Search the Community

All of this will cause/contribute to weight gain/prevent losses. In addition to the hormones. If you are drinking any calories (alcohol), that will also put the weight on like nobody's beeswax. I could be guaranteed to gain 5 lbs overnight any time I took my old pain meds that I no longer take.

:wink2:<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" width="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">It's 1:52 AM and I just had a horrible dream about my band... I went to get a fill and they told me I was too tight. They said I'd have to get an unfill. "But I ate nachos for breakfast!" Then they charged me $365.00. I asked for their director's name and number. Last time they only charged me $100.00 and I got a fill! Anyway, I woke up and my band was bothering me.... ? I felt like I could feel pressure in the area. I've only felt this once before when i really was too tight. I'm not too tight right now though. I am thinking that maybe I irritated my stoma b/c I drank wine today at a BBQ. I usually don't drink that much alcohol. Anyway, it's hard for me to sleep. It's not super painful, but some sharp pains and hard to sleep on my stomach. I feel fine now that I am sitting up. Does Crystal Light bother anybody? It is to harsh on the stoma? I am always so fearful that my band is going to 'go wrong'. I feel my body is going to reject the band. Has this happened to anybody? I keep having these horrible thoughts about my band. Why? Please help me! I'm going crazy! </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

It’s been three years and, as I did a year ago, I wanted to post my annual update. The two year update, which includes the one year update is linked below. Enjoy. What's changed from year 2-3? No longer a fat guy. I changed jobs and met a lot of new people over the year. Combined with the fact that I'm 3 years out from surgery meant being a fat guy, both in my head and as reflected by people around me, is a very faint memory. I had the surgery when my kids were 3 and 6. They don’t really even remember me being fat, until they see pictures which just makes them giggle. This is a good thing, but when I reflect back on the 35 years of being overweight, it still blows me away. Portions Normalized. I really am just a normal (for a non-fat person) eater. I eat whatever I want, just normal portions of it. Breakfast might be 2 eggs and a piece of toast, lunch is a half sandwich and some Soup (or a whole sandwich without the bread), dinner is frozen dinner from trader joes or a small portion of just about anything. For those of you yet to have the surgery and can't imagine eating so little or those of you who just recently had surgery and can't imagine eating so much, I know it sounds very strange. Between years 2 and 3, I'd say the portion sizes really seemed to normalize. Here's the best way to describe it: Look at the nutritional information on something -- like a package of ravioli or a can of chili, etc. and find the serving size. That's pretty much what I can eat until I feel full and happy. In the olden days pre-surgery -- those suggested serving sizes always seemed like some sort of hostile joke! Battling 10 Extra Pounds. I feel like I have to watch my weight and need to lose 10 pounds. This is new. I weigh 194 on a 5'11" frame, wear medium or large shirts and have a waist of 34 or 35 inches depending on the brand. Don't get me wrong, that's amazing. BUT, last year, I weighed 185, which did feel a bit better. I'd like to say that my weight has finally normalized, but that wouldn't be totally in line with how I feel. The point is that, just like about everyone else I know, I'm working on losing those extra 10! For the first year of surgery, I couldn't stop LOSING weight. In the second year, I rarely thought about my weight. Now, in the third year, I feel like I need to lose 10. Health is Excellent. I just had my annual physical and everything is great. Blood sugar: Normal. Cholesterol: Normal. Same with everything else. I still take 20mg of Omeprazole for heartburn at least 5 out of 7 nights. It doesn't have any noticeable side effects and if I don't take it, I definitely get mild to medium heartburn. Some Advice to Those on the Fence: If you can, do it. Like a lot of people on this site, I'd say my only regret is not doing the surgery sooner. I honestly think (no scientific proof) that there is just simply something wrong between my head and stomach that resulted in me NOT having and "off" switch when it came to food. I'd watch other people that seemed to like food, get a plate at the buffet and then just eat a normal portion and stop. I'd go to the buffet, fill up a big plate and then get seconds and thirds. Even then, I'd probably just stop eating because I felt disgusted with myself or embarrassed, rather than feeling satisfied. This surgery really helped me in that way. As I noted above, I'm one of those small one-plate people now. By weighing a regular weight, life has completely changed. I wear normal clothes, can participate in all sorts of activities, happily sit in the back of the plane, etc, etc, etc. I wish I would have done the surgery when I was 21, not 39. VSG helps Quantity, Not Rate or Frequency. You engineers might appreciate this. Basically, VSG allows me to eat much less quantity at any one sitting. It doesn't tell me which foods to eat. You will need to find ways to eat steamed salmon vs. fried chicken, broccoli vs. mashed potatoes, etc. In the very early days, I really disgusted by really fatty food and was also worried about Protein intake. As a result, I directed my eating towards healthier foods. Three years out, VSG no longer helps with those types of decisions. Furthermore, if you like to graze, VSG doesn't help that at all. I work in an office that has Snacks all over the place. It's super easy to grab a handful of mm's or a bag of doritos every time I pass by the snack area (actually that's part of the reason I'm up 9 pounds from last year). I just want to set expectations about what you’re getting and NOT getting. Alcohol drinkers: Watch out. You can't eat much with VSG, but drinking is even easier than before. About 6 months ago, I felt like I was drinking too much and have limited my intake by a lot (1 or 2 drinks per night, not 5 or 6). I know, I know, still too much. My point is that this is a real risk area and something that needs to be considered. This post is getting long enough, so I'll stop here. If any of you would like to reach out with a PM, I'd be happy to chat. Good luck. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/355438-two-year-post-opp-upda/

