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Yay Sarah, so glad to see you here! When we "spoke" (through the magic of MSN Messenger!) recently, my heart went out to you, you seem to be suffering so much, in a circle of self-loathing and comfort eating - You HAVE to look at the weight you have lost with joy and respect. If you didn't have your band put in, you would more than likely weigh 50lbs more than your top weight. I am so glad you got the book - she specifically doesn't lay out exact diet plans but lists food's glycemic (sp?) index, ie how much of a sugar "hit" you are likely to get from certain foods - she has fructose syrup at one end of the scale, and wood at the other end! For people who haven't heard of/read the book, here is a quote: "While we think of sugar as a food, it is actually a drug - an external substance acting throughout the brain and body on cellular receptors designed for an internal chemical called glucose. Since glucose is usually the only fuel the brain can ever use, and is critical to mental clarity, mood states and the controlled release of energy in the body, it is astounding how cavelierly we sprinkle sugar, its inferior substitute, into everything from children's breakfast to ketchup. If sugar were to be put on the market for the first time today, it would probably be difficult to get it past the FDA...." I don't want to advertise this book - when I read it, the whole concept of the glycemic index of food was totally novel to me - but I now often see articles/books/tv programs about it - so if you are interested in this concept, or feel you may be sugar sensitive, you could check out any source really. What attracted me was, the title - I had just weaned myself off prozac - I had all the symptoms of depression, and was prescribed the drug, but it made me crazy - so I felt there was something else wrong - and kept researching until I fould the link between sugar addiction + MO + depression. She even mentions in the book how you are more likely to suffer from sugar sensitivity if you have a lot of alcoholics in your family, which I do, so this convinced me that I was on the right track. I am SHOCKED at the difference this theory has made on my life - that's all I can say. And Sarah, I really hope it helps you too - mostly tho, you should try to visit the support boards, and try not to get too isolated - you are doing brilliantly, considering the year you have just been through - I am thrilled for you and so proud of you.

Mandyjo, My Dr. put me on a low-carb pre-op diet for 2 weeks and I am on day 7 right now. I did check and I am in moderate to deep ketosis. Not for nothing, but I have lost 20 pounds in 7 days. I know it is mostly Water but I can tell you from past experience that being in ketosis really makes your body burn fat. Last year I went on the Atkin's diet and lost 120 pounds in 5 months. I gained it all back as soon as I went off the diet but that was because I ate everything I could put my hands on, and I am not exagerating. I counted one day and I ate over 6000 calories in one day and it was only 4:00 P.M. when I counted. :embarassed: The carb cravings are almost unbearable when you go out of ketosis and most people find it hard to go back into ketosis once they are out. I am a carb addict, so it is just like giving an alcoholic a bottle of booze after they have been sober for 5 months. It is disaster in the making. If you can maintain a ketogenic state, it may be helpful for you. Just be prepared to deal with the worst cravings when you eat too many carbs abd come out of ketosis.

Sounds like you're the likely designated driver! If you do drink be extremely careful. I've been told that one drink can put you over .08 since the alcohol doesn't get processed in your stomach at all, instead the raw alcohol hits the intestine and goes straight into your bloodstream.

If my husband told me that he specifically wanted any part of me to look a certain way because HE liked it like that, I'd kick him in the nuts, lol. That's for ME to decide and ME only, I dont look any way to please anybody but myself. My DH is overweight, probably has a BMI of 31, 32, pretty "normal" looking these days, but big beer gut. However he's also 40, works in a high stress, high pressure sedentary job, spends 3 hours per day driving to and from work and has had high blood pressure since his teens. He's reasonably fit, interested in exercise but the work of carrying his weight means he doesnt stand a chance of keeping up with me. I'd really love to see him lose weight so that we could run togther, etc, and I really really really dont want to be a widow at 50 when he has a massive heart attack. I dont push because like I just said above, I would find it offensive if someone told me they wanted me to lose weight, I just try to encourage. He's going to ask the doc for a referral to my lap band surgeon this month when he goes for his blood pressure check. But I doubt he'll follow up, he's seen how well its owrked for me, but he knows how weak stomached and bilious he is compared to me, he gets heartburn, he'll pick up any stomach bug going around and its just kind of assumed that he'll be the one with restriction issues, pb issues etc. He's afraid of that and I think he's afraid of being less of a "bloke" because he eats like a bird and doesnt want to guzzle 10 beers at the pub on Friday night. I think banding is much harder on men in that regard, there's a certain expectation about hearty appetites, alcohol consumption and business lunches that just isnt there for most women.

