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I lost about 130 and it took a year. I chalk my success up to cutting carbs and lots of exercise. I eat tons of soup and fish and wouldn't say that my portions are all that small. I haven't had a bowl of pasta or a slice of pizza or a bagel in over a year. For some reason I decided that those were lifelong things to avoid, whereas I do drink alcohol, eat dessert and some french fries every now and again. The point being that you have to make rules that you can live with for yourself and stick with them. I think that lifting weights has been another key to my success. I weigh almost 150 pounds but wear a size 6. It just helps you pack it all in better. I never spent any time feeling sorry for myself and I went to the gym even when I was really dragging and exhausted. Still, I wouldn't say that I suffered all that much, and now it's a blur. My kids don't even remember that I was fat!

So tomorrow is my big day! And I'm so nervous I can barely sit still. Im excited about my new life but then I'm scared it won't work or that I will regret having the surgery... I'm nervous about the pain???? I'm nervous about how long I will be laid up??? And not extremely important questions but just curious. 1st: how long did most of u have to wait to have sex? I mean comfortablely. 2ndly: My most favorite drink is Malibu and pineapple. Will I never get to drink it again? Or alcohol for that matter? Kind feel Iike I'm going in this blind....

I originally chose lapband in 2008 (self pay) lost all my excess weight and stayed at goal until January of 2014. My band eroded.. I then chose to be revised to RNY Bypass in May of 2014. I didn't want to have to get another wls surgery (I checked on here and saw the revision from sleeve to bypass forum and knew I only wanted one last surgery). I had to gain 50 pounds to be eligible for the revision. I have since lost 75 pounds. I am doing fantastic and damn I wish I had done the bypass first. Reasons why: 1. I was self pay for both 2. I Haven't thrown up once with bypass 3. I can eat anything I want just in very small portions 4. No sliming 5. I can eat breakfast with no issues. 6. I can gulp water 8. I don't feel hungry 9. I can eat healthy food easily and now I can have 1 cookie and be satisfied. Love my RNY bypass!!! The only downfall to the RNY so far has been I really don't drink alcohol anymore.. It goes right to my head.. But honestly it's a minor downfall lol

That's so freakin scary and I'm glad you're ok now! I agree with the possible dehydration but also electrolytes. Alcohol messes with those as well. Add heat and sweating and it's a recipe for disaster. I seriously hope you go to the doctor and let them do some testing. Don't take a chance with this, it's to scary! xoxo's, Renee`

My doc said no alcohol. Alcohol poisoning for someone who has had bariatric surgery is a very real and scary thing!

My surgeon told all of us during our 1st orientation meeting that smoking cigarettes or weed is never allowed after surgery due to the deadly effects it will have. Smoking will narrow the blood flow and cause harm and weed will make you very hungry and force you to overeat and train your brain to be in constant food mode. Don't use a drug whether it's weed, alcohol or other calming substances to calm your nerves. Go exercise, paint, work with clay, learn to do active things that will give your mind other things to think about. See a therapist if your stress is too much. But relying on a drug only increases the need for even more to calm you. Even food is a drug and look how many of us use it to get us by. Sent from my SM-N900V using BariatricPal mobile app

It's just a medical term. We all suffer from the disease of obesity. Just like an alcoholic, even if you stop drinking, you are still considered an alcoholic.

Alcohol is the enemy and you are putting yourself in this position by consuming so early on, That was one thing the Dr. stressed during the preop meeting and that it should be minimal to avoided completely. Try as shea2 suggested and drink an alternative. I know it may be harder especially if it is one thing you don't want to give up, but think about all you have put into this surgery already and what you want the end result to be before deciding to wiggle your way around it. You know the effects it has on you so you really need to try and avoid it.

It's not as hard as it sounds. When I had to give myself Lovenox injections, both last year (following ankle surgery), and after my gastric sleeve surgery, it was no big deal at all. The injections (with my pharmacy anyway) were prefilled syringes. All I had to do was use an alcohol wipe (those little square packages) where I was going to stick myself with the needle. I would pinch (not hard) a bit of the fatty tissue to the right and left of my navel (you want to alternate sides each day) and stick, then press the plunger on top of the syringe. They are very small needles and not painful at all. The medicine tends to burn a little going in, and you shouldn't rub the area after the injection. A nurse showed me how to do these injections after my ankle surgery last year, and a nurse can show you how it's done or your facility may have a video tape presentation of the procedure. It is very simple and very painless.

