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Welcome to the wonderful world of lap band. I have been banded for almost 7 months now and so far so good. I think the reality of the lap band really set in for me after my first fill. I had some restriction immediately post op but could pretty much eat anything if I chewed it well. After my first fill last December I really begain to realize what having a lap band meant. The one bad habit some of us fall into occassionally is letting the band do all the work. You have to become very in tune with your band. Always remember the band is just a tool, all those feelings and addictive behaviors we had before banding are still there, and believe me they will play with your mind and you can become very creative on how to get food to go down. I sometimes say the lap band is harder than any diet I ever participated in because it forces me to make healthy choices or suffer in the aftermath. My advice is stay away from slidder foods when on solids, a slidder is anything that will go through the band easily and add up the calories and you do not stay full. Stick with the 3 meals as it recommends on the web sites, it is easy to get into the habit of snacking between meals or grazing all day long. Because we can only hold small amounts at each meal if we eat the wrong foods or drink with meals it empties out our pouch and we are hungry. I know it is hard not to drink before, with and immediately after meals but if you don't do this as it recommends it really makes a differience. You stay satisfied longer and less likely to eat between meals. If you do feel the urge to eat between meals, stick with healthy snacks and stay away from carbohydrates. If you like sweets, find a good protein bar you like and that can be your sweet treat. I sometimes consider my gummy calcium chews and vitamins my sweet fix. They are small, I have to take them and I feel like I am getting a treat. A few protein bars that I have found good are the Zone Bars, Biggest Loser, Chocolatey Coconut ( I love german chocolate cake and this reminds me or it) also the Pure Protein Bars. All of these are low carbohydrate bars, I don't buy bars if the are over 200 calories or more than 16-17 gms of carbohydrates. The Prue Protein are very low carb but have sugar alcohols and in some that causes gas. Gas-x is your friend once on solid food, I got tired of the pills and chewables and found some strips that dissolve on your tongue in peppermint and cinniamin. Keep some protein drinks on hand they are great when you are in a hurry, hungry and don't have time to eat. This is a web site that I like for protein drinks. There drinks dissolve well and they dissolve in only 4ozs of liguid. There are recipies for some of them to enjoy them hot in the summer. I love the unflavored, I can add it to soups, drinks, yogurt and just about anything to get my protein. WWW.bariatriceating.com. Good luck on your journey, you will be surprised how many people actually will read your blog and be supportive. Good luck on your journey, remember we didn't get here overnight and it truely is a journey. Remember to celebrate all of your successes and DON't become a slave to your scale, all of us seem to loose inches along with pounds. Good Luck!:bananajump:

: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>

Not that it is right or anything and I am not here to defend myself but I had an affair 3 years ago my husband is aware of. He quickly lost about 70 lbs. Since then he has gained most of it back now that he thinks things are okay. I stopped smoking, I have lost weight and I am stopping all alcohol to lose the last 20. I am not in love with him and that is the problem. He is such a great friend that it tares me up inside. I hope I can make it through this okay. I got a new counselor for the both of us. Wish me luck.

I do tend to lose more on days that I take a moment to praise God before I step on the scale. It can't hurt! More Protein and Water would help if you are low in those areas. Sounds like you have stepped it up on the exercise already which is good. You might not see results immediately w/the extra exercise, but hang in there because it really does make a difference in the long run. The only other thing you might consider is if you are getting any empty calories any other ways. For me, I was still drinking alcohol when my weightloss started to slow. It was pretty obvious I had to give it up. Since giving it up (a month ago) and upping my exercise, I am losing a lot better now.

I've always been told to leave the surgi- strips on until they fall off. After removing staples, a lot of times they'll use surgi-strips. Vitamin E oil will help with scarring and itching. Penni, are you overcleaning it? I did that w/ a previous surgery. I was cleaning it w/ betadine several times. I really thought I was taking care of my wound. But it made some of the surface skin peel away. Peroxide and/or alcohol is very drying, too. Leatha, your dr. may have used a nail gun! He may have gotten a better deal on it. But did he use stainless? You know, health care is having to make cuts! We had some missionary friends that would collect and take medical supplies when they went to Russia. She said Russian sutures are thick and coarse, just like dental floss. Ouch!

