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Me too!!! My two cents....http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/expert.q.a/07/29/weight.surgery.sleeve.jampolis/index.html?is_LR=1 kwikwits Sleeve surgery may have saved my life. 56 years old, morbidly obese, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and now high sugar. I was sleeved on 6/1/11. No it isn't EASY but only another obese or fat person would understand that but it is working and I'm losing weight despite the GERD and nausea. My numbers are dropping and not just my weight numbers. VSG will allow me to eat very small quantities of foods I normally enjoy. Skinny people have no insight into what causes we obese to eat despite it being unhealthy for us -- but now I have a surgically induced eating disorder -- like when they gave "anabuse" to alcoholics. I over eat even a little and I become deathly ill. I eat and drink Water at the same time and I get sick. I eat food that is fried -- I get sick. I find it hard to believe but I get sick enough that I've become "fearful" of eating and am very circumspect about what I eat. I have lost 52 pounds so far. Let's see if the nausea and GERD go away.

haha yes, i am in boston...right down the street from all beth isreal, and all of them... i dont drink alcohol at all so that wont be an issue for me, but if giving up soda is what it takes then so be it that sucks, completely sucks about the deductible...mine is a whole lot less then that, but being a college student im not very wealthy, its definitely something im gonna have to be careful with and i dont care what their excuse is catheters make it deal breaker

I was having this same problem and spoke with the NP yesterday. She said to take Prilosec each day for 7-10 days, to have full liquids for a couple days and to limit spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol for a week. The Prilosec has made a HUGE difference. I haven't had any heartburn since I started taking it a couple days ago. She said the stomach lining in the pouch can become irritated and these changes can help it settle down. Good luck! Joan

I am on August 10 and am VERY happy to have found this Forum. I am 2 days on my Bariatric Advantage Protein liquid diet, so far so good. In the past two weeks I have given up tobacco (smoked and dipped occasionally), alcohol, diet coke, and now food...HA! I bought some of the shaker bottles at GNC that have the little wisk ball in them and they work GREAT for a shake on the run. Also have some Crystal light powder and several Water bottles with measuring lines on the sides. I have a stack of books to read through during my recovery but honestly just want to get to it. Two weeks cannot go fast enough.

coffee was one of my pre-op concerns. I'm a huge coffee drinker. I didn't do coffee until... about 3 months out? Even then I was drinking one coffee mug daily of the 50/50 half caf stuff. I don't remember a brand but I think it might've been Folgers? My husband would fix his coffee in the morning before work and then fix the coffee pot so mine was ready to brew when I got up. On the weekends it was kind of hard waiting "in line" for the coffee pot so I guess within the last month, he's been telling me it was my coffee and he was drinking mine but he was gradually weaning me over to regular coffee. I honestly couldn't tell a difference. When he finally started weaning me was when I got cleared for red meat & alcohol by my doctor so he figured full caff coffee would've been fine too. I had 0 problems. I'm finally back on regular coffee, thank the gods, and all's well. I have my coffee with 2 equal packets and 2 tsp of powdered creamer. I kind of feel sad whenever I pass the cold cases at the grocery store and see the new flavors of liquid creamers which I used to love. But whatever right? I've got my coffee after doing without for several months.

Hi, have looked here before, but really had no reason to chime in. Well now I do. I am having the proceedure on August 8th, 11. Have to pay for it myself, insurance is a ripoff to me. My wife is a school teacher, they get the least coverage at highest cost. I have beed a quitter before, stopped drinking alcohol June of 92, stopped smoking in 2004, now it is time to work on my wietht, hope all goes well. I don't see to many men doing this, they said about 25%, I hope I can relate to everyone. I am on my 2 week pre-op shake diet, not realy hungry, but shure would like to taste some meat already. Thank You all for being here...Greg

After the Prilosec last PM I still had a wicked cough while trying to sleep BUT no heartburn at all today. I spoke w/ the NP at my lap band center and she suggested I take the Prilosec daily for 7-10 days and that I go to full liquids for a few days as well as avoid caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol. Joan

thanks for the answers sweetcalichic but as far as alcohol can you drink to feel a buzz or is it just a few drinks juts to be sociable?

