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Agreed, it was very well written. I love your style Tom, I hope you'll stick around and entertain us with your amazing ability to express yourself. As for myself, I'm not a drinker - never have been and I doubt I ever will be. But, nothing wrong with having a drink here and there if you so wish. I would wait until you are close to goal though as alcohol carries a lot of calories. Other than that, enjoy your life, that's what this is really all about. Cheers!!

While the insurance company may see this as a way to discourage you (6 months in my opinion is punitive); personally I think the time presurgery is critically important to your success. If you don't develop a new relationship with food you will fail. Not maybe but absolutely. I'm not being mean spirited. I see posts on this board "I've had surgery two weeks ago and the band did'nt stop me from eating a big mac this afternoon." No it won't. And, yes I have read at least twice of people eating big macs within weeks of surgery. If your doctor does not have mindful eating/group therapy sessions on food habits then find one on your own. I recommend that it be run by a psychologist and not just a support group like over eaters anon. What foods do you eat mindlessly? By that I mean if you eat directly out of the package and have more than 2-3 bites it is mindless. For me it's Cereal, crackers, baked potato chips, mini rice cakes. Those things may not seem bad but eating 1/2 box of lucky charms (not exagerating) is not good. Now is the time to give up those foods. And I do mean give them up. I don't keep crackers in my house. If I go to a party after I've had Protein I can have 2-3 crackers but that's it. I may sound unbending but I have to look at some foods like an alcoholic looks at their favorite alcohol. Though yes I do know that I can have 2 crackes whereas an alcoholic can't have even one drink. One thing about those monthly meeting with the doctor's office is you don't want to have gained any weight. It does keep you honest.

Alcohol is typically not recommended until you get or are close to goal. It's simply wasted calories. Early out, alcohol can have a diuretic effect which compromises hydration so it is contraindicated for those reasons as well.With that being said, I was released for alcohol consumption at 3.5 months out. I wasn't at goal, but I could take the calories and figure them into my intake for the day, but chose to wait. I waited until I was at goal to indulge in alcohol. I chose to do this way because I had zero desire to drink my calories. My first experience with alcohol was 1 glass of wine. I got buzzed quick and hard. Lips tingling, face numbing drunk, it wore off just as fast as it hit me. I've been a fairly social drinker since about 8 months post-op. I'm known as the "afternoon cocktail" girl in my circle of friends, and it has had zero negative effects on my ability to maintain my weight loss. Plus, my tolerance is back to what it was pre-op. I drink everything from mixed drinks with soda, to shots. I've never been a beer drinker, and to this day, it just doesn't taste "right". Transfer addiction is also a concern with alcohol. Some choose to not eat a meal to "allow" the calories in their alcoholic beverages, and that's when drinking becomes a problem for some.

They say not to have any alcohol in the first few months, but it's not permanently banned or anything.

Hello all, I know this may sound like a really insignificant, possibly moronic question, but it's always better to know what you're getting into. So what exactly is the story with drinking after you have had this procedure? Is it contra-indicated? Any restrictions on what you can drink, or is it just not really in the cards practically speaking? I don't mean to sound like Joe 12-step alcoholic, but I'm attorney who runs his own firm with three cosmic-sized egomaniac attorneys, insurrectionist disloyal staff, and clients whose pathetic needy clinging is only matched by their boundless rage, usually aimed at yours truly. It's a miracle I only stop in for a drink or two on my way home every so often. By all rights I should have a superhuman heroin addiction. But that's enough of my cheerful thoughts for the day. Looking forward to my new sleeve in two weeks, and I'm glad that this resource exists! Take care, Tom

I've heard of people becoming alcoholics. But it makes sense that any kind of addiction could take the place of a food addiction. For me, I started spending money. Buying things on the internet and eagerly awaiting their arrival in the mail!! I agree with the comments about awareness being key. Also, not everyone's weight issue is an addiction issue. It sounds like your mom loves you and is concerned for you, which is a beauty of it's own. Since you are already taking action by asking about this particular possible problem on here, I think you will be fine ---- keep up your support system and be aware of anything "pulling" you if that occurs. And keep asking questions! ~hiddn

Hello All, I was banded 2/10/10 and had lost 12lbs after 3 weeks. I was disappointed bc I had been eating so few calories. Glad I got on here to here this may just be OK. I should have gone another week of mushies but just couldn't take it so I'm not eating regular food but chewing to mush. Unfortunately, I've been hanging with friends and partaking in cocktails which I know are NOT good . I have heard that alcohol slows the process. Is that correct?

