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Some of you know my story and others of you may be reading my blog for the first time. So I will summarize my pre-surgery eating habits so that you may understand the title for my entry. Before Hernia Repair and Lap Band surgery, I had a VERY limited diet. I was in pain when I was hungry and in pain when I ate. I also had a habit of regurgitating food in my sleep. Nausea, cramps, burning/stabbing pain all symptoms I was used to on a regular basis. Food getting stuck....yea that is an understatement. You name it I had it. Most foods agitated my condition, the list looking something like the following: carbonated/ caffeinated/alcoholic beverages, fruit, fruit juices (not even orange juice), products with tomato paste (spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, etc), raw vegetables, soup of the non creamy variety, cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, candy bars, and so forth. You are probably asking yourself the following: WHAT ON EARTH COULD YOU EAT? Well that's simple: starch mostly. Rice, pasta, bread, potato, oatmeal, ice cream, pudding, jello, mushy veggies, and most meats. My life was a daily chore of figuring out what food to eat that would cause me the lease amount of pain. Yes, I had meds but it was like taking sugar pills: no effect. Well, Life has changed for me in more ways than one since then. I sleep better, I experience no pain outside of hunger and the occasional gas/air dilemma (burping hiccupping etc). MOST IMPORTANTLY: I EAT WITH NO PAIN. For the first time in THREE years, I had a few bites of lasagna and a few bites of salad. Everything stayed down and hours later I was still pain free. My mom and I almost cried. These two food items alone would have caused me several hours of pain in my pre surgery days. It took this experience to show me just how SICK I've been for many years. What you EAT and DO NOT (OR IN MY CASE CAN NOT) EAT greatly effects how well your body operates. I feel better, I sleep better, and hopefully I will experience fewer illnesses in the future. I have a new lease on life because I am now able to eat a healthier diet. BUT it is still a struggle. I not only have to learn how to eat, I also have to retrain my mind not to fear pain when I eat. In many ways, It makes me feel like an outcast in most lap band groups. While many are fighting their way to portion control and healthy eating, I am fighting my way through fear and years of a non healthy but very restrictive diet. This is the true reason, I share all of my experiences. I know I cannot be the only one with this journey. It also the reason, why it is painful to me when others beat themselves up about eating food (healthy or junk wise). If you only knew what it was like to go so many years without being able to eat. It is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. Anyways, I am on my way to a better/ healthier life and I can't wait to see where it takes me. I wish the best to all of you. May your journey be one full of success and happiness.

Hi everyone I am 4 days in to the 2 week liver prep diet. My surgery is Aug 12th. My surgeon has me on 2or3 bars plus 2 bariatric advantage shakes plus 1 ba soy crisp then one small meal each day. It isn't hard at all to stick to for me. However....the gas and bloating is not fun. Is it just me or have any others had this problem too? I am using Quest bars with no sugar alcohols and then the Bariatric Advantage shakes and soy crisps. (The shakes are the worst.) I know I am ingesting a ton more protein and perhaps more fiber but this is ridiculous! At the end of the day I feel like the snoopy blimp! Anyone else have/had this problem? What did you do to help?

I was a huge diet soda and all types of carbonation fan. Honestly the only time I miss not being able to drink it is if I have a hankering for an alcoholic drink that has Persecco in it or a carbonated mixer. All I drink now is water and coffee and never imagined I'd be OK with that, but I am.

My date is 8/16 and I have been out of control. Not just eating but also drinking. I am hoping that I will be able to eat whatever I want in smaller quantities but I dont feel so optimistic. I have seen a ton of people saying that they cant eat pasta, bread, rice (all the things I love). I have also heard nothing good about alcohol consumption post surgery. I know that I am digging a bigger hole for myself to climb out of, but I will be climbing for the rest of my life since my stomach wont tolerate much food and I dont want to sabotage myself by feeling deprived. I know someone else that was recently sleeved and even though they are on the liquid only stage they are eating fried chicken, burgers and fries, and just chewing them well. She dieted to the day of surgery and said she is feeling super deprived. I dont want to be tempted to blow my new stomach out eating something crazy so Im just counting down and wishing the 16th would hurry up before I get any bigger.

I was able to get an appointment earlier. It was yesterday. Glad I was able to get in, I'm at stage 3 of 4 of non alcoholic liver cirrhosis. 80-90% of my liver is nonfunctional scar tissue. Nothing they can do but watch it till it falls all they way then transplant list. I'm in the hospital all day today for more tests.

I tell them I'm eating healthier, smaller portions, gave up drinking beer & all alcohol except wine. I also tell them that I'm in the gym at 5 am 4 days a week & have a personal trainer. All true, I just don't mention the surgery part because its personal.