My Crockpot Carnitas 3 lbs of Pork Shoulder/Butt 4 minced garlic cloves (I use a whole bulb) 1/2 an onion minced (I use Vidalia) 1 can of Tecate (Mexican Beer) (Totally optional, just sub with water) 1 cup of Orange juice 1 cup of hot Water with bouion or your preference of Stock/Broth Juice of one lime 1/4 a cup of vinegar (I use red wine vinegar) 2 tablespoons garlic salt 2 tablespoons cumin 1 tablespoon chili powder/cayenne 2 teaspoons ground coriander 4 tablespoons of black pepper salt to taste I get my pork in huge chunks and lightly brown it on a skillet and throw in a crock pot. Then I add a healthy splash of olive oil to the still hot skillet and add the onions to caramelize. It is not necessary, but does make the dish a bit sweeter. I caramelize the onions for 15 mins until they look good and dark/burnt, I lower the flame add a shot of olive juice and very, very lightly cook the garlic. Do not burn the garlic or it will be biter. Then add the Tecate and all the lime juice to the skillet and loosen all the bits and burn up the alcohol for about 5 mins. Then pour over the pork in crock pot. then in a bowl I add all my dry ingredients to my oj/stock and whisk. Then I pour on top of the pork. For my crock pot this about half way covers the pork, but if it cover it completely that is ok also. then I cook on low for 6-8 hours or overnight. When done, pull out the pork and use 2 forks to shred. I also add fresh chopped onions, cilantro and lime to my ready to eat portion. I freeze half with the juice to enjoy later one. This is all about adding flavors you like. Don't want it spicy, cut the chili and cut back most of the pepper. The lime and vinegar are important to break down the meat and makes it easier to swallow for me. Enjoy.

I have been reading up on lap band surgery and i have read that people who have had surgery some say they ate hot wings,chilli.etc etc are these people just talking about a couple of spoon fulls or one or two bites then thats the end of your meal can someone put in to perspective what a dinner time meal consist of? i mean how much can you really eat and how do people gain the weight back with the band if you can only handle such a small amount of food. Also when you first get the band i take it its very tight so what exactly is a fill? and what are the parameters to get the band loosened or tightened and i am under the imoression you can get the band so loose to as if you wont vomit when you eat a large meal is this true. can you go back to a regular stomach once you have reached your goal but the band is still there just out of commission. Also I love to drink juice and soda thats my main thing I love all liquids i literally sip on diet coke all day long would i be able to do this with the band i know carbonated is bad for you but i would like to enjoy juice or a snapple every once and while whats is drinking liquids like.And another thing this really immature i know but im only 26 and every blue moon i like to drink alcohol and get a little drunk i like to party i mean would i be able to get drunk like a normal young person in moderation of course but this a big concern of mine to enjoy a night out with friends and get a little crazy. And as i said in a previous post vomiting is a big concern for me i sort of have a phobia about it do people vomit alot with the band just for know good reason i knoe if you eat to much you will but what about reguraly one perosn told me you will vomit after surgey did you guys puke after surgery? Thanks guys i really appreciate the help Brandon

@NewMe86: Not really, maybe more of a last drink or two or three... or every weekend until August, lol. I've been kind of saying good by to alcohol. It is kind of hard to be a college student and not drink, so I am kind of getting my last hoorah out of the way or at least until six months after surgery. I've been low carbing it since May, and I can say I think I am okay with food for now, but I am definitely coming to realize I am saying goodbye to a lifestyle now too. I definitely won't be the quintessential college student anymore.

Happy birthday! I think others are right and you will be able to eat a little more later on down the road. Everyone heals at their own pace. I already can eat a bite of just about anything, as long as it's not in the morning. food and me are not friends till lunch time. So that allows me to feel pretty normal. Like you, I love eating out and all that goes with that. The San Francisco Bay Area is very food-focused. I eat out a lot. I order an appetizer, or share a main dish with someone else. Only thing I am missing right now is alcohol. But I am willing to wait. Lynda

