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I think in the beginning they don't want you to have caffeine / coffee because it dehydrates you quickly and that's something that some people have a problem with. Alcohol also is a diuretic and can dehydrate you quickly, hence the hangover, add carbonation to it and your tummy and body are suddenly spiraling downward toward dehydration. BE CAREFUL! This is a whole new you and your shot at making your dreams a reality...make it happen and be proactive! I never touch alcohol (long story there) but I drink coffee and diet coke all day and night. I have the two next to me at all times and it's a horrible habit and one that will be hard to break . I've started drinking a gallon (yes a whole gallon) of Water a day and I hate hate HATE water but I want to be hydrated and ready for surgery and accustomed to drinking water afterwards. I've switched to caffeine free diet coke but still drink coffee. It's going to kill everyone here to drop those habits but we can do it. (someone tell me I can have coffee when I wake up from surgery please please please! *prays on bended knees*) LOL Renee`

I am glad to hear the update! I hate bras. I am barely an A now so it's really hard to find one I like. The little A bras are for little kids and they barely have any sides on them. I really like the Calcium citrate capsules that Pumpkin was talking about. I love the chocolate chews I get from bariatric advantage, but I don't like the sugar alcohol in them, so I get the rest of my calcium from the capsules. I get them at vitacost too. Vitacost is so great. You can get so much stuff there for much less money. I get my protein shakes and protein bars there as well as biotin shampoo! Free shipping if it's over $49 otherwise 4.99 shipping no matter what you order.

I had my first glass of wine this past weekend at 10 weeks out. I only had one glass of white wine. I drank it slow and did just fine. Fair warning: I have not struggled with anything I've ate or drank so far(besides bread- yuck!). So, I may not be the best person to go by. I was very thirsty the next day though. There have been a few threads about alcohol consumption in the past few months, you may want to search for those. Regardless of whether you get to have a drink, I hope you enjoy the heck out of the wedding! Amanda

I'm almost 1 month post op, so I'm just out the gate. I used to LOVE wine, but I've been a good girl and have had nada. I am a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding and I REALLY want to imbue. Be honest. How have you dealt with alcohol? I don't want to go bananas and drink all night, but I'd sure like a glass of wine at the bachelorette party (this Sat) and one at the wedding (June 4). Go for it? One or the other? Avoid? Do you drink? Please put in your 2 cents.

It won't fill you up at all...and has no nutriton what do you mean? alcohol? soda? 2 margaritas or pina coladas is like 1500 calories... thats more than you are aloud all day.

Everything she said. Alcohol you should wait at least 6 weeks till your body is healed. Even now though alcohol is weird cause you are such a cheap drunk LOL

1. First and foremost, the word "only" should be removed when talking about weightloss. That is 10lbs gone, and hopefully 10lbs you'll never see again. While it may not seem like much, those "only 10lbs" soon add up to 50lbs, maybe 100lbs gone. So, congratulate yourself and take pride in the 10lbs you have lost thus far. You said it yourself. You're early out. The first 6-weeks are not about weightloss, it's about healing and allowing your body to heal inside. Stay off the scale for awhile. You won't gain weight, but during this time you may not lose any either, and that is perfectly normal. Even though you're doing everything right, keep in mind you didn't gain it all overnight, and you're not gonna lose it all overnight either. It takes a lot of time, patience, and will power. Keep in mind post 6 weeks, the average weightloss with the band is 1-2lbs a week. Some weeks you'll lose within the range, sometimes less, sometimes more, and sometimes none at all. I say this in almost every reply to most thread, remember, weightloss is not linear nor constant. Keep that in the back of your mind. Also remember that your weight can fluctuate 10lbs in one day. 2. Per the starving issue, focus on getting your Protein in. Protein really helps with hunger as does healthy dietary fats. The "full" feeling is personal. I feel full eating 1 cup of food, sometimes more. Others feel full eating 1/4 cup; it's all relative and differs from bandster to bandster. Not one of us here has the same "full" feeling. I personally don't seek it. I portion out my food, enjoy it, and then I'm done. Restriction usually isn't met on the first fill, but then again, restriction is all relative as well. I have no fill and have enough restriction to keep me satisfied for 2-3 hours; that's all I want/need. 3. Port pain can last for a few more weeks. The port is sewn to your abdominal muscle so it will take more time to heal/feel completely normal. Try using a heating pad. 4. I'm not sure alcohol this early out is safe, advisable, nor a wise choice. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

