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I lost about 130 and it took a year. I chalk my success up to cutting carbs and lots of exercise. I eat tons of soup and fish and wouldn't say that my portions are all that small. I haven't had a bowl of pasta or a slice of pizza or a bagel in over a year. For some reason I decided that those were lifelong things to avoid, whereas I do drink alcohol, eat dessert and some french fries every now and again. The point being that you have to make rules that you can live with for yourself and stick with them. I think that lifting weights has been another key to my success. I weigh almost 150 pounds but wear a size 6. It just helps you pack it all in better. I never spent any time feeling sorry for myself and I went to the gym even when I was really dragging and exhausted. Still, I wouldn't say that I suffered all that much, and now it's a blur. My kids don't even remember that I was fat!

Maybe check out any support groups in your area from the hospital where you had your surgery? ...or at the very least there is a 'Buddy/Mentor' list here, maybe just reaching out to another sleever who has similar issues as you, but farther along can provide some insight. I think we all struggle with this at some capacity...I know for me filling my time with hobbies, my sports teams, work, great friends, my doggies...keeps me on track and not so focused on food and the decisions I make. From the time I've overcome cigarette and alcohol abuse, it is a daily (sometimes hourly) conscience decision to stay clean. It's been 2.5 years and it does get easier, but my lifestyle had to change drastically and I'm not out of the woods yet. You're on the right path to seek out some help, if you need anything, send me a PM. xx Heidi

As of today I am down 89 lbs since being banded December 20th. I am super happy. I have a ways to go but am starting to feel so good about myself. With me, I cut out alcohol, red meat, most grains and coffee. I calorie count and try to stay around 1000 - 1500 per day. Breakfast I eat oatmeal, lunch is typically a salad with tuna, low fat cheese and low fat dressing, dinner is typically fish and veggies. I try to get at least 1 Protein shake in a day and drink about 4 litres of Water. I average about 4-5 pounds a week. I walk an hour a day and see a trainer 3 times a week.

Just an update for everyone on my status..... After a lot of careful thought, I determined that the Bypass would be the best surgery for me. Locally, only Bypass or Lapband are offered, so a Sleeve wasn't an option for my surgeon. Starting weight before surgery was 235 (I'm 5' 5" tall). Had my surgery 11/16/10 at UMass Hospital in Worcester MA. Very successful surgery (though LONG surgery), went home on time. They took me off some of my meds before leaving the hospital, including taking me off insulin. Well, I"m back on insulin again, but MUCH less than before surgery - before surgery, I ws taking 100-120 units of long term insulin every night, and another 30-50 units in the monrning, plus supplementing during the day with short term insulin (between 20-30 units for each meal). That's a LOT of insulin every day, up to 200 units or more a day! Now, 4/28/11, I'm down around 55 pounds, down to just under 180 lbs. That has met my first two goals - first goal was to get under 200 lbs, 2nd goal is to weigh less than my DH (6' 1", 180 lbs dripping wet). So I"m really close or have already passed my 2nd goal. Insulin - down to 25 units long term at night, and 10 units long term in AM, supplementing only when I eat sugar with short term insulin. so maybe down to 35-40 units a day (down from over 200 units a day). I'm also hopeful that as I continue to lose weight, and excersise more (hurray for warmer weather!!), the insulin needs will contine to drop, and hopefully get off of insulin all together (even if I have to go back to pills). I'm off of my blood pressure meds, no problems with blood pressure. Am still on cholesterol meds, but those numbers are MUCH better too. May get off of the cholesterol meds soon. I don't have any problems eating anything, sugar, alcohol, no problems, except if I eat/drink an unreasonable amount - 1 cookie is OK, half a dozen Cookies, I do get dumping, but only if I overeat sugar. Of course, I try not to overeat sugar, but when I found out I was being laid off from my job, I did discover the feeling of dumping from eating too much sugar! But I've gotten over that, and am back on track with much better eating habits. I'm happy with my decision, am feeling great, and already have had to buy a new wardrobe as my old clothes were all falling off of me. Will likely need more wardrobe adjustments as weight loss continues. Sizes - I went from a size 24 women's pants, to nicely fiting into a standard size 16 pants at a normal clothing store! And bras - I went from a 46DD to a 40D! So I wanted to thank eveyrone here for your great advice, and for just listening to me. Jill