I don't think it's as simple as 'if you're addicted to one thing and it's taken away, you'll become addicted to another. I mean there are a lot of alcoholics on the wagon who don't take up eating or gambling just because they can't drink...or gamblers who take up eating and drinking (or any other addiction) because they can't gamble. If they do, I'll bet if you look closely enough that person had multiple addictions before they put the clamps down on one and just transferred to one of their other addictions. I know a couple bypass patients from another list who became alcoholics after their bypass...but after talking to these people, it's become pretty apparent that they were heavy drinkers before their surgery and they just transferred their obsession with food to what was already an alcohol problem. .

Copying and Pasting from my the Guide my Dr gave me: To ensure proper healing you must stay on an all liquid diet for the first week after your surgery. The liquid diet is a temporary diet. It helps to keep your body hydrated (body fluids, salts, and minerals) and helps to get the body used to food after surgery. The liquid diet is easy to digest and does not leave much residue in the stomach and intestines. If you are lactose intolerant or have problems with dairy products you may substitute rice milk, soy milk or almond milk products instead. For added protein, prepare soups and cereals with non-fat milk or plain soy milk instead of water; or add non-fat dry milk or protein powder to your foods. The table below will help you with your choices. Sample Liquid Diet These are simply suggestions. You don't need to include all these items in one meal. Breakfast Light Smooth Yogurt Lunch Cream of tomato soup, Jell-O with low calorie whipped topping Snack Smooth yogurt Dinner Blended cream of broccoli soup, sugar-free pudding, non-fat milk. Snack Sugar-free Fudgesicle There is no limit on the quantity of liquids you may have at this point although you should begin to sip slowly and stop at the first hint of fullness. It is very important not to vomit during the healing phase. If you are hungry have another cup of soup, Jell-O, pudding, or yogurt. The limitation is on the consistency of the food, not the quantity. Anything you can drink through a straw is fair game at this point. Soups with large chunks need to be blended or strained. It is very important to do your best to stick to the liquid diet at this point. Don't forget to take your daily chewable multivitamin. Weeks 1 & 2 & 3• The Liquid Diet Choose These Foods/Beverages Avoid These Foods/Beverages Fruits/Juices Flavored water, fruit juices without pulp such as apple juice, grape juice, cranberry juice, and nectars. Use low sugar versions. Canned, fresh, or frozen fruits. All raw fruit, dried fruit (dates, raisins), coconut. Do not use carbonated or sweetened beverages. Soups Broth, bouillon, fat-free consommé or strained cream soups. Tomato soup made with milk or water. Soups with vegetables, noodles, rice, meat, or other chunks of food in them. Strain these items from the soup and blend them or just have the broth. Avoid bean, gumbo, split pea, or onion soup, chunky soups and chowders. Beverages Ice chips, water, coffee, tea, herbal teas (hot or cold); sugar-free Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Propel, Diet Snapple. Add sugar free flavorings as desired. All others. No carbonated beverages (including diet pop). No alcohol. Sweets & Desserts Fruit ices (without chunks of fruit), plain gelatin, popsicles made from low sugar juices, low fat custards, and puddings, frozen low cal yogurt All others. Vegetables Tomato or V-8 juice. All others. Milk & Dairy Products Non-fat milk, smooth yogurt, yogurt smoothies, Carnation Instant Breakfast, kefir Ice cream, hard cheese. Bread, cereals, and grain products None All Meat, chicken, fish, and meat substitutes (nuts, tofu, etc.) None All Oils, butter, margarine None All You may add protein powders or consume protein drinks if you wish but since you will only be on this liquid diet for a week that is not really necessary and may result in consuming more calories.

Hi all, Melissa I had one thing to tell you. Do not accept that crap about why you're trying to kill yourself with food. Not one of us is trying to do that. If anyone lays that line on you you need to remember you have an addiction center in your brain that lights up when you eat food. For others its alcohol, or risk-taking, or drugs, or rescuing others. Do we have emotional issues that contribute to our addiction? Yes. Are they the cause of it? No! We have a chemical reaction to food that other people don't have, particularly to carbs. We don't hate ourselves so much that we're trying to kill ourselves with food. Anyone trying to peddle that crap is out of date and out of touch with the latest research. What a guilt trip to lay on you. Or are you laying it on yourself? You got the lapband because you want to live. You wanted a tool to help you get a fighting chance against that addiction center in your brain. So, make use of the tool. And reject any shaming message that tells you you're trying to kill yourself with food. Jessica, glad to hear from you. Gotta go. Cheri

i had to wait 6 months post-op before i could have carbonation and alcohol... after that i had no restrictions. you just have to always remember... you should NOT eat and drink at the same time. even almost 3 years post-op that is hard for me. when i go out for work happy hour, i have to choose whether i'm going to eat or drink... and honestly, i usually choose drinking lol it might make things more difficult when you travel... but you can start drinking again about 30 minutes after you eat! i'm a believer that you can have anything in moderation... but it might cause you to lose slower.

Too funny! I'll definitely get some alcohol pads. We are being sleeved the same day, Dazy!

My surgery is the 14th! I am super nervous. I read somewhere, can't remember where, that a nurse told a sleever that when she got nauseous to sniff an alcohol pad. She said it took the nausea away instantly. So I got me some alcohol pads packed for that reason. It is worth the try at least. Also, when we get home, sucking on a lemon gets rid of nausea I hear. I am getting so nervous. Trying to read success stories. So far, everyone says it feels like you have been hit by a Mac truck. Also at first, they say, what have I done to myself. Then later nobody regrets it! So I am focusing on the later! Good luck and try the alcohol pads! You never know!

i spend most of my time on OH and there are a lot of people that have just passed up their 6 mo mark that are having the same problems. most of us have started working out and really watching what we are eating and the scale just isnt moving. one person stalled from mo 6 to 8 and then started losing again. i think our bodies have just gotten accustomed to the way that we have been eating. just stick with it and stay strong. working out can only be good for the body. just get enough protein and know that if you have patience things will start going the right direction. i struggle with having to watch what i eat so carefully in order to lose weight. i mean, i cant consume more than 3 oz of protein every 3 hours and yet still i have to worry about gaining weight. i thought that once i had the surgery those days would be behind me. it is very disheartening. and then to also live a little and have some alcohol and have to dread getting on the scale. im still trying to work through this. how much protein are you getting in? when you work out, you do need a lot of protein. when i wasnt getting enough, i had stopped lsoing weight altogether. yeah, i weigh everyday. although i dont recommend it.

