low calorie mixer in a 2-4 drinks......and used ketone strips the very next morning and found that I was still in ketosis and chugging along. You have to find what works for you and you have to establish priorities. For me.....my overall priority is to lose the weight that has been a burden to me. I am doing this to be healthy and enjoy my life. I can go out and have fun without losing sight of those priorities. I've learned that if I have the skinny margaritas or vodka and diet mixer.....then that is done in absence of any type of eating. Since the alcohol is empty calories....then I have to ensure I've chosen carefully earlier in the day and met my protein goals and also made some room in my calorie budget by burning some off in the gym. No longer do I go out....pound down beer and then order something horrible to eat later. My actions have to align with my priorities and have some fun times within reason. You have to find what works for you and figure out what you value. For me....it's to let pasta and rice go. I haven't missed them at all. I found spaghetti squash makes a great substitute.

OK ladies. someone has got to help me.. i know i posted a forum before about my eh hem... labido.. being kicked into over drive.. but I feel like im a walking horn ball!!!! I almost think i need to take something to keep me from being so freaking horny! k... now im sorry but this might get a little um. R rated so be forewarned. My man and I got busy this morning.. and when we were done... we got busy again.. and when we were done.. lol.. i still needed him to do a little extra with his mouth cuz i just wasn't finished yet..lol...OMG i can't believe im even writing this.. but ok.. so the past 3 days... its been like bunny rabbits and im still having to sometimes take matters into my own hands, if you know what i mean, when he isn't around to help me!!!! Now used to think that addicts were for drugs and alcohol, but u know how people say they traded one habit for another with VSG... i think i traded food for sex.. which on any normal circumstance i would not be complaining about..by any means!!! but WHAT THE FREAKING HELL!!! im basically having to bring an extra pair of panties with me where ever i go cuz if see a hot guy...im like AND..... waterworks!!! lolololol.. Someone tell me what to do please?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Has the Mrs. returned yet? Was the wine drank from a solo cup? Lol Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T337A using the https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=87332]BariatricPal Haha, I'm not that far gone. I was using a small coffee cup. She's not due back for a little while. It's kind of boring around here without her. And what's wrong with a red solo cup? They are a staple here in TX. I've had my fair share of alcohol from them over the years, but wine deserves a glass! From an earlier post littleBill said while the Mrs. was gone he was only doing plastic and paper cups, plates etc. Nothing wrong with red solo cups. Have them myself Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

This is a response to a thread started about someone's first real meal 23 days after surgery containing fried shrimp, shrimp scampi, creamy shrimp Pasta, rice and an alcoholic beverage.Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App That's what I call a "bait post". She knew exactly what kind of response she was going to get.... Hahahahaha! Shrimp...bait... Did you intend that, or was it just good luck on your part?

I have Rosacea, which gives me problems when I eat or drink certain things. For me, too much dairy or alcohol (liquor) makes my cheeks (by my nose) kind of swell and get puffy and red, as if I am flushed. Acne is associated. I have a topical antibiotic gel which helps alot to reduce redness and breakouts. But some of my acne is just that, acne. Not sure about post-banding, but I'd bet it's diet related, since that's the big thing that has changed. Maybe Google rosacea and see if that's you? Your dermatologist will help.

I do this a lot at home.....there is a pomegranite flavor that is really good mixed with vodka.... I'll just order a jack rocks when out.....takes me a while to finish it.... Like others said, you will find your tolerance for alcohol has likely changed. Test drive it at home, you don't want to be out and find out three drinks is one too many. I've cut my drinking in at least half since I was banded....just not worth the empty calories....AND I WANT TO GET TO GOAL!

I had my first fill on Aug. 20th. I went in expecting it to hurt. It was completely painless. The PA poked around to find my port, wiped my belly with alcohol, I put my arms over my head and looked at the ceiling. Then she stuck me, and put the fill in. I didn't feel the "stick" at all. She only put 2ccs in and it felt "weird". I sat up and she gave me Water to drink. It wouldn't go all the way down, so she had to stick me again to do an unfill. She took 1 cc out and left 1cc in. The ONLY thing that hurt at all was when she pulled the dang band-aid off to do the unfill. I HATE band-aids.:thumbup: The fill, however, was completely painless.

