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I feel you all...I was asked about what about me having a barbeque...I said--I think we had enough barbecues while I was young to cure me of wanting one. My birthday--BBQ, Mothers Day--BBQ, got a Job promotion-BBQ, Got Divorced--BBQ... Now that I am a single Parent with 2 kids of my own. I ask my boys each holiday--what can we do special. I have had many suggestions with my 11 and 9 year olds. But BBQ hardly comes up. I think the holiday should be festive--but not a day to eat 3500 to 5,000 calories. I remember I was there once. I now have a hard time getting 1000 to 1200 calories in a day. I am not a bad acting person--but I looked at my younger brother some time ago--he has gone to over 400 pounds at 5'8". I mean--when he comes in the house--the floor moves or creaks...When anyone says---Have you thought of losing weight--you could say it's WW3. I stayed away from my Families Barbeque this year. Jealousy comes in many different faces...I was told--I thought I was special. I ate very little at the family reunion--I don't drink alcohol or smoke...It was looking odd to them that I didn't have what they had--since every member of my family--to include my Mom--had a cigarette, a glass of vodka or Barcardi and even Gin with a big plate of food...Here I was with water and a small piece of fish and some rice...So I decided not to go on that trip to New York for the celebration. I called to say--I am going to pass on this year's BBQ

You know what Lee? You ARE VERY SPECIAL! Many, many people are not strong enough to overcome that kind of background of family eating. I know how it feels to be the smallest at one of those food fests. I used to be the little one and the one everyone thought that "she's too good" to enjoy the ribs, the steak, the burgers, the hot dogs, the potato salad, the baked Beans, the fluffy rolls, the mayonaise, the chips, several cakes, the many kinds of Cookies, the homemade ice cream. Did I mention salad? No... not unless it was surrounded by Jello or marshmallows, or heavy creamy dressing, but once in a while we had watermelon - but in massive quantities. I grew up thinking that I was the lucky one. I had been able to maintain my childhood weight at around 105 to 115 lbs. Even after I had my first child (I only gained 18 lbs. duing that pregnancy) Then I had my second child and gained 50 lbs. I finally got off all the weight and hovered around 110. Then I turned 40. And I found myself eating more and more at the family barbeques, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays, etc. I was no longer uncomfortable eating and drinking at sophisticated social events either. I'd hit the canape tray with a vengence. And anticipated what was offered for dessert. The next time I realized what had happened, I weighed 150 lbs. Depression set in after I tried every diet in the book. I joined spas, bought exercise tapes and did them a couple of times before I lost interest or the will to move around. I took pills, I took shots, and I got fatter... I took more pills, more shots and although I'd lose weight from time to time, down to about 130, I'd regain the weight and I would gain even more before I'd settle in and be able to buy new clothes to fit the new set point weight. Then I'd get depressed and go on another diet binge, even doing the extreme Optifast diet for 6 weeks. But only to regain that lost weight and more... on and on until I was at an extremely uncomfortable, unhealthy and depressing 220 lbs. - and I'm 5'1.5" in height with a very small bone structure. Now I had become the mother who hosted the barbeques! I made the fabulous Desserts. I did the planning, shopping and preparing all the delicious foods for the rest of the family. I had become the ring leader, just like my mother before me. I over ate. I binge drank alcohol at parties and lost the day after to horrible hangovers and depression from knowing I'd probably made an ass of myself at the party. I knew I had become embarrassing for my children to present as their parent. I was more depressed than ever. Enter (trumpets) the BAND. The first 4 months were fantastic. I felt better than I had felt for many years. I wasn't hungry!!!! I didn't crave junk food!!!! I was so incredibly happy that I didn't go on the constant hunt for something yummy to eat. I was thrilled to have lost 40 lbs. so quickly. Then something happened. I started getting fills every 3 weeks. I couldn't seem to find the right "sweet spot" that I had enjoyed for the first 4 months. I've found myself slipping back into my old mindset of wondering what great tasting thing can I cook for dinner and when can we have a barbeque!!! I'd like to think that it's psychological and that I can get over it and get on with making myself healthy and fit. However I can't help but wonder if there is some physiological or genetic part of me that I need to break the code to. I know exercise helps with that, but I am just pretty sure that it is even more complicated than that. I'm not hopeless. I am still determined to get over this "hump" and break free of the family ties that tend to bind me. One of the things I didn't realize would be difficult is that the family is so used to me bringing all the "good" stuff home for dinner, I hate to let them down. But let's face it, our parents didn't do us any favors. And I'm not doing my family or me any favors either! I have to respect myself enough to give up that vicious cycle and think of my health first. I am sure that my family will respect me much more in the long run. Probably the smartest thing we can ever do is to steer clear of those family food fests!! You seem to have broken the code and you have my total and complete respect!