I can say that the removal of my ravenous hunger, and ability to gorge myself with copious amounts of food and beverages has been the key to my success. However, this is a reply to another topic I posted a couple of days ago. This pretty much sums up my experience, and my mindset on long term success with VSG. I have been maintaining my weight loss VERY EFFORTLESSLY at the age of 34 for almost a year. I have a 5lb bounce around on the scale any given week. I can tie it to my indulgences of high sodium foods, and my "girls nights out" with copious amounts of alcohol. I do not ever get in any formal exercise and have NOT for a solid year. I've had spurts here and there of working out at home for a week to 10 days, but nothing consistent at all. I honestly I do eat anything and everything I want. Here's the kicker, I don't want to eat a lot of junk food. Why? Because my body runs best, I feel best physically when I feed my body a nutrient dense, Protein full diet, BUT I eat Cookies, chips, pretzels, rice, bread, Pasta all in moderation. Of course, about 85% of the time, I eat protein first, but sometimes all I want is some veggies. I do not count anything other than protein and calories now. I keep white carbs in moderation to some degree, but if I want mashed potatoes and gravy, guess what 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes and a little gravy didn't make me FAT, 4 cups of mashed potatoes with gravy on top of a 12oz ribeye with mac-n-cheese, 3 dinner rolls, and 3 glasses of sweet ice tea made me fat. Moderation is the key. I will add that I have zero metabolic issues, nor is my body sensitive to carbs. I do not get the "eat a carb, crave a carb" nor am I an emotional eater. Therefore, going into this, I feel I beat the curve quite a bit. I was a volume eater. The sleeve will work just like any other weight loss surgery works. RNY and DS can be considered failures as well. Not one single weight loss surgery is bullet proof. So, a tool working long term is only as successful as the person using the tool. Just like a hammer to a nail. You can choose to keep your eyes open, steady your arm, and aim with precision as you go to drive that nail in with just a couple of dings, or you can wield that hammer blindfolded, with a swagger in your swing, and you'll more than likely miss the nail, hit your finger or dent the wood. Make sense? ? ? I will add that I am eating the same amounts currently that I was eating a year ago, but that quantity is double what I could at 2-3 months. The sleeve matures over time. There is minimal stretching. When I say double amounts, I was able to eat 2oz dense protein at 2-3 months out, today I can get in about 4-5oz of dense protein with a couple bites of veggies. You can cheat any of the surgeries, and the sleeve can be eaten around. I know the tricks, I employ them on occasion. Drinking warm fluids or having a glass of wine with my meal relaxes my stomach, therefore I can fit a bit more in, a bit more = 1-2 ounces of mashed potatoes, or mac-n-cheese on top of my chicken. To this day, I can NOT eat an entire chicken breast without stretching my meal out over 40 minutes. I can barely eat 1.5-2 poached eggs. What I'm saying is that there is a max capacity to the sleeve, but the restriction you have the first 6 months will change, ENJOY that time, maximize your weight loss, and become diligent with changing your lifestyle. Any weight loss surgery success is defined by either compliancy or complacency and with some mechanical failures on the other surgery types you can find that a specific tool "didn't work properly". It's a choice you make. No one else, the surgery doesn't fail UNLESS it's not performed properly because there is nothing mechanical to fail with the sleeve like there is with the band or RNY. The other issues can be metabolic issues, or carb sensitivity, or some people lose differently. Stoma and pouches stretch, malabsorption of calories, fats and carbs stop after the adaptation process occurs in the intestines, and then RNY patients are having to rely on restriction only with a stretchy pouch, a blind stomach left behind making ghrelin at a higher level vs. Sleeve patients. With the band, the list of issues with it are long, detailed, but the reasons the band can and does fail are numerous. Pouch stretching, not being able to get a decent fill, then there's the physical issues with the band itself. I can go on and on. But, I know plenty of VSG'ers that are 2-4 years out (mainly on obesityhelp.com) that share my opinion on weight regain with VSG, their experiences are pretty similar to mine. There are several out there maintaining fairly effortlessly as well, and live a life of moderation. I've seen 20-40lb weight regain on a couple of patients that are 3-4 years out, and every time, they admit, I quit eating the proper foods, life happened and I turned to my old friend for comfort, or they just gave up and expected to eat ding dongs and hos hos without consequence. Most naturally thin women I know don't eat packages of hos hos on a regular basis. Most naturally thin women do watch what they eat, and do not shovel shitpots of craptastic food into their body without consequence. At least none of my naturally thin friends can eat like I did pre-op and not see weight gain.

Good Evening Gang Hugs & Prayers for Julie !!! One on my #7 is having her band removed too - partial erosion.. Melissa - Hugs on fight w/DH - but good that you did talk about it- I know that w/my own DH - - on needing a fill - if you eat 4 oz of hard Protein are you physically full... That's the test IMHO.. I think we all eat to a degree softer foods so that we can consume more food - not just junk but veggie too. Take tiny bites chew well and eat slowly and then sit and thing about your stomach - does your pouch feel full.. This doesn't mean you aren't still going to be hungry but your stomach is actually full.. Try it and let me know - OMG my post was really bad spelling ;0) I was too tired to spell ck LOL - I think you have to find out the reason you are killing yourself before you can get better - what's inside you making you eat things you know you shouldn't - I am praying that this shrink will be able to help you get to the bottom of your issues.. Hugs Hugs Hugs.. Cheri - Co-dependency - I truly applied it to our relationships w/an alcoholic or drug person - but I see where it can affect other areas of our lives - I can't say I am a pple pleaser - Yes I like to make pple feel good - but not to the point of putting myself 2nd.. I have taken care of so many pple in my life that IMHO it's my time.. I'm done raising kids putting myself 2nd having controlling pple in my life and boyfriends who were addicted to drugs - hell my xdh was a rescuer - but the problem was I didn't need rescuing - he might have thought I did but - I sure in the hell wasn't helpless and I think this is why the marriage didn't last Like Melissa I truly believe that my eating was my control - it's what I did for me after doing for everyone else - Only other pple who have this issue understand - I know my trainer would say - why when you know it's killing you - I think we just put our heads in the sand - and after a while it's just to hard to think about losing the weight - ie this is where the band comes in play to help - but it's not the magic cure all - it's only a tool to help us - as I alway say the real work is up to us.. Food is our drug of choice and a non food addict really just doesn't understand this.. It's what I controlled when I had no control over all that was going on in my life.. Lori - I am glad you are standing up for you... I love the pic on fb of your GM holding her GGDGD great great darling grand daughter lo)... Apples said she could see the diff in my face - I can a pit - but pictures don't really show the diff that much imho yep enabling and codependency go hand in hand.. Charlene - botox can take a week to come to it's full effect - the filler is immediate - but the swelling last for a bit too.. The only problem with doing this - is you are going to want more and after a few months - it wears off -I can even see where my filler could use a touch up - each person is diff on how their body reacts to this stuff - botox really only lasted me 3 months - I am going to call an get appointment for my eyes - they are what bug me the most - still saggy - I really can't afford a full face lift - and don't want the 2 week down time - so next month I am going to call and get price.. Well dogs want to be fed - Idol tonite :0) Thanks for the props on looking like a hottie ;0) it was nice for my handsome young boss to give me that complement and wore another dress that I got when I met Peaches in LV 3 yrs ago - got told why don't you wear that dress more often... cbl