Well, I've started a post here quite a few times only to get a few paragraphs in, tell myself "who cares" and log off without posting anything. The night before last I got a call from the Bariatric Clinic where I had my lap band done and they were calling to remind me to make my three year follow up visit appointment. Three years. Has it been three years? And where am I at? I'm heavier today than I was the day of surgery. To say I'm discouraged is the understatement of the century. I was 320 pounds when approved for surgery. I lost 35 pounds before surgery on Medifast because I needed to shrink my liver, per doctor's orders. I am now at 298. The lowest weight I achieved was 268 and that was about 6 months after banding. It will be three years in May and the thought of even going in for a follow up visit leaves me cold. At an appointment about a year and half a ago (for a fill) the doctor told me, "You did not fail the band - the band failed you." Seriously? Doesn't that sound like a cop-out? He wants me to have gastric bypass. He always did want me to have gastric bypass. So did my PCP. So does my diabetes doctor. Anyone I've encountered in the medical field advises me to have gastric bypass. They don't really come out and say it, but I know with my super high blood pressure and pre-diabetes (I was Type II diabetic before surgery, but was able to come off the meds after surgery and haven't had to go back on them - yet), plus a BMI of 54 (nothing like being more than half fat) they're fearful I'm going to have a stroke. They never come out and SAY that, but the urgency is there. The constant encouragement to have gastric bypass is there. I've been overweight since I was about 12. I'd been called fat or variations thereof my entire life up until that point. I look at photos now and sigh with regret. I was tall (for my age - now I'm 5'3" - who knew I'd end up a shrimp?!), but I was thin. I don't know why so many said I was fat. I am a big-boned girl, but I'm not Andre the Giant. Anyway, by 12 I was seeing myself as the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man and I grew from there. I've lost the weight off and on my entire life, starting in my teens. 50 pounds here, 100 pounds there. I lost 100 pounds in 1997 and kept it off for five years until I had a car accident and couldn't work out 7 days a week like I had been. The weight came back so quickly without my constant exercising. It was pure heartache for me. So here I am again. I'm seeing a Hypertension specialist because my BP is so high and my PCP can't manage it any longer. I have hereditary high BP and was diagnosed at 15. I'm 40 now. I take more medications than a 70 year old. Even when I lost the 100 pounds my BP didn't budge. I'm seeing an Endocrinologist because my PCP thinks my issues might be hormonal, however the Endocrinologist is coming at me more from a diabetes standpoint. I have arthritis in my hands and feet and I'm having flare ups almost on a daily basis. My RA doctor doesn't want to prescribe medications because they will jack up my already high BP. I haven't been in for a fill in about two years. I don't go because I feel like I'm a failure. Every weigh in depresses me. Oddly enough I don't need a fill. I have pretty good restriction and I'm limited in what I can eat. I haven't drank soda or eaten fast food in 20 years. I don't eat junk food (really I don't). I rarely touch alcohol with very few exceptions. I try to exercise 3-4 times a week, but with my feet hurting so badly lately, exercise seems impossible. Plus I fractured my foot two months ago, so I'm only recently even ready to think about exercising again. Sweets are difficult for me, but I really limit what I eat. I'll have sorbet about once a week (maybe twice if it's that time of the month) and a piece of chocolate (not candy bars) every now and again. I haven't maintained a perfect course since being banded, but I've stayed the course pretty darn well. A woman in our office was banded about 6 months ago. I'd say she's lost probably 75 pounds. She looks fantastic. Before surgery she ate a lot. Eating out every day, large portions, soda, fast food, etc. She was pretty big. Even before my surgery I never ate that way. Weight just seems to stick to me like a booger that won't flick off. This same woman who was banded 6 months ago still drinks soda, but it's diet now (which I know soda is a no-no). She eats pretty large portions (I cannot or I'll puke) and she looks amazing. I was sitting in the breakroom with a friend the other day eating lunch and I told my friend, "I'm so jealous. I'm never jealous of anyone or anything, but I'm jealous of this woman's weightloss." If you're thinking I'm not eating enough, I did have my trainer tell me that he didn't think I was eating enough, but I feel full. What am I supposed to do? Force it? Here's a typical day: Breakfast Greek Yogurt with a handful of Grape Nuts on top 1 cup of coffee with Splenda and creamer Water throughout the day Lunch Half a sandwich (Typically turkey) OR Egg salad with a serving of Wheat Thins (about 16 chips) Snack (I know we're not supposed to snack, but sometimes I'm just starving and I have to take a pill with food) Some slices of cheese OR Handful of almonds Dinner Salad with lowfat Ranch dressing Protein of some sort (chicken or steak) OR Meatloaf and cottage cheese I can't eat past 7pm because of heartburn, so I'm eating early and I do not eat or have dessert after 7pm because of the heartburn. I drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes I do have juice (like a mango/orange from concentrate) when I get home, but I cut it with water (usually 1/4 juice and 3/4 water). If I do have dessert it's usually sorbet. I will have a piece of birthday cake (it's a birthday celebration - come on!) or a piece of pie at Thanksgiving. I don't believe in being insane about restrictions. I don't understand what's wrong. I take so many medications that I wonder if all these BP drugs are slowing my metabolism down. I've been medicated since 22 - heavily medicated. My BP is 220/120 unmedicated. Medicated I'm 140/90 and lately it's been 153/100, hence the reason for the referral to the Hypertension Clinic. I'm discouraged. My sister and I are exactly the same size and she weighs 30 pounds less than I do! 30 pounds less and we're the same size! That's crazy! I don't want to starve myself and exercise like a mad woman in order to take the weight off. What's wrong with me? I'm so very, very discouarged. I don't like being this big. I do want to change. I'm trying to change. My whole life I've tried. What am I doing wrong?