I am pretty new here and was only sleeved 6 days ago. I have been obese (I damaged my back and hip and no excersise and bad food choices makes for extra weight) for some time lost weight put it on and more etc etc. when starting the whole process almost a year ago, the surgeon I chose (I'm in Australia) has a wholistic clinic with him, 2 dieticians, 2 psycs, 2 doctors and a support line. It was a little more expensive but once paid you are a life member. I chose this clinic because I do have a problem with food (would not be here if I didn't) I chose a mantra that I use quietly in my head "If I always do what I've always done, I will always get what I've always got". This works for so many scenarios, using it over the year saw me bring other areas of my life into question. I was bullied at work, I was a sucker for every as*^^^**le out there and I did not know (or not strong enough) to say no or ask for help. I now have a new job where I am respected, I have learned to say NO to things/people that are not good for me and overall happier. I have fears sure, fears this WLS won't work for me, fears my son and I will end up on the streets cause I spent every cent on this surgery lol (actually serious). But every day is a new one and yesterday is done and gone. Cooking tips stick to KISS keep it simple stupid (just a saying not personal). As I have no family my sone was home while I was in hospital (don't panic he is just 18). He used YouTube vids on simple cooking for uni students to fend for himself while I was gone and only had takeaway once. I don't believe you are an alcoholic, I think you just need to understand that you can get drunk on a lot less alcohol than you used to, you head is used to the fact that 5-6 drinks got you drunk and now your body only needs one. Bring back to basics that a normal 3 meals a day and 2 Snacks is what it took to fill your normal day but now your reduced tank can only deal with a third of it and so while the ratio has not really changed the amount has. Not sure what you are studying but if it is finance think of it as while the interest rate has changed the principal has not, the principal always has to be paid first (protien always has to be consumed first). Two stroke motor there always has to be petrol as the additive on its own will screw the motor (what ever your interest there is an equation). I do hope you can get some help, you did not take this journey for nothing remember the reason you started. Get off the merry go round (it's boring) ride the roller coast lots of ups and downs and a whole lot more fun. Good luck and good health to all. BTW thanks to all on these threads for being and inspiration, a voice on my shoulder, a reason to re evaluate and some times just a good laugh!

I'm going to try really hard to not sound judgemental, but what makes you think binge drinking is a good life decision? Surgery or no surgery it's irresponsible and unhealthy. You had VSG surgery to help you lose weight, thereby making you healthier. Why would you throw it all away for college parties? If you want to be successful at the weight loss, and at life in general, you will stop going overboard with the alcohol. This whole "I'm not an alcoholic until I graduate" thing is complete and total bullsh*t. I hope you know that. Buckle up, eat right (high Protein, low carb), don't drink, and you will see the sleeve still works for you. You will get out of it what you put into it.

I didn't read the rest of the thread and just read the initial post but it sounds like you may need direct counseling rather than a support group. You may be addicted to food and alcohol.

I have been hoping and looking forward to your next post and it did not disappoint! Congrats. You are very motivating, with truth and positivity! So my question this time is .. You are young and I am sure friends go out a lot how have you dealt with alcohol and social settings going out to eat???

Frankly I'm not sure what's worse for your body, overeating consistently as many of us have done for YEARS or having an occasional line of coke. What I'm trying to say is: as someone who's abused a substance (food) yourself, who are you to judge? Just because the government, which varies from country to country on this international forum, decides something is illegal doesn't mean it's any less/more harmful. Alcohol was illegal once in the US too, and aspirin would be illegal today for being too powerful if it weren't grandfathered in.

I agree with previous posters. I had to wait 6 months (no loss required) and I am very thankful I had that time to research the hell out of the surgery and prepare mentally. But most of all I used it as my last real effort to lose the weight without surgery. I busted my a$$ at the gym, I ate healthy food, gave up Diet Coke and alcohol (those were the last to go). I ended up getting a lot stronger and healthier which made surgery and recovery a lot safer and faster. But I didn't lose any weight at all... That more than anything proved to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that I needed the surgery. Sent from my XT1585 using the BariatricPal App

Kiwijet it is hard working night shift. You need to keep yourself awake, your whole body clock is out of whack. Definately a challenge for you! Hopefully cutting back on the alcohol will help too? I don't really drink, but I do have the occasional sip of wine. Hopefully you can get some healthy Snacks you like and get into a better night routine. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm still in the Honeymoon losing stage, but that didn't stop me from attending Cleveland Clinic's group session yesterday with the topic of Weight Gain. The room was packed with a lot of veterans about 2 years out. The number one culprit per the presentation seems to be carbonated drinks (aka soda) that many cannot seem to give up permanently. I'm glad I was never a soda drinker, although I was as a kid (thanks mom - but they didn't know much about nutrition in the 50s and 60s; we also ate mashed potatoes nearly every dinner). And to add to Babbs list, you should continue with support groups or nutritionist visits even after the year honeymoon period is over. Maintain portion and calorie control. Eat Breakfast, don't skip meals. Plan and shop and cook smart. Avoid or limit alcohol. They don't believe in that 5 day pouch reset. They recommend going back to Phase IV diet plan. Here is a copy of the CCF entire plan that they released electronically. Enjoy http://my.clevelandclinic.org/florida/ccf/media/Files/Florida/bariatric-surgery/Bariatric_Nutrition_Manual.pdf?la=en

first off, @newbegining2024, you will have zero complaints from me, food porn is my favourite kind of porn, ha! re: food funerals, like @Arabesque, i didn't really have time (or thought) to have one. i had postponed my surgery twice in the year and a half prior deciding to finally (again) go through with it. I called my surgeon to say, lets do it in early to mid september 2018, and he booked me in for surgery in a little over a month later for October 2018. I got into tunnel-vision like mode of like, "Lets GOOOO!" while i didn't do any specific diet prior to the 2 week liquid diet before surgery, i DID make conscious efforts NOT to stuff myself or eat mindlessly. i did this for about 2-3 weeks, and didn't lose any weight, interestingly enough. then it was time for my 2 week liquid pre-diet of 3 protein shakes a day. and since i'm a self-proclaimed over-achiever😂, by the end of week 1 i was doing 2 shakes a day, and by mid week 2 i was down to 1 shake a day. yes, i know i was NOT supposed to do this, but i just wanted to prove to myself that i could for some reason (i blame the tunnel vision). again, interestingly enough, i lost 11 lbs. fast forward 5 and half years and life is good, i'm skinny, healthy, happy, and full of energy. i also eat whatever i want...in fractions of amounts i used to, of course. and we aren't just talking salads (though i do LOVE salads!), and boiled fish. i will order items displayed in that awesome spread that @newbegining2024 shared. i eat bread and pasta and fatty steaks, deep fried whatever, chips, bacon, pizza, cheese, alcohol and yes, even desserts. JUST IN VERY SMALL PORTIONS (and yes, i also eat steamed vegetables, grilled lean meats, greek yogurt, and a ton of water). i guess what i'm trying to say is that you don't have to say good bye to your fave foods forever. good luck! ❤️

Kiwijet did you find that the alcohol went straight to your head or no difference? Sent from my iPhone

I am having this same issue post VSG. Two days after surgery I started with two and have had between 2-6 since then with some respite when I took dexamethasone and chlorhexidine Rx rinses. When I stopped taking the rinses though, they returned. We (Doctors & I) are wondering if it is a sensitivity to sugar/sugar alcohols/stevia/monkfruit. Any one else experience this and able to resolve the sores?

If you're able to maintain that kind of starvation lifestyle for 2 or 3 years and beyond - kudos to you! I'm terrified of having to eat 1000-1200 cals a day while needing to exercise 4-5 days 45 min a day. Find a sustainable lifestyle early on. Like a really sustainable lifestyle. One that fits your needs and not that of somebody else or a lifestyle that blows to pieces the very moment "life hits you". I know a lot of users on here throw a fit the very moment there is talk about "moderation" - however, I think our whole life is about "moderation", not only this eating stuff. Or maybe I should rather use the word "regulation" instead? You need to learn how to regulate yourself, the amount you eat, drink, use alcohol or caffeine, have sex, exercise, express your emotions etc. Too little of these things and life might be miserable, too much of these things and life might be miserable, too.

We're almost twins! I was 245 at surgery and am at 178 today. No exercise. I am discouraged and mad at myself for not taking full advantage of the honeymoon phase, which I fear is over. I've let some bad habits creep back in - sugar, alcohol, carbs. Still losing but only 1-2 lbs per month. I'm recommitting this week...getting rid of the bad stuff and trying to get to goal once and for all!Well, it looks like you and I are going to have to encourage each other!! Where do you live? I'm in Iowa Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

I am a 21 year old girl who had the surgery 10/22/14. It is the best decision. I have ever made in my life and I would never ever take it back. So far I am 130 pounds down and I feel amazing. Some things I wish I knew? Well, I knew what would happen physically, there would be pain, less eating, weight loss, loose skin. On my clear liquid diet I was very week I could barely make it up the stairs and I passed out from trying, so we started my full liquids a couple of days earlier. That was the only thing physically that I wasn't expecting g was how week I would be from the liquid diet. What I wasn't prepared for was the mental issues. I wear a size 16 now and when I look in the mirror I still feel like I wear a size 30. It breaks my heart. Your self esteem grows but not as fast as you lose the weight and I wasn't expecting to feel like this. It's hard to see yourself as beautiful. I also struggle with losing my food addiction. And not putting it toward something else like shopping, alcohol, sex. It's been so rough mentally. Just know when you lose the weight it is good to have a good support group and you won't yourself immediatly but you will with time

This is the stage I am at right now: What to Eat and How to Eat? There are certain rules you have to adhere to: 1. Eat frequently but do not overeat: stop once you feel full. 2. Your diet should include 3 main normal sized meals and 2 or 3 small snacks. Depending on when you go to sleep you may add a third snack in the evening if you go to bed late, otherwise limit yourself to 2 small snacks a day only. 3. Every meal or snack should include some kind of low-fat protein. 4. The snack rule requires a combination of at least 2 ingredients: some kind of low-sugary fruit (or a combination of different types of fruit) and protein (or a combination of 2-3 kinds of protein). Examples of suggested snacks you can see on the pictures below. Make sure your snack includes approximately 50% of fruit and 50% of protein. Avoid certain types of fruit high in sugar: bananas, grapes, mangoes, etc. 5. Your daily protein intake should never be less than 40 g. Recommended protein intake is from 40 g to 100 g per day. 6. You may include all kinds of vegetables as part of your main meals. Avoid fried foods like French fries, potato chips, chicken wings, etc. Give preference to healthy cooking with little oil (olive, coconut, walnut, and avocado oil). 7. Use a rule of a palm: your main meal protein should always fit in your palm. The amount of protein will differ depending on the size of every person`s palm, thus the taller you are the more protein you will consume. Add approximately 1.5 palms of vegetables to your protein. Use very little low-fat dressing. See the images below. 8. Avoid sodas, any kind of refined carbs (rice, pasta, any kind of bread), coffee, smoothies, and alcohol. Drink 64 oz. of fluids daily.

I appreciate you sharing this info. I sooo miss my margaritas! Lol. I can't drink them no longer because I was diagnosed Bipolar 2 years ago...so my meds doesn't allow alcohol. I am also unable to exercise...one because I hate it and two I have too many physical limitations. I do love to walk but my bad knee and spurs in my feet take care of that. My story on my profile tells my weight issues. I know you will get this all figured out. Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

I HAVE heard of RNY patients who've had issues with SIBO, but I don't think it's all that common (I've been on a couple of bariatric forums for the last six years and don't see many posts about it - maybe three or four a year). It sounds like your system might be reacting to sugar - and/or the artificial types (especially sugar alcohols, the ones that end in -itol) those are notorious for setting some people's G/I tracts off like that). I'd lay off on those and see if it improves.