Hey guys! I am new, just banded 3 weeks ago tomorrow. I weighed 227 at surgery, and I am pretty sure I am basically the same weight. Maybe down ten pounds or so. I don't like weighing myself because I feel discouraged when I see the scale hasn't really moved. Anyone else slow to lose? I am freaking out! I know this is early still, but you all know how it feels. I am doing everything they told me to, eating soft foods or chewing thoroughly, and making healthy choices. Fish, yogurt, cottage cheese, potatoes, low fat milk, multi Vitamins, Calcium supplements. I guess I just feel like I should have lost a LOT more weight by now.....3 weeks eating half the normal calories I used to......I'm annoyed. Also, I am STARVING! I am pretty sure I could keep eating just like I always did. When can I expect to feel full? I was thinking maybe after my 1st fill which is in like 2 weeks.... Any thoughts? Also, how long did your ports hurt? Mine is on my right (which also worries me, was there something wrong with my left?) and is STILL sore. It hurts to sleep on my side, and at the end of long days, I am super sore at my port incision. Final question, how is alcohol now for you guys? Haven't had any drinks yet but am going on vacation this weekend.

Hormones, and metabolism play a big role in that "honeymoon" phase. The first 6 months, the sleeve hasn't typically matured to full capacity, so weight loss is hell of a lot easier because there just isn't room for mush of anything except Protein. Of course, if you continue to make all the "right" decisions, you continue to follow all the rules for the first 12-18 months, you'll continue to lose weight, but more often than not, sleeve size changes, more food goes in, old habits creep back in, and poor food choices seem to be the culprit. Also, metabolic changes occur once the weight comes off. As for losing weight after goal, I've found it to be pretty easy. That might not always be the case, but I can pinpoint a solid gain(not Water weight) to my indulgences typically with alcohol and social eating which I do a lot. . For me, I have yet to have trouble losing weight. Even in the pregnancy, I've lost a few pounds when I was concerned about the rate of gain I was seeing on the scale. Just my $0.02 worth on the "honeymoon phase" of WLS.

Ok first let me say I'm sorry that you're having a hard time with this. Second, your post seriously made me angry. You had this surgery to lose weight, to be healthy, to make yourself well and free yourself from the addiction of food, correct? WHY would you ruin it?! ALOT of us here have scrimped, saved and begged for money to have this surgery and that includes me, and you throw it away or are willing to throw it away and do serious harm to yourself in the process?! It makes me angry that you just toss aside what I so desperately want, like it means nothing when in reality to most of us here, it means everything. You seriously should get into counseling but first I would suggest calling your surgeon and asking his thoughts. Ok yes I'm forcing myself to be mean to you and I'm sorry for that, but I want to just shake you and yell at you to wake up and DO THIS and to do it RIGHT because otherwise you're going to do some real damage to yourself physically and emotionally. Maybe you need a phone buddy or someone that can really be there, like alcoholics in AA have sponsors, would that help? I know many of us here would be willing to put in the time, but not if you don't put in the effort. Listen, the bottom line is that only YOU can do this. You chose to have the surgery to get better, please don't sabotage yourself now! The pain and expense of surgery aside, you are now in possession of the greatest tool anyone could give you for weightloss, your sleeve! What worries me is that yes, even if you haven't damaged yourself physically, you will probably still lose weight and therefore be in the mindset that *shrugs* "it's ok, I can cheat..look! I'm still loosing!" In reality it's anything but ok. Now then, I'm really sorry I lashed out at you but sometimes we all need that kick in the ass to get back on track and moving forward and I'm pretty sure when I need it everyone will jump on board for it lol Now then, tomorrow is another day right? Do the right things and make the right choices because this early out of surgery your life could depend on it. You're worth it! Do it right! Renee`

Don't use the alcohol as your crutch. Find ways to remove yourself from any stressors. Get a hobby! Yes, the 12 Step Program can also help you address your issues with foods and addictions to them. Congrats on your loss and that you did not regain what you have lost--make this a good starting point to regain your nutritional program habits again. I am not one to rely on pills to heal feelings--exercise, activity and support systems are vital to your health and wellbeing.