Mike, Making the choice to get healthy is a life changing thing. Yes your weight was out of control, which is what lead you to choose a Sleeve. You probably had some co-morbidities as well. When I read your justification for choosing to smoke MJ again (and yes that is what it was a justification) I was struck by the glaring evidence that you very likely have an addictive personality. People who are easily addicted to substances to stimulate their feel good responses in the brain and are heavy users of the substances weather that be alcohol, drugs, weed, cigs, or food. The good news is you can change what you are addicted to. You have already chosen to stop the addiction to food. You can choose to stop the addiction to substances that have a negative influence in your life (MJ is illegal, you risk being arrested, losing your job, not to mention you freely admit that life before the sleeve was spent completely baked on a daily basis) My suggestion is instead of focusing on things you want back from your old life, you focus on all of the awesome things that you have to look forward to in your new HEALTHY life. With peaceful and hopeful thoughts for continued healing and good health Apple

Skinny - love your thread - I think we are about in the same boat only I have no teenagers at home. I was banded 12/29/10 and have lost 67 pounds. My starting weight was 253 and I am 5'5". I am 50 years old and I think I look okay in my size 12 jeans also. It is just so nice to be able to find cute jeans instead of the sam plus size dull looking jeans that draw up at the crotch. It is wonderful to see all the ups and downs are about the same. I really haven't "cheated" yet - I feel too good about what I am eating and the weight I am losing to cheat....lol. I have only had a couple episodes of being "stuck" and it really is uncomfortable, and it just reminds me to slow down and chew. I have found I cannot eat scrambled eggs, rice or bread - they are the most problem foods I have. I have a hard time when I am traveling for my job as far as lunch decisions. I want to go to a restaraunt that has nutrishous food and everyone else wants the fattening stuff. I can usually find something good to eat anywhere tho. I just need to stay focused. Thanks for all your advice and keep up the good work. Good luck to you. I had my surgery in July, 2010 and have experienced the same roller coaster of emotions, feelings, optimisim, depression, elation, regret and joy that others talk about. The biggest adjustment for me was saying goodbye to the overstuffed full feeling that accompanies overeating. I was surprised how I really missed that. I don't miss it anymore. The 2nd biggest adjustment for me has been learning to slow down my eating and take smaller bites. I'm good at that about 80% of the time and then I get rushed, or think I can eat something in the car on the way to one of my kid's games, etc. and then I just laugh at myself when the stuck feeling starts. I have however learned to recognize the onset and can usually avoid any really unpleasant outcomes I can't believe I'm 20 something pounds to goal. I will be the weight I was when I got married soon, and I've been married to the same wonderful man (who does NOT have a weight problem) for 23 years. I just wanted to post something positive about lap band...it's a helluva ride, but it has been so worth it. I am able to run again (I don't set any land speed records, that's for sure!) and I'll be completing my 2nd half marathon next week. I have one more long run (10 miles) until the race. I can't believe this is me I'm talking about. All you new bandsters, please hang in there! The best advice I can give you is to STAY POSITIVE and FORGIVE YOURSELF if you slip. This is not an All or Nothing process...it's a lot of learning about, adjusting to and finally, ACCEPTING your new lifestyle! I go out with friends, cook for myself and my family, enjoy wine (after a 4 month hiatus from alcohol) and enjoy life