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I never used shakes or bars. I stuck with Protein dense meats, cheese, and greek yogurt. 3oz of chicken has about 21gr of protein. Shredded up added some greek yogurt, and some ranch style dressing mix, makes a great protein filled chicken salad. I could never eat protein bars because of all the sugar alcohols, and they were just too filling. I still can barely eat 1/2 granola bar comfortably. It takes me a good 20-30 minutes to eat a chewy granola bar, and then I'm stuffed if I eat the entire bar. Can you not eat meat? If you eat 4 meals per day with 15 grams of protein, you'll hit at least 60gr of protein per day. That's how I did it during the losing stage and when I could not eat anymore than 3-4oz of food per meal.

I am curious to know whats the time frame after surgery that I can have a glass or 4 of wine. My surgery is wednesday and as it is giving up diet coke has been a dificult task, I suffer from headaches daily.

LOL--not the kind you trip on! ROFL! I've heard the 3 months thing too. I was told not to try anything spicy or alcoholic until 6 months out, when the stomach is completely healed.

Eva, Very touching story about your MIL. Very few people make it out of their addictions. The ones that do usually have a good support group of others with the same addictions. And most follow the 12 steps to do it. Good for your MIL. I've noticed that many of us on this thread have some acquaintance with the 12 steps. I myself have attended many Alanon, OA, and open AA meetings where non-alcoholics can listen to an AA member tell their story. Sharing your story is a huge part of recovery. We try to be open and honest in our sharing on this thread, not just about our food slips and successes, but about those things happening in our lives that could drive us into the food. We also trust each other with our emotions which makes us very vulnerable. Yet sometimes we need to carefront each other and hold each other accountable. That's where it gets tricky. We don't want to come off judgemental but to sensitive people, we just might. We offer advice or options but we need to know that the other person might feel like they're being controlled. I always try to remember "take what you like and leave the rest." Cheri

I told my immediate family, mother, two sisters (and by default my brother in law because I would'nt expect my sister to keep secrets from him.), though I have'nt told my brother. Mostly because he's a guy and we don't talk as much as my sisters and I do. To be truthful I think he would understand my decision because he is a recovering alcoholic. So we both have issues but mine is food and his is alcohol. I've told a former male co worker who is gay (I have not told any of my other former coworkers). The guy I told also has weight issues so I think I felt more comfortable telling him and he has been very supportive. You can't unring a bell and my concern is I don't need someone questioning what I eat (I would'nt dream of telling someone "they should'nt eat that". But some people feel it is by natural law their right to be the food police.) I also don't want to deal with unrealistic expectations of how much weight I should be loosing.

I haven't had one since surgery which was on January 8, 2010. Although I wasn't a chronic drinker(maybe a couple in a week) I don't enjoy tea, coffee or many things besides a diet soda(I like a few but if its brown it has to be a diet coke because diet pepsi is way too sweet) Every day I probably want one especially if we are eating out. I love Water and all but get bored. Fruit drinks and fruit-flavored drinks are carb-ridden so I drink Powerade zero, Fuze low carb or flavor packs in bottled water. I make a pitcher of sugar free koolaid, like Crystal Light. Every day I want a soda and think about it, I just remember well I've already gone this long without one, why break the streak. It's more of a competition with myself. I have fought my willpower all my life and it is just one more area in food where I will triumph and not live to eat rather than eat to live. Now icecream is another story. Plus I have something to brag about....."so your not drinking a soda", "no, I haven't had one in over 6 months", "oh that must be why you are glowing so much", "thank you so much". Plus now that my sugar is stable, I am not as thirsty as much and completely hydrated due to all the water I inhale. Weird...since surgery, no sodas and weight loss, I don't even have a desire to really drink alcohol, I think I might have had a beer or 2 in six months and one or two cocktails, it all has just left me.

This is b.s. I do not believe that satan wins when some a$$hole, coming off a night of alcohol and drugs doesn't secure a wood chipper properly which then comes loose, hits a van and kills a father and two of the three triplets. And I never said God wasn't real or doesn't care. I said he doesn't interfere. That wood chipper coming loose was the result of human error and a random freak accident. It could have come loose and not hit a car. He could have secured it better. Lots of things could have happened but didn't. Random acts of nature and purposeful acts of humans - that's what life is about. Not God interfering in everything.

