Search the Community

I used to love regular cokes. Before my surgery I was a dr pepper addict. What changed *my* mind is the amount of CARBS in it. It's so high on the carb chain that it's a complete waste. I will still steal a baby sip out of my husbands cup once in a blue moon but that's the extent of my relationship with "real coke". I still drink cokes but it's VERY few and far between. They're either Diet or Zero. I buy the teensy 8 ounce cans and pour it over ice. That tends to kill the super carbonation you'd get from drinking straight out of the can or bottle. I may not even finish my drink before giving it to dh to finish. I drink a coke maybe once a week IF that but more often than not I'll go a couple of weeks without. I have had the same 12 pack of diet drinks in my pantry for like 3 months now. Sometimes the only person making a dent in them is my brother in law. I also didn't have my first diet or zero coke until my doctor cleared me for red meat (like steak) and alcohol. I guess that was at the 4 or 5 month mark? Believe me, I don't really ENJOY the diet drinks so perhaps that's why I'm able to have such will power over them? I prefer the real deal however... I'm enjoying the hell out of being thin better than 30 minutes of drinking a Dr Pepper.

I think everyone experiences getting 'stuck' from time to time...its a learning experience for sure! It's so uncomfortable and I hate it when it happens, but when it does happen I know its my own fault; I just take too big of bites or dont chew enough ~ or I decide to try to eat something I know I probably shouldnt. My 'stuck' episodes have made me completely give up bread and certain meats. Kinda like when I was young and decided to get drunk and now will never touch brown alcohol . It's all a learning experience. It was all worth it to me.

I don't take much stock in this "Starvation" mode either. I have enough fat stored away to take care of such things as being stranded on a deserted island, etc. As long as I get my Protein and essential Vitamins, etc, I know my BMR is fine. I have plenty of energy to work out everyday and go to work 8-10 hrs. I read on another website about "Starvation" and someone said fat people, like alcoholics, will find any excuse to eat more.

40 is Awesome!!! I'm stuck at 30! It's funny how you lose inches but not pounds or pounds but not inches. I haven't measured. But I have changed clothing sizes. I meant to tell y'all my fill didn't hurt. It was done under a screen. One stick. Done by the doctor. And was wiped w alcohol. He was done before I was done talking!! Lol he said I could have a fill in 3 weeks but they are so busy i wasn't able to get scheduled til 4.

I am not a goal yet, but I am almost at a normal BMI. I agree exercise and tracking helps. I work out 5-6 days per week unless I'm travelling. I'm not good at exercising while on the road. I track my Protein, calorie, and Fluid intake every day. I also measure my food with a scale or measuring cups and spoons. Otherwise,it's too easy for extra ounces to creep in portions and then my tracking can be off. And I have not returned to drinking alcohol yet. I've heard that slows down loss. Lynda

I am so freakin excited. I went today for another fill. I have eaten plenty of candy, drank some alcohol, and my appetite has been out of control but I managed to lose 4 pounds in two weeks. I can even feel a little bit of restriction with my new fill. Woot woot go me go me go me!

I am so freakin excited. I went today for another fill. I have eaten plenty of candy, drank some alcohol, and my appetite has been out of control but I managed to lose 4 pounds in two weeks. I can even feel a little bit of restriction with my new fill. Woot woot go me go me go me!

I was banded the same day you were. I feel like I am doing very well so far. If I were in your situation, I would pass on the margarita because you are still healing. Alcohol isn't the most tummy friendly drink. Also, margaritas have a lot of lime juice and any citrus juice is quite acidic. I would be concerned that a margarita may cause acid reflux issues. Good luck and have a good time at the party.

A close friend of mine was banded and had a drink at a birthday party. She was 3wks out and was just fine. It is about being sensible. Alcohol will hit your system much quicker since you don't have as much food in there to soak it up and even the ice will take up space. If you are still taking any kind of pain killers it should be a no- no and you may want to wait a long while at the party to see how the alcohol affects you before getting behind the wheel, or the best option would be get a designated driver until you know how long it takes the alcohol to process out of your system. If you get hammered on one drink then you may forget to control your self around all of the other goodies, so that would be a reason to think about the drink. But overall I agree with you count your calories and use your common sense. You can't stop living because you are banded, you just have to make common sense accommodations.

