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I take a Protein bar to work every day, because I work 12 hour shifts, and I really need something in the afternoon or I feel like crap. I like the Pure Protein Bars and most of the Atkins ones, too. I don't have the problem with sugar alcohols giving me gas or diarrhea, though (thankfully!). I've never tried any other kind because I do use the Atkins theory of net carbs, although sometimes I wonder if a sugar alcohol is really that much different from sugar. Especially the one that tastes good -- Maltitol. I have heard it actually has nearly the same impact on blood sugar as real sugar does, which makes it pointless.

So my questions: 1. How will the LAP-BAND® help me lose weight? There is something magical that once you hit your "sweet spot" you can only eat about a cup of food at a sitting - and your body stays satisfied with that - thinking it is full....I find I don't crave sweets or junk food...bread has NO pull at all as my body craves the Protein that it needs to function well. I would've NEVER believed that pre op - as i was a carbaholic! 2. What kind of diet needs to be kept after the LAP-BAND® is installed? Like she said - you first eat your protein - as I found if you aren't getting enough protein your hair will start to fall out...not cool! You will find that once you have eaten your protein you haven't room for much else! But if you want to eat a scoop of frozen yogurt or something as a treat you can, and it is no big deal...you just have to be careful at the "slider" foods that go through the band and don't leave you feeling satisfied. I shoot for more solid protein that will stay with me longer. 3. If I/We/anyone can’t maintain a diet regiment before the LAP-BAND®, how can we expect that it would be any different after the LAP-BAND®? You still have to work on WHY you overeat -or make the choices that you do...it isn't an easy fix, which folks seem to think it is. (common misconsception) If you are prone to turn to food when upset - you still will even with the band, and you can "eat around" the band by overeating with slider type foods that go right through....and thus circumventing the band. So it isn't a cure all - but it helps you control your portions of foods and you can still eat "real food" - it just takes a LOT less to satisfy your body. 4. Are there medications or supplements that need to be taken after the LAP-BAND® is installed? I just take my gummy Vitamin - some docs recommend a Calcium supplement, too.....your doctor will go over what they recommend. It isn't like the gastric bypass, though, where you have to take a lot of things for the rest of your life. (or so I am told by others...) 5. If insurance covers the procedure (I am investigating that with my insurance right now), and there is a problem with the device such as a leaky port, who covers the expense of fixing it? My mom's friend had to have her lapband replaced as it sprung a leak - her insurance covered it...I think typically if they cover putting it in, they would cover anything else that had to be done...but I would definately check with your insurance company. 6. Are there other manufacturing defect problems that can occur with the LAP-BAND®, and if so who absorbs the cost of repair? Haven't heard of anything on this either....... 7. I am noticing the number one side effect of the LAP-BAND® is nausea and vomiting. Is that a temporary problem or an ongoing problem? Can be ongoing depending on what you are trying to eat! If you are sticking to the right types of foods (protein - not breads and things that get stuck) then you won't have any trouble with PB'ing (which reminds me of a baby spitting up -just a burp) - but once you hit your sweet spot and have good restriction you will find that you have to eat slow and chew well ---- or else you can still struggle a lot with the "vomiting". I struggled the first 4 months or so...but then everything became habit and I haven't had any problems for a long time. 8. Is there any restriction on drinking alcohol when you have a LAP-BAND®? Not that I know of - course you wouldn't want to drink too much since it is empty calories.... Good luck! Kim

