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I think you misunderstood the letter. Band erosion isn't literally the band, it's the stomach. Here is the clinical definition: Erosion is a long-term complication of lap band surgery, and occurs when the Gastric Band is fastened around the upper stomach gradually erodes into the stomach wall and extends into the gastric lumen. Intragastric Lap Band Erosions have been reported at rates that vary from 0.6% to 10% depending of the operative technique, the doctor’s experience, the device used and the most important factor: the patient's followup. The use of NSAIDS, alcohol and smoking have been proposed as three of the main factors contributing to hyperacidity and irritation of the mucosal layer of the stomach. This important layer prevents us from acquiring ulcers in normal conditions. When the irritation is persistent, it can cause erosion of the wall layers of the stomach, which may allow the lap band to migrate into the stomach (“inside out” erosion theory). Repeated vomiting has also been suggested as a possible accelerant, especially when a high degree of obstruction is present (For example, an over-filling of the lap band). Due to the erosion, saliva or food leaks through the hole or ulcer in the stomach and flows along the Lap Band tubing, causing the tissue under the skin of the Lap Band Port to become infected.

Loleata- I think all of us go thru these same questions or similar ones when trying to decide if this is right for you. I can't tell you how to feel but I can share my thoughts for me. Obesity is a disease just like alcoholism, diabetes, or anything else. If I didn't treat this disease the best way I can then wouldn't it be abusive to what god gave me? He wants me to live a full life and if this treatment plan is going to do it then so be it. As for if I am ready to do this, and have I really tried everything. Well I've been overweight for 20 years and been on about a zillion diets. And yeah I've lost but I've also gained it all back too many times to count. This is going to help me KEEP it off. I think your sister is going to see someone that is strong enough to take action to change! This is not easy. There are going to be rough patches and you r still going to have to do the work to make it successful. So I think she will b proud of you! Goodluck!!

I can see what you are dealing with and my recommendation to you is something a bit different. You have control only over what you eat...and your son eats. While you love your husband, it is up to him what he eats, what he drinks. Arguing with him has not helped as you have pointed out, being disgusted with him isn't helping, now it's time for you to let go of trying to control what he does and focus on you and your son. If you husband wants fried chicken, throwing it out, will only lead to more drama. Your sole responsibility is to your child and your health at this point. I am almost 9 weeks out. I started the process in November 2011. Every month I lost 10 pounds before surgery on low carb, high Protein. I went through with the surgery, even after I lost 70 pounds. Right before surgery my father started talking to me about what I was eating, I explained it to him in detail. He has gone from 200 to 169. My son has lost 20 pounds, my husband has lost about 10 pounds (he's more resistant to my diet). Only my parents and husband and son knew about my surgery. Now my neighbors are dieting, my sister in law and brother are dieting, people that have seen me and asked what I have been doing I told and they looked at me while shoving chips & dip in their mouth previously, are all like NO WAY, now I'm going to be the fat one in the family. Now everyone is on a health kick because they seen what bad shape I was in and truly, I look good now. If you do not want your son to go through what you are going through, you need to take control of him only. Your husband will have to make that decision on his own. You continue cooking your healthy food, this is what you made for dinner, your husband has a choice of eating it or going to McDonalds, he has a choice of drinking alcohol or not, you do NOT have to stoop to his level and go back into your old ways. He has to change. The more you nag him the more he will resent you. Ultimatums never work. Tell him you love him, tell him you want to see him healthy, and that when he's ready to change his eating, you will be there for him, but until then, you and your son will be eating healthy, and doing things that will benefit your health because you don't want your son to be an unhealthy adult. You love him, but the unhealthy stuff can't be around your son. If he needs food that is unhealthy, buy it just for himself because it's not part of your life anymore. Stay strong for yourself and son, eventually your husband will come around and if not, you still have to work on being healthy for your son and yourself.

I'm trying to be more patient with the process. I am sick of Water, indigestion and trouble sleeping, but my spousal problem is front and center. I am SO grateful for my lack of desire to drink alcohol as it used to be a regular part of my life. That said I am having huge problem with my husband's lack of desire to change eating and drinking habits. Pre-op we talked in depth and he agreed things would change for the better, but they have not. I hate being around someone that is so opposite all that I am trying so hard to be. Last week he bought fried chicken for he and our 9 year old. He is 50 lbs overweight with high cholesterol and in complete denial. We are arguing terribly as well. He disgusts me with his choices and most of all his denial. I don't want to do anything drastic but I want a healthy household for our son and me and I certainly think about how much easier it would be without him around. Yes, I know he probably needs AA, but he will not go, so all other advice is more than appreciated!