There are certain party favors that you shouldn't mix with alcohol. Maybe that, coupled with dehydration, was the culprit.

You can do it mate. Just tell peeps you've developed an allergy to alcohol if that helps! Sent from my SM-G930F using BariatricPal mobile app

A little primer on alcohol (I am in the industry) One of the things you might like to know is the quickest buzz is consumed with straight spirits, sipped slowly. Much of the alcohol will actually be absorbed right in your mouth, and it is a quick path to the brain. Unfortunately a lot of people drink too fast, and or mix spirits with various sodas, juices, etc so there is no immediate transfer of a good feeling. So then they drink more and more and eventually it is all absorbed into your blood stream through the stomach and intestine walls, where you end up having consumed twice as much, to get the feeling sipping straight or slightly altered spirits would have given an hour earlier. Extra money, extra calories from both the alcohol and the mixers. Think martinis , or bourbon or rum on the rocks. About the worst thing you can do, is drink shots. You might as well tip your head back and have someone pour 4 tablespoons of raw sugar in your throat 🍰🍪 For every shot. Actually worse than that (From a WLS stand) are liqueurs or cordials. By law they must contain a minimum of 2.5% raw sugar syrup back into the previously distilled spirits. Some add up to 15%.. Same with those creme based spirits, and that isn't just sugar they also add whole creme fat that keeps the alcohol in solution and prevent curdling. I have also read on many blogs people claiming they used to drink before WLS, but now get drunk easier. We'll of course you do. Because in most cases WLS patients end up with much less body mass to absorb and assimilate the same amount of alcohol. A breath anaylizer is a very good tool to have in your pocket or purse, to obtain optimal enjoyment, plus remain legal to drive (but it is always best to take an uber, or DD home. 0.04 is the ideal euphoric effect. there is also the fear of transference from food to alcohol and you must remain vigilant to not allow this to occur. the other item that seems to be misunderstood is that some believe sugar and alcohol react differently than each other in weight gain. It's simply not true. Alcohol is sugar/starch to begin with (from a variety of plants, or sugar cane, grapes, etc. Alcohol producers then add yeast to those various items , and said yeast "converts" note I sad "converts, not consumes" those plant sugars into alcohol and Carbon-dioxide these is no difference between raw sugar and alcohol. Except one can make you feel better if used appropriately. I am not writing this to push one guilty pleasure over the other, I am just pointing out that you should perhaps look up the caloric content of the alcohol you drink, with the same intensity as I beleive many do with the sugar/carb load of food. It's just calories, either way, and if you are going to drink in moderation,you shoul calculate those calories into you meal plan.

For the time being do not have the ingredients for the cocktails in your home, assuming that is where you are drinking them. If out and about, have some low calorie non alcohol alternatives instead.

I am going through a center of excellence at Vanderbilt in Nashville and my face to face psyc evaluation was an hour then I had to do the questionnaire that was well over 300 questions. At the end of the face to face she told me she would be referring me for the surgery and the questionnaire was basically to look for certain behavioral patterns. It mainly asked the same things many different ways to be sure that the patient is not a drug addict, alcoholic, or suicidial.

I definatly know I can do it, which is why its so painful WHY I JUST DONT DO IT. I know you all can relate to me when I say this.....You know that feeling you get when you want to loose weight, you just wake up one day and do it......You start to loose, feel good, self esteem goes way up, etc.......Ive done that before and know how awesome that feels. Every time I loose over 50 pounds, I totally have it in my head that I will never be fat again, and why I go back to gaining it again, I will never know. I will be the first to say that I truly beleive that obesity is a disease like alcoholism or drug abuse. IT SUCKS... I truly appreciate the C&C, keep it coming.....

The only foods you should really avoid are bread, Pasta, rice (they do tend to get stuck...and are empty calories for the most part), and sugar obviously. Alcohol because it, too, is high in calories. Carbonated drinks because the bubbles can be a problem. Caffeine because it stimulates hunger...but lots of people still drink coffee and tea anyway!! Other than that you can and should eat healthy foods that you enjoy. Everything you put into your mouth should have good nutritional vaue. You are eating so little, you have to make it count!