Dear H2H, Don't be too discouraged. I think what you are going through is completely normal. I remember feeling the same way during the first few months after my vsg surgery just over one year ago. In fact, I remember posting about how much I missed one of my best friends, food. I can't promise you the feeling will ever go away completely, but it will get better. There are still days when I miss eating what I used to enjoy so much, but then I remember that that is how I got into trouble in the first place. I did find some peace of mind when I came to the realization that, like a recovering alcoholic or drug addict, I cannot ever go back to my old way of eating. I also count my blessings that I was able to receive a tool that makes it very difficult for me to return to that old destructive way of eating. The good news is that as you lose more and more weight, you will become less conscious of the food you cannot indulge in and more aware of the living that you are able to enjoy without the excess weight and all its complications. Good luck to you. Brian

Hi there, well your not going to get a lecture, your booty kicked or pity from me. . . cause i've been there and am struggling big time. . so your not alone. . .i was on a 7 month stall from January 2011 to mid July 2011. . . then i kicked myself in the backside (hard to do) and did a reality check. . . I didn't pay $15,500.00 of my hard earned money to NOT get to my own personal goal. . . there was no way. . .so i pulled up my big girl panties and went back to the olden days. . . DIETING. . . yup and charting on myfitnesspal. . . i only allow 800- 950 calories and less then 40 carbs a day. . . those carbs are from veggies and fresh fruits only. . .i dropped all diet soda, alcohol, flour products and sweets, desserts, etc. . . it's really really tough but it's working. . . in the first 2 weeks I dropped 20 lbs and i'm in week 3. . . I'm only doing this in small 6 week increments then taking a break for 1 weekend and off i go again for another 6 weeks. . . as far as exercise, change yourself up a bit, do something different then the bike. . .walk or something else. . . your body tends to get really used to all this business of sameness. . . good luck!

You have to be ready. With any weight loss surgery: bypass, lap band or sleeve. You need to be ready and willing to change. There are plenty examples out there with at least lap band and bypass that have gained the weight back. My best 2 examples are Carnie WIlson and Sharon Osborne who had surgery the same year. It looks like Carnie Wilson has put a lot of weight back on So was she ready to make and stick with the changes that she needed to do to keep the weight off.? Apparently Sharon Osborne was. Anything and everything we do; if we try hard enough we can justify to cheat on it. You have to figure out why you put the weight on, and I am no talking about just the eating. We are food addicts, and just like alcoholics we need to get to the root of the problem. This is i why they require psychological testing.

My Wife and I cruise at least once a year. Just got back from a 9 night RCL cruise this June. My new habits now, are the same when on a ship. Simple fact is I'm not all that hungry. I approached dinner the same as I would going to a restaurant at home. Emphasize the Protein, skip the large appetizers (they will fill you up before you get at the entree) ans maybe a low fat dessert. I NEVER went to the buffet at all on the cruise. No reason to, except for Breakfast were I ordered a omelet, and could only eat 1/2 at best. No other sides. When things like Cookies etc were made available, I would grab one, nibble, then throw it away. You have a good opportunity to exercise. All ships have a fitness center which I did every morning. Also use the stairs instead of the elevators. There were many days I went without lunch. Especially when off the ship at a beach, etc. Alcohol was not a problem, has not been with me since being banded. Although I am not a heavy drinker, it's hard to avoid any on a ship. Had at least 2 -3 drinks a day. A lite beer or 2 by the pool or at the beach.

Thanks Mary: Yes they told me about the Belly button. I am using alcohol & a Q-tip. I guess its close to where they are going? I have to stay overnight as well even though I do not have a CPAP machine. I think all his patients stay over. I guess its a good thing so we can be monitored. Make it come quick now. Tomorrow should be a tough one to get thru. Good Luck again ! We need all we can get at this point. Chris

Don't get a lap band then! Seriously. This is hard work and you have to make the right choices every day. All you have to do is read this message board and you will see that most people with the band are not forced into eating healthy. You'll see people saying they eat the same way they did before the band. You'll see people saying that they have gained weight with the band. The band only works if you work with it (and then sometimes even then it doesn't work for everyone). Sure, I could have ice cream and alcohol and Cookies but I choose not to. I choose to eat healthy and I am not being forced. I also exercise intensely six days a week and the band is not forcing me to do that. Do some more reading on this board and get an accurate snapshot of what the band will do and won't do. The band helps but doesn't force. You'll see that what you need to force you to lose weight is you. May THAT force be with you!