Hi, Bob! Here are my answers to your questions. Feel free to take a look at my blog if you want info. about how the surgery went, etc. (you'll want to go to the beginning). 1. How will the LAP-BAND® help me lose weight? It lets you be satisfied and full with smaller portions. It also stops you from overeating. 2. What kind of diet needs to be kept after the LAP-BAND® is installed? You should focus on eating Protein first. But, by and large, you can eat just about everything once you are banded. You just eat less of it. I stay away from breads that get gummy after you eat them, and sometimes it’s hard for me to eat hamburger without getting stuck, but in general, you can have a little bit of anything you like. The best part is that you will be satisfied sooner. So, if you are someone who tends to eat quality food -- but too much of those foods -- this is a really great solution. 3. If I/We/anyone can’t maintain a diet regiment before the LAP-BAND®, how can we expect that it would be any different after the LAP-BAND®? Well, it sure has been for me. I’ve dieted a million times before. Like you, I’d take off weight. . then put it all back on and more eventually. With the band, however, I have been able to follow the rules and succeed for two years in a row (and counting!). I’m in maintenance now, and it’s very easy for me. I just keep on doing what I’ve been doing all along. My problem was overeating good food, and now that I have this tool to stop me from doing that, it's surprisingly easy to keep my weight constant. (I do work out regularly now, too, which helps a lot!) Also, I am definitely a fan of nice wine as well. One of the things about the band that I really appreciate is that I’m still able to enjoy wine or cocktails. Of course, at 80 pounds down, I can’t drink as much as I used to! 4. Are there medications or supplements that need to be taken after the LAP-BAND® is installed? I take Flintstones Vitamins (chewables). That’s it. 5. If insurance covers the procedure (I am investigating that with my insurance right now), and there is a problem with the device such as a leaky port, who covers the expense of fixing it? I don’t really know the answer to this, since I was self-pay. I think most insurances would cover a problem, but you can call your provider and ask what their policy is. 6. Are there other manufacturing defect problems that can occur with the LAP-BAND®, and if so who absorbs the cost of repair? I have no information about this. 7. I am noticing the number one side effect of the LAP-BAND® is nausea and vomiting. Is that a temporary problem or an ongoing problem? It’s not a side effect. Actually, nausea doesn’t occur. What happens is that if people don’t chew well enough, or their band is super tight, they may get “stuck,” and the food will either work its way through. . or come back up. When this has happened to me, I have always had about 1-2 minutes where I look normal on the outside, but know that I'm stuck. So it’s not a problem to get to the restroom gracefully. The interesting thing about this “vomiting” (which people call a PB. .or a “productive burp”) is that the food only is coming up from the pouch above your band, so it doesn’t have stomach acid in it. In other words, it isn’t as gross as actually throwing up, and doesn’t (sorry if this is gross) taste like throwing up. 8. Is there any restriction on drinking alcohol when you have a LAP-BAND®? Not really. I have wine regularly and cocktails once in a while. You shouldn’t consume too many liquid calories whenever you’re trying to lose weight, so that’s the guideline most people follow. Also, you would never want to be hungover to the point of having to vomit, since that might be bad for your band. But, wine and cocktails in moderation are fine, according to my doctor. I wouldn’t have had the surgery if that wasn’t the case. I hope that helps! Honestly, I am a big proponent of this surgery. It's helped me so much, and I can't imagine ever getting too my goal without it. This has made the weight loss much easier than dieting alone (not that I haven't worked hard -- just that it didn't feel as frustrating and I wasn't hungry and feeling deprived all the time). Best wishes for your success! Catherine

Hello all, I am in the early stages of considering and researching the Lap Band. I have some questions on how the Lap Band would work to help me lose weight. First, let me fill you in on a little about me and my weight issues. I am a 45 year old male who is approx 150lbs overweight at the moment. Since my twenties I have been up and down in weight from my ideal weight to 150 pounds overweight. I have many times lost a significant amount of weight in the past. Over the last 15 years I have lost all my excess weight 4 times over a 10-12 month period, but then over 2-3 years I put it all back on, plus a few more! I lose it through diet and exercise, and I put it back on with lack of diet or exercise! I also enjoy having a couple glasses of wine almost every night or a hard drink or two with friends on the weekends while BBQ-ing or watching the game. All this is culprit in not being able to keep the weight off. I know how to lose the weight and I am successful as long as I have a goal and have the excitement of watching the weight come off. After the weight is lost and the excitement is over, I have a hard time sticking with the diet regiment to keep the weight off. In addition, I eat even when I am full because I enjoy the taste. When I am at a buffet, I have a hard time stopping because it is all delicious! Many weight lose clinics will try to determine the subconscious reason for eating. I have never found any such thing, I just enjoy the taste! So my questions: 1. How will the Lap Band help me lose weight? 2. What kind of diet needs to be kept after the Lap Band is installed? 3. If I/We/anyone can’t maintain a diet regiment before the Lap Band, how can we expect that it would be any different after the Lap Band? 4. Are there medications or supplements that need to be taken after the Lap Band is installed? 5. If insurance covers the procedure (I am investigating that with my insurance right now), and there is a problem with the device such as a leaky port, who covers the expense of fixing it? 6. Are there other manufacturing defect problems that can occur with the Lap Band, and if so who absorbs the cost of repair? 7. I am noticing the number one side effect of the Lap Band is nausea and vomiting. Is that a temporary problem or an ongoing problem? 8. Is there any restriction on drinking alcohol when you have a Lap Band? Any insight that anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated, Regards, Bob