I had my surgery in July, 2010 and have experienced the same roller coaster of emotions, feelings, optimisim, depression, elation, regret and joy that others talk about. The biggest adjustment for me was saying goodbye to the overstuffed full feeling that accompanies overeating. I was surprised how I really missed that. I don't miss it anymore. The 2nd biggest adjustment for me has been learning to slow down my eating and take smaller bites. I'm good at that about 80% of the time and then I get rushed, or think I can eat something in the car on the way to one of my kid's games, etc. and then I just laugh at myself when the stuck feeling starts. I have however learned to recognize the onset and can usually avoid any really unpleasant outcomes I can't believe I'm 20 something pounds to goal. I will be the weight I was when I got married soon, and I've been married to the same wonderful man (who does NOT have a weight problem) for 23 years. I just wanted to post something positive about lap band...it's a helluva ride, but it has been so worth it. I am able to run again (I don't set any land speed records, that's for sure!) and I'll be completing my 2nd half marathon next week. I have one more long run (10 miles) until the race. I can't believe this is me I'm talking about. All you new bandsters, please hang in there! The best advice I can give you is to STAY POSITIVE and FORGIVE YOURSELF if you slip. This is not an All or Nothing process...it's a lot of learning about, adjusting to and finally, ACCEPTING your new lifestyle! I go out with friends, cook for myself and my family, enjoy wine (after a 4 month hiatus from alcohol) and enjoy life on a level that I have not been on in a long time. I'm usually not the fattest girl in the room anymore. I think I look pretty cute in my size 12 jeans for a 47 year old mom of 3 teens People comment on my weight loss all the time. I still have a bit of an internal struggle with not be open about my surgery, but I know it's the right decision for me. No one knows except my husband, sister and parents, all who I am extremely close with and respect my decision. I don't think I've ever drawn any attention from others who don't know...it's been surprisingly easy to keep this private. Whether I'm just reading or posting, this site has been a huge motivator for me. I encourage everyone to stay active with it. If I take a break from it and return, I always notice a boost in my determination. I'm looking forward to summer clothes and dare I say wearing a bathing suit (what ?!?). The hardest thing about this at the moment is refraining from buying too many clothes! I know I'm not "there" yet and I have to be patient and show restraint when I'm shopping. It's a good problem to have and one that I hope all get to experience soon. I wish you all the best with your pending metamorphasis!

You're already at least halfway there! You recognize that you eat for emotional comfort...now, all you gotta do is decide if you CHOOSE to do this, or NOT. Put it in terms of your choice. Just like regular, "normal" people, we choose how we comfort ourselves, and there are lots of ways: alcohol, sleep, sex, drugs, food, reading, prayer, meditation, exercise, talking, etc. Give yourself the choice. Maybe you'll see you have some choices, and don't have to choose the same old way. Sorry there is so much going on. I like the one day at a time approach, and when I get all freaked out, I usually realize I'm not using it! Good luck! Cindy

I would recommend sitting up to eat and drink. You are probably still swollen and having your band upright as things are passing through may help. You also may be experiencing some of te gas pressure from the gas they put in your abdomen. Try putting a heating pad on your back. My doctor said that I could have alcohol two days after I stopped the pain meds. His only concern is the empty calories and that you will be more intoxicated with less because you arent eating much so be careful

I've had kefir, and it reminded me not even one little bit of drinking alcohol. It's like really tangy, thin yogurt. If you're worried, you could just have yogurt. Chobani has a pretty good mix of happy yogurt bugs in it. (And Light 'n Fit is absolute junk, probiotically speaking. They don't list what strains they include, which makes me suspect they don't really include any.)

Being a diabetic, I start with the carbs, subtracts the fiber, AND subtract the sugar alcohols if there are any....