I have seen it, a long time ago. Very scary and eerie but then I went out and smoked and the gross feeling just passed me by. Ummmmm, Penni. Still fighting the good fight! I didn't smoke the whole time in Mexico (4 days) but stress levels pushed me over the edge and I snuck one when I got home. I never ever have more than 3-4 a day though. I am still trying. I need to get more Patches next time I go to Mexico. The patch works I just hate putting it on because of the gross "scum" it leaves from the sticky stuff. It is soooo hard to get off and I scrub my skin raw with alcohol trying to get it off! But I will NOTTTTT give up the fight! i am going to try again and again every day! Thanks for asking!

You will find once you get a good fill that cold isn't so good for your band. Cold tightens the band and warm things help the food go through. Once when I was too tight, I had a bite of ice cream and it felt like someone was squeezing my stomach so hard I wanted to cry. Luckily I had a cup of warm Water close by. I can eat ice cream now though. does that sugar free ice cream give you gas? A lot of that sugar free stuff gives me horrible gas. That sweetener they use (malitol or sugar alcohol) causes horrible gas.

It's been 3.5 weeks since I have had a diet coke, and I am frequently day dreaming about having an ice cold can of DC! I was drinking a super big gulp everyday before my VS. I plan to give them up for good, because it is so bad for your health and because research has shown it leads to weight gain. But truly, giving up diet coke is harder than all the other foods I am giving up. Yesterday I went into a 7-11 for my kids, and I felt like an alcoholic walking into a liquor store. And believe me, I am by no means making light of the struggle addicts go through on a daily basis. This is so hard for me!!

Is wondering has anyone had any effects of alcohol and smoking after their band? Heard horrific story's of the effects of them with the band but also story's of no effects what so ever...

I’m in the same boat as you but six months ahead. In fact had my last of six nut apts yesterday. Just need lab work and X-ray and I can file for insurance approval. I lost six pounds then gained five over the last two months - when I went from having a drink every night to once a week - go figure! My wife had the same responses as you and I approached it as I’m going to go through the steps and then make the decision. I drop comments along the way to peak her interest because I know she will research it. I’ve discussed the biggest loser research, and most importantly the almost seemingly instant cure of co-morbidities. I periodically sent her links to articles as well. It’s unfortunate that WLS is so effective but so under utilized because of the stigma that’s it elective or you should try harder. I look at it as an addiction - do you tell an alcoholic to just stop drinking or a junkie to stop shooting up? No it doesn’t work that way and it doesn’t with weight loss either. Food is a chemical and mental addiction. She’s still not 100% on board but I’d say she’s now 75% and I know she would support me if I decide to go through with it which I’m getting closer to doing. One thing I asked her to do was keep it between us, which she didn’t do and she told my sister. Come to find out my sister is behind it 100% so that has helped. As others have said we can only do this for ourselves but having a spouse on board is very important IMO. I just finished Al Rokers book and now she is reading it. I find it’s easier if others tell my wife their opinion - then she listens more! I’ve read this forum up and down and there’s a lot of good info if you dig. I think the stigma that WLS is giving up is what holds back a lot of people from supporting it at first which is just a lack of knowledge.