I had been struggling to get enough protein in, but I'm doing better now. I am on mushies now, so I'm enjoying being able to have other choices for my protein. I'm never going to have alcohol again. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my success/health. I wasn't sure if you were referring to my pina colda sugar-free popsicle comment, or the reply. Today was a great day! I felt good all day.

You stated that you had already had your protein shake for the evening...Do you only drink one protein shake a day? How many grams or protein are you taking in? The minimum requirement is 60 gms/day but you can have more. 60-80 gms is the basic for women. It is what makes you feel full. As for the alcohol...I would steer clear. I do occasionally have a glass of wine, but I didn't try it until I was almost a year out.

Who said you can't have alcohol after being banded? I've been banded for almost 3 yrs now and enjoy an occasional glass of wine or margarita. You just have to watch the calories. There's nothing about the band that would preclude alcohol. Except that it lowers your inhibitiions on eating crap! Enjoy one in a while! Marci

Have you been drinking alcohol? A friend of mine was drinking and smoking a lot, rather early on and she developed an ulcer at the top opening of her pouch. Needed surgery to repair.

I haven't been on these forums in so long!!! A lot of life changes/busy schedule kept me away but I have to come back to share good news with all of the amazing online friends who have been there for me throughout this entire journey. 1.5 Year Post-Op Stats: Highest Weight: Around 360 Current Weight: 190 Biggest Size: 34 / XXXL Current Size: 12 / L The topic title is "Forever21" because I've never been able to shop at that store for pretty and cheap-y clothes my entire life though desperately wanting to - and now it's become a staple of my college wardrobe. I can't believe I'm under 200 lbs. I didn't think I would be so successful since I have PCOS. I haven't had any complications from the surgery, with the exception of hair loss (which seems to be recovering) and brief bouts of acid reflux (not significant enough to be a concern). My life? Well, I'm doing things i never dared to dream about. Shopping, traveling, dating, exploring, and enjoying. I'm still not used to the positive male attention. Sometimes I freak about that I can "fit" into places and buckle plane seatbelts and stuff. Just enjoying life and living it the way I've always longed to. I am so grateful that I did this. I beg anyone who is hesitant or has fears of doing this surgery to come to me with questions, I will answer any. But I must be completely honest and state that I do not, in any way, believe that the surgery is entirely or even mainly responsible for my success. It truly is just a "tool." I have put in a lot of hard work into getting the results I have. It takes a lot of serious time and dedication. Funny mini-success: -A guy I used to know asked me out, not realizing that he knew me back when I was over 300 lbs. He would not believe that it was actually me until I showed him my ID. Man, was he embarrassed! You don't realize how truly overweight you were until you notice that new people you meet just accept you as "one of them" and not their one super morbidly obese friend. It's weird being part of the gym crowd. It's weird dating fitness enthusiasts and realizing they wouldn't have given the old me a second look. It's weird getting comments like "oh you wouldn't understand, you're not fat." Really, really weird. Making new friends and having them never know that I was (and on the inside, still feel like) super morbidly obese. I feel like I sometimes need to "come out of the closet" and confess this to them! I still don't recognize myself in pictures/video, but in a good way. Sometimes I feel like the world/my reflection is trying to trick me into thinking that I'm average-sized, because I can't believe that I'm no longer so overweight. I've been thinking seriously and I believe these are the most important steps to take in order to make the best use of this surgery and to hopefully get similar or better results than I have: -Start a simple walking regimen at least two weeks before the surgery, and keep it up afterwards. -Weight train. I'm serious. Don't put it in your "to do later" list. Start doing it now because the strength and muscle building will seriously burn fat and make your loose skin look SO much better. -Take good Multivitamins. -Don't ever get back on the cycle of eating sugary/fatty foods because it will be very hard to stop. -DON'T cheat on your pre-op diet. Prove to yourself how serious you are about this. -Avoid smoking/alcohol. Some concerns/negatives: -The hair loss (somewhat resolved) now that my weight has stabilized. No weight gain so far. -I no longer feel the same amount of restriction. I still can barely eat a fraction of what I used to, but now I can have a small salad, a meal of 4 oz Protein + side, and a tiny dessert. Basically, I can fit in the minimum amount that a healthy eater should be having. But it's no longer just 1/2 a cup of cottage cheese! -It is still a little uncomfortable to have fizzy drinks. I'm so happy with my life right now. I feel like people give me more respect and listen to what I say, which can actually be frustrating at times. People treat me immensely better, and although it feels good, I feel sad that it took all this weight loss for it to happen. I'm talking giving me free stuff, opening doors, going out of their way to do things for me. Why the hell am I getting special treatment? It still feels similar to unfair treatment I got from being obese, only now it is positive. I go out of my way now to treat everyone with equal respect and courtesy. Update: I'm looking into getting surgery to remove a lot of the excess skin that I have. Thank you for all of the support in the past few years - I hope to have more great updates in the future!

