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I only had one visit and a "test" (which was more like a survey on drug/alcohol use, eating patterns, and emotional balance). My insure covered some of the cost buy my additional fee was only $40 to cover the test analysis... Plus my psychologist had my letter written in about 5 mins.

I do not have full dentures but I have a piece that connects to a prosthesis that used to be my cheek, and I understand your worries - I am getting it replaced with a piece that locks in with posts, and I have been told they can do this with dentures too - AND it reduces your dependency on the adhesives (which I have to use) - you dont want to swallow that on your tummy!!! Consider inquiring about this. An essentials kit you want to keep, in my opinion: You have to be so extremely proactive about oral hygeine now. that protien will stick to surfaces and you can develop bacterial infections, cycts, nodes and fungal infections...I have experienced only one and it was enough. OUCH. Alcohol based mouthwash OR yes, VODKA - I rinse my nouth out with it once a day... soft washcloth and toothpaste - I seriously think toothpaste on a rag after brushing is very good for your upper and lower palette - I was introduced to this in rehab therapy after the incident that caused me to need said replacement. If you are worried about retrieving your dentures from the toilet - which I would be much more than flushing them...or getting your face unnecessarily close to a public stall - get a few paperbags and some uncented trash bag liners for small trash cans and prep soem "flight bags" the paperbag keeps it discreet if you need it. Good luck if you think I might can help you further message me, I have had some experience with this.

Here is the link to eggface: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.ca/ I think your meal plan for the day sounds pretty reasonable. If you are looking to cut a little from it, I agree with the above, maybe some sugar free jam. Also, what kind of dressing are you using on your salad. Regular Caesar dressing is very high in fat, calories and carbs. And I think a little bit of chocolate isn't going to kill you either (but a whole bad of m&m's that is a different story). I am a firm believer in moderation. I agree with UTGal99, that it is unrealistic the expect that you will NEVER eat any kind of treat ever again. I have to laugh when I see people say that they will NEVER eat cake, chocolate, fast food, alcohol, or anything bad EVER again. The sleeve is a tool and you DO have to change your habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle. But to place the expectation on yourself that you will never eat anything bad ever again is just setting yourself up for failure and self-deprecating behavior. The cycle of eating, shame and guilt, and eating more is so burned into our brains, that so many people continue to do it even after the surgery. From the beginning, I choose not to count anything. I watch what I eat, have changed what I eat, and I have worked with my sleeve to be successful. Do I eat chocolate sometimes? Yup! Do I eat ice cream sometimes? You better believe it! Do I feel bad about? Not a chance! I didn't get the sleeve so I could live the rest of my life on a strict diet. The key is I eat these things in moderation. And I know my weaknesses. The surgery did NOT give me any more will power. I have chosen not to keep trigger foods in my house. If they are there tempting me, I will eat them. This may be a stance that you may have to take. I may have lost more slowly that some, but I am still losing 20 months post op and am below my target weight. You need to find a system that is going to work for you. Look back at what you were doing before that was working. The point is, it has to be something that you can live with for the rest of your life, not just for the here and now to lose the last few pounds. If it is not sustainable, you might lose, but you will most likely end up gaining back.

Woohoo! The day is finally here for you =D It will fly by! That listerine swish sounds brutal, I have to buy the non-alcoholic listerine, the burning just kills my mouth. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers!

Was going to get mad at myself for not fully embracing my 6 week lower carb diet. But then I realized I gave up coke zero and other sodas, cut coffee down to 1 to 2 a day, and cut all alcoholic drinks to 1 - 2 a week. I actually don't have an official Sept date yet, but just had EKG and sleep study.... So that should be all I had left for approval. Maybe an official surgery date will help. Now I am struggling some with fast food, ice cream and carb treats. I have resisted a lot, but have not made the best choices. I do have a close family member in the hospital, that adds stress. So I just wanted that out here for support and accountability. Thx