Okay so I confronted my husband last night needless to say we talked slashed argued. I used the examples everyone gave me like bringing booze home to an alcoholic. He said he has put up with my dieting since we were dating so for over 10 years and I guess he is over it. I said if you bring the candy home put it in another place than in his desk where I can get it. I explained sugar and carbs are my drugs of choice. He asked why was I trying to kill myself ? I could not give him an answer except I said I can't control alot of things in my life right now except what I put in my mouth. Which is so stupid cause what I eat make me feel worse. I don't smoke I have a drink sometimes but eating is my drug like so many of us. When I was getting my tattoos the pain hurt but made me felt better like I deserved it. So when I could not use my birthday money to get more work done on my tattoo I was upset and ate. I want to be one of those people who use exercise instead of food to make myself feel better, but even though I live close to work my husband does not like the idea of me walking to work. I am so tired of being told what to do by him. He really is not horrible person I know it sounds like he is but you have to meet him to know how much he gives of himself to his family and friends. I told he yesterday to lay off about my job I like it, I know we have to pay cobra but stop stress over it we can't change it; however in the mean time I have contacted someone I used to work with at my old job who left that company and went somewhere else. I gave him my resume and he said to expect a call in a couple of days because he really liked my work ethic when we worked together and he thought them letting me go was a bad thing they did to me. Okay so I c my shrink on Tuesday can't wait. Right now as I am typing this I want more than anything to be back to the way I was exercising, taking care of myself. I have the tools I need but my dam head gets in the way okay the carb monster. I bring good stuff to eat for lunch at work I eat that but still have room for a snack. Vending machine crap. Does this mean I need a fill or is that just head stuff getting in the way. I only ask cause I am supposed to go c my LB Dr on Monday and don't know if I should push my appt back talk to the shrink get my head back in order give myself a chance to use my tools before spending the $100 I really don't have. Even though he might give me a fill. Opinions about the LB Dr anyone? I hope this answer alot of questions everyone had. I Love you all and you are all such wonderful friends. Maybe the next big adventure could be you all come to Ga and we can meet. I would so Love that.

Complications are possible but not probable. A vast majority of sleevers have no problems or very few. Just like an surgical procedure things can and have gone horribly wrong. I know someone who practically died from complications after a simple bunion surgery. I've heard of another that DID die from complications after wisdom tooth extraction. The risk for complications is small although real. That being said the risk of complications of remaining obese are practically 100%. High blood pressure, diabetes, hip / knew / back pain and etc. Stay fat and you WILL have problems. In actuality unless you develop an intolerance for a food, YES you CAN eat anything. However in order to lose weight you need to cut calories. To KEEP it off you need to manage calories. There is also the fact that we now have a physical restriction to the AMOUNT we can eat, filling up with non Protein foods can effect your muscle mass, non protein foods are typically higher in calories too. Post op you should always CHOOSE protein first, then carbs. Alcohol consumption is up to you, it is high in calories and should be avoided at first and LIMITED after a few months. Because the stomach usually dilutes booze and we have very little stomach left, you may get drunk faster or MORE drunk. It is a matter of your metabolism too so there is no simple answer. This varies by hospital and surgeon and insurance allowance. It varies from NONE to 3 days with perhaps 2 days the norm. Mine was ONE night in the hospital and 2 nights in a recovery house.

