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Alcohol - of the rubbing sort Same way you get price stickers off of glass frames :thumbup:

alcohol swabs:thumbup:

30-40 pounds in one month is not exactly healthy. I suggest you push your surgery out one more month in order to give yourself time to learn to eat more correctly. Less of a shock to the system that way. 30-40 in TWO months is still tough, but much safer IMO. To get there, you MUST 1) make sure you get enough protein every day, every meal if possible, (it really helps with the hunger), 2) limit quantities at EVERY meal (you want to shrink your stomach some) and 3) REALLY cut back on the carbs, ESPECIALLY sweets and any beverages with sugar or alcohol. You CAN do it, but this whole process is as much a mental thing as physical. Good luck!

Ok, now ya got me scared again! I do have reflux, but it's normally associated with eating just before going to bed or drinking alcohol. Neither of which are uncommon in people over 50. That's the only thing "wrong" with me to date. My new PCP didn't seem too concerned and gave me a script for Nexium, it was great, so far no new problems. I do see the new doc for follow up on 7/11.

Its harder to get a to go box (or doggy bag as we call them) in Australia, its actually against health regulations, but sometimes the restaurant will do it. What I do when I go out to eat - which applies more so now that I have no fill than when I had good restriction - first off, I never order something I know will be huge, yummy and very hard to leave on the plate. Just. Dont. Order. It. I stick with the entree menu or size (which I think for you guys is an appetiser) rather than the main meal in anything that resembles a pub, bistro or smorgasbord because "pub grub" is huge, stodgy and megacalorific. I would never ever for example order a chicken parmigiana - I know it will be as large as a dinner plate, come with a heap of chips and I will have great trouble stopping. I've learned to stay away from the bread, many's the time when I had restriction that I'd give in and have a nibble on the garlic bread that the rest of the table had ordered, a sip of wine or two and then bam, stuck and even though I've never actually pb'd in that sort of situation,its really annoying and embarrassing to then be unable to eat even a bite of your nice meal that you paid a lot of money for. Again, Just. Dont. Eat. It. But finally, for me anyway, going out for dinner or lunch is a treat, I dont do it more than once or twice a month. food is to be enjoyed, and shared in social situations as well as being just fuel and it is actually OK to let your hair down (in a controlled manner) occasionally. We all know that caesar salads for example are hugely fattening, but I darn well love em and I'm going to have one if I feel like it. I try to keep the wine to a minimum, I like a nice wine, but more than a glass and my eating control tends to go out the window. For long afternoon barbecues and such when I can start out good and then hit the cheese platter in a disastrous way hours later, I ban myself from drinking alcohol at all.

@@Destiny66 hello I don't know how strict your program is but my surgeon was very strict if u gained he wouldn't do the surgery 6- 10lbs isn't horrific get on south beach phase one today no carbs sugar pasta rice bread etc proteins and vegs only no soda no alcohol exercise as much as u can u should lose most of it hopefully if your only up a 1 lb or 2 they will overlook it lol good luck to u

My clinic has had a few people "blow over" and so their protocol is now no alcohol for life. That's fine with me I'm not much of a drinker - maybe 5 or 6 occasions a year pre-op so I won't miss it. The only problem is that I always feel like I have to justify my lack of drinking - as if people will think I'm a recovering alcoholic - as if that is a bad thing. Now at least I can say my body doesn't digest alcohol properly. I'm not sure why that is important to me but it is. However, Even with all the restrictions (alcohol, caffeine, soda pop) I must say I am thrilled that I now have a card to show restaurants that says I should be allowed to order of the children's menu!

I know my dr has instructed me no caffiene, no alcohol and no carbonated beverages for 3 months post op. They all can irritate the healing stomach. My dr recommended to cut out caffiene pre op so that we aren't dealing with withdrawal on top of everything else post op. Giving up caffiene is easier said than done.

I will never smoke again! It taste like an ashtray that was nicely disguised once the drink took control of my senses. Note to self...you can NOT handle alcohol anymore! Ridiculous! Dang it!!! It was the ONE time I got to leave without the kids for a day!!! I wanted to celebrate!!