on a level that I have not been on in a long time. I'm usually not the fattest girl in the room anymore. I think I look pretty cute in my size 12 jeans for a 47 year old mom of 3 teens People comment on my weight loss all the time. I still have a bit of an internal struggle with not be open about my surgery, but I know it's the right decision for me. No one knows except my husband, sister and parents, all who I am extremely close with and respect my decision. I don't think I've ever drawn any attention from others who don't know...it's been surprisingly easy to keep this private. Whether I'm just reading or posting, this site has been a huge motivator for me. I encourage everyone to stay active with it. If I take a break from it and return, I always notice a boost in my determination. I'm looking forward to summer clothes and dare I say wearing a bathing suit (what ?!?). The hardest thing about this at the moment is refraining from buying too many clothes! I know I'm not "there" yet and I have to be patient and show restraint when I'm shopping. It's a good problem to have and one that I hope all get to experience soon. I wish you all the best with your pending metamorphasis!

First, I think it's wonderful that you have the support of your in-laws….in these types of situations, in-laws can often be particularly critical. It's nice to have support from that area. The subject of alcohol consumption does come up frequently here, and it usually provokes some pretty strong opinions on all sides. I'll state the same things I have stated on this subject before. If you are really serious about losing weight, you need to consider giving up the booze, at least while you are in the process of losing the majority of your weight. Alcohol is NOT conducive to good health OR weight loss, regardless of what some small studies say about the occasional glass of wine. Don't get me wrong; in the past, I always enjoyed a good blast of hootch, but NOTHING could make me feel as good as I do as a thin person. Sure, you could have a drink occasionally; you could also have a Snickers on occasion. Or a Hot Fudge Sundae. But WHY would you want to, after everything you have been through with your weight? It's the little decisions that we make on a moment to moment basis that impacts our health so dramatically. A shot of booze here, some cheez whiz there,....it all adds up. And you don't NEED a drink to be happy or have fun....if you DO,....well,,,,there are perhaps some other issues that you might want to address. There are certain things you need to eat to live.... alcohol is one of those things you do NOT need. And it can hurt you in a number of ways. I saw a post recently where one member here had difficulty losing her last 10 or 15 pounds. When she cut out the glass of wine she had every once in a while, the weight came off. It is NOT always a matter of Calories in/calories burned…..different types of food have different effects on your METABOLISM. Alcohol is one of them. Also, consider the very real idea that after you have had one or two drinks, your will-power does tend to diminish, if not vanish entirely. This could lead to more drinks, and then the snacking that can often accompany a buzz. Sure, you can drink. Sure, you can have that piece of pizza, that slice of cake. But will that move you ANY closer to your goal? Nope. Will it keep you away from your goal? A little, tiny bit, yes. And will it continue to expose you to the foods that made you fat to begin with? Sure will. A couple of you have said your Drs have said that it is OK to have a drink. Some people on this site have said their doctors advised against consuming alcohol. You will find Drs that say both. But….I would challenge you to ask ANY Dr if it would be better that you did NOT have a drink/Pizza/whatever. I can guarantee you that probably %100 would say that it would be BETTER if you didn't. You always have a choice. And you should always strive to make the HEALTHY choice. S.