Who on earth told you that? Under normal conditions triglycerides (fat) occupy 5% of the liver. However, obesity (along with alcoholism, steroid use, diabetes and a few other conditions) causes that concentration to go up resulting in fatty infiltration of the liver. As much as we believe that the first place we lose weight is in our boobs its simply not true. The first place we lose fat is in the liver. Losing a few pounds pre-op is very important. It makes the surgery much easier for the doctor resulting in fewer complications for you.

I don't think you are too young since your physician mentioned it as a suggestion and he/she is in a better position to assess your health benefits versus risks.. It is a huge, non-reversible decision though and you are deciding now at 19, how you will eat for the rest of your life. I love the sleeve and recommend it but it IS a major, major, major lifestyle change. You are unlikely to be able to drink alcohol much if at all after the surgery. Not really an issue for me but sure would have been when I was 19!! Do your research and this Board is a great way place to start but don't just read the comments on here as some of us tend to be a bit Polly-Ann-ish (me especially) and you need a balanced view. Pregnancy might be in your future and you will want to read about how to manage a healthy pregnancy with WLS. Folks definitely DO and there is a great thread about it on here but it is just one more thing to consider. Good luck with whatever you decide and please post any questions you have on here as you will find that everyone is very generous with their time and expertise.

I love me some margaritas! And I have noticed that it doesnt take much alcohol these days before I am tipsy and a tad drunk.

I drink vodka/cran as well and did notice that the alcohol has more of an effect on me. So, I don't drink as much and try to eat 30 minutes before I drink. Julia

All I can say is that you should pray, pray, pray, and then pray some more. I was hit with that dreaded disease of alcoholism for many years, but with lots of prayers I finally overcame it. I don't even like the stuff anymore!