I wanted the simplest possible regimen so I take Celebrate 2-in-1 and a generic iron+C pill. The Celebrate 2-on-1 sold only on the Celebrate website and on Amazon. It has everything except Iron (because it has the calcium, they keep iron out of it). It tastes like a grainy sweet-tart (emphasis on the tart!). It contains a sugar alcohol, unfortunately, so it makes me quite gassy for a little while after taking it.

I think it is hard for anyone to give an objective answer on this because most people haven't had both. Those who have will have been revising from another surgery so that will skew their opinion as well. Some things to consider. Sleeve Is a restrictive only procedure, apparently there is a quite high risk of reflux,it cannot be reversed but it is possible to revise to a DS bypass. Bypass Is restrictive and malabsorptive, risk of reflux seems to be very low, certain foods e.g alcohol and sugar may cause dumping. It can be reversed if necessary but this is complicated.

Sorry you have all these struggles, and that your family is being so monumentally insensitive and mean. The fact is, while they can be as supportive as possible, they will never truly know exactly what you're going through, exactly how hard you have worked to get here, and how much you are having to endure right now. The only solace I can offer is to tell you that it WILL get better. It will only get easier from here on out, physically. Emotionally... well, that's what we are all here for. No one understands the pain and struggles of an alcoholic the way another alcoholic does, and the same is true for us. Right now, everything sucks and hurts and feels really difficult. But where you are now is a place you've worked so, so hard to get, and no one can take that away from you. People who have not experienced obesity and wls have NO idea just how hard the struggle is, just how much you've had to sacrifice in the name of your health and well-being. Soon, you'll be feeling as well as you did before surgery, and then you'll be feeling better than that, and then better than that... We're here for you. Take care of yourself, take your pain meds when you need them, rest when you need to, stop walking and sit down when you are too tired or in too much pain to continue. This is not a race and pushing yourself because of the pressure your family is putting on you will only hurt you. Everything will be so, so much better soon. Take care.

I have the same problem. I now limit myself to 1 (large) glass a night when I want it, but I go into it telling myself that I'm only allowing myself to drink because I will NOT allow myself to eat after consuming alcohol. I eat dinner before, and nothing after alcohol. thats my rule..out works for me

Though not an alcoholic, wine is my downfall. I drink too much in the evenings... And then I get hungry. (Something about white wine, though dry, that sparks my sugar/hunger levels....) Then, because my inhibitions are lowered, I eat things I should not. I know banding is a tool that can help control appetite and aid weight loss..... How will I handle giving up the wine??

