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Going to the seminar is a good start. You may even want to consider counseling. food addiction is very real and a lot of us need help to battle it. It's not like alcohol where you can just never drink again, we have to eat many times a day to live, so our addiction is always in our face. Btw, I too was/am a food addict big time. The band doesn't and can't cure that, but so far I have been able to keep it under control since being banded.

My brother was 429lbs before surgery. He is now 165lbs and needless to say his life has changed dramatically. One big thing I've noticed is his increase in alcohol consumption. HE NEVER drank as much as he does today. After work...its nothing for him to grab a 6 pack (a night) and finish his appraisal work on the computer with drinking. 2-6 beers (a night) is a typical range for him now....with the average being around 3-4 beers a night. Being that I have a behavioral background, my theory is he now has this increased desire to be social(because of his new found self image and overall zest for life from being alot thinner). Being that the American Lifestyle involves drinking when socializing.....he now drinks more..... (they go hand in hand). People with Weight Loss Surgery typically have been "in the closet for many years" (in terms of being very social). My theory is (because of this) they tend to overcompensate their social desires by going out ALOT more (especially when the weight loss has come off). Going out alot more....(in an American Culture) definately means alot more alcohol tendencies and temptations. P.S. Another theory is he is missing the mental stimulation (i.e. endorphins) that he used to get from food. His body still craves these endorphins....so he gravitates towards alcohol because he can't get that from eating a mass amount of food anymore.....alcohol is a very easy thing to replace and get these much needed endorphins. Just my theory

sorry, I dont know what happend but I will continue with my comments to you. I have realized over the last 2 years that food will probably always be an issue for me just as a diabetic deals with constant issues regarding carbohydrates. I somehow hope that I can come to terms with my issue though realistically I believe that I will never be able to go back to pre-band days because I have an addiction to overeating - just like my husband will never be able to drink again because he is an alcoholic. So for me, and maybe for you as well, we somehow need to be able to come to terms with our food addiction and be ok with the fact that we had a problem and now we have a tool to help remind us ( afterall, if I overeat the consequence is throwing up and I don't like that). There are times when I push myself but those times are rare. It seems that you are moving in the right direction by searching within yourself and not living in denial about the food issues. Over time, maybe we can remove the "food" as you mentioned in your blog and perhaps we can be cured? until then, I try to take each day at a time along with reminding myself that this has been one of the toughest decisions I have made ( choosing to have the lap band) because it has taken away one of the most enjoyable aspects of my life ( eating whatever I wanted). I have grieved on many occasions for the life that use to be with food and this is hard for non-lap band people to understand. I wake up each morning with a smile on my face knowing that i can face the day with being depressed about being fat -wow, what a difference that has made in my life that I would never want to give up. Hope this helps, this is the first time I have shared my feelings with anyone because my husband is the only one that knows about my lap-band, I have always been too ashamed to share it with anyone else ( my issue). Take care, Noelani

Your risk for alcohol addiction increases after weight loss surgery. Be careful! Thankfully, I've had to quit for pregnancies enough that I no longer care if I drink or not... now, cigarettes, that's my Achilles' Heel.

I share some of the same challenges in terms of being single and feeling like being a hypocrite. I also have another perspective I wanted to share that I think you might want to think about. I had a different WLS 15 years ago, the gastric banded gastroplasty. I actually did pretty well, and about the 160# mark I met someone. I was in my late 20's and although I had dated some prior to that, it had been many years at that point since I had been in a serious relationship. I got immediately sucked in by all the feelings a person experiences when they have the attention of another person paying attention to you. I was feeling great with my transformation and all the attention I was getting. Here is the problem. He wasn't really all that overweight, a potbelly, but he had horrible eating habits. A few months into the relationship I did tell him I had had WLS, and expressed that I really needed to start eating better. I was constantly tempted around foods that were not going to help me stay on track. It wasn't that he wasn't supportive of ME doing it, but he had no intentions of changing his ways which in a way I guess isn't totally out of line. It would have been nice if he would have taken some steps to improve his eating habits while we were together, but he didn't seem all that affected by his poor lifestyle choices. Moral of the story, I ended up regaining about 30# in that relationship that lasted about 2 years. I'm not blaming him, but I'm just going to say that being around someone who doesn't share your same healthy lifestyle habits is like drinking in front of an alcoholic everyday. That's pretty tough, ESPECIALLY when someone is still trying to get to goal or even at maintenance. I have tried some online dating at this point, and although I'm not now due to my busy schedule- because of that experience I just mentioned, one of my criterias when dating is that it isn't about what they look like as much as their lifestyle habits. Ok, so logic says if they aren't at a healthy weight then their eating/ exercise habits may not be great which is quite possible but not always. I will not get in another relationship where the other person does not already practice healthy lifestyle choices. That doesn't mean I expect or even want someone who is a gym rat- that doesn't appeal to me either. Think about what you need to support you in your life goals and this should include your desire to reach or maintain your goal weight. It's not hypocritical in my opinion to turn down being in a relationship with someone who is overweight because I'm not turning them down because of their weight but because I don't think they are healthy for me. I hear periodically of situations where people start dating and they become motivated by that other person to become healthier as well. They have to want to do it for themselves or it won't last, but I guess I'm just saying don't be afraid to set your own standards and stick to them. I also concur with the others about just dating to have fun. You can find a way to slide into the conversation that you haven't been dating in awhile and just want to meet a bunch of people right now so that he knows up front that you aren't interested in getting serious. This way if he asks you out again, he won't automatically assume it has as much to do with his looks as it might be that you are out "shopping" around. Have fun with it!! I wanted to add one last thing here. I ended up regaining a bunch more later on, but because I had already regained approximately 30#, I got into a really bad pattern that I wasn't able to stop. Don't let this happen to you!