Yeah as some of the others have posted - what exactly are you eating to make up your food intake (fully 100% honest about every little bite, nibble or sip). Measure/weigh your food to account for everything. Do you have myfitnesspal? A number of us log everything in there. My username is the same as here if you want to friend me. I still drink alcohol (and probably more than I should) so that adds empty calories and is slowing my progress. I was banded Dec 16th. My doctor gave my first fill 6 weeks post op and my second fill isn't till 6 weeks later. I'm pretty hungry too but trying my best to control portion sizes. I'm eating more frequently but small little meals. I was given 4.8cc in my 10cc band and I'm hungry most of the time too. I never feel full, get the pain in the shoulder, hiccup, nose sniffles, or any other signal but just reach a point I feel I should stop eating. I feel like I'm just on a regular eat less diet. Are you eating gluten and could you have a gluten intolerance? I've heard of many people who eat grains / gluten of any kind will just pack (keep) on the pounds, stay bloated and stay hungry. If I have bread, I notice that the scale will add a pound or two for a couple of days. Also, are you working out? Even though the scale might not be moving, maybe you're gaining more muscle. Are your clothes fitting better? Have you had blood work done recently? Could your thyroid or some other hormone be off this keeping the weight on you? I wish you the best. It's definitely a struggle when you want to be in the green and no longer be hungry. I get that. I'm just trying to have the patience needed till I get my second fill next week.

I was on Protein shakes 3 weeks then started the other stages. Yiu have ti be real careful too. No processed sugar caffeine the list my doctor gave me goes on and on. No alcohol soda ever!! I was told. Hope it gets better for you hon. Sent from my LG-H631 using BariatricPal mobile app

Plenty of us are in therapy, myself included. The extra weight is often just a symptom of deeper issues. It's just that we can't hide it like other types of issues. It takes longer for people to realize someone has an alcohol or drug problem. For us, it's out there for all to see.

Guess others will have to be the guinne pigs for this experiment ;P LOL Did wonder about the amount needed though. When drugs can't be given IV in a code situation, you can give some through the breathing tube, BUT at 4 times the dose to do anything. Figured alcohol would require same 'dose' adjustment. IDK Need to keep every last brain cell I have ;P

Actually Protein and carbohydrates each contain 4 calories per gram. You might be thinking of alcohol, which contains 7 calories per gram.

I'm 19 and am a nursing student. I am 3 days post-op and am doing great. I would highly recommend getting the surgery done but you have to be ready to make a huge commitment to changing your lifestyle. Most surgeon's recommend waiting until at least 6 months after surgery to start drinking and then you should be aware that you are drinking empty calories so until you get down to goal weight you should really take it easy. Alcohol also absorbs quicker so you will be a cheap date. I wouldn't expect to go to parties and be able to drink like you used to. I'm in a sorority at college so know the party scene well but my sisters and I know that when I get back it'll be different than we are used to. You just have to be SUPER careful. I'm so excited to be back at my goal weight and be healthy again that all of these changes are SO worth it Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

I'm 22 and going into a health field as well after college. THe docs told me the same thing about alcohol. I've already decided that for a while I"m going to be just drinking cranberry juice and sip on it all night to keep the image up. It's good to see there are some people this end of 20 on this website haha. Good Luck with the surgery!

Susie, you will never to full on 1/4 of food!!! EVER. You need to get 3 oz of protein per meal. That alone is more than 1/4 cup. Grilled chicken and veggies is fine. Alcohol however is a no.

I haven't made it a secret that I'm seeing a therapist. I have other issues (marriage related) that I'm dealing with, but she's also helping me address my addictive personality. I HAVE a food addiction that I cannot indulge since being sleeved. She's helping me motivate myself to exercise and do other things. One of my favorite frustration busters is to take my tiny little 3 pound weights and do some arm work. The arm exercises let me feel like I'm hitting who/whatever is frustrating me. Walking also helps, even on the treadmill, because it lets me feel like I'm walking away from the problem. I was told by my pre-op psyche doctor that I WILL be an alcoholic. I'm working very hard to make sure that doesn't happen. I wasn't a person who drank before and I have no intention of starting now. The best advice I can give to emotional eaters is to find something else to do with your frustration/triggers for eating. Love on your kids, exercise, SHOP if that's what does it for you. Just find something to use so that you don't sabotage your weight loss.

