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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.

Thanks for all the good wishes! Right back at cha, of course. OK to answer some questions... I've had two fills. I don't count calories or journal but I've pretty much built this diet on grilled salmon with dill sauce and tomato Soup, because these are the two things that make me VERY happy, yet are kind to the scale. I also exercise like a madwoman, with three weight training sessions (no trainer, but I've had them in the past) and four or five really intense spinning classes a week. Plus I live in NYC so I probably walk more than many, just to get from place to place. I rarely cheat, and when I do it consists of drinking alcohol, eating a few french fries off my kids' plates, a skim latte or a whole wheat oatmeal raisin cookie. Nothing I've felt too bad about. Best of luck to everyone. Lots of people struggle with finding that good restriction level and I was lucky enough to hit it early in the game. I think that's why this has moved along more quickly than for some.

I have thought about that too. My dad was an alcoholic too, and I have had my years of drinking too much. But for the last 5 years, I never drink.....so I am hoping that alcohol won't be the addiction for me. I just went and got a bunch of yarn...yup, yarn, so I can start making scarves for a friend of mine, she sell them. I know that I need to have my hands busy. If I can't eat...then I have to have my hands moving and doing something else. So, I am hoping that I will be busy making scarves all winter long, so I have some time to understand this new me. I hope that you will find something wonderful to do with your family. I also hope that I can transfer my food addiction to jogging ..... or something. Well, I can dream can't I?!?! I am having my surgery on October 12th....so it is just around the corner. Good Luck to you!!!!

Is anyone else a little concerned about this? At my Psych evaluation yesterday my therapist gave me a few photo copied articles out of OH Magazine (obesity help) and it was talking about how when people get wls and lose the addiction to food, the addiction transfers. Some of the women starting having a shopping addiction, one started smoking, one started drinking, ect. I also learned that as a child of BOTH parents having been alcoholics I have a 90% chance of having a drinking problem if I were to ever start. Luckily, as seeing what jerks my parents could be when they were drunk, drinking has never been my thing. But What one of the girls said really caught my eye. She said having been almost 300 lbs when she went out she never wanted to dance or anything but she got down to 135lbs she felt beautiful and wanted to party. I could see that. So I know I will have to pay extra attention to make sure my "addiction" is shifted towards something else. Like working out or doing something with my husband and kids. Anyways, I just thought I would share and see if anyone has an input?

I too am obese with no co-morbidities YET. Well hopefully their won't be any because on on my way to a healthier thinner me. I know can understand where you are all coming from, I used to eat very healthily, or so I thought, now I realise just how MUCH i was eating! Obesity and healthy don't go together, because being obese we are at much higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes etc etc. But being skinny isn't synonymous of being healthy. A lot of skinny people can be alcoholics, drug addicts, so that's not healthy either! But I do agree w Emily Grace, we need to be honest with ourselves to be able to address our problems but as mommyoftwo says, obesity is a complicated and multifaceted disease, cause it is one, and it's not as simple as 1+1=2, that's why obesity is such a big problem! Good luck to all of you in your journey!

Wondering.......are there still banded folks who drink alcohol?? I'm not interested in drinking. But not even a casual glass of wine in the years? Doesn't bother me really. Worth the sacrifice. :biggrin:

I am right there with you. If you had a problem with drugs, alcohol, dietibites I wonder if those same people would say "just take this one pill or sip of wine or taste of cake"? I think NOT. The problem as I see it is that most people to not see obesity as a disease. The only way that I have found to help is to respond by saying "Sure, in a little while." Most offen what happens is they forget to ask again. This works better at parties then when you are one or one. I have found that if you just say "no" then what happens is a power strugle. I once had a family member that said to me on my birthday that if I did not have a piece of my birthday cake they would be really mad at me and would not talk to me any more. Go figure?

One of the reasons my doctor told me not to drink alcohol is because it will hit our system quicker. He said I'd get drunk before I realized it, then most likely start vomiting and that's exactly what you don't need to do. When I pushed the point, he did say that a glass of wine every so often would not hurt. Beer was definitely a no-no just because of the carbination.

Carbonation doesn't work for me. And my alcohol tolerance is WAAAAY lower than it once was---partly because my food intake is much lower, and partly because I just don't drink much any more. So a very little alcohol goes a very long way for me. Alcohol can impede loss--liquid calories slide in really easily, and can reduce inhibition so that you eat carelessly. For these reasons, my doctor totally vetoes it for the first postop year (when he wants us to completely revamp our habits). Does that mean I haven't had any alcohol? No. I'm 8 months out, and while I have yet to have a whole drink, I do take sips of my husband's drinks when we're out. Hey, a bloody mary is a vegetable! But you can, in fact, make room for it in your life, as long as you are aware of the possible pitfalls.

I have not had the band done yet..... hopefully in Dec once insurance approves :smile2: But im wondering and afraid my social life will be ruined. Im only 22 so im still in the bar/club stage and is wondering how I will be able to have a cocktail or two? Does anyone still drink beer or mixed drinks? Can you even drink any of that? Does your band restrict it? I am looking forward to going to the bars/clubs in a sexy outfit tho It won't take me hours of trying to feel comfortable in jeans and a black shirt (to make me look slimmer) cant wait :mad: