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No, Pam... I don't think the site will crash w/us gone... I think that it will run FASTER! But then when we return and post all our pics... THEN it will crash! Terry... great advice to Jenn re: the flying. Jen... try as little alcohol as possible... you just never know... have you guys ever seen that "reality" show on some cable station (tlc??) about airports & all the craziness that goes on?? It's a hoot to watch on a rainy day... haven't seen it in AGES... maybe it's not even on any more... I can't remember what it was called... but it seemed like every time I caught it, there was some alcohol-induced incident that = someone not boarding or being hauled off to airport jail or some such thing... one time a guy had his "invisible" wife w/him... too funny!!

I'm down 65 since February 3rd surgery...I've indulged a few times with alcohol, ice cream and even some fast food I probably shouldn't have. The key I'm learning is moderation...once a week is fine, just not everyday like my pre surgery routine.

Oh so the day before me how awesome!!! Yeah I was a bit nauseous too while at the hospital but I used alcohol pads to sniff on when that would happen and they helped me tremendously!! Hope your recovery is going well too!!

I feel so much better today! Thanks for all of your support and advice. I guess I think I'm too cool or too busy to actually write down everything that I eat down. I know when I'm eating too much or eating the wrong thing. I started drinking beer again and I know that has a lot to do with it. I quit yesterday. I'm going back to the occassional cocktail. My friends are all beer drinkers and its hard to give up those old social habits. But my friends are all behind me and I went for months without drinking beer and then when I started up again they all fussed at me. These are bar owners and a few bikers, so trust me they don't hold back. No more Bud Lite for me! I have a date tonight and plan on having a couple of martinis and that's IT. I KNOW that alcohol has a lot of calories but one of the reasons I chose the lap band was because I could still be a social drinker if I want to. I'm wearing size 18 jeans and a long black top today and everybody at work has told me how good I look and that they can really tell I've lost, so that boosted my ego. And to answer the question, YES! I need a fill. I go too long in between but I have to pay $150 each time so I have to spread them out. I'm a single mom with a kid in college so I'm always trying to juggle it all. But I have an appointment next Thursday. They always do the barium swallow so I will know if I have stretched my pouch. I don't think I have, but my sister did and didn't even know it... Thanks again for the support. I plan to be a regular on here and I am so thankful to have somewhere to go to talk and ask questions and vent when I need to. I'm going to work in my yard again Sunday. I am so out of shape it's ridiculous. I'm getting there and a year from now I'm going to be smokin hot!

OK, that brings up this sugar alcohol deal. Is it ok. Do they really count. Will sugar carbs make you go out of ketosis. I know we should avoid them most of the time because the taste can make you crave sweets, but is the cravings the only harm in eatnig them. That sounds really yummy!!

I'm 10 months post-op, down 55kg and obviously eating much smaller portions. Alcohol does affect me much more quickly than before. I won't drive now after even just one drink because I really have no sense of BAC. Fortunately (for me) I don't drink a lot because it interferes with dancing!

To be honest I eat most everything at this point, but I am totally aware of what I put in my body. I try sticking to the protein first and no drinking liquids 1/2 hr before eating and an hour after. I do however drink only non calorie drinks mostly water10-15 glasses a day, coffe black, an occasional no carb no calorie redbull (not best choice I also do wine instead of beer (I know alcohol is bad but I'm only human). Fish lots of fish and chicken always protein first. I do have carbs but no where near as much as before and my portions are always small that part the sleeve takes care of, I do have sugars in tiny portions, I know some might criticize that but I have to be realistic and honestly this journey is not about never eating again it's about being conscious of what you eat and in control, not have food control you. Oh and exercise it finally makes sense to me how important exercise is, and I try my hardest sometimes it's 5-7 times a week sometimes only 3 but still a work in progress and I try to remind myself everyday how I must be responsible for my mind and body. Sorry if I went on a tangent

And just another general catch-up post from me. 17 months post op, I have lost another 2lbs this month after a loooong stall when I thought I was done losing. Now 140lbs. If I lose 2 more I will have exactly halved my starting weight. What a thought!! Still eating around 1500 calories a day on average [1300-1400 on weekdays, 1800-1900 on weekends (alcohol!!)] 😁 All is good with me basically. I have started to run a leeeetle bit after many years of not being able to. It's my favourite kind of exercise - just am older than when I did it before and gonna be sensible if it doesn't work out for me (and my older hips!) Any other November 2021 people still around and, if so, can we hear how you're doing now?

Congratulations on loosing 50 lbs!! It's disheartening I know to regain, but it does happen. You can start losing again if you work at it. You will get different responses to this.. but what I've been taught is that the band is supposed to DIM your hunger. Making it a little easier to control your impulses. It's always possible to eat more and to make poor choices, the band doesn't take over for you. I was told to eat 3 oz of Protein (I actually ate 4oz at the beginning of my journey because I was SMO ~ super morbidly obese ~ and have gone to 3oz as I lost) and 1/2 cup of low carb veggies. Try not to eat white carbs.. white potatoes, white rice, Pasta, bread, white flour products, corn...As these items TEND to be high glycemic and will make you hungry sooner. After eating your protein and produce.. move away from the table. If I am still hungry 20 minutes after I finish my meal, my nurses say I can have more veggies. I'm usually not physically hungry. Oh.. I can eat.. head hunger is almost never quiet.. but actual physical hunger is usually abated by the small meal. Yes, I see that you are saying that you have no control over what you put in your mouth. I know it is difficult, but you do have control. As someone said on another support list today.. food addiction is very difficult. With alcoholism or drug addiction, you can put the addiction in a cage and never let it out. With food addiction you have to let it out of the cage at least 3x a day. If you can't eat solid food comfortably, you may be too tight. When you are too tight it's so much easier to eat soft foods .. and those tend to be higher calorie. You need to be able to eat solid, but tender protein and vegetables. And a tiny tiny bit of whole grain. I have also had all my fills done by the nurses. I have seen my doctor in passing, but never had him do a fill or even an exam room visit with him. I'm perfectly fine with this. I think I might end up seeing him next week on my regular appt as he has started seeing patients on Wednesdays and that's the day of my appt. If you feel the nurses are competent regarding fills, and other follow-up, great. If you are unhappy, then you could ask to have an appt with one of the surgeons, or maybe even look for another bariatric practice. I'm not sure I buy the "no will-power" thing, but I will grant that maybe you really don't have any where food is concerned. Would you be willing to try to learn some techniques to develop some willpower? Look into behavior modification books. A very good one is "The Beck Diet Solution" by Judith Beck. It's not a diet per se, but a guide on how to deal with disordered eating and sabotaging thoughts and actions. Try putting yourself on a feeding schedule, if you know you're going to be able to eat again in a few hours, it might be a bit easier for you. For example: I have Breakfast at 7am. steel cut oatmeal with walnuts & apples & 1 turkey sausage patty or link. If I get hungry before lunch, I let myself have a high protein snack around 10am. Lunch is anywhere from Noon to 1pm depending on my schedule. smoked salmon/reduced fat cream cheese, veggies. PM snack is about 3 hours after lunch. today was a small apple and a cheese stick. Supper is usually about 6:30pm chicken breast & veggies. If I really want something ..and I haven't exceeded my calories, I will have 100 cal. snack (or less) before bed. I try to keep it to a cup of tea, but sometimes I'll have a bit of almonds. I also make myself drink 32 oz of Water between breakfast and lunch. Another 16 oz before supper and the last 16 oz after supper. This doesn't include any flavored drinks or tea I might have. I'm not perfect (fell off the wagon and ate a half box of saltines yesterday.. dang it), but every time I fall off, I get up and try again. You might also try keeping track of your food intake on a website such as The Daily Plate on LIVESTRONG.COM - Calorie Counter, Weight Loss, Food Calorie Counter, Nutrition Facts | LIVESTRONG.COM. I know other folks here really like fitday.com. The website All Things Food and Diet - FatSecret also has it's fans. Just chose one that works for you and use it. I think it's very helpful to record what I'm taking in. I can also make a printout when I go in for my appts and the nurse and I can discuss where I'm doing well and where I need to make changes. I know you said you exercise, but it might be that your body has become accustomed to what you are doing, you may need to do some extra or some intervals. Do you belong to a gym? If you do, see if they have any trainers who will work with you for a short period of time. I know I used to think that hiring a trainer was an indulgence.. and it is to a degree, but they can be very helpful. And not all of them are expensive. Does the bariatric group you're involved with have support groups? Do you attend? If they don't have any, may I suggest joining this one online? SmartBandsters : Smart_Bandsters health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SmartBandsters/ I hope I haven't come across harsh and unfeeling. That's not my intention at all. I'm impressed at how far you've come and am so glad you're reaching out for help.

This scale was from Amazon... Etekcity brand... not too expensive. Interfaces with my phone via an app. It's really helpful. I recommend it. I'm back to tracking. Using Carb Manager app for that. I have 94 days until my next dr appointment. Time to focus for 90 days. Ramping up my daily steps goal to 10k. And... no alcohol. 90 days to see where I can land.

I'm not nice, I'm simply tired of being smacked down for pointing out the obvious. So...tacos, ice cream, popcorn and alcohol for everyone!!! :D No!! You're defeating the purpose. Sent from my KFJWI using the BariatricPal App

I am 4 days post op. I did a 2 wk. pre op liquid diet, and I am currently on a clear liquid diet that consist of protein shakes and water. These past 3 weeks have been uncomfortable and frustrating but well worth it. I have BCBS of Michigan , I began my journey of the first info class Dec. 27th, saw the doc on Jan. 3rd, completed all requirements in January , no diet plan needed with my insurance and surgery completed February 25th 2013. For me this was the easiest process I have ever endured. Surgery day was tough and painful of course the days that have followed have gotten better day by day. Today I went to SAMs with my husband and son, BIG mistake I wanted to eat everything I saw even the samples which I never found appealing before surgery. My advice to my sisters and brothers is keep temptation to a minimum. Don't cook for family while doing pre op and post op, don't go to restaurants, don't even think you can do it! This is your time and everyone around you needs to understand you are on the most important journey of your life and your family won't starve if you stop cooking for them for a little while. And when you do begin again intro new healthy meals everyone can enjoy. Those friends that are eating buddies ,either cut them loose or encourage they change as well. I did with my friend of 23 years, she joined weight watchers prior to my surgery so by the time I'm ready to eat real food again she will be well on her way to losing weight as well. People who love and care for you will change for you those who want just aren't worth risking your health for. We are food addicts, you wouldn't take a recovering alcoholic to an open bar. So stay away from buffets, and those places that caused you to overeat. Someone asked me how are you losing weight and I just kindly said I stopped going to the drive thru and began going to the gym and the health food store! Good luck everyone and I am here if you questions or just support! God bless!!!!

Power Crunch bars are great. They have 13 grams of Protein and 10 carbs. 10 carbs is a lot if you're really trying to go low carb. They are made with Stevia so there is no sugar alcohol which gives me terrible gas. I get mine at vitacost.com because it comes out way cheaper. I also buy them at walmart. Vitacost carries so many things, for anyone who has not heard of it.I get my Protein powder there, and many supplements. If you order over $49 the shipping is free. I can get you a coupon for $10 off your first order if you send me a pm. They carry so much stuff, it's unreal. Their prices are also very good.

That's awesome!!! Restriction will help so much. I find I can eat pretty much anything (except beef or dry shrimp... and I haven't attempted white breads at all) but my body tells me when to stop. The beauty of our bands Yesterday Breakfast - 6oz mango yogurt lunch - small wheat pita with 2 tbsp PB, 1 small banana snack - 6oz apple juice, Water, hot tea dinner - 3 lean cuisine Mexican egg roll thingies Snack - 6oz peach yogurt Going to cocktail party tonight. No alcohol for me though. Everything else is small portions and lots of dancing to burn cals have a good Saturday everyone.

Just my opinion, but I would say stay away from it...alcohol has lots of sugar in it...but have fun!

Hi All, I rarely come on the forums anymore. It seems that, once I got past the really tough times with my band to sleeve revision I just drifted away. Anyway, I realized that I will be 2 years post-revision in a couple of weeks and I should probably report in and let the newbies know about my experience. If you want to know specifics about my surgery, you can look through my profile posts - it is hard for me to remember all the details now. I had a lap band for 4 years and it sucked. I got my lap band at 215 pounds and ended up at about 195 pounds and was gaining slowly on top of that. I couldn't eat chicken (did I mention the band SUCKED?). I wanted the band out, but I was afraid I would baloon up higher than ever. For me, the sleeve was an insurance policy. I did not expect it to work because I had already been through weight loss surgery that did not work. Why would I expect anything different the second time around? I was 100% afraid to dream that it might be successful. And, of course, I was wrong The sleeve was everything the band promised and more. On surgery day I was somewhere between 195 and 200. I went to Dr Aceves and would recommend him without hesitation. Band out and sleeve in, took less than 90 minutes. No complications. Good pain management. That's when the tough stuff really started. I couldn't drink the Protein drinks because I couldn't handle the smell or taste. Because of this I barely ate or drank anything for weeks. Everything tasted so weird / bad. I was significantly fatigued for 3 months because could barely get any food in. I chewed my Vitamins and took my omeprazole like a good girl. The apex of my weight loss occured after about 9 months. I got down to about 127 pounds. Mind you, at no time was I ever "trying" to lose weight. In fact, I was "trying" to get enough quality calories in my body. Since I ate so little, I couldn't mess around with junk food - I only ate food with good nutritional value. I also found that Certain foods were just harder to eat. I craved chicken, but I had a hard time eating carrots (they stick!). I would say I didn't feel completely normal until about a year had passed. At this point I have levelled out in the 135-140 range and I am thrilled about it. It is easy for me to get down to 135 (and lower if I wanted to) by just cutting out one snack a day or quitting drinking alcohol altogether. I weigh myself maybe once a month and if I see myself creep towards 138-139, I start cutting out a couple of things and get back to my comfort zone. It has been hard in the last 6 months because my father committed suicide leaving me with a contentious legal battle with his wife. I started drinking a couple of drinks every day because of the stress. That has kept me in the upper end of my range, but it is still easy to maintain. I find as time goes by, I stopped drinking every day and only a couple of times a week - it made me less puffy :-) So, my lifestyle now: I don't exercise. Yes, I know - that's bad. I do have tons more energy and I walk more in my daily life than I ever did before, but I do not engage in regular exercise. I try. I do my best. I'm just being honest. I still have a hard time getting even 30 ounces of Fluid every day. The taste of Water changed for me the day I had surgery and I have had a terrible time replacing it. Sometimes I have fizzy water. Strangely, beer goes down very easily. I developed a Starbucks mocha habit after the first year, but I limit it to one a day and get nonfat most of the time. I also started drinking iced coffee. I eat 5-6 times a day (I limit it to 5 if I am actively trying to manage my weight). I eat protein and veggies. I just started liking sandwiches again, but find bread and rice both expand in my stomach and make me very uncomfortable after I eat them. Even now, I eat too fast sometimes and can be in terrible pain from fullness. I still can't drink after I eat. I drink as much as possible up to the point where I put food in my mouth and then no liquids for an hour or more - PAINFUL!! I could never have done this without the sleeve. I am completely happy with the result. My life isn't "normal" because I still have to think about carrying Snacks with me so I can have good choices while I am out of the house. I still have to eat slowly. I still have people in restaurants badgering me about why I didn't finish my food. The difference is that I wear size 8 jeans and size 4/6 dress. I can walk / run around Disneyland for 10 hours with my daughter without major breaks to sit down. I rode a bike with my kid just this week and it was awesome. I finally feel like I fit in with my world. The outside reflects the inside. I feel much happier now, also, because people are used to me being this size now. Before people were always making a big deal out of the wieght loss. I don't like talking about it. I hated the attention during the loss because I was very guarded about the surgery. Now I have been the same for a year and a half or so, people don't comment about it as much and I love it. My future: well, the biggest surprise for me is that my husband and I are thinking about having another baby. My daughter is 8 and I had my tubes tied 6 years ago. I scheduled my tubal reversal with a specialist in Beverly Hills at the end of March. I will be 39 in a couple of weeks, but the doc says my FSH level is that of a 25 year old and my husbands sperm count and motility is off the charts! I used to be super-fertile before my tubal (just look at me sideways, and I was knocked up!) so we will see if that is still the case in a couple of months. Also, I finally finished my Bachelors degree 21 years after I started :-) I graduate in June. My life rocks! I was already lucky to have a good man, a great child, good job, and overall good health. The sleeve and weight loss are the icing on the cake for me. I'm a lucky lady. With gratitude, Lara

I was sleeves on May 20th and I'm 25, you're not alone! ????I was sleeved in the 26th and I'm actually 21! The whole no-alcohol thing seems to be the hardest for me right now because all of my friends are having birthdays and the bar is where we all seem to hang out now! Awesome! I'm so glad to finally find some people on here around my age. Not that everyone here hasn't been super helpful, I just feel like it's such a different experience going through this when we're young. It's a fairly new procedure for weight - loss and we're going to be living with it for a long, long time! I agree the non-alcohol thing is difficult. I pretty much told my friends I'd be going into hibernation for a couple of months since most of our activities have revolved around alcohol. I'm going to make it work though and still find ways to go out and have fun until then. We should definitely all keep in touch since we were sleeved at the same time and will be going through all the stages together.

So I’ve been looking into self funding bariatric surgery so I’m healthier and can go ahead with fertility treatment. I previously had a band when I was 19 in Belgium which failed massively. I paid to have it removed in the UK 2 year later at the spire.I was looking into the Spire Washington. it was really painful when I had the band fitted, I’m really nervous for how painful it’ll be going through surgery. I’m also vegetarian, has anybody went through with surgery who is vegetarian? Where do you get your protein ect from? Food has been my coping mechanism through life to deal with my trauma, and I know my relationship with food with completely change forever which is fine, but what I am nervous for is still being able to eat out occasionally. What is the average portion size for example a year after surgery? What kind of alcohol do people drink and how many drinks are they able to have? i also guzzle water and this is my BIGGEST concern of not being able to guzzle it and quench my thirst properly.

I had my gastric sleeve surgery at my local Spire hospital. I had no pain. It was a friends birthday yesterday and I took her out for lunch. We chose a sharing platter, TBH I was full very quickly and just chatted while she ate. I have got used to this now and so have my friends. I believe that at about 1 year things are easier and you are able to eat more. Or as much as a thin person would eat at any rate. In America they are warned away from drinking. I was told to be careful as I would get drunk quickly, The alcohol gets into your bloodstream quicker. I am not the biggest drinker these days but I have had some. Its a bit like having your first drink again. I was tipsy quite quick after a Bloody Mary. My calories are around 700 to 900 a day so not enough to soak up much alcohol. Some struggle to drink enough, I did. At 3 months, I could gulp a mouthful of any drink again but I still cant guzzle a bottle of water. I dont remember being thirsty but it is a pain to constantly keep sipping

My dr never mentioned no coffee or alcohol.... i can live with out the alcohol... but COFFEE... The world couldn't handle me off of coffee.....

Had only been at my job for six months when I was sleeved March 24. I developed a hernia after Christmas and knowing I would be out for surgery in the near future, I shared with people that I had a hernia and I was going to have a surgery. I wanted to sort of "cover" the surgery issue because I knew I'd be out. But what I didn't consider was that my coworkers would notice my weight loss, and put 2 and 2 together that I had WLS. I have had a few people say, how are you doing it?, etc. I have said that I cut out processed foods, sugar, alcohol, white carbs, etc. That is all true. But now some people have asked for details because they want to lose weight themselves. And these people who asked for details are not obese, but want to lose a few pounds. Also, there are 2 obese women there who are the best of friends and always talking and huddling. And I have very clearly sensed dislike and jealousy/or envy from one and a sort of, "I'm not stupid, it's obvious that you had surgery" looks from the other. I can feel their judgement just seething from behind their smiles. One asked how my surgery went (I gave her the hernia explanation). Anyway I feel like I need to do something pro-active now. I can't say I had WLS now because I'd be "lying" in their eyes, and I don't want their judgement (even if they are judging silently to themselves!)… So now I'm not sure what to say because my weight is still dropping and I'm still getting questions. I know I don't owe anyone any explanations and it's my business and stuff. The reason I elected to tell only a handful of friends I'd that my BMI was only 35, and when I began thinking about it, the folks I did talk to told me that I didn't need it. And another thing that crossed my mind was that I would seem vain for wanting to do it when I wasn't morbidly obese. Now I know it was they best decision ever and I am very happy about my results. But I need advice on how to proceed. Thanks

They let me leave with a low grade fever. I am not really nauseous but, the few times I've been sick feeling I smelled alcohol wipes and it cured the nausua. I kept down 30 cc of tomato soup and 30cc of pudding my water intake is the worst . It's so hard to try to get it but I'm too ful.

My surgery is scheduled for 7.14.21! I'm so excited and nervous. Especially because Day 1 of my liquid diet starts tomorrow (JULY 4TH) where I will be surrounded by hot dogs, burgers, and alcohol. lol

Hey everyone!! I haven't checked in on this thread for awhile even though I am an August Bandster as well! I was banded on 8-10-10 and am currently down 63 pounds and am absolutely thrilled about that! I feel better, I look better, I'm able to move better. It's great. I am desperately needing to refocus myself and my health, though. I've been going up and down with the same five pounds for six weeks now, mainly because I'm loosening up on my eating habits. So I have planned out my menu for this week and plan on sticking to it. Another downfall for me is drinking alcohol. I don't do it as much as I used to, but still probably more than I should. Again, that's a focus fo the week -- no drinking. Lastly, I know that I need to step up on my exercise. I had been doing so well and have falled out of that habit as well. So I am vowing to exercise three times this week. All these are things that we know we should do -- now it's just time for me to do them!! It's great to hear success stories from all of you -- let's hope we all keep moving the same direction and keep losing whatever we need!! )

Hey everyone, I came looking for the thread because I guess most of us are approaching our 6 month surgiversary. Mine will be on Wednesday too . I was banded 8/16/10. I am down 39 lbs but like some of you have said I can be doing much better . My biggest problem is the weekends my Dh and I are in the habit of eating out all weekend or getting take out. I also like to have drinks on the weekend. So whatever progress I make during the week is set back on the weekend. I am recommitting to my band for the next 6 months still keeping the hope that I can be at or close to goal by my 1 year surgiversary. I have to follow the rules every day and stop the drinking on the weekends. Alcohol stalls me and bloats me so no more for now. Failure is not an option.