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I agree, you need either a group, or even a very good friend you can talk to when your "funk" hits. Maybe don't blame everything you are feeling on your surgery, everyone at some time has all these feelings that you are having. Every day is not always sunny. The boyfriend issue can be coming from a few different ways, he wants to keep you the way you are and is afraid if you start looking sooooo good, he will lose you and you will be off to greener pastures. Or, it is the old saying...you can only change yourself and not someone else, and he does not want to change his habits, so maybe you better rethink trying to change him. Right now, just like a new recoving alcoholic who should not frequent bars, you should not be in fast foods. Now, I will tell you, down the road you will be able to handle that. I very seldom go but if I bring things home, I literally get a cheesburger and give half to the dog. Just a couple bites and I am satisfied. In the early mos. I followed to the letter, I am 7 mos. out now and have lost 80# and am very happy. I now pretty much eat what I want, just ever so small quanties and I am still losing about 2 pounds a week. If you need someone to talk to I will be more than happy, I am home all day..e-mail me and I will give you my # daryllarke@att.net..Sue

I just finished a 2 month plateau and it was frustrating. The basic problem, was me. Too many empty calories (ie: alcohol, sweets, carbs) and I also needed a fill. I was travelling a lot and eating too much and too often. I didn't gain weight, but I didn't lose any either. You've gone to get the fills/unfills, so it must be the calories. Seriously look at what you eating daily and add up the calories. That one glass of wine a day or that chocolate bar can mean the difference between losing weight or not losing weight. If all else fails, I've seen some members go back to the post-operative diet for a week (the dreaded protein shakes!) to get things moving again (and remind themselves of the rules). Good luck and keep us updated.

It sounds like you have a lot going on in your life so try and take it one day and one issue at a time . I also have reflux and have found a few things to do to keep it at bay. Do not eat late at night , slow waaaay down when you are eating and throughly chew your food . Avoid acid producing food and beverages such as alcohol and foods that just do not mix well. Keep your meals simple and make nutrition a priority, not what the scale says . I take an OTC acid reducer when I feel I have eaten to late or had some alcohol. It helps a lot . I had esophagitis and learned my lessons the hard way . Change is often hard for many of us , and if one goes back to doing as they did before banding ,your body will tell you . I disagree with taking pharmaceuticals as a crutch ,there are much more effective products available OTC , such as Saffron and CLA , check out LEF.org , do your research and find what works for you and your body. Banded in "08 and finally have settled into a rhythm and effectively dealing with the band . Work it ! and you will be successful. ~

Day 8 here of 14 days. Day 3 & 4 were the hardest. Suggestions for you are drink a lot of Water and keep busy. What also helps me is brushing my teeth after the shake. Use a non-drying non-alcohol based mouthwash like Biotene for Dry Mouth. Once you hit Ketosis your mouth gets a bit dry and the breath is pretty nasty. For me the Protein shakes are sticky in my mouth after a while. I exercise and I keep busy. I cleaned out closets, I've cleaned my files on my computer, I have gone through old clothes, looking for clothes that will fit eventually, I got rid of clothes that are already too big. Don't put yourself in situations where you will lose control. Don't go out with friends to eat, keep busy, get your stuff in order, relax and exercise. Go for a walk, keep your mind busy. Keep water at your bedside at night. Realize one thing, if you are doing 3 shakes and getting 80 grams of protein, you are NOT going to starve to death. You are getting plenty of nutrition, plenty of people live on these many calories or less a day. It will suck, yeah, but it will be worth it. Many have gone through it in the past and made it and many will be in the future, be determined you will get through it and you will. Good luck!!!!