You're still early enough in the process that exercise may not matter too much. It certainly helps, but lack of it shouldn't be preventing weight loss. So I'd examine other areas... Are you logging your food and Fluid intake? You should be getting in at least 60-80 grams of Protein per day and drinking 64+ ounces of Water. Are you drinking alcohol, fruit juices or sodas? Are you eating starches or sweets? Look closely and honestly at what goes into your mouth and you may find the answer. If not, I'd talk to your doctor or nutritionist for suggestions. A food log will help them to help you figure it out. Good luck!

You don't have to have fun with cigarettes or alcohol! However, choosing alcohol would be the lesser of the two evils. :thumbup:

Do any of your Protein drinks contain sugar alcohols like Maltitol? Or sucralose? Some people are sensitive to sugar alcohols and have bowel issues. If so, you might try experimenting with a product that has no sugar alcohols and see if it makes a difference. \ I hope you find relief soon.

That can seem like a lot of sacrifice, but success depends largely on your attitude. The difference between rapid, healthy weight loss and a bumpy road filled with complications and struggle may be as simple as the difference between saying “I can’t have that” and “I get to have that.” Here are examples of changing your attitude to improve your weight loss journey. From “I Can’t” to “I Can” There are plenty of things that you can’t safely do after weight loss surgery, such as overeating, eating high-fat and high-sugar foods, and drinking alcohol without restriction. Instead of thinking “I can’t” eat that when you are at a dinner party or restaurant, think “I can” have a better time than I used to before weight loss surgery by focusing on the people instead of the food. Don’t think, “I can’t” order a large popcorn and soda while at the movie theater with my friends. Instead, think “I can” fit in the seat now and enjoy the movie! From “I Have To” to “I Get To” Some of the daily tasks after weight loss surgery can seem like tedious chores, but think of them in terms of the benefits you get. For example, measuring each serving of food can be a nuisance and is something that you “must” do, but it is also something you “get” to do to help you lose weight, learn portion sizes, and stay in control. Similarly, taking your daily vitamin and mineral supplements and monitoring your health is something that you “have to” do, but you also “get to” enjoy better energy and improved health numbers, such as blood sugar and cholesterol, when you visit the doctor. It’s not that you “have to” go to the gym; more accurately, you “get to” go to the gym to enjoy your new, healthier body and make it stronger and leaner. From “I Lost” to “I Gained” You might lose some alone or family time each day when you go to the gym, but you gain it right back in quality. When you are in shape, you can keep up with your children, spouse, and friends. The time you spend with them is higher quality than when you might have been too heavy and out of breath to do anything but sit and watch from the sidelines. And, you can say that “I lost” the chance to go to the donut shop on the way to work each morning, but it is more accurate to say that “I gained” time and money from not going to the donut store, and also the self-respect from skipping the morning sugar load. From “Never-Ending” to “Constant Progress” The post-weight loss surgery journey is long…the rest of your life! You are bound to get discouraged if you think about the journey as a “never-ending” struggle. Instead, stay motivated by looking at your constant progress. For the first year and more, your progress can include regular weight loss, smaller body measurements and smaller clothing sizes. For years afterward, progress can include improved fitness or certain athletic milestones, such as completing a 5k run. Other progress might be reduced cravings for sugar, better relationships with your family and having improved health. Eliminate Doubts One of the most important attitude shifts you can make is from being doubtful to being confident. When you know that you are going to make the right decision, you do make the right decision. When you let doubt creep in, you are far more likely to make a regrettable decision. Each day, be confident that you will make the right choices. Think about what you will do, and not whether you will do it. If it helps, attach a reason to each statement. You will go to the gym as planned because it will give you momentum for the rest of the day. You will take your healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks to work so that you can get the protein and other nutrients that you need. You will walk past the secretary’s desk without slowing to look at the chocolates so that you can feel proud of yourself as you work in your office. You will drink the amount of water that you are supposed to because it will help you lose weight, stay awake, and be less hungry. As with so many other things in life, successful weight loss depends on you following certain rules and actions. Beyond that, your attitude makes the difference between being able to make the right decisions, and making decisions that you will regret later. Will weight loss surgery be a burden to endure, or will it be a privilege to appreciate? It’s up to you…and your waistline and happiness may depend on your answer!