Similar fiasco with our wedding... But it wasn't my dad... My hubby's dad is a butt and we didn't even invite him to the wedding because he is a dead beat alcoholic and cares nothing for his family... BUT, that was my hubby's decision... I went with what HE wanted because it was HIS dad. I think your sister needs to do what SHE wants and screw what is PROPER and what everyone else thinks!

Last cruise I went on was in 2011. I was doing Atkins hardcore, but ate well during the cruise. Drank enough rum & beer to sink the ship. 7 days of this. I weighed in at my gym the day after I got home. I'd lost 5 lbs during the 7 day cruise. My secret was to avoid eating any carbs.....my only carbs came from the alcohol. Every morning......every single morning found me in the ships gym doing an hour of cardio and lifting weights. I was in BEAST mode and having a ball. Going on another in March-April.....obviously a post-sleeve cruise. Probably going to book it on the same ship since I know they have a great gym.

This is one of those things that could mean nothing, or it could get serious quickly. Umm.. Pass out while driving anyone? Good to get checked out to make sure it was just the alcohol.

I'm so sorry that happened. When I feel faint or dizzy I eat a little salt and then drink some water. It helps. I keep little packets of salt in my purse/backpack so I'm ready when the need arises. I haven't had any alcohol in months and I'm 6 weeks post-op. For me I think the triggers are dehydration and low BP or BS.

I def think doing the "head work" is almost as important as the controlling the eating. I was always so proud that I stayed away from alcohol and drugs after growing up w/ an alcoholic father. However, I now realize that my addiction became food. I had a year of therapy before the surgery and now continue w/ it 2x a month. It is a big help and continues to be helpful. Hang in there and it does get better....

Have you had your blood tested recently to see if you are deficient in anything? Right about 8 months is when my blood work started to look really bad. I also experienced dizziness etc due to very low B1. Oh and then there is the whole not eating thing. That can do it too lol. Basically- blood work aside- you went out on almost no food- probably less than half what your body needs - for the last 8 months basically on a starvation diet- then had a drink. It was loud and hot and your body is trying to just fuel itself but is being givin very little to work with and is having to use your muscles and fat stores as fuel- your glycogen depleted and yeah---- That's what happened. Get some blood tests and realize you are not in a great state for any alcoholic drinks. If your gonna drink- better eat.

Also, you can drink lots of calories in ways other than alcohol (certain coffee drinks, for example).

I feel much better but I am struggling with this liquid diet. I went around looking for sugar free candies to Break it up... they were not lying when they said sugar alcohols will give you so much gas and diarrhea. I'm not hungry but I'm so tired of drinking fake sugar. I'd much rather just stick to natural sugars in food. At one point in my life I did work out and lost a lot of weight and I was hooked on sugar free stuff. Now it just makes me nauseous . [emoji24] I can't wait until Monday's . How are you feeling now? How's your weight loss going?

After a week of anxiety and wanting to eat everything I could find (good thing I didn't find anything!), I had my first fill yesterday. So excited to report that my total weight loss is 34 lbs - weight loss from date of operation 22 lbs! I am excited, but I have to make a confession. I haven't given up my wine or bloody mary's - even though I have been drinking SO much less, I haven't cut it completely out. My nurse didn't seem upset about it, but reminded me of the calories in alcohol and to add what I drink to my total calories for the day. I haven't seen anyone on this site ever talk about alcohol.... Well, here I am. I can do without the chocolate, anything sweet, but don't take my wine! LOL I have found a life-saver in food tracking and excercise tracking - MYFITNESSPAL.com There are even apps for every type of phone. I found it very enlightening (however, not surprising) that I was under-counting my calories, so when the tracker showed me the actual calories, carbs, protein and sodium, I made immediate adjustments. The best recommendation on protein shakes I have is make sure you have some everyday! Now that I can eat more, I have cut my protein shake serving down to 8 ounces - which is 23 g protein, 1 carb, no sugar and 95 calories! Doesn't get better than that! It is SMOOTHIE KING'S GLADIATOR chocolate protein powder. Mix it with water. I feel hopeful, excited, nervous and grateful for my new journey with my new best friend, her name is Lapsa. Take care all and I look foward to keeping up on the site - it is most encouraging and educational! Leslie

