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I had one apt. He asked me question about my life, support, surgery etc... for about 10 min then I had to take a 600 true false question test, a 20 question test on drug and alcohol history and two other small tests simmilar to the others then I went home. But really dont worry about the phych eval unless you think this is going to be a cure all and you hear voices that tell you to murder then you should be fine.

There could be any number of reasons you're losing so slowly. Hard to tell just from what you posted, but here's my .02... Studies show that women who eat 1200 calories a day lose more and at a steadier rate than those who eat less. Just because a prepackaged food says "Lean" or "Healthy Choice", it doesn't mean they are. With very little extra prep time, you can put a piece of steak, chicken or fish on a Foreman Grille (or fry it in a pan), toss some fresh or frozen vegies in a steamer or make a salad. If you want to add some carbs, it can be as easy as heating up a package of Uncle Ben's precooked brown rice. Nutritionally, it will always be better than the prepackaged stuff (and taste better). Alcohol is *very* high in calories. A couple of drinks, depending on what they are, can put you easily over a day's calories...so can a 'little' cheating. Your best bet is to use something like Fitday.com (my personal favorite) and track everything you put in your mouth on a daily basis. Your total calorie intake may surprise you. What's your activity level? The more sedentary, the fewer calories your body needs to maintain your current weight. .

Blackberry! I was the original person who mentioned reading.. it's in Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies on pg. 133. Basically it's a chapter on "Knowing what you can eat for the first few months." Toward the end of the chapter, it has a "warning" like a little sidenote: For at least the first one to two months after surgery, you should not have any of the following foods or beverages, because they can cause stomach irritation and discomfort. Then there is a bullet list with alcohol, caffeinated beverages, carbonated beverages, citrus juices, etc.... One of the bullets is "Sugar and other sugar sweeteners, including the following: dextrin, dextrose, high fructose corn syrup, fructose, fruit juice concentrate, glactose, lactose, maltose, mannitol, polyol, sorghum, sucrose, turbinado. I took this to mean what is says. Any kind of sugar can be irritable to the stomach as you're healing. Which I was saying to the original poster who wanted to know why sugar free? So underneath this list it says, "There is a big difference between "sugar-free" and "no sugar added." You may be very sensitive to any sweetness following surgery. "No sugar added" may sound harmless, but a "No-sugar added" food or drink may have a high natural sugar content, and it can make you nauseated. Proceed with caution." Then on the bottom of the page, there's a big block with different sugar substitutes, mentions aspartame, splenda, etc... I hope this helps!

My suggestion would be to follow your surgeons instructions as far as eating and drinking. My surgeon feels that a non-carbonated alcoholic beverage, on occasion, is fine, but does not recommend it on a regular basis for obvious reasons. Alcohol is addictive and it's unhealthy and unwise to drink to excess. Our limited space is better used for healthy, nutrient rich foods. Whether or not you'll be able to take pills after banding is fairly individualized. Some of us can, others can't. You'll just have to wait to see how you do and make a determination from there. Some of us, like myself, take chewables and liquids when we can as a precaution. I'm lucky enough that I don't have to take prescribed meds so I can get all of my Vitamins and otc pain reliever in chewables. Foods that may get stuck or cause you to slime or pb, again, are very individualized. Much of this is going to be trial and error. What may work for us now may not work later. And vice versa. After the liquid and mushy diet my Dr. suggests that we eat whatever our bands will allow at any given time. (obviously he isn't talking about junk foods) He stresses that what may not work now may work later so always go back and revisit later those foods that are giving us trouble now. Don't let these posts scare you. We all have our own experiences and not all are horrible. Some, like the original poster, will have a difficult recovery while others, like myself, experienced absolutely no pain following surgery. I'm two weeks out and feel great. Again, if you've done your homework and trust your surgeon, just follow his instructions and you should be fine. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

I drink to excess every so often. I wouldn't recommend it but I did verify with my surgeon prior to surgery that drinking alcohol would be ok. If he said no, I would have either not had surgery or found a surgeon with a different answer. I take 7 pills every morning and 3 every night and have not had one get stuck yet in the 7 months since surgery. There is NO wrong stuff for everyone. I have no problem eating anything except soft corn tortillas. It all depends on the person, how tight their band is and if they chew enough.

