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Ok I just re-read the thread and compliled a list of the rules everyone came up with ... I think im gonna post this on the wall of my cube at work. eat 1000 cals a day or under (1 cup of food per meal) get at least 60-80g or protein only have 2 carb servings per day (only with 2 meals) – GOOD CARBS only (not bread, pasta, etc) drink 64 oz of water a day eat protein FIRST no alcohol MEASURE your food – don’t eyeball it

I am 7 weeks out and am REALLY following the dietary guidelines (except for some alcohol on the weekend..ok that was a few times, and I do need to watch that). I am eating high protein, low fat, and low carb and not eating any forbidden foods but I do feel my will power waning. Will I just eventually get used to it? Or will I try to eat some forbidden foods? Or will I start just drinking alcohol to cope? I would really like to do this right but don't want to go crazy. How are you managing?

No not at all. Cooking with wine is perfectly acceptable. There will be an increase in calories, but you are cooking out the alcohol. There will be an increase in sugars as the sauce reduces, so go really easy on it. But you should be fine for the most part.

I crave very little of my old diet, but man, do I miss having a Guiness from time to time. I was actually wondering about how it might be compared to regular beer. I had a half glass of wine last week, my first alcohol in five months (my postoperative period), and only the second drink in eight months, and hoooolyyyy god, did I feel it.

Post Weight Loss Surgery Diet, Nutrition, and Exercise After weight loss surgery, you will need a new nutrition plan. Discuss this in detail with your surgeon and/or dietitian as they can help you learn about and get used to the changes in lifestyle and eating habits you need to make. It is very important to follow the eating and drinking instructions starting right after the operation to allow the new stomach structure to heal completely and in the right position. This may take a month or more. It is also important, especially in the early weeks, not to stretch the small stomach pouch above the band. Vomiting can stretch it, so it is important not to vomit. Vomiting can increase the chance of stomach tissue slipping through the band. The First Few Days Post-Surgery Right after the operation you can take an occasional sip of water or suck on an ice cube. You shouldn’t drink more than this. The day after the operation, you can take a little more fluid but only a small amount at a time. Besides water, you should also choose clear liquids that have an adequate number of calories. To prevent nausea and vomiting, do not drink too much. Liquid Diet (1-2 weeks post-op) The goal during this early post-operative period is to protect the small stomach pouch. Only thin liquids can be tolerated at this time. It is also important to keep hydrated with lots of water. Other liquids recommended during this phase include: clear broth or soup (with no vegetables or meat and not creamy) skim milk fruit juice no-sugar-added popsicles Pureed Foods (3-4 weeks post-op) During this phase you may start having slightly textured foods. Aim for the consistency of baby foods. This will help you transition to more solid foods later. Because protein is so important to help you maintain muscle while you are losing weight, eat protein-rich foods first, and then move on to fruits and vegetables. Foods in this stage may include: pureed skinless chicken or fish mashed potatoes peas low-fat yogurt or pudding In the first few weeks you may be able to eat foods that might not be allowed in your diet later as these foods may contain too many calories. It is more important in the first few weeks to let your stomach adjust to the LAP-BAND ® System than it is to lose weight. Also, your timing and progression into each dietary phase may vary. In general, you should follow the advice of your surgeon and/or dietitian about nutrition. Soft Foods (5 weeks post-op) Your meals can now include tender cooked foods like fish and ground turkey. Now that you can chew, make it a habit to chew foods well. If you have dentures, be sure to cut your food into small pieces and chew it thoroughly. If you don’t follow these precautions, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have stoma obstruction. If solid foods cause nausea and vomiting,go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then you can slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods. Always ask for advice from your doctor or dietitian that is specific to your situation. Vomiting may increase the incidence of band slippage, stomach slippage, or stretching of the small stomach pouch above the band. Your New Nutrition Plan When you can eat solid foods without problems you will need to pay close attention to your diet. Liquids will pass through the reduced stomach pouch quickly and will not make you feel full. The LAP-BAND ® System was designed to restrict solids, not liquids. Drinking liquids during or immediately after meals tends to flush food through the pouch and you will not get the prolonged feeling of satiety needed to help you eat less. Staying hydrated throughout the day is important. Drink at least 6-8 cups of water per day and make sure you consume them between meals. Many patients have a difficult time with solid foods during the morning hours. If this is the case for you, you can open up your LAP-BAND ® System by starting with a couple of glasses of liquids before your first meal. Too much food or big chunks of food can block the stomach pouch outlet. You can avoid this problem by chewing food welland eating small bits at a time. It is important to remember that your new stoma opening is approximately the size of a dime. Chew your food adequately so that it can easily fit through the opening. Eat only three small meals a day and make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrients. Your stomach can only hold about1/4 cup of food or 2 oz. at a time. Stop eating when your hunger is gone or when you feel comfortable. You may find that the small stomach pouch makes digestion of high-fiber, high-fat and dry foods more difficult. Tolerance will vary from person to person. Ask your surgeon and/or dietitian about your food choices. The general guide below can help you create good and healthy meals that contain adequate nutrients but little sugar and fat. Good Food Choices 1. Fruits and vegetables 1 to 2 servings of fresh fruit daily 2 to 3 servings of fresh vegetables daily 2. Breads and cereals 1 small portion of low-sugar cold or hot cereal 1/2 to 1 slice of toasted whole wheat or rye bread each day. Note: some patients have difficulty eating bread. 3. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs 1 oz. to 2 oz. of meat, fish, or poultry or one egg each day. (Remove all visible fat from the meat. Remove the skin from poultry. Prepare the meat in ways that need very little fat. Grilling, steaming, microwaving, or boiling are all good ways to do this.) Note: some patients have difficulty eating meat. 4. Dairy products Milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form. However, these types of food have calcium, which makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet, so choose a maximum of 2 cups of skimmed milk or low-fat yogurt and 1 oz. of cheese a day. 5. Fats Restrict the use of fat to 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter, or oil per day. You can have low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise in moderation. 6. Drinks Drink as many calorie-free liquids per day as you wish (though not with meals).Suitable drinks are: tea or coffee (black) with low-calorie sweetener water non-carbonated beverages containing few or no calories Some doctors have reported that carbonated beverages may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch and recommend they be avoided. Foods to Avoid Some foods have a concentrated supply of calories with little nutritional value and should be avoided as much as possible. They include foods such as: syrups cakes biscuits jam honey pies chips pastries Alcoholic drinks should also be consumed in moderation, for example a glass of wine per day. Common Problem Foods Some foods have difficulty passing through the opening of the stoma and may cause blockage. These include foods such as: dry meat shrimp untoasted or doughy bread pasta rice peanut butter dried fruit fibrous vegetables like corn,asparagus and celery nuts coconut popcorn greasy or fried food seeds and skins of fruits and vegetables membrane of citrus fruits Introduce these foods slowly and individually to see if they are tolerated. Always be careful, chew well, and follow your surgeon’s or dietitian’s advice. Exercise Guidelines Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine is as important as your nutrition plan. Often patients have been sedentary due to decreased activity tolerance, psychological constraints, and in some cases, physical disabilities. After LAP-BAND ® System surgery, aerobic activities—particularly walking and swimming—are generally best tolerated. Consult your surgeon and weight management team to find out which activity is right for you. Next: Living with the LAP-BAND ® System >>

I just wanted to add what happened to me yesterday with regards to alcohol. I am 2 years post op. I must say I feel the effects of alcohol so much stronger than before. Yesterday I had a friend over and although I only drink occasionally thought it would be fun to get a bit tipsy. I had 3 carbonated ciders mixed with vanilla vodka. The cider was 4.5% alcohol as well so I really didn't have any mixer with it. I got so drunk so fast and before I knew it I was staggering around and falling down drunk! I passed out and in the middle of the night was doing the dry heaving. It was also coming out as diarrhea. I wanted to die! My stomach wanted to get rid of the alcohol but my band was preventing it from coming up. My husband asked me how much I'd had to drink and was surprised to hear I'd only had 3 drinks! Please use caution my friends. I will never EVER do that again! So not worth it.

Good! I wish people would stop worshiping food around me! Lol. Totally kidding, but you wouldn't invite an alcoholic who just started rehab to a bar, right? Anywho, weekends are the devil for me too, especially in the evening. I try to compensate by being an angel mon- fri, exercising HARD Saturday, and never giving myself permission that its an off day. I really need to work on it though. It's a bad mental place to feel like I've lost control.

http://www.realself....sleeve-surgery1 "Don't drink your calories. Only drink low-calorie drinks such as water, sugar-free juices and unsweetened ice tea. Don't drink any form of soda -- which can stretch your new pouch because of the gasses -- and never drink alcohol after surgery." this is interesting, see how each person has differant rules. I have not drank soda, but Ive had lots of alcchol. lol

I'm having surgery Tuesday (so excited!!!) and was kind of wanting to have a 'celebration drink' tonight. Only one of course, but I'm afraid to. Anybody else in the same boat?

As some of you know I'm 47 and divorced, will soon be 2 years this month. Let me start how my weight gain all started for me, I wasn't an obese child nor a teen. I married my high school sweetheart in 1986 and boy did I think I knew the world, if I knew then what I know now, ha. He was shy and I was the outgoing one, he was super skinny and I was average. He ate and ate and ate and I thought I could eat along with him so my weight kept creeping up over the years of our marriage little by little. By 1990 I weighed 199, said to myself I'd never let myself weigh over 200, I ate crow alright. We were unable to have children so we occupied ourselves in the life of luxury of world travels and cars and later in life our dream home in '06. By that time he had a corporate job, I had not worked in years and we had our dream home with a pool. It was all I could do to keep house it was so huge but I loved it. Guess you could say starting in '06 I could see a change in him and I began to stress eat more. His job was very stressful, afterall he managed a factory, oh how proud of him I was but then the alcohol began and then my food addiction began. From 2006 until he left me Oct '09 I literally watched him become a full blown alcoholic and my eating had well, let's just say I gained about 25 lbs. He began staying out late till the wee hrs of the night/morning in bars, coming home drunk, it was horrible. Then on that fateful afternoon in Oct. '09 he came home and said he was leaving me, I was devastated to say the least. I had no idea he wasn't happy. Yes we had our ups/downs like anyone else but I guess he had gotten tired of looking at a fat wife, I had let myself go, certainly not the girl he married. I stayed in the marital home a few months until I couldn't care for the acreage and pool and he made me move out and he move back in. At this time he had asked for a divorce and I was at my all time low, a deep depression. I guess I have to admit I was on the verge of suicide but I'm deeply religious and knew better and had it not been for my faith in God and my mom and of course my Psychiatrist I never would have made it out of the dark hole. My mom stepped in and bought me a home close to her and I rented it from her. Guess she wanted to give me my independence for the first time in my life. By this time it was May of 2010, divorce proceedings were ongoing, I was living alone and eating and eating. BIG mistake. I had no accountability, I was sitting alone in a house with a dog and a tv and eating whenever and whatever I wanted. I literally was eating myself to death. I knew I didn't want to die an early age like my dad but yet I still kept eating. I had ballooned to 294, I was huge, could hardly walk, couldn't breathe. In early June '12 I moved in with my mom for financial reasons and she sold the house, talk about humbling, having to move back in with a parent at age 47. One afternoon I asked my mom to go with me to a seminar for lap band surgery, this was April 2012. What a revelation. Yes I had done my homework, I had actually gone to a seminar back in '08 but wasn't ready mentally then. This time I was ready. The next day I called my ins, they covered it, called the dr's office made an appt, got right in, from start to finish I was banded in like 4 weeks, his office pushed my ins approval thru really quick. Needless to say this saved my LIFE. Has it been a struggle, yes, I struggle each and every day with head hunger and sweets and sometimes give in, that is why my weight loss is slow but I'm proud of my 68 lbs in 1 year and will never look back. My eating habits have changed, for the better of course, I look at food differently, I taste it now instead of gobbling it down. Had it not been for all of you all on here answering my questions throughout this last year and Jean's book I don't think I could have survived my first year. Thanks to all of you out there you're the best! You guys are family!!! Looking forward to the next 12 months of a happier, healthier new me. Donna

I had two glasses of wine 5 days post-op (hey, it's a liquid, right?). One of the big concerns with alcohol is transference...if you have a food addiction, it might be easy to transition into an alcohol addiction (my drinking was social...splitting a bottle of wine with my boss on a business trip, like we have always done). So honestly take a look at how likely that is to happen for you. Also, be aware that soon after surgery, you'll still be at a very low caloric intake and your tolerance is not likely to be what it used to be. I had no ill effects, but if in doubt, it's always best to consult your medical team....