Dumping syndrome is not just vomiting, yet everyone mentions that as the only form of dumping syndrome. Yes nausea and vomiting are two symptoms but so are cramps, diarrhea, flushing, dizziness and even rapid heart rate. it is rapid gastric emptying where food moves from your stomach to your small bowel to quickly. while yes suga is a big trigger it’s not always a trigger or the only one. I think most sugar is avoidable after bariatric surgery (there are sweet alternatives) and a low carb way of life is optimal. But other things can trigger dumping like some sugar Alcohols and foods a particular person is sensitive to. i avoid sugar and eat as low carb as much as possible. My nutritionist suggests less than 5 grams of sugar in a meal. as for dumping on purpose? Someone might do it if they are constipated. And it doesn’t mean cheating with sugar. Mostly it just happens and you might not know the trigger because it’s not always as simple as sugar. I also think doctors don’t explain dumping syndrome and what it is. My nutritionist did but not exactly the symptoms or that sugar isn’t the only trigger. I could be wrong but everyone seems to assume the OP wants to binge on sugar to see what happens. some folks can have a little bit of natural sweet food And complex carbs after bariatric surgery and do fine while others need to eat little to no sugar or carbs.

I'll be really honest with you, for me it's interesting. . . in the beginning i hated this stupid sleeve. . . i really did, then when i went for my 1 1/2 week doctor appt after the surgery and saw i lost 32 lbs i thought "huh, interesting". . . then after 7 weeks i lost 53 lbs all together, now at 11 weeks, i've lost 63 lbs. . .i don't like that when i want to go out to eat i have to request a carry out box right away cause i know i'll only eat about 5 bites of the food. . .i know that i can't go to a buffet anymore, that it would be a major waste of money. . .who after all wants to spend $10 for a buffet and all you can really have is 1/2 piece of meat loaf or a bowl of Soup???? I really hate that i have hunger pangs and eat something too fast and it gets stuck that you have "i need an ambulance" pain for about 20 - 30 minutes and have slimming for that same about of time. . . I don't like that i can't drink alcohol as i used to and that my taste for cokes, and coffee have changed and i really hate those beverages now. . . but all in all, would i do it again? yes i would, my hatred for my obesity is stronger than my dislike for this sleeve. . . the weight loss makes me happy, i feel healthier, i no longer snore, that means my apnea is gone, my heart rate is 45 - 48 bpm that means that my heart doesn't have to work so hard anymore . . cardiologist took away the nitroglycerin pills. . . my knees don't hurt so much anymore, i have more energy and can bend and pick up things . . i'll be able to see my daughter graduate from university, i'll see her get married, and have kids, i'll be able to see those kids grow up and maybe even attend their graduations too. . .so you see that weight loss is so much better. . . no i will never be able to eat normal again. . .so i have to get used to that idea, i have to be careful about what i eat cause i could eat "around" my surgery and gain weight, now that would be humiliating! I would love to eat some chocolate, or some chinese food, or fried chicken, but that would forfeit the purpose right? So i stick with my Protein foods, and the healthier stuff and sugar free stuff. . . god knows maybe i'll eventually get used to all this . . . after all old habits die hard, 48 years of over eating and stuff and being fat, fat, fat, and so sloppy looking, and literally rolling about, not being able to fit into plane seats, asking for extensions for the seatbelt, how sicking. . . so now it's time to change old ways, will take a while, but one day i'll overcome and then I'll be thin one day!!! good luck with your decisions.

this may sound dumb, but here goes. . .when i was about 3 months out, i was still really careful in everything i attempted to eat. . so when my mom and her friend came to visit me for a week, what i did instead of "joining in" with the celebrations (I hadn't seen my mom in over 7 years) I busied myself catering to them. . . when it was time to eat, i made myself a very very small plate and took only protein, When my mom started in on me, I right away would get up and offer her stuff, more coffee, some cake? How about some alcohol? Lets go sit on the patio, You 2 visit, let me stack the dishwasher. . . I was so busy with myself that i never once missed the celebration with food and it did me good. . .I understand you want to celebrate your daughters b/day but really there will be one every year. . . it's not like you have to do it this year right? Busy yourself by fussing around her. . cater to her. . But it's your choice, you make the choices for yourself. . .just be careful cause at 31/2 weeks. . . well ask yourself, is the tummy REALLY healed up good enough to prevent a possible leak??????? good luck!

