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"If they are so concerned about it -- why don't they address this problem during K-12? You know, while "we the taxpayers" are footing the bill for the education." Well, they do. Gym is mandatory K-12 and health classes are required in the core rec. Most colleges don't simply target those who are obese. At my college, it was mandatory for everyone. And I have never heard a professor say, even in casual conversation, that drinking to excess and posting pictures about it is a rite of passage. We have whole programs here to help the students stay away from alcohol and how to manage it and stress properly. They'd get reported in a heartbeat. Taking an extra gym class in college did not kill me. It was easy credit and got me moving, which is always good because I think exercise is a pain in the ass. Having it be mandatory helped me lose weight. I don't know, but out of all the problems going on, this isn't one of my concerns. Maybe when they start asking for BMIs during the application process to screen out the fat kids... then I'll be on board, haha!

well you certainly MUST make changes - that is what this is all about. If you must have a plate of spaghetti once a week that will no longer happen. Your stomach goes from the size of a football to the size of an egg. My instructions from my surgeon and his team are: 2 months post surgery 2-4 oz of food per meal Protein first and it must account for at least half the meal then produce, then starch by 18 months post surgery- 8 - 10 oz per meal still at least half protein, then produce, then starch also check the food nutrition thread on here. I know I am done with sandwiches - there is no way I can handle the bread, Peanut Butter is completely out along with most nuts. I've been advised to never drink out of straw again. Absolutely no sodas, no carbonated drinks and no alcohol. I've seen others post diffeerently on this so you need to go by your surgeons advice. It was made clear to me that as little as two drinks of wine will register me over the drinking/driving limit. I was told to absolutely avoid alcohol for at least two years and be very careful there after (I rarely drink so its not a biggie) Tina

Interesting distinction but if it's working for you then great! That wouldn't work with me. I've said that when it comes to carbs I feel like an alcoholic. If I avoid them completely, I do fine. If I make the mistake of taking that one bite...wham, I can't seem to stop until I'm 'full'. So I need the restriction to stop me...which is the difference between 1 piece of pizza and half of a pizza. .

John, I have to respectively disagree. As a junk food grazer myself (I never ate big meals. My path to obesity was littered with chocolate wrappers and cookie crumbs..lol), the lap band has been a life saver for me. I grazed on sweets and such because I felt hungry all the time, and rather than picking nutritious healthy foods to snack on, I picked junk. I don't know why I got into that cycle, but it was taking over my life. With the band, once I starting getting good restriction, I had no problem sticking to the 1/2 cup meal plan my doctor prescribed. Heck, I was probably eating no more than 1 1/2 cups per meal in the first place. However, now, I don't have those junk food cravings. With the help of my band, I'm not hungry between meals, which gives me the willpower and motivation to nix the junk. I'm a true believer that there's something in those foods that brings on cravings. I don't know if it's the white carbs, starches, and/or fat, but whatever it is, once my between meals' hunger faded and I stopped eating those foods, my cravings faded too. I'm certainly not staring temptation in the face. I keep my trigger foods out of the house. I still have an occasional treat with a one of those foods, but only under controlled circumstances. I'm not made of stone, but I'm sure I'm not the only grazer that found a "cure" with the band. I do believe you have to do an introspection before you get the band. I was confident that if the band gave me the kind of hunger control that I expected, that I could and would do my part. I sort of feel like a quasi alcoholic in recovery, except that I must face food daily, and keep mindful of the foods that led me to being overweight.

Good Morning Gang I got to sleep in this morning - in fact if bear hadn't woke me up I might still be a sleep.. Phyl - Thanks you are too sweet - dinner was my normal dinner thought you and Earl would love to eat what I eat on a normal night ;0) - I like it :0) enough to eat it for 29 months - I do variations to the fish but - it's my dinner and it's easy.. I was just thinking when I 1st woke up I should have made Earl a little bag to take home - Well it's it the fridge (I don't like cold choc) I had what was on the little plate last night but no more - I wanted more - but like I said I don't like cold choc so I am safe for now :0) I know the curve you are speaking about - I have seen a couple of 1 car accidents there - yep driving too fast You can make horduvers (sp) with the dates - wrap bacon around them - broil them - My Mom use to do that when they entertained ;0) - I bet your Canadian friends will love them. Ok gang we need to exchange Addresses for Xmas cards and dog bones - & I want the black/white cookie ;0)... I will send out an email - and we can give do a card exchange ;0) Candice - Your letter was fine really - but I have always been told not to send stuff when you are in a huff - I have written many of them - just writing them can be enough for me - I usually don't send them - I am not as diplomatic as you - I have to be really careful or I would be fired and I can't do retirement yet :0) - I need my health insurance and I need to be able to shop ;0) Karla - I picked needy ones then got over that and picked a controling one - thought I was making a good choice - he didn't do drug/alcohol - owned his own house and had his own car (all prior bf had nothing and usually a drug issue) and it still wasn't a good choice - he was a control freak ;0) had great qualities too - he did take care of me like earl does phyl but the other stuff like being jealous of my kids - giving me crap for being 5 min late from work or hanging w/gf - just was too much for me.. This yr when pulling out my xmas decorations - I had a box of like oldtime decorations - for the last 5 yrs my tree was done in a diff color - but this yr felt like the color stuff - I miss the tinsel though.. There was one xmas in 98 where I didn't decorate at all.. Well need another cup of coffee - don't know what I am going to do today - suppose to go karakoe w/my trainer tonite - I may just start wrapping - don't feel like getting dress right now and won't be going to the gym - knee is giving me problems CBL

If you literally only had two drinks, I'd say either you got a bout of food poisoning or you got the stomach flu, and it just happened to coincidence that you had alcohol last night. I can't imagine why you'd get that sick otherwise. I'd call your doctor though. He may want you to come in and get an unfill if you can't hold down liquids and you're vomiting. You don't want to get dehydrated or mess up your band. I hope you're feeling better soon.

What about non carbonated alcoholic drinks, such as Amaretto Sours? I haven't been banded yet but I enjoy this drink once or twice a month. I'm also a Pepsi addict but am looking forward to kicking that habit. Blessings, Michelle

I can, and do, some. The beer makes you burp a lot more than normal. I'm a gal and don't drink too much anyway. I understand some folks lose the weight and gain an alcohol addiction! Be careful! But yes, you can still have the occasional drink with the guys! My husband is getting ready to have surgery, too, and that was one of his concerns!

Day 2 of the fat fast - was so much easier when I did it the first time - this time I just want to eat, eat & eat - watching the clock for my next meal time. I think it was easier last time cuz I was so pumped to get banded! I'M HUNGRY :tongue2: but I dare myself not to eat! sippin herbal tea and thinking seriously about going to sleep at 8:30pm LMAO. I did go to see "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" today and the hubby got popcorn and i did NOT have one piece! I smuggled in a venti decaf americano - nice & hot - and sipped on that instead! Really wanted the popcorm but had Heather and Riley in my head saying "I DARE YOU" - It works Happy B day Tamra - NO CAKE OR ALCOHOL this year! Plenty of time for that the rest of your banded life! You're doing good - go girl! Just let the daily weight loss on that scale keep you motivated!

I don't know about other people but since I have been banded I seem to get drunk faster than before. My drinking habits have not really changed since I have gotten my band except that if I have a big meal (in band world like 1 cup) I can't fit any alcohol or anything for a while. If I chose to drink I normally stay away from beer bc it fills you up really fast. I can have a beer or two before dinner but defiantly not after dinner. I normally stick to vodka cranberry they are a drink that you can order from any bar that doesn't have much carbonation so they don't fill you up. I normally drink modestly but sometimes you just gotta let loose. I have drank too much with the band and have thrown up but it hasn't messed anything up. I talked to my dr about it and he said that as long as you are not puking everyday your band should be alright. My drinking hasn't really effected my weight loss either. 82lbs down in 8 months!

I love this thread! It's so fun getting to know everyone. I read all the "stats" and can't believe how much in common we all have. I can relate to just about all of the "deciding factors." So since we are all having our surgery in January, when are you starting your pre-op diet? I admit I am a bit of a party girl and purposely chose my surgery date for January 15th because my Dr told me I needed to do a 2 week pre-op diet- NO ALCOHOL. And since I want to enjoy the holidays, I set my date for January 15th. That said... what pre-op diet instructions has your Dr given all of you? Here's the diet I will be following: Protein shake for Breakfast and lunch. Lean Cuisine style meal for dinner. sugar free Jello or sugar free popsicles for a snack. Unlimited raw veggies. No dressing. During these 2 weeks (of hell) I also want to start my exercising. My Dr requires I lose 5% body weight prior to surgery. Plus it will get me off my @ss and start to eat right. I want to start following the "Couch to 5K" program. Anyone heard of it? Wanna do it with me?? We can motivate each other!!! I'll start January 1st! What better way to start out the New Year?!!?!?!

OMG like fat people haven't had it hard enough. This ticks me off College's too-fat-to-graduate rule under fire - CNN.com How about a class for skinny people to put on weight or smokers to quit or alcoholics to stop drinking. Fat is the just the next target to pick on - they don't realize that we've been picked on and we have rage built up to fight back. Being overweight is one's on struggle - a college degree shouldn't be based on looks.

Totally agree, I am a recovering food addict. Food is really like any other maladaptive coping mechanism - Alcohol, drugs, shopping - just like anything that will keep your mind off whatever you don't want to think about. The difference is it is so socially acceptable. You cannot have a drink at your desk at lunch, but no one will question a double burger and fries. I am dealing with why I eat and this has helped me tremendously. I am getting banded on the 3rd of December and am really excited.

What suffering? This surgery is supposed to be life changing. It can be if you change your life. You also have to change your thinking. Head hunger, scale watching, thinking about food all the time, focusing on the negative... These all have to become past behaviors. You are feeling sorry for yourself. Do you have kids? What do you tell them when they feel sorry for themselves. You made a courageous decision. One that cannot be made lightly or impulsively because it takes too long, costs too much, and makes you think all the way up to surgery day. AND YOU MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. You are going to LIVE. Not just exist on a couch. It is ok to feel this frustration. Understand where it comes from. It comes from you, your past life, your ability to see change through, and ability to find a way through it. You need strength. You needs support. You need encouragement. You probably have all three or you would not have gotten this far. Don't throw in the towel. You are losing weight, making progress and changing your life. Just like alcoholics go thru DT's, you may be having head issues. Food is all around us and has been a safety blanket for most of us here. YOU CAN DO THIS. Find help today to talk to and see you through these tough days. It will get better!!!! You were wonderful to get this far... Keep going!!!! TJ

O.k. Girls, happy SUNDAY morning to all! I think you all deserve a lengthy post, as I have been MIA for a few days... so much has happenee in the last few days, I hardly know where to start. Well, I have my sweet little girly on my lap... she is black and white and is fastenated by the typing KEYS... should have called her Pianicimal, or BACH, or Vivaldi... something MUSICAL cause she is so darn cute.. but alas I can't think of a single FEMALE composer? can any of you??? So we are still calling her Bridget, her Litter owners name for her... until I think of something more appropriate.. I liked BRIA or GIDGET, Peter dosn't .... so we are at an impasse.... HELP ME OUT~~ Be creative!!! I am all ears!~:confused: Yesterday, we drove to see DH brother, the one that just got out of prison... He served 5 of his 10 years, but has been a model prisoner, taken an anger management program, an alchohol abuse program. he really appeara to bbe on the right tract. He has to live with my SIL until he findsa job and apt. He already has had some offers of employment...he was very lucky and maintained many friendships while 'inside'. DH and I have mixed feelings..... I am glad he is home safe and sound but still wrestle with the thoughts of his victim...my SIL Peg.... She and I were close through the years and she didn't deserve a crumby marriage or the INCEDENT that caused his arrest. I keep telling my self, I am not in the position to judge, condem or shun anyone... none of us is perfect ... and after all he's paid for his crime with 5 years of his life, and now 4 yrs of manditory parole... which is really an extention of prison, as there are MANY, many restrictions he has to adhere to strictly or he goes right back inside!!! Onw of his restrictions is NO alcohol, no being in a bar or establishment that SERVES booze for 4 years... HIS kids have stuck by him during this ordeal TO anyone he meets or tries to HIRE him he MUst make full disclosure of his crime... oh that'd be a tough one for me... he will face a lot of stigmatizm and have to deal with it in a mature manor for the rest of his life.. Can you imagine having to TELL everyone you met of all YOUR worst SINS for the rest of your life???? Wow, that's a hard one for sure. So I am praying for him, my Ex_ SIL, her NEW partner..through God's GRACE they will all heal... I am so grateful for MY life, unencumbered as it is... I have many blessings.... and really I/ you don't appreciate your FREEDOM until you meet up with someone like this... Lessons I've learned? Don't drink and drive Don't harbor resentments Don't covet your neighbor Don't act on impulse Don't have access to fire arms Forgive others their transgretions... you may never know when you are in a position to want to ask forgiveness yourself.

Your question is a little confusing. Have you had the surgery yet? If so, folllow Normas answer. She is right, no one will notice. Just take the soft foods offered, and drink Water. no alcohol. OR get a juice drink~ 50/50 water and cranberry juice carry that around with you it looks like a drink. I put mine in a wine glass. no one knows or cares. No soda! Find out where the bathroom is right away, so if you do eat too fast, and there is a problem, well, you can make you exit less obtrusive. Remember~~SIP!!! Now, if you have not been sleeved and are asking about the pre op diet, HELL YES we all cheated. No saints in this club. Ya just do the best you can. And, when you are sleeved you get to do so much better! So, go to the party! Have fun, do not tell anyone what you are doing. It is personal and should not be brought up in a party setting. Memorize a couple of jokes before you go. Talk about cooking, sports, books, chairity's, trips planned. That kind of stuff. Enjoy your life! Do not put off one moment for "later" do it all now.

