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Well, here's my take... 1. At this point, if you can eat a whole yogurt, you are probably definitely full! I was on liquid only for two weeks after! A yogurt would have definitely filled me to the brim. 2. When you can eat more than you should and are still hungry before it's time for the next meal, you need a fill. 3. At this point, if you eat a solid you take the risk of moving your band. It is probably tacked in place but if you over fill your pouch or eat something solid, you could displace it and it wouldn't heal properly. Also, as you eat solids, your stomach will have to churn more to digest them and that could also cause problems. You have come to far...don't risk it! 3. Yes, you will likely be physically able to eat the things you love again in smaller portions. I was only banded in July, but I can already eat anything I want, really. (That is I haven't tried anything I can't eat if I chew well.) With that being said, only you know if you can mentally eat just a little. If you are a food addict, don't tempt yourself with something that would be like liquor to an alcoholic. Does that make sense? I LOVE pizza. Now I eat a piece (or two really small ones) of very thin crust if I must have pizza. Before, I could have and sometimes did eat the whole pizza. For me, this is the answer...what it's all about. I've lost weight plenty of times in the past by eliminating all "bad" foods. I can t-total it, but only for a while. Eventually, I would go back to eating whatever I wanted because I couldn't help myself. As a result I regained everything and more back. This time around, I am working for a lifestyle change. I will continue to eat anything I want, but in small portions. I can live that way forever, but I don't think I could realistically never eat pizza or chocolate again. Ya know?

I have drank a couple of sodas here and there with zero issues except a little belch after I drink. My surgeon said that sodas are just wasted calories, and just take up space. He is not a firm believer that the stomach will stretch out just from having a soda every now and then. As for alcohol, I was cleared to drink alcohol at the 4 month post-op mark. Some surgeons say 6 months, some say wait until you are at goal. From what I hear, alcohol does not taste the same after this procedure, and I haven't even attempted to drink anything. Some people say they get drunk on a small amount then sober up quickly. Apparently, there isn't a "happy medium" with our new tiny tummies.

So I have been up and down and filled and filled and filled! I am now at 11 in my 14cc band. I finally have some good restriction. I haven't lost as much as some but I am okay with my loss so far. When I lose my next 22lbs I will be out of the 300s so I am excited about that! It hasn't been easy, at least not as much as I thought it would be. Get a band that monitors me so I don't have to...WRONGO! It's alot of work and emotion. I fight all the time! I noticed the other day though that I am automatically serving myself smaller portions and being full on less. Before it was something I had to force myself to do. I am still having a problem letting go of a mini kit kat or butterfinger. Doesn't sound like much, but telling a foodie to have just a little is like telling an alcoholic just a little drop won't hurt! It's hard! When people find out I used to weigh 404lbs and now I am down to 320 they are wow'd! If only they knew what a big accomplishment that really was...what a struggle it remains. If a foodie loses 1lb it's a big deal! I see so many ppl on here discouraged that they are only down 5lbs or 50lbs but SNAP OUT OF IT!! any amount less than you were is a big deal! So we all fall off the wagon. The important thing to realize is that doesn't make us bad people, it makes us human! We absolutley have to see it as a mis-step and get back on track. don't use it as a reason to give up.."well it happened so I am not gonna try"...No! spin it! It happened so now I know I am capable of mistakes which means I have to try harder the next time not to do the same thing! The hardest thing I struggle with is not eating everything on my plate. I quit eating out(fast food) because it's a waist of money. I still go out to dinner with my family and I just have to watch what I order and eat. It's constant but like anything else, I take it one day, 1 decision at a time. It has to be that way, that's how it works for me... Cheryl

