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Don't become obsessed with the bathroom scale. Weigh in once a week at the same time, same day (i.e. Sunday, 9:00pm) Greek-style yogurt is your friend. Celery is not your friend. Small bites, chew really well. Join a support group. Moisturize your skin. Avoid alcohol. Take it slow and easy; be patient with yourself. :thumbup:

I too was worried about my psych evaluation....mainly because I admitted myself to a Mental Hospital a year after my first daughter was born. (Severe postpartum depression). But unlike most people on here, my Psychiatrist didnt ask me to fill out any questionnaire. She just asked about my family history. If there was any drug abuse/alcohol abuse, obesity, mental disorders. Then she asked why I wanted the surgery and how much I was REALISTICALLY looking to lose. I guess I got an easy Psychiatrist who didnt really do these types of evaluations too often. (And that showed later when they faxed the eval the first time to the surgeon and forgot to put my last name on it.....and then it took them a month to fax the FINAL eval because the Psychiatrist didnt release me and did not NOT release me). So far, I seem to be the only one who didnt endure any lengthy visit. Mine was like 20 mins tops. I spent more time in the waiting room than I did in with the Psychiatrist. What I am trying to say is, dont freak out. Just be honest and dont forget to stop and breathe in between parts of the eval. Good luck and hang in there!! Let us know how it goes...:thumbup:

I was just banded on 8/10, so I don't have much experience, but I can tell you a little of what I know.... The no drinking while eating (and no soda) were HUGE concerns for me. Evidently, the reason we are not supposed to drink while eating is b/c we'll help the food through the opening, thus reducing the time we feel full, which is the point. It's not harmful from what I understand. The soda however, is a problem b/c of the gas....some people can tolerate it from what I've heard, though. So, I've thought about all the pros and cons and chose to proceed even if I'll have to adapt to not drinking while eating. Will I ever drink a bit while eating, I'm sure of it, but the point is to do more good than bad consistently. The issue with alcohol is twofold: 1. Consuming alcohol equates to consuming a large amount of empty calories. 2. After being banded, the alcohol will absorb more quickly, which means we'll be cheap dates...haha! It's not that we are "not allowed" or "never able" to drink. Excess skin depends on age, how much your skin has been stretched, how much you do cardio and weight training while losing weight, and a variety of other factors. I am trying not to think about that, and I am hoping that at 30 my skin will bounce back....I mean look at the Biggest Loser contestants, I don't see a whole lot of extra skin there. Plus, the sagging skin is a bigger problem for bypass patients because they lose so much faster, thus not giving the skin much time to shrink. Know, however, that it is HIGHLY unlikely that insurance would pay for a skin removal surgery as it is considered cosmetic. As with all things, there are exeptions...sometimes an overwhelming medical need for skin removal will fall into your coverage. This also depends on the type of policy you have and who your provider is...some are better than others. As far as being known as the LapBand girl...it is a personal decision who you tell and do not tell. Personally, I am a VERY open person and will tell anyone who wants to listen. Through this, I also hope to help other people who are experiencing the same struggles that led me to being banded. I'm sure I'll get some of what you're afraid of, but I will be the first to point out that I may have gotten the band, but I am still working extremely hard to get in better shape. The band doesn't fix anything...it helps us fix us. So, if you want to keep it private, there is nothing wrong with that! Finally, I just want you to know that if I were able to go back in time and change my mind...I WOULD NOT!!! I am happy with my decision, but I did all my research and had every one of my questions answered, which is what you seem to be doing. Compile the facts and look within. Make your decision, then, no matter what it is...stick with it. NO REGRETS!!!! Best of luck.........

I went to the info session last night with my husband who came with me for support. I have some questions. Could you help me? I am 5’2 256 (I can’t believe I got so big that number is huge to me). I rejoined WW to help get the process started; I had success with it a couple times before but inevitably the weight crept back on. I am committed to a life style change and think the band will be a great tool to keep me on track, and help me attain my healthy goals. I have high blood pressure & high cholesterol that are not medicated now. I am worried about changing my eating habits, like the no drinking while eating. We go out to eat with friends once a month and we all enjoy cocktails with dinner. Will I be able to do that? How does alcohol work with the band? I know with other weight loss surgeries there is excess skin that often gets removed after. Does this happen with Lap Band? Does that also get covered by insurance? I had a couple relatives get the bypass done, and that is how they are know now...”ohh ya that’s Denise she is the one who had the bypass.” I don’t want the band to be how I am known. Do you think it is alright if I keep it between my doctor, husband, and myself? What problems or complications can happen during surgery? Are there common post op problems or complications? I need help deciding if this is the right path.