Dear Sleevers, At this time I am faced with the huge decision of which surgery I should have, and I am about to loose my mind with all the research, advise and conflicting information from every doctor, nurse and medical professional that I talk to. I would love to hear from those of you who have already been thru this as to what you think I should do. This is my situation: I am a 45 yrs. old woman, I currently weigh 244 lbs, I have been a type 2 diabetic since I was 17, which I completely ignored most of my life while talking care of my Mom, who also had diabetes very bad and ultimately lost her life to complications from it 2 years ago, and my father , whom I lost last year was a double amputee and complete alcoholic, and my ex-husband, whom I took back in when he had a massive heart attack, then suffered brain damage from lack of oxygen before they could get CPR started on him. I changed his diapers, bathed him, fed him, comforted him and fought with him until I got almost completely down myself, then had to let him go to a home when I couldn't take care of him any longer. In the meantime, my health was paying the price of my neglecting it for so long. I currently have neuropathy in my feet so bad that I have no feeling in them at all and I have to wear braces because I can't lift up my toes to take a step, I have blood vessels bursting in my eyes all the time, requiring laser surgery, etc. just so I can see, and lastly, but most importantly, I have damage to my kidneys which will probably result in a transplant sometime in the future. This is the whole, entire reason for the bariatric surgery.. It is a last-ditch effort for my to save my kidneys. From what I have read and researched, these surgeries can halt, and sometimes reverse diabetes and kidney disease. What a miracle that would be! My questions is, which surgery would be best for my specific needs? My kidney doctor initially said unequivocally - the sleeve. He said if I had RNY, that they couldn't give me dialysis in my stomach and the transplant team preferred the sleeve, should I have to have a new kidney. Plus, I only needed to loose 80 lbs. or so. My goal is 160lbs. I was overjoyed with this news, because that is what I've wanted from the beginning. However, my diabetes doctor, and my entire weight loss center, including the surgeon, nurses, psychologist - say definitely RNY because it instantly "cures" the diabetes, therefor stopping any more damage instantly and they don't think I can loose enough weight with the sleeve to stop the diabetes. So then, I began calling my kidney doctor to get him to speak with my surgeon and ultimately decide which surgery they thought was best for me. (You see, I am sooo very afraid of the RNY due to the higher risks and complications). My kidney doctor finally told me that after further research, he thought either surgery would work if I had to have dialysis or a transplant in the future. So it is back to me to decide my fate. In your experienced opinions, do you think I can loose enough weight with the sleeve to stop my diabetes and save my kidneys? I have a very bad back (I've had 5 back surgeries from a wreck I had in 2000), but still, I am going to the gym and doing weight training 2 - 3 times per week, and I've finally got able to walk 1/2 mile on the treadmill the other 2 - 3 days per week. I am giving this my best shot. Any advise you have for me will be greatly appreciated! skcross

I've heard that about the sugar alcohols.

I asked my dr that and he said yes. The contradiction comes in on sweet things. Atkins markets those with net carbs as well but they count sugar alcohols or something similar. Those don't count. It's always carbs minus fiber.

Today I had my head shrunk. First I had to answer 150 t/f questions. They ask a lot of questions several times in different phrasing. Afterward I had to talk to the Dr. He went over my test results. There were several traits they were looking for in wls patients. Some of them were expected like support available, drug/alcohol abuse, depression. One kinda surprised me but they asked things like I accurately report my symptoms, I often blow things out of proportion, etc. The Dr explained that it was looking for is the patient a good fiancial risk. Was the pt going to go to Dr for every little thing, making mountains out of molehills etc. I guess it shouldn't surprise me that this all comes down to money.. I passed. In 2 wks I see the NUT and then submit for approval.

I am 2 months post op. I am sad to say I was craving coffee so bad yesterday and stopped to get me an iced latte at McDonalds with fat free milk and sugar free vanilla syrup. I felt so guilty for drinking caffeine (they didn't offer it in decaf). I don't smoke anymore (smoked for 17 years) don't drink pop or alcohol. Needed something to unwind from a stressful day at work. Now worried I will make that a bad habit!!

JanelB hi there i am a 2 fisted "water" drinker only!!! check w/your doc before you have anything you have alcohol as in many other things, all doctors have different opinions on when you should be allowed that first drink as you lose more and more weight, your tolerance should decrease you might get "drunk" or tipsy sooner than later good luck CHEERS kathy

Just remember everyone is different. Would you say this to an alcoholic??.. relax, Don't worry, you'll mess up one day...you'll binge again. To me a candy bar isn't just a candy bar. A drink isn't just a drink. A line of coke isn't just a line. It's ok that you are "lmao" at my trouble. I know we are all different. I was just asking how ppl prefer to eat their Protein bars.

I agree. I prefer the quest bars because they are low sugar and high Fiber. I am sure these are delicious but I ca't eat stuff with sugar alcohols in them.

I realize this conversation was from a year ago, but I can't locate anymore recent talk. I am almost 14 months post op and having terrible acid/heartburn. I know tomatoes and alcohol contribute, but must I really give them up or take a pill? My surgeon never advised to stay on anything for heartburn or indigestion. About 6 months ago I had 4 attacks that were all pressure and felt like an elephant on my chest. Now it's just the acid and I cannot even sleep lying down. I've Zantac, but everyone on this thread seems to have better luck with omeprazole or Prilosec? Thanks for any advice as I'm finding it difficult to find talk for post op issues.

