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Elfie, I both agree and disagree with you. It's not the food, per se, that is the issue. Everyone requires food--no one requires alcohol or gambling. (Well, I suppose one could argue that an alcoholic in the throes of the DTs requires alcohol or medical intervention to prevent injury, but that's a different story.) I am not addicted to food. I am addicted to the good feelings it produces. An alcoholic IS, in fact, addicted to alcohol--not just the feelings it produces. There is a physical dependence that is very different from what goes on with overeating. If I don't overeat, I do not experience physical and neurological changes that can threaten my life. I just want a scone. It's not potentially fatal. That said, I don't disagree, at all, with the comparison between self-sabotage with eating and other addictive behaviors. No matter what our methods, it quite often IS based in a need to self-soothe. However, outcome is VERY different for overeaters who can pinpoint what's "eating them" and alcoholics and addicts who do the same. Identifying "issues" can be helpful to the drug addict or alcoholic, but in a way that is more useful once detox is accomplished, treatment is given, and recovery entered. In fact, it's pretty important in terms of building a strong defense against recidivism. The psychology of overeating shares some traits with addictive diseases. The physiology is so, so different that I have difficulty calling obesity/overeating an addiction to food. And therefore, I still maintain that identifying what's "eating me" really IS immensely helpful.

Just as an alcoholic or gambler or shopping addict uses their addiction to comfort their fears and insecurities. :w00t: In the past it was believed that you could 'cure' an addict by getting to the root cause. Now we know that just isn't true. .

I think the answer lies in why we overeat to begin with. For most of us, eating is our addiction. Even the medical community is finally coming around to the fact that it is an addiction. Imagine an alcoholic being told they must drink one shot of alcohol every day...but that's all. Imagine a gambling addict being told they must go into a casino and play one round of cards every day...but that's all. Now, imagine a food addict being told they can only have 'so much' food and that's all. It's the same thing. The only difference is that we can't avoid our addiction. We have to find some way to control it while still using it. That's the beauty of the band. With good restriction, we can eat like normal people and when the demons of that addiction grab us by the throat, the band will remind us to stop when we attempt to drown ourselves in it. Either by making us feel full...or through pain should we be stupid enough to continue. Without restriction, I eat until I think I'll pop. With restriction, I feel full and know that one more bite and I'll pay with pain. Pain is a good deterrent for me. .

I had my surgery December 17, 2009. It has been a month and altogether I have lost 22lbs. I am 5'8" and weighed 209. I weigh 187. I did not follow the aftercare diet to the tee, my body lets me know if I should or should not eat something. As for the Jerusalem Hospital, I have nothing but good things to say. You must remember that the Dr. Almanza, the staff and Dr Betancourt work seven days a week, 365 days a year. They are doing many surgeries a day. (When I was there they did 5 procedures - 3 sleeves, 1 band and 1 rouxny). So they have probably experienced a great deal of situations and are now very experienced at handling almost all emergencies and complications. What to take: 1. Gas-x The meltaway strips -the red(cherry/cinnamon?) 2. Germ-x - for plane, clinic, house, vehicles. I used this like crazy to prevent flu/colds. 3.Neosporin spray for the wounds. 4. Several pajamas(3), robe, and slippers. Pajamas with pants were better becuz the drain was not taken off until the fourth day.I also took several (3) of those comfy jogging (house of Derrion)sets. It to put on not much to coordinate and looks good and comfy 5. I took prilosec becuz i had read the boards, some people get heartburn. I did becuz i had a spicy tomatoe basil Soup at hotel the night before I was flying home and got heartburn with hiccups.If not for prilosec I would not have been able to sleep that night. 6. I get cold, so i took (3) thick warm fuzzy socks. .. 7. i took a magazine and a book but could not read. Took laptop but really did not use ..You will be tired. 8. I did not take earplugs but wished I had. There was a person who came to help their loved one recover and they were staying at the recovery house. They slept in the room directly above us and they fell asleep with tv. on very very loud. My roommate and I did not sleep all night the first night, so in retrospect ear plugs sound good. 9. Alcohol swabs for wounds also. I took band aids with wound care gel in them. I changed the bandages. I was very worried about infection. 10. A final item on wish list that i would have taken would have been to get antibiotics in liquid form from my general doctor. She was not upset about me going to Mexico and having this surgery so i'm sure she would have prescribed it for me had i asked. The antibiotics they give you to take (when they dissolve in your mouth) taste horrible. horrible. HORRIBLE they made me want to vomit. I hope this helps, good luck. I have had no serious complications. I havebeen tired, very tired, but ihad surgery so I know and am hopeful that in another month, my body will adjust and i will get back to normal

