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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

The main concern is that they don't want to band alcoholics. However, I know an alcoholic who is banded. She has lost 100 lbs and is doing fine. I drink wine a couple times a week and am still losing at least 1 lb a week. I am sure you will be fine if you drink the way you say you want to.

1. Do you FEEL the LAP-BAND® around your stomach? Does it feel tight or uncomfortable? No 2. I think giving up soda will be really hard. WHY must it be done? You may be able to drink sode at some time in the future, BUT in the beginning especially, the carbonation can build up in your pouch and cause you some discomfort. 3. What is the purpose of the liquid diet pre-surgery? And post? Pre-op is to shrink your liver so that your surgeon has a little more room in which to maneuver. Almost all obese people have fatty deposits in their livers, some more than others... Your doctor's pre-op and post-op diet may very dramatically from other docs. Just follow his instructions! Post-op is to facilitate healing. 4. Did your insurance company cover the procedure? How long did the pre-auth take? Did you have to do psych evals, etc? No, my insurance did not cover the surgery. Your doctor can likely tell you the average approval time for your insurance company. As to requirements, you can can always call your insurance company to see what they require. Bear in mind that some requirements are not the insurance company but the doctor. 5. The port - does it physically bother you? Can you see it initially, after losing, etc? My husband is kinda freaked out about it.... It's about the size of a quarter and not very thick. I can feel mine if I press down firmly. 6. Does getting a fill hurt? Or does it feel like getting a flu shot / giving blood? Mine have never hurt at all. The first time, they gave me a numbing shot and then did the fill, the second time, I had them just do the fill. Either way you get one little pinch but no pain. 7. Do you have restrictions with taking pills? I.e. is Tylenol still effective, does it digest regularly, etc. I now have to take absolutely NO medications. I have taken some Tylenol a few times and had no problem swallowing them. The medications are dissolved the same way but in the pouch. I was told not to take ibuprofen ever because it can inflame the smaller environment of the pouch versus your whole stomach. 8. What about drinking alcohol? Is it OK occassionally?' The only restriction on alcohol is the calories. A shot of rum has about 60 calories. Mixers are, of course loaded. I drink rum with Diet Coke. It seems like the alcohol kills the carbonation really quickly. But just remember that post op you will be eating about 1,000-1,200 calories per day and just 2 shots is 10% of that amount so it's easy to add a lot of extra calories quickly. So don't make a daily habit out of it, LOL.

So I finally had the fill of fills. You know, the one where you can no longer eat the crap you're not supposed to be eating anyway without it all coming back up? It's actually kind of great because I'm eating a lot less and I'm not hungry very often. However...my brain has started to panic over the fact that it can't have "the crap" and subsequently all I do is walk the halls in a desperate search for food that I don't/won't eat. I'm like an alcoholic looking for the bottle of vodka I hid from my family. Yikes. :thumbup: (For the record, when I say "crap" I mean things like crackers, Very Thin wheat toast, Pasta. I don't even care about chips or cupcakes anymore. Well, maybe a little.)

once all the broken skin is healed...and not until then!....you can take a quick swipe in there with an alcohol swab daily. The alcohol kills germs and evaporates very quickly so it doesn't stay moist and invite infection. Now that you're aware of it, it probably won't be an issue.

Yes, you can have alcohol on occasion. I find it does interfere with weightloss though. I am so happy to have my band. I have tried and failed at losing weight more times then I can count. The band has made losing easier because I don't feel like I'm starving.

I've had wine several times since my surgery. Birthdays, Christmas, a nice dinner out... a glass or two. It didn't hurt me a bit. I didn't care for the carbs and calories, however! LOL! Just watch yourself, the alcohol really hit me quick and it didn't take much to make me a bit tipsy! :thumbup: Hugs,

I know they asked me a dozen times if I am a drinker before my surgery so I'm wondering if that means we can't drink now? I like to have a glass of wine maybe two or three times a year when I am out with friends.... Will this harm anything? Make me sick? I usually sip on the one glass for a couple of hours.... What about mixed drinks? Any Harm on Special occasions?

If its like mine, there is a LONG test w/a bunch of statements and you have to respond w/how much you agree or disagree w/each statement. Statements like... 'It makes me nervous to drive on a freeway.' Or, 'My friends are generally supportive of me'. Or, 'I like to go fishing in my free time'. Just answer the questions and don't overthink it. LOL I recognized some of the questions were trying to figure out if you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Alcoholism, etc., but some of them I had no idea what they were there for (like the fishing one). In any case, even if they do see you have signs for something (like GAD), it wouldn't prevent you from having the surgery, but they would probably recommend you follow-up w/your PCP or a psychologist to discuss it more. It is a general test and tests for things that are not contraindicated for WLS. The only things that I think are contraindicated for WLS is active alcoholism and active bulimia... meaning if you have either of these right NOW, they would deny you. If you used to have them, I think you can still have the surgery.

7. Do you have restrictions with taking pills? I.e. is Tylenol still effective, does it digest regularly, etc. I use liquid Tylenol and it works just fine. It's a 'slider'. 8. What about drinking alcohol? Is it OK occassionally? Yes. .