I had one sometime in the middle of the second month, though I probably could have had one earlier given all the other "normal" type foods that I had been having before that. I have evolved into having the Quest bars when I have one as they have one of the best protein per calorie ratios out there, I like several of their varieties, they have little or no sugar alcohols in them (depending on variety - many people have problems with sugar alcohols), and they have a lot of fiber which most of us can use.

I fly several times a year... the first time post-op was about 10 days after surgery. On occasion, I might have a little discomfort, but since the most I do is drink a bloody-mary mix (not the alcohol... who wants to spend that kind of money on an airplane) and some nuts, it's not a problem. Flying is no problem at all with the band.

You must be planning one helluva party! I see posts from you about alcohol, and another about cocaine and ecstasy!! Not judging, just observing! Be careful, give yourself some time. My surgeon advises to wait six months for alchohol, made no mention of weed or hard drugs What does your surgeon advise?

hey everybody I'm 5 weeks out when is it safe to have alcohol

I would'nt worry about non alcoholic drinks as long as your pouch is empty.

Thanks! One more question, can drinking (non alcohol) too much cause the pouch to stretch as well?

Thanks everyone for your posts...I never thought about the addiction aspect. Alcoholism runs in my family so you would think I would be more careful. This surgery has taught me a lot about myself and I'm still learning. I am going to be more careful and smart in my decisions about drinking - thanks again!

Calm down, you can do it. If I can do it anyone can. I am 4 weeks post op tomorrow and before surgery I was a BIG drinker (not alcohol) water, nothing but water, had crystal lite in it but water. Probaby a gallon a day like you. But since surgery you just tell yourself you have to do this. Now on some of my days I get thirsty after a meal and I cannot wait till my hour to hour and half is up and drink but most of the time I eat fish and veggies and I am not thirsty. It will all work out for you, I promise. Like I said, if I can do it you can to. Donna

#1. I agree, around 6 weeks. #2. Regarding the fruit. Fruit is high in carbs and most diet plans want you to keep your carb intake fairly low. Also, many fruits are very fibrous and can cause a blockage(stuck episode) and that's not something you want so early in your recovery. #3. Jean's right again. Worthless calories. I've allowed myself one beer or one glass of wine per week. Sometimes none and sometimes two. I've found I really don't miss alcohol as well as many other foods. #4. Most doctors and nutritionists do recommend no fluids up to 15 minutes before and 60 minutes after a meal. I have to say I don't follow this rule and I'll tell you why below. I drink right up to a meal. Sometimes, if I'm excessively tight, I need the liquid to help my meal pass through my stoma(not often). I will also drink right after a meal but only if I have satiated my appetite. But, you should follow your doctors advice. Now my caveat. As we all travel down our own paths with our bands, we all find ways to make it work(or not) with our bodies. In the beginning I followed the rules as closely as anyone. But as we became familiar with each other(me and my she-band) I've made some adjustments that work for my band and also aid my weight loss journey. Such as drinking during or after a meal. I found that sometimes I had to drink just so I could consume enough of my food to keep up my nutrition levels. I've never drank fluids just so I could eat more food. I'm the one in control over this element of my weight loss plan. You are not here yet. And it takes time to get to the green zone and understand how your body communicates with your band. For some, it's 3 months and others, years. So be patient and follow the rules till you have some experience under your belt. tmf

Hello all. I had the Realize Band put it on 6/13 and have now lost approximately 17 lbs. A friend of a friend, who had bariartric surgery turned me on to obesity.com and that's how I found this website. I am rapidly approaching 60 years of age and could not take the weight off myself. I have probably gained and lost the weight of two people before this surgery, and this will be my last. My doc is very nice, but there is not a lot of communication so I find corresponding with people and reading these topics very helpful. I do have some questions for all of you out there: 1) When can you begin a regular exercise program, like Curves (this worked for me before, so I want to try it again) 2) When can you start to introduce fresh fruit and leafy greens into the diet? I'm allowed to begin eating regular food again this week, but the diet plan excludes fresh fruit and leafy greens and I have no idea why. 3) Can you ever have wine or other alcoholic beverages? 4) Do all doctors prohibity the consumption of fluids for an hour before meals and an hour after meals? Why is this? Thanks for all your postings and keep your fingers crossed that I am able to make the long journey with all of you.