I wasn't given an "don't ever eat this" list, only a list of foods to avoid or limit, which includes alcohol. My surgeon's view is that as an adult, I have to decide to make better choices to assist this new tool. With that said, I do avoid high sugar and high carb foods, carbonated beverages (even sparkling water), and alcohol.

I have a pre-op appt at the hospital (anesthesia, registrar, etc.), pre-op with Surgeon, Bone Density test, Group meeting with Nutrionist and a Group meeting with they Psychologist. Then start my liquid diet 10/5. Supposed to go on a "Girls' Weekend" trip the weekend I start my liquid diet, will be interesting. Does alcohol count on my liquid diet? hahahahahaha

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.

For post WLS patients the hypoglycemia after booze would be reactive, and it can cause you to pass out. Alcohol is extremely carb-dense, and its liquid so it will be absorbed very quickly, your body will respond in kind by releasing tons of insulin into the bloodstream. The booze will past through your digestive tract extremely quickly and the insulin will lower the glucose in your bloodstream by far more than you can handle. This problem gets compounded if you haven't had much to eat or drink, as in water, not booze, in the prior few hours. At any decent concert one can be there for hours.. even worse if they're burning off energy standing, walking, moshing, etc., and not sitting, out in the heat, it only gets worse. Sometimes people need to learn the hard way that their bodies can't take much post-op.

But I think everyone does it. No one really understands how extreme the surgery is until they see it up close and personal. My husband's grandmother invited us to dinner, so I chose olive garden because I figured there could be some healthy options there. First thing that happened was, we opted for lemon water, no alcohol. She was already guilt tripping over that because she wanted wine. Then we got an appetizer. I had one stuffed mushroom. And picked a couple of toppings off the salad. She's asking if I'm going to eat anything and I'm like if I eat anymore I'm not going to eat anything out of my meal. [emoji58] But I chose the salmon piccata and it was a really good choice, I managed to get a good chunk down including the broccoli and it was light in calories, and even with the sauce my stomach took it well. And by a good chunk I mean maybe an ounce and a half or something. Lol but I mean, we just can't worry about what everyone else is saying or thinking right? Sent from my LM-G710VM using BariatricPal mobile app