Cheryl Ann, A failure is someone who gives up completely and stops trying. You were just taking a vacation. You've taken the first step back in the right direction by making an appointment with your doctor. If it has slipped, it's my understanding that it can be repaired. Some people have had the band just readjusted and stitched back into position with a complete unfill. Others have had their band out and were required to have a 'rest' period. Whether this is just another of the different quirks of each surgeon or whether there's a reason I don't know. I wouldn't stress about it because, at this point, it is what it is. Some people are successful at cutting back on their sweets or carbs. I'm not one of them. Most likely due to my diabetes, I'm extremely sensitive to carbs and, like an alcoholic, have to avoid them completely. You'll have to decide whether it's something you can control or must avoid. Good luck.

I am IN! Thanks for starting this Molly, I'm actually excited. I was banded 2/10 and have lost about 12 lbs, a bit bummed as I've been really following instructions until this week. I'm in the last week of the mushy food but I went out with friends and spent a day drinking tequila sunrises and a few chips and bean dip. Then the last couple of days my work brought in chicken nuggets, fajitas, guacamole & chips and I have partaken but in small amounts also out with co-workers at night throwing back a few glasses of red wine. Is it true that alcohol slows the process of weightloss? I guess I'm bummed because I haven't eaten the mass quantity of bad foods I normally would, in fact they've been in very small portions. I guess with what i've eaten since banded I expected more of a weight loss even though my choices over this past week were NOT on plan. Am I just being ignorant? Anyway, I'm glad for this because I'm putting my guilt aside and going back to my Protein shakes and to the instructions provided by my doctor. I'm looking forward to this spreadsheet being a great weight loss tool for me.

I found the best way to get rid of the cravings was just to accept that, at least for me, certain carbs are like alcohol to an alcoholic. Once I limited my carbs to the low carb vegies and stopped using anything that had sugar, wheat or gluten in it, my cravings actually stopped. .

I can answer these questions with my experience. I just passed the 21 months out point. I'll be completely brutally honest with you and anyone that asks me. I have been maintaining my weight loss VERY EFFORTLESSLY at the age of 34 for almost a year. I have a 5lb bounce around on the scale any given week. I can tie it to my indulgences of high sodium foods, and my "girls nights out" with copious amounts of alcohol. I do not ever get in any formal exercise and have NOT for a solid year. I've had spurts here and there of working out at home for a week to 10 days, but nothing consistent at all. I honestly I do eat anything and everything I want. Here's the kicker, I don't want to eat a lot of junk food. Why? Because my body runs best, I feel best physically when I feed my body a nutrient dense, Protein full diet, BUT I eat Cookies, chips, pretzels, rice, bread, Pasta all in moderation. Of course, about 85% of the time, I eat protein first, but sometimes all I want is some veggies. I do not count anything other than protein and calories now. I keep white carbs in moderation to some degree, but if I want mashed potatoes and gravy, guess what 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes and a little gravy didn't make me FAT, 4 cups of mashed potatoes with gravy on top of a 12oz ribeye with mac-n-cheese, 3 dinner rolls, and 3 glasses of sweet ice tea made me fat. Moderation is the key. I will add that I have zero metabolic issues, nor is my body sensitive to carbs. I do not get the "eat a carb, crave a carb" nor am I an emotional eater. Therefore, going into this, I feel I beat the curve quite a bit. I was a volume eater. The sleeve will work just like any other weight loss surgery works. RNY and DS can be considered failures as well. Not one single weight loss surgery is bullet proof. So, a tool working long term is only as successful as the person using the tool. Just like a hammer to a nail. You can choose to keep your eyes open, steady your arm, and aim with precision as you go to drive that nail in with just a couple of dings, or you can wield that hammer blindfolded, with a swagger in your swing, and you'll more than likely miss the nail, hit your finger or dent the wood. Make sense? ? ? I will add that I am eating the same amounts currently that I was eating a year ago, but that quantity is double what I could at 2-3 months. The sleeve matures over time. There is minimal stretching. When I say double amounts, I was able to eat 2oz dense protein at 2-3 months out, today I can get in about 4-5oz of dense protein with a couple bites of veggies. You can cheat any of the surgeries, and the sleeve can be eaten around. I know the tricks, I employ them on occasion. Drinking warm fluids or having a glass of wine with my meal relaxes my stomach, therefore I can fit a bit more in, a bit more = 1-2 ounces of mashed potatoes, or mac-n-cheese on top of my chicken. To this day, I can NOT eat an entire chicken breast without stretching my meal out over 40 minutes. I can barely eat 1.5-2 poached eggs. What I'm saying is that there is a max capacity to the sleeve, but the restriction you have the first 6 months will change, ENJOY that time, maximize your weight loss, and become diligent with changing your lifestyle. Any weight loss surgery success is defined by either compliancy or complacency and with some mechanical failures on the other surgery types you can find that a specific tool "didn't work properly". It's a choice you make. No one else, the surgery doesn't fail UNLESS it's not performed properly because there is nothing mechanical to fail with the sleeve like there is with the band or RNY. The other issues can be metabolic issues, or carb sensitivity, or some people lose differently. Stoma and pouches stretch, malabsorption of calories, fats and carbs stop after the adaptation process occurs in the intestines, and then RNY patients are having to rely on restriction only with a stretchy pouch, a blind stomach left behind making ghrelin at a higher level vs. Sleeve patients. With the band, the list of issues with it are long, detailed, but the reasons the band can and does fail are numerous. Pouch stretching, not being able to get a decent fill, then there's the physical issues with the band itself. I can go on and on. But, I know plenty of VSG'ers that are 2-4 years out (mainly on obesityhelp.com) that share my opinion on weight regain with VSG, their experiences are pretty similar to mine. There are several out there maintaining fairly effortlessly as well, and live a life of moderation. I've seen 20-40lb weight regain on a couple of patients that are 3-4 years out, and every time, they admit, I quit eating the proper foods, life happened and I turned to my old friend for comfort, or they just gave up and expected to eat ding dongs and hos hos without consequence. Most naturally thin women I know don't eat packages of hos hos on a regular basis. Most naturally thin women do watch what they eat, and do not shovel shitpots of craptastic food into their body without consequence. At least none of my naturally thin friends can eat like I did pre-op and not see weight gain. If you have any other specific questions, please feel free to contact me. I'm extremely open and honest.