Hi there, I am sure you will love your sleeve as much as the rest of us. I can eat milk products such as cheese and yougurt, but I can't dirnk very much milk. I am almost 9 months away from surgery. I've never been someone to drink alcohol so I can't answer that one. I know people who do drink in moderation though. hair loss is pretty common, and yes , it does grow back. Since I had my gall bladder out, I am never constipated. I have the opposite problem. Before GB surgery, I took Miralax every other day and that kept me pretty regular.

Hi Maddie, I think you are making a good decision to have surgery. I turned 30 a few months ago and am so excited to do things in this decade that I was unable to do in my 20's. As for my experience with your concerns (remember everyone's different)... 1) Lactose Intolerance, does this happen to everyone? If it should happen, does it go away or am I stuck with it? I've had this issue for my entire life, I still eat yogurt, but some cheeses and dairy products will get to me, it's just always been a part of my life, so I guess I don't find it that bad...sorry no answer to your question, my surgeon said it might happen for some and not others. 2) The hair loss ?...I'm expecting it to happen but my hair is the only thing I get compliments on. Will it grow back? Will it be like it used to be? You'll see, you will get so many more compliments on other things when you start getting healthier. My hair loss started around 2 months post-op and started to slow down around 4.5 months post-op. I'm still losing more than normal and do not notice new growth, but it's still pretty thick. 3) Bowel issues...as a child I had lots of bowel issues and I can still remember the horrible experiences. Will constipation always be a problem after VSG? Honestly is has been a problem for me since I've had my surgery. I always was a very regular person (2-4 bm's per day), so this was something that I've had to work on. Now, 5.5 months out, I usually can go every other day and I know foods (spinach, applesauce, even pita chips) that can help me go...sometimes I will start cramping really bad and then realize it has been a couple/few days and try to up my Water and add in the Fiber...it usually helps. 4) Alcohol...I do enjoy a drink now and then. Will I be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a vodka drink? I would not attempt this until way further out. I gave up drinking a couple years ago when my husband and I started to try for a baby, now I'd rather use calories for other splurges (a couple of french fries or bites of ice cream), but I've read of many other wls patients who have had no problems with this. Good luck on your journey! It has been such a great thing for me and I think you will be so pleased with it as well.

Sure--like an alcoholic missing the drinking and the zoning out/buzz. I don't think that urge to eat mindlessly (for me anyway) ever goes away. And like Sue Magoo said, we can still eat yummy food--just not as much of it. Plus, an odd thing happened with me: my tastebuds changed. Some things that I used to love really don't taste that great anymore--and other things taste wonderful now. Go figure.

Hi, Maddie, and first off welcome to VST. I think a lot of can relate to your story, and I'll be the first to tell you that the sleeve is a fabulous tool. To maybe help with some of your concerns: 1) I didn't have lactose intolerance issues. I'm not a milk drinker, but could/can eat yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products without issue. 2) I lost quite a bit of my hair. It started around 3.5 months post-op and last exactly 3 months. I already have new growth all over my head that is 2-3inches long. I did/do not take a supplement such as Biotin, but I did use Folicure extra care shampoo every other day. Nothing will stop it, but you can do things to help rev up the regrowth. 3) I only had one serious bout of constipation. I had eaten a lot of cheese one day, and didn't get in enough Water. That's an epic fail in the bowel movement department. 4) I was cleared for alcohol around 3.5-4 months out. I enjoy having a glass of wine here and there without any problems. I haven't tried mixed drinks just because nothing appeals to me. I like Riesling or German wines. I had 3 glasses of wine over a 5 hour time period on NYE with dinner thrown in. The first glass hit me pretty hard, but within 20 minutes I felt just a little buzzed. I had 2 more glasses at a local bar, and felt fine and didn't have a hangover. I hope this helps some. Keep us posted on your progress, and if you have any other questions or concerns feel free to post away.