While I've had a carbonated drink every now and then since surgery, my doctor repeatedly tells me on fill visits to have NO CARBONATION. It hasn't killed me, but the explanation he gave me on my last visit finally made sense...the carbonation from the drink expands your small pouch, thereby needing more food to feel full. I'm dancing pretty close to restriction right now (8.5cc in a 14cc band) and it is AWESOME. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my portion sizes, my full feeling, weight loss, etc. So while I'm not going to beat myself up from having an occasional Diet Coke (I was a DC whore pre-band), and alcoholic drinks have always been in moderation (although now I stick to screwdrivers instead of carbonated beer)...I'd rather let the LapBand work the way it's supposed to instead of potentially screwing myself. Bands are going to slip, erode, tear, etc. for a BAJILLION reasons - why not just kick the habit? Will one Diet Coke every now and then (I'm talking once a month, maybe), kill my progress? Maybe not. But the old addiction of 100+ oz. of Diet Coke a day isn't worth any potential risks, to me.

I am going to say something that will probably get me blasted by a lot of people. I drink diet sodas. And am sitting here kinda buzzed on Mikes hard lemonade. No problem with band. Am down 60 pounds since January. So it is possible to drink sodas and alcohol. Now.....i wouldnt recomend it on a regular basis. Diet sodas can most likely expand your pouch. The carbonation can give brutal gas/burping. And the alcohol is empty calories. But my feeling is that anything in moderation is OK if you realize what you are doing.I rarely drink and only have diet pepsi (not coke) occasionaly. I have lost weight steadily and plan on keeping it up. But if I deny myself totally I am more likely to fail.

No alcohol? Really? I was well-versed on the no-carbonation thing (I miss you, Dr. Pepper), but didn't know alcohol was a no-no. I found a sugar-free margarita mix (Baha Bob's) and was looking forward to trying it, but now I guess I better ask first.

My doc said no carbonation or alcohol for 6 months, post surgery. So, there's hope - it might just require some waiting! I'm looking forward to a margarita next month!

Are the cramps just at night? I found this information which might help: What causes leg cramps? Unknown cause (idiopathic leg cramps) In most cases the cause is not known. One theory is that cramps occur when a muscle that is already in a shortened position is stimulated to contract. As the muscle is already shortened, to contract further may cause the muscle to go into spasm. This commonly happens at night in bed as the natural position we lie in is with the knees slightly bent (flexed), and with feet pointing slightly downwards. In this position the calf muscle is relatively shortened and may be prone to cramps. This theory explains why stretching exercises may cure the problem. Secondary causes In some cases, the cramps may be a symptom of another problem. For example: Some drugs can cause cramps as a side-effect, or make cramps occur more often. These include: diuretics ('Water tablets'), nifedipine, cimetidine, salbutamol, statins, terbutaline, lithium, clofibrate, penicillamine, phenothiazines, and nicotinic acid. Over-exertion of muscles. Dehydration. Conditions that cause alterations in the balance of salts in the bloodstream (such as a high or low sodium or potassium level). Some people who have renal (kidney) dialysis get leg cramps. Pregnancy - usually in the later stages. An untreated under-active thyroid gland. Peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the leg arteries which causes poor circulation). Excess alcohol. Some uncommon disorders of nerves. Rare causes include: cirrhosis of the liver; lead poisoning; sarcoidosis. With the above conditions the cramps would just be one of various other symptoms. Therefore, if you are otherwise well, and have no other unexplained symptoms, then the leg cramps are likely to be idiopathic (unknown cause) and not due to a secondary cause. Note: leg cramps are different to a condition called restless legs syndrome. In this condition the legs can be uncomfortable, you feel creeping sensations in the legs, and it is relieved by walking about. See separate leaflet called 'Restless Legs Syndrome' for details. What is the treatment for a leg cramp? Stretching and massaging the affected muscle can usually relieve an attack of cramp. Most cramps soon ease off. Painkillers are not usually helpful as they do not act quickly enough. However, a painkiller such as paracetamol may help to ease muscle discomfort and tenderness that sometimes persists for up to 24 hours after a cramp has gone. What are the options for preventing leg cramps? If cramps do not occur often, then no particular treatment is usually needed. However, if you have frequent cramps, you may wish to consider ways of preventing them.

I had erosion, it is really rare and often docs dont find it until your band is already in your stomach. I was lucky and found it when it was the size of a pea. I didnt really have any symptoms my doc just checked my band randomly with endoscope. Things that can cause erosion are alcohol. spicy food, rapid fills, consuming things your should like advil or other things that can weaken your stomach walls and not following your doctors rules. Symptoms are usually being able to eat huge amounts even with a big fill, port or tubing infection, pain in your band area, vomiting etc.

Dr Im and I talked about fills and he said not losing doesn't necessarily mean you need a fill. When he said he wanted to take all my fluid out for awhile, I told him that I couldn't handle that psychologically and it would be too hard for me to get them to give me a fill. He said he doesn't have a problem giving someone a fill later - he said he only doesn't do it if someone's esophagus is prone to being irritated or if the person thinks a fill will solve all their problems. He doesn't want to cause permanent damage or slippage. This was really the first time we have had a long conversation. He was happy that I have followed most of the rules since surgery - no soda, no alcohol, no caffeine - I didn't tell him about my gum chewing, but it wasn't on the questionnaire either. :biggrin:

This is going to gross some people out, I'm sure. But I'm a week post-op, still on Clear liquids, and I'm absolutely sick of sweet anything. My pain medication is even sweet--some disgusting pineapple analog, I think. I quit taking it just to get away from the ghastly syrupy taste and texture. The Gas-X chewable is faux-cherry. Gah. Multi-Vitamin chewable is sweet. I want some character in my clear liquid diet, drat it!!! So, I got my husband to buy a bottle of cocktail olive-thingies, all briny and stuff, and a bottle of pickled pearl onions, plus some Perrier, and a bag of Key limes (those little bitty ones). Poured some of the Perrier Water over ice, added some spoonfuls of the liquid around the olives and onions, squeezed in some lime juice, and took a sip. I started *DROOLING* it tasted so good to me. Sour, salty, a little bitter...and no carbs or sugar. I may try tonic water next. Also, I think I've hit on a winning combination for the next party I go to, so I have a drink to carry around without drinking anything alcoholic and that'll actually taste good (to me). My doc said to not drink carbonated stuff, and I think Perrier is close enough to not-carbonated (plus, I don't exactly drink it every day) that it won't be cheating. Those sour onions and the olives were delicious, though...How silly is that?

I got so tight when I went to Vegas that I could barely eat. But, I figured it was because I wasn't drinking as much water as normal and I was drinking alcohol. So, I was probably a bit dehydrated and I know that makes my band tighter.

07/20/2010 I am enjoying the small changes I have made in my eating just since meeting with the surgeon. My appointment is set for the psychologist in August (11th), and will get the appointment with the nutritionist when I return from Kansas for 2 weeks. I have been making myself eat with a baby spoon, chew everything 15-30 times (gad!)...have you ever tried to chew cottage cheese 30 times? I am not drinking alcohol (usually have wine at dinner) just to shrink the old liver for surgery. I keep visiting the chat rooms on lapbandtalk.com to see what others are or have experienced. I can already visualize myself as thin again.

I had surgery last Thursday, all is good and I am feeling pretty normal, I have discomfort on the incision spots but other than that I'm feeling pretty good.... I went back to the gym today, back to cardio. I am still on clears, and so I took it easy. I talked to my trainer and he had me start with 5-7 minutes of cardio on 3 machines (bike,treadmill and elliptical) he wants me to add a minute a day for the next week so I can get back to my 40-45 minutes of cardio pre surgery. I got a little sweat in, I didn't feel light headed, came home, showered and alcohol-ed down my incisions...just precaution from after gym....but all is good... So far so good.....

OK, I made it to my appointment at 11:43. I know it was pushing it since I told you all my appointment was for 11:45. Well to my surprise upon arrival my appointment was really schedule for 11:15. I was in total shock. I went blank for a second in thought thinking were did I get 11:45 from. Well, she check to see had the worker left for lunch. Thank God they were still there. I went in nervous, just as if it was the day of the surgery. Got upon the table. They put the xray over me to find my port. Tah tah! ding ding ding....they found it instantly. So here comes the bad stuff, the pain. I asked about numbing it. She explained, why get poke twice when you can get poke once and be finish. I am still shaking like a leaf on a twig. But guess what I didn't even know when she started or finish. I didnt feel a thing other then the alcohol swab being rub on me and her hand. They tried to talk to me during the process. I wasn't hearing that...lol...to nervous thinking my talking would bring pain....I know, I am crazy, but that's just me...lol I got 4cc in a 10cc band. Literally, i did not feel or see the needle at all. My filler was GREAT!!!!! I hope she is the one to do it all the time. My appointment last a total of 5 minutes, including the EKG. I have lost a total of 12lbs. They would prefer for me to get to 159lbs by my bandevesary. I have bigger dreams, I am aiming for 135-140lbs. My original weight was 191 on my very first visit to the center. So that puts me at 179lbs now....... Its a start!!!!