I was banded in October and tonight I had a small glass of Skinny Girl Margarita over a lot of ice. I have to say, after that one drink I felt a little tipsy LOL! I guess the combination of not drinking anything alcoholic for such a long time and only eating small portions throughout the day, really made a big difference in my tolerance.

I had an unusual experience after Lap Band surgery that not even my surgeon can figure out. Please read my story and tell me if anyone has had this experience and what the outcome was. I was banded on April 18, 2011. Surgery went well without any complications. By 11:30am I was on my way home. I took a short 2 hr nap once I arrived home but had an extremely hard time moving around. I would lie down and get stuck because the pain was so unbearable. By that evening my back was hurting so bad I could not get comfortable at all. I also kept having hot flashes where I would actually start sweating. And I was unable to drink anything besides Water without getting extremely nauseous. The back pain would keep getting worse over the next few days. After speaking with a nurse at the surgery clinic on Wednesday afternoon they instructed me to come see them the next day if my back pain did not get better. Later that evening I took a shower and was shocked at how horrible the shower made me feel. It actually felt like someone was stabbing me in the back everytime the water would hit my back. A few hours later I checked my temperature and found I had a low grade fever. No longer feeling like I could wait until the next day I went to my local emergency room. After running a few tests they found that my Duodenum and Pancreas was inflamed. They contacted my surgeon and fearing my Pancreas had been lacerated during surgery I was transferred to a hospital across town where my surgeon was affiliated. To make a long story shorter I was in the hospital until Sunday night 04-24-11. During my stay I was put on strong antibiotics and pain killers and had tons of test done including Xrays, multiple CT Scans, EGD and an ultrasound. They did not find a laceration but I was diagnosed with Pancreatitis. My surgeon along with a Internal medicine and Gastroenterology DR there at the hospital cannot explain why this happened. They said there is not reason why my pancreas would act up like this as I do not have Gallstones and I do not drink alcohol. Has anyone else come up with Pancreatitis after Lap-Band surgery? And if so, have you had to have the band removed or did everything turn out ok for you?