Psych told me Thursday (I'm still pre op) that not only can you be legally drunk on just 4oz., but statistically, 30% of WLS patients become alcoholics. It replaces our beloved food as the new coping mechanism. That is very scary and a word to the wise... So please be careful!

It's interesting that you "couldn't make it" through your birthday 1 month out without drinking and that you find drinking "Awesome!". Those are words to evaluate and consider. It's pretty irresponsible to encourage other people down the same path IMO, but not atypical in the case of people who have addictive issues - whether with food, alcohol, or substances. Perhaps you have none of the above. It's not that I think everyone with the sleeve must give up ETOH 100% - but those whose doctors have told them to abstain ought to, as should those who have addiction issues - and those who find that it affects their weight loss should probably consider it. Several other people have made very good points about the problem of crossover addiction and health issues (like liver damage). My guess is that most every reader of this will know better - but some are just looking for someone to tell them that it is a good idea to indulge their urges 1 month after surgery.

I agree, we can still do alcohol we just have to be careful about when and how we go about it. Personally, I have sworn if off for 18 months. I made a pact to myself to follow ALL my guidelines to the best that I can for 18 months, and then after that I told myself that I can loosen up but for once in my life, I need to take something seriously. But I know that's just me... I don't judge people who still have a drink here and there, as long as your not telling me your one or two weeks out of surgery trying to do that.