Hello ~ This is my first posting but I've been reading all of your wonderful posts for a few weeks now. Just a little background about me...I've been heavy my whole life. A few years ago I got myself in the low 200's and to my that was thin! Unfortunately, I've let myself seriously go and I'm up to 350. Last year, I went to my PCP and told him that I wanted the RNY. He was supportive and gave me the referral. Well, I ended up chickening out and tried one last ditch effort with WW. I ended up losing about 40 pounds but successfully put back every pound and then some. I gave up on WLS surgery and dieting all together. A few months back I discovered the VSG and thought to myself that it is definitely a surgery that I be comfortable with and worth exploring. This past week, I got the courage to see my PCP and asked for another referral to a surgeon who does the VSG. Well, my PCP did not tip toe around my feelings. He definitely voiced his disappointment about me not having WLS. He said that he can't help me if I don't take his advice and is STRONGLY encouraging me to have the surgery. Which he is probably right. He gave me the referral and said that he would take care of the necessary paperwork. I definitely got the tough love treatment. I trying to find the right time to tell my family that this is all happening. By the way, I'm single and 30 years old. I know they will be totally supportive but I feel bad for them to see their daughter have to go through this. I've let myself go so bad that my only saving grace is surgery. Ok, the concerns..... 1) Lactose Intolerance, does this happen to everyone? If it should happen, does it go away or am I stuck with it? 2) The hair loss ?...I'm expecting it to happen but my hair is the only thing I get compliments on. Will it grow back? Will it be like it used to be? 3) Bowel issues...as a child I had lots of bowel issues and I can still remember the horrible experiences. Will constipation always be a problem after VSG? 4) Alcohol...I do enjoy a drink now and then. Will I be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a vodka drink? I would not attempt this until way further out. Thank you all so much for letting me get this off my chest. You are all a great comfort and full of advice and knowledge. I look forward to getting to know you. Thanks for your insights. :thumbup1:

There are plenty of things you can eat while banded that will help you gain weight. You can wash all kinds of food down with Water or juice. Even easier is drinking the calories. I don't personally know anybody that is banded but I do know a few that had bypass. One of them is an alcoholic and after losing only about 50 pounds managed to pack that and more back on drinking beer. As for hurting when overeating; I'm not banded yet but I have eaten so much in one sitting that I was in pain for hours many times in the last 45 years. It never stopped me from doing it again and again.

Oh Heather, I forgot: I'm not a good example as I don't track things except when I need to get back on track. When I do track, I usually keep it 1000-1200 cals. I hardly get in any fruit now and that's something I need to work on (I love fruit). A typical day: B - 1/2 serv. reg. oatmeal w/1.5 T soy protein powder & 1T Benefiber added, topped with several squirts of SF maple syrup (I have this every morning) - About 3 cups of coffee before B L (about .75-1C total) - Almost always leftovers and I start w/about 3-4 oz. of protein (it's usually chicken or beef) - 1/2C of veggies or 1/4 C veggies and 1/4 C of another side (sometimes a starch like potatoes or rice) D (about 1- 1.25 C total, I'm allowed 1.5 C, but I almost never eat that much) - I eat whatever my family is having for dinner (DH is the chef) so pretty similar to what I had for lunch. -I do try to eat the protein first, I only take a small spoonful of the 'bad carbs' (he's 'Mr. Potato Head'), and I usually end my dinner with one SF Russell Stover's chocolate (I don't eat a lot of SF/diet foods at all, but I'm a chocoholic and I love these, so it gives me something to look forward to and I don't feel deprived of my beloved chocolate). -I do drink alcohol in moderation- usually only on the weekends (both wine and beer-which I pour so it gets a lot of bubbles out, and yes my doc allows this)...yes, it's probably slowed my WL some to drink calories, but it's a lifestyle for me, not another diet. -I have 'traded' some items out, but still feel like I eat 'normally', just a lot less...ie. we have tacos one night most weeks- always have; I used to eat 5 + spanish rice, now I have traded the hard shells for a soft low carb tortilla (I think they're wheat) and I spread Greek Yogurt (I've traded this for reg. yogurt and sour cream and love it) on it and add 1/2C meat and some of the reg. toppings. I usually have a hard time finishing a whole 1. I never feel deprived or hungry...hope something in there helps. Great WL this week...way to go!! Fingers crossed that fill works for you. -BG