You are all scaring me!! Wow this thread is discouraging. I am going to be banded on October 14 and I have done tons of research but I am still very confused. I am getting MANY mixed messages. I was told no alcohol and have read several posts of people drinking to excess on the weekends. Huh?? Did I miss something here? Also, I was told that small pills and supplements would be fine and I am reading that everything must be liquid?? Reading also about folks eating all the wrong stuff when I thought that all the wrong stuff is supposed to make me sick?? I really want this to work but some of the stuff on these forums is discouraging :-(. Also the mixed messages are confusing me to the max! HELP

From what I read your body burns Alcohol first then carbs then fat for energy ...maybe the drinking did it.

I am the lone sugar consumer. Personally felt I somewhat jeopardized my future health with this radical surgery and truly felt all the artificial crap might only make things worse. I have this tiny stomach with no room for error. I felt putting a bunch of unnecessary chemicals might be a bad idea for me. Everyone was doing the shakes and I drank real broth and did little shakes. All the artificial stuff is more aversive to me than ever. So I stick to agave and sugar. Others have lost faster than me, but I have lost consistently. I chose the surgery and am so thankful for the weight loss. But I just feel very protective of my lil sleeve. I do not drink alcohol or cokes hardly ever. I take antacids only if needed. I just try to listen to what sounds right to me. Don't be afraid to listen to your own common sense, whatever that might be.

When you type "lap band" into google, this forum is probably on the top 5 websites listed. That is the reason why you hear more negative things than positive. People go here because they are scared, worried, paranoid, whatever. So they post it here. Most of the time it's nothing. Other times it's serious. Trust me, you will eat. I still eat. I wish I didn't eat. But you have to eat! If you don't eat you won't lose weight. So don't worry about not eating. I also drink alcohol, but I'm not a drunk so I only drink it once in a while. I also have soda once in a while (I shouldn't though - actually no one should drink soda. It's bad for you!) I was in a lot of pain. It was the worse pain I've ever felt. I've never had children, so I don't know if that's saying much. The pain does go away. It's just frustrating. I would have the surgery all over again if I had to. There is no way I could lose 67 all by myself.

Omg Im hoping to have the surgery in Dec or Jan! Because I need to do the 3 month "diet". Im going for my 2nd appt this month and then last appt in November. Hopefully it wont take long to get approved and Dec BooM! But I keep hearing more negative than positive lately on this site. What is going on? I hate pain, im a big baby and now am thinking do I really want to do this? Am I going to miss food and alcohol? Im afraid of being in paid and not being able to eat ANYTHING

I am so with you on this! I too am a food addict and you are so right, the best combat for addicition is abstinence but you can't abstain from food like you can from drugs, alcohol, etc! It's a daily fight that isn't going to go away ever. But you can do it, you have a great tool to help (the band), just take it one day at a time, every victory over food will make you stronger. Also I've found for me sugarfree popsicles and jello help because they satisfy my sweet and chew needs.

lol @ honk..three ice creams...that's funny! well i think it's kinda funny that you don't understand where you are going wrong. I'm guessing by reading the comments on here that alcohol has alot of calories..i don't drink so i wouldn't know. I know it's hard not to cheat [although i've followed the doc's orders since i've been banded]. I would kill for a cheese burger and fries but i know that is why i'm at this weight in the first place. Like someone said..you are looking at this as a 'diet' when it should be looked at a life style change. i do have to commend you for admitting it..i'm sure you knew you'd get alot of feedback. Just remember WHY you got banded in the first place! good luck to you though!

So how much ARE you taking in on the weekly "cheat days?" What types of drinks are you drinking... and the snacks that *usually* go with them? You might be surprised by the calorie content of some alcohol drinks. I LOVE margaritas... but that can have some SERIOUS calories associated with them. Especially when they are drinks the size of your face. (When did they start supersizing margaritas? My lord!) It's easy to undo a whole week's worth of low-cal eating with 3-4 of those bad boys. Easy.

I'd lose tons of weight eating that, processed food is not good for you and I'd quit it but I really believe weight loss is about calories and little more, so there is a puzzling equation that's just not working out there. I'd really quit the treat days, obviously its just too much at this point in time. You work out a lot, I'd be tempted to try eating just a bit more healthy food on a daily basis rather than alcohol at the weekends. And you might just lose very slowly, but weight loss is STILL weight lost, no matter how much or little it is.

How far are you? I think at about 3 weeks I could sip some wine and it was ok. I'm two months in and alcohol goes down fine. I haven't even had any problems with fizziness.

How long did you have to wait before consumming alcohol? I'm not looking to get drunk or drink anything fizzy, just a glass of wine or two at a wedding. Any input?