I don't know the medical science behind the drinking and the band- but my surgeon's post-op instructions stated no alcohol until 6-8 weeks after banding (then all the usual caveats about calories etc.). I held out until the 4th week after surgery and was fine. I am a big social drinker (weekends only) and light beer was my favorite. I quit all carbonation on the pre-op diet - so I don't drink light beer anymore. Instead, i do a shot of clearl liquor (lowest calories) usually absolute vodka - then fill the rest of the glass with ice and water. I then add in crystal light or equivalent. I can drink 4-5 of those during the night - same buzz as before the band (i've noticed no difference) and never sick etc. I'm like you - i count in the calories and i continue to steadily lose weight. I can't tell you what will happen if you try any alcohol in the 2nd week - you may want to check other threads on here - as i'm sure it's been discussed. BEST OF LUCK TO ALL OF US IN OUR JOURNEYS!

Honestly this is not about will power. Like I've said many times, I am not a drinker so i rarely have them. I am not following any plan. So I can't go off plan. My pre-op instructions are a different issue. I can start mushies on Friday. I don't know anything about alcohol other than never drink it ever again. Well that's dumb. I am not on another diet that limits certain foods. I have a new way of life. I know not everyone uses the band that way, but I do and it works. At least do far. If it works and I lose weight, get my Protein in and eat healthy, what does it matter. I don't understand alot of thR advice I am getting in here. It honestly sounds like alot of you are on diets. If I could follow a diet I wouldn't have gotten the band. I can however follow instructions and eat small amounts and be totally satisfied. Why would anyone be worried about my ability to stay with this. Stay with what? I am eating small amounts and less than 1200 calories a day. Sounds like I'm doing pretty great.

And I remember complaining in June about my ins requiring a 6-month supervised weight loss plan.. I have to honestly say that without these last few months of consults and dr visits, I would probably be nuts and still totally oblivious to several things. Basically, this is my manifesto of sorts.... I've learned not everyone who has been supportive in your addiction, delusion, destructive behavior (in my case overeating) will support any decision that will encroach on the benefits they are receiving I don't have to depend on another person's validation, support or acknowledgement of my decisions about my life, yes, nice to have, but It's MY LIFE and I want a better one!! This is my right and no one can stop, change or deny this (I can of course, but I won't!!) everything I thought about myself, my motives, passion and intentions have come into question, but the victory is this.... I still love myself for who I am and I love myself too much to stay the way I am physically I am a perfectionist is a way that can be detrimental to my success in life if I dwell on the past and what I can't control... I don't like making mistakes and I felt horrible that I know ALL about the human physiology, nutrition and exercise, thus, I have allowed myself to become morbidly obese... BUT... this same perfectionism will be my catalyst to making great strides with my tools, including the sleeve, an awesome therapist and my new mindset. I have nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to asking for help with my weight problem.. Alcoholics and drug addicts are scorned or called lazy because they go to AA or NA or rehab. I refuse to be ridiculed into submitting to a life of obesity-related illnesses because some people have nothing better to do than to try and analyze why I'm STILL obese after all these years and what I should try... people are afraid of change... and so, perhaps I won't be the same "whatever you need, I got it, whatever I have that you need, it's yours" friend, daughter, sister, aunt, associate...Or maybe I will, just a lot smaller physically.... Perhaps having "LESS FAT" will allow me to see clearly what some of these people actually think of me and their true motives behind our relationships and associations.. My weight issues have fueled issues in every other aspect of my life.. food had become the only trustworthy friend and also my worst enemy... I could rely on my Snacks to be there, but they also stood as a reminder that I was not in control!! Finally, I've learned to release myself from all guilt, condemnation, anger, resentment and bitterness that I've been harboring against ME!! I no longer look in the mirror and shake my head in disappointment because I feel stuck and unable to get out of this rut... I am no longer fearful of trying again.. at anything!! Though, I've tried and not succeeded in successfully losing weight, that will not stop me from giving my ALL this time and every time... I will not be overcome by disappointment any longer.. I am strong, I am beautiful, I am COURAGEOUS enough to believe that my life will change for the better. I am not the same person I was in June or in October even. It has little to do with actual physical weight loss (I've lost less than 10 pounds).. it's more so that weight of the mental and emotional torment I've subjected myself too for years and years... These months, this board and many of my new friends have all worked together in what I would like to call Divine Orchestration to help me pen the new song of my life, one the represents each step, heart beat and all the love I have inside.... I will sing my new song, I will BE my new song!!!