I didn't drink alcohol till nine months post op (my doc recommended 12 months). I was always a lightweight w/alcohol but it's way worse now. 4 oz of wine gets me pretty tipsy - so much so that I will only drink it at home. I've heard people say that alcohol hits them hard and fast but it wears off quickly. I didn't find that it wore off quickly at all. I can't drink red wine anymore - it gives me severe heartburn. Whites are okay, as are pink wines like zins.

I hit my plateau 3 weeks ago and still holding. I have been on vacation for the past three weeks and ate almost anything I liked. Even had some alcohol. As soon as I started to gain a few pounds I felt miserable! Am home now and need to behave. Actually going back on protein shakes for a few days. I had my surgery April 5, 2007 and have lost 41 lbs. so far. I have a had time feeling hungry or full. My doctor seems concerned about this.

I never told anyone other than immediate family.... I go out with my friends, people from work all the time...while they are devouring greasy burgers, etc, I am very picky about what I eat, and go for the healthiest choices I can. Plus I eat like a bird. If the menu has nothing but junk like a lot of chains do, then I eat nothing...and I will tell the people I'm with why the menu is not good......I also stopped eating meat after lap band surgery. And I am one who would eat an entire large pizza at a sitting...now I wouldn't (couldn't) touch it... You will be surprised at the respect you will get from people...you will be one of the unique ones..admired for taking control of your life, being health conscious, more active with a exercise routine, looking at life from a different angle. And, when the weight starts to come off, it only multiplies. The lap band forced me to change my lifestyle, but no one needs to know that...I am after all the one getting educated and making the healthy choices. As far as alcohol, well that's a hot topic around here....listen to your Dr. thank you for your input @@B-52 , be alert I'm brand new to this world ,also i live a very private social life when it comes to me going out to dinner or drinks, is not like i dine until a point that i can't breath , is just that most of my friends on days off , meet for dinner or drinks, and since only a few chosen one are alert of my decision for surgery , so is going to be a bit hard to deal with, questions... also I'm always traveling, staying in all-inclusive resorts, unlimited food and drinks so , I'm just curious how would handle it. #dontjudgeme , i can't wait for this adventure . surgery in 2 days .

I'm at 5.8 cc in a 10cc band. Yes that's a concrete number but I think the 'tightness' also varies by patient. I've read that some people have up to 8 or 9 cc's in their 10cc band. For you to still be gaining weight - do you keep track of every single bite that you eat and sip that you drink (including ice cream and/or alcohol)? Are you doing any nibbling with the 3 year olds snacks? Taste testing the temperatures? That will add up. Do you have a mfp account that we can look at your diary entries? What does your calories count look like? How's your protein intake? Do you eat protein first? If you're getting stuck with everything you're eating and chewing it really well then yes, I'd say you're too tight. Are you taking small bites to begin with? My fiancé cuts up my meat as if I was a 3 year old - actually maybe even smaller than that lol. I try my best to take the proper portion and eat it slowly one bite at a time. Could you be eating too few calories to where your metabolism has slowed to a crawl? I know if I don't eat enough protein I'll be super hungry really quickly. I know if I eat too little the scale will slow down too or make me gain. If all else fails - have you had your thyroid tested recently? Could your gain be due to a hormonal issue?