Good Evening Gang It's already 8 and I haven't eaten and I'm Hungry - Had boot camp tonite - so this is going to be a run on and in no order post Eva LOL on the turn my closet into a bedroom LOL I would but too many clothest LOL... Yep I have never had company for a week ;0) - I made up a spreadsheet of food and what we will or might do - and they are laughing at me - Well I like to be prepared that's all - I make up spreadsheets when I am going on a trip on what to pack - or I get all confused and mixed up - so I make list ;0).. Fills - Band - Eating - IMHO I think that some pple rely too much on fills and not what they are eating - and the fact that we are only suppose to eat like 1 cup food - then we think - omg how can I survive on 1 cup food - I'm full yes - but I only ate 1 cup of food - hell normal skinny pple eat more than that.. I know I myself have a problem with that - Also finding sweet spot for some w/the band is almost impossible - that's one of the pitfalls of the band vs other WLS.. I think regardless on how tight we are or aren't we do know how to eat around it and most of us have at one time or another.. It's all about eating healthy Melissa - Glad you are going to the shrink - I think you really do need to talk to someone in person - what I am the most concerned about is your diabites and your sugar intake - not your weight issues - your medical conditions are very serious and they are going to kill you - there was an artical in the paper the other day - diabetic have 10 yrs less life span than non-diabetics.. I don't want you dieing.... Ok gang - i was going to say more - but it's now almost 8:30 - I gotta put food in my tummy haven't eaten since lunch and that was chicken soup.. Meredith good luck at the doctors tomorrow - do they know iff your band went back in place.. Hugs I bet you are starving.. Oh I know pple who arent catholic and give up stuff for lent - I thought that was funny - but I'm Catholic - and I have never followed that give up something - I am going to curb my shopping though - it's out of hand.. What is codependency? What's the definition? There are many definitions used to talk about codependency today. The original concept of codependency was developed to acknowledge the responses and behaviors people develop from living with an <A href="http://www.allaboutcounseling.com/dir/alcoholism-self-help/" target=_self>alcoholic or substance abuser. A number of attributes can be developed as a result of those conditions. However, over the years, codependency has expanded into a definition which describes a dysfunctional pattern of living and problem solving developed during childhood by family rules. One of many definitions of codependency is: a set of *maladaptive, *compulsive behaviors learned by family members in order to survive in a family which is experiencing *great emotional pain and stress. *maladaptive - inability for a person to develop behaviors which get needs met. *compulsive - psychological state where a person acts against their own will or conscious desires in which to behave. *sources of great emotional pain and stress - chemical dependency; chronic mental illness; chronic physical illness; physical abuse; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; divorce; hypercritical or non-loving environment. As adults, codependent people have a greater tendency to get involved in "toxic relationships", in other words with people who are perhaps unreliable, emotionally unavailable, or needy. And the codependent person tries to provide and control everything within the relationship without addressing their own needs or desires; setting themselves up for continued unfulfillment. Even when a codependent person encounters someone with healthy boundaries, the codependent person still operates in their own system; they're not likely to get too involved with people who have healthy boundaries. This of course creates problems that continue to recycle; if codependent people can't get involved with people who have healthy behaviors and coping skills, then the problems continue into each new relationship. back