So I have been up and down and filled and filled and filled! I am now at 11 in my 14cc band. I finally have some good restriction. I haven't lost as much as some but I am okay with my loss so far. When I lose my next 22lbs I will be out of the 300s so I am excited about that! It hasn't been easy, at least not as much as I thought it would be. Get a band that monitors me so I don't have to...WRONGO! It's alot of work and emotion. I fight all the time! I noticed the other day though that I am automatically serving myself smaller portions and being full on less. Before it was something I had to force myself to do. I am still having a problem letting go of a mini kit kat or butterfinger. Doesn't sound like much, but telling a foodie to have just a little is like telling an alcoholic just a little drop won't hurt! It's hard! When people find out I used to weigh 404lbs and now I am down to 320 they are wow'd! If only they knew what a big accomplishment that really was...what a struggle it remains. If a foodie loses 1lb it's a big deal! I see so many ppl on here discouraged that they are only down 5lbs or 50lbs but SNAP OUT OF IT!! any amount less than you were is a big deal! So we all fall off the wagon. The important thing to realize is that doesn't make us bad people, it makes us human! We absolutley have to see it as a mis-step and get back on track. don't use it as a reason to give up.."well it happened so I am not gonna try"...No! spin it! It happened so now I know I am capable of mistakes which means I have to try harder the next time not to do the same thing! The hardest thing I struggle with is not eating everything on my plate. I quit eating out(fast food) because it's a waist of money. I still go out to dinner with my family and I just have to watch what I order and eat. It's constant but like anything else, I take it one day, 1 decision at a time. It has to be that way, that's how it works for me... Cheryl

Can we ever have carbonated drinks again? My friend had the gastric bypass done...and she was not allowed carbonated drinks or alcohol for a year.. Is this the same for the vertical sleeve? I enjoy a rum and diet coke with lime every now and then....*sigh*

Since I got my sleeve surgery, I have horrible gas. It's so embarrassing. I know to stay away from sugar alcohol. Eating that stuff is a big mistake for me. I will toot for hours afterwards. Yesterday I made a new discovery. Regular sugar give me gas too. I went to a kid's birthday part and they were serving cup cakes. Plus I had a mini snickers and I was tooting away for the next few hours. I also believe that Splenda gives me gas. I notice if I eat an Atikins Protein bar with no sugar alcohol but they do contain splenda, I am tooting within an hour. And of course milk products give me gas too. I seem to be okay with yogurt though. Beano and gas X do not seem to help. Does anyone else have a problem with gas? Have you narrowed it down to what will cause it? What do you do for it?

:scared2: Well I made it through my clubs Holloween bash LOL! It was my first time back around the club since being banded a month ago and I must say everyone was very supportive. Only issue I found is that I like to eat and drink, so I had to be very cognazant of that fact. I did have a few Whiskey Sour's to test my alcohol drinkin ability and I had a few meatballs that where awesome! I allowed myself 1 bite of cake (Ifound it incredibly sweet) and stayed clear of the candy compleatly. All in all it was a great comeback! hope ya'll had a great holloween too!:frown:

Welcome Pipedoc! You'll love the band. It really helps but you got to work it and it sounds like you're off to a great start. You'll be back on the bike soon too! Have fun tonight. If you're a drinker know that the alcohol sneaks up on you faster now so start slowly!!! Riding today in an event to support our Vets. Should be a gorgeous day later. Little cool right now but that's what chaps are for. If you're a HOG member I'm on page 58 of the new HOG magazine! Woohoo!!! Peace to all and ride safe!! Carol :Yawn:

Too much alcohol won't stretch the pouch - it goes right through - but it will put the lbs back on.

He said that his doctor was very mad at him and told him that he had probably stretched it out but he didn't go get it checked out. I don't think he cares....doesn't want to give up his alcohol enough. Oh well, I was just curious.