your list of fears sounds LOT like mine, for the most part. I,personally, am not going to tell my mother. luckily, there is some distance between us, about 1,000 miles, so i won't have to see her or anything for months. unless i die, she won't know about it. that's my plan anyway. i have added some comments below to your original list. Anywho-things I am scared of: 1. Dying from WLS--i am scared of this too, but i have just decided that at the end of the day, i trust my surgeon. he has done over 7,000 of these surgeries and not one person has died from it on his table. that puts me at ease. ask your surgeon what his track record is if that will help you. 2. Being put under, deathly afraid of that.--Gawd, i'm scared of that too. but i have been doing tons of research on this site and everyone has said that one minute they are mid conversation and the next thing they know they are waking up on recovery. i am sure that it is most likely the same for the majority of people. i'm still scared, but i will just tell myself to breathe. 3. Becoming an alcoholic afterwards or some other addict.-no real words of comfort here as my only addiction is currently food! if you don't have a problem with alcohol now, you shouldn't have a problem afterward. you aren't going to be able to just drink and drink and drink because you will get dehydrated, and you have to put so many ounces of fluids in, there won't be room for bottle after bottle of Jack. just tell yourself that. try to get a hobby or find something you like to do and do more of that. 4. Telling people that I am doing this.- there is nothing that says you have to tell anyone about this. as difficult as it is, i am keeping this to myself until i am either ready or i feel that i can share with someone. this is something i am doing for myself and it's not for anyone else. i know others say it's nothing to be ashamed of, and it's not, but it's MY body and what i do with it is MY choice and I don't want anyone else's opinion unless i ask for it. make sure you are ready to tell before you tell. that's all. 5. Acquiring a shopping addiction after I lose weight.- yeah, i feel you here. i suppose if you spend the money on clothes instead of food, that's a good thing. i'm pretty frugal in my fat life, and i plan to continue that, so it just depends on your personality. 6. Excess skin, my mom had a tummy tuck and I don' want to go through that!-i'm gonna have lots of this...if i lose enough weight to have to deal with it, then i will deal with it. 7. What will happen to my marriage, because I hear all these rumors about people getting divorced.-if your marriage is strong and loving right now, then you will have nothing to worry about. if you married your husband because you love him and not just because you thought he was the only one who would ever be with someone fat like you, then your marriage will be ok. if your husband loves you just how you are, and doesn't see you as fat or thin, then your marriage will be ok. ask your husband how he feels about all of this, and ask him about how he will deal with things when you are thinner. keep the communication open and be honest with each other. if you can do this, your marriage will be ok. 8. Drinking alcohol afterwards and puking.-start off slowly. everything in moderation. try drinking a small amount and not the whole bottle. listen to your body and see what it can tolerate. 9. Having to exercise, although when I do it I like it.-find something to do that doesn't seem like exercise. maybe invest in a wii or something that feels more like a game. for me, it's riding my bike and swimming. it doesn't feel like exercise. i love to do it. you just have to find that one thing that gives you pleasure that doesn't seem like a chore and do it. as the weight comes off, maybe you will find other things that will become more fun for you. i wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide. but just know that there are others, myself included, who are still scared and unsure. regardless of my fear, i am going through with this (my surgery is May 4th) and i'm going to do my best to heed my own advice. whatever you decide, it will be the right decision for you. don't let anyone, your mother included, tell you that you are lazy or stupid.

Hello fellow forummers!So here is some of my story........ I am one of 4 siblings.......whom are all 1/2 brothers and sisters, I might add. I'm not only the oldest but was forever the "Heavy" one in the family of beanstalks. My sister is 5'6" and has always been a svelte130 lbs. My mom is 5'8" and never saw above 130, even having 4 kids. My Stepdad is 6' and 175 lbs My two brothers are both well over 6' tall and about 180 lbs each. Me? Well, I'm 5'3" and struggled to stay at 130 through high school, with my parents always making nice little comments about anything I put in my mouth. My moms favorite thing to do was pinch my thigh and say, "You're gettin a little chunky these days!". My stepdad used to tell me that one day I'd grow into my arms.....(I have wide shoulders and I guess my arms stuck out a little from my body......he meant I would fill up that gap). All my life I have felt FAT and UGLY. All my life I have hated my body. All my life I have hated food. I even hated myself after my first child was born and I was back at 130 lbs. I still felt FAT. I see pictures of me THEN, and I'm like, OMG! I was a stick!!! Why did my parents always think I was so overweight??????? Well, after an unfortunate reaction to Norplant birth control in 1994......I began my journey as the true fat one in my family. I guess I finally lived up to my families expectations.....without even WANTING to! I gained 90 lbs in less than 3 months. So long post birth 130 lbs! Hello 208. Then, I got pregnant with my daughter........hello 298. 1995 - 208 lbs 1996 - 298 lbs. 1998 - 145 lbs (Advocare products) 2000 - 208 lbs 2001 - 150 lbs (Divorce diet...lol) 2003 - 185 lbs 2005 - 140 lbs (2 jobs, depression, 3 hrs of sleep, living on Peanut Butter, unhealthy) 2006 - 190 lbs 2007 - 140 lbs (moved, broke, stopped eating, unhealthy) 2008 - 180 lbs 2009 - 145 lbs (straight alcohol diet) lovely and extremely stupid. 2011 - 211 lbs So when I tell my mom about my surgery, she says, "You look fine and I'm sure you can lose it by yourself." OMG I wanted to stick a fork in my own eye!!!!!! Hello, Earth to Mom! I've 'done it by myself' SIX times! She didn't approve of my surgery and didn't speak to me for 3 weeks prior to my surgery, and that was just fine with me....I didn't need the stress. So now I have the sleeve. I'm down 25+ lbs in the weeks since surgery and my self confidence is already coming back! My husband loves my smile, the fact that I'm not hiding from him behind the covers, bathrobes and etc. has improved our sex life. I just can't say anything negative right now.......except I'm bored to death with liquids! LOL! So, here's to the gal who used to be "chunky"....... and here's to the WOMAN who will not be held back by weight issues ANY MORE!!!!!!! Cheers ya'll! and thanks for listening!!!!! Christal