What does it mean to be “full from within?” "This concept refers to the idea that we no longer have this psychological “black hole,” that needs to be fed through external things such as; food, drugs, alcohol, spending, relationships, gambling." ~ Dr. Colleen, The Psychology of Finally Being Full From Within To be truly full from within means that our “tank” is mentally full. In other words, our self, although beaten up, bruised, and broken sometimes as a result of our journey down each of our unique life’s path - is repaired and felt as whole again. Like a patchwork quilt that only gets stronger as a result of its many tears and reparations. How does one achieve this, you ask? Borrowing from Aaron Beck’s cognitive triangle - we have three components of the mind that work to repair the self: THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, BEHAVIORS. These are the different components that must be running on all four cylinders to ensure that we aren’t at risk of developing or perpetuating an unhealthy relationship with any of the topics mentioned above, for the purposes of this article, specifically - food. Thoughts To Repair The Self Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy is a 25 cent term to describe the process of looking at the old tapes we run in our minds day in and day out for years upon years, and stopping them in their tracks, and replacing them with new ones. A hallmark approach in Byron Katie’s book “Loving What Is,” is to continuously challenge one’s thoughts by asking “is that really true?” 13 If we deem that we can’t say with absolute certainty that a thought is true, then we can replace it with a more constructive thought. For instance, if we find ourselves with a running narrative that goes something like “you are just never going to be someone that stands out, it’s ok you have other good traits,” then what is the behavior and feelings that it produces? Perhaps the person goes on feeling invisible like many people who are overweight feel. Maybe the person gives up on trying to stand out in the way they look and participate in life. Feelings To Repair The Self For my clients suffering from depression, I will often assign them a task of doing one social event, one bout of exercise (if they have never been inclined to exercise), and one learning activity (lecture, take a CE, attend a webinar, go to a pottery class, painting class, attend a speaking event). Many of them balk at the idea. Some of them have been doing things their way for years and there is an undercurrent of fear related to breaking their routine. It is almost as if the depression has a voice that says “don’t do it, you will only feel worse.” We must realize that when we have depression, our mind is sick. It is no longer serving us, and the messages are coming from crossed wires. In order to uncross those wires, we must physically and literally put one foot in front of the other and re-engage in those activities that we know from the research lead to a sense of happiness or at least contentment. Behaviors To Repair The Self One of the biggest misconceptions about our mind is the idea that we must feel a certain way to engage in certain behaviors. In other words, we must first feel happy if we are going to go to a social event and relate to others in a positive way. However, the cognitive triangle mentioned above is tri-directional14, meaning our behaviors can influence our feelings and/or thoughts, and vice versa. This is powerful information. This means that we don’t have to wait for happiness or joy to come around to engage in behaviors we know lead to more happiness. In fact, one of my first interventions with my patients who suffer from depression is the “just do it” approach, meaning they are given the task of doing three behaviors they don’t necessarily feel like doing in the six days in between their next therapy session. To explain depression via a very simple analogy- it is like the flu for the mind. What do you typically do when you have the flu? You cancel your appointments, stay in bed, drink lots of water, and get lots of rest. The reasoning is that if we minimize the number of life events for a brief bit of time, we will heal more quickly, and we do. BUT, this is not the case with depression. The same intuition we use to combat the flu is the antithesis of what we must do to combat depression, yet somehow our instincts tell us to do the opposite. When we feel depressed, our inclination is to isolate, do less, and wait for the clouds to part. The problem with this is that this type of behavior is what feeds the depression. Suggested Behaviors Benevolence - reaching out to others and getting out of our own head, focusing on how to make someone else’s life or day better through connecting or giving. Play- engaging in something that requires enough effort that we can’t run old unhelpful tapes (I’m not good enough, other people must be more disciplined than me, things will never change, etc), but provides us with enough fun that we leave the activity feeling light, like surfing, artistry, building, writing, playing an instrument, etc. When we are kids, we spend about 95% of our day playing and even trying to find play in our responsibilities (have you ever watched a kid brush their teeth or get dressed? it is never a straightforward buttoned up process). Yet, as adults - we flip that on its head and spend 95% of our time being a human doing vs. a human being. Learning- engaging in novelty is something our brain requires to feel happy and fed. It could be as simple as learning a new card game, all the way to enrolling in an MBA course. When we allow our minds to do what they are best at - our minds give back to us. Connection- We are social creatures by nature. There is a physiological rewiring process that occurs as result of being in near proximity to other humans. It is how we survived so long ago, and our minds still provide the payoff. We are not meant to live in isolation, yet so many of us drift in this direction when they are depressed. Even introverts require some social connection. While extroverts tend to thrive and recharge their batteries on social connection, it is true that introverts recharge in their solitude. However, there is a difference between being alone vs. lonely. As introverted as you may think you are, none of us are immune to going from alone to lonely if we don’t make time for some social connection. Exercise- There are about 99 reasons to exercise and happiness is one. I’m not going to waste space and wax poetic about the many benefits of exercise because I’m sure you’re well aware. But in addition to producing endorphins that have been proven to make us feel better, as far as weight loss goes- it also makes us less likely to put junk in our bodies. Ever do an intense sweat session and then make a beeline to the nearest McDonald’s? I didn’t think so.

