Search the Community

Yahoo! About two weeks before my six month surgiversary I am NORMAL! I've gone from morbidly obese (254 at start of pre-op diet on Feb. 15) to merely obese (Was 222 on day of surgery and down to 216 two weeks after surgery), to merely overweight (185 at about 2.5 months out) to today: 51/2 months and I'm NORMAL! I am so stoked! Just one pound more and I'm in the Century Club. And only 20 lbs. to goal, which will put me at a BMI of 21.8., squarely in the middle of the normal range and will let me bounce up and down 5 lbs. and not be too thin or too fat for my taste. I can feel such a difference in my health and energy levels! I am off all blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I no longer snore (per hubby :-). My knees, feet, and ankles rarely bother me. I have noticed in the last couple of weeks that my gait has changed. There is more spring in my step with nearly 100 lbs. gone. Instead of plodding, I bounce a bit as I walk now. And my sinuses don't stuff up as much. I think the extra weight on my face pressed against them. As for the difference in my looks, people don't recognize me. My Mom had a hard time finding me in a store because she was looking for the bigger me. People react differently to me because I am thinner (rant on this later!). I enjoy squeezing in for a tight hug from hubby, trying on clothes, sitting in chairs with arms, tying my shoes, taking a bath in my newly roomy tub, and keeping up in exercise classes instead of paying a personal trainer. At the beginning of my journey, I wore size 22 jeans and a 3 X shirt. I now wear size 8 or 10 jeans and a small or medium top. My mind is still catching up with the new me. Although I often see the same me in the mirror, I know the change is astounding. When I write my weight, I have a tendency to forget I'm in the 150s. I still think of myself at 180 or 170. And my clothes look too tiny to fit me. I can eat small amounts of any food I have tried, except milk, cottage cheese, and ice cream. I'm still afraid to see if I can tolerate milk now almost six months out, but I think I will try soon. I am tracking my calories, Protein and fluids every day and taking all supplements recommended for my plan. I get at least 60 grams of protein, 64 oz. of Fluid per day and average between 700 and 900 calories per day. Greasy and overly sweet foods upset my tummy if I eat more than a few bites of them, so I generally only have a couple of bites of them when I eat them. For example, on Halloween, I had about a cup of popcorn popped in oil (no added butter), two and half fun-size candies, and a hotdog with chili, no bun. That was over the course of the evening and probably the biggest splurge I have had since the surgery. I didn't feel good later that evening and still felt a little off the next morning. I returned to having coffee after my three month checkup. But post-op I have a soy latte with two shots of espresso instead of my pre-op fav of a couple cups of french press or two shot of espresso straight up. I haven't started drinking alcohol again, but I plan to following my six month checkup. I plan to start with port. I am exercising 5-6 days per week. Two 45 minute walks at a fast pace, two 1-hour group workout classes, one 30 minute session with my trainer, and one other activity, such as a bike ride, walk, or yoga class. I do have days were I want to eat only bad stuff and I don't want to exercise. For the most part, I power through, but sometimes I don't. It's a journey and a struggle. I'm still terrified I won't be successful long term so I search out stories of people who have successfully kept the weight off for more than two years. They are out there! Thanks to all who have shared your journey for inspiring me to begin and continue the best thing I have ever done for my health and my looks. Edited: is my face red! I thought I was going to hit normal BMI at 155.5, but I now see when updating my ticker, I'm still overweight till I get to 154. So this post is 1 lbs. early. I will join the Century Club and hit normal BMI at the same time. The thoughts and sentiments are the same, just a little early. Oops!! Lynda

OK, llrya I think I see where you're coming from. It's just that it sounded like you were saying that battling a food addiction was easy compared to a drug or alcohol addiction. I think that's a disservice to people in the battle. If I'm giving my all trying to do something and barely making it I don't need someone telling me that it should be "easy." I would rather people recognize the difficulty of my fight and provide support and encouragement. I apologize if I mistook your language. If I understand now I think you are saying that we should not have a defeatist attitude. Absolutely I agree. But I also don't want people telling me how easy it should be while I'm hanging on by my fingernails. I'm just not into the tough love approach.

I wasn't given any restrictions but I restricted myself while I was on Vicodin. If you're on pain meds and you drive, you're driving while under the influence and can get in serious trouble. It's just like alcohol. So if you're off meds, you should be fine.

I quit coffee for six weeks after surgery. Now over 2 months out, I drink two mugs of coffee in the morning (but do not continue to drink it throughout the day like I used to), and it tastes delicious! BTW, I gave up alcohol July 1 (I formerly drank 1/2 glass wine 3-4 nights per week with dinner) and don't miss it.