Dave, you can't compare food portions post-banding with food portions pre-banding. That's because it's completely different. Once you're healed up and start getting fills, (usually starting about six weeks after surgery), you won't be able to eat like you once did, and you won't want to. The placement of the band at the top of the stomach puts pressure on the Vagus nerve, which controls hunger and production of ghrelin, the chemical that causes hunger pangs. So you'll eat a smaller meal, but the miraculous part is that you'll feel full after a small amount of food. And if you're feeling full, and are not hungry, you can safely stop eating without any problems. It doesn't matter that you only ate a fraction of what you used to, your stomach THINKS it's full. And that is the magic of the band. If you use it right, you can eat less and not feel like you are not eating a typical full meal. Once you get out of the habit of eating "big," you'll be able to focus on eating healthy, and eating smart. And the natural side effect of eating smart is weight loss. Easy, simple, and remarkable weight loss. You made a comment in your reply to my last post that it's our culture, and that everything is about food. I used to think that, too. Then I learned that holidays are about family. Food is just something we do to have a reason to get together. My family still knows and loves me as much as before. And we still get together. They eat "big," and I eat what I want, until I'm done. I still socialize and enjoy the time together, but the one difference is I eat less than I used to. Oh yeah, and I take up a lot less room at the table. Okay, you asked about my recovery. I'll try to be brief. Ask me if you want to know more about anything: I had surgery Monday, December 6, 2010. My doctor did not require a pre-op liquid diet. They put me on high Protein, low carb instead, to try and shrink my liver. I only had to do one day of clear liquids, on the day before surgery. During the surgery itself I had a hiatal hernia and a ventral hernia repaired, so where most band patients end up with five or six incision sites, I ended up with thirteen. I spent two nights in the hospital because they wanted to monitor my recovery, since mine was so involved. I was discharged on Wednesday, Dec. 8th. I had several weeks of sick time available to me from work, so I opted to take three weeks off work for recovery. My surgeon required three weeks of liquid diet after surgery. Nothing pureed or creamy. Only Protein shakes, and liquids you can see through. I had no appetite for quite awhile, and managed to get along drinking two ounces of Protein shake every hour from waking up till going to sleep - about 16 hours a day. In between the protein shakes I was drinking 64 ounces of Water daily, roughly four ounces per hour for those same 16 hours. Things went along normally for the first week, until I hit the only speed bump I've had. I discovered I was lactose intolerant, something I never knew. On the Monday one week after surgery I started having "dry heaves," but I wasn't throwing anything up. My body just had the wracking spasms that go with that. After consulting my surgeon (who was about two hours away), I made a trip to the Emergency Room. They gave me a single pill, and the urge to throw up instantly stopped. They found I was dehydrated, and gave me two bags of fluids via IV. After that I was fine. My Nutritionist and I went through trying a number of alternate liquids for protein shakes, different kinds of milk, soy, whatever, but nothing helped. I finally started drinking ready-to-drink shakes (Muscle Milk Light and/or Premier Protein Shakes, both of which were great, taste good, and filled me up perfectly with no side effects.) They worked great, and from there on out I was fine. At the three-week mark I went on soft foods for a week, (slider foods, thicker Soups, creamy stuf, and pureed foods.) It was like heaven. Then I did a week working my way back onto solid foods. The first thing I had was Wendy's Chili. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. It was amazing, and remains my "go to" food when I need a high protein meal that's easy to get, tastes great, and is perfectly band-safe. By the time I was back on solid foods, I felt absolutely normal. I can't feel the band at all, and I was ready for facing life as a bandster. At six weeks after surgery my hernia repair doctor (who had done his part during the band surgery) cleared me from all restrictions. I'd been on a "light duty" thing, not allowed to lift more than 15 pounds prior to that. On the same day, if I recall things correctly, my surgeon gave me my first fill. It was 3cc's, to go with the 3cc's he put in during the band placement surgery. So I was suddenly at 6cc's in a 14cc band. A month later I got another 2cc fill, which put me at 8cc's. A month after that I got a .5cc fill, putting me at 8.5cc's. And just today I got another .5cc, so I'm now at 9cc's. My surgeon's team and I agree I'm right at my sweet spot now, and I probably won't need any more major fills - just small .1cc or .2cc fills from here on out. My hunger is well under control, and I can go four hours or more without feeling hungry. You asked about my daily routine. For the last few months it's been pretty consistent: I've chosen to follow a modified South Beach kind of eating plan, with higher protein, lower glycemic carbs. I avoid (note I didn't say "never eat") fried foods, heavy sauces, and Desserts. So when I'm looking for a meal, I will gravitate toward a higher protein option. I eat "real world" food, not "diet food" because I know I have to function in my own life. I eat out in restaurants regularly. I don't drink alcohol, or anything with carbonation. I know some bandsters do, but I choose not to. I don't miss it. I do use artificial sweetener (Splenda, or one of its derivatives) when I want to sweeten something. I do drink coffee, tea, and unflavored iced tea often. When I wake up, I have a cup of coffee while getting ready for work. In the car while driving to work I have a ready-to-drink Premier Protein shake. (160 calories, 5grams of carbs, 3g sugar, and 30g of protein.) It kick starts my metabolism, and balances my blood sugar. About an hour after getting to work I have what I call a "naked sandwich." It's a Breakfast sandwich without any bread: A fried egg, a sausage patty, and slice of cheese. About 300 calories, and about 20g of protein. I'm good to go till lunch at that point. For lunch I usually have some solid protein, like a grilled chicken breast, roast beef, steak, pork loin, or similar. I may mix it in a salad, usually with a touch of a vinaigrette dressing. Sometimes I'll get a grilled turkey BLT sandwich, and set the bread aside. I'm fortunate to work at a hospital, and the cafeteria offers a pretty good selection of choices. If the volume of food is fairly large, like a full-sized sandwich, I usually only eat half of it during my lunch break. I take the rest back to my desk as leftovers, and I may or may not eat it as a mid-afternoon snack, if I need it. When I leave work I go directly to the gym, where I work out for about an hour or so. I usually ride a recumbent bike in the "fat burn" mode, but lately have been gradually adding some weight training. On my way home I may grab some dinner (like Wendy's Chili or their half-sized Apple Pecan Chicken salad. Maybe a Sourdough Chicken Club sandwich from Jack in the Box. Good stuff!) I don't get the "meal deal" at fast food places - so I'm not tempted by French fries or soft drinks, and I usually peel off the bun or bread and set it aside. Later in the evening, if I feel the urge to have a snack, I'll eat a cheese stick or two, or a cup of lowfat yogurt. I don't keep "trigger" foods in my house. No junk food, desserts, chips, or empty calories. And I drink water all day long. I keep a bottle of it with me at work, in the car, and at the gym, a tall glass with ice water at home, and anytime I'm awake. It really helps. If I go out to a restaurant for dinner, I try to select something higher in protein, and substitute steamed vegetables for any sort of potatoes. One favorite is at Olive Garden. They have a Steak Toscano. 12 ounces of grilled to order steak. I eat about a third at the restaurant, then take the rest home, where it makes two more meals. It's very filling, and the whole thing is only 400 calories and has 20g of protein. That's about all there is to it. As you can see, I'm following what works for me. I am NEVER hungry, I get in at least 100g of protein every day. I take my Vitamins and supplements daily, I drink lots of water, and I work out regularly. I was banded five months ago this past Monday, and as of today I've lost 83 pounds, with more to follow. My surgeon says I'm doing exactly what they expect, in terms of weight loss, and they are very encouraged that things are going so well for me. I hope this gives you some real world tips you can use. I learned what works for me, and I do my own thing in terms of how I eat, and what it means for me to be banded. I don't measure anything, and as I said, I drink with meals. But I eat slowly, I chew thoroughly, and I take small bites. All that is in deference to how the band works. I manage it, but I don't let it manage me. The rest is in the details, sorting out how to make the most of it. Hope this helps. Dave