I used to drink one cup of coffee in the morning. I stopped of course to prepare for surgery and also the clear liquid stage post-op. I was cleared to move onto to all liquids and purees yesterday, so of course I asked about coffee. I decided to go to decaf, because I am feeling so good with all the crap (sugar, fat, alcohol, caffeine) out of my system, I figure why start up again? So I'm doing 1 cup of decaf in the morning. I have a Keurig, so I am using the breakfast blend decap. I use sugar free Coffeemate french vanilla from the dairy aisle. I also put in 1/2 scoop of unflavored unjury whey Protein. This gives me an extra 10 grams of protein. I had my first cup this morning.. yum! Missed it! It took me so long though, sipping and feeling full.. I had to stop before I finished it. ah well... Good luck!

My doctor vetoes it for the first year--primarily because he wants his patients to establish completely different eating habits. Alcohol isn't the devil. But it is liquid calories, and the body treats the calories from alcohol differently than it handles other calories; it is much more efficiently converted to body fat. That, and alcohol is a disinhibitor. Catch a buzz, and suddenly the nachos you've done a splendid job of resisting for months start beckoning---and finding their way into your mouth... For me, the issue is tolerance. I eat way less, I weigh way less, and my tolerance is zilch. So a sip or two of my husband's blood Mary (hey--it's a vegetable!) is about all I have room, or tolerance, for. I need to put other things into my stomach to ensure my good health, and the real estate is at a premium--I just don't have room for it.

I have always been a big drinker. I peretty much stopped for the first 4 weeks. I now have drinks now and then but not as much. I am counting my calories and have found that alcohol really screws up my count and makes my weight loss slower. I am glad since I was a real drinker before the surgery. I feel good losing weight and now the desire to be thin is more than my need of alcohol. Long story short, booze does not seem to do much to your stomach. It does make me want to eat more though.

No I wasn't a big drinker before I would enjoy some beer with my hubby every now and then but never hard liquor. I don't have problems drinking anything after the band so I don't imagine drinking alcohol would be a problem it goes straight through the band as would any other drink let it be Water, juice or anything else.

I have noticed that since I have been banded I no longer have the desire to drink...I dont know if it's cuz my stomach is smaller and I only want to put good yummy delishious food in it or what but for me I dont worry about alcohol I just dont want it anymore.

I am telling most ppl I know for 2 reasons. 1) they will wonder why I am only eating soft foods for almost a month and 2) because they will wonder why I stopped drinking alcohol. LOL

I'm too afraid to stray from my doctor's orders. So if he says 2 weeks of Clear Liquids, I'm doing it. I learned that applesauce is a clear liquid. What if you have some of that. I'll tell you, I can only eat half of the little motts container, and I have to save the rest for another time. Last night I ate a little too much, and I felt uncomfortable, just overfull.. didn't like it. I think the object is we don't want to make our stomachs have to work too hard to digest. Right now it's healing. Maybe I'm just overly cautious, but I'm not even going to THINK about a yogurt or mashed potato until Sunday!! I am looking forward to my stage 2 for the variety! Also.. I found Crystal Light popsicles at walmart. sugar free, cold, like a treat, I eat 2 a day usually. If your'e doing popsicles, make sure they are sugar free. and watch the ones in the grocery store that say no sugar added, cause even they have sugar alcohols in them, and you don't want that. Good luck!

Hi everyone - It's Tabitha here. I started this thread over 2 years ago, and just when I was much closer to my goal, I quit coming here because life happens. Needless to say, I am back, because I need to recommit. There is good news, however. The past two years I saw many challenges with regards to my weight. I actually went back up to 274lbs. The good news is that today, I sit at 244lbs. Only 10lbs heavier than where I was at my lowest, when I last posted here, and also 55lbs lighter than my surgery weight. Given that, I have to admit that while a part of me still feels like a failure, I am happy that I have been able to somewhat maintain or control. Every year since starting this thread, I have become a year older weighing less than I did the year before. I take pride in that. But there is still a lot of work to do. I need to get to my elusive goal. I figure that even if I lose 20lbs while on here, then it will be 10 lbs lower than i remember being a long time ago, and if i can maintain that for another 2 years, I would be so proud. so here I am ladies & gents - Back on track. What I will do differently is this: a) I hope to make a close accountability partner on here, who ultimately can exchange phone #'s with. I hope that when I stop appearing on here, which is the #1 sign I am slipping, they can call me and have me come back and post. This accountability will help me stay on track. I will do the same for them. I know it will take a few months of messages and slowly building trust, but like alcoholics, I hope i can get a lapband sponsor/accountability partner. :smile: This time, I will work out. I have worked out 5 days int he past 7 days. I have found out that waking up in the AM makes it doable. I always have excuses in the PM. c) I will make short term goals. My goal for the next one week is to work out 4 days. Will you do this with me? Can we do it?? I say that WE CAN and WE WILL~! Let's be each other's accountability partners. I look forward to breaking barriers with you and achieving out ultimate goals, together. Here's to success!!!