Excellent analysis of hte problem. I went on line and took the low thyroid test and I have like 9 out of 10 symtoms.... losing hair, dry skin so bad that it turns white if I don't lotion up daily, I don't tolerate heat or cold, I had a very hard time conceiving my 3 babies, and the house temp is 70 and my feet are freezing!!! I'm tired with no energy. But whenever I have my thyroid tested with blood tests it comes up low normal. It's at the very bottom of the normal scale. I haven't had it tested in a while though. Last time I went to the weight loss clinic they did an xray of me swallowing the chalky stuff. They said it was fine. They then sent me to a nutritionalist who told me to go back on the South Beach. I've been on Atkins and South Beach for 8 yrs now and I'm sick of it. I get sick just looking at eggs in the morning. How long can a human stay on a diet?? I cannot stay on it but I do try to eat protein with every meal because it satisfies. The Lean Cuisine meal had little protein. So it didn't keep me long. I'm thinking I just have to get used to being hungry. I ended up getting up at 2 a.m. and eating a banana. I had heartburn so bad and I think it was from not eating and taking my pills. I have not kept a journal. We eat out a lot because we travel. We have family in just about every state in the US. I try to pick healthy things though. Today we took Lily to Wendy's for lunch. I ordered the chicken wrap. I left the wrap and just ate the chicken and I could feel it getting clogged so I stopped, wrapped it up and finished it at home where I could upchuck if I had to. The chicken was tender but thick. For Breakfast I eat soft because I can't tolerate much at all. I take 3 graham crackers and put thick natural Peanut Butter on them... makes a sandwich and a half. I dip it in coffee to soften it. That's all I eat until 12 or 1. Then I will eat Soup, or a Protein shake or egg salad on whole wheat crackers. I can't tolerate bread at all. For supper... that's where I think I overeat. It's like I'm so hungry from not eating enough during he day that I'm familished. I make family meals... meatloaf, potatoes and veggies and eat all but the potatoes (sometiimes do take a bit.) Yes, I sometimes taste Lily's Cookies. I buy her those tiny tiny ones... tidbits. I'll eat about 4. Before bed I eat a Skinny Cow icecream, but I smear the natural peanut butter on top so I get the protein to keep me til morning. If we eat out I like to order Chicken Souvaki or a salad with chicken on top. We have a great soup and salad bar place we like. Sometimes I crave pizza. We go to Pizza Hut and get the thin crispy crust and i eat one piece. I do not imbibe in alcohol except 1 glass of wine on New Years Eve. I drink decaf coffee in the a.m. with cremora (no sweetener), Decaf tea in the afternoon, Another coffee an hour after dinner, and Water the rest of the time. Have I been getting exercise? Not since my foot surgery in Sept. I can walk now and we just joined a gym.

I started drinking at 6 weeks out. Try a small sip first to see how it feels. Don't go crazy or anything the first time as tolerance changes post op. and, keep in mind that alcohol is liquid calories and adjust your day accordingly.

I'm 2 1/2 years out and haven't had a drink since surgery. I really, really miss alcohol. I quickly lost 150lbs, but at about the 2 year mark, the weight loss stopped and I have gained back 10 lbs and I now feel like I did before surgery where everyday is a struggle to watch my diet. Now eating at levels where 1 year ago I would lose 4 lbs a week, I now gain weight! It is very unsatisfying and scary. It feels like I now gain weight at calorie levels where before I would lose. That all said, I just don't see how I or anyone can fit in the extra calories of alcohol and have any hope of losing or maintaining weight. Of course you can have a sip or a drink or two, but if you are like me, a sip or a drink will soon turn into a few, and then you'll have to cut back somewhere else, and then the whole struggle starts all over...? Maybe that is too pessimistic, but for me that is what I had to do, and I am learning even that is not enough. Good luck.

I was concerned how I would be able to handle my first vacation after being sleeved. Just got back yesterday and I have to say it was a success. We do enjoy eating out on vacation and we still did eat out a lot, but I was very careful with my choices. I ate chicken but when I got bored with that, I had spare ribs (could only eat two); smoked turkey; steak; and grilled shrimp - all in very small portions. I ordered the smallest portions I could (sometimes ordering off the appetizer menu). I listened to my stomach and stopped as soon as I felt that restriction. I did walk at least four miles everyday on the beach. We were also with my sister and her husband and she had a harder time with what I was eating. She kept saying she felt bad for me because I couldn't eat much, but I kept telling her don't feel bad for me because I don't feel bad and I do feel good about myself. The truth is I did miss eating all the usual vacation type foods a bit - ice cream, alcohol, chocolate, Italian food etc. but I am down 40 pounds and as they say - nothing tastes as good as being thin feels. But I only missed the foods for the moment, once that passed, I felt good about my choices. It also felt good that I was able to wear clothes on my vacation that I hadn't fit into in years. I still felt self-conscious in a bathing suit, but that is my insecurity. I hope that once I am down to my goal weight (40 pounds to go) I will be able to occasionally enjoy some treats. For now I feel good, I am thrilled with my progress and am looking forward to many more vacations with my newer slimmer body! Thanks for all your support!