I really thought I'd be doing this alone. I'm not one to prattle on about my problems and my thoughts. I give everything in my life adequate though, and I make decisions accordingly. I decided a month ago to have the banding surgery. My surgery date is ... well, in 2.5 hours. I've lost 20lbs pre-op (down from 356 to 336) in 3 weeks. I know I can do this. I'm certain of it. So why am I not sleeping? Why have I had nightmare after nightmare with the central theme of reluctantly having to kill the one thing I love the most (translation- FOOD!). I gave this a lot of thought, really. I considered a cost/benefit analysis and came up with this answer. But... last minute, I'm terrified. (Dr appt implied the following) Pasta is a bad idea... for the rest of my life?? White bread, big fluffy biscuts, and garlic toast are gone forever? Seriously, wheat pasta??? So much for Olive Garden... I know these are guidelines, and maitenance is different that losing, so I'll be able to re-introduce my lover (carbs) when I'm at my goal weight... but even then, only in small doses. And I've been heavy my whole life. I don't even know what I'd look like without excess baggage! I don't know what I'll do. I know I won't change how I dress - you can take the fat out of the girl but you can't take the girl out of the fat (frame of mind). I just don't know who I'd be if I'm not the fat girl at every event. It's scary. There's the whole "oh, just be yourself" school of thought; but I've been the fat girl. That's been my role. I've worked very hard at pretending it doesn't bother me, at telling people I'd be happy at any size as long as I'm healthy. I lie more to myself than others... so who? Who am I supposed to be? I have to take my pre-op shower and get on my 'loose fitting clothes' (that statement on my instruction sheet alone makes me wonder if this place 'gets' fat people... what do I wear that tight, besides my bras?) for surgery. Hopefully I'll be out by this afternoon and ready to post again, but I know it could be days. I tend to be a big baby when it comes to pain. I certainly don't feel like everyone else. I refused banding for so long. On my father's side of the family (the side I grew up a part of), something like this is considered giving up and letting your weakness win. Of course, these are the same people who believe alcoholism is a choice, not a disease. I got through surgery fine. I had a huge hiatal hernia that had to be repaired, and the band went in with 4cc of fluid. I have bruises and slices and PAIN. I knew there would be pain, but... seriously? The pain from the cuts aren't too bad, but the air they push into you in order to see better may kill me. I'm told it should be gone by tomorrow or the next day. *Post - Op* I haven't had time to fully process the fact that this is done. I went into this quickly, as I said before, and so to be at the finish/starting line is a little intimidating. My doctor told me today that if I lost 22lbs in 3 weeks of pre-op dieting, my weight loss over the next 6 months is going to be dramatic. I hope so... I just promise my husband(who works in Afghanistan) a long hike when he comes home on break in March! I'm about to head to bed... but I know ppl who think this is easy are NUTS. I've had nightmares for weeks... food is my ally... but I have to give it up. And not just a little... but some thing forever--like soda. I'm hoping for 4 days--or 1. Ugh. This pain is absolutely the worst. Worst than gallstones passing. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!! *Posted on forum yesterday*

I really thought I'd be doing this alone. I'm not one to prattle on about my problems and my thoughts. I give everything in my life adequate though, and I make decisions accordingly. I decided a month ago to have the banding surgery. My surgery date is ... well, in 2.5 hours. I've lost 20lbs pre-op (down from 356 to 336) in 3 weeks. I know I can do this. I'm certain of it. So why am I not sleeping? Why have I had nightmare after nightmare with the central theme of reluctantly having to kill the one thing I love the most (translation- FOOD!). I gave this a lot of thought, really. I considered a cost/benefit analysis and came up with this answer. But... last minute, I'm terrified. (Dr appt implied the following) Pasta is a bad idea... for the rest of my life?? White bread, big fluffy biscuts, and garlic toast are gone forever? Seriously, wheat pasta??? So much for Olive Garden... I know these are guidelines, and maitenance is different that losing, so I'll be able to re-introduce my lover (carbs) when I'm at my goal weight... but even then, only in small doses. And I've been heavy my whole life. I don't even know what I'd look like without excess baggage! I don't know what I'll do. I know I won't change how I dress - you can take the fat out of the girl but you can't take the girl out of the fat (frame of mind). I just don't know who I'd be if I'm not the fat girl at every event. It's scary. There's the whole "oh, just be yourself" school of thought; but I've been the fat girl. That's been my role. I've worked very hard at pretending it doesn't bother me, at telling people I'd be happy at any size as long as I'm healthy. I lie more to myself than others... so who? Who am I supposed to be? I have to take my pre-op shower and get on my 'loose fitting clothes' (that statement on my instruction sheet alone makes me wonder if this place 'gets' fat people... what do I wear that tight, besides my bras?) for surgery. Hopefully I'll be out by this afternoon and ready to post again, but I know it could be days. I tend to be a big baby when it comes to pain. I certainly don't feel like everyone else. I refused banding for so long. On my father's side of the family (the side I grew up a part of), something like this is considered giving up and letting your weakness win. Of course, these are the same people who believe alcoholism is a choice, not a disease. I got through surgery fine. I had a huge hiatal hernia that had to be repaired, and the band went in with 4cc of fluid. I have bruises and slices and PAIN. I knew there would be pain, but... seriously? The pain from the cuts aren't too bad, but the air they push into you in order to see better may kill me. I'm told it should be gone by tomorrow or the next day. *Post - Op* I haven't had time to fully process the fact that this is done. I went into this quickly, as I said before, and so to be at the finish/starting line is a little intimidating. My doctor told me today that if I lost 22lbs in 3 weeks of pre-op dieting, my weight loss over the next 6 months is going to be dramatic. I hope so... I just promise my husband(who works in Afghanistan) a long hike when he comes home on break in March! I'm about to head to bed... but I know ppl who think this is easy are NUTS. I've had nightmares for weeks... food is my ally... but I have to give it up. And not just a little... but some thing forever--like soda. I'm hoping for 4 days--or 1. Ugh. This pain is absolutely the worst. Worst than gallstones passing. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!! *Posted on forum yesterday*