I felt such a sense of relief after reading people's posts for this thread. I have experienced all of these emotions when I see obese people... empathy, sympathy, anger, disgust, relief, shame, etc. When I see someone who is morbidly obese, I want to just give them a hug and hand them one of my surgeon's business cards and tell the person how the LB has changed my life (empathy/sympathy). I also have felt anger/disgust when I have been out to eat and I see a morbidly obese person pound down a gigantic appetizer, an equally huge meal, and then order a monsterous dessert. I want to lecture them about how they are using food to kill themselves and that pigging out will not solve their problems. I then feel ashamed of myself for my self-righteous attitude towards someone's choice of lifestyle. I am more than willing to share my experience with anyone who has questions about the LB. I just need to remember that just like a drug or alcohol addiction, a person doesn't want help until he or she is ready to accept it.

my doc told me no alcohol for a year as well..i know of SOOOOOOO many people who do go ahead and drink...they told us it was mostly because when you drink you lose your inhabitions and/or sense of what's ok w/FOOD, and you can eat too fast/too much and hurt your band...i would like a glass of white wine but i'll be strong and wait...but only till may (10 months post op)... going on a cruise!

Riley I need to go to Disneyland more often. Great motivation to walk......I walked from 6am to 12am two days in a row with my shape ups. Sore today. But I would love to keep this up I am feeling great!!! How to fit ten miles in when I am working .................. Riley I did the internet dating thing and meet and dated an alcoholic for 2 years!! I am afraid of the internet dating scene now!! Took him about six months for the truth to come out and another year and half for me to kick him out the door..............everything he said online turned out to be a lie. So be careful girlfriend!! Don't be letting them pirates get to close to your jewels!! LOL. YOur tough though I doubt they could out pirate you!! Just be careful. I am headed back home tomorrow. NOt sure is I will be around by Sat but I hope to be. I miss everyone!! Well off to bed!!

Welcome Chris. People just annoy me today (PMS). Nobody would think a crack addict or an alcoholic a failure if they could do something like this to basically save thier lives, noooo it would all be yahoo well done. Well we can and thank god for that and no matter what religion you are god wants us to live and love and support eachother on whatever the journey brings. Good Luck Chooky

GinGin: Tiffy had to go on a round of antibotics and it worked for her. I was on a round of A/B's right after surgery. I did not want to do another. Sounds like you are on the right path. Hope it works for you. THese infections are nasty little buggers. I kept mine cleaned out twice a day with alcohol and loosly bandaged. It helped, but, until I got that stitch out it was a bit painful. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thank you! I love being in onderland! :confused: I'm not sure I have any tricks. I really just try to follow the "rules" to the "t". I have 3 meals a day, each a 1/2 cup. No Snacks. Per my surgeon's physician assistant, I follow a low-carb diet. I eat mostly Protein. I don't drink anything with carbonation, caffeine, or alcohol in it. I also don't drink anything 30 minutes before I eat, or 30 minutes after I eat. I think the biggest reason for my fast weight loss is that I've cut back tremendously on the sugar. I don't eat anything with more than 5-7 grams of sugar per serving. Also I hit the gym 5 or 6 days a week for 30 minutes of cardio. Usually I do the eliptical and sometimes the treadmill. I try to keep my heart rate up while working out, in my target heart range. Other than that, I owe all of my success to my surgeon and his amazing team. I am followed VERY closly by him, his physician assistants, a nutritionist, an exercise physiologist, and my own personal nurse :ohmy:. I see them all at least monthly. I guess I should mention that I have the 10 cc Realize band and I've had 3 fills. I have a total of 7 cc's of Fluid in my band. My last fill was a week ago, and I'm just now starting to feel true restriction. Sorry for the long rattle!:redface:

My dh can eat a ton and stay thin and athletic while I can eat a small amount and get heavy. Metabolism is so vastly different in some people. I have a lot of heavy and thin friends and I don't really think of them in terms of weight so much as that is just who they are . . . kind of like some people have big noses and some have small noses. I do find myself having a bias when people blatantly disregard reason and do self destructive things. Whether it is overindulging in alcohol, food, drugs on a regular basis I seem to get upset. I am not talking about an occasional issue but a sustained issue over extended periods.

I just came across this and thought you might find this interesting: The 10 Most Common Mistakes WLS Patients Make Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water 6th Mistake: Grazing 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda (soft drink) 10th Mistake: Drinking Excessive Alcohol For anyone wanting to read the mistakes in full detail; the National (America) Association for Weight Loss Surgery website address. The 10 Most Common Mistakes Weight Loss Surgery Patients Make I know I've been guilty of some of these from time to time. I think I need to print this out! :thumbup:

I'm allowed alcohol but alcohol is too high in calories sadly.