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I'm a faster than average loser, but I don't really consider that "successful". If I'm still here 4 years from now posting about how I've maintained my weight, *then* I'll be a success! And, to be honest, I have no idea why I've lost weight faster than others. I certainly don't starve myself. I follow the basic bandster eating guidelines: 3 meals/day of about 1 c. food per meal, plus one to two small Snacks (under 100 cal.) per day if needed. I drink plenty of Water, and *always* grab a bottle of water if I feel hungry. Usually that's enough to tide me over until the next meal. I don't drink while eating, or for an hour afterwards. I can't say I really take tiny bites, but I do chew really well. I try to get in plenty of Protein, but don't count grams or anything. I do eat my protein first, unless it's something where it's mixed together, like one-pot dishes. Besides the "bandster" rules, I have a few things that seem to work for me. I write down everything I eat. I loosely follow the guidelines in "You on a Diet", avoiding white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, saturated fats, and enriched white flour. I try to eat whole foods, and stay away from processed and fast foods. I cook more than I used to, and always have something tasty in a bandster-size portion that I can grab from the freezer. I limit alcohol to once a week or so. I only started exercising a couple of weeks ago, but I'm gettin' into it! I love my iPod. Listening to really upbeat music makes me almost forget that I'm working my butt off! That's about it. I've managed to lose 67 pounds since September 4, which is hard for me to believe. Tami

Biotin - What You Need to Know About Biotin What is Biotin? Biotin is a B Vitamin that's needed for the formation of fatty acids and glucose, which are essential for the production of energy. It also helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and Proteins. Biotin is found naturally in food. Good dietary sources of biotin include brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast, liver, cauliflower, salmon, bananas, carrots, egg yolks, sardines, legumes and mushrooms. Biotin deficiency isn't common, unless you frequently eat a lot of raw egg white, which contains a Protein that blocks the absorption of biotin. Genetic disorder of biotin deficiency, infant seborrheic dermatitis, surgical removal of the stomach, and excessive alcohol consumption may increase a person's requirement for biotin. Biotin deficiency may lead to skin rash, hair loss, high cholesterol and heart problems. Why Do People Use Biotin? There is little solid evidence that biotin supplements are effective for acne, eczema, brittle nails, diaper rash, cradle cap or hair loss. Side Effects and Safety Concerns The safety of biotin supplements in pregnant or nursing women, children or people with liver or kidney disease isn't known. People with a history of seizures shouldn't use biotin unless under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.

I have no clue on the reason for gain, but have a suggestion. Start taking your measurements. Record them now and check them again in a month. Note what you are wearing and measure wearing the same thing next month. My trainer says to measure as early in the day as you can before you get active to minimize the muscle swelling effect. I started doing this when my weight loss slowed way down and I was getting discouraged. I've seen a big change in measurements. Yesterday I took back to the store 5 pairs of shorts that I bought this summer, but had never worn (still had tags). They were too big. :hi: Getting thyroid and other hormones checked is a good idea. I love Zumba. Went to a Zumbathon (3 hours.. I did 2) weekend before last.. it was like being at a club .. minus the alcohol. Hang in there. Keep us informed of what you find out.

I have Tricare too... I didn't have to do a supervised diet but that may be because I am Tricare North/Standard. I had my first consult June 13th and my surgery is set for August 9th. What took so long is that at the consult, the surgeon/nurses are going to ask you to get labs done (to make sure you are physically able to withstand the beating your body is going to take from surgery and to make sure you are currently getting the nutrients you need) and see their nutritionist (because the diet after the surgery is graduated back into normal solid food from liquids over a 1 to 2 month time span and they need to know you understand that... also that you understand various problems that may arise if you don't get the nutrients that you need). Also, with Tricare you need to have a referral from a Psychologist the specializes in weight loss surgery (they basically determine if your expectations are realistic with the surgery, if you are emotionally stable to handle all the the changes, and to make sure you don't have any alcohol or drug addictions). After all that (assuming that your surgeon doesn't require any other classes), the surgeon's office needs to send in an insurance "package" with all of the classes, referral letters, and BMI in order to get approval from the insurance company. WLS is one of those surgeries that requires PRIOR approval and they won't cover it if it is just billed to the company after the fact without that approval. Tricare is quick with the approval but slow with sending out the proper documentation to make the approval official to the surgeon's office... mine took 2 days to approve but 2 weeks to get the documentation to my surgeon for the go ahead. PLUS you have to realize these surgeons are booked weeks in advance (and sometimes months in advance) for the surgery... I was lucky and there was a cancellation for two weeks after my surgeon got the approval. I don't think 2 months of a wait is that bad... but I don't know of anyone that got their surgery in less than a month (and they were all self pay!!!). Good luck at your consultation and keep us posted... And if you already knew all this information, sorry. I tend to go overboard and give waaaaaayyyy to much information sometimes.

