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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!

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.