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Thanks Delarla, I appreciate you and everyone on this board and I am soooo glad I found it.... I am struggling with bad choices right now... Breakfast is a good example... I can usually only eat about 1/2 an egg , sometimes the whole one and a piece of bacon... Sunday.....I ate 2 eggs and 2 bacon strips and might have eaten more but got up... Then I went to town to do some stuff and at lunch I ate a pint of "real" ice cream.. then I came home and ate about 1/2 of a pork chop.... I didn't eat anymore till night time and I ate a huge bowl of homemade chicken and noodles. I weighed 213 this morning... My lowest weight is 204, which means I have gained 9 lbs... But I am having to do some stressful stuff right now so I am going to try to not be so hard on my diet. But I am going to start my old thinking again and stop the real ice cream, etc...(beer, and pina colada's I didn't mention) The other stuff shouldn't hurt me.. I have been drinking way to many pina colada's with alcohol and virgin ones too. they are Real high in calories... But darn I love them... They go down so well with a burning belly. My daughter had a wreck Friday you guys... She had a 2004 Mazda Tribute and an older Calillac hit her in the side. She was turning (her fault) going about 4 miles an hour and he was speeding and he hit her so hard it flipped her car into the air and it landed upside down. On the good side of this, the seat belt held her in tight and it has a roll bar, and it didn't hurt her much at all. Thank God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She had 8 stitches in her elbow and that is it. The reason I am even telling this, is because I get so wrapped up in this weight loss, lap band , stuff that it consumes my life literally. I get pissy if I gain, I worry if my belly burns, I over react lately to everything.I drive everyone around me crazy saying, "Do I look like I have gained, wonder why I haven't lost any, do you think I will lose anymore, etc........ God helped me put things back into perspective, and I realize that it wouldn't matter if I weigh 700 lbs (you know what I mean) as long as my family is ok, and etc. It brought me to my knees, I am humbled and appreciative of my wonderful life I have been blessed with. I won the life lottery...lol..... I am so lucky... I am sorry for getting so carried away about what I look like and how much I weigh. Don't get me wrong, I care about it, but I needed to calm down. I don't know. Maybe the new attention made me want to strive harder to lose more, and then I got impatient. Wanted to lose more and lose if faster.... Anyway, girls, (and guys) when you get to this point, be careful and don't run the people that love you away , don't get carried away... This is an important journey, but don't let it consume you.... Like I said, I am lucky.... I got brought back to earth....without damage..lol....too much anyway.. Terry Evans

The weight you want to lose is much easier than a 50 80 100+. Pound gain.... It can be done. Years out, much of weight loss is fighting the mental battles to get back on track. Seriously I have motivators on my fridge to remind me of my goal and where I want to be. Its right in my face when I am seeking food. Makes me stop and ask. Am I hungry? How much room for calories do I have left in my log for the day? Is this boredom or emotional/stress eating? (see photos below *lol*) All I can share is my personal experience. I’m a sleeve. My surgery was in 2014. I have worked off a gain in my third year. Log your food. Make sure you are eating your weight loss calories and macros.(Log including alcohol) I’m female 5”5” My calories are 900 to 1100 Carbs are 60 grams for weight loss. ***We are all different - You may need to dial in your calories to see what range you lose weight***. If you need help with this let me know. Get temptation out of the house and keep healthy options for sweet and salty cravings. I have a bit less restriction than I had in the first year. I found ways to fill the extra space and keep my calories/macros in range. Add as much veggies as you like until full. Ditch liquid and soft stage protein. Dense protein will help keep you feeling more satisfied. I’m not sure how you are going to trouble shoot your hydration. My surgeon gave me a prescription for zantac. Trial and error for fluids that sit well. I drink crystal light, pre workout or nuun tabs. I’m also back in weight loss mode for the summer* My food log is open.