I was told 60-80g Protein and 64oz Water MINIMUM. And to stay away from bread, Pasta, rice, sweets and alcohol. That's it. The nut even laughed when I asked about calories and fat vs nonfat yogurt. She said I will be eating so little that as long as I was getting my protein and water and following the guidelines I certainly didn't have to worry about calories, fats or carbs. So I never did bother to count or track or measure. I get my protein, I drink my water, take my Vitamins, I eat healthy and eat smart. It's very simple and at two years out and maintaining 10 pounds below goal, turns out she was right. I was, however, concerned about not wanting to be low cal for very long....didn't want my metabolism slowing down. So I did "spot check" my calories a few times. I was never below 500 and mostly stayed at 600-800 the first 4 months, was up to 1000 at 6 months, 1200 by 8-10 months and last I checked, about 10 months ago, I was maintaining at 1400-1600 calories. I've never counted carbs or fat, so can't help you there.

No offense taken by me, Edivel. I am curious, though, about why you object to a twelve step program for overeating but not for drug or alcohol use. If you're willing to share, I'd appreciate it. If not, just forget I asked.

Shirley you are right. I tend to swap addictions. I used to smoke. Then I quit and I've gained almost 90 pounds since then! I'm hoping that I can become addicted to being healthy and exercising. When I was young I loved running and playing sports. I really hope I can get back to that kind of "addiction." And as far as food being an addiction like alcohol or drugs - well can you imagine a drug addict just taking a little drug every day or an alcoholic taking one drink a day? I've known recovered drug addicts that don't even take pain meds because they're afraid of becoming addicted again. But food addicts can't do that. We have to eat everyday. Maybe a program would help. I don't think it's a horrible thing to do a program if you're addicted to something. It shows that you admit you need help. And we all need help or we wouldn't be here getting the band right? So, like pp said don't knock it. It may be just what you need.

Totally. That was a rebound relationship for sure and a hard learning experience. I was with my kids dad for 7 years and I never even looked at another guy. He was bad to me but I truly loved him. I tried so hard to make it work with him. It was a really tough decision to leave but I had no choice. After that I was alone 6 months. When I started dating again it felt sooooo good to be able to love someone again and be loved... But I was SO on the rebound. I wasn't looking out for red flags and I fell in love super easily with that guy the alcoholic. He was really funny, for one, which is a weakness of mine. I was vulnerable and high on the feeling of affection. Anyway that was a rough relationship too and now that I'm past it, I'm in a much better place. I'm looking for someone who is really worth it on multiple levels. My priorities are my kids and my career. If I'm going to invest time in someone they have to be the right fit and be able to contribute to my life, not take away. Dating is fun but I do want a boyfriend. I prefer to be intimate and close to someone. I want to be with someone who knows about my food issues and is supportive. But I'm not even going to settle this time. I'm happy to walk away from red flags. So yeah. I've learned something this year!! The right one will come along. )

If anyone has had the experience of swapping one addiction for another. ie: food to alcohol Post it O.K.... This is really quite common for some people "NOT ALL". Point is these are people that have known addiction all there life, "FOOD" so when they get over the food addiction, lose a great deal of weight., they have already picked up another addiction. This way it keeps them from going back to their food addiction. The pattern continues. I have a son who has given up the bottle, only to discover that he loves to eat everything. He's 36, and has been very thin, and a very picky eater all his life. But the bottle was a great life to him. Now he totally loves food. I keep telling him, remember me! I no what a food addiction is... He agrees, he said he would rather be fat then a Drunk. I agree to that thought, but,,, I told him don't get to fat ! It's to hard to get off. He doesn't look fat, just thickened out. But still you have to watch... What's not fare about a food addiction "I THINK" is you need food to live, it's a must. So to tempt you every day is rough! Booze and Drugs are your own choice. You don't need them to live. I met a lot of people like this at Band Meetings. The one I will never forget was a man that lost over 400LBS. with the Band. He was also a memember of A A & N A. He was my first experience as to swapping addictions..

Well said Kat, its all about reaching the point where NOT doing it is scarier, until then you're not ready. And its hard to have someone else suggest it to you when you've not considered it yourself. However, even pizza and McDonalds can fit into a healthy diet when you learn what reasonable portion size is and if you dont eat it every day. I have not eliminated one single food. Reading this board frightened the sh*t out of me because of all the high Protein diets everyone does, and all the shakes! I dont think that's a healthy diet and I dont want to eat that way, so much so that I decided not to have surgery. Till I joined an Australian board and realised that that was not the only way to work a lapband. I dont do ANY of that stuff. I dont have shakes, I dont measure, count calories or fat or protein. I eat whatever I want but I've learned to eat small quantities and not eat all day. My diet is more *normal* than it was before I was banded. I occasionally eat take away food, I occasionally have a piece of cake, I drink small amounts of alcohol quite regularly and bread, cereals and Pasta are regular items in my diet. Its really not hard or weird or different. Its how you should be eating anyway, for the sake of your health.

