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Okay…..so I am officially 3 weeks post op today, May 20, 2008 and am seriously ready to eat a cow . I have been this way since last week and the doc, oh I love him but hell, told me that as long as I am losing weight he is not too concerned about anything. My issues, I am not eating the 4oz that is suggested, but more like 10-12oz, and he said that is fine because I am losing weight so long as I am not eating crap. :sleep: I must confess, I did have 3 Cookies last week although totally drowned in milk, I did eat them and I told him this:thumbdown:. He asked if that was it and I honestly told him yes. I had not even eaten the recommended oatmeal, mushy Cereal, in fact no breads, rice, Pasta, etc. Right now, I want to dive my big ol but into a plate of nothing by carbohydrates or a greasy cheeseburger with some chips and queso, but I have refrained. :eek: Quitting sugar and, well hell the “good foods” (aka: fattening foods) the way I did was like telling a drug addict, alcoholic or smoker to stop cold turkey. I was told my insurance approved me on April 18 and I needed to start my liquid diets because they were scheduling my surgery for April 25, which ended up getting pushed back to April 29, 2008. Now, I am not ungrateful because I appreciate the opportunity to have this surgery, I am sure as much as any of you, but someone please tell me what I can have because right now I want to cave in and eat something that I know I do not need, should not eat and is totally against what this procedure is for. BTW……I have eaten the sugar free jellos and puddings, the sugar free popsicles and the yogurts, but I think it is the bread my body is craving as I have had ZERO of that (except those three cookies). I feel tired, worn out, not really wanting to do anything, which I am thinking is the lack of carbs as my intake is very minimal right now. Any suggestions would be most appreciated!!!!

There is a very real phenomena called transfer addiction. There have been many documented cases of people who can no longer abuse food easily suddenly abusing alcohol, drugs, and various process addictions. So even go on to become anorexic and bulimic. While it can happen all of that seems to be the exception and not the rule. When going through major life change people have two common responses. They either fear it or embrace it. It sounds like you are embracing it. My advice as a person living in recovery, take it one day at a time and be honest with yourself. The surgery was one small part of this process. There is a lifetime of work we need to do to understand ourselves if we want long-term health. Looks like today you are headed in a great direction.

My doctor doesn't recommend drinking alcoholic beverages at all with the band. I have read that some people can if they take antacids. I'm not a huge drinker, but sometimes go out with co-workers and was wondering if it will destroy my band if I were to have a drink once in awhile. (I am set for the band in early July). Anyone know?

My surgeon requires a waiting period of 6 months before drinking alcohol. I will probably follow his direction. It's not something that I will really miss.

Oh, another thing - any good surgeon will have a whole pre-op team... Mine included the bariatric GP, exercise physiologist, dietician and psychiatrist. And the care doesn't stop there - they are available to me when ever I need. Like I said, I am in a remote location so I have all their mobile numbers and can call if needed. They are there at my disposal, and for you who struggles with emotional eating, then the psychologist may really be of help to you. Also, with the pre-op liquid diet - I almost cried when I found out I had to do it. Not cos I am worried about sticking to it, but because I HATE Optifast, which is what my surgeon wants me to use, it has made me vomit before when I tried it to lose weight previously. But after talking to the dietician, she gave me some great tips to get through it and the psychologist really put it into perspective - its only for two weeks and then I never have to do it again! My surgeon has also had me on a strict "three meals a day while sitting at a table, 10,000 steps a day, minimal alcohol program" (not diet - I am still allowed to eat what I please, he is just trying to get me to learn to listen to my body - when it is full etc) and it has been a real eye opener for me. Especially as I was a massive drinker before, it wouldnt be unusual for me to put away more than a bottle of scotch in a session! If you really want it, you'll be able to do it. And if you choose a good surgeon and support team, you'll have all the support you need. Good luck.

Hi guys...Im 3 weeks post op and we are supposed to go camping on the beach tonight. I was wondering if it would do any harm to have a couple mild drinks, besides the extra calories.? Im not much of a drinker at all but once in a while i enjoy a glass of wine or something. Any advice is welcome. :Dancing_sorry:

I had my band placed on November 17th 2008 and had my first fill last week and after my home group meeting last night I ate some leftovers and ended up puking. It was unpleasant but not like I could have expected in my worst case scenario mind. I didn't share with my wife that I was blocked because I was ashamed of my behavior and reluctant to let her know because I didn't want to make a big deal about it. It was less awful than I remember throwing up from alcohol poisoning which I had done many times in my active addiction. I'm a cross addicted addict in recovery for 4 years and coming up on 7 months the 14th of January. I have shared with my home group (Marijuana Anonymous) my weight loss surgery story but just wanted to put it out there that I am working to be transparent with my wife, my fellows and myself. I'm feeling like I'm in withdrawal from my 1st substance I abused, food, and equate it to what I imagine it must feel like for herion addicts who have physical, emotional and spiritual discomfort from the withdrawl. Love to hear from other cross addicted people, my qualifiers are food, sex and drugs (weed, coke, booze). I hope you all have a better start to your first Wednesday of the new year than I have. Remarkably, I feel OK with all of last night's events and knew I had to expereince the feelings and emotional shame associated with the 1st puke session. I am hoping it will be the last one.

I was banded 5 mos. ago and just had my 1st alcoholic beverage since being banded. Pre band, I could drink a whole bottle of Moscato d'Asti...don't judge me, LOL. I poured a wine glass full earlier and could only take about 4 small sips. I was wasted! Geez...luckily, my neighbor is a lush!

My drinking days are Sundays. I preplan everything. I double my workouts, plan my meals and make sure I stay within my target calories intake. My drink of choice is a shot of a low cal vodka and Zero vitamin water. Blueberry Pomegranate is one of my favorites. My advice to you is to plan you day and do some research on your favorite alcoholic drinks and find a healthier alternative. Remember alcohol has empty calories. So choice wisely

I have also heard that it is wise not to drink for the first year after banding because most of us are food addicts and there is a chance we can transfer our food addiction to alcohol addiction. But dear God I love wine.

I was sleeved one week ago today on Sept 1st and have had coffee every single day since - although I switched to Decaf coffee. In fact I was given decaf coffee in the hospital even. My nutrionist counts it as part of my daily Fluid intake so long as it is decaf and anything added to it is either sugar free or fat free and limit it to 2 cups per day. But really I prefer mine black anyways. In fact when I went for my first appt with the nutrionist and we were going over my list of can and can't haves coffee was not listed and I specifically asked her about it. Truthfully there was nothing on the can't have list I couldn't live without but I was upfront and told her there was no way I would give up coffee. Over the last two years prior to surgery I had given up white carbs, Desserts, cigarettes, candy, soda, alcohol (except for special occassions) and fried foods. There was simply no way I was giving up my coffee because I was having surgery to be healthy, not be deprived of every single thing I enjoyed and she agreed. She even pointed out studies that show regular coffee drinkers, regardless of whether it regular or decaf have lower rates of colon cancer. My stomach tolerates it no differently than before surgery - thank god! Cause I LOVE the stuff! However she told me no alcohol until 4 months after surgery

I waited a few months to have alcohol, and the first time it did hit me fast and hard then I was sobered up quickly. As the months have progressed, I can easily drink, catch and maintain a good buzz. I was advised to stick with white wine first, or vodka and some sort of juice. I drank wine, and still stick with wine for the most part. An occasional mojito, and my fave is rum/cokes when I'm out on the town. My tolerance is now back to how it was pre-op. I can't remember when I had coffee, but it was around 2-3 months out. Today, I drink 20-24oz of coffee sweetened with Splenda, and full fat creamer every morning. I recommend testing the waters with alcohol at home first to avoid an embarrassing situation out in public. Sip, sip, sip is my advice for the first time. I have found that creamy, rich drinks like white russians/mudslides kind of make me queasy, and not feel so great. So, I'm sticking to the light liquors, and wines.

Uh huh but if your pre op that may not be it it may be the protein powder or the sugar free mix I have major issues with a lot of sugar free stuff sugar alcohols don't like me and let me know in no uncertain terms I have learned to listen... The hard way I'll leave at that...

I think a food addiction (like mine) is comparable to an alcohol addiction. I am only speaking for myself here not others. A friend of mine who is a recovering alcoholic told me one time that she abused the privilege of drinking alcohol so she lost that privilege if she wanted to survive. I think of it the same way with food. Because I abused the privilege of eating anything I wanted by overindulging, I lost the privilege of eating all the "good stuff". If I want to survive to see my grandchildren I HAVE to give up some of the "good stuff". It's a choice. I would rather give up some of the "good stuff" than give up a foot or leg due to complications of diabetes. It's a hard choice but I choose to live a healthy life and give up the "good stuff". I still on occasion have a bite of the good stuff but only a bite and as a treat. You have a choice too. I am sure you are aware of all the complications of diabetes. If you continue on this path insulin is in your future. But again, it is your choice. I hope I didn't ramble but my point is changing your eating habits and lifestyle is very hard and very complicated. Good luck not matter which road you choose.