Obesity is the end result of many factors - most of which are the result of bad decisions and correctable with lifestyle change. That's also why a calorie is a calorie is a calorie is not an honest statement. The chemical response to a Protein is not the same as a carb and a simple carb not the same as a complex one. Carbs and calories are not the enemy - we are. And we can be our worst enemy in many cases. I like the heroin analogy pertaining to sugar. That is so accurate for many people. But ultimately it comes down to personal decisions... Some people can drink alcohol and have no issues - other should avoid it because they don't know when to say when - same applies to simple carbs. If you can't keep control then avoid it in the first place. While I think it's dismissive to blame a school lunch program for anyone's weight problem, it's also an area that the educational system is missing the boat. There is no good reason why learning about the human body and its use and application of nutrients is not mandated as part of the science curriculum. Eating and lifestyle habits are learned early in life and bad habits in that area are very hard to correct. Almost every 5th grader has had to dissect a frog yet how many of them know that carbs and Proteins have 4 calories per gram, alcohol 7, and fat 9??? Why not??? They should focus on educating kids on their bodies and fuel sources as a starting point - it affects every aspect of a students life and performance. And also stop pushing processed crap for the sake of a buck... Brad

I read a comment somewhere (not on this forum, but related to this issue about obesity being a disease) from a person who said that food cannot be an addiction because there is no chemical dependency like there is with drugs and/or alcohol. If that's true than what about the gambler? Gambling is an addiction but there's no chemical dependency. So...that theory goes belly up. Besides..when you hear about people who are addicted to booze and drugs talk about their addiction, it's very easy to substitute food for drugs/alcohol and have the feelings be the same. I have a good friend who is a recovering alcoholic and she explained to me that there's no way an alcoholic can walk away from a half finished drink. The alcoholic drinks to excess and cannot stop with one or two drinks. Is that not a familiar experience for us food addicts? Leave food over?? No way. Eat till you are sick....sure...been there, done that. It's all about excess...be it food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, whatever. For those who will never understand, we cannot pick and choose when it comes to addiction. Some can't be diseases and others be behaviors. For the addict, it's all the same regardless of the addiction.

I use stevia for sweetener, it's all natural. I have vanilla and chocolate and original for my shakes and I'm going to order the stevia drinks also. I stopped the crystal light because it is so bad for u and can stall weightloss. Totally different than hard candy but I wanted to add that in there because hard candy even if it's sugar free really is worst for u because of the sugar alcohols and carbs, and everything else lol.

Obviously the effects of stress are detrimental to even the healthiest of people, but I am dealing with insurmountable stress lately and the effect it is having on my health (especially) since the surgery. I have found that my appetite is either gone or my brain tortures me with visions of choclate dipped bacon covered cake! I have also noticed that in times of stress I can physically feel my pouch hurt, I am worried I am developing an ulcer...the point of this rant is to ask of anyone knows the risks associated with stress in regards to being so fresh from surgery or even stress relief tips? In the past I have dealt with self injury, drug/alcohol abuse, and of course the go to EATING. Clearl I have overcome all of these negative coping mechanisms. It bubble baths, candles and music just isn't cutting to to tonight...I Ben tried some comfort food (rice pudding) help!? Sent from my iPod touch using RNYTalk

My intent is not to offend, but I think you may find that, while technically not an alcoholic, you do have a drinking problem...and are on your way. Even you admit that you are not a 'light drinker'. For what it's worth, here's a standard test that asks 22 short questions to help you determine at what level you are. Just FYI. Now, that said, alcohol creates another problem (besides the incredibly high pointless calories) with many people and that is that it gives 'em the munchies. If not that night, then the next day. So now you get to white knuckle through the physical cravings. Another reason to give it up or at least make it a very infrequent occurrence...and, if you can't, that's a *big red flag*. For many of us, our relationship with food is the pivotal point which all other relationships revolve and, many times, in order to be successful at changing our relationship with the food...those other relationships have to change as well. It's a complete lifestyle change and it is *HARD*. I'd start with the 3-5 nights at the bars. Go ahead and go if that's what you enjoy...but pass on the alcohol and stick to carbonated Water or diet drinks. After all, it's not necessary to drink to have fun, yes? Then again, that's one of the reasons I gave up bar hopping when I was younger. I was never much of a drinker and found that drunks are never funny unless you're buzzed or drunk too. If you find it's no fun if you aren't drinking...find another way of entertaining yourself. Saves on the calories and any physical cravings the alcohol causes. Invite your friends to do other activities instead of going to the bars. Maybe take up a new interest together - Zumba, for example. Fun *and* exercise. Then pass up those fast food places! If you plan ahead and make sure you have some ready made foods that fit into whatever WOE you're following, then all you have to do is get home and dive into your own refrigerator. I always have cheese, cut up celery and hard boiled eggs in my refrigerator so that if I do find myself so hungry I know I'm not going to make it until dinner is ready, I have something there to nibble on to keep the food demons at bay. If you don't have a problem with carbs and can eat fruit, then carry around an apple or something similar so when you get those munchies on the way home, you can munch on your fruit instead of hitting that fast food place. My favorite phrase these days is 'living intentionally' so I avoid the pitfalls with preplanning rather than falling into an 'oops' moment of eating that is filled with regret and guilt. You can do this. You obviously want to or you would not have gotten banded. We're here for you. Now *you* be there for you. Edit: My apologies if this appears a bit rambling. It's 4:30 a.m. and I can't sleep but I'm also not fully awake. Insomnia...gotta love it.