Hi Lori & Jennifer This is how I did it .... (during my weight loss phase) I kept a food diary - I counted calories & Protein I weighed and measured my food until I knew what 1/4 - 1/2 - 1 cup looked likeand what 4 oz of meat looks like I kept my calories between 800 - 1200 and varied them daily - I ate low fat -sugar free - and did/do allow some starches - I am a weight watcher girl and Ithink they have the most balanced eat plan out their - I could never live onAdkins - I have to have some starch.. I exercised 4-5 days a week (usually 5) my walking on a treadmill - startedslow and every couple weeks increased my speed and mileage at 8 months out Igot a trainer and started working weights (I had lost 77 by then) During this time I did allow treats - If I went to a bday party I had 1 pieceof cake - during Christmas I bake xmas Cookies w/granddaughters - its atradition - I made a trade off with myself - I didn't eat the sweets that wereat work during the holiday - and allowed myself some xmas cookies w/my grandkids - and I made sure I went to the gym .. For me having major fricking surgery was an ah ha moment - I was/am verydedicated to eating healthy- I never dieted then or now - this is truly alifestyle change in our eating (we always heard that phrase anytime we went ona diet - but we don't truly understand what they are saying) - Always beforeafter we lost the weight - we would go back to eating "normal" andwhat happen - we gained our weight back - we didn't understand that our eatingnormal is what got us fat in the 1st place.. I was lucky to get to my sweet spot very fast - I have had 1 fills the last onein 1/09. I can tell you that with the band - it's a diff full - I can be physically fulland still want to eat more food - and you can - you can eat around your bandwith foods that we call sliders - candy - cookies - ice cream - chips - mashedpotatoes - adult beverage ;0) they all slip right thru the band no matter howtight you are - this is eating around your band - I also don't keep foods in the house that are my weakness - would you leave abottle of booze on the kitchen counter if you were an alcoholic and trying toquit drinking - Well it's the same thing with us and food - We are food addictsit's our drug of choice. So if I want a cookie - I go and buy just one - if I have made a cake forsomeones bday - I make them take it with them or I throw it out (better in thee(the trash) than in me). I have had a weak moment bought a pint ofice cream - eaten half and thrown the other half in the trash.. I struggle at time - ya I miss pigging out - Iwant to eat unlimited amounts of candy and not worry that I will gain weight -I don't want to go to the gym and exercise some days - but I now KNOW that if Ieat a bag of candy - sit on my butt 24/7 - I will be right back to 250 and Idon't want that.. Hope you have a little insight to what band is going to be like (btw - i caneat almost anything - I can have a sandwich on lite sandwich bread - I can eata taco) oh ya - band rules - eat slowly - chew - small bite and no drinking with meals- my doc allows us to drink 30 mintues after we have eaten.. Hope this has help.. Wishing you the very best on your jounery - keep me posted ok..<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;">

You'll have to make your own choice about whether or not to drink. I usually don't get any alcohol, but will sip from my husband's. YMMV. I thought I'd share this post from another band site discussing alcohol and it's effect on weight loss. Alcohol inhibits the hormones that make you feel full, promotes the hormones that make you hungry, and lowers your inhibitions. Yes, people tend to eat more when they drink. Plus alcohol is basically a toxin that your liver has to process and it doesn't process food in the same way while it's process alcohol. It takes about 3 days to get rid of the alcohol completely. So for every day you have a drink you'll generally go 3 days without losing weight. That doesn't seem like a good trade off. One can get by with a few sips of wine before dinner but a 5 ounce serving of red is about 130 calories. When one is trying to eat 1200 calories there's not a lot of room to spend a 10th of the daily allotment on alcohol.