Hi, thanks for the information on alcohol! LOL...I am a sucker for a glass of wine! I was banded on 12/30 and I have lost 17 lbs. I will get my first fill on 2/2! I just started on mushy food. I have been a slacker on my walking! A small fact that I must confess! I haven't really had much of a hard time with eating....I am eating when I feel the need and chewing, chewing, chewing! I'm paranoid to get food stuck! I have read the horror stories. I would like to lost 50 lbs by summer. I have never been a small person so losing 50 lbs doesn't seem real, but now that I have been banded, I know that I can get there...one day at a time! Good luck to you!!

Are the cramps just at night? I found this information which might help: What causes leg cramps? Unknown cause (idiopathic leg cramps) In most cases the cause is not known. One theory is that cramps occur when a muscle that is already in a shortened position is stimulated to contract. As the muscle is already shortened, to contract further may cause the muscle to go into spasm. This commonly happens at night in bed as the natural position we lie in is with the knees slightly bent (flexed), and with feet pointing slightly downwards. In this position the calf muscle is relatively shortened and may be prone to cramps. This theory explains why stretching exercises may cure the problem. Secondary causes In some cases, the cramps may be a symptom of another problem. For example: Some drugs can cause cramps as a side-effect, or make cramps occur more often. These include: diuretics ('Water tablets'), nifedipine, cimetidine, salbutamol, statins, terbutaline, lithium, clofibrate, penicillamine, phenothiazines, and nicotinic acid. Over-exertion of muscles. Dehydration. Conditions that cause alterations in the balance of salts in the bloodstream (such as a high or low sodium or potassium level). Some people who have renal (kidney) dialysis get leg cramps. Pregnancy - usually in the later stages. An untreated under-active thyroid gland. Peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the leg arteries which causes poor circulation). Excess alcohol. Some uncommon disorders of nerves. Rare causes include: cirrhosis of the liver; lead poisoning; sarcoidosis. With the above conditions the cramps would just be one of various other symptoms. Therefore, if you are otherwise well, and have no other unexplained symptoms, then the leg cramps are likely to be idiopathic (unknown cause) and not due to a secondary cause. Note: leg cramps are different to a condition called restless legs syndrome. In this condition the legs can be uncomfortable, you feel creeping sensations in the legs, and it is relieved by walking about. See separate leaflet called 'Restless Legs Syndrome' for details. What is the treatment for a leg cramp? Stretching and massaging the affected muscle can usually relieve an attack of cramp. Most cramps soon ease off. Painkillers are not usually helpful as they do not act quickly enough. However, a painkiller such as paracetamol may help to ease muscle discomfort and tenderness that sometimes persists for up to 24 hours after a cramp has gone. What are the options for preventing leg cramps? If cramps do not occur often, then no particular treatment is usually needed. However, if you have frequent cramps, you may wish to consider ways of preventing them.

Although I have been "trying to lose weight" over the last 2 years (15yrs in total), I think I had really given up on myself. Seeings how in that time frame I've gained 30 pounds. I gave up on my abilities to be a healthy person, because it really is a skill and I do have it, I somehow forgot and tossed in the towel. Deciding to have WLS is my way to stand up for myself, so to speak. My surgery is August 15 and I start my pre-op diet August 1 which is basically a no carb diet (Protein shakes not required). So last week I asked myself, am I going to continue to 'give up' right up untill the pre-op diet is to start?? Or am I going to make changes right now?? I decided that because the pre-op diet and the diet I will be following after surgery are so different from what I was consuming, I better start making the changes now. It means I get an additional two weeks to try and change my mind and my habits. So this is my plan: June 18 – 24 · No drinks with meals (wanted to start this early, because it is such a habit for me to drink something with a meal) · Limit pop (I don't drink much pop, so this shouldn't be to hard) · Protein shake for Breakfast Mon-Fri · No snack before dinner (3 meals, 2 Snacks a day) · Limit carbs June 25 – 31 · No drinks with meals · No pop · Protein shake for breakfast Mon-Fri · No snacks before lunch or dinner (3 meals, 1 snack a day) · Limit carbs and sugar · Smaller portion for lunch August 1 – 14 (Pre-op diet starts) · No drinks with meals · No pop · Protein shake for breakfast everyday · No carbs, fruit, sugar, cheese, alcohol · No snacking (3 meals a day) · Smaller portion for lunch and dinner I thought this plan would get me into the right frame of mind not only before surgery but also before the pre-op diet. Small changes to gain momentum and produce big changes What will you do?? Continue with your current eating habits right up until pre-op diet or start to make changes now??