Yup. Me too. I gave up smoking, alcohol (pretty much) to have this surgery, so you'll take my coffee from my cold, dead hands. lol exaactly hehehe

OK back from my appointment. SIGH!! OK Dr. Billy seems to think I am allergic to the ONE needle that is used for the fills. He seems to think that is causing the redness and tenderness. He is gonna try a different technique next fill and see if that works. I will have to take 50 mg Benadryl before the fill then he will use alcohol instead of betadine and then take 50 mg Benadryl after the fill. I will be flying high for sure with all that Benadryl in my system. LOL!!! And because I will have that Benadryl in my system I will need someone to drive me there and back. SIGH!! I also talked to Billy about Lisa's case. I took a pic of her abdomen and explained what has been going on. He was very sweet and suggested several options, even offering to get involved on a personal level. I don't want to go into specifics here till I speak with Lisa about what he said. I will come back and fill all you guys in then.

My surgeon's instruction say I should wait one year before drinking alcohol. Doubt I'll make it a year with no wine...

I would like to join this thread, as I grew up with my dad and step mother who were both alcoholics. It has affected every aspect of my life. I'll post my story sometime this weekend, when I've got more time. Thanks for starting this thread!

Used to have a cocktail at dinner on a regular basis at home or while out (may be more later too, but that is another topic) I guess if it is not causing you pain and discomfort now, you are likely okay, but at a later date you may or may not be able to change its effects if something changes. Unlike Water, alcohol especially liquor, can add up empty calories rather quickly with our knowledge. Could later contribute to stalls, gains or slow progress. It is human nature to relax on portions, intake ect and count it all the same as when we where more focused. So at this point I am staying away from cocktails. I am only 2 weeks out though. Set yourself up for a win and make it work for you Best of luck, glad u are enjoying life

if this was to pass, then i would recommend legilation to prevent alcoholics from being served drinks in a bar or restaurant...same difference, different addiction

i'm not talking about drunks...i mean no alcohol at all

Not sure of the calorie content but I usually go for gin and tonic or just a dirty martini. Not a lot of mixer in either and you can sip on them for a while to make them last. I know for me, post banded, there isn't as much to soak up the alcohol so you become a bit more of a lightweight than in the past.

hi! i'll be banded 10 months next thursday...i've only gotten stuck a few times and only pb'd once...i've really tried to do my best with eating slowly, and most of the time i do pretty well with it. the reasons you stated are part of it; it's also a fact that your brain doesn't know you're full when your stomach does; that's part of the slow eating principle. it takes your brain somewhere between 10-20 minutes to know your stomach is full. i am a carb binger too (i think it's like alcoholism - something you can't call yourself in the past tense even if you don't do it much anymore). i can still carb binge at times. i went to the beach for a few days in june, and i did a lot of bad carb binging. it's still a real possibility for me, but i really work hard to monitor what i do and really restrict those occurrences. when i was first banded (after i got through liquids, mushies, etc) i would often get tired of eating so slowly. now it's just second nature. i make sure i watch the clock when i'm eating, and no meal/snack/etc takes less than 10 minutes. you get used to it. good luck!

Today is Wednesday, May 14th and I'm one week out from my surgery. I started my journey 2.5 years ago when my sister was banded. Jealousy immediatley deployed me to the internet to learn more about this procedure, combing through everyone's stories wondering if I could finally accomplish the one goal I haven't been able to tackle, a healthy state of being. During my gestation period (pre-banding) I've learned a lot about myself. I love food so much that the glaring "red flags" from the Doctor's lab reports were easy to dismiss as most of the World is obese so join the crowd. I'm in my mid forties, successful in my field but everyday I wake up feeling the dread, how many calories did you consume the day prior, you blew off the walk you promised yourself everyday, your clothes feel tight and yes it appears you'll need to go up another size. When does it stop? In researching the topic, I convinced myself two years ago I would finally do something for myself even if it meant paying for it out of pocket. My husband of 27 years has been patient but I can tell he looks at me differently than he did when I was 125 pounds lighter, just 14 years ago. Each year I managed to gain 10 more pounds. He on the other hand had managed to maintain his weight within 25 pounds regardless of the sweets, fat, and alcohol he consumed. Finally, this is my journey. No children to counsel, no pressing projects at work to lead, no more excuses for killing myself emotionally as well as physically bite by bite. For the record, I don't want to look like one of the desperate housewives but rather a confident, healthy person who can stay up past 9pm with a little extra energy to store away for the next day rather than borrowing from tomorrow. My mother died when I was 26 from Uterine cancer (probably obesity related) and father at 31 from heart disease. I'd like to be around to see my grandchildren someday and watch my children marry as I miss my parents so much. Wish me luck as I know this will be the hardest undertaking I've personally experienced in my life. Much harder than giving birth my first child a 10 lb 5oz baby boy. This baby's birth needs to hit 100 lbs and whether it takes a year, two, or three I will finally succeed. I'll check in later... Ollie