I abstained from alcohol for a total of 9 months (my entire six month pre-op diet program and the first 3 months post-op). I had some drinks during a 3.5 week trip to SE Asia in late December (3 months post-op for me). I, of course, stayed away from anything with sugar. I mostly had a few whiskey and Water drinks and some red wine. On those days, I had mostly Protein shakes to minimize calories and carbs but to still meet my protein goals. It certainly isn't going to be a regular thing for me, but from time to time, it isn't going to hurt my progress. I lost 13 pounds on that trip, even with the drinks. (Just drinking Protein Shakes all day on days that I will have some alcohol sucks, but I definitely think that plays a role in making the whole thing work.) You'll get a lot of different replies to this question quite likely. Many people think you should abstain until maintenance. My advice is to talk to your medical team, get their advice, and make a well-informed decision. That's what I did. Good luck.

Re: the not drinking before eating rule: this is another one where different doctors have different guidelines. Mine says we can drink right up until the first bite of food goes into our mouths. The rationale is that the liquid will move out of the pouch rapidly. If you don't continue to drink with the meal, it won't be "flushed" from the pouch by the liquid you had pre-meal. OTOH, his POST-meal waiting period is longer than most--90 minutes. My point is, I think there is some flexibility to these "requirements," just as there is a great deal of variance among eating plans. I personally choose not to drink alcohol at this point; I have little tolerance, and it totally disinhibits me vis-a-vis making good food choices. It's not a wise thing for ME to do---and besides, I'm early enough postop that it would likely be irritating to my pouch. But I like the advice (Jim's?) that is more matter-of fact: the best thing? not to drink. The realistic thing? If you're going to, make sure you include the alcohol in your plan, so that you are aware of its nutritional impact. None of us got fat from a Saturday night martini. If you know you're taking in those calories, and it doesn't cause you any kind of band-related distress (I'm thinking beer would literally cause my pouch to EXPLODE!), live your life the way that works best for you.

Glad you had fun! Just be weary that alcohol is empty calories...Best wishes!!!

That's great!!! How did you do with alcoholic drinks?? Tolerance?? And great that you are loosing 4lbs a week 9 months out?!?! Was it 1wk vaca? Regardless, Congrats!!!!

My pre op diet is low fat similar to weight watchers, no liquid only but I think I will do final day liquids just to be safe. It's quite relaxed more no alcohol no over eating.

You may be stirring a hornets nest with this post This is my take. You should follow your doctors orders. But, I spoke to my doctor and his first 30 days post surgery instructions were no alcohol or solids. A few months out he said non carbonated drinks were OK but be aware they're high in carbs/calories. Just do it in moderation he said. My nut echoed his sentiment. He also said that he would prefer we not eat or drink 30 before and after but said some of his patients still drink with meals and are still successful. Dr. O'Brien in Australia said there is no problem drinking and eating as long as the patient waits 1 minute between bites to sip some water/wine? So, my opinion is it's fine once in a while. I do still drink a beer every now and then and maybe a glass of wine too. tmf

I've not been maintaining for a year, but I've been at goal for nearly a year. I continued to lose past my goal weight and have been easily maintaining for the last 7 months. I still love my sleeve, and do not diet at all. I indulge with sweets, alcoholic beverages, and even white carbs weekly. The difference is that I don't overindulge, and I have realized that my body runs better on mainly protein first, but I eat a very balanced, healthy diet. I do not deprive myself of anything, I just don't eat in large quantities anymore. Do I sometimes splurge a little much? Sure, I do, but I also know that splurging leads to me feeling fatigued, and I just don't "feel good". It's just how my body works. Food is an afterthought, I eat because I have to eat, and yes, I have cravings, but the sleeve makes managing those cravings much easier, and obviously I can't binge out anymore. Plus, I have zero desire to get that overly stuffed, busting out of my pants feeling anymore. Food is just fuel. I've learned to eat to live instead of living to eat, and it would not have been possible without the sleeve.