Have you tried just getting the alcohol out of your house? I love wine and gin and used to drink almost daily whenever I was not on a 'diet'. After lapband, I have decided that I will drink just occasionally for special occasions or when I go out w/friends, but not in my house (because the 'daily habit' part has got to stop in order to achieve my health and weightloss goals). Well, I was doing pretty good, but then one day I picked up a bottle of wine just to have on hand in case I was going out I'd have one handy to take to a friend's house or whatever. Well, sure enough, it did not stay in my wine rack long. The first day the kids stressed me out and I thought I 'deserved' it, I popped it open. So, I've decided to just not keep wine or gin (my two favorites) in the house at all anymore. Other alcohol does not seem to call to me. I have a liquor cabinet full of other stuff, but I don't care about it. It just seems that I can't resist temptation for wine or gin if it is in the house... just like I'm sure other people are w/ice cream. LOL I'm either too lazy or have too much pride to go on a run to the store just to pick up wine or gin so this works for me. ;-> Anyway, just figured I'd throw that out there as an easy thing you can try if you haven't already.

I think i'm just having one of those pitty party days. . . i'm just feeling sorry for myself today. . . i don't want to discourage anyone from getting their surgery, it's a good surgery and will help anyone who needs it. . . but i didn't realize that food is used for so many things. .as a comfort tool and that i snacked so much before. . i always thought i had it under control . . . now that i can't even get as much as 4 oz in, and only of 1 thing, well i'm feeling sorry for myself. . . i'll get over it, probably just "withdrawal" sorta like an alcoholic i guess. . . have to go to a support class which falls on the 21st. . . the eye opened yesterday when daughter and i came home from getting her stitches out from her surgery. . . usually we would go to our favorite restaurant and have have a nice Mexican dinner. . .El Saboritos . . . this time all i could do is take her to sonic and watch. . . . but i did good, i hung in there with my stupid cottage cheese and Jello . . . yummmy . . . then of course i still have to cook for my family, well today is pot roast, mashed potatoes and corn. . . me, well yogurt and Protein powder, yummmmy. . . . i know this will pass one day but in the mean time i'm just feeling under the weather i guess. . . . thanks for listening!

Relax and enjoy your occasional glass of wine! The only problem with alcohol is it can represent a lot of empty calories. But a glass here and there isn't a problem. I think, perhaps, they ask if we're drinkers beforehand is that heavy drinkers can actually have erosion of the esophagus (that's what killed my ex) and also addiction (be it drugs, alcohol, food) can swap to another thing to be addicted to. They are trying to screen carefully is all, I THINK.

Interesting points from all. Thank you... I am and have always been a lightweight when it comes to alcohol... Thats the only thing about me thats ever been "lightweight" Haha... I will be sure to drink plenty of water when I do have that glass of wine....

Like Tracy suggested, i to would use a bit of alcohol on it daily until the redness goes away. . . could be contact dermatitis. . . if it doesn't go away with the alcohol and antibiotic ointment, i'd contact the doctor. . good luck

Well I think Kaiser has to decide if they want us to have a support group or whether they want to take control and be the support group..............that is what it boils down to. Liz told me the same thing but I see it two ones one that maybe they don't think we are smart enough to figure out who to listen to and not to and the other way is that if we are on the site than they lost a bit of the control over the diet and rules they put out by use being educated by the masses........... Again I have to agree alot of people going through all this come in with a totally clean slate. I had research so much I could even talk latest research studies and the pros and cons of each type and band and method of surgery...........LOL. So maybe I get offended when I am not the normal patient. I am sure I know who to belive and who not to believe ya know..........and we all cheat her and there and we don't post that to brag about sneaking around but to be accountable. So maybe if you have no brain and are easily brain washed you should stay away from this site.............LOL. That would be like telling an alcoholic no AA meetings!! Man I have alot of opinions lately and I am trying to chill out a bit!!! :-) I think the site is a GOOD thing. Lifts me up doesn't pull me down.

I'm wondering why the huge needles? The syringe they use on me is tiny and I don't even feel it when they poke through the skin. No numbing either. . I only had one fill but the dr. used a small needle. He just wiped me with alcohol and poked. I hate needles as much as as the next guy. But it wasn't as painful as some described. Thank goodness!