Hey all, sorry, I haven't posted on here since I was pre-op. A little background...I had my surgery Jan 18th of this year, with a starting weight of 244 (I'm 5'6"). I'm currently at 160, and haven't had any major problems with my band (very few incidences of PBing, reflux, etc.). I'm trying to get the remaining twenty lbs off me as soon as possible, because I was a self-pay and my year of free doctor visits/fills expires on 1/18/11 (I'm not trying to REACH my goal weight by then, just trying to get as close to is as healthily possible). I've kept my band tight, but not tight enough to cause discomfort, with the exception of the past week. I had my last fill a week ago, and I was fine the first few days, and now it takes a little while for water/protein drinks to go down, and food is basically non-negotiable. I haven't thrown up, I'm very careful about that. I am definitely going in for a slight unfill tomorrow morning, but I've noticed that if I have a few drinks (I like gin and tonic) my band loosens up and I can eat food! Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this? I know alcohol is a diuretic, but so is caffeine and caffeine TIGHTENS my band!! Hope someone else has experienced this and give me some insight as to why this happens. Also, just to clarify, I know I shouldn't be having alcohol since it leeches vitamins from the system and is empty calories.

Hello everyone. I was banded on July 12th and am awaiting my first fill on Aug 12th. I am planning on going camping with some friends for the weekend and I am just wondering if it is okay to drink a little bit of alcohol this soon after surgery? I am not talking about massive quantities because being heavily intoxicated is not exactly my lifestyle. I am simply wondering if it is dangerous at all to my surgery if I do have a drink or two over the weekend. I do know that alcohol slows down weight loss, and once my band is filled I will become intoxicated MUCH faster than normal, but for those of you who did drink soon after surgery, was this a problem for you? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I'm no expert here - only six months out. However, I want to reiterate that you need to follow YOUR nut/surgeon guidelines. There are many on here that have no problems with straws, soda, coffee, alcohol, etc.and often share this information. Please keep in mind that it doesn't mean you should do the same. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of struggles following "the plan". The plan is in place to ensure your success in this journey. Just my two cents. Best wishes to everyone!

I am 8 mos out and I eat everything. Popcorn and nuts. I eat beans, pasta and bread sparingly. It fills me up too quickly. I've posted before and I've received negative comments about my eating habits. But it works for me. I started at 200 and I now weigh 133...and I don't fluctuate much. I eat many times a day, but 4 or 5 bites. I don't log my food or count anything. Maybe I'm being naive or getting cocky...but I've done that my whole life and I feel free now. I can definitely eat more now. I don't think I've stretched out my stomach. I can eat very little in the morning, but as the day goes on I can eat more. I never drink alcohol, carbonated drinks, or juice. I eat chips, tacos, English muffins and peanut butter. Turkey jerky, nuts, cheese, pizza, Sweets aren't my thing, and if I do eat them, it's a few bites. Don't eat ice cream. I love cheeseburgers (half with one bun). A taquito. Half a piece of chicken and four bites of salad with ranch. A few fries. Sweet potato. No fruit really. I eat what I want when I want...just four or five bites. I would really have to work at it all day and make myself uncomfortable to gain weight. I don't know if this is bad advice, but it works for me. Good luck.