Thanks, I do understand re alcohol but I had this app for a couple of months pre op and I do know that stuff like alcohol & carbonated drinks are way off limit. Not sure if the op is slightly different here but nothing is off limits to us. In fact the bariatric nurse told me to have a glad of wine 1 week post op as I was convinced my op hadn't worked!! Lol that does not however deter from the fact that alcohol contain cals and I agree this is not something I do even weekly however my 2lb weight gain began a week prior to my having the alcohol so that has mystified (and panicked me) a bit. I have been so intrigued by the small differences is diet advice from both countries post op. it is rare for anyone here (I believe to suffer any gas pain!!) not sure why that is, however I was so grateful I didn't as it sounded painful. Anyhow I'll stay off the alcohol and continue with my 20 lengths swimming 3 times weekly and hopefully I'll move from my current hurdle to a more positive one soon. Thanks for your messages x

Alcohol does it to me. If I have one glass of wine weight loss would come to a dead stop. When you figure calories and such it really shouldn't but I've seen others post the same comments. What if you knock out all alcohol? Just try it for two weeks. Not a drop, see what happens. Might make the difference.

I read somewhere.. this body processes this way 1st. Alcohol 2nd. Carbs 3rd. Fat 4th. Protein So I think, if you consume alcohol and carbs, you're that much farther away from your fat. And it makes sense to me, when I look at my uncle. He use to be a professional trainer, and fit and proud. He's now an alcoholic. He's got a huge gut, and weighs about 280lb now. He works out EVERY SINGLE DAY twice a day. He is doing nutrisystem, to a T. But his major downfall.. he drinks like a fish. He has beer with him IN THE GYM. He always drinks alcohol with meals. So you'd think with as much as he works out and as little as he eats, he at least wouldn't be able to maintain such a huge belly.. and yet, he does. All because of Alcohol.

Me too. 1/30 ...Just turned 54. Cool. Good luck everybody. Closet drinking alcoholic in the past...7 years sober now turned Into a food addict. I'll always be an addict. Had surgery 1/27...1 Week ago. Was easy except for nausia. I have learned to stop drinking via 3 hospital detox stays. 60 days rehab escapee. Then follow-up 30 day rehab and the birth of my autistic son straightened me out quick. Married to an Angel over 25 years. All that's left is me and my choices...Trying to always do the next right thing. Hoping that all I learn in AA will help me be strong versus food temptations. Jumped in quick. Started prep journey at 345....Into survey at 321 am now 307 a week later. Still feel like a fat shit...Which is good enough for now. Gets me off my ass. I hate drinking Protein but I get it down. Can wait to eat a tiny piece of steak in 6 months or so. Goodbye sugar. Its poisen...Just like alcohol. Good luck everybody. Kick some ass. Keep saying the serenity prayer....It helps. Bye...buddyox Sent from my Lenovo A3500-FL using the BariatricPal App

I am 31, single, with a BMI of 35.88... Does anyone have any ideas as far as a good "cover story" to tell my friends, coworkers, or colleagues in regards to being off work for a week or two to have surgery? I was thinking something along the lines of abdominal surgery or a female type of surgery so it is somewhat consistent with the sleeve surgery and side effects I will actually be having. I do not want a lot of people to know that I had this surgery so I would prefer to keep it to myself but it will be somewhat difficult since I am the type of person who has never been shy or closed off about my own personal life. I live a very social type lifestyle involving weekly gatherings with friends where alcohol is always present. For the last few years or so, after I have any type of alcoholic drink, my face and neck turn bright red from what is (seemingly) an allergy to alcohol so I can most definitely use that as my story as to why I will be not drinking for a year, per my doctor's orders. Can anyone help think of a good surgery that is non-bariatric but would be a good cover story to be vague about if people were to ask? I know it probably would be best to just be truthful with friends but I would prefer to keep this to myself as it will be my own journey and I do not want the judgement or ridicule from others especially since I am in a smaller California town where a lot of people talk/gossip. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Blond Chick! Welcome!! You don't say how long ago you had surgery. I think sit-ups and weightlifting are the sorts of things you can do at whatever level you're comfortable, but probably not for several weeks after surgery (at least for the sit-ups). You want to give your body plenty of time to heal completely before putting any stress on the muscles. 8 weeks? And my doctor didn't say anything at all about alcohol in general. More than a little probably isn't the best idea, though, because even besides the empty calories it can lead to eating more than you might otherwise want. Which, with the band, can lead to major ouchies. :sick

Beth, my insurance company required my psych evaluation, not my surgeon. It is not clear to me if your insurance company is the one who requires it. If they do, you then need to ask them what they are looking for. My insurance company wanted to know the following three criteria: 1) Am I an alcoholic? 2) Am I a drug abuser? 3) Do I have any psychological disorders? If the doctor is the only one that requires it, the only thing he/she wants to know is if you are aware of your decision and understand the ramifications and risks of the surgery. Although the fatality rate of the band is less than .01 to .02 percent, doctors still want to cover their backs. P.S. An added note: it is my understanding that there is a legal issue in most states of having a friend or acquaintance who is a shrink or psychologist doing your evaluation. One could say that he is writing the letter and knew you had issues and is doing you a favor.I know you want to save money, so the best place to find a psychologist that supports bariatric surgery is on the website for www.obesityhelp.com. THey have a list of bariatric friendly psychologists.