Friends (I’ll be there for you)....... Current mood:nostalgic Category: Blogging Halloween Weekend was a blast. Ciss and I got invited / crashed a great party (thanks, Lancey). It was mostly a costume party, and most guests dressed up to some extent (On a side note, I have to confess I LOVE dressing up on Halloween......and anybody else that can un-selfconciously wear a costume has earned a little of my respect). Lancey and Shelley's house is beautiful, the party was not a huge event, and nobody (that I could tell) over-indulged on alcohol. Imagine, then, my surprise when I asked where the bathroom was. "Oh, you don't wanna go in there", Aaron said. "Why not", I inquired. "Because somebody pee'd all over the floor. Really hosed the whole place down" "?!?" The "Mysterious Pisser" did such a thorough job of wetting the place down that somebody had to actually get A MOP and clean. It was reminiscent of a truck stop bathroom in hill country. I suspect whoever it was was doing his impression of "Man drinking from a water fountain", or "Lawn sprinkler". So far, the identity of the pisser remains shrouded in mystery. This anecdote reminded me of another little gem of a story.....one that has to be told. Jimmy S. was (technically still is) a guy 2 yrs older than me. We went to school together, and to the same church (his dad is the pastor), and although I knew who he was, we never really hung out in the same circles (in small town Atlanta, Texas, this means that we had different drinking buddies). Until B. developed a crush on Jimmy. See, whenever B came in to see Cissy, she was by default in our drinking group. And B wanted to meet Jimmy, so we usually had to tailor our plans in some incredibly complex Rube Goldberg-ian fashion just so B and Jimmy could cross paths (to which she would act all surprised and say "oh hey, what are YOU doing here"). Whatever. We all went along because we were tired of B's current boyfriend, a nancyboy supreme. The point is, we got to know Jimmy. And to know Jimmy is to like Jimmy. He was very easygoing, loved to drink beer, and had access to a skiboat!!! Jimmy eventually becomes a drinking buddy, even outlasting he and B's relationship. The introductory pisser story reminded me of something Jimmy once told me. It seems that he had some anxiety about urinating in somebody else's bathroom, due to the "splashing noise". If the room was unusually quiet, he would actually get on his knees and relieve himself, to try and cut down on the noise. Oddly enough, he had never shared this secret with B. Which kind of opens the floodgates for "Jimmy Stories". There is a city about an hour away that decorates the whole downtown area for Christmas with millions of Christmas lights. Jimmy once told Cissy's parents that they should go see the lights. "It's better if ya wait until dark, though", he advised them, dead serious. Once Jimmy told me that he and anoher friend were driving around on the backroads drinking beer when they came upon what they thought was a horrific wreck. Police sirens and wet, red meat on the road almost made him throw up......until his friend told him it was just an overturned watermelon truck. The piece de la resistance, however, is when Jimmy and I were working one summer for the Tx State Hwy Dept. We had to get serious physicals. The kind where ya have to "turn your head and cough", if you know what I mean. When Jimmy went in to do his physical, the Doctor told him to "Drop your pants to your knees", and turned around to scribble some notes on the chart. When the doc turned back around, Jimmy was on his knees, pants bunched around his ankles. "Son, what the hell are you doing down there?" the doc demanded. Jimmy answered "I thought you said 'Drop your pants and to your knees'......" Keep in mind that nobody would ever have known this story if he hadn't told it on himself. Dude had a sense of humor, that's for sure. Then there was the time that my ex-girlfriend gave him a handjob. Funny stuff, but that's a whole other blog. By and large, Jimmy is a great guy (even if he wasn't exactly the brightest back in the old days, he sure was a lot of fun). He's married now and has a family. I think he's doing pretty good, except for a freakish mild heart attack that he suffered a few years back. I hope he kicks ass. He was, and still is a very good friend, even if I haven't seen him in years, and I wish him happiness. He did have to put up with B for awhile, after all.....heehee.....

@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!!

Well I'm happy to report I NEVER abused food or alcohol. I nurtured and loved and coddled every single bite and swallow!

I notice that this thread has been out of commish, but I know that's not because there aren't plenty of recovering people getting WLS. Think food addiction is going to go away more quietly than alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling or smoking? Don't kid yourself. Addicts of the eating variety, who don't work a program for overcoming food as a medication, shouldn't count on a little nip/tuck to quiet the rage of issues hiding behind that midnight binge. My name is Ricky and I am a food addict.