Are you taking your Calcium and Iron within 2 hours of each other? As they do not play well together and you really need to have your calcium and then 2 hours later your iron. Also, you should be taking your Calcium in 500 mg doses through out the day as your body only absorbs approx 500mg at a time. Parathyroid has a major role in calcium, phosphate, calcitonin and Vitamin D levels. Did the lab give you the normal range for the parathyroid? Low prealbumin levels can be an indicator that the person is malnourished. Ferritin is the Water soluble and temporary storage form. This is the newly absorbed iron from your diet and not from the longer term storage (our body recylces iron with very little lost daily) form hemosiderin (water insoluble storage). So a decreased absortion of iron is seen in total or partial gastrectomy patients and it can lead to a iron deficiency anemia if you are constantly depleted in your newly formed iron. You will see an effect on iron stores going to zero and serum iron and transferrin saturation decreased with a increased total iron binding capacity. That all being said iron is mainly absorbed by the mucosal cells in the duodenum and depends on the serum iron (low serum iron increased absorption from intestine if available), amount in your diet and the pH in your gut (acid pH will enhance absortion). Vitamin C will enhance absorption phytates (in whole grains) and oxalates (in spinach) will chelate (alter) iron and decrease its absorption. Alcohol will enhance absortion by stimulating HCl secretion by gastric (stomach) cells. Have a talk with you doctor on what you can do to increase your iron stores and ask about the parathyroid as he/she will be able to look at the full picture and assess your needs.

Good for you girl! I know you picked that name for a reason...remember what it was and go live life like it IS golden!! We have a second chance and this stall canNOT last! You got a lot of good advice here--the alcohol as you know, has to go. At least for now, maybe forever if you are given to depression. Do what is best for you, not what is easiest. You totally have it in you to do because you chose to get yourself sleeved!!! You are a tough cookie... Stay in touch, Susan