I tried baby oil! I tried alcohol.. I tried olive oil.. I tried these little packets that I use in bowling (they remove tape residue from inside the holes). Nothing. The best I got, was the bowling things, but it just made it all sticky again, but wouldn't come off. So I'm dealing with lint covered marks all over where I can't get it off.

When I went in for my two week post op visit I was actually instructed NOT to sip anymore. I was told to drink in large quantities at a time. I can get down a 16-20 oz bottle of Water in less than 20 min easy. I usually have 32 oz in the mornings while I'm getting ready for work over about two hours and that is really taking my time with it (sometimes even forgetting to drink for 30-45 min at a time). Yes you will be able to eat fruit and veggies before getting in 60 gm of Protein in first. I haven't been released to eat red meat yet so I'll let someone with more experience than me answer that one. And I was told to stay away from alcohol for at least the first year. I do know that my NUT does not want me eating and drinking at the same time again, ever. So I'm guessing that would be a no to the wine with dinner but you could have one before dinner after you are far enough out

Since surgery I'm not an everyday pooper anymore. I go every other day now. I found this on another site and thought it might help you out... Constipation (con-stuh-PAY-shun) means that a person has three bowel movements or fewer in a week. The stool is hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. You may feel "draggy" and full. Some people think they should have a bowel movement every day. That is not really true. There is no "right" number of bowel movements. Each person's body finds its own normal number of bowel movements. It depends on the food you eat, how much you exercise, and other things. Try eatting High-Fiber Foods like: Apples Peaches Raspberries Tangerines Acorn squash Broccoli, raw Brussels sprouts Cabbage Carrots, raw Cauliflower, raw Spinach Zucchini Black-eyed peas Kidney beans Lima beans Whole-grain cereal, hot (oatmeal, Wheatena) Drink plenty of water and other liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soup. Liquid helps keep the stool soft and easy to pass, so it's important to drink enough fluids. Try not to drink liquids with caffeine or alcohol in them. Caffeine and alcohol tend to dry out your system. Get enough exercise. Doctors are not sure why, but regular exercise helps your system stay active and healthy. You don't need to become a great athlete. A 20- to 30-minute walk every day should do the trick.

I think it's just the way the alcohol is in Mexico. I went to a diff. surgeon, but I went to the store the day after surgery to buy alcohol to take the stickiness off my body from the betadine. YUCK. It smelled so sour.

You need to sit down and have an honest conversation about it with her, because drastic changes (like quitting smoking/drugs & Alcohol, other major life changes) can cause a rift that can eventually end the relationship. So as long as she is aware of the changes (we don't eat together anymore , the stuff can't come in the house, I need your help with this , but that doesn't mean I don't like you, we have other things in common still etc.) and is OK with it and doesn't try to sabotage you (try to eat around you when that was the agreed to change, still brings foods in, nonchalant about your health,etc.) you guys should be fine... BUT SHE NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT YOU NEED FROM HER AND you may be one of he lucky ones after surgery that does not care about it at all (my family and friends can eat what ever they want, idk but healthy food is stocked in the house so the are making mostly good choices by default around me) VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 167

I would recommend to call your doctor. also the alcohol could have irritated the stoma. I didnt have a drink until 3 or 4 months out. kathy

Does your husband have any vice other than food? Alcohol perhaps? When my husband (boyfriend at the time) and I were talking about his beer habit, he was trying to explain that having a few beers after work really relaxed him and made him enjoy his evening more. I basically said "Pint of beer for you, pint of ice cream for me", and explained that munching does the same thing for me. It gave him a LITTLE better understanding for what I was going through. I really, truly think that this can only be explained to someone who has a vice that they deal with. We also went through a period shortly post op where we were fighting a lot and have a lot of issues. I sat him down and said "we can't keep doing this, you have to tell me what is going on". It came out that he was scared that I was going to leave him. I said "You moved away from your family to be with me. I am scared out of my mind that one day YOU will decide to leave and go back home". His eyes got real big, and we've been great ever since (and after that got engaged and married). I recognize that the 6 years I've been with him and 6 months I've been married doesn't compare to your 36 years (congratulations!), but I hope some of what I said helps.