So I haven't posted in a couple of days. Here is the summary of my wacky adventures this weekend: Thursday- went out with a couple of coworkers to steak night. I managed to get by without completely blowing the diet. Friday- came down with a sinus/ear infection and went to the clinic in Walgreens to get some antibiotics. Had to get that cleared up before surgery which at that time was 10 days out (feeling much better now). Also I was exhausted from the aforementioned steak night and also having to make a middle of the night run to the ship yard for work. So I was in bed relatively early. Small victory- I did manage to find these protein shakes that taste yummy called Pure Protein at the Vitamin Shoppe. I had wanted to try the other flavors before making a financial investment by ordering a case of them. By the way, the banana and vanilla rocks!! Oh and stay away from the cookies and cream, it should be called yuck in a can. Saturday- AKA Day 1 of Hell- Up until this point I had managed to stick to my diet and was holding steady at 10 lbs lost. The day started out crappy with a wake up call from my boss at 730 a.m. to which resulted in having to call several members of my crew, waking them up and finally another trip to the fleet and then the ship yard. Luckily I was home by 930 and back in bed for a nap. My day gets worse. I saunter across the street to see how all the out of town family guests are doing and what they are doing. Of course, being the good time having people they are, they were all drinking and eating really yummy things!! I was able to stave off temptation for a while. But eventually gave in and tried a cracker with jalapeno jelly on it which led to a couple of chips with salsa. At this point, I decided that I was going to go outside and swim 50 laps in the pool so at least if I was going to have a few things I would at least have worked out. I swam the 50 laps and also treaded water for 5 minutes straight. This afforded me (in my mind) a spoonful of Spanish rice with dinner. I stayed away from the alcohol though, the whole not shrinking my liver enough for surgery thing really worries me. If I make it all the way to the operating table and the surgeon opens me up but doesn't do surgery, I will be intolerable. Saturday night was our fantasy football draft and I have to say probably the most annoying thing ever. Everyone was drunk, except of course me and very obnoxious. I guess when you are on the outside looking in, it is not as fun. On the upside, my new found hobby of not drinking has revealed another talent, designated driver! Sunday (today) AKA Day 2 of Hell- I woke up and weighed, and thanks to some miracle I was still at the -10 lbs I had been at all weekend. Part of me was really excited that I hadn't gained any weight but I was also really sad that the scale hadn't moved down either. I decided that the little cheats I had given into the day before were really stupid and that I needed to pull it together, turn the cheek to temptation and be motivated to see the numbers on the scale drop. We all went to Galveston to enjoy the "beach." I can say that I stuck to my diet very strictly. No cheats. I had my shakes and even on the way back from the beach, stopped to pick up my 2nd shake at a gas station, I had to settle for Muscle Milk, which I am not normally a fan of, but it did the trick of tiding me over. I also swam some in the pool and treaded more water. At one point I did have a melt down and attacked Nick over sampling some of the cucumber I was very deliciously enjoying while reading a book (book = distraction from copious amounts of drinking). It just sent me over the edge, that I had my small bowl of cucumber and that he, who could eat anything he wanted was "stealing," my allotment of cucumber. In my head it was no different than me walking up to his plate and stealing his potatoes. It was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. I had been surrounded by temptation all weekend and was doing my best to ignore my growling stomach, the fun being had by all, and all of the bad food items around. It was like an alcoholic working in a bar or a crack head living at a crack house. I snapped and went off on Nick, telling him to pretty much F-off and go eat his own much more tasty food and to leave the starving girl's cucumbers alone. This resulted in me having to go home, have a melt down and refocus. I eventually rejoined the party, apologized to Nick and stuck it out on the diet. Tomorrow will put me exactly 7 days out from surgery. I am really really excited but nervous, the light is getting brighter at the end of the tunnel. I feel like I am carrying around a very fragile expensive vase that I am trying to transport across country ensuring that it arrives in 1 piece. I don't want anything crazy to happen before the surgery to make it not happen, I just want to make it across that finish line. I am resigned to sticking to the diet, working out more this week, being very strict with my portion sizes and hopefully watching the scale move downwards. My goals is to be a total of 17 lbs down by surgery. So we shall see if I end up at my goal. My advice to any of you going through a similar situation, when surrounded by temptation, no matter how bad you want to give in and have something bad just remember, you are doing this for a reason and that reason and it's direct result is greater than a momentary lapse in judgement. Also the guilt the next morning is not worth it. Keep your eye on the prize. Until tomorrow, Amanda

You cannot save your wife from herself. Stop beating that horse - it's DEAD. It is true that some people have made peace with their bodies, excess weight and all. The fact that your wife has not tried to work WITH her band tells me that she just doesn't WANT results bad enough. And you have to want results with the band. It's not magic. It won't do it for you. And you can't do it for her, nor can we. Is her weight a big issue for you? If so, this might be the one thing she can control and she isn't about to give it up, therefore she has sabotaged her success with the band (knowingly or unknowingly). Anorexics have the same problem, in reverse. It's a mental/emotional issue and has to be treated from that perspective. I have had good success with the band - not good luck, good success. Luck had nothing to do with it. I walked 3.5 miles today, as usual. I made good food choices. Hopefully, I will have the strength to do the same tomorrow. It's like being an alcoholic or a drug addict - one day at a time. I wish you and your wife the best. Please come back and keep us updated. I think maybe it's time to look into a change of meds. The Zoloft might not be working any more.