Oh, Heidi----I'm having a great summer. I'm not seeing anyone special, but have been dating up a storm. It's funny how different my focus is now. I'm not looking for Mr. Right or Mr. Perfect. I'm having a good time going out and getting to know a lot of different guys---kind of like the Bachelorette, without all of the kissing and overnight dates. :thumbup: It is challenging to avoid food, though. I try to play if off that I don't want to sit for an entire meal, making the date for after 8 at night.....but I don't drink often, either, nor do I hold my alcohol well....so I avoid drinking. I typically try to meet for coffee, but even that's awkward because I don't drink coffee!!!! Funny, huh?! I do avoid mentioning the whole banding thing. I figure, until they get to know me and have a chance at seeing my scars, they haven't any need to know! I try for at least 4 or 5 dates a week before heading back to school. (I don't go back to work until after Labor Day!) Sorry to hear you're still struggling with head hunger. THAT I can relate to! It's really hard to be sitting with other people who are eating and not keep picking or eating more than I should. I don't know how you people with kids make it through! I'm finally back working out. My knee is still sore, but I couldn't stay out of the gym any longer. (Funny transformation, huh?! Morbidly obese to a gym lover!!!:sneaky:) I'm sore everywhere today and hardly even notice that I have a knee! Have a super day. I'm headed to the beach. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::sneaky::thumbup: Paige

Hi Anitahug - I have just looked at that article and enjoyed reading it but can't say the same for the comments posted below the piece, it has made my blood boil. Most are from the 'try eating less food and exercise more' brigade (cos we never thought of that did we?) but the one that incensed me most of all was Mrs A L Pearce (SIZE 8!!) from Herts who feels all overweight people just need to exercise self restraint and not burden the NHS! Not usually a violent person but could make an exception in her case! Expect she has the same view for drug users/smokers/alcoholics - must be great to be perfect up there on her pedestal eh? Bet she's great fun on a night out with her diet mineral water! Just read it everyone and tell me you don't feel the same! Rant over, hope everyone is well and losing, Bigsis x

I remember seeing them somewhere and it seemed that the sugar alcohol was pretty high. Last night at support group my band surgeon said sugar alcohol is pretty much the same as sugar and really discouraged us from eating it. I just mainly hate the way it gives me horrible gas. I have enough gas already.

I get them at GNC. I think other places have them too. I'm pretty sure they have sugar alcohols though.

Is that the website?Linberghnutrition.com? Are those ready to drink or is it a powder? I have seen Mac mention those OH Yeah Protein bars too. Has anyone seen those in the stores? Do they have sugar alcohol in them?

This past Monday I went in for my much anticipated visit with the doctor and nutrionist. It was my first time back in over a month and I was excited, curious and nervous all at the same time. I was excited because I knew this was another step closer to where I eventually want to be, curious about my test results and nervous about getting on the scale because I knew I had gained weight. Well, my appt definitely took me closer because by the time I left I had my psych appt scheduled (8/20), my appt following the sleep study moved up 2 weeks and in between appts to return to the doctor. More or less I have an appt every week between now and the end of Sept and if everything goes well, I may be looking at an Oct date. My test results came back well. I was told that my ultrasound and upper GI was normal and my blood tests were excellent. My blood clot scare last year had me wondering about how my tests would come out since this is always a worry for me now, but it gave me a chance to dicuss this further and I will see the doctor that will insert the filter to avoid clots prior to surgery on my next appt at the hospital. My fear about the weight gain rang true. I knew it from the way I was feeling. My back has been aching and I feel sluggish. My back aches at a 5 lb weight gain, so I knew I had at least gained that..but I was shocked to learn it was in fact 11 lbs. :wink: I was told it was probably fluid. Yeah..Grey Goose I explained. The numerous happy hours my co workers and I had attended since my last visit had caught up with me. The nutrionist and doctor both encouragingly told me not to worried since "thats what I am there for". I later had to laugh since it was the first time I wasn't scolded by a health care professional for gaining weight. The surgeon on the other hand, came to see me with a couple of students, wasnt as dismissive reminding me of the high calorie content of alcohol and how important calories will be when I get lap band since my body will not reject the sugar automatically like gastric. I knew he was right and could only sit there like a scolded kid nodding in agreement. I needed that kick in the ass. It brought the importance of this surgery and saving my life back to the forefront of my mind. I had lost focus having so much time in between appointments and simply slipped back into bad habits. I had to get back on the horse. As I explained to the nutrionist, I KNOW what to do, its DOING it. I am a professional dieter. I know it all..I have read it all. I am just a very unsuccessful dieter. She listened but I could see she wasnt buying it, she gave me my food journal for the week and told me to fax it on Friday. She told me her appt is last and usually a couple of weeks before my date to avoid wasting money if not approved. She said she had flexible hours so I said, cool lets meet for drinks. I quickly followed with..IM JOKING! and she actually laughed, then added, sure we will meet for breakfast and have carnation instant breakfast drinks! She was so quick I had to join her in laughing. :eek: She later repeated it to the surgeon who also got a laugh. Putting that imprint on her mind, also puts her in the forefront of mine. I know I have to make more of an effort to do the right thing because it is truly now or never.