I have been thinking about how I got to where I am now. How I got to be so unhealthy. I love food and food is a big part of socializing in American society. I was talking to a college friend of mine and they are big too. We came up with the following explanation. It doesn't fit EVERY situation but I think it is possible to sum it up for most bandsters. We are "Food Aholics" (FAs).We love food and like to socialize with others. The main difference between FAs and alcoholics and drug addicts is that you have to eat in order to live. We can't just abstain from alcohol or illicit substances. It's not possible for us to step away from our "drug" and continue to live life. We have made the conscious choice to make changes in ourselves and our lives by getting banded. We want to live our lives and be happier than we were. I think that some of us are "wired" for tastes of food. I love the taste of some foods. I love it so much that it goes to excess. That's how I got to where I am, I know it. I read a lot in the forums and my heart goes out to those that are chastised for getting the band or making choices that they are being judged for. I would advise that you focus on you and to hell with the nay-sayers. At the risk of sounding uneducated, "Haters gotta/gonna hate." There are some people that want you to stay bigger so they can feel better about themselves. You don't need those types of idiots in your life. If someone asks you how you are doing, and you told them about getting banded then educate them on how it works. The best remedy for ignorance is education. Good Luck!

The people I was working with would genuinely be concerned with me if I was sick. So being out of the office for a couple of days would have been noticable. I told people that I trusted, not people I didn't. If word got around, oh flippin well. I ate healthier than most of them any way. For me, my band is about helping with portion control. I was eating pretty darn healthy any way. Don't get me wrong, I love the occasional cheeseburger but who doesn't? No one ever said anything to me about "should you be eating that?" because I would say something right back about what they do. I agree with a previous post about people need to tend to themselves instead of you. We as (what I'm going to call us, if you take offense sorry) "food Aholics" (FAs) don't need to be chastised for any small misstep we may have. We FAs chastise ourselves enough and don't need others making us feel worse. The main difference between FAs and alcoholics and drug addicts is that you have to eat in order to live. We can't just abstain from alcohol or illicit substances. In order to live, your body needs fuel. Pretty soon we'll be told we can live on the nutrients in the air alone. Everything is bad for you, regardless of what it is. It's all bs, in my opinion. If you know in your heart that you have made some positive changes in your eating habits then $crew the rest of them. If you start doubting yourself, I recommend a food diary. Sucks to record everything but it shows proof of what you are doing to you.

LOL I've experienced this sort of this...both in my "real world", and in reading posts on this website! I'm amazed, almost daily, by the posts (here) that read "I'm X number of days post-surgery...when can I have (insert bad food/drink/behavior here) again??"! I rarely respond to those posts...sometimes its just better to keep my mouth shut... LOL As for people in my life, I tend to treat each question (and, Lordy, have there every been questions!!) as an opportunity to educate the other person regarding the realities of this surgery, and life afterwards. Oddly enough, the thing that seems to raise the most eyebrows is when I decline ordering a drink (and by drink I mean a non-alcoholic beverage) with my dinner. That really seems to throw waitresses right off their game! LOL Let people be amazed and bewildered by the lifestyle changes and choices we're making....maybe our example will make a difference in someone else's life one day!

Hey thanks for the info.im not a alcoholic bt do see myself having a drink here on there on special occasions.ill just keep it truthful to you n myself..yeah thts the info i had also.family members havent horrible stuff from youtube trying to scare me out of it.

I plan on not drinking ever again after the surgery because there is such a high rate of alcohol abuse in RnY patients. Alcohol is absorbed differently after the surgery. You get drunk quicker with a small amount and sober up quicker. Many patients find this enjoyable, and keep repeating the process. I mean, I could see myself having a small amt if wine on a special event like my wedding day lol, but I expect to avoid alcohol at all costs.

Whts the scoop on drinking with having the surgery??you tube has some horrible results.need all info.

Interestingly enough, I was just asked by a friend last night when I can drink alcohol again and was appalled when I said "probably never". Her idea of drinking alcohol is getting drunk and acting stupid. Someday I may be able to have a glass of wine or a craft beer, but honestly I have no desire for it.

I'm 20 days post-op and I've explained as much as I could to my friends and family what this surgery is all about. But no matter how much I explain it to these people, they keep asking me the "When can you have ____?" questions. You know, "When can you have ice cream again?" "When can you have hamburgers again?" "When can you drink alcohol again?" It seems all they're interested in is when I can start eating/drinking certain foods again. They just don't get it. I've tried to be patient and explain to them that it's not just a surgery, it's also a lifestyle change. But they seem to fixate on the whole "timeline" aspect of it. And they never stop to consider that the last thing I want to do is think about all the foods I can't have yet (or can't have anymore). And god forbid I tell them something like, "I can't have soda anymore," they respond with that wide-eyed "No!! Oh wowwww!!!" in a tone that clearly indicates galactic doom. It's just not what I need right now and I've had to brusquely tell them to stop talking to me about it. I feel bad, but I can't take it anymore. Has anyone else encountered this phenomenon?