Hi Jennifer. How did the weigh in go? Have you tried doing more or different exercises? 28lbs is awesome! Breakfast - 6oz yogurt with sliced strawberries lunch - 4oz Pork loin, 4oz peach fruit cup dinner - 2oz granola, 6oz Greek yogurt snack - 8oz skim milk Exercise - 30 min walk/jog with dog I was wayyy low on calories today. Just didn't feel like eating much. Met up with friends at karaoke bar for happy hour at 10.. Tons of food and alcohol around me but I just had Water. I was hungry and more food to up my cals for the day probably would've been a good thing, but I just didn't want to slip up :/ I am going to 2 parties tomorrow and know I will be eating unhealthy food this weekend so I'm trying to be balanced.

I definitely agree, as I sat down for my psych veal, he asked if I had insight into the addiction model relating to food. He went on to say it makes no sense to him and food is not an addiction. I launched into a 10 minute speech about my views and it most certainly is. Times of joy, eat, times of sorrow, eat, boredom, eat, birthday, eat, graduation, eat, gathering, let's eat!! Well looks at drugs and alcohol, it's all the same. As post op speaking my (triggers) are bill boards with a red bright and shiny large fountain coke from mcdonalds. Or it's my birthday where are we going for dinner. I found it hard to believe he had no insight into this connection what so ever. Food is an addiction, it makes us happy, it makes us sad, it makes us sick,it makes us salivate just to the smell of it.

I meant to update since it was a week ago that I went out with my college friends. lol I survived the entire night without any alcohol! And I suggested Red Lobster for dinner so I knew there would be plenty of decent options for me. As soon as we got to the bars one of our friends ordered a round of my favorite shot! We toasted, I pretended to sip it because I didn't have a chaser, then dumped it in the trash can behind me when no one was looking. Later I ordered a cranberry juice. The bartender asked if I was DD and gave it to me for free. My friend said "you finally got a drink, now we can toast to your weight loss!" Ha! The irony! At the next bar my friend got a pitcher of Long Island (yes, a pitcher) and gave me a glass. I filled it 1/3 full and pretended to sip. I had taken a little 8oz bottle of Water in my purse, just in case, and ended up going to the bathroom to swap it out. I'm very proud of my commitment and creativity! It's nice to be able to live my "normal" life while also prioritizing my journey! P.S. I also went to a Cincinnati Reds game this week (I'm a huge fan) and refrained also. I'm a social drinker and love having a beer at functions like that.

I guess we all just have to take a look at our personal situation and decide what will work for us individually. An occasional drink or two will not wreck everything if you are sensible and don't overdo it. As a veteran bandster, I can tell you I allowed alcohol sensibly and it did not hinder my weight loss. I lost most of my weight within 9 months, lost 100% of my excess weight in the first year and I have kept if off and lost a little more in the four years since I was banded without denying myself much of anything including a drink when I wanted one. I respect the choice of those who choose to keep diaries and scrutinize everything, if it works for you and you are happy with that, then that is wonderful. I didn't do all of that and my way worked for me. Just be respectful of those of us who choose our own way, none of us have all of the answers, share your experiences then let everyone take their own paths on this journey.

Yeah I can appreciate that it's an important part of your life, but for this first year i'm not going to be drinking at all. Yeah that's great that you include your wine into your diet, but me personally I feel that it wouldn't be worth it. I love wine. Like, really love wine, but I am going to sacrifice it for now to get the best weight loss possible this year. Alcohol will be on my "No" list until July 25th, 2013. I can have just as much fun without alcohol, went out with my girlfriends last night and had a blast as I was there DD. I guess it just depends on what's more important to you.

VSG patients can have symptoms that are similar to dumping, but are not really dumping. I had some issues with peanut butter earlier on (it was less than a teaspoon for heaven's sake!) and when I had my first greek yogurt with fruit. My body had not had sugar in a couple of months and went into a frenzy and I made many runs to the toilet after those episodes. Alcohol can do the same thing, especially early on. Now, at three months out, I have an occasional (very rare though) glass of wine and have no problems, but if I were to drink more, I am sure I would have issues.

I do respect your opinion though. I would like to add there are a lot of successful people on this forum who drink alcohol. Just because you consume alcohol doesn't mean you get "shitfaced". I enjoying the relaxing and fun feeling. You should look up other alcohol topics and read the debate.