Just an FYI.. I love Margaritas but they have a huge amount of calories... like 200-400. The skinny girl margarita's taste horrible in my opinion... But the Jose Cuervo 90 calorie ones are pretty decent over crushed ice with some Water. That said... being a few weeks into your journey is the concern here for me. Not a cocktail. To be successful you need to stay focused on the goal and stick with a good eating plan. Alcohol isnt part of a good eating plan in this stage of your journey no matter how you try to justify it.... 6 months from now I am all about indulging one in a while...but for now it would be my advice to drink water from a pretty glass and feel better about yourself for displaying the willpower that you are going to need every single day to be successfull. I am not a Dr or RN... so I dont know what medical reasons there would be not to drink.... I am just giving you my first hand opinion about choices. And I should know. I spent ALL of the holiday season last year on liquids. I started my pre op liquid the day before T-giving and had my first mushy food on New Years Day. I attended 4 holiday parties, a company dinner and cooked for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I found will power I didnt know I had. I hope you can too.

I would be careful. If you are on a liquid or mushy diet the alcohol is likely to affect you a lot quicker than it normally would. You may end up feeling awful and you don't want that. If you do drink the alcohol remember not to eat and drink at the same time .

Well I thought I made it clear that I am not a drinker. Honestly my empty calories would come from milk. So maybe that advice is better for the big drinkers. I probably haven't had alcohol in 4-5 months.

Stay away from the alcohol, you got the lap band to lose weight and need to follow the program. If you sabotage yourself this early how will the rest of your journey go. I agree with the above post, I would rather use my calories to eat then drink. Good luck

Why would you sabotage your weight loss this early? Did your MD, provide you with a diet to follow the first 6 weeks post-op? There are empty calories in alcohol, personally I rather eat,than waste calories on wine or cocktails.I would wait until you have completely healed. By the way,once you have been banded, alcohol affects you quicker,according to other posters.

This Friday I will be 2 weeks post-op. First of all, I am NOT a big drinker at all. I never get drunk and maybe have one drink once a month. So the calories in alcohol aren't a factor because I don't drink enough to do anything to mess my diet up. That being said, is it ok after 2 weeks though? I am going to a scrapbooking party and they will have margarittas. No carbonation and it's just liquid, so I don't see why not, but maybe I am missing something. My trusty little binder says no alchohol ever because of the calories, but that's dumb and I can factor that into my daily count.

I am feeling the same way as you Chris (I was sleeved 10/19/11). I feel like I am being deprived of food. I was supposed to be on clears for 7 days, liquids for 7 days, and mushies for three weeks. I made it to day 4 on clears and felt like I was starving (in my head not physically) so I decided to move on to full liquids. That did the trick for about 4 days so I moved on to mushies on day 10. Here I am 10 days later and I find myself "topping off" as often as I can because of the head hunger. I fight with myself, I drink Water or a Protein shake, I occupy myself, but none of these things work. I am only 20 days out from surgery and already considering solid foods. I know this is bad and potentially dangerous so I have not seriously considered it yet. I am just saying what I feel. Sometimes I think that I will never succeed in beating this addiction. In the past, I have "beaten my addiction", or so I thought. I learned that I simply transferred my addiction to something else and ultimately, I transferred it to food. I agree with your alcoholic analogy. I was able to stop other things because I simply don't touch them but you can't just stop eating. I would take any advice on how to conquer my food addiction so that I do not sabotage my sleeve. Heck, I would love advice on how to transfer the addiction to something healthy like exercising or volunteering or anything. Just a thought... Can a person have their tastebuds removed? LOL! That would do the trick!