Thanks barneygirl. :biggrin: I'm not 'giving up' but I am going to focus (just for the immediate future) on a low carb diet using sheer willpower. I'm looking at the bad carbs the way an alcoholic looks at alcohol since that's how I respond to them (Pasta, potatoes, rice, flour products). With this new view, I've been more successful these last 2 days than in the previous 10 months. Melody

The band can give you portion control *if* you've hit your sweet spot. At 7cc I still haven't hit mine and at 8.5cc I was too full. The band has yet to work for me as promised. I don't have any restriction and am not planning on getting any more fills because when I went above 7cc last time, I could no longer eat most Proteins or most vegies. Unfortunately I still had no problems eating potatoes, Pasta and rice. I've come to the conclusion that I'm pretty much on my own and have seriously been debating surgery to remove the band since it does cause some discomfort every now and again as it rubs under the skin. I've recently discovered that my problem is that I am addicted to carbs in the same manner that alcoholics are addicted to alcohol. If I stay away from them completely (except in low carb vegies and fruit) and keep my carbs under 35gm a day, I'm no longer hungry or craving. I lost 70 lbs 7 years ago and have kept it off and I guess I'll just have to do that again. So when I get down to 140, I will not give credit to the band as it will have had nothing to do with it. I know this isn't a popular view here but take a look around...there are an awful lot of people who are not losing. Kudos and congratulations for those who do, but the many people here who aren't losing is proof that the band may not work for everyone...just like JC, WW, bypass, etc. doesn't work for all who try it. Sara Rue obviously was not successful with her band so if she loses weight with JC, it will be JC that gets the credit as the right tool...for her. <done> .

Good post Mary. I think we all have a little of that feeling. Just curious what really WILL happen if we eat or drink something. I think your scenario is the perfect one though, just proving that you really don't need the soda in your life anyway. And when you really feel like a nice sip.. you can have it, be fine, and then dump the rest. Man, I SO want to get to this feeling in my life with so many foods. If I can have a few bites of birthday cake and dump the rest of the plate, that to me will be the success of my life. I'm always the one at the kids parties trying to get the biggest corner piece and then figuring out how I can sneak another one. Is it really possible that that will change???? Ahhh!!! As for the alcohol, I was thinking I'd be off alcohol for the most part until the holidays maybe? I wonder if the acidity is the reason they say not to start with red wine?

I had one food that I didn't tolerate well earlier on (a cheesy, potato dish - I know, bad me!), but I had it again this past week and no problems. Take note that when I say I had this dish, it amounts to about 2 teaspoons max - after I start with my Protein. I haven't had anything that really bothers me. I do indulge in a treat here and there because I don't do well with feeling forbidden from certain foods - it makes me rebellious after a certain point. At three months out, I still have quite a bit of restriction so a few bites of a cookie or piece of cake really doesn't do any damage. I tend to not want any more after that. I'm trying more things every day now that I'm in the normal diet phase. Even though I'm still losing, I want to be able to eat normally out in public (as much as that's possible with my stomach). So, I try different things every now and then at home to know how I will tolerate them in social settings. I tried a piece of cupcake at home so that if I was at a birthday function at work, I would know if it would be ok for me to have a few bites of cake without falling out in cold sweats or running to the bathroom. I'm just starting to try foods with nuts in them here and there and no problems with those either. I just knew they would ball up into a knot in my stomach and send me to the ER. NOPE!!! I've also broken down and experimented with diet soda this past two weeks after reading several stories here on the boards about sleevers having no problems with carbonation. I bought a diet mountain dew 20 oz bottle. The first time, I poured a little in a glass and stirred alot of the bubbles out with a metal spoon. I took a few slow sips with no problem and then poured out the rest in the glass. A few days later, I decided to be brave and sip a little straight out of the bottle. After two sips I felt fine and left it alone so I didn't push my luck. Same thing a few days later. There's still over half a bottle left in my fridge and that overwhelming urge I had to drink some soda is fading away. I'll probably continue to drink a few sips here and there, but don't plan on making it a habit. I just want to be sure I can do it safely in public if the situation calls for it. I'm still curious to know if anyone tried soda and ended up doubled over in pain or feel as if it has stretched their stomach. I have yet to hear of this from anyone despite the dire warnings we get from some doctors. Still haven't tried alcohol or salad...