I think your response is very one sided. People don't just drink to " go out every other weekend bar hopping and getting shitfaced". Everyone's Dr's instructions are different. I was up front with Dr saying I didn't plan on giving up drinking and he said he saw now reason to give it up but wait a month to heal. You can be very successful and enjoying going out and drinking. It's something I enjoy and why should I have to give up somethin I enjoy. To me the band isn't about depriving yourself of everything you enjoy. It's about portion control and making better choices. Everyone seems to be aware that alcohol has empty calories but you can factor it into your diet.

You guys sound ridiculous. Alcohol is one of the biggest set backs for any diet plan, especially for people who have had weight loss surgery. We all had surgery to lose weight, the last resort option, and with that comes sacrifice!!! If you want to continue to lose weight properly with no set backs, lay off the booze! I'm 22 years old and have made so many sacrifices for this surgery to be successful. It really comes down to what is most important to you. They recommend no alcohol for at least the first 6 months, but ideally the first year because this is when you lose the majority of the weight that you need to. In order to be healthy weight, you need to give up somethings. Sure a couple glasses of wine, sporadically and socially, is okay. But to go out bar hopping and get shitfaced every other weekend is highly unnecessary. You can still have a good time without consuming alcohol!!!! It may seem hard, but its not. It's almost as if I would pose the question " would it be okay to have McDonald's once a week?" ...sure I could but it would take me THAT much longer to achieve the results I want. Take another look into why you got this surgery in the first place...its not a cure-all-be-all, you have to put this tool to work, and lots of work! And no carbonation EVER in your life with the band is what I've been told by my doctor...can cause the pouch to expand and can cause band slippage and/or erosion. No carbonation = no beer, people. Hope this helps. -Melissa M.

Yeah, I think we can offer support without name calling even if someone made a decision that could cause death. Someone wise once told me there is a right way and a wrong way to say the exact same thing and I don't think the right way was said being that it involved name calling. You are not an idiot. You have a disease. An addiction to food. Just like a drug addict has to drugs. And, on that note, there are many dead drug addicts amd alcoholics who ingested something they shouldn't have just like you did and it killed them. Trust me, I see it almost daily in my job. Hang in there! Remember, this time in your life is only temporary. You will get past it and back to eating solids soon. Best of luck to you.

I'm a wine collector so I researched this to death lol. I actually wouldn't have the surgery if it meant no more wine. You drink less and feel the effects faster (for all liquor). But the effects ware off faster as well (but not quick enough for you to stop acting like a fool if you have too much lol). Bubbles of any sort are not advised for the first year. They are very hard on your new tummy. In moderation after that is ok but watch how they effect you as well if the bubbles you choose are champagne...which goes to your head faster anyhow.... Try to drink lower sugar drinks. Wine is a good choice verses beer or heavier level booze. You can also pick wines with lower alcohol levels. Practicing....seeing how the liquor does effect you is a good idea at home verses going out with friends and finding out you have no tolerance! Any alcohol soon after surgery can be both painful and empty calories. (picture a new cut with alcohol pored on it....). Hope that helps!

My surgery is scheduled for august 13. My dr put me on a 2 week pre op diet of clear liquids, including sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles, broth, water with crystal light, etc..and the whey protein powder drinks or isopure (whey protein isolate) My dr told me the sagging skin also depends on your age, and amount of weight youre losing. the younger you are the more elasticity your skin has. but like the others said working out will help that. for the hair loss, ive heard biotin works, and ive heard they make special shampoos with that in it....also thats another reason its so important to get your 70 grams of protein in a day bc it helps with that. As far as the alcohol, you may still like the taste but you'll probably never be able to drink it the same way as now. & ive learned youre not supposed to drink any alcohol for at least a year, and even after like someone else said it is empty calories, pure sugar and no nutritional value..so youre probabbly not going to want to fill up your little stomach with something you get nothing from. Good luck with your surgery, 12 more days for you! I have 11 and I can NOT wait!!!!

- Tone! This can make quite a difference, though it won't get rid of all sagging skin. Start weight training as soon as your doctor will let you. - A week out and I have maybe twice. I feel kind of crude saying it, but it was liquid, since I'm only having liquids. My doctor told me if I hadn't gone 5 days post surgery to use a dulcolax suppository (But not the tablets) - My NUT said that Biotin is something I can start taking at 6 weeks to help decrease hair loss. I think the other two kinda hit the nail on the head that it's about nutrition. - I was not required to do a pre-op diet. The surgeon only required Clear Liquids for the day before the surgery and nothing by mouth after mid***ht the ***ht before. - I can't comment on this one. I am not a big alcohol drinker anymore and I've planned to pretty much quit alcohol completely now that I'm post-op. Haven't tried it yet.