I feel the same. It has been difficult on me this summer. I have completely stopped going to my parents lake house because all my family and friends do up there is party. HOWEVER the look on their faces when they see me next summer will will make it well worth it. Lol. The alcohol I will hopefully learn to drink in moderation cause in the past that never worked for me. Being 21 is prolly much harder then me being 23 and semi over partying as much as I use to. But I still feel for ya. Anyone who loves their alcohol feels for ya. In the end they don't want you drinking a lot because of liquid calories. In the beginning I think it's ulcers right after surgery. We will all eventually learn to adjust. Good luck!! :-)

thankyou all for the replies (good&bad, lol)! im getting the sense that ill find out about my alcohol tolerances on my own. when im ready, of course, & very slowly & wisely. i dont feel too bad about it anymore. thanx guys!

I was still on clear liquids at 2 weeks out!!! I couldn't imagine alcohol. I am 2 1/2 months out now and just had my first alcohol today - a couple sips of piña colada. I was buzzed fast and it was gone fast. It was too fruity! It was a trial since I'm turning 30 on Friday and I'll have something that night!!

Both my husband & I have been banded this year and have no problem telling people. I'm an open book for the most part and was happy to tell family & friends. These were people who were concerned with our weight and were happy to hear we were doing something about it and encourages us every time they see us. We even shared our surgeries with the restaurant we frequent. Reason being, we use to get everything from soup to nuts to dessert and even a drink or two before dinner. Now we get a bowl of french onion soup or a salad and a burger without the roll! No alcohol, no water, just soup/salad and a burger. If we don't finish and ask for a doggie bag, they're concerned if something was wrong with their food. Ha! So, we shared with a few of the wait staff who know us and told them the other night. They were releived to hear it wasn't their food as well as being happy for us despite losing some of our business!! It's ok, they won't starve, and neither will we. :-) Like someone else said here, if someone disagrees or thinks we took the easy way out, that's their problem, not ours.

I had surgery in January and still party with no problems. I've done mixed drinks, shots, wine - no issues at all. I normally indulge in alcohol on the weekends, so 3-4 times a month. And I went on a cruise at the beginning of the month and drank like a fish! LOL! You'll just have to determine what your tolerances are once you're cleared for alcohol.

I have the same alcohol tolerance as pre-op now. It just takes a little longer to work back up. Haha, I still party. Nothing has really changed. It only happens once a month or so anyway.

Hi Miami, These are all questions you can bring to your bariatric center/surgeon and they'd be able to help you with them. I haven't had the surgery but, I know a lot of the answers from my bariatric center already. Of course some of the questions are an individuals opinion too Is it 100% true your stomach becomes the size of 1 egg? Surgeon says about the size of one egg, holds 1 ounce. You need to eat 6 times a day?Based on Protein intake mainly. Although eating 6 small meals a day will keep your metabolism going. Do your stomach stay the size of 1 egg forever? Nope it won't if you eat too much at one sitting. You can stretch the pouch and therefore take in more food and actually gain weight after a while. That's why they stress eating slowly, stopping as soon as you feel you've had enough but, not FULL. Going beyond full and you face getting throwing it up and stretching it out. Are you able to eat a little normal after 6/12 months like 3 spoons rice with Beans or small chicken salad even if your eating 3 spoons of it? I'm told eating gets more "normal" at around 1-1.5 years meaning you can eat most foods with no trouble but, in smaller portions if you've followed the eating rules all along and haven't stretched your pouch. If you follow your diet according to your surgeon how much can you lose in 1 year all of it? Get to your goal weight. That is definitely an individual thing...everyone is different, everyone loses at a different pace and many factors can apply. You do lose the bulk of the weight the first year, each person has a different goal so can't really say we'd all hit it. How about sex does it get better? Well, another opinion but, I certainly would think feeling better in your own skin would make the whole experience better Do you think about surgery like why did I do this? Haven't had the surgery yet but, I did have the lapband and I thought that after surgery. Mainly after the first 3 days as the anesthisia (sp?) wore off. And of course on days where food just doesn't sit right but, in the end I always thought it was worth it. I'm sure I'll feel the same about the RNY. Does liquor bother your stomach? My bariatric center and the previous one always said to stay away from liquor. With RNY you diegest things different and the alcohol doesn't break down enough so you could get pretty sick and drunk from small amounts of alcohol. Story one person told us during an information session was she had RNY, she went partying with her friends and ended up losing 3 days of memory and her life. She passed out and didn't wake up for 3 days. Doesn't sound worth it to me. Do you feel moody & angry cooking for your family & not eating what others eat? Oh I think most would feel moody and angry sometimes but, it's up to you how to work through it. YOu may not be able to eat it but, for me cooking for my family is my love for my family. I can't eat it, but they shouldn't be punished because I can't. So yea...i may not be able to eat a lot of the things they do but, I sure in heck can join in on the family fun once I lose the weight and feel better about myself and can move more. That's worth not eating some of those meals to me. Any regrets? Can't answer this one yet...but, I don't forsee regrets. I had the lapband and loved it, I miss having that restriction that helped me feel in more control of my eating so I'm looking forward to the restriction. Would you do it again? Have to skip this one as I haven't had it yet. What's the hardest part after surgery & already heal normal life? Again, can only base on my lapband restriction experience but, the hardest parts were social outings that were based around food. I always brought something I knew I could eat and enjoy without guilt. Then I'd hold my Water and get away from the food table. After a while, family and friends just knew I wasn't going to eat more and wouldn't bug me. Hardest part is fending off the food pushers. How do your spouse see you? My spouse has been supportive and willing to help me anyway I need it. He's always encouraging even if I only lose half a pound or if I gained a pound. He knew with my lapband and I know he will when I have this done, just what to say to help me out. I"m lucky for sure. Are you sexier to spouse? Spouse often reminds me he loves me for who I am no matter what. So I know he'll think the same after and I sure hope he thinks I'm sexier as I start losing weight with this because he is the apple of my eye and I'd love for him to have a sexier woman in me hanging on his arm. Now your thinner you feel sexier having sex with light on? Hmmm another personal opinion question....I have a feeling I'll certainly enjoy our time together even more so once I'm thinner