Thanks for all of the advice gals. Because I have a partial slip still, my band is different than it was before. The acid is INTENSE! I mean really bad, it woke me up in the night time 2x and I threw up only acid both times. It was horrible. Then, today I threw up my iced tea. That isn't right. There is no way in hell I could even think about eating any type of solid food at this moment. It's bad, and I don't want it to get worse. I don't know if I should even take the chance of waiting it out. I was at a good restriction after I did the 5DPT, so I think I should be ok getting th Fluid out. We will see how I do tonight. Cheri~ The best "over the counter" product that I have found for frizzy hair is made by Suave. It is in an orange bottle and says "Compare to Matrix Sleek Look" on it. Use the whole system, Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave in smoothing mask. There are other professional products available (that I use on clients daily), but they are far more pricey than the "OTC" types. Also, make sure you get your hair trimmed very frequently. I'm talking every 4-6 weeks. This way, you are keeping split ends away which will keep your hair in all around better shape. Another suggestion is to point the nozzle of your hair dryer from root to ends while you are drying. This will keep the cuticle closed and smooth on the hair shaft. At the end of your blow dry, use the "COOL" button for several minutes to lock in your style. Stay away from hairsprays and products with alcohol in them. This can cause damage as well. But, the BEST product I have ever used, by far, is called Redken Glass. It is a silicone based product that you put on after the blowdry and style. It is quite pricey to some, but just a drop goes a very long way, so the container lasts forever. I could go on and on. Try these things and see if it helps. Let me know. Lori~ Oh girl! The shopping has begun over here too!!! Before I went to see baby, I bought a sliver bracelet for mommy with a white gold and aquamarine charm (birthstone of march!), a short set for baby, and University of Michigan booties for him as well (those from uncle andrew)! It is soooo fun! How far away from you is the Carters outlet? I think we have one here about an hour and a half away. Also, I need some clothes too, so if you are feeling very generous feel free to shop for me too! LOL!!!! Love it! I just cannot tell you how very happy I am for you. It has got to be the best feeling in the whole wide world! Ok, going to get ready for bed in a little bit. "Snore" is over here laying on the couch next to me. Night! Meredith

CRS. Don't be offended if I don't respond to everyone. Arlene-happy B-day. My year to turn 60 also. Dec. 30. Great--baby will be fine. Joyce--like everyone else, had no idea you broke your elbow. You and my dad. I have a screw in mine. Apples--hugs, with that much snow why aren't you still in Arizona? Can't farm! Melissa--I have a feeling you won't stop eating till you deal with some of your codependency issues. Don't be offended, we're all codependents in various stages of recovery. Standing up to your husband--but also giving him consistent messages will help. Ask him if he would wave a bottle of booze under the nose of an alcoholic. I also think he's placing enormous pressure on you to carry the burden of working full time and providing insurance in a time and economy where that's almost impossible. The reality is, you're not going to find a full-time job with insurance unless you go back to school and upgrade your skills. Or are you the one putting that pressure on yourself to provide that? Instead, you're so stressed out you're ending up costing a lot of out-of-pocket money on your medical needs. Maybe your DH needs to take an extra job to cover insurance. However, someone posted that ultimately you are responsible for your own health and what you put in your mouth. Are you sure you aren't rebelling against all the expectations on you by putting your own health at risk? Take control of your life and of your food. Easier said than done. But ultimately, it's the only way. Sorry if I'm being too up front with you. I'm just especially aware of how fleeting life is. Don't waste it. Meredith, I'd like to know what to put in my increasingly curly frizzy hard to manage hair. Don't think a bush whacking will take care of it. I'm talking over the counter. Also will be posting the funniest post my daughter's best friend put on her page in response to my request for jokes. Cheri