This past Monday I went in for my much anticipated visit with the doctor and nutrionist. It was my first time back in over a month and I was excited, curious and nervous all at the same time. I was excited because I knew this was another step closer to where I eventually want to be, curious about my test results and nervous about getting on the scale because I knew I had gained weight. Well, my appt definitely took me closer because by the time I left I had my psych appt scheduled (8/20), my appt following the sleep study moved up 2 weeks and in between appts to return to the doctor. More or less I have an appt every week between now and the end of Sept and if everything goes well, I may be looking at an Oct date. My test results came back well. I was told that my ultrasound and upper GI was normal and my blood tests were excellent. My blood clot scare last year had me wondering about how my tests would come out since this is always a worry for me now, but it gave me a chance to dicuss this further and I will see the doctor that will insert the filter to avoid clots prior to surgery on my next appt at the hospital. My fear about the weight gain rang true. I knew it from the way I was feeling. My back has been aching and I feel sluggish. My back aches at a 5 lb weight gain, so I knew I had at least gained that..but I was shocked to learn it was in fact 11 lbs. :sad: I was told it was probably fluid. Yeah..Grey Goose I explained. The numerous happy hours my co workers and I had attended since my last visit had caught up with me. The nutrionist and doctor both encouragingly told me not to worried since "thats what I am there for". I later had to laugh since it was the first time I wasn't scolded by a health care professional for gaining weight. The surgeon on the other hand, came to see me with a couple of students, wasnt as dismissive reminding me of the high calorie content of alcohol and how important calories will be when I get lap band since my body will not reject the sugar automatically like gastric. I knew he was right and could only sit there like a scolded kid nodding in agreement. I needed that kick in the ass. It brought the importance of this surgery and saving my life back to the forefront of my mind. I had lost focus having so much time in between appointments and simply slipped back into bad habits. I had to get back on the horse. As I explained to the nutrionist, I KNOW what to do, its DOING it. I am a professional dieter. I know it all..I have read it all. I am just a very unsuccessful dieter. She listened but I could see she wasnt buying it, she gave me my food journal for the week and told me to fax it on Friday. She told me her appt is last and usually a couple of weeks before my date to avoid wasting money if not approved. She said she had flexible hours so I said, cool lets meet for drinks. I quickly followed with..IM JOKING! and she actually laughed, then added, sure we will meet for breakfast and have carnation instant breakfast drinks! She was so quick I had to join her in laughing. :biggrin: She later repeated it to the surgeon who also got a laugh. Putting that imprint on her mind, also puts her in the forefront of mine. I know I have to make more of an effort to do the right thing because it is truly now or never.

That's what I'm afraid of! I finally went smaller b/c DH kept handing me EVERYTHING to hold on to b/c I had room in my purse! Now I got a kid too! Yikes! Bring on the therma care back wraps! He needs one of those wallets with a chain. He just clips it to his belt loop and if it falls outta his pocket, it's still attached! :w00t: See, that's exactly what I'm afraid of! My other purse held everything I needed, and it had to all go in a certain way or it wouldn't fit. Sunglasses and keys got tossed on top b/c they wouldn't fit at all. Now, no luck, gotta go bigger! :frown: And cherry chapstick fits in a pocket. That's kind of what I thought you might say. On dailyplate, even with NO activity, they still have my calorie load pretty high. Tip 'em well and they don't give a rat's ass why you're there! LOL! Good point!! Goodness gracious, what the hell is that thing???!!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~ PJTP: New bag will get a test tomorrow as I've got some errands to run, then I'm running away from home for a couple of hours. :w00t: DH doesn't know it yet but that's my plan! Question for ya! I've been having a little bottle of Starbucks Lite Mocha Frapp in the evenings. I'm trying to figure out which spirits to add to it to spike it up a little! The only ones I can think of would be rum or vodka but I'm not sure either of those would be a good idea. I also thought about some Bailey's and thought might have some possibilities, either the original or the new mint, is it? What do you all think? Other than HS where I'd drink anything and a lot of it as long as it was free, I have no real experience with spirits of the alcohol world. Educate me please! Okay, off to bed. I'm exhausted! 'Night!

I was banded in May 09. I was off alcohol for 2.5 months around this time - preparation. When I had my first drink (2 glasses of red wine), I was very tipsy (I am an Aussie so I used to drink a lot more before :cool:). You need to be careful to make sure you have healed well, especially if you are inclined to vomit with too much booze. Booze may catch you unawares if you are now desensitized to alcohol. My doctor says no booze is best because of the effect of empty calories. He acknowledges this is not for all of us and suggests wine (1 glass per day). I tend to stay with this guideline (plus the occasional dram of single malt scotch). I just came back from 3 weeks vacation in Canada where I got stuck into the beer with my old buddies (I used to live there for 5 years). I put 4 pounds on, the first gain since May. No more beer for me!!! Cheers! Al

I also deal with this as I am young too. I just this weekend tried wine, and vodka cranberry. I found really great crandberry juice called cranergy. It