[Contemporary man] is blind to the fact that, with all his rationality and efficiency, he is possessed by "powers" that are beyond his control. His gods and demons have not disappeared at all; they have merely got new names. They keep him on the run with restlessness, vague apprehensions, psychological complications, an insatiable need for pills, alcohol, tobacco, food – and, above all, a large array of neuroses. (Jung, 1964:82).

I feel the need for alcohol.

Sighs… I am not going too lied to you guys I was drinking like I lost my damn mind yesterday. My birthday started great. I woke up and workout for 30 minutes. Then Mandy surprised me with breakfast. She made me a spinach and mushroom quiche and coffee. Then Mandy left so I work out for another 10 minutes. Then my Besties Jon and Jessica come over to take me to the winery. Once we got to the winery it went downhill. It was like I forgot that I was even banded. I was able to order from the kids menu. I order the Italian Beef (no bread) and I ate 1 serving of potatoes chips. I barely ate the Italian beef because I guess I was still full off the 2 glass of wine I had while waiting for our food. Okay I know you guys are probably thinking 2 glasses is not too bad but I am not done yet! After the winery we went to a nearby bar there I had a shot and another drink! Oye! I didn’t throw up or anything but still this was my first time drinking like this on the band. On our way back to my house we stop at my favorite Irish restaurant to pick up some wings for my parents. So did I have some to drink there? NOPE! I had me some water. But when we got home it was a whole different story. The original plan was for Jon to BBQ for me but I told him I was still full off of the wine and lunch so I really wasn’t hungry. We had the water balloon fight and we got Jon good. After that we went to another bar! I know but this time I only had one drink. I didn’t getting wasted last night but I did drink my calories yesterday. How much? I tried to keep track of my alcohol intake on my fitness pal but I failed miserably. I know it was over 500 calories. However I did have fun on my Birthday Today I woke not hungry (I wonder why) I had to make myself eat breakfast this morning. I normally don’t do this but I was planning on working out for 2 hours today and I didn’t want to work out on an empty stomach. I think I burn half of my alcohol intake from yesterday. I didn’t wake up hung over or anything I woke up wanting to work out. I am still learning this banded lifestyle but I am happy that I am getting healthy now. Thanks for reading.

Sugar alcohols are not good for you at all. Especially that high of an amount. They also often cause dumping syndrome in WLS patients- but everyone's different.

I have given up alcohol completely as its empty calories. The aim of the sleeve is weight loss and drinking wont help. It all depends on how serious you are about loosing weight. That's just my opinion but I really don't think you should be drinking that much so soon after surgery regardless of what it is. Good luck with the weight loss.

Alcohol and citrus are a bad combo for rny. I'm sure your NUT can clarify that for you.

For me, there was no question in my mind that I needed to do this. I have been on the weight yo-yo my entire life, and I had nearly 100 pounds I needed to lose. Tired of being a frequent flyer with Weight Watchers. I knew the surgery would involve a commitment to permanent lifestyle changes, and I was ready. So far, I am at 4 months post-op and down 65 pounds. And I have NO REGRETS - would do this again in a heartbeat! It was the best decision I have made in a long time. But I will not lie - it has been, at times, difficult. My head still wants pizza sometimes, or pasta, or whatever everyone else is eating. But I am commited to doing this the right way - I eat my lean protein and veggies and quit after a few bites when I am full. Is it POSSIBLE to eat whatever you want after surgery? For some people, yes, and for others, no. I cannot eat concentrated sugar in any form without horrible stomach cramps. But it is ALSO possible to gain all that weight back by eating slider foods and junk. With the ability to eat so little, you must be focused on getting nutrition in every bite. And it all boils down to calories in, calories out. You can pack a lot of calories "in" with alcohol and slider foods. So unless you are ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle, I would say "wait." For me, it was a no-brainer - I was totally ready, and I have NO REGRETS.

What people don't realize is that they WERE food addicts - we all were - and without a good solid support system it's only a matter of time before we fill that void with something else. Alcohol is the number one problem for most - pain meds is a big one because of the plastic surgery many of us get (that's where mine came into play) shopping - sex - men - people - work - gambling - the list goes on... If we never address WHY we FED our feelings - then we will eventually find ourselves suffering through another addictive behavior. We are not great with moderation... I'm currently in school for this specializing in GBS and addiction - there is a need for this specialized treatment out there...

I love shrimp. Then one Christmas eve my evil mother in law made her usual shrimp and i got itchy and ad just some minoe trouble breathing that benedryl took care of. Now i haveheard that after sleeving many folks seem to feel the effect of alcohol is increased. Does anyone know if food allergies will be enhanced as well? If so should i avoid them or go eat a shrimp cocktail in my docs waiting room.

I AM A FOOD ADDICT!!! No if ands or bits about it. Drug addicts and alcoholics that are in denial don't like to be told they are addicts too,so expect those who are in denial about it not to be receptive to hearing that word. Most of us who have gone through wls are addicts and we learn other ways to cope or what have you. Not everyone who is obese is an addict, but I have to say majority of us are. I'm glad I got to the point where I knew I needed help and did something about it before 284lbs turned into 384lbs and at the rate I was going, I would've been there with in the next 5 yrs or so. Thank Jesus for wls...it saved me and my life. No regrets!!