I have 18 years alcohol free. I am gonna have to watch myself close because I know that a lot of people who have gastric bypass will become heavy drinkers. You are one the right path! Congrats on being sober for a year!!!!

Hi, I am eight years post-op. I went looking for this site last year when I was at a pretty low point in my life. I had my surgery, I had lost weight, I was successful in my career and I was wallowing in alcohol abuse. I was at a point where I was pretty much drunk all the time. I want to warn everyone..I know you (or maybe some of you) want to feel "normal". I wanted to not be the lady who had had the surgery, I wanted to be like everyone else. I went to parties, ate what I wanted (after all, I couldn't eat much) and also, drank what I wanted. The weight started to go back on. I told myself that I would lose it tomorrow. Tomorrow never came. I put on half of the weight I had lost before I sobered up enough to realize how self destructive I had been. I called and made an appointment at a new surgery center with a new doctor. My previous doctor had never been supportive, the company had closed and changed hands etc...etc....etc. My new center sent me to a new PA (who is fabulous..by the way!) and she sent me to de-tox. I have been sober for a year and three months...something new to count. I have been losing the weight I had gained-slowly but steadily. I want to tell everyone...alcohol is something to really avoid. You may think you can handle it but, with the surgery, there is no way. I know that there is no one to blame but myself, no one made me take that first drink. Maybe I would have experienced this anyway, I don't know. What I DO know is that...there is no "normal". I will always have to follow the rules and that is the only path to success. My hope is that someone will read this and NOT take that first (or next) drink. You don't need to be numb and you can get help if you have gone down that path. Thank you for giving me the forum to put this out there, Deena

On the day after surgery, my surgeon came in and said surgery went well, and then talked to me about non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which she discovered during surgery. She wanted to make sure I understood what it meant because it is in the surgical notes and she didn't want it to be a surprise, and also the causes and how to deal with it. She checked around my incisions, which are covered with steri-strips. On the next day, when I was discharged, she wasn't on call (it was a Saturday) but the covering physician came in and talked about the dietary requirements, exercise, and what to watch for in case my incisions became infected. I don't recall either of them mentioning bypass or sleeve, to be honest. I know my surgeon knows I wanted the sleeve. She even asked me why I'd changed my mind from the first meeting, to do the sleeve instead of the bypass. However, when the admissions nurse called me 2 weeks before the surgery, she said "bypass" and I said no, sleeve. She laughed slightly and said, "better change that!" or something to that effect. When I checked into the hospital on 9/15, I don't remember the admitting nurse mentioning the procedure at all; I just gave her my name and said I was scheduled for surgery with Dr. T at 7:30am and she started asking me to sign on the electronic pad for permission to treat and HIPPA. I just realized I didn't read the HIPPA form because I know what it says, but I didn't read the permission to treat form- in fact, none was offered and I was so anxious I didn't think to ask to read it. Honestly, I just remembered this as I was typing NOW, and I know it was stupid not to ask for the paperwork. The admitting nurse never offered paperwork, just said, "Please sign the pad for permission to treat, and again for HIPPA." And I don't remember anyone in pre-op asking what I was in for, just my name and birthdate, and they scanned my bracelet before they did each IV line and before giving me the pre-op meds. I guess bypass would be OK except it's NOT what I wanted, for what I think are very sound reasons. I'm sure it's just a paperwork error. Oh crap.

I've already stated I like the Quest bars -- they're the only ones I use. They use whey protein I believe, and a prebiotic fiber that I researched at some point, but no longer recall all the details. I only like the "original" line, which uses sucralose as a sweetener; they also have a newer line that uses erythritol I think?, which is a sugar alcohol and these generally don't agree with my system (though the one they use is meant to be the least irritating) and I find them unpleasantly sweet in a sickening way. I don't know the calories per protein grams, though I think they have about 20g of protein per bar and roughly 200 calories per bar (I'm not that fussed cos I don't count calories or protein grams, just try to eat a generally healthy and balanced diet).