I can tell you, the alcohol doesnt affect me any differently than before, BUT it definitely makes you say "to hell with this diet" and eat things you arent supposed to. Thats what I did last night and after going out drinking I stopped at Jack in The Box and binged on things Im not supposed to eat. Especially since I got my fill on Monday and am supposed to be only on full liquids for a week...so be careful!

I stopped drinking before getting banded so I don't know if it effects you differently. Just the fact that you are eating less food may cause the alcohol to have a greater impact. I would be cautious for sure. And you are right, it's empty calories. Try to factor a drink or 2 into your calories for the day. Of course, this is not something you should do on a regular basis. Have fun!

Hello Everyone! I am really enjoying this website. Lots of useful information. I was banded April 26th. I have been feeling great and following the diet to a T! I just have one question. I have a super busy summer coming up. Lots of wedding and graduation parties. Although I am not really a big drinkier I do like to have a couple when and where appropriate. I know alcohol is just empty calories. Just wondering what other peoples reactions are about it. Does it effect you diffently ect......

I read on here (I think) that holding an alcohol swab under your nose helps get rid of nausea. I tried it in the hospital and it definitely worked for me. I keep a couple of the little swab packets handy and open one and wave it under my nose whenever I need to alleviate nausea. Now that I'm 5 days post op, the need to use them has diminished significantly.

I usually do Net Carbs...from all my days either on Atkins, South Beach, The Belly Fat Cure, I think I even remember something about this from WW... You basically subtract the Sugar alcohols and Fiber from the total Carbs. A label from an Atkins Protein bar: Total Carb: 29g Fiber: 11g Sugar Alcohols: 15g Net carbs: 3g Protein: 15g (pretty good for the carbs) I agree with others, you just have to find what your body responds too. I try not too do many bars, but when I'm on the road and don't have access to cold foods, its a good sub. Plus, when I get to eat fruits again...I want to make sure I am not feeling guilty about using all my carbs on one piece. I dont' think anyone got fat eating too many fruits and vegetables.

Aaaah, I wish I knew the magic formula that works for some people! For me, I do actually have to limit my carbs. I can eat healthy carbs and not gain weight, but it brings my weight loss efforts to a screeching halt. Sadly. I figure if I have to give up most carbs for a year or two, so I can get to goal, it will be a worthy reason. I do eat some carbs though. I will portion out pretzels, or tortilla chips as part of my meal, but then that will be it for my carb of the day. Most of my carbs come from my veggies and my yogurt, etc. My surgeon is just BIG on NO shakes AFTER 6 WEEKS (post-op) and about 2 months ago I started having my one shake a day again. I start my day with a shake that is very low carb and nets me 30g Protein, so it is well worth it to me. I think they harp on the no-shakes thing because they do not fill you up and satisfy you (but I don't have hunger so it almost doesn't matter to me) but it helps push me on the protein for the day. I do not understand people who say they eat 3 meals a day...OMG, I can't do that and still reach my protein goals. I eat like 6 (small of course) meals a day!!! So for instance today, I have had: Premier Protein Shake 3oz of egg beaters with a tablespoon of cheese and a tbsp of bacon bits thrown in 2oz of ground beef, with 7 grams of tortilla chips and another tbsp of cheese melted on top (my own sort of taco if you will) and when I logged everything to check I'm already at 69g of protein and only 17g carbs. I will probably end up with over 100g of protein for the day because I will eat another snack around 3pm (sometimes a Protein Bar or apples and cheese or turkey and cheese, etc.) and then a dinner (probably chicken breast) and usually something like yogurt or ricotta cheese after dinner. So if you take away the shake and don't count that as a meal, by the end of the day I will have eaten 5 times today. Even though I don't have hunger, I find that eating every 2-3 hours keeps me humming along and helps me reach those protein goals. I also do about 72oz of Water daily, with the occassional extra water thrown in. 72 is my minimum, but some days I am able to get in more. I also have not had a single drink (alcoholic or carbonated) since being sleeved, I am planning on drinking again after I hit my one year mark but I wasn't a big drinker to begin with so it hasn't been hard for me. I hope this helps to answer your question...sort of rambling, sorry about that!