I drink. I drink socially, usually weekly. I'm the "afternoon cocktail" girl in my little group. I often have a strawberry mojito, glass of wine, or a rum/coke. I didn't drink for 6 months because during the losing stage alcohol is just wasted calories, and I really didn't want to go off program before I got to goal. I was released for alcohol at 3.5 months out. Was told to avoid red wines, and to drink slow, and at home the first time. My alcohol tolerance has gone back to what it was pre-op. I do not get drunk any faster now than I did at 270lbs. I do not suffer from hangovers anymore, and it's nice to catch a good buzz, and be able to maintain it easily. At first, I'd get drunk quick then sober up quickly.

What about alcohol after the recovery stage????

This will be an unpopular opinion, especially since I am not a parent: Parents with children that obese should be held to the same legal standard that a parent who underfeeds their child would be. Of course their pediatrician should intervene and monitor progress at first, but ultimately, those parents are killing their child just as surely as if they were withholding food. My weight was not out of control until I hit college, so in no way do I blame my mother. The addictive personality comes from my alcoholic father. As a teacher, I often wonder when parents will be held "accountable" for their children. If the kid is obese and dies in gym class, it is the school's fault, the nurse's fault, etc. Just my opinion.Will def check out the show.

What card? I never got a card. I will have to call the dr. office on Monday and see about one. I was supposed to get a card to show for eating out too. I forgot all about getting it. I had to live with my parents during the week when I moved to the country and still worked in Houston. HATED IT!!!! My mother is a saint, but even earthly saints have a few flaws. My dad, well, he was an alcoholic, nuff said. And of course, I was pregnant with #3 so I was no sweet thing either. MY DS has been here a month today.......I probably have seen him six times. I think he is moving completely out before the 1st. Now, my oldest DD told me she rented an apartment and is moving out of her home ( it is for sale). I am glad to hear that news. She won't be moving in after DS moves out. Whew! Linda, I know what you mean about feeling guilty when your kids get overweight. All of mine are overweight. I know I did not teach them the proper way to eat and put them on the pathway to obesity. They are adults now, and they know the right way. It is their choice. My oldest had lap band and lost 120 and gained it back. He has now lost 50 on Quick Weight Loss. The DS living with us eats a lot, but works out a lot. He like food too. My DD that just had the baby has a major weight problem, but she wants to start eating right. Her DH cooks and is skinny. She does have support. Janet, so sorry for DS problems. They still want to talk to mama. My DS that was in the service would call me from Germany when him and his wife were fighting. Sometimes she would call. What was I to do?......I was thousands of miles away. I would just listen. Then I would get on my soap box. Then they probably questioned why they called in the first place. lol. Heck, if they are going to call and whine.........I'm gonna preach!!!! That'll cure em!!! Lori, I am glad today looks better. I hope you enjoy your party tonight. Cheri, I haven't flown alone in many, many years. I too, am very anxious about my flight, but I have been telling myself this is something I have to do. We will have this victory......call it a NSV! Eva, You ready for a roommate? I will be there soon!!! Julie......Are you feeling better??

Well say 'hi' to the sharks for me. Personally, I don't swim in anything that's no chlorinated...although I hear that hasn't stopped alligators in Florida from crawling into a few. Went to my first meeting. Not quite what I expected, but I'm going back and we'll see what happens. I'm doing very good today with avoiding those carbs. Can't say I'm not craving them, but every time I reach for one (like a cracker), I remind myself that it's my 'alcohol' and walk away. If I can get through this first week, the following week will be easier because we'll be at Disney where there are tons of things to do to keep my mind off food and I won't have ready access to food. Yeah I know there are food places all over, but it's still not as easily accessible as opening up a fridge. Oh goodie...it's 2:30 and I can have my Protein drink! That should help with the cravings! Melody

So sorry for all that!! Drugs/alcohol can sure mess up your life. Too bad it impacts the whole family. Yes, good advice, Steph. Earl slept a little better last night but I think he's taking way too much over the counter stuff plus some meds the neighbor gave him. He's got the a/c on.... not opening any windows since we got here. I hate being shut up like that. This early in the morning, I'd love the door open. And he's had the front window covered up since we got here, too.... big foil window thing plus curtains, so I can't see out except through his window! Took Zoey out last night though.. played catch for a while and visited a couple of neighbors who were outside that I hadn't had a chance to talk to yet. By the time we came back I had to turn on my headlights.