Yes, lean Cuisine has a lot of salt but I would be more concerned with the carbs. Most of the frozen dinners have rice, potato, or Pasta. So you could be getting way to many carbs for the amount of Protein. Sorry but the booze has to go. If someone said they were on a diet but ate 3 ice cream cones every Friday and Saturday night you'd think they were wasting their time on a diet. Admittedly I can say this easily because alcohol means nothing to me. If you gave me the choice of a rum and coke and a snickers bar there would be no contest. Great job on your exercise program that is a huge part of the battle.

It sounds like you are active, but sometimes, it's not enough. I know you mention that you're eating lean cuisines, but the packaged foods are loaded with sodium, so you really need to pay attention to your Water intake. Are you getting at least 64 ounces of water a day? For Protein, how much are you taking in? My doc tells me 70g, but I am actually around 80-90g per day and it does make a difference. I understand the need for 'cheat' days here and there, but they should be every now and again during this time and when you get closer to goal, perhaps you could do more often (this is what I did, which is why I am still 10 lbs from goal LOL). You have the tool to help and until you get a fill, try to find alternatives to one of the lean cuisines. Perhaps do some chicken and veggies for lunch or chicken salad with light mayo and wheat thins. I bring lean cuisines to work because it's just easier, but I make sure I drink a ton of water to balance out the sodium. 2 a day might be a little much, so you really have to get that water in. The good thing about the band is that it's always there to help you, but to be successful, it truly is a way of life. It's not an easy road, but it's definitely a journey--we can't just snap our fingers and BAM! we're all following everything to the "t". So, pace yourself. Don't be hard on yourself and try to Celebrate your successes with things other than alcohol or food (me, it's usually a pair of shoes or new jeans LOL). I do have some wine during the weekend, but try to keep it within reason. You'll get there. It's definitely not about deprivation, but moderation. Good luck to you!!!

I had surgery on July 17th this year. I didnt really follow the post surgery diet. (I know bad!) I recieved my first fill august 20th, where I weighed 245. I have religiously worked out since then, 5 times a week for an hr everyday.. im very athletic and do bootcamp classes, run atleast a mile everyday or the tredmill! Also, I've been eating leancuisine meals religiously through out the weekday. breakfast- oatmeal & apple (200 cal) Lunch- Lean cusine (250 cal) Dinner- Lean Cusine (300 cal) and I usually eat 1 cup cottage cheese through out the day. So like 800 cals a day. I do have a cheat day on saturdays but i never go crazy.. just let my self drink alcohol. lol Also, I need a fill but kinda broke right now. (I can't wait!!) I have changed my life style so much!! Its awesome! Although, I weighed 231.6 this past Saturday morning. I cheated over the weekend drank/ate alot.. Today I weighed 237!!! WTF Its been like 3 months and ive only lost 10 LBS!! How are all of yall losing so much weight?? I dont get it! What am I doing wrong?! Cheating one day a week should NOT make me gain that much.. im sure its Water weight and ill prob be like 234 tmrw. But still thats only 11 lbs down! HELP ME PLEASE!!! Amanda, July 17-surgery ( 250 ) August 20- first fill (245) Current- 235

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You might wonder, if Apple Cider Vinegar is so great, why hasn't your doctor told you about it? I think the simple reason might be that medical doctors are more apt to prescribe medicines than natural remedies. Pharmaceutical companies spend a lot of money getting their medicines and pills approved and they certainly wouldn't want you using the inexpensive, unpatentable alternative of ACV instead of buying their expensive cures and treatments. One big problems today that many people suffer from is acid reflux. Consequently, pharmaceutical companies have come up with a plethora of pills to treat this ailment. But before you take pills that may be harmful to you, you might want to consider treating your acid reflux or other stomach ailments with apple cider vinegar. You see, your stomach needs acid to digest food and when you have digestive problems like acid reflux or heartburn it's not because you have too much acid it's because there is too little. 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The long history of its use demonstrates, rather clearly, that using vinegar was once highly revered as a practical medical application long before Johnny Appleseed graced North America by planting apple trees. The healing powers of vinegar has been traced back as far as 3000 BC, Hippocrates, Babylonia, and to 15th century England as a means to ward off dangerous and infectious diseases, to keep one's general health fit and strong, and used as a simple antiseptic/disinfectant. When deciding to use ACV for medicinal purposes, be sure to select only a raw, non-distilled vinegar. You may be able to find this type of vinegar in your regular grocery store. But more likely than not, you will probably need to look for it at a local health food store. Clear distilled vinegar is easy to find in any food store and is relatively inexpensive. This type of vinegar is great for regular household cleaning chores, but it is not so wonderful for your internal health. 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Related Articles about Apple Cider Vinegar Magic of Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Home Remedy Brenda Skidmore has spent over the last five years actively researching natural health care alternatives. She can attest to the many positive results natural practical cures and preventive strategies bring to human health. Along with the many medical professionals whose public works she has studied, it is her sincere desire to empower others by sharing this important information. To improve your health today visit: (link) Link To" Apple Cider Vinegar" <a href="http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/apple-cider-vinegar.shtml">Apple Cider Vinegar</a> Email Article Printable This site is intended for your general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Read more: http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/apple-cider-vinegar.shtml#ixzz11PR3zLr7