I had a plethora of NSVs this week that I totally didn't even realize! It's probably a good thing since the scale hasn't been moving much (almost 5 weeks out). I need any kind of victory I can get! 1. went off the (low) diving board at a public pool for the first time in years! I have a torn meniscus and was always afraid I wouldn't be able to get up the ladder. I also had fears of snapping the board in half! lol 2. I went out to dinner for the first time since being allowed real food and stayed on the plan. I actually went out twice, got chicken once and seafood once (all baked or grilled)... had maybe two bites of the accompanying mashed potatoes and rice (forgot to substitute my sides). 3. Went out bar-hopping with college friends and didn't drink a single drop of alcohol! These friends do not know about surgery and I want to keep it that way for the time being. I had to get very creative since there were many toasts to the newly engaged friend and to my weight loss (ha ha- the irony). An 8oz bottle of Water fit great in my purse for my trips to the bathroom! lol 4. I actually went to bars both nights this weekend and made it home without stopping for fast food. I used to be the queen of 4th meal- Taco Bell, Wendys, McDs. I was ssoooo tempted (this was the hardest NSV) on my way home because I was actually hungry. Instead, last night when I came home I had a few salami roll-ups and tonight had some milk. 5. I finally joined My Fitness Pal and started tracking my food. It's definitely not as difficult or time-consuming as I expected (the reason I put it off). 6. I went to see my psychologist for the first time since surgery. I was seeing her long before surgery and she was actually the biggest advocate of this for me and facilitated the discussion with my mom because I was too terrified. Anyway... she didn't recognize me! Legitimately, she wasn't just saying that. I was wondering why she didn't say hi to me when I saw her sitting outside the building! Whoo hoo! As always, thanks for all the support! Love this place!

Sorry about your husband that can't be easy. I would be sure to work into the conversation that surgery was planned before hubby's indiscretion,and not a reaction to it.depression did not exclude me ,it's best to disclose it and how it is effectively being treated; meds,therapy ect. Remember surgery is a tool and you have to take responsibility for lots of changes in your lifestyle so any success along those lines are also worth mentioning ie. quitting smoking, drinking or drug sobriety especially if long term . Basically be honest and you should be fine, the nurse at my surgeon told me that in 11 years only 1 guy was disqualified ,he was an alcoholic in denial. Do you have support post op? A friend or sibling that can stay with you for a couple of days ? That is something you might want have in place before you disclose that your husband left. Don't say deserted to psychologist, say he chose to leave ,how you phrase things matters! Keep your chin up ,good luck and God bless you!

I like the Pure Protein bars. 20 grams protein, around 180 cals, 3 net carbs (17 carb - 13 sugar alcohol - 1 fiber = 3 net carbs... At least I think that is how that works!)

You were lucky that you were able to vomit. I drank too much a couple of months after being banded. Woke up in the middle of the night and tried to make myself vomit as usually that would help to make me feel better quicker. Needless to say i couldn't. It was the most horrible feeling. The positive part of that is I now try extra hard not to imbibe too much alcohol as I know how awful I will end up feeling. Hopefully your band is OK> I would baby it for a few days to give it a break and hopefully let it settle.

I have the same problem. I now limit myself to 1 (large) glass a night when I want it, but I go into it telling myself that I'm only allowing myself to drink because I will NOT allow myself to eat after consuming alcohol. I eat dinner before, and nothing after alcohol. thats my rule..out works for me

I totally understand. I have followed every single rule that they have set for me. Getting sleeved should not mean the end of all the things that made us happy. I can deal without the grease and junk food. I get that it will get me nowhere, but caffeine, COME ON doc!!! I'm not going to OD on it when the only time I consume it is through coffee. Funny story (speaking of condescending)....I asked my NUT when I could start having the occassional glass of wine. She literally looked down her nose at me and said, "We will talk about that at your next appointment, but you must remember that alcohol is nothing but empty calories." I wanted to look at her and say, "well so is Water, but you sure want me guzzling 64 oz of that crap a day!" Besides, I don't think there was ever a time in my life where I drank a beer because of how HEALTHY it was. DUH!!