First off, sorry for the long post. I had my surgery 10/20. Am one of the very, very lucky ones and had no complications, almost no pain, eating just fine, healed fast, etc, etc. So I'm only two and a half weeks out. But I'm already finding I'm having food issues. Big surprise...none of would be obese if we didn't :wink1: But there's a couple things going on and I need your input....please! I really didn't think I would have this issue since I was so freakin' prepared for so long and did so much reading and research about this. I honestly thought I would happy and free from food and wouldn't want it anymore and would savor and enjoy my little sleevie amounts and be satisfied. Pshaw.....yeah right. First off, whenever I eat, I notice a feeling of pressure in my lower esophagus. I thought at first it was cause I was really tight. My leak/swallow test showed that the contrast wasn't going anywhere and it was just sitting in my esophagus right after surgery. I had to sit, walk around, sit, etc, for 20 minutes before some of it moved through. But my surgeon wasn't concerned....normal swelling, etc, etc. Was sent home with no problems, drinking got easier, etc, but the pureeds thing always felt pressure, tight and thought it was that. But now I think I'm just overeating. In fact, I'm sure of it. The main problem is that my actual tummy never feels ’full’. I don’t know if, since they cut out the stretchy part of the stomach (fundus), that they cut out the ‘stretch receptors’ that tell you when you’re full, but my tummy itself doesn’t feel full, but I know I’m full when there is food in the lower part of my esophagus. This is not good since I’m now using this as a guide to feel full. Now, bring in the emotional, head hunger part of it. It is hard to stop eating at only a 1/3 or ½ cup of food, especially when it tastes good. We all know that, we all overeat when food is really good and poke it in till we are full, that’s why the obese get obese! But in a way this is worse, because I only get a couple of nibbles in and then I HAVE to be done. Which means I MENTALLY feel unsatisfied and incomplete. My head's like, "Yah, really? So where's the rest of it? That was over way too fast. I'm waiting!!!" I really, really need to get a grip on this because I have started ‘grazing’, or what I call ‘topping off’. Like, I’ll eat a scrambled egg for Breakfast, and I’ll have that full feeling (up top, not in my tummy), then in about 15 – 20 minutes, the pressure feeling goes away, then I’ll go take a couple more bites of something, seafood or chicken salad, or refried Beans, till that pressure feeling comes back, etc, etc, all day!! This is DISASTROUS!! It’s been proven time and again that bariatric patients fail and gain back weight because they learn to graze to overcome the loss of bingeing. They can’t eat huge amounts, so they eat little amounts constantly. The other downside of this, is that because I’m always topping off, I can’t drink my fluids like I’m supposed to. You’re not supposed to drink until ½ hour, 45 minutes after a meal, but I never let my little pouch empty like it should. So, I’m not getting in enough Water, either. *SIGH* This really is a transition and you really, really have to get over the fact that you will not feel mentally satisfied or replete at first, for a while, until this becomes the new normal. At least, I HOPE it’s temporary. I’m also hoping it will get better when I can eat more substantial food, then food will stay in my tummy longer and hopefully I’ll feel fuller longer. But again, most of it is mental and I need to overcome that full feeling with satisfaction and overall well-being. I just need to eat to nourish myself and not for pleasure or comfort. I will be able to enjoy wonderful food again, just not a lot, and I need to be okay with that. I know I will be, but it’s tough right now! Like an alcoholic with just a couple of drops of wine three times a day So, I know I need to get on track with a routine and a schedule, and drink my water, and I've pretty much done that the last day or two. I don't really need advice on what to do (although it's always welcome!), since I know what I'm supposed to do, and I will do it.....but my questions are this: 1. Does the dissatisfied feeling ever really go away? Do you start to feel satisfied and complete mentally once you get used to your new 'normal'? I know everyone's different, but this really is mental for me since I just WANT more food, the taste, the texture, but my body is satisfied. I know this a huge adjustment - I'm just wondering if this is something I will always struggle with, or if it gets better. Did most of you feel this way at first? After your tummy healed, anyway, and you were on your way to regular food? Was your head a little messed up cause it was waiting for more? 2. Will I feel more satisfied when I eat more solid food? Deli meats, harder cheeses, etc. I seem happy now with what I'm eating (chicken salad, scrambled eggs, tuna fish, refried beans) I'm not missing food, but maybe I don't feel full as long because I'm eating mushies? But that really doesn't make sense cause chicken salad is pretty dense and Protein packed. 3. Does your actual tummy start to feel full, or is this just me who can't feel it because I've done so much damage and overeating over the years, lol?? I don't want to keep using the pressure/esophagus litmus test to know when I'm full..... Thanks so much, everyone. I hope you all know how important you are to all of us....I am so grateful I have my sleevie family on here!