The unhealthy desire to eat more than you need for nutrition is a mental challenge that must be met either with or without a Lap-Band. The advice I offer to Lap-Band and non-lap-band clients is to first re-establish control over your food habits and then explore healthier thoughts about yourself. Stress seems to be one of the major causes of most overeating. Stress also comes in many forms; present day stress and stress associated with unresolved past experiences. The good news is just like with alcoholism or drug addiction, excessive food urges can also be tamed with a little time and shifting your approach to the problem. After working with many overweight clients over the years, the success stories are the ones that accept excessive eating as a mental and physical problem. They also embark on a different approach to solving their weight problem by realizing that excess weight is just a symptom. If you can view your weight as a symptom of other imbalances in your life and not the problem itself, you are well on your way to a lasting solution. More to come...

Well, first of all thank you greatly for bringing this subject up on this forum. From my perspective I can tell you that because of the surgery I do NOT believe it is a "blip." Obviously you felt strong enough about the issue to reach out to others for support and with that being said please allow me to tell you my journey, where I'm currently at with alcohol, and what measures I am taking going forward to help myself. I was sleeved 04/25/2013 and to be very honest, I had my first drink on 05/31/2013. I believed that because it was my "birthday" and I hadn't had a drink in 6 weeks, I was somehow justified. I can also tell you that prior to surgery I was a big social binge drinker however I also justified my actions then on the premise that it was only on the weekends and not during the week. Prior to surgery when I completed my required psychological evaluation, the Therapist was very clear with me in telling me that weight loss surgery patients are at an extremely high risk for alcoholism. Yes, I do believe this can be from basically swapping out your eating addiction however I also will tell you its more than likely due to some type of trauma that has happened in your life. I am now approximately 9 months out from surgery and I can tell you that my current alcohol consumption is spiraling out of control. I reached my goal weight at 6 months out and all but told myself I could keep drinking and it wouldn't hurt me much; that was and is a lie. Once your sleeved, alcohol not only has greater drunkenness effects on you, but also quicker damage happens to your liver and memory. I have now begun seeing a therapist on a weekly basis and I believe this is key. Talking about any level of addictions and or relationship struggles after surgery is HUGE! Most of us were NOT mentally prepared to take on this extreme life change and it is vitally important to talk through things with a professional. In the event you or anyone else on here can resonate with any of my entry here, please carefully seek out a therapist immediately. Do NOT wait like I did and then things become magnified. Thanks for allowing me to contribute.

No, you do not have to stand up. That is more drama for TV, but there are meetings where it is encouraged. Bottom line is you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. For me, it didn't take too long before I heard my story being told in the rooms and I was able to identify. At that point, I had crossed the line of acceptance of my alcoholism and I wanted to identify myself as such. I am on my mobile device right now, so I will write more or contact you directly later. Just know that only you can say whether you are an alchoholic. I know AA meetings may seem daunting as there is a lot if fear that if you do identify, then you might convince yourself of something you are not. It doesn't work that way.

You are all scaring me!! Wow this thread is discouraging. I am going to be banded on October 14 and I have done tons of research but I am still very confused. I am getting MANY mixed messages. I was told no alcohol and have read several posts of people drinking to excess on the weekends. Huh?? Did I miss something here? Also, I was told that small pills and supplements would be fine and I am reading that everything must be liquid?? Reading also about folks eating all the wrong stuff when I thought that all the wrong stuff is supposed to make me sick?? I really want this to work but some of the stuff on these forums is discouraging :-(. Also the mixed messages are confusing me to the max! HELP

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your replies! This website is hard to find your way around on. I know it will be tough but some of it won't be that bad for me. I'm a tea drinkers only and I don't drink alcohol or carbonated beverages. I'm definitely someone who drinks with a meal so this will be a big change but once I know what I can and can't, I will be fine. I think once I make some friends who instant message me or email me all the time I'll be fine... I have no other support structure from this end so I'm all on my own.. but I'm so interested in doing this. I fully intend to adhere to the rules and regs. I've been trying to find threads saying if baby food is good to keep in the kitchen once I have the surgery... from that point on. I'd think that would be great food to eat once off the liquids. How long did it take till you had the surgery once your insurance approved you?

now i'm young, and i still go to partys and all. i cant seem to find information of drinking alcohol? i was wondering if you or anyone has any information on this. and the consumption. thanks for your time.