Actually, let me put my .02 as a mental health professional here-- it is absolutely not the original posters responsibility to do anything more than she has. I think she's said numerous times that she doesn't know who the surgeon is-- she's talked to her friend, talked to her husband, and now for her own mental health she is doing the right thing by stepping away. The number one problem of friends and families of alcoholics is assuming responsibility in situations just like this and any Al-Anon or psychologist is going to say the same. The alcoholic's behavior and the consequences of that behavior are absolutely not the poster's responsibility, but the alcoholic's responsibility. Ultimately, the people responsible for uncovering alcoholism is the psychologist who did the psych eval and the surgeon who is doing the surgery. There are ways to discover this if you do a thorough enough eval. It is a sad situation, but brow-beating this woman who seems to have really tried in this situation seems unnecessary to me, and I say that having the utmost respect for you, BetsyB.

How has it backfired? Making the thread go away does not remove the moral imperative to let her surgeon know that he is about to operate on someone who is likely to suffer severe consequences on his watch. You don't like the answers you received. You wanted to be told, "You're right! She shouldn't have the surgery!" And you were. All of us know that you can't do a thing to influence your friend. She will drink---it's what she does. You are not expected to cure her alcoholism. But when you are in possession of important information that jeopardizes not only her, but those caring for her---and the hospital---you are morally obligated to let the appropriate people know. Having a thread deleted will not remove that responsibility.

14 ccs to close your stoma??? Did I read that right? 14 ccs--then trying to have you swallow barium? I have never heard of a doctor doing that! Even just as a test, before withdrawing Fluid to an appropriate fill level. (ETA: I just read your profile, and Dr. Curry has a really excellent reputation as a surgeon--but wow. Is his group doing your fills, too? I am really surprised at this approach.) To those who have not yet had fills, please don't be scared--this is NOT TYPICAL. Most doctors start out with conservative fills. Even if they use fluoroscopy, they do not close the stoma, then observe as they remove fluid. Rather, they put a conservative amount in, observe the flow of barium through the stoma, then add/remove a tiny bit as needed. My first fill--and all subsequent fills--have been non-events. A swipe of an alcohol swab, a needlestick, infusion of a reasonable amount of saline. Then, the doctor observes, fluoroscopically, as I swallow barium--and if he believes a little more/less saline would be best, he adjusts. That's it! No biggie.

Well, he may drink. But the fact of the matter is that SOMEONE has to tell her surgeon that she's an alcoholic. It's immoral not to. If you don't think he will, call yourself. Or find the surgeon's email online and send an email. "I am very concerned about my friend, your patient Jane Doe. She has a severe alcohol addiction, and has indicated she has not shared this information with you. I am concerned about surgical risks; in particular, I am concerned that she might experience delirium tremens during the immediate postop period. I have asked her to share this information with you, and she has indicated she will not--that she did not share it during her psych evaluation, and will not comply with any preop diet/postop rules you have about drinking alcohol. I know that HIPAA prevents you from discussing this patient with anyone, but I hope that this information is received in the spirit it is intended---to protect my friend, and to protect you."

I don't know if you read my post last week. After my go around with Kaiser.I not sure what do. For days I have been myself to just forget the whole thing just try again on own. Now I am starting to get my fight back on.. I am not sure which way to go, fight the under 40 BMI with my HP,HC fatty liver, or gain some weight plus put weights in clothes. What do you think is the best route? NIH Requirements for Weight Loss Surgery The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services, is considered one of the world's foremost medical research centers. The NIH has set patient criteria for weight loss surgery which states that eligible patients should have a BMI of 40 or higher (morbidly obese) or a BMI of at least 35 with co-morbidities (obesity related health conditions) such as diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, high cholesterol, or hypertension (high blood pressure) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Eligible patients must also have attempted and failed at previous weight loss efforts and need to pass a psychiatric evaluation to be recommended for weight loss surgery.