Search the Community

I so happy & excited for ALL of us!! As far as my cruise goes, it's my last hoorah to food & overly expensive alcoholic drinks!!:thumbup:

Hi everyone, I’ve been lurking for a while, this is my first post. I’m from Ireland but will be traveling to Brussels for a revision from Band to mini gastric bypass on 14th Jan. I’m a few days into my pre-op diet which is just a low fat / no alcohol diet for 2 weeks. Good luck to everyone changing their life in January x

My diet and calories – stages + what does a typical day look like after a year? My post-op plan was pretty standard: 1 week of fluids 1 week of puréed 1 week of soft solids and then gradually into solids. It was easy, but I had reached out for help prior to surgery and had family take care of me. I could’ve done it on my own, but I do recommend letting all pride go and simply take as much time off work as you can, ask for all and any help you can from the people around you. You have no idea how willing people are to help. That first month is so crucial to get off to a great start – it’s a long journey – and we deserve it. I had alcohol less than a month after surgery (for NYE) and it was fine. It was OK’ed with my surgeon’s team. I understand this is different for different cultures, but alcohol is a major part of life where I live, and I am done doing unsustainable things. So I had to practice flexible control right off the bat. It works well for me. For me, tracking calories and protein has been crucial I was on: 1400 cals/day for 6 months, then 1800 cals a day for 3 months and then the bariatric team asked me to stop losing and find my balance. Since then, I’ve lost 7-8 lbs as I’m finding my equilibrium. I stopped tracking on weekends, and I still track on weekdays. It’s good to keep that sense of what 2000-2200 calories look like, but it’s also a more long-term sustainable solution for me to not sit at a restaurant and think about whether I go 50 over or under on a Friday. This gets into the mental game, and I’ll cover that below. A typical day now looks like this: Breakfast Protein Oatmeal (around 200 cals) Lunch Meat + mixed salad + a little dressing at work. Small plate. Early afternoon A protein snack, like Quest Protein Chips. Late afternoon Usually some fruit, a slice of protein bread with low-fat cheese. Dinner I’ve grown fond of Thai curries with chicken + cauliflower rice. I truly have no desire for, say, burgers and pizza – it’s too heavy for my system. I repeat: it’s not that I can’t have it, I just don’t really want to. New times indeed. Evening snack(s) I tend to leave 400-600 calories for after dinner (which is easier on 2200 calories, mind you). I unfortunately work a bunch, and this has been the problem in the past – working and snacking all night long. I spend those calories on a smoothie with protein and fruit, and usually a bariatric-friendly treat like sugar-free chocolate, popsicles, or something like that. This keeps the habit of stuffing myself with empty calories somewhat at bay, while also not setting me up for failure by pretending I can go from 7pm to bedtime at 1am without eating. I can’t, so I don’t.

Hopefully we'll be a much more inspiring group of siblings for you then! 😊 As far as the Premier shakes go, at least it sounds like you like the shakes? I tried a clear protein drink once and it tasted awful to me, so I have shied away ever since. I also tried Syntrax nectars and didn't like those either. I think I just need to stay away from fruity drinks 😉 Boredom is my worst enemy when it comes to food. I'm sorry to hear about your job situation 😕 Being on the forums is probably a great help to keep you from straying too much. Or maybe even getting out and going for a walk, or doing some similar physical exercise a bit more, may help? As far as alcohol vs. sleeping pills, I'd suggest talking to your doctor/care team about what you could use to help you fall asleep after the surgery? I was struggling with some insomnia years back and, for a while, was taking Ambien, which I wasn't too keen on; I was able to switch to melatonin and that worked out pretty well for me, though I haven't vetted how safe that will be post-op. You may also find yourself getting a fair bit of sleep post-op, and maybe that will help you start to achieve more of a sleep rhythm.

Thanks chica. I'm going to take it real easy with my eating this holiday. I'm going to attemp to eat right and walk/exercise the entire 4 day weekend. No oreos No subway Peanut Butter Cookies No Otis Spunkmeyer cookies No alcohol :rambo

I make sure, and I drill it into my head before leaving the house, that every other drink is going to be a large diet coke or ice Water. Something without calories. Another trick if you're sitting at a table or bar is to order a large diet coke or ice water along beside the alcholic beverage. Every two or three drinks pick up the water or coke and drink quite a bit of it instead of the alcohol. I'm usually very glad that I've done this the next day. I don't feel so hungover! Hope this helped. Freeradical

I waited a month and have no problem with anything non carbonated...but my Dr didn't say no alcohol... It's just a matter of useless calories.

My surgeon told me any fluid that does not have caffeine or alcohol in them counts towards the 64 oz.

Hi. You have the same surgery date as me. Im getting the MGB . I had been eating +++ to the point im sick of food and alcohol. Im getting surgery done privately so no follow up with any team. But i am starting pre op diet 2 weeks prior to sugery. Looking forward to been in control. Good luck maybelle Sent from my SM-G935F using BariatricPal mobile app

Knowing what I do now I will say that going through WLS is more mental than anything else. Yes, I struggled with the same issues: what if I want to go to Buffalo Wild Wings and pig out every once now and again? What if I do want to go to a AYCE Chinese buffet? What if I want to snack and eat all day on Thanksgiving? Problem is those "few" exceptions will become the norm. You will have to accept and come to terms that there are some things you will not be able to do again. When I quit smoking years ago I couldn't fathom doing some things without the ability to smoke. Going out to eat, to a bar, or just working in my garage seemed like they'd be impossible to do if I couldn't have a cigarette in my hand at the same time. And guess what? Life went on just fine. We need to look at food like any other addiction. If you're struggling with alcoholism you can't try to justify going to a bar only on big sporting events. It's a door you open that leads to more excuses of indulging yourself when you know you shouldn't. I'm as guilty for thinking of ways on "well, how can I get around having a smaller stomach and still do x, y, and z?" Now I realize what a mistake thinking like that was. WLS is a tool - it's not a magical pill. I'm about 4 1/2 weeks post-op now and yes it is still strange to take half an hour to eat half a cup of chicken salad. Each day it becomes more of the norm and I'm simply adjusting for it, but it hasn't been a bad thing. I'm down 30 lbs and feel better in these past few weeks than I have in years. There are going to be things that I miss, but that's what got me overweight in the first place. By all means take your time in making this decision. Things will be different but you have to be honest with yourself in what is best long term. Keep talking with people and don't let those that are unhappy with their decisions to scare you away from doing what you think is best for you.

so I know that you can have like a glass of wine a day, basically just keeping it down to a minimum, but, just wondering how soon do you think it's safe to have a glass of wine (for example). I got banded on the 13th. I should call my doc but, just thought I should ask you guys!

And you could also be holding Riley like he was a security blanket against it all. My surgeon found I had NASH,let's see if I can spell it right Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatisis, well that's pretty close. Means obesity has made your liver fatty, a fat liver needs more retraction, a person on BP about a year or so ago, surgeon went ahead, accidentally tore her liver and she DID NOT have a pleasant recovery. Okay I was given a choice of 2-3-4 Weeks of his liver-shrinking diet, I did the whole31 days of August, call me an over-achevier but I wanted that critter SHRUNK and it did work, I had a slender, smooth and pliable liver for him on surgery day. I got to Have a Lean Cuisine type dinner entree, just had to be 130 cal or under. And there are actually many tasty ones there. O I do believe they will get better, I am a survivor in a sea of wimps And Give It Up people, I came into this world, red-headed, kicking and screaming and I suspect I will leave the same way! In the meantime, in between time, HERE I BE!

I don't know RJ. I am reading all of these stories, and I don't know if we really can say with certainty that people who turn out obese or morbidly obese had experiences that made them that way. Depending on who I talk to, I either had a really wonderful childhood or a crazy one. My perspective is that it was not without its problems, but overall it was fairly normal. I have fond memories. I was not abused, but I have an alcoholic father who went to rehab when I was 9 and has stayed sober. It would be incredibly easy and not truthful to blame my adult problems on that experience. I have a superability to endure difficult situations as an adult that I can probably trace back to that time, but it is not of the same caliber in any way, shape or form, as what many of you (and my husband) endured as children. It's like I had a broken leg when I was a kid and was on crutches for a year, and I am comparing myself to someone who survived polio. Not to say that the experience wasn't bad or life changing, but it didn't affect my entire childhood. Like GG, my weight was more or less under control until my 30s. But after having children, after undergoing some tough times, and being sick, my metabolism slowed considerably as did my activity. Somewhere in the middle of this my eating habits also declined. I don't believe that this was some reaction to things that happened to me 30 years ago; more a snowball rolling down a hill and gathering more and more snow.

Wow a mature discussion without anyone getting nasty! I concur with @@OKCPirate says about the term "toxin". At certain doses virtually anything can be termed a "toxin". In fact, there is a vast database supporting the fact that there is a therapeutic dosage of alcohol between 1-2 drinks per day that significantly extend lifespan. Being honest, I don't normally stop at 1-2 drinks, nor do I want to drink everyday. Weirdly enough, post surgery, I enjoy stout and porter beers that are bubbly due to nitrogen rather than carbon dioxide. Yesterday being a beautiful sunny day, and I had already been to the gym, and done all of my outdoor chores, I drank 4 guiness nitro cans in my hot tub while reading a magazine and soaking up the sun. Enjoyed the heck out of it.

@@Christinamo7 Given that alcohol is a toxin, then it's not a "wise" thing for anyone to do, really! But I'm not saying anything about no one, WLS patient or not, EVER having alcohol. Every person is individually responsible for whatever they put into their bodies. My message is not about judging those who drink or smoke or whatever... My message is about a governing body taking a more clear stance in their RECOMMENDATION. Please remember that my comments are specifically related to the bariatric professionals who are the "leaders of the pack." My position is that this governing body needs to have a more definite RECOMMENDATION, based on the fact that alcohol is a toxin that can have deleterious effects on the absorption of essential nutrients, in addition to other possible negative effects. A recommendation is different than a "thou shalt not." Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

If you lose the weight relatively quickly, this summer is very possible. The waiting is also dependent on if they hire a new psychologist soon or not. They have been shorthanded for a while so I would hope that they are getting close to finding someone new. Other kaisers were helping out by doing some of the psych evals for fremont but last I heard, they pulled back and said they couldn't help anymore. I didn't start losing weight until a week AFTER I met with my surgeon(I met him the day before Christmas eve so enjoyed my holidays before getting serious). I lost 40lbs in my first 7 weeks. Once 1/1/17 hit, I went straight down to 1200cals. I have not had a soda, carbonated beverage, caffine, alcohol, fast food etc since. I added in a lot of the staples that they say are helpful post surgery, Greek yogurt, string cheese, eggs, etc and made sure i got my protein in from a lot of different sources. You could probably cut carbs and lose quicker but I didn't. I went high protein, low carb. I tracked my protein intake but not my carb intake, just kinda avoided excess carbs. I still have a piece of toast every morning but I don't usually have a carb with dinner. 2 thing to remember. 1, the most important part pre op is to build the right habits. A lot of people who do extreme dieting to lose weight preop quickly, really struggle with post op. You are dropping to 1200 cals, you will lose weight quickly regardless if you cut out all the carbs or not. 2, you have to maintain and continue to lose weight throughout the whole process. Especially because they are backed up, you can't gain weight after you hit goal. If they don't see you under your goal weight and continuing your weight loss progress, they won't approve the surgery. So however you decide to lose weight, it has to be sustainable.

This is great information, I drink once or twice a year and since my drinking alcohol is very low for a year; I can do without it! Hey way to go Judith! Thanks SweetPeas

Tonight I went with my friend who got a tattoo to commemorate her mom who recently passed away and while I was there, I got a nose ring! Yep. I've wanted one since I was 18 and for some reason, it took me until I was 33 to bite the bullet and do it. Guess I'm really starting to come out of my shell. I'm afraid about how work is going to react but heck, who cares? Life is too short! lol. Who cares what your work thinks...I have one too. I got mine about 6 months after my ex-husband and I seperated. That was in Feb of 2002, so I have had it quite a while now. I rememeber when my parents saw it they were wondering if I was going through some kind of crisis or something since I was 25 years old when I got it. But I just laughed at them and told them I just wanted one. I had one when I was 16 but got rid of it after my daughter was born right before my 18th b-day. But I love mine now and don't know if I will ever get rid of it. I have a very small diamond in mine and I really do love it. It is barely even noticeable now to most people I have been to many jobs and interviews and because it is do petite most people say they don't even notice it until I point it out to them. I would like to get a new diamond soon since I have had this one since March 2002. But I think you will definitley enjoy it Chrispy!!! Especially when all the soreness is gone. To be honest I didn't get rid of the soreness completely until about 2 months later. I made sure I cleaned it EVERY day with the cleaner that the tattoo parlor gave me. Now I just use Rubbing Alcohol 2-3 times a week.