From what I have read and been told by my doctor, it is best to not have any alcohol for at least a year after LB surgery. As far as after the year mark, I don't know. But I guess it would be in moderation, as with everything else!:heh: Good luck to you!!

I drank at 3 weeks post op. I was at a week long work event that was very social, and had a heavy emphasis on drinking. I had no desire to drink and did only to try not to attract attention to my WLS. Despite only consuming on average 700 cals per day (including alcohol), at the end of the week I had gained 2 lbs. Quite honestly that pissed me off, and made me swear off alcohol for the most part.

There are many challenges. will you think ahead and not put yourself in a place where you have few options but to eat poorly? how much alcohol is in your life? ( no judgement, just huge amounts of calories and bad choices if alot has been imbibed). will you tire of the limitation and being unable to eat like your friends and therefore stretch out your sleeve or will you eat slider foods? there have been very successful young people but they were willing to change their attitude to food and exercise. for me it was "am i willing to do whatever it takes?" i waited years to get the surgery until the answer was a resounding yes. I wish you the best of luck.

we were told we could occasionally have alcohol a year after bypass. I do - but I probably have about three or four glasses of wine a year. I can feel it right away...

Prolly hysterectomy,,that's when I gained mine and when I stopped smoking cigs 8 years ago,and alcohol will put weight on ya also hun,congrats on your surgery and your overcomes,I'm new I've not had my surgery yet,waiting on losing 17 pounds to come off before insurance will cover it,I hope you can get to where you want but you look great to me.

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!!

@elliekay I also think the question has to be asked about the quality of your 1100-1200 calories. What did it consist of? Was there alcohol involved? I generally think that you're traveling so you may have fluid retention in your limbs. You may also be full of poop! But...if it were me, and it has been this past year...I would go back to your 600-900 cals until your weight comes back down. Then start slowly and emphasis on SLOWLY raise your cals with lean proteins, healthy fats (avocado, butter -- yes, butter, etc), and low glycemic veggies and a tiny bit of fruit. I raised cals at first 50 cals per week, then later 100cals/1-2 weeks, then lastly 200 cals/2weeks. I went from eating liquid diet at 300-400 cals/day to eating at 1500 cals that way. The weight loss did level off and I'm basically in maintenance at 1500 cals which is where the surgeon wants me right now. If I had done it quickly though, I would have gained badly. Also, just 1 drink of alcohol makes me instantly put on 2lbs overnight. So it's just not worth it... Hope you get it figured out!!

I tried to make myself vomit after imbibing too much alcohol one night and it did not work. Consequently I felt awful and my hangover lasted much longer . I now try to ensure I DON'T drink too much .

Bless you for posting this! I am so frustrated I could just scream. Sleeved on Feb 20th, lost 30 pounds practically overnight and haven't lost a pound in 20 something days as well. I am getting my ass kicked in boot camp several times a week plus going to the gym on alternating days and I am back to the liquid diet. Haven't touched sugar or alcohol since my surgery and the shakes I prepare do have some carbs but not a lot. It saddens me to think that this is as good as I'm gonna get :-(

Just an update: I am so close to "One-derland" (weighing in the 100's) that I can taste it! Wah - I'm so excited! I was banded 8 months ago, and I am down 58 pounds. I currently weigh 201 lbs. I have not been in the 100's for 15 years... I was 160 when I became pregnant with our baby girl... and then I ballooned up to 259 lbs in the 15 years that followed. Now I'm down these 58 pounds I have changed my lifestyle and my relationship with food significantly. I am alcohol-free, (that habit was packing on thousands of calories a week!) plus I no longer eat rice, Pasta, bread or chips. I am on the treadmill 3-4 times a week and my FitBit tracks my steps. I have learned not to be too attached (yes, I still do some serious comparing from time to time) to the results of others and realize that my progress is mine and mine alone. unique to me. Patience, patience patience... and trusting in my process. This is why I am in love with my band - it is my constant companion and serves to remind me of what a healthier ME feels (and looks!) like.