The key to losing fat - (I say fat because even muscle loss = weight loss and who wants to lose muscle?) is understanding and applying the energy balance PLUS understanding how your body uses food as fuel and how those fuels differ (carbs, fats, proteins, alcohol). Your body has a strong will to survive. It will not voluntarily give up its' fat stores. You have to coax and burn them off. You do this by creating a calorie deficit created by BOTH exercise and reduced food intake. Creating this deficit by intake alone will not take an obese person down to a healthy body fat percentage - at best, it will create a skinny fat person. Calories In Vs. Calories Out is a bit too simplistic. 1000 calories of cotton candy and 1000 calories of skinless chicken breast are profoundly different. The difference in insulin response alone (not to mention other body chemistry) is huge! All calories are not equal. Ponder this... "Joe" eats 1000 calories a day, day after day. He needs to lose 100 pounds. This low calorie diet gives him a deficit of 2000 calories a day. By this calculation he should be able to completely lose his excess body weight in 175-200 days....(Bet he doesn't)... But what if he continues this trend for several years? Does he completely disappear? Of course not. Because it's not just about calories in/calories out - it's about managing your metabolism via your energy balance. I eat 1000 calories some days - I eat over 3000 other days. I still have challenging food demons, but I manage them. If I'm going to eat cheat foods, I do so on planned high calorie days. By cycling calories this way - combined with a challenging exercise schedule consisting of both strength and cardiovascular training - I keep my metabolism white hot. My body fat percentage continues to fall, while the scale stays relatively stable (small lean muscle tissue gains). This lifestyle allows fat loss on calorie deficit days and muscle gains on calorie surplus days. There are several scenarios of posts on LBT that leave me grumbling... One of them is very low calorie diets. People who eat very low calories (600-1000) love the weight loss they initially see. But how much of that weight is lost muscle? Your body is a machine. If it's being starved is it going to give up metabolically active lean muscle tissue which is high maintenance to keep - or fat stores which costs next to nothing to maintain? Some of both, but the ratio is going to tip toward the lean muscle tissue. As muscle tissues decline, your body adjusts it's metabolism in a fight to avoid starvation, the weight loss slows and then comes the unavoidable - yet easily predicted plateau. They havn't lost weight in months, but hey, plateau's are normal right? No... they aren't normal - they mean your body has adjusted your metabolism accordingly to try to stave off starvation. It won't give up without a fight. But their doctor prescribed the 800 calorie low carb diet, so that must not be it... :rolleyes2: Here's another one... I've read a lot of posts where people are eating 1000 calories and gaining weight and they try to suggest it's muscle gains... Not a chance... It is physiologically impossible to maintain that large of a calorie deficit and gain muscle tissue, which actually requires a calorie surplus. One person is starving themselves eating 800 low carb calories a day, while at the same time I sit here on a high calorie day snacking on Peanut M&M's dipped in peanut butter. "So Brad, if your so damned smart and think this is so easy, then why did you get so fat you needed WLS?" Because I didn't understand the energy balance and how my body used fuel and how those fuel types differ - BUT now I do... And I want everyone else to know too... It may be simple - but it isn't easy... The band is a great tool to help you achieve your goals. Your body is a wonderful efficient machine when properly understood. Fuel it appropriately and it will reward you! Good Luck! Brad