I was worried about the same thing. I almost didn't Want to have the surgery becuse of the lifestyle change. I live in New Orleans. Food and alcohol are everything! We talked it out and by the time it came to schedule surgery, he was ready for the lifestyle change. I hope we both become active together. I also hope that eventually, we will be able to eat chargrilled oysters and bread pudding- even if it's just a small taste!

My husband and I just went to Seattle and took a cruise ship to Canada .. I made the mistake of thinking I would not get sea sick and guess what I did .. At first I was just feeling a little crappy but as we spent more time on the bus ride after the cruise it got worse .. I tried to throw up but also so afraid of the slippage .. Of course nothing came up .. I felt so bad .. We ended up going to a pharmacy and I got done stuff called gravol .. Which helped so much .. Got back ok .. But I gotta tell you .. My tummy still isn't feeling great ! I also feel so restricted can't seem to eat anything but a few bites of anything !! So I guess alcohol or just getting sick it's all so scary about slippage and what do you do ???

I had my first drink 3 months post-op, but the buzz lasted only about 5 minutes. When I try to drink 2 drinks I get sick - not like alcohol sick, but my stomach will hurt and I feel awful. I drink wine on occasion but honestly, the whole reason I drank alcohol pre-surgery in the first place was to get wasted. Since that's clearly not happening now, I just don't bother drinking it.

I wish I had not started drinking so soon, I waited 2 months after surgery. I was a big drinker pre-op lots a beer lots and lots, I realize now that was also part of my weight problem. I've now replaced beer with wine or champagne and yes I get drunk quicker which is a problem because I then just want to continue drinking and it could totally ruin my awesome efforts a a low carb low calorie diet. It is a bit hard, having drinks is just such a big part of our lifestyles, finding harder to not drink alcohol than to have given up Soda! One peace of advise, stay away from mixed grittier drinks those are a complete sabotage to our diets

1. Once you've had the surgery, I think you can start strength training like a month after. That should eliminate some saggy skin. 2. I didn't poop AT ALL during my pre-op liquid diet. I was super annoyed by that. Dr. told me to take a stool softener. Which I did and it worked wonders!!! 3. I don't know much about the hair loss thing. I do agree with the above post it is all about nutrition. I've also heard you don't start losing your hair until month 3. To avoid massive amounts of hair loss, I was told to take your multi-vitamins everyday. Some people are told to take a slew of supplements such as Biotin, Calcium, magnesium etc. So I guess that wouldn't hurt either. 4. It could be normal. Some doctors do not requir a pre-op diet at all. But again, you should ask your doctor whether or not he/she requires one and if so how long will it be. The time lengths vary greatly. Some people only do 1 or 2 day(s) of a liquid diet the day before surgery. Others have to do 7 days. Others do two weeks. I've even heard of one person doing 4 weeks!!! Which is insane to me. But, the point is is that each doctor is different and requirements vary. As far as the alcohol. I definitely think you'll need to stay clear from that for a while. You need to focus on getting in all your nutrients through your food & supplements. You shouldn't waste calories on alcohol. I've also heard that your tolerance level for alcohol is completely different. Some people get totally wasted off of one drink! So, again the answers will vary. But I'm sure one day you'll be able to indulge in a nice alcoholic beverage! Good Luck~!!

Alcohol will "feel" different after surgery for most of us in one way or another. I'm one of the ones who found it hit a lot harder than pre-surgery. I also discovered the hard way that it makes it almost impossible to tell how much is actually IN your stomach at a given time--it seems to make things relax to the point that my usual "I'm full" signals don't work very well... I'll leave the rest to your imagination, but it was not pretty and I didn't even get to enjoy a buzz!! LOL As with all things post-sleeve, caution and paying attention to your body are the keys--only problem is that it's difficult to do that with the alcohol working in you. :-) Slow is your best bet.

You were allowed to have alcohol 12 days after your surgery?

Just wondering what everyones experience was like. How much & what did you drink? Did you feel more inebriated than you would have before surgery? How long after surgery did you have your first drink? I'm only 13days post op but I'd really like to have some wine at a wedding in september....I haven't asked my doc how long I have to wait before drinking yet.