Well, and because your still healing. I can have alcohol after a year ..... Oh and empty calories

I think I kidded myself in thinking that I was a good lap-band patient. I have unresolved food issues and without addressing them, I will never be successful. Had my surgery at the end of June and weighed 306. I think I am hovering around 295 right now and have been as low as 289. I drink too much alcohol and eat too much of the slider foods (chips, ice cream, Pasta, etc). So far I have had 4 fills and am around 7 ccs in a 11 cc band. I don't think I need anymore Fluid because I haven't "mastered" this current fill. A few times a week, I vomit from eating to quickly or not chewing well enough. However, tonight I had about 3/4 of an 11oz steak, some potato, some bread, and some appetizer. I didn't think I would be able to eat that much food, particularly that much steak. Thanks for letting me vent.

food addiction is a sickness no different then alcoholism or drug addiction or being bulimic or anorexic! And I'm sure there are people who have the band that are suffering with food addictions. I was one of those with a food addiction but the lapband helped me be satisfied with good foods and small portions for a long time and I lost a lot of weight. Well I am up to 8cc of fill and I can say I cannot lose anymore weight and I have exercised and ate only Protein and veggies for months and months and everyday I fight because I am never full or satisfied. I wake up hungry and go to bed hungry so what do you say to someone who follows all the rules and struggles because the lapband has not helped to keep them full or satisfied. My doctor states I should be able to go 4 hours and not be hungry because the food goes in your stomach and stays in the area where the hormones tell the brain I'm full now I don't need anymore. Well those hormones are not working in me. I struggle everyday since I've had my band. Watching the clock for my next protein and veggie meal. Any thoughts on whether the band is not working, My doctor says I should not need a fill with 8cc's in there.

There are at least two ppl in my support group that admitted to Alcohol abuse post rny. It's very easy to trade one addictive behavior (over eating) for another (drinking, shopping, sex, gambling ect). If you see a trend I'd recommend counseling. I'm really not a fan of drinking so I don't think ill miss it.

I am so thankful for all the support that is being poured out! That is what so many of us need. I am treating my eating as an addiction that is no different than an alcoholic. It is that serious to me. keep checking in yall. I weigh on monday mornings so I will try to post my results, hopefully it may be an encouragement to someone!

Kris, i buy the QuestBar. It has 20g protein, no sugar or sugar alcohol used, 200 c per bar (I eat 1/2) and has 22g total carb, 18g dietary fiber, sugar 1g. When you subtract dietary fiber from total carbs, your actually getting 4 carbs per bar, and since I only eat 1/2, I'm actually getting 2 carbs. A nutritionist I get news letters from talks about a healthy protein bar called JEN. I still need to search for it. You can get more info on QuestBar on www.wuestproteinbar.com.

Phew... ok, panic over... no, I repeat, NO crisps were consumed. Instead I had a cup of coffee and indulged in a teaspoon of sugar. Did the trick; damage limitation! And that concludes my second fast day this week - although I might fast Sat depending on how bad I am Thur and Fri...lol. Found it pretty tough today. Had a nasty headache all day - didn't eat my lunch until 2 pm and that was hard work. Then tea, time Hubby had bacon and sausage and the smell really got to me! He did this the day I came out of hospital after the sleeve and all I could do was drink Soup... nightmare. Kids were munching on pizza and garlic bread! I went for a shower to But they was completely oblivious to how I felt, they knew it was my fast day. I did feel a little put out to be honest! But, on a positive note, I got through it on target and I got all my Water in. Also, I went to Curves so even though it was tough I stuck with it. this morning I was still at 164 - so proper happy with that... Tomo and Fri are party time - damage limitation tomo at the prom but I intend to enjoy myself in the pub and hope I dance off some of the cals that the alcohol gives me...lol