LouiseC, alcohol = empty calories. Only a person with a hardcore drinking problem would dare sabotage their diet by drinking not one, but TWO glasses of wine! I can't believe you would do this to your body! So irresponsible. And to post it where newly sleeved folks for whom alcohol may pose a bleeding risk can see it? Tsk, tsk, tsk. Really, you should be ashamed of yourself. Now, see how ridiculous that sounds coming from some stranger on an internet message board?

i keep coming back to this thread and it makes me shake my head as a newbi it also makes me want to watch what I post honestly- what if I slip up and say I did and that’s it its full on your stupid get help tut tut bad girl?! I just want to say to no one in particular diet/zero soda ARE liquids they are mainly Water which you CAN drink in the liquid stage of the diet so frankly the day after the op you can drink it if its flat. Yes it happens to be fizzy unless you let it go flat, and yes it has alot of empty calories and some crap and crappy sweeteners but its still Fluid. Some of us have been told while it’s not ideal BECAUSE of the crap and empty calories in it but we can still drink it if its flat. Its in my paperwork on the pre and post op diets that I can drink it how it comes pre and flat post right there in black and white just because some of your were not told that doesn’t mean your right and we are wrong or vice versa! i mean god I was told not to drink tea or coffee or full fat milk all they give me in hospital was tea with full fat milk! I don’t get why people are jumping so hard on a person assuming he is chugging gallons of fizzy soda and dismissing everything told to him and being told in not so many words he is gonna stay fat or get fat again or going to stall so tough luck and we warned you! That’s pretty shitty to me honestly its like a bunch of ex smokers who go around telling you how bad it is for you all the time when they smoked 80 a day! Yeah we want support yeah we offer support where we can but frankly I am over the tutters and shamers! Please do not tell me not one of you tasted, licked, nibbled, drank a single thing you shouldn’t have since the op or never ever will for the rest of your life! No one is that perfect weather its alcohol a sweet treat takeaway whatever there is bound to be a slip somewhere along the lines no one is perfect and there is a reason within all of us that we got to the point of needing this in the first place! I think people who have been out longer than others forget their old life their habits and mindset. (not everyone just some i have seen around the forum) How hard it is sometimes to adjust and forget the head cravings or the emotional ones of just years and years of ingrain habit instead they are all knowing and just preach to the new people and scold them like kids. I have seen posts on this forum what people eat in the first week out and yes I shake my head and say F’ing hell! But I also know each person has their own struggles and own ways of rebelling in frustration and own demons with food and its pretty safe to say self sabotage. You don’t get to the stage we are at and not have tried diets and healthy eating before this is a brand new way of life some learn quickly some take longer some have more issues to work out before they get it but throwing digs and coming down on people not at your stage or not doing exactly what you did just hurts the person more than it helps. Say your concerned say they shouldn’t do it in your opinion, don’t get mean and personal and snide it doesn’t help anyone.

I'm a teacher too! I've been trying out different bars for Breakfast because I can't seem to get up early enough to get dressed much less make breakfast. Anyway, I tried one that contained those sugar alcohols...ugh....never again! My insides did not appreciate it at all. I had a Zone bar this morning-chocolate Peanut Butter. It was really good. No badness for the tummy. It was 200 calories with 14 grams of Protein. It did have 25 carbs which I know a lot of people on here are low carbers. I'm not.

Here's an interesting hypothetical. What if they had a surgery to cure alcoholism, or nicotine addiction? What if that surgery was available to everyone? Would the general consensus be that alcoholics and cigarette smokers are weak for having the surgery instead of quitting on their own? Would those surgeries have such a stigma?

50 Shaded is definitely a distraction lol. I started reading it when I first came home from the hospital. I just finished book 2. I didn't even think to look for sugar alcohols but when I ran to the bathroom I knew they had to be in there. I bought them because there was a Protein bar thread and people seemed to like those. I'll go back and try to find another. I always plan ahead, but looking for things to stash in my drawer that can keep.

What kind did you try? Had you eaten anything else with sugar alcohol in it today? My stomach has been very sensitive to SF candy but during my 4 month pre-op diet I sometimes had 2-3 Atkins bars a day and never had problems. I'm not sure which varieties have more SA but I would recommend the ones without chocolate. I got sick of the fake chocolate and towards the end I was only buying the oatmeal squares (so good in microwave), apple cinnamon bars and peanut nougat one (not sure of exact name). Unfortunately, I've never seen these ones sold individually but I will tell you WalMart carries Atkins products for MUCH cheaper than anywhere else!