First, I would say don't beat yourself up. You really do have it in you to do this.... We all do! Second, stop drinking alcohol on the weekends. Especially 4-5 drinks. That is a lot of empty calories and heavy guilt. I completely understand the stressful job. I started carrying a cooler with me that has P3 Protein Snacks, Greek yogurt, Water and Protein shakes. If I get stuck or have forgotten to eat I have something healthy to fall back on. No matter the job, everyone is allowed breaks and meals. Is there a gym nearby you can join? Can you walk some steps or walk around the parking lot? Definitely log your food. I am absolutely overwhelmed with learning to eat a balanced diet, but like I said above, we can do this! We have it in us. The only other suggestion I can make is start over with a week of Clear liquids. Life is all about do-overs. I read somewhere once that we can't let failure define us, let getting back up and starting again and again and again and not giving up define us.

Weight today 203! Total: 980 Fat:34 307 32% Carbs:52 191 20% Fiber:4 0 0% Protein:73 293 31% Alcohol:22 155 16% Activity - 30 mins on treadmill 3.1mph @ 2.5 incline - 200 cals recumbant bike - 10 mins - 50 cals Net calories 730

Well, I dont consider bread, rice or Pasta things I "shouldnt eat"! So yes, I eat those things regularly. Well, I hate bread to be honest, but rice and gluten free pasta are on my menu regularly. Do i eat chocolate, cake, Cookies, alcohol - hell yeah! Which is probably why I maintain now instead of losing. I dont eat a LOT of them, but I do eat them. I am at goal weight and have been for a fair few years now. I ate way less of those things whilst losing. But I always ate carbs - never ever did a low carb diet and I lost weight easily. So whilst some people do need to low carb it, eating occasional rice or pasta is unlikely to affect weight loss too much.

Hi Breanna, I hope you won't mind me sharing some answers even though I'm much earlier in the process than you (pre-op research phase). 1. what is your biggest fear with the surgery and why? Besides surgical complications (i.e., stricture, adhesions, internal scarring, having to redo the surgery for some reason), my biggest fear is not correctly handling my vitamin/nutrient needs at any time post-surgery. I've watched YouTube videos of people many years out from surgery who either lapsed in taking their Vitamins and suffered ill effects or one who "overdosed" on B6 (found in Protein, B complex vitamins, energy drinks) and got sick as B6 is not a routine lab test even for bariatric patients. Of course I plan to be complicit with the Vitamin recommendations of my NUT, but in the past I've put my medical needs second or third to work and mental health issues, so I'm weighing the possibility of that happening again if I get WLS and thinking of how to make sure I prioritize my physical health. 2. Who has been your biggest supporter for your surgery so far? And how has that impacted your decision? My mom, whether she realizes it or not. She's not 100% in favor of the surgery, but she knows I'm an adult, has my best interests at heart, and listens to me. 3. What is your goal weight and why? I'll probably take my doctor's lead on this one, as a major motivating factor for my surgery is comorbidities. I think the remission of my sleep apnea will be the deciding factor. Honestly, I've never been in 100s as an adult (I'm 5'5") so I don't have a weight I'm able to envision. It'd be nice to be in straight sizes for clothes, but I make do at my current size and am sure I'd do fine as a 16, 14, or 12, as well. 4. What was the one thing that made you be for sure about the surgery? Being diagnosed/experiencing four to five major comorbidities (including diabetes type 2 and most recently sleep apnea) has made me realize I am scared to go on the way I am. I'm not 100% for sure on the WLS yet, but am seriously considering it. 5. What is one thing you are giving up that you will truly miss having? As I understand it, unless something causes severe dumping there's no need to avoid it totally (with the exception of carbonated beverages, alcohol, depending on your body). I guess the hardest thing will be cutting back on sedentary activities I enjoy (computer, reading) in order to move more. 6. If you have had the surgery or are getting ready for it... what is one piece of advice you have for those that are just starting their journey? Listen to a VARIETY of voices from people who have been there. YouTube is a great place to hear from others, both positive and negative. People here and on YouTube recommended The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery, 2nd Ed. by Cynthia Alexander which I'm halfway through and feel good about recommending to others, too. Hope this helps, Breanna. Best wishes as you continue to move forward.

