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I have no regrets about anything. A long time ago when I was around 13 or 14 years old I told myself I had "worth". I have always lived by that and have never degraded myself because I never felt I was less of anything or anyone. Why are you beating yourself up over something you had no control over? The brain of an obese person is similiar to an alcoholic and a drug user. Thank heaven we have the band to help us. You know when unkind or even bad things or decisions happen I think well, that is what help me be the person I am today. I am happy who I am banded or not.

I am a week shy of 3 months out and I feel pretty much normal. I can sleep on my stomach, I can do crunches when I work out, I had an alcoholic ( low cal) drink, and I can eat a little bit more. Not a lot, but more than 2 tbsp like in the beginning. I'm still steadily losing, some weeks better than others. I'm down 57 lbs now and it's all been worth it. Hang in there! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I was asked to refrain from alcohol for 18 months and so that is what I have done. Theoretically I think it takes a few months for your stomach to heal up completely, so I wouldnt touch it until maybe month 5 or 6

I believe I have been sinning with food. Gluttony (sp)...and surgery will help me not to do that anymore. God would want that. Just like he would want an alcoholic to do whatever it takes not to drink including rehab. You know what I mean? I decided at the start of this process that if God wanted me to do this, doors would open easily. And they have. So, I believe this is what God wants. Even when I get scared sometimes...

I love "Oi" abbreviated as "over indulgence" hahahah!!! ... "Oi," in my world, is Scots' common slang for "Hey!" (in a bad connotation). Yesterday was fine even with the gluten-free pizza (ate 1/2 of it); today's dinner? Local Seattle artisan foods. Don't usually drink but I have two drinks in my system at the moment. Ordered prawns, brocollini, almond crusted goat cheese and a quarter-loaf, and hipster homemade milk-chocolate ice cream with the whiskey. I'm hardly above my calorie limits on the full-food plan, but it's definitely not foods included on the plan... It also isn't McDonalds. I know we aren't supposed to attach emotions to food, but do have to say this may be the best meal I've ever had as far as flavor pairings. My initial goal was to avoid alcohol all together...but it didn't happen. (See pictures for portions, foo-foo fussy). Not beating myself up. Over-Indulgences don't happen often in my end anymore, and it's my last night in Seattle. Lost five+ pounds in the last week, and with my activity ... just truly doesn't matter. BUT it can't be a daily thing ((And I just got that bill... It absolutely WILL NOT be a daily thing. HA!)) Cheers! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The Great pot debate lmao Ok I will add my 2bits to this. If you are easily offended you might want to stop reading right now I am very blunt and I don't see the point in tiptoeing around things. and I am not saying this is you but this is most pot smokers. If there is no medical reason for you to use it your a drug addict you use it to get a drug high. If you use it for recreation again your a drug addict and you use it to get high. if you use it for medical reasons and have a prescription for it then you use it for your medical need. I have Family members that are long-term years and years pot smokers. They chose to smoke then do much with there life and are either on welfare or jobless. So there you go my 2 bits on the matter. Don't feel to bad I think alcohol is bad to . If it could Be made illegal I'd vote for that lol

I smoked marijuana almost immediately after because it was the only thing that would help with the nausea. It was a life saver for me. Exercise- I started on the treadmill or the elliptical a week after just for 15 minutes and gradually built up as I felt better. One month out I started doing any and all exercises. Alcohol- I started drinking wine again about two months out. Haven't had any trouble. coffee and Tea- I pretty much started on those as soon as I could eat regular food and was off my liquid phases. I think I am not a very good example but thought I would honestly answer your questions. Hope this helps.

I couldn't DISagree more. If you are doing these EVERYDAY then yes. But if it's occasionally no. I drink once a year at a Christmas party. And I drink to get drunk. So based on your theory I am an alcoholic by getting drunk once a year. Best head off here and google my nearest AA meeting.