At the Mexican surgeon, their recommendation is to avoid caffeine except for decaf -- which does, btw, have some caffeine in it -- and wait until after the solid food stage to drink alcohol. They're just not really all that concerned with alcohol especially after the stomach starts working properly which takes a while. That said, one thing you should be aware of is that there are reports of leaks and other problems much later in the story, at nine months or near one year.

A lot of drs are different about these things, and I've been wondering about them too. Especially coffee?? I knew a lot of them said to wait a while on alcohol and I had also heard about it hitting you faster and harder. This is the first I've seen mention of never drinking either again. Hmmm. I will have to ask my dr too. I rarely drink alcohol but I love my coffee! Kelly

Docs seem to be split regarding coffee and caffeine since they can up your risk of ulcers post-op (pre-op too actually). Besides the calories many programs have you abstain from alcohol because there is also a higher risk of transfer addiction where people who used to rely on food for "a fix" start to turn to other sources for comfort. I'm talking about people who hated the taste of alcohol becoming raging alcoholics after surgery. Just like if you know someone who quit smoking and took up eating or someone who quit hard drugs and started smoking more.

The stigma has got to go. There are even whispers that Jennifer Hudson had WLS but Weight Watchers is paying her to be their spokesperson anyway. I don't know about that but you are so right on as usual CW my dear- it is really bizarre the way WLS is held, generally, to be a hush hush whisper down low thing to be hidden. I think celebrities are happier and more willing to say they are addicted to painkillers and alcohol! I actually am surprised about Camryn- I've always loved her and hate to think she would not be forthcoming. But the Hollywood fame factory is a powerful thing ... Meggie rushes off to google newly skinny celebrities.....

At a month out, you will likely cause no problems with your band or tummy. However, remember that alcohol does lower our inhibitions and increases appetite. I know a bariatric nurse who says that alcohol consumption can slow weight loss for up to 3 days. Personal choice. Myself I rarely have alcohol. Usually my husband will have something and I'll have a sip and that's enough. YMMV. Have a great time at your inlaws.

Well, first off I am getting more and more comfortable with the reality of this. I still haven't brought myself to tell my mom. She has been on my case for 10 years to lose weight. I don't know how she will take it. I have a feeling she will be upset and then tell me to grow up, buck up, and do it myself. Blah, blah, blah. It is just who she is. Anywho-things I am scared of: 1. Dying from WLS 2. Being put under, deathly afraid of that. 3. Becoming an alcoholic afterwards or some other addict. 4. Telling people that I am doing this. 5. Acquiring a shopping addiction after I lose weight. 6. Excess skin, my mom had a tummy tuck and I don' want to go through that! 7. What will happen to my marriage, because I hear all these rumors about people getting divorced. 8. Drinking alcohol afterwards and puking. 9. Having to exercise, although when I do it I like it. No others right now. Peace, Liz

Hi, I was just banded on monday so I have not had alcohol yet of course but I did look into it because there are times when I would also like to have a glass of wine..my Dr. said it is fine in moderation. One or two glasses of wine but no beer..I have read where people have had vodka and cranberry and bloody mary's. So if you want to have a glass of wine it should be fine enjoy..treat yourself for a job well done so far. Good luck.