Well I didn't address the "compulsion" vs. "addiction" thing because I don't think it matters what you call it. Either way, tons of obese people haven't got mental issues as their primary motivation for why they are obese. If you cure the physiological imbalances, then the over-eating goes away. I think it's a chicken and egg thing. The obesity and underlying physiological conditions that cause it also cause the compulsive and/or addictive behavior. If the person wasn't obese, they wouldn't have that behavior. The behavior doesn't cause the obesity. Or, as my surgeon says to his pre-ops, "I'm not worried that I'm going to perform WLS on you and you'll turn into a drug addict or alcoholic." Yes, it happens, just like other complications happen, but it's not the norm, just as having complications is not the norm. But for the last one, I said that my triathlon training isn't an addiction but a hobby and your response was something about how "treatment proves me wrong" which ... um, makes no sense. :001_tongue: I think you must have misread that part.

I would say you're fine, but understand that I'm not an expert. I can tell you, however, that most people are effected quite differently after surgery by alcohol. I drink only about 4 times per year but since being banded I get pretty tipsy after about 1/2 of a drink. I'm quite the light weight! LOL Have fun and be safe!

He reportedly was shipped off to a monkey farm...but this was per her alcoholic father. So I who knows what happened.

3 ounces OJ 16 ounces chocolate milk Half a Mc donalds saugage egg and cheese KfC chicken snacker small root beer float one peice chocolate easter candy Plain double cheeseburger 16 ounces 2% milk half a snickers bar Handfull of fries, mayo, ketsup.. hershey sunday pie Chocolate milk 24 ounces Gulps of OJ... who knows how much, didnt even pour it into my 8 ounce cup. NOTES: I am not even adding it up. Worked really hard in Water aerobics today though.. went a half hour early and swam with the kids, raced them backwards crawl ... its the only way I can swim fast enough to give them some competition. I won a few times. Some lady was holding "Margaretta night" and I said "on a wednesday, now thats alcoholism" I said it so only a few could hear and it was old ladies.. and i wonder why I have no friends. lol I also could teach that class so much better than she could!!..(In my mind.. not my body,,lol) I guess thats why college graduates dont teach water aerobics at the YMCA too often.. My daughter goes and cant even get a workout yet she is too lazy to work out for real.. oh well, she lost 12 pounds and is at 143# and I just want her to keep it off, so... shes the smallest and youngest girl in the place. AND I found out she wont get naked in frount of the ladies.. she uses a dressing room! Age 17.. thats just stupid.. and i told her so.. ok I will add up those stinking calories and stuff tomarrow. I hate looking at this but I hope it will ne nice to look back upon when I have restriction.!! Chins up girl!

You’ve described my behaviour around sugar and processed carbs. I’m a recovering alcoholic- 10 years this time round and 22 years before with a miserable 4 year relapse in between. my thought processes, constant internal arguments, obsessive behaviour, reaction to relapse are identical to how I was with alcohol. But sugar is harder to avoid than alcohol. So I hear you: I knew wls would not cure these issues but I hoped the break from processed food/sugar would make it easier. It didn’t. I do intermittent fasting now - as much to rest my poor pancreas as for any other reason. Fasting is easy for me. I wish I could give up food altogether and take a tablet! I’m on a wait list for help with my disorders eating- I’m hopeful! cw: 140lbs lw - 1 year post wls 120lb, goal weight 130lbs. surgery Dec 16. and all my friends say my cw is fine. It’s only me who thinks I’m fat. A friend told me that at 120lbs I looked like an hiv or cancer patient. I’m sick enough to feel secretly pleased I got that thin…

Yeah, I know my eating habits have completely screwed me lol. I guess that's why I'm in the situation I'm in now. I haven't had as much water today as I usually do. I guess I haven't felt as thirsty as I usually do probably due to the Jello and such moist food. I am drinking water now though so maybe it will pass. My surgeon gave me a book that has the diet I'm supposed to follow. No alcoholic or carbonated drinks, no caffeine or sugary drinks, lots of water and 1-2 Protein Drinks a day. It doesn't say any limit on calories or anything like that but I was assuming that I shouldn't be eating like a fiend either before a surgery that is supposed to help me lose weight lol. Also, I was under the impression that snacking is not a good thing?