I've had 3 or 4 ounces of wine once (maybe twice) per week for the last month. I have also had vodka (straight, no mixers), and found that it hits me really fast. As others have said, the calories can really mount up fast. When I do have alcohol I am sure to add those drink items into my daily food journal and still stay within my acceptable calorie range.

I do drink sometimes.. It is now wine instead of beer. Just remember that alcohol will effect you much faster now and the calories in your drinks can be massive. Oh don't try doing shots!!! Hard to make a big swallow and it comes right back up....lol

I’m in month 3/6 of my pre-op and have cut out all alcohol for the foreseeable future. Will there be a point when I may be able to enjoy a cocktail again post-op? Not a party guy, but I kinda miss a good gin and juice.

Thanks guys this is good to hear. How do you survive socially? Having dinner with your partner who's eating normal...going out for tea. Have you drunk alcohol? Any tips would be fab. I just rung my surgery who said I'll meet the nutritionist next week and they decide If I'm on optifast for 1 or two weeks

It sounds like the band is working well for you and that's great. I think you will find you'll need to add the exercise component to have ongoing success in reaching a normal, healthy weight. Also, occasional drinks and alcohol are fine, it just can't be excessive or it will definitely hinder your weight loss efforts.

Hi Julie ~ I totally understand what you mean about 'liquid calories' . . . I don't drink alcohol, but I had gotten into a habit (bad habit) of drinking sweet tea and lemonade mixed pretty much all day long and knew I had to stop. When I finally did, I dropped 5 pounds in a WEEK! Boy was that an eye opener! :rolleyes I knew I wasn't eating enough not to be losing so it had to be the liquid calories . . . I knew I didn't need a fill . . . . Now I am concentrating on drinking TONS of Water and hoping to lose these last 20 pounds faster than I lost the first 40. Good luck to you . . . If you are getting a slight un-fill because of your vacation I don't necessicarily think that is a bad idea. My family went on a cruise the end of July and I was so tight I could barely eat at all. I wasn't miserable, but would have enjoyed being able to sample some of that delicious LOOKING food . . . Lynn

Hi! I'm in college- I had my surgery right after I graduated undergrad. I am now in my Masters. I am lucky to live off campus now so I can cook for myself. I am very open about my surgery so all of my friends know and support me. I really haven't had too many problems but I will warn you- around the TOM, your band can get really tight- so make sure you are careful. Alsooooo- relating to the ALCOHOL... I started having drinks again around 4months. I drink mixed drinks. But it is really slowing my weight loss. I love going out and partying as I live in Manhattan- so I figure if I am losing weight (which I am now, consistently), then I won't deprive myself from fun nights out. After all, we are in our 20s- we should have FUN!

Think of alcohol as eating dessert! Each drink is a cookie or donut or whatever!! Shawn

I am a "former" heavy drinker myself (by the "standards" I fall into that category, up until 2 years ago I drank 1 to 1.5 bottles of wine a night, 24/7/365) You don't want to hear what I am thinking, and I didn't want to hear it. And no, I didn't go to AA. I couldn't abide all the "rah rah" stuff. I just stopped myself. I still can tend to overdo when I drink. I try not to drink except when I am out to eat I will have 2-3 glasses of wine (and I don't drive), so unless I am on vacation that's fairly rare. You are in your 30's and young, but this is going to catch up with you if it has not already, and that is a stone hard fact, no ifs, ands or buts. I did not notice that alcohol affected me any more after the band than before. I can still pack it away....if I wanted to. If you are heavily overweight there is the possibility that is why you are able to consume so much straight alcohol in a sitting and still remain on your feet (though I tend to think you are probably in a fair state pickling 24 hours a day based on the sheer alcohol percentage in your body.) My concern, other than the obvious, would be that if you lose a large amount of body mass and try to consume as you have been you may be facing alcohol poisoning and potential death. Well, anyway...based on your past lifestyle and intent to continue I would highly recommend: make sure you have good backup in the bar whenever you are there, draw up a good will if you haven't already and don't make any long range plans. Sorry I can't be more positive.