Hello all, I am 4 weeks 3 days post op and i am going to dinner at my in-laws tonight! (OMG) I will be having some grilled fish and some cooked carrots for they are very supportive of my WLS! I know that at the in-laws there will be wine and i am all for it, but, will i be able to have a glass of wine with them for dinner without putting myself at risk of any post op problems since my first fill is scheduled for 4/28. Can anyone who has had alcohol post op help please i am a bit scared or nervous! PLEASE HELP!

Just look at the label and see if it is okay to YOU. Everyone has a different set of rules they follow. Just be careful with the sugar alcohols like mentioned!

I eat them as well. I know it's way better then regular candies, but yes, be careful with the sugar alcohols.

I had my surgery in July, 2010 and have experienced the same roller coaster of emotions, feelings, optimisim, depression, elation, regret and joy that others talk about. The biggest adjustment for me was saying goodbye to the overstuffed full feeling that accompanies overeating. I was surprised how I really missed that. I don't miss it anymore. The 2nd biggest adjustment for me has been learning to slow down my eating and take smaller bites. I'm good at that about 80% of the time and then I get rushed, or think I can eat something in the car on the way to one of my kid's games, etc. and then I just laugh at myself when the stuck feeling starts. I have however learned to recognize the onset and can usually avoid any really unpleasant outcomes I can't believe I'm 20 something pounds to goal. I will be the weight I was when I got married soon, and I've been married to the same wonderful man (who does NOT have a weight problem) for 23 years. I just wanted to post something positive about lap band...it's a helluva ride, but it has been so worth it. I am able to run again (I don't set any land speed records, that's for sure!) and I'll be completing my 2nd half marathon next week. I have one more long run (10 miles) until the race. I can't believe this is me I'm talking about. All you new bandsters, please hang in there! The best advice I can give you is to STAY POSITIVE and FORGIVE YOURSELF if you slip. This is not an All or Nothing process...it's a lot of learning about, adjusting to and finally, ACCEPTING your new lifestyle! I go out with friends, cook for myself and my family, enjoy wine (after a 4 month hiatus from alcohol) and enjoy life on a level that I have not been on in a long time. I'm usually not the fattest girl in the room anymore. I think I look pretty cute in my size 12 jeans for a 47 year old mom of 3 teens People comment on my weight loss all the time. I still have a bit of an internal struggle with not be open about my surgery, but I know it's the right decision for me. No one knows except my husband, sister and parents, all who I am extremely close with and respect my decision. I don't think I've ever drawn any attention from others who don't know...it's been surprisingly easy to keep this private. Whether I'm just reading or posting, this site has been a huge motivator for me. I encourage everyone to stay active with it. If I take a break from it and return, I always notice a boost in my determination. I'm looking forward to summer clothes and dare I say wearing a bathing suit (what ?!?). The hardest thing about this at the moment is refraining from buying too many clothes! I know I'm not "there" yet and I have to be patient and show restraint when I'm shopping. It's a good problem to have and one that I hope all get to experience soon. I wish you all the best with your pending metamorphasis!

I eat them. I have to be careful with sugar alcohol though.

one of the reasons i got the band is that my weight made me really uncomfortable and i stopped dating years ago and never got married. so i have only lost 15 lbs so far and am not ready to dive in yet but was dabbling on an online dating site and started talking to this adorable guy. so we're supposed to meet in an hour for a drink. TERRIFIED!! first of all, i'm uncomfortable because i still feel overweight. secondly, i can't freaking get rid of this ketotis breath! also, i can't really drink alcohol so i'm probably going to get totally wasted off half a drink! oy. i want to cancel.