Starchy vegetables are generally those with higher carb content with lower fiber - potatoes, peas, corn, etc. Whereas something like broccoli has more fiber and fewer carbs per serving than a more starchy veggie. Generally, food labels and dietary information will always list TOTAL CARBS. Fiber is a carbohydrate, so it will always be counted there. NET CARBS is calculated as: total carbs - fiber - sugar alcohol = net carbs (thus in your example 15g of carbs, 25g of fiber would be impossible). As others have said, if you have specific questions about how to incorporate them into your daily life, what impact they may have to your personal health, etc., its best to reach out to your program or with with a bariatric RD.

I had a small fill, 0.25cc a week ago. This was the first additional fill in 8 months for me, bringing me to a total of 2.5cc's in a 4 cc band. I don't feel like I am too tight as nothing is getting stuck, and I'm not feeling hard or soft stop signs, so I just stop after 1/2 to 1 cup of food. I haven't PB'd in al least 6 months. I got my appetitite control back which is what I was hoping to accomplish with this fill. As soon as I fall asleep at night, I wake up again with coughing and Fluid in my throat. No bitter taste like acid, but I can taste what I last ate, even if it was 6 or more hours ago. I'll wake up several times a night like this. I've tried drinking a lot of Water after my last meal. I'm avoiding caffeine and alcohol. I'm eating my last meal 5 - 6 hours before going to bed. I started taking Prevacid again. It sort of feels like there is some "sludge" remaining in my pouch that keeps fluids from going through the band when I lay flat. I really don't want this fill out as I was stuck at the same weight for over 3 months. I'm finally starting to see the scale move again, but I know that I can't allow myself to keep having reflux. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Lucky 1/31/05 275/160/145

I really hope you'll make an appt with your Dr. The empty calories are bad for your nutrition and the alcohol is bad for your liver. Perhaps your Dr. could do an LFT test by bloodwork. It's a liver function test.

I used to love beer and I have a job that requires entertaining which means bars and alcohol. I was really concerned about this pre-surgery but what I found out was that nobody really cares what anyone else is doing. We think that everyone is watching us eat / drink but not many people pay attention. They are much more concerned with the plate / drink in front of them. I have gotten Water and someone might say "just water" and I say "yeah not in the mood to drink tonight" and that's the end of it. juice (orange pineapple cranberry) on the rocks is a good option. Note to guys: Don't order juice if your buddies are within earshot, that will catch you more hell than ordering water. But back to your original question, Carbonation doesn't agree with me anymore so no beer or soda mix drinks. I'll order a Fireball on rocks or a Black Russian and a water. Drink the water, sip the drink and make it last. I've also found out the hard way that when you are 80# lighter you get hammmmmmmmered quick. Be careful, give your stomach a few months to heal and read about cross addiction before you start drinking again. Aside from that Cheers!

For me, being stuck is the worst ! it feels like heartburn sorta , in the middle of your chest. nothing will make it go up or down until its ready to, so chew, chew , chew and chew some more, taking small bites. PB=Productive burping, its burping a bit to make some thing move that might just be a little stuck. TMI ALERT- stop reading if you get grossed out easily. last week i had mexican food, just a little of the inside of a quesadia, 3 chips chewed well, and 3 sips of a margarita ( forgot that i wsnt supposed to use a straw -ever !) well......... after 2 trips to the bathroom wherei pb'd up the dinner, i proceded to completely throw up and slime my whole dinner out. not pretty................ i had the leftovers the next day with no probs, so im guessing it was the alcohol in the margarita, or the straw. either way i dont want to do that again ! so be advised, watch what you eat and drink !

i used to drink kombucha pre op for probiotics not in a pill. i'm 5 months post sleeve today, and am eating a little fermented foods daily(sauerkraut, pickles). i am about to start making kefir. does anyone drink kombucha? it is VERY mildly alcoholic and effervescent. would that little bit of carbonation cause problems? i'm just trying to make some really smart/healthy choices.