What's the earliest after surgery anyone has touched alcohol? I have a party next week, that'll be 10 days post op. I'm guessing its a no brainer and a NO GO!!

I quit 2 months ago and still have a month till surgery. But my doctor said they test the week before surgery for any street drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. And the day of surgery.... I was like... Good thing I quit smoking and don't do drugs drink...

So happy able to reach our thread from my phone. I had to click the link in the message Janet sent me so my phone new I belonged. ;/) Well date nite was a fiasco, I guess all the stress of the week, too much alcohol, hubby not being totally honest with me sooo it did not go well. All my calories yesterday were alcohol related, very thirsty today, already drank 3 bottle of Water and yes Teri I logged every little drink! Lots to do today, brother going home, daughter coming next week and prepping for Mom next week. BBL have a great Saturday!

I just saw crystal light in the store and they make alcohol flavors now! Too soon to get my drink on but great idea!

Non-alcohol happy hour anyone?

I'm about 5 months post op... My 21st birthday is in 6 months which will make it 11 months post op & for my 21st birthday of course I want to go out & have a drink. What drinks settle good? & you haven't had problems with? Just need opinions on drinks.. To the ppl that have negative comments don't try it with me...

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 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.

My guidelines are: 60 or more grams of Protein Always eat protein first 3/4 -1 cup of food per meal Good carbs only - fruit and veggies No alcohol In between meals, only if needed - a Protein shake 800-1000 calories

I can eat pretty much anything that I want. I have found that my taste has changed. I have always had a problem with sweets but now it's more salty foods. I don't drink alcohol or smoke so cant help you there but I do know that alcohol is just empty calories and smoking isn't good for you anyway(sorry the nurse in me coming out). I do take sips now with meals but the idea is that you need to fill up with good food (Protein/healthy carbs and a little fat) as opposed to filling up with fluids. I have never had a good tolerance for fried foods but I have eaten a few french fries with no effect. I don't do real well with baked potatoes but that's just because I seem to fill up really fast with them. I do go out to eat and usually get a couple of meals out of anything I order. I do "slip" if you want to call it that and have something "non healthy" once in awhile but hey I am human and I don't overdo it. The important thing to remember it that you are in this for the long haul and that it takes time to break all of our bad eating habits. I just take it one day at a time and if I slid I realize that tomorrow is another day and get back on the plan. Some days I do great and some not so good. As Scarlett would say, "Tomorrow is another day" lol. Good luck on your journey and remember it's a marathon not a sprint and hang in there.

Im sure this is going to probably incite some judgment but I am very curious about foods that have to be given up forever because of the sleeve. Im not talking about 2 weeks post surgery wanting a double cheeseburger. Im also not talking about consuming entire troughs of food in one sitting. Im talking about completely healed, chugging liquid (does that ever happen again?), in moderation, human sized portions. Not eating like a fat ass every day but on some days when you really want to what cant you eat? I am just trying to make an informed decision. I mostly want to know: Can you: eat and drink (nothing major just water)? drink alcohol? (beer, wine, margaritas, tequila shots, cranberry and vodka, long islands, all alcohol) and if so what is the effect? eat and drink alcohol together? eat fried foods? go out to eat? Spicy foods? Pasta? Rice? smoke? weed? cigarettes? cigars? if yes to anything what has the result been? Btw if you puke, i take that as a no you cant and you just havent come to grips with it yet (no judgment over here)

My nutrionist suggests 800-1000 calories for me. Following the protein and serving size rules, no alcohol, no snacking etc, it's pretty easy to stay in that range.

I'm kinda bummed about the very minimal alcohol thing as I'm turning 22 next week and have definitely not lived out my partying days yet lol. I know it's a small thing to give up in perspective but it will be annoying not to be able to have a few drinks out with my friends and stuff. Guess I'll always be the DD from now on..

I had my first drink 3.5 months post op. A gin and tonic that I sipped slowly and go about 1/4 way through. 3 nights later at the same bar I took an hour or more to finally finish one and then again 3 days after that. It was too much trouble so won't do that again for awhile. I am not sure if I could cross addict from food to alcohol but don't really want to try. I go to enough 12 step meetings and then with the bariatric support meetings I am never home. LOL!