I've settled in with my Isopure/Cranberry cocktail this morning to see if I can get a few thoughts down about what's been going on in (dun dun dun DAH)...The Battlefield of my Mind! Maybe you remember when you were a new parent and someone said, "Oh a baby changes everything." I do, I sort of was young and invincible, and so my response was a mental, "Duh." Of course, not even a week into child rearing and I was like, "Holy crap, this is hard! How do people do this?!! WAHHHH." Do you remember? Well this, THIS little sleeve of mine? It changes EVERYTHING--it truly is a game changer. Now, it's not bad...but change is not always easy (maybe NEVER for some of us certain personality types...you know who you are...). Maybe easy isn't the right word. Comfortable? Whatever, my point is it's not bad, but it's new and what makes it particularly uncomfortable is being at the bottom of this steep learning curve. Having head knowledge of how to change a poopy diaper is different than hands-on experience when you are getting the "full senses" tour. Don't get me wrong, I am all about having head knowledge and being as prepared as you can be. Doesn't mean I always am...and frankly, I have been known to leap without looking a time or two. I'm a cook. I'm a creator-cook. Cooking is what I do, so I have been cooking for my family since I was day 6 post-op. I've made Red Beans & Rice with Andouille Sausage, Arroz Con Pollo, Southwest Taco Chili, Salmon & Rice Pilaf, Beef Peppercorn Stirfry, Sweedish Meatballs... I mean, I like to cook! Now to some of you, that may seem like unecessary torture, but the truth is, I will always be cooking for my family, making lunches for my son's. Preparing delicious meals is what I take pleasure in doing. Now I just have to deal with not "tasting and partaking" like I did. But regardless of what we are exposed to, the fundamental truth to all of us is that we have an addiction (and I realize that not everyone here does...some have physical or chemical reasons for being overweight) but most of us do, and we have to cohabitate and live with our "poison". This isn't like removing all alcohol from our lives to avoid drinking. We still have to eat, period. I read a book some months ago written by the wife of a singer whose teenage son accident'y ran over their little 5 year old daughter. The book is entitled, Choosing to See, by Marybeth Chapman. I know it seems random, but sometimes concepts transcend topics. The books title has stuck with me...as much as the amazing story of healing and courage did. I am choosing to see. Choosing to see the truth of why I eat, why I have to stop, why it is OK to do this for me (this may be a foreign thought to some of you, but it seems to be a real stronghold for people of certain faiths), and that it really isn't just about me but about the impact I'm supposed to have on my loved ones. What I eat impacts others and it does matter. So I said all that to say, someone recently asked me if I still obsess about food. The answer is an unequivical YES. I'm not sure you heard me over there in Idaho, but YEEEESSSS. The motivation has somewhat changed...so I'll cut myself some slack. When you haven't chewed in 4 weeks, even gumming greek yogurt is almost euphoric. I am not overstating this fact. Eating half of a Ricotta Bake (by Shelly), is enough to make you cry. I did. I savored every little tiny miniscule particle that I put on my tongue...all the while knowing that this moment might lead to, gulp, constipation. What's changed is that I'm spending as much or more time on food now because I'm reading labels for a whole new sub-set of information. It's similar to WW with Fat/Fiber/Protein...and yet it's really all about the protein and the carbs. There is some mental gymnastics for hitting daily targets. It's not hard, it's just different. After some time, I expect to know quite a bit about a variety of foods...just as I use to know the point values of most of my favorites. Am I mourning the pleasure of snarfing? Yes. OK, if I tell you somthing, you have to promise it's just between us, ok? My son had McD's in the car (he's a brave boy...get's it from his mamma) and I asked him for a french fry. Just one. SHHHHHHHHH! Yes I did! And I ate it too!!!!!! And it was...G-0-0-D. And one was enough. My guilty pleasure was met and paid for and it was enough. Sure, I chewed it till it completely disolved in my mouth...and yes, I know that it could be a slippery slope....but I felt like I snarfed and it made my screaming mind shut-up. Seriously. I totally nipped my whiny mind in the bud by giving it a fry. It didn't bother me after that. I felt like a won. I certainly didn't feel deprived anymore and ultimately, I felt good about having just one! So, as I head into week 3...did I mention I hit that inevitable "STALL"? Yeah, the minute I introduced yogurt, cream of wheat, etc. I hit the stall. I knew it was coming and I also know that IT is not going to be a game changer for me. Mentally, I've won this battle because really, what the heck can I do? Haha Hopefully it's just a quick blip and I don't lose face on the bravado I'm feeling right now. As I was saying, as I head into week 3...I'm facing the constipation consideration: Not just having less frequent BM's, but actually feeling the urge to go but can't...so I'll increase my water, try to increase my activity a bit, add some fiber. Try to get my BP stabelized--which has dropped dramatically from 145/80 ish to about 95/70....I've had a reduction in meds so we're working on it. It's not just the 30 pounds, but it is the decrease in sodium, no doubt. So as you see...I'm not obsessing-free yet. I totally look forward to that day, but for now, I'll take things one salty slice at a time and try to keep things in perspective. Thanks for listening. May the Lord bless and keep you, Susan

I use Slim Fast Low Carb I actually don't start my liquid diet for 4 weeks, but I have been introducing them into my diet twice a week and I find them to be very filling. The one thing that I have found from these drinks is that they have a lot of fillers in them and they can be hard on your bowels. A sweet, satisfying shake with fewer carbs you can enjoy as a meal in your Slim•Fast® 3•2•1 Plan. All of our shakes provide about one-third of your recommended intake for most essential Vitamins and minerals. Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 Can (325mL) Amount Per Serving Calories 190 Fat Cal 80 %DV Total Fat 9g 14% Saturated Fat 1.5g 8% Trans Fat 0g Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g Monounsaturated Fat 6g Cholesterol 15mg 5% Sodium 260mg 11% Potassium 550mg 15% Total Carbohydrate 6g 2% Dietary Fiber 4g 16% Sugars 1g Sugar Alcohol 0g Other Carbohydrate 1g Protein 20g 40% vitamins & minerals %DV Vitamin A 35% Calcium 40% Vitamin D 35% Vitamin K 25% Riboflavin 35% Vitamin B6 30% Vitamin B12 30% Pantothenic Acid 35% Iodine 30% Zinc 15% Manganese 35% Molybdenum 35% Vitamin C 100% Iron 15% Vitamin E 100% Thiamin 35% Niacin 35% Folate 30% Biotin 35% Phosphorus 40% Magnesium 35% Selenium 20% Chromium 35%