The only thing I can add to the excellent advice above is this: We sleeved our stomachs, not our heads. Doing the sleeve work on our heads is just as important as the surgery we went through, but it's WAY harder, IMO. At my psyche appt, the counselor told me that I have an addictive personality and I will always be addicted to something. She went so far as to tell me that I WILL become an alcoholic, but she still gave me the approval for surgery! I started seeing a counselor several weeks ago, for the addictive behavior and some other issues related to my weight. WLS is not her area of specialty, but she's helping me see where and why I mistreat myself. Once I know those things, and it takes time to learn, then I can remove the bad stuff. I agree with removing the temtation foods from the house if you can't bring yourself to use moderation with them. Maybe, once you're back on track, you can learn how to work those things into your diet in a healthy way. For me, knowing that I can have sweets or chocolate later makes it easier to give them up now. Good luck on your journey! You've done great so far, so this is just a bump in the road for you. You will succeed!!!

My suggestions are in two separate areas - 1) work on finding out why you are sabatoging yourself, and 2) external controls you can use until you get your "internal" controls back in order. On finding out why you are sabatoging yourself - have you considered talking to a counselor experienced with weight loss patients? If you can't find one with that experience, one who is used to working with other addictions (other than food)? If you are against talking to a counselor - You are going to have to be a dective and find out what are your triggers that are causing you to go out of control. Keep a food diary that talks about what you were feeling each time you ate something - what at that time was motivating you to put food in your mouth. Also, note the times. If you do this diligently for two weeks, you will have enough data to discern the patterns. Once you know what the triggers are, then you can figure out ways to address them. For the external controls - where are you getting all of these foods you shouldn't be eating? Beer, ice cream, chips, etc? In your house? If so - get rid of them. Don't buy them. If you don't have the strength to get rid of them-have a friend come over and get rid of them for you. Newly "dry" alcoholics do not live in a house with alcohol. And you should have a plan each day of what you are going to eat and when that you try to stick to. If you want to PM me, feel free to. I wish you the best of luck getting in control.

from what i've read, it seems like lower BMI folks don't have to do it, but maybe it also depends on the doctor. i'm having surgery saturday and there is no pre-op diet for me- just nothing after midnight on friday and avoiding alcohol this week. i'm going to do liquids at least one day before, maybe even two, just to sort of let my digestive system rest before the big day.

I eat out all the time w/ hubby or alone. I never seem to have any issues ordering. if I'm w/ hubby, we split a meal, I ask for my own plate. He lets me choose what were gonna eat, based on what i find that has the most Protein. i too find that the appetizers are not much in protein and are often deep fried. (I try to stay away from all fried foods and foods w/ sauces) If i'm out shopping and need to eat something, I often stop in at a taco place and get a chicken soft taco, ask for a fork, throw out the shell and just eat the inside. (it's like a cheap chicken salad) and I'm full when I'm done. or, if there is a subway in the area, i'll just ask for some tuna. Cost's me either $1.00 or $1.50 and that's a cheap lunch too, and I'm full from that lil cup of tuna. i try not to pay for things i'm not going to eat, so just ask and they will often accomodate you. When i was at a casino at the coast recently....i went to the restaurant and asked for a small side order of crab. I told them about 1/4 cup was all i wanted. They charged me $3.00 for the side of crab and it was loaded w/ protein. see what I mean....be creative....it works. you will lose the most amount of weight in your 1st 6 months.......so I am staying away from most all foods like sauces, potatoes, candy, chips, alcohol, beads, Pasta, (carbs in general) trying to mostly only eat protein foods. Best of luck to you.... It's not hard at all, you just need to be creative sometimes. just because it comes that way, you don't have to eat it. I also have a "medical card" issued from my surgon, allowing me to order 'child portions" from a menu. I've only had to pull it out once when they told me that was intended for children under 12.......lol ...... it worked!

Starting month four now and I am eating regular food. Only got sick from spicy shrimp and trying untoasted bread to soon. You should be fine barring any other problem like leakage. Just be wary of the type of food ordered and how they prepare it. In Holland they tend to undercook chicken, Germany you have spicy sausage, England (what can I say except that I found the nearest pizza Hut) Don't forget a pepperoni pizza to the Europeans is made with Hot Peppers not American Pepporoni. Last bit of advice, try to avoid the alcoholic beverages they tend to be a bit stronger (hide the bad taste of some foods no doubt) and with smaller stomach you may be a buzz a lot quicker. At least go slow to test drive the stomach and system first. Enjoy your trip!