If you are eating buddies, this could be a factor, also. But, you can assure him that you will still be able to go out. You will have to make different selections, or perhaps share Entrees with him. You can still enjoy cocktails at the lake. Alcohol contains calories with no nutritional value, thus you want to limit the intake, but it has no detrimental effect on the band. If you drink carbonated beverages, that may have to change. Fear of change itself can be huge. My hubby was not really supportive of the idea at first. Especially when I considered gastric bypass. That was just too scary for him, and the radical diet change was such that he could not/would not consider it. As he adjusted to the idea of the band, it became easier for him to deal with. I could not have done this if he had not supported it. He came to all the seminars and pre-op support groups with me, and also to many of my pre-op appointments with my surgeon. My surgeon actually requires this. I thought it was a great idea. He could ask questions and not just rely on me for information. He knew the answers were not slanted to my point of view. He was able to make his own informed decision. Now he is 100% supportive of me. Denise

This is an incredibly perceptive observation on the use of the word "cheat." It absolutely implies that there are supposedly some "rules" that all people should play by ... when there just aren't. What's that pill some alcoholics go on ... the one that makes them violently ill if they ingest alcohol? Is that a "cheat" because other alcoholics use their will power? No, it just observes that for some people whose issues run deeper, "will power" alone isn't enough. Great for the other people if their will power is stronger. They win. I'm not them, but if the size of my behind was any indication, that was already obvious. Of course I can lose weight with diet and exercise. If I make my life's profession losing weight, which I have to do, then I lose the weight. But, my body goes into panic mode always after around the 3 month mark. Continuing to eat at diet levels makes my subconscious kick into survival mode, and I frequently found myself eating portions that were even larger than my "pre-diet" portions just to get that "okay, I'm satisfied now" feeling. I need the help. The one neighbor I told in great confidence actually said her sister had undergone the procedure ... used to be a large woman and now is quite petite, and very happy! It did take me a while to tell my husband ... he surprised me by being incredibly supportive. He even said he was really excited for me! As for my extended family, fortunately the only two sisters-in-law who would ever say anything on the subject, both of them have had liposuction and breast work, so they are the last ones to point out anything about "cheating." But, great observation again on the "competition" - there sure is, in their minds. I also liked very much the comment about yes, I'm cheating ... I'm cheating an early death ... good one. Kim in the pipeline, looking for surgery date probably April 2010

Sorry you are going through this. Seems food addiction and other addictions can coincide. I have a brother right now over the edge with alcohol and am very, very worried about him. If you check the other sites here, there is a 12 step program for OA and there are other posts related to this issue. Being from a family of alcohol issues, I can see where you are really having a hard time and hope you can find the answers you need.

I never thought I drank too much until Lap Band. After quitting the alcohol before and after surgery, I found myself needing it. I can't seem to make it two days without drinking. I went through so much to have this surgery and don't want to blow it by wasting calories on alcohol. I lost 15 pounds the first week and haven't lost any since so I know this is affecting my weight loss. It has been 4 weeks since my surgery. I'm just wondering if anyone else has had this issue and if there are any suggestions.

My surgeon advised during her seminar that you SHOULD choose lapband if you don't want to give up alcohol entirely. Current thinking is that alcohol can be very dangerous for gastric bypass because the alcohol goes straight into the system of a GB patient without being metabolized at all by the stomach. With lapband, the processing of alcohol is not changed at all. I will warn you that it may make your band feel tighter the next morning, though. Since alcohol is a diuretic, the rebound effect the next day may cause you to retain water which can make your band feel tighter.

I haven't had any problems with alcohol. If I go to the clubs, I usually order something like a malibu rum w/ pineapple juice, an orange juice and vodka, or wine because carbonated beverages (beer, any hard liquor mixed with soda, champagne etc.) are not reccomended for Bandsters. And I have found that I do not get drunk or tipsy faster after being banded. I think its different for everyone, and therefore not one of those "sure things that applies to everyone." Basically, don't worry about having a glass of wine 3 times a year....really.

Bandsters don't have the issue absorbing alcohol that bypass patients do. With the changes in their insides, my understanding is that they feel the effects much sooner and on much less quantity. I just feel it much sooner and on much less quantity now because I don't consume as much now due to the caloric content. Call me a lightweight, in more ways than one! :thumbup: But, I wasn't given a restriction on it by my surgeon..just beware of the calories (sigh).. Denise