Don't forget that alcohol is toxic and cam kill u'. Ur stomach is much smaller and u can easily over do it in 2 sips. People with was have died from alcohol poisoning. I choose Heath over alcohol or drugs.

Newme2012, I was banded 3/21/12 and have had 2 fills. First was 2.1cc and second time .9 for a total of 3cc. I believe that is 1.5 in port tube and 1.5 in band. I will be out of state and next apt fill is August 6. I really tried to get dr to add more with second fill. Either he is careful so I don't swell and can't eat anything or he likes to fill very slowly to bill insurance more times. I really understand your frustration. I am going to accept my journey will be slower than others and I am still losing some. I think this is more willpower diet than restriction. Too many people know and are watching for my transformation. I feel the pressure to change because I have tried everything in the past to lose but could never keep it off. I am making better, healthy choices and I do eat less. I no longer eat junk food, no deserts, no carbonated beverages, no bread, pasta, rice, no alcohol. I eat on a small plate or bowl. I eat only when hungry. I eat slowly and chew a lot. These are a lot of behavior changes that will improve my life forever however the weight loss takes. Keep up the good work bandsters, we will we will be victorious.

hey guys! I'm about 4 weeks out & I've been trying to get my head wrapped around the feeling of not being able to "party" like most my age. I say this because i know i'll never indulge in alcohol like my peers. I feel like I'm going to be missing the experiences and fun I should be having. anyone feel the same? (don't get me wrong, I don't regret my sleeve AT ALL)

Some people lose one addiction and pick up another, alcohol is an easy one to pick up, as well as gambling. Also certain alcohol, champagne, beer has carbonation and is not good for the sleeve and can cause bloating, gas and I've been told it could stretch the sleeve. Other drinks, with juices, margarita's etc. are high in sugar and not good for you either. Some people have stated that have tried things like wine with no ill effects but that's like several months out. I am not fond of wine myself and I love champagne and beer, but for a special occasion, I may try my hand at wine for big gatherings.