I don't know you so I don't know about the alcoholic thing, but please keep in mind if you're drinking every night then to excess (because you feel crappy the next day) every Friday night, you are drinking a lot of alcohol. Unfortunately for us, alcoholism does rise in people who have WLS of any sort. The reason being is, many people simply trade their food addiction for a new addiction. Just be very careful.

I was wondering if anyone has experienced increased alcohol intake after the band...I know it's empty calories, increases appetite, etc. etc...I know all about the bad stuff but I have had a hard time getting that through my brain because it seems like I am thinking, "well, I can't really eat so I might as well drink...". I know, it sounds crazy. I am proud of my accomplishment and I know that I look so much better and feel so much better...I need to figure out why I am doing this! Anyway, after a weekend of drinking, I am going on a hiatus to detox my body...lol. I am not an alcoholic - I drink a glass a wine every night or have a sugar free margarita and then on Friday my husband and I go out with friends and drink quite a bit - enough to feel crappy the next day. Just wondering if anyone has had this problem..and don't crucify me, please!!!

I would say my negatives are hair loss, not realizing what rapid weight loss would do to my body (flabbiness), and upper left chest pain (this comes on when I eat too fast and it's very painful). Other inconveniences...having to buy new clothes which can be expensive, having to exercise...lol...drinking expensive protein shakes...and for some reason increased alcohol intake although I don't know why other than I'm happy with my weight loss, can't eat as much so I end up drinking more...idk...but I am very happy with my decision and wouldn't change it for the world!

I think an addiction is an addiction no matter what it is, food, drugs, alcohol....... There comes a point of getting sick and tired and a willingness to change something... I am still on my journey but when I see people larger than myself I have compassion because I feel their pain.......

I'm going to have to agree with Jean on this one. It sounds to me like you may have more than one addiction and yes they are addictions.....don't kid yourself. YOU aren't in control. I would highly suggest seeking assistance with the other substances. In turn when you do have lapband you'll be much more successful. Discuss all of this and be honest with your Dr, Psych, and above all else...yourself. I have experience with both and while yes, there may be a very select few who have managed, they are the exception to the rule. Think about your family memebers whom you have lost. Marijuana is a carcinogen and make no mistake is not good for you. Alcohol is really no different than a candy bar....you can have it, but you really shouldn't. I wish you good luck and hope you do what is right for you. In the end it is up to you. X

CAN you smoke pot and drink alcohol after band surgery? Yes. SHOULD you? No. I think you're going to have to search far and wide to find a bariatric surgeon who would approve of a patient's drug & alcohol use, and if you're not honest with your surgeon, you're not going to get the help you need with anything - weight loss, drug use, depression, anxiety, etc. etc. The basic issue as I see it is this. I know for a fact that to succeed at weight loss after band surgery, and to avoid unpleasant side effects and serious complications, you're going to have to change your behavior. You say that this is a lifestyle change, but I can't see anything in your post that indicates you're willing to change your lifestyle. Your lifestyle now seems to revolve around dope, alcohol, and school. School's fine, but if it doesn't allow you enough time to exercise now, how is that going to change after surgery? If you can't or won't regulate your drug and alcohol intake, how are you going to regulate your food intake? There is nothing in the band that will magically make you lose weight. All it does is help reduce your hunger and appetite. You must still make good food choices, practice portion control, exercise, avoid emotional/boredom/stress eating, and so on. I don't think that a habitual user of weed or alchohol is able to see the problems associated with that habit. My husband used to smoke dope every day. When he thought he was acting fine, he was acting like an idiot. There is no way he could have maintained the self-awaress to regulate his eating behavior. Eating with the band requires a lot of attention and focus to avoid side effects. I don't know how you're going to do that when you're in a happy haze every day. And by the way, after my husband quite smoking weed, he lost 30 lbs. So in summary, I don't think you're ready to have weight loss surgery. In my opinion, your depression and anxiety, and your drug and alcohol use, all need attention more urgently than your weight issue. I know my post will come across as harsh and unsympathetic, but when you ask a question in a public forum, you're going to have to take what you get. I'm not unsympathetic. I know how hard it is to live with depression, anxiety, and obesity. So, please take this post as tough love.