I think it's like a jello shot with cottage cheese instead of alcohol???

Miper - I'm not sure the objective is to feel full, so much as it should be to feel not hungry. If you can eat your meal and stop before feeling full, then that's great! Don't be in a big hurry to get cinched down tight. That can cause serious problems in the long run. Some of you may have already read this but I'll post it again for those who haven't. <TT>How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of protein a day 2. Are you eating 25 grams of fiber 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories a. Soup can be sign of “soft calorie syndrome” b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram (1) It’s also a stomach irritant c. Fruit juice is just sugar water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can’t just eat what’s easy c. Cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals 6. Are you eating too much junk a. Chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don’t avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of calcium daily 8. Do you always eat the protein first 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. Meat or fish (1) 3 ounces – the size of a deck of cards b. Vegetables (1) ½ cup – the size of your fist c. Starch (1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don’t need much (2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine (2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body </TT> <TT>B. You may need a behavior adjustment</TT> <TT>1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you’re not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait. 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won’t be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it’s a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry</TT> <TT></TT> <TT>C. You may need an activity adjustment</TT> <TT>1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids</TT> <TT></TT> <TT>D. You may need an attitude adjustment</TT> <TT>1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive – compulsive thoughts (1) Obsess about something else b. Perfectionism (1) All or none, black and white thinking c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as “good” and “bad” e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place?</TT> <TT></TT> <TT>E. You may need a band adjustment</TT> <TT>1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set.</TT> <TT></TT> <TT>F. You may need your band loosened</TT> <TT>1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables a. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (6) Peppermint a. Baking soda toothpaste (7) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (1) Tylenol is OK n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider 4. See your health care provider immediately (or call 911) if a. You have a squeezing, tightness or heaviness in your chest, especially if the discomfort spreads to your shoulder, arm or jaw or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat or nausea. These could be symptoms of a heart attack. b. If your symptoms are triggered by exercise. c. If your pain localizes to your right side, especially if you also have nausea or fever d. If you throw up vomit that looks like black sand or coffee grounds. Or if your stool is black, deep red or looks like it has tar in it. These are symptoms of bleeding and need immediate attention.</TT> <TT>(Note: Pepto-Bismol or other medications with bismuth will turn your stool black. Iron supplements can also make the stool tarry.) e. If your pain is severe</TT>

How long did u guys wait to have alcohol? I really want a glass of wine.

Jersey, you gotta be up front with your friends! There is nothing wrong with your procedure and to know is to better understand! I had to tell my friend yesterday at a cook out, I'm not pouring you a alcoholic beverage and you should not ask me to do that knowing I can't drink! You know I would want one! She understood!

It sounds like you are doing great. I am in the US and I did gasp when I read your NUT recommended you drink carbonation and alcohol, especially so early post-op. My insurance didn't cover my surgery, but my surgeon is excellent and has performed thousands of successful surgeries. You didn't mention Protein at all. My primary focus was and is getting AT LEAST 100 grams protein and 64 oz of (non carbonated, no caffeinated, and nonalcoholic) liquid a day. on my next appt we are discussing counting protein ☺ Great! According to my surgeon getting enough protein is critical: for healing and for weight loss. I have found that getting in my protein is a major success factor.

I too was told that there are no "nevers". At 5 weeks I was cleared for anything that I could tolerate.Let me add I was told no carbonation or alcohol for 3 months. Sorry

No alky forever is a bit overboard, but there is concern about transfer addictions so there is a vulnerability there that has to be watched. Healing of the sleeve is the main issue with most docs and is why they have variable restrictions of a few months. Some docs, like mine, are in the no alky for the entire weight loss period due to liver health concerns - the liver is already overtaxed from being in an obese person and in metabolizing all the fat that we're losing, so it's not good to stress it further with alcohol, but then my doc is also a liver specialist along with the bariatrics, so gets a bit anal about liver care. After the weight is off, then the primary concern is psych/addiction rather than strictly physical/medical, so most docs back off at that point (somebody else's problem...)

I was told popcorn, corn, & celery are in the "never" category along with alcohol. But that's Kaiser Northern Cali.

I was just asked by a coworker if there is any type of food I absolutely won't be able to have. I'm told by the doctors that there isn't but I've also heard everyone is different. I'm just wondering what the consensus is on this? What are you unable to tolerate after the surgery? I've been told some people can't eat spaghetti, milk based products and non toasted bread...oh and alcohol is usually a no no for a while. Anything else? Thanks!