Candra - My migraine sister! I've had em since I was 15 and they went haywire 2 years ago - I actually was out of work for a month - maybe had 5 days out of the month without a migraine. Badlands! Tried everything - headache clinic / neuro surgeon put me on Topamax - bad drug - makes you really feel weird - hands and feet go numb but they tell you that is normal - NOT. Since I've gotten through the Big M they are better but not gone. My sister's went away after the Big M. Maxalt worked great for me for years - but not with the big hormone thing with menopause. Now that I'm through it the Maxalt is working again. My biggest triggers are lack of sleep (can you tell I'm a night owl) and stress, some foods, but mostly the other 2. Now that I'm eating right I think it helps. But like you say, sometimes they just come on for no apparent reason. Sooo I really understand and feel for you. Nothin' worse (except when you get the vomitting with them too.) Oh and Candra, I have you beat - my engagement was 7 years and 1 kid! Since I had already tied the knot 2 times before I wasn't too anxious to do it again. Then when I was ready he wasn't, then he was and I wasn't and so on. We also got pregnant in there by accident and decided to have our oldest son but held on the marriage thing since we weren't sure. Finally tied the knot in 1991! So its been a total of 25 years now! Riley - I agree we are worth waiting for - the North Bay Gals! Seriously, it would be great to met up with the group. I'm game for a walk, but not sure how long I can go because of my foot. (I'm scared of the power girls: Riley and Jes!). Is the Tuesday night group at the same house each week? Beatriz - congratulations! and Maria congratulations on a new, sooner date - it will be fine. Annalynn - we are going to do this together! Good job on the alcohol - lots of sugar! I'm waiting to get weighed at my PCP's next week before I update my ticker, but my home scale last week showed I was only 3 from surgery goal. (I know it is more but it is really making me push - I really want my case manager appt in Nov.) Tamara - don't give up - we are here for you. Jess - My work has been nuts - more layoffs today. I've worked every night this week until 9:30. Its hard. I know when I'm banded I'll need to not do that so I can eat - I was starving tonight - I only ate a little extra but it was hard. What do you do? Night ladies - have a good Thursday.

sounds like something alcohol can cure. If it works out then you can say you were sober, if it doesn't you were drunk and didn't remember anything.

I certainly don't feel like everyone else. I refused banding for so long. On my father's side of the family (the side I grew up a part of), something like this is considered giving up and letting your weakness win. Of course, these are the same people who believe alcoholism is a choice, not a disease. I got through surgery fine. I had a huge hiatal hernia that had to be repaired, and the band went in with 4cc of Fluid. I have bruises and slices and PAIN. I knew there would be pain, but... seriously? The pain from the cuts aren't too bad, but the air they push into you in order to see better may kill me. I'm told it should be gone by tomorrow or the next day. Let's cross fingers, shall we? I haven't had time to fully process the fact that this is done. I went into this quickly, as I said before, and so to be at the finish/starting line is a little intimidating. My doctor told me today that if I lost 22lbs in 3 weeks of pre-op dieting, my weight loss over the next 6 months is going to be dramatic. I hope so... I just promise my husband(who works in Afghanistan) a long hike when he comes home on break in March! That's all I have for now. Thanks for all the support!!:thumbup:

Steph, if you need another resource let me know and I'll email you my ID & pin # for UM and you can invade their library as well. Home with a migraine. I finally figured out that my students don't know how to read a science book. They just don't know how to transfer their reading a novel skills to reading a science book. So we are stopping curriculum and learning how to read a science book. An example, we are on the 1st page of the reading and I ask the students what is the phrase at the top of the page called (a title) then had no clue, 10 minutes later they still have no clue, so I say, "Okay, if this was a novel what would the phase be called?" Still no clue. After 20 I finally said it is a title. Next question..."What does a title tell us about the section?" 15 minutes later their still don't get that the title is like a main idea. At the end of 45 minutes we had read one paragraph....That's when the migraine started. So tomorrow is a new day, I will NOT get angry, I will NOT grumble, I will smile and say encouraging words and celebrate when they get a small thing right and then I'm going to drink! Remember my 'favorite student' last year. I just hear from a teacher friend in Missoula, the kid just transfer to her school AND to her class. I'm thinking she needs a care package: alcohol to ease the stress, gum, to keep from chewing his head off, and facepaint to paint on a smile when the parents come in and say that she is being unfair because after all their son is perfect Going to take a shower, eat some left overs, figure out how to run my new expresso machine and about 6 tylenol to ease that head. Kari...check your meds. Also check into a full spectrum light or go sit in a tanning bed. Also take some Vitamin D, it helps will stress. Steph, right back at you...you can handle this, I think Michael is playing you a bit. But he could well have attachment issues. Stop beating yourself up, you had to work to feed him, no one is perfect. Work on changing what you can, live with what you can't, and be wise enough to know the difference.

Janet, actually the story of Michael's first few years reads like a story of RAD kid. No abuse, but lots of neglect. Michael's dad was/is an alcoholic ass. When we had Michael, I was back to work within 2 weeks because I was out of unemployment benefits. He didn't work and his two older daughters were living with us. it was up to me to cover expenses. I was working an average of 120 hours a week. Scott didn't believe it was his place to "babysit" so Michael had to be in daycare. Except we couldn't afford that but the neighbor woman was home on disability so she watched him. Problem, she was deaf. When I was home I was either sleeping or trying to cope smoking pot. I was hanging by a thread, honestly. At 6 months, my parents came out to Missouri, said "Get your toothbrush, your formula, and get in the car." I did. I can't say much about the next 3 months. I ate, I slept, I roamed around the house, I know I tried to be a mom but I was clueless. After 3 months I sort of snapped out of it. I got a job, went back to school. This was at the time that they started putting time limits on welfare. I had 18 months, period. I went to school, worked when I could, and got my degree. There really wasn't a lot of time for my son. I did what I could. I did the BEST I could. I'm over the guilt, for today. But...what I'm reading about RAD. He's all over that! He has all of the symptoms. I started with just attachment theory. There are 4 types. He was a type 3 baby. Ambivalent/resistant. Yesterday I felt like I had broken my kid. Today, I still feel that way but now, it's a matter of how to make lemonade out of these lemons. It's not hopeless. I have to continue to be strong. Some days I don't have that strength. Today I do. There isn't a book in town on RAD, but my niece, who is in college, gave me her user name and password to invade her college library and read some online books. There are a few I can order. I'm going to wait until after next week when I go to YBGR. Hoping they can give me some resources to look at. Hope that helps. Thanks for the love Janet. I love you so much!