Well I agree and disagree with the other posters... The key to losing fat - (I say fat because even muscle loss = weight loss and who wants to lose muscle?) is understanding and applying the energy balance PLUS understanding how your body uses food as fuel and how those fuels differ (carbs, fats, Proteins, alcohol). Your body has a strong will to survive. It will not voluntarily give up its' fat stores. You have to coax and burn them off. You do this by creating a calorie deficit created by BOTH exercise and reduced food intake. Creating this deficit by intake alone will not take an obese person down to a healthy body fat percentage - at best, it will create a skinny fat person. Calories In Vs. Calories Out is a bit too simplistic. 1000 calories of cotton candy and 1000 calories of skinless chicken breast are profoundly different. The difference in insulin response alone (not to mention other body chemistry) is huge! All calories are not equal. Ponder this... "Joe" eats 1000 calories a day, day after day. He needs to lose 100 pounds. This low calorie diet gives him a deficit of 2000 calories a day. By this calculation he should be able to completely lose his excess body weight in 175-200 days....(Bet he doesn't)... But what if he continues this trend for several years? Does he completely disappear? Of course not. Because it's not just about calories in/calories out - it's about managing your metabolism via your energy balance. I eat 1000 calories some days - I eat over 3000 other days. I still have challenging food demons, but I manage them. If I'm going to eat cheat foods, I do so on planned high calorie days. By cycling calories this way - combined with a challenging exercise schedule consisting of both strength and cardiovascular training - I keep my metabolism white hot. My body fat percentage continues to fall, while the scale stays relatively stable (small lean muscle tissue gains). This lifestyle allows fat loss on calorie deficit days and muscle gains on calorie surplus days. There are several scenarios of posts on LBT that leave me grumbling... One of them is very low calorie diets. People who eat very low calories (600-1000) love the weight loss they initially see. But how much of that weight is lost muscle? Your body is a machine. If it's being starved is it going to give up metabolically active lean muscle tissue which is high maintenance to keep - or fat stores which costs next to nothing to maintain? Some of both, but the ratio is going to tip toward the lean muscle tissue. As muscle tissues decline, your body adjusts it's metabolism in a fight to avoid starvation, the weight loss slows and then comes the unavoidable - yet easily predicted plateau. They havn't lost weight in months, but hey, plateau's are normal right? No... they aren't normal - they mean your body has adjusted your metabolism accordingly to try to stave off starvation. It won't give up without a fight. But their doctor prescribed the 800 calorie low carb diet, so that must not be it... :tt2: Here's another one... I've read a lot of posts where people are eating 1000 calories and gaining weight and they try to suggest it's muscle gains... Not a chance... It is physiologically impossible to maintain that large of a calorie deficit and gain muscle tissue, which actually requires a calorie surplus. One person is starving themselves eating 800 low carb calories a day, while at the same time I sit here on a high calorie day snacking on Peanut M&M's dipped in Peanut Butter. "So Brad, if your so damned smart and think this is so easy, then why did you get so fat you needed WLS?" Because I didn't understand the energy balance and how my body used fuel and how those fuel types differ - BUT now I do... And I want everyone else to know too... It may be simple - but it isn't easy... The band is a great tool to help you achieve your goals. Your body is a wonderful efficient machine when properly understood. Fuel it appropriately and it will reward you! Good Luck! Brad

It's about understanding and applying the energy balance - plain and simple.... Everything else (snacking, slider foods, grazing, alcohol, blah, blah, blah) is a side show... As I sit here typing while eating peanut M and M's... :tt2: Brad

Alcohol likely won't affect you differently postop, except inasmuch as you won't be eating as much with the alcohol--and food can delay absorption. I know my tolerance is nil--but that's because I very, very rarely drink at this point. That's not really band-related--it's just what happens when you do it less

Wow, this has definitely been a loaded thread in several different ways. So, I thought I should put my two cents in as well. I think I've now experienced first hand the benefits of sticking on the narrow path, and the problems when I don't. For example, the first time I had a carbonated beverage, holy cow, I paid the price in discomfort. However, I have to say that I had a beer the other evening, and because I really nursed it (over a 2 hour period), I wasn't really thrown by it, although it takes far, far less alcohol now to feel the effects than it did pre-band. I've decided that perhaps with the exception of a very occasional indulgence, it's not really worth it. I have been able to eat just about anything since going on solids post-surgery. Do I gradually advance my diet post-fills, as recommended? Sure- and I love the little weight loss boost I get as a side perk. Do I eat tiny bites and chew like crazy, as recommended? Most times, and when I don't, I pay in being "stuck", which simply hurts. Do I restrict portions, as recommended? Generally, although I'm not as vigilant as I should be...and again, I pay the price. These days, I'm extremely stressed, so now I know that I'm not good at focusing on the rules when I'm so pulled aside with other things. I trust that my surgeon and his team know more about this journey in general than I do. Just like I trust my general doctor to guide me in managing my medical care, I trust Dr. McKenna to help manage my Lap-Band care. It's crystal clear that when I make my own decisions in this arena, against his direction, I'm the one who loses the game. So, why not set myself up to win? I may question the methods or the motives, but the results of compliance (65 pounds so far- my surgery was 2/26/10) is hard to deny! My very, very best wishes to you all on your journey! Christine