Whilst new to the lap band, i have traveled on a number of cruises and long term holidays and successfully avoided gaining weight on holidays. A few tips I can recommend, especially for cruises: - Keep active! Look at offshore activities that involve more sport, swimming, diving, snorkeling, adventure activities etc. Use the time on shore to walk around and explore the town and ports. Additional exercise will help burn off any extra treats you do have. - I also aimed to spend the daylight hours outside or on deck in the pool. Being in a bikini or swimsuit more often will also make you avoid wanting to eat too much. - Alcohol, i'd focus on enjoying a few very nice drinks (either top shelf or a cream free cocktail) rather than a night of getting plastered. - Drink plenty of Water. I've been surprised how little water many people drink, while on cruises especially. I've never had to fight anyone to get to the fresh water vs the soda machine or bar! Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day. Often the buffets have fresh lemon and lime as well to make it taste better. Alternatively a herbal tea can be a pleasant end to a meal vs a heavy milky coffee. - Stick to a plate or portion size your used to. If your at a buffet, no need to take multiple plates or a tray if you want to stick to a single plate. - Use the opportunity to taste various items at the buffet, just dont eat a full portion of everything you try. You'll be shocked how much food others leave behind so you wont look out of place at all. - Soups on board cruises are great. After an active day, lunch was often a Soup first then i would see if i was still hungry before seeking more food. - Keep a book or magazine with you if you have some time free or if you end up on your own.Travelling alone quite often, i find even if I do have to eat out by myself, having something to read makes me eat a lot slower and I enjoy my food. Hope some of that helps! Enjoy your cruise!

This was something I blogged on another forum site that I used to use quite often..... It was dated October 30, 2010...... So I am the one that a month out from surgery was pushing to be able to drink. Just a little I said. Just a glass of wine I said. Well they are not kidding when they tell you it is not a good idea. I started drinkin a month out and did not quit until last Saturday. And that is after being put into detox and then into the mental health unit at u of m. I was in detox before this and tried tried tried but just failed at quitting. It took me being sent away from my kids, my husband (who is now on his last straw with me), my job, and my life. It took me feeling like I was at the end of my rope, considering and partially acting on taking my own life. Dear Alcohol, I love you. I LOVED you. You were there when no one else was. You were there when I needed to feel better. You were there when I was sad and wanted to be happy. You were there when I was uncomfortable and you gave me comfort in my self. You gave me self esteem. You helped me be more social, more alive, more of a person with a personality. But I must say good-bye as I have opened my mind to the possibility that perhaps you are the most fake love of my life. You made me believe in you yet you tried to take everything away. You tried to make me fail, and guess what.....I am not gonna. I may have caused my loved ones much grief, much embarrasement, much resentment, and I cannot change that, but I can turn it around starting now. Everyone makes mistakes right? I cant change what has happened but I can only choose to try and be better now. So farewell my beloved fake friend. I hope to never see or feel you again. God grant me the serenity..... Love/Hate, Mandy This was a few days later..... Thank you all for all of the encouragement!! There was another thing that I had wanted to add. During one of my "detox stays" my blood alcohol was .39 and that was at least 4 hours AFTER I had stopped drinkin!! AND, I was semi-normal acting/feeling.......dont get me wrong, I was drunk, but didnt feel or act THAT drunk! I could have died. I could have left my young girls motherless and my husband a single dad. Alcohol really does affect us different now!! And yet, I still had more episodes, one even harsher. This would have been in December, my birthday weekend, of 2010. That was my last time I was kept in the hospital. I did some more outpatient, some aa, and here I sit today. A little more in control..... Just, BE CAREFUL friends! IF you think it may not be a good idea, SKIP IT! IF you think it may be something you can handle.....DONT RISK IT!!!! Much love

Well, I have experience with both alcohol and grass. I drink daily and smoke daily, I have been banded for 3 years, I am at my goal weight for the most part. My band is filled and eating is slow, I actually should have some taken out so that I can eat more whole foods and stop eating so much processed junk food. Anyhow, drinking is something that I have no problem with, I am able to drink one after another all day, beer, mixed drinks, whatever. Now I do have to remind myself to eat because I often skip Breakfast and sometimes have a drink before eating anything for the day but I still drink about half my calories ~1600-2200+ a day in alcohol. (Probably not recommended for everyone.) Be careful of too much carbonation in the first months especially while you are healing and still careful after that too prevent stretching of the band. TIP: I sometimes open a beer and leave in the refrigerator for a couple hours before I drink it to knock some of the carbonation down. As far as reefer goes, it actually helps my belly settle after a large meal, or while eating sometimes I get a little backed up. A toke off the pipe VERY MUCH helps with instant digestion, especially if you cough a little. Hope that helps, peace brother.

..i had red wine and its not a problem.... only thing is, there is no more weight loss when we have alcohol, or at least there isnt with me. my body is very efficient at using very small amounts of calories now. im going on a cruise early nov... would like to have a small amount of wine then as well. im hoping that swimming will help my metabolism to step up a notch.