I think they say that because of the fear of transfer of addictions. Alcohol is very high in calories, so you can drnk but just tread lightly.

opps sorry supposed to be alcohol drinks, spell check didn't help me there:)

Hi, I haven't had my sleeve yet, I just did step 3 my psche eval, he told me I could never have alcohol drinks again, not that I drink alot but at celebrations I like wine etc, is it true that you never can have it again? just thought I ask, I'm going thru old posts to get all my answers but just thought I post, also no gum or straw uses? thanks for help Jenn

Some people feel tighter after flying. Some not. I feel tighter just from the stress of travel, no matter the mode. I take Protein Shake mix powder with me on airplanes.The liquid can be a problem with TSA rules. I bring an empty Water bottle through security then fill it up at a fountain after. Much cheaper than buying a bottle after. I also take Protein Bars, as often times airport food is so-so for band diets. I've been through the full body scan with no problem. Remember to stay well hydrated. A bit of dehydration can make a band feel tighter. Alcohol..I have it from time to time. Remember, it might reduce your resolve to eat right. I often get stuck if I am a bit tipsy because I forget to chew well and take small bites. Also take calories into consideration. You are newly banded, so follow your post-op rules.

Haa I have drank several alcohol drinks no explosion. I can not drink as much as before not because of change in effect of drink as some say but because I get full. Take care though go slow see how it effects you.

I am going to be going away on June 1st to a party in LA. I am flying out just for the weekend. Has anyone been on an airplane since being banded? What was the experience? I am scared my band will explode! Lol I also would like to know if anyone has ever had an experience with drinking liquor while banded? I know that there will be alcohol around. By the way I was just banded May 9th!

Gargle with biotene mouthwash asap. Don't worry it is alcohol free so it won't burn. You can get it in the mouthwash section at Walmart. It is for dry mouth and mouth wounds. My Dr told me about it when I got my tongue pierced and I've even used it when I had step. It does wonders and u will never use anything else

I don't smoke, but I will just pass along that my doctor told our pre-admissions class that they test for nicotine in the blood and urine on the morning of surgery. I kind of thought, That seems a bit extreme. I bet they don't really do it, it's just a scare tactic. I tend to be a bit skeptical, heh. Anyway, sure enough, I went to the hospital on the morning of surgery and the admissions staff confirmed I had orders for blood and urine samples, specifically to test for drugs, alcohol and tobacco/nicotine. I will say this - my surgeon took very, very great pride in his work and didn't look too kindly on increased chance of complication due to smoking when we were given clear expectations to quit. Whether it's because your surgeon cares about you, or cares about his stats,... if they say no, they don't mess around!

I'm a band to sleeve revision 9 weeks out. I think I eat WAY too much. I just got a smart phone so I could download My Fitness Pal. For the last three days, I have finally been keeping track of my calories. I'm eating around 1500 calories a day, which just seems outrageous. Also, I feel like I have just plain poor eating habits. Like my old habits are not going to die. Sugary things are really hard for me to get away from, and I crave carbs. I have been hitting my 60 g Protein requirement pretty early, so that's not too big of a deal. I do good on Water, too. I don't do pop or alcohol, and I don't crave those things at all. Also, I have come across nothing, literally nothing, that has given me trouble. Bread, rice, Pasta, everything goes down just fine. I've been stalled for a while around this 172 mark, so maybe that means I'm done. I'm a little disappointed about it, as I'd like to get down at least to my low with the band - 155 lbs. I guess what has me worried is that if I'm doing poorly right now, how the heck am I going to make this work in a year? In 5 or 10 years? I just don't know how to put my old eating habits to rest. Especially because I thought I had rid myself of my old eating habits with the band. I got to the point where I ate what I felt like, but it just wasn't much, and when I was done, I was done, and didn't think about it any more. Now I'm back to the old habits...obsessing about food and what I didn't finish, thinking about when I can have the rest of that sandwich, etc. I don't know, anyone have any thoughts? I'm just really nervous about this long term.

It's so weird how our docs have such different timeliness on when to consume alcohol...there's just huge differences. keepin it real