I'm currently in Pre-op classes until December 31st; my surgery should take place in mid-January. The weight I've lost so far pre-op (386➡️331.8) has been on my own full-food. The doctor said I won't have to go on liquids until 48-hours before surgery. I think with the surgery I would have not been able to consume even 1/3 of this!? Does it say somewhere that I've had the surgery? I'm pre-op right now. Maybe I messed up an option? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App All right, girl... I have been rooting for you since your bathing suit post for real and I am so happy for your success!! That said, I would not be me if I did not say **based on my experiences** to slow your roll a bit. The bread, alcohol, ice cream, all in one meal at four months out? No. You should not deprive yourself (that's why I got the sleeve vs bypass), but maybe pick ONE of the three vices? The servings of all are teeny, but put together, that's a pretty big meal -- one I couldn't handle at 3 years post op. Added all together, that is certainly over my 1500 calorie range, and at four months, I was still at 500 - 800 calories, but again, that's just me. YOU DO YOU. You know what's best for you. Just consider my opinion. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There is also evidence of higher incidence of alcoholism post surgery. Some of that may be due addiction transfer (food to alcohol) but some is also due to different methablising alcohol . QUOTE: "Among RYGB patients, there was a significant decrease in alcohol consumption in the first year after surgery, compared to the year before surgery, but not in the second year. Thus, the increase in alcohol use disorder symptoms following RYGB surgery was likely a result of an increase in alcohol sensitivity following surgery combined with resumption of higher levels of alcohol consumption in the second post-operative year ... This is concerning, given the negative impact heavy drinking may have on Vitamin and mineral status, liver function and weight loss." See, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246775.php

Yes it is. I wouldn't even consider the thought of drinking for many months out. I don't drink and of course haven't drank since surgery (even drinking Water is a challenge) but I know that my narcotic painkillers used to take an hour to work, and now work in ten to fifteen minutes. Alcohol will go through you like a truck. I would not have this surgery if you can't accept that you may never be able to drink much again.

My surgeon says no alcoholic drinks for 1 year.

Yes Ive heard that If your liver to too fatty they wont continue with surgery . Its normally postponed until weight is lost and liver is shrunk , so pre op u must be on a low fat diet and defo no alcohol. My surgeon was cancelling ops before hand If u hadnt lost the required amount before surgery. My dietician called and warned me So by god I made sure I lost that pre op weight:tongue2: I asked about my liver after surgery , surgeon said my liver was perfect I was suprised as my diet was bad before my pre op diet although I hardly drink . Best wishes ... AND good luck x

Hey everyone...I'm back. I won a little...lost a lot in Vegas. I had a blast though. I must have changed clothes three times a day because I was just loving the way that I looked. My mother went with me and she was cracking up because I was constantly asking..."Mom...take my picture over here..." I will post one or two once I resize them. I'm going in this morning for a fill and I'm not happy to report that I gained a few pounds while in Vegas. Of course, drinking all of those wonderful alcoholic beverages didn't help. Oh well...back on track today.

Banded it sure doesn't take much, eh? We have all become cheap dates for food and alcohol. If hubby thinks he's getting lucky tonight he might not realize you'll be sleeping in NO time. :confused:

I couldn't go to bed because there are still posts to read. Nobody liked my suggestion of turning into an alcoholic, so I guess I'm bad at advice. Let's go to bed and wake up in a new, happy, healthy place. I'll eat good tomorrow if you do, k Sissy?

sleepwonderful sleep I wish I wasn't addicted to reading these damn post...alcohol...hmmm...nahhh I don't like it much....Shesh thank goodness or I'd be fat and brused from all of my stumbling. LOL:rolleyes:

I had RNY surgery 20 months ago. I was in a weight loss mode for 7 months and then very naturally transitioned into a maintenance mode. In the maintenance mode, it is very important to be happy. I try to find a balance with my meal, Protein, liquid, and Vitamin requirements while at the same time find an approach that I can live with in the long term without regaining the weight back again. I asked my nutritionist "Why are people successful with weight loss after surgery, only to regain much of the weight back after surgery?" She said it is probably due to snacking between meals. I took the approach of eating high protein homemade chili and Soups as my meals. As a result when I worked my way up to 1 cup per meal, I was consuming around 65 grams of protein solely from my meals. I hate Protein shakes. As I obtained more and more protein from my meals, I could phase out my use of protein shakes. I still supplement protein. But in my case it is either a cup of hot cocoa (no sugar added) or a blueberry smoothie each day. They make me happy. For me the other part of the equation is what to snack on. Protein is a good snack. But for me, the best snack is items that contain fats. This is because fats take away hunger. I make homemade whip cream. I substitute Splenda in place of sugar. (I do avoid sugar almost completely.) I have one cup of coffee each day with a very large scoop of whip cream. Another item that I use is Adkins treats. They contain fat and substitute sugar alcohol in place of sugar. I generally limit my calorie intake to 1300-1500 calories per day. But I also monitor my weight each day. So long as my weight is stable I am happy. Everyone is different, what works for me may not work for you. The important thing is to find your happy state. Something that you can live with for the rest of your life, while still maintaining your weight loss. For me experimentation was the answer.

I know this is an old topic but I'm going through the same thing right now. I've lost 92 pounds, broke up with my boyfriend (who was my ex-husband) and now I'm addicted to the online sites and meeting new people and having sex. I'm not really using many drugs or alcohol but I do smoke weed probably twice a week and have a few drinks twice a week. Once I'm the slightest bit buzzed (which doesn't take a lot now), I have no inhibitions and it's scary. I've put myself in a few dangerous situations. I did go see a therapist last week and told her everything. Just wanted to talk to others who have experienced this. Never in a million years didn't I think this would happen to me.

It all depends on what part your counting. lol. we are currently experiencing some ED problems. Because he was in denial about his dibetes for a couple of years and neurapathy has taken it toll on him. But before that it varied. actual penitration?? Well most any of the guys I have been with in my life (Actually swung with my ex for few years) most never lasted very long unless there were problems. excessive alcohol use can make some guys last forever but not orgasm. very frustrating. Some it gives temporary ED. Heck once when me and the ex were dating we had one episode that went on for like 4 hours before he came. years later I find out he's really gay and trying to fake a so called *normal life* was why he had trouble orgasming. 5-10 minutes seems to be pretty normal for actual intercourse. Fore and after play however has varried allot! Currently my BF is wonderfull with the Other kinds of sex besides penitration and I get as much as I want which can be anything from 15 minutes up to 2 hours lol.

Congratulations!!! This journey can be exciting and aggravating in one. LOL. You have done your research it seems. So I'll gives you the best advice given to me when I first started out. First start dealing with your emotional eating habits now. Which you mention you are going to. Next start giving up those unhealthy eating habits. Stop eating those foods aka junk food, pop etc. The sleeve is only a tool. You still have to make healthy choices. I just had my nutrition class last week and I was shocked at how many people in the class got upset when they found out that they shouldn't eat junk food, drink pop and limit their alcohol. They was really upset over the alcohol. LOL. Good luck Sent from my KFOT using VST

@@BLERDgirl what a blessing. I envy you. I think my age makes it a bit more difficult. Everyone around me in their twenties eat like a typical twenty something year old...food trucks, pizza, fried food, latenight whataburger, alcohol etc. Most of them do it without gaining any weight. Oh, how I hate that! I've had to distance myself from these people while I recover. I know this is what's best for me, but I'm human and I do feel like I'm missing out at times.

There are new colors this year too! One look at the sugar content makes me quickly put them down. Even the " sugar free" is full of sugar alcohol. Orange jelly Beans are what I'm missing the most at Easter. Loved those so much but can live without them.

I had a 14 day liver shrinking diet so you definitely still have time!! Mine was protein shakes for breakfast and lunch (and I could have a small apple or orange for a snack). Then 4 oz lean protein and 1 cup non-starchy veggies for dinner. (Sounds similar to yours). And the great news is your “cheating” wasn’t with really bad stuff - or even worse - alcohol! It was a little extra of the food you were supposed to be eating!! :) I was/am a BIG girl (highest weight 365 - surgery weight 327) and this diet shrunk my liver just fine! I do agree with what others have said about alarms. I’m so busy at work I set them to remind me to drink water!! Don’t stress - you can totally do this!!!! We are here to support you!!!