Today is Wednesday, May 14th and I'm one week out from my surgery. I started my journey 2.5 years ago when my sister was banded. Jealousy immediatley deployed me to the internet to learn more about this procedure, combing through everyone's stories wondering if I could finally accomplish the one goal I haven't been able to tackle, a healthy state of being. During my gestation period (pre-banding) I've learned a lot about myself. I love food so much that the glaring "red flags" from the Doctor's lab reports were easy to dismiss as most of the World is obese so join the crowd. I'm in my mid forties, successful in my field but everyday I wake up feeling the dread, how many calories did you consume the day prior, you blew off the walk you promised yourself everyday, your clothes feel tight and yes it appears you'll need to go up another size. When does it stop? In researching the topic, I convinced myself two years ago I would finally do something for myself even if it meant paying for it out of pocket. My husband of 27 years has been patient but I can tell he looks at me differently than he did when I was 125 pounds lighter, just 14 years ago. Each year I managed to gain 10 more pounds. He on the other hand had managed to maintain his weight within 25 pounds regardless of the sweets, fat, and alcohol he consumed. Finally, this is my journey. No children to counsel, no pressing projects at work to lead, no more excuses for killing myself emotionally as well as physically bite by bite. For the record, I don't want to look like one of the desperate housewives but rather a confident, healthy person who can stay up past 9pm with a little extra energy to store away for the next day rather than borrowing from tomorrow. My mother died when I was 26 from Uterine cancer (probably obesity related) and father at 31 from heart disease. I'd like to be around to see my grandchildren someday and watch my children marry as I miss my parents so much. Wish me luck as I know this will be the hardest undertaking I've personally experienced in my life. Much harder than giving birth my first child a 10 lb 5oz baby boy. This baby's birth needs to hit 100 lbs and whether it takes a year, two, or three I will finally succeed. I'll check in later... Ollie

I am 7 weeks out as well, and I have only lost 22lbs since my surgery. You are not losing slowly, that seems normal to me. If anything you might want to avoid just counting net carbs and try counting your total carb intake (including fiber), because there is research suggesting that certain Fiber and sugar alcohols affect glucose levels similar to other carbs. Honestly though you seem to be doing fine. Just think, would you have lost 25 lbs in 7 weeks before you had surgery? I know this is easier said than done because I am still very anxious about my weight loss and I want to do everything possible to ensure that I get to goal. Just make good choices and exercise. I exercise 5-6 days per week, never eat more than 700, and always eat less than 40 grams of carbs (total carbs!), and drink about 64-100oz of Water every day. I do all these things and I have only lost 22lbs since surgery. Unfortunately, part of this experience is learning to go with the flow, even when you think that flow is too slow!!!!!!

I haven't had the surgery yet and I have heard many different responses to this issue. So here is my thoughts about it. For me to be successful at this and not just look at it as a short term change, but a complete life-style change, I need to change my playmates and playthings that got me here in the first place. By that I mean, I need to learn new things, new ways of doing things, new ways of dealing with things. I got re-married 12 years ago and my wife to be asked me to quit smoking as a gift to her. I had smoked for over 20 years and didn't expect that, but I knew it was something I should do, So I changed my routine, took away the things that I did when I smoked, so no alcohol, no soft drinks (loved Mt Dew) and no coffee for about 2 years until I broke the habit of smoking and coffee. I even hung out with different people to re-train myself. It must have worked, I haven't had a smoke since the day before we got married. That is the way I will a approach this, not try to figure out how to go back to the things that got me there in the first place, but learn new things to enjoy, I have found I really like ice cold Water with a lemon slice in it instead of the Mt Dew. I guess my guilty pleasure is an occasional glass of lemonade, but besides that, I just drink water and 2 cups of coffee in the morning. Do I miss the other stuff? Sure, occasionally, but then I say okay, but look at how much things have gotten better and move on. My life will never be the same, I don't want it. I don't want to go back to what I am now. My way didn't work so I will commit 100% to a new way and become the man I need to be. I am not saying that anyone elses way is wrong or I am 100% right, but I know for me, if I start to make excuses and explain how I can have something that is borderline I shouldn't, I will be quickly be back to doing the dumb thinking that got me here in the 1st place.

I ate like a bird. Unfortunately my downfall is alcohol!

My doctor said no alcohol for one year. It's not worth the calories at this point. Maybe after I reach goal I'll change my mind.