I waited until I was 6 weeks out. Alcohol can be a major stomach irritant, and since you are on liquids it's highly likely to affect you much faster than it would if you could eat real food. I would definately follow ALL of the rules to the letter for the first 6 weeks after surgery. It's supposed to be the healing phase, and you don't want anything to go against your healing.

The steri-strips didn't leave any residue but my port incision bled a little the night of surgery so they slapped a big gauze pad over it with lots of tape. It's been almost 3 weeks since surgery and the tape marks are still there. I was able to get the tape marks off my arm where the IV was by scrubbing HARD with a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol on it. My port area is still just sore enough that I haven't been brave enough to do the same around there. Anyone know of anything that works w/o vigorous rubbing? Cascavel

I was completely wrong no lectures at all. I was talking to my sister and I said to her, I know i am a super fat ass because even while i am dieting and losing weight im like i cant wait until this **** is over so i can get some gnocchi, and i am worried about the surgery because some people say they never can eat Pasta again. we can have some time apart, but i dont know about us never seeing each other again. i dont smoke now but i have before and cant say that i never will again, it is something i like to do on occasion, and if the mood strikes me in a tropical island where there is usually ripe picking id hate for my indulgence to result in bleeding ulcers. i am really stressed about the eating and drinking thing just because im a very thirsty girl and i put down Water like a camel. sometimes i will stop eating until i get some water because im too thirsty to continue, but i guess maybe that doesnt happen when you can only eat so much. i am so curious about the alcohol thing, some people say they get tore down immediately (which i think may just be because your used to drinking for a plus size person and now your not) but i have seen a lot of, it wears off very quickly and i cant really understand why since i cant see how a reduced stomach effects alcohol absorbing into your blood. haragl thanks for the advice, i have not even gotten a surgery date but my nutrition is loving me becaue im losing so much weight pre-op and i expect to get it after our next meeting on 6/25. im trying to make sure i am making the right decision, and though it is a little embarrassing, as you can see food is really important to me. since your a nurse any idea about the alcohol thing? dreambig and serendipity i cant believe you guys can eat all that stuff at 3 months out! and 8 oz of water is super impressive (i have been worried about thirst a lot) other than alcohol water is my drink of choice, but i have not ever managed to have a meal without some and that is still a worry. I love the fact that you guys answered, and differentiated between personal choices and abilities. I hope I get some more answers.

I am 3 months out too... 1. eat and drink together...I know we are not supposed to, but I do...it causes discomfort, but this is a very hard habit for me to break. I am getting better about just sipping to wash something down instead of a good drink 2. Alcohol? Yes, I have had crown & coke together. I have had a few Bud lights...I felt the effects much more quickly & I am still a big girl, so it isn't that I have lost weight. I didn't feel so well the next day. 3. Alcohol & food...I never do this even before surgery 4. Smoke - I have never smoked. 5. Weed - I have never used any type of drugs 6. Rice - swells & makes me feel uncomfortable 7. Pasta - I haven't tried it yet...I love it, so I hope I can tolerate 8. Spicy - Not tried alot...salsa and jalpenos have been fine for me 9. Fried - yes, but I go to the restroom shortly afterwards..

I am reading a fabulous book book on addiction called (I think - I don't have it with me at work) The Heart of Addiction by a psychiatrist who (I think) is Lance Doddes - or something similar. It is a really different look at addiction because I explains the difference between addictions, habit and physical addictions. Also explains why 12 step programs often don't work. His premise is that addictions are a coping mechanism for psychological issues - be it anger or rage or loss of control etc. Therefore, when one stops abusing the object that they have chosen (ie. drugs or food) but has not dealt with the reason why they need a displacement in the first place, then they will often turn to another substance or behaviour which will serve the same purpose as the original one. It makes so much sense to me - this book makes so much sense to me as one who has chosen (for whatever reason) food to deal with my issues even though he barely talks about binge eating of food in the book. I mainly focuses on drugs and alcohol - but that just proves his point that it could be anything used. I will try to post later tonight when I am home so that I can give you the proper information.

Well at least he'll get cancer treatment, and organ transplants if he needs them.. while on death row. And if it's lethal injection, they'll use an alcohol swab.

Nykee :wave: - Have you ever read the book "Potatos not Prozac"? I'm not finished reading it yet, but the nurse who wrote it equates sugar sensitivity to alcoholism (her specialty was working with alcoholics and stumbled on the connection to sugar sensitivity by accident). I thought it was very interesting, and from reading your past eating habits and current food logs I wouldn't be surprised if you have sugar sensitivity in a big way. (((hugs)))