Bye Kat and Manda. We will miss you but have a great time. Darrell and I got up and went for an early morning walk. Temps were in the upper 50's. My favorite time to walk. You could smell someones wood stove burning. My favorite time of the year, Fall. This morning I got an e-mail from my high school friend. We met up with her and her husband right after the wedding. It was so good to see her and she had brought along her mom. Her e-mail brought back some painfull memories of growing up with alcoholic parents. I thought I had dealt with that yeas ago and buried it but her e-mail brought it back to the surface. She is dealing with her mom now and her drinking and what it has done to her health and to her family. My parents weren't that bad but we did suffer some from their drinking. So I guess I will be doing alot of walking in the next few weeks. Doing my therapy. A good 45 minute walk is worth 2 hours on the couch talking. Tracy, I will say a little prayer for your mom. I hope all works out ok for her. So, did the "Deer" win???

Part 2...thank you if you're still reading. I met someone yesterday and had a 'ding' sort of moment. My new daughter-in-law's stepmother and I had an interesting chat at lunch. Apparently, 20 years ago she was almost 100 pounds overweight and started attending OA (Overeater's Anonymous) because she felt like a foodaholic. She had the same reaction to food that alcoholics have to alcohol. She could go a day or two without eating anything, but that first bite in her mouth for the day would send her spiraling out of control. That is *exactly* how I've felt about my eating. She realized that it wasn't all food. It was carbs and for 20 years has avoided them. She eats Protein, vegies and even fruit (fruit is restricted to 2-3 small servings a day if that). She does not *ever* eat potatoes, rice, bread or Pasta. Over the years I've made that same observation. I lost 70 pounds on Atkins. The first week was hell and I likened it to withdrawing from an addiction. I was bitchy, mean, nauseous, weak, dizzy, etc. This lessened through the 2nd week until by the end of that second week, the cravings stopped. I actually had to remind myself, and force myself to take the time, to eat. I never felt like I was dieting. Best of all, my blood sugars dropped to normal ranges without medication and my good and bad cholesterol numbers also dropped to the 'perfect' range. I was energetic, felt good and on a permanent mental 'high'. Then something would happen like a birthday party or a picnic and I'd think, "I'm doing well. I can have just a little bit of pasta salad." Then 'whammo'...within hours that craving was back and it was downhill from there. Just like an alcoholic. None of this is new to me. I've known this (my addiction to carbs) for years. I just never made the connection that if I want anything to change, then just like an addict I need to avoid my addiction...and it's not all food. It's just certain carbs (pasta, bread, potatoes, rice). I also realized that, like all addicts, I need a support group dealing with addiction and, while the bariatric center had a nice support group, they did not see eating as an addiction. So I looked up OA and found there's a meeting at 9:30 this morning...which I am going to attend. I'm also going to treat all carbs found in anything except fruit and vegies (low carb types) as an absolute no-no...not even for special occasions or as a treat. Alcoholics aren't allowed to have a shot of booze as a treat for being good. We know what happens when they do...and I know what happens when I do the same with that type of carb. I know that not everyone's weight problems are from an addiction but mine are and I need to face the fact that some foods are just permanently off limits for me because even with the band, I'm out of control. Right now I am physically and mentally craving carbs and am struggling not to just chuck it all in and eat until I pop. So I'm headed off to take a shower and go to my first meeting. I hope you all have a wonderful day! Melody .

Although it's important that we look at these things, other factors than the measured correlation may factor into the results. My first thought when reading headlines like this is did they factor healthy lifestyle? I would think that people who are overall more health conscious ( not post wls, but regular people) would be more likely to follow the recommendations and eat lots of veggies. Also it has been shown that people who make "healthy" choices are more likely to control alcohol intake, be more likely to use vitamin/health supplements, and get regular exercise. Did the study control for these factors. I too think research is important, but headlines often don't tell the whole story.