I'm so with you. I was about 15 lbs away from my goal, and had been there for about a year, when I started self medicating with food and alcohol. I have now stopped drinking, am taking anti-depressants, but continue to gain weight. My 149 with 15 to go is now 165. This weight loss is causing me to become even more depressed, besides still working on the reasons I was depressed to begin with. I would suggest if you think you are depressed go to your internist and ask for suggestions. I, myself, am working on getting my a$$ back on a regular exercise schedule. I think this is key, not only is it good for you physically, but exercise tends to have positive psychological effects. Perhaps this is an option for you as well. I also think I need to post on here more and look for more support than always trying to do things alone. Good luck to you and I hope you work thru this tough time :thumbup:

Hi all you beautiful People!! And thanks for the concern..Whats goin on, on the 14th? Hey Candra.. its Hula/tahitian night!!! come over if you wanna try it out or just watch!! I had a very EMOTIONAL weekend:crying:.. too much drama.. (MY soon to be ex-husband wants to reconcile) AND my best friends son possibly might have the swine flu:frown:.. he's been sick with a 101 fever since Saturday and it hasn't let down. They brought him into the hospital yesterday but was told, that unless they have to admit him, thats when they'll test him for the H1N1 BUT as of now.. they sent him back home and told her that he is a possible 50/50 H1N1.. I don't understand the protocol or process of how they're doing this but.. alot of people are going into hospital because of the swine flu scare but most of the cases are just the regular flu.. Its a scary time right now.. jus pray its just the regular flu. Anyways.. I didn't have ANY alcohol this weekend and I finally realized or umm.. YEAH.. no more alcohol (wine, tequilla shots) for me .. for AWHILE :scared2: BUT its ok because I found out that, that was the reason WHY i've been see-sawing on this whole weight issue.. " duh! HELLO ANALYNN!!" I'm still working my ba dunk a dunk dunk off and I think i'm starting to reap the full benifits of my workout now that i'm jus stickin to protein and no alcohol.... I really JUST HAVE TO STAY FOCUSED.. ok enough of my brain fart on here.. so what's going on, on the 14th again? and whats this about 2 fly guys.. what is that? sounds like fun to me! LOL j/k:wink:

Hello, I recently was viewing your weight loss photos and now I find your photo on here. I am a friend of Bill's for 25 years on October 13 this month. No alcohol for that long, I stay away from the first drink. With food I have not been very successful in the past. I am hoping to be approved for the sleeve sometime this week. I have went to OA an Topps in the past, but my weight has went up and down like a yo-yo. I decided that I was sick and tired of being sick and tired and I am ready for a change. I have changed my eating habits quite a bit but I am still having a difficult time. I have started exercising at the Y and going to a swim fun and fitness class. It is becoming very addictive. I think that with food it is so difficult because it is not like cigerettes, alcohol, ect. Those things you can live without, but you can't live without food. But I am changing the way I think about it now. I constantly think about how healthy, how many calories, fat, carbs Protein ect. now that I have decided to have bariatric surgery. I haven't had a cigerette for almost 10 years or so. I know that this journey that I am traveling now is headed in the right direction and I plan on staying on the path to a better healthier long life. Have a Good day.

Yes, I live in a neighborhood, but all my neighbors are in different places. One is a retired couple that don't even say hi when we are both outside, the other just moved in with little kids, across the street is a parent of an ex student, not a good idea. Remember our houses are at least an acre apart. The back neighbor is also a parent of an ex student. They both parents have issues either with alcohol or sleeping around. Again not something I want to get into. Made red beans and rice for dinner, new recipe, okay, Made it with turkey sausage.

Everything gives me gas. It's a big problem. I think splenda gives me gas too. I know anything with sugar alcohol gives me gas worse than I ever thought was possible. Milk products definitely give me gas too. Like I said, it's a big embarrassing problem!

I was allowed to drink while on post op liquid phase. I asked in my 1 week post op and they said you can drink now. Again i didn't want to overdo it just had a glass of wine being that I haven't had food in 4 weeks! They also tell us that we can drink some alcohol before dinner to help relax things.

Hi all!!! Ok everyone....I got Banded on October 19th (yea me). Im doing pretty good so far! But I am soooo worried about the holidays! Now I know I can eat some things by then but how do I control myself around all that yummy foods??? is ok to eat some things but of course in moderation?? What foods should I run from?? what about alcohol? How soon should I try a simple glass of wine??? Please help?? I wanna be able to enjoy the holidays but its not worth my size 10 I wanna be! lol

My surgeon says no alcohol the first year and after that in moderation. You don't want to take in all your calories through liquid.