It's totally natural to be scared! But trust me when I say this, there's very little to be scared about. Having any kind of gastric surgery has about the same risk as having an appendectomy. However, the thing to remember is that the heavier you are, the more risk there is for you on the operating table (assuming you have no other major health issues which would impact this). The good news is that surgeons have been doing this for quite a while now and have reduced surgery times significantly. Of course, you have to speak to your doctor about your own issues, but I imagine you would have to lose some weight before surgery (often you need to, to be approved by the insurance company). This is not only better for the surgery itself (in terms of complications, it also helps to shrink your liver, which is important for the surgery as well), but to get you on the right track in terms of eating habits. Also, having surgery is NOT CHEATING. It is NOT THE EASY WAY OUT. I've written about this extensively before, but basically obese people, especially morbidly obese people, have a ton of things stacked against them when it comes to losing weight. Low metabolism, lots of fat cells (which you can never lose, only shrink), leptin-resistance, insulin-resistance, food addiction, etc -- all conspire against your weight loss efforts. There's a reason why people lose weight, then plateau, then regain (probably more than where they started from) - it's the body fighting back to get back to where it was. There are lots of books and research done about this, I highly recommend the book Fat Chance as a good overview. What surgery does (bypass or sleeve) is it "resets" the body back to normal. Hunger is gone (literally - that part of your stomach gets cut out). Metabolism goes back to normal. If you're diabetic, you have a good chance of not being one after surgery. They're still not sure why this happens, but it does. And what that does is it gives you a fighting chance to lose weight and to keep it off. To answer your other questions: What if I still want to use food to cope, what if I fail, what if I die? This is probably why you'll need a psych evaluation and you'll have to have some kind of counselling, or group sessions, or something like that, to help you deal with these issues. A lot of people who get the surgery are able to deal with their food addictions afterwards, but you have to be careful about transferring your addiction (as a coping mechanism) to something else, like alcohol. That happens. As for dying - honestly, at your current weight, that is a reality that will come sooner, rather than later, if you do nothing. The chances of dying in surgery are extremely low, and the success you can achieve from it is worth the risk. Is it worth it/ do you regret it? Yes! I've done it twice now - sleeve, and a recent revision to bypass. Why? Because I failed - I went back to old habits, and after a while it was too difficult for me to realise any kind of success. I'm angry that I had to do it twice, but I don't have any regrets about it. I feel great, I have a different relationship to food, and my failure the first time taught me a lot about what I can and cannot do. I'll have to be careful about what I eat for the rest of my life. Do you feel like your life is normal? Yes. In the beginning, it's a bit harder due to food restrictions and the size of your stomach, but after a while you just get to know what you can handle and what you can't. Can you do it with 50/50 support from those around you? I did it with ZERO support from anyone - I did this by myself (self-paid) and have not told anyone about it. Not family, not friends (well, a couple of old friends, by they live halfway around the world from me). It's nobody's business but my own. Not everyone does this, a lot of people share, but many people regret sharing. Unless you are truly confident in what you are doing, and you are confident in the support of those you confide in, you may want to consider how much you tell, and to whom. Do you have to lose weight first? In most cases, yes. Is the loose skin as bad as people make it out to be? It depends on the person. Your age, how long you've been overweight/obese, how much you lose, etc. all impact what your skin will do afterwards. In many cases people will opt for some sort of plastic surgery afterwards to deal with problematic areas. Hair loss? It's common to have hair loss after surgery, during pregnancy, etc. It happens to most people but it only lasts for a couple of months, is probably not noticeable to anyone but yourself (unless you already have extremely thin/thinning hair), and it will start to grow back. Tips? Think of things you want to do in your life that you can't, because of your current weight. It may help you with your motivation about what to do. Educate yourself - not just on forums like this, but find real articles, books, that look at real research and make your own decisions based on that. It seems overwhelming at first, and it can take time to overcome your reluctance, but in the end it's worth it. ~Thank you all for your love and support!!! Also how do I update my profile? CW, surgery date, type, etc.? It's better to do this on a computer, not a phone. Go to the top of the page and click your username. There's a dropdown menu. You can update your profile there. Near the bottom of the menu is says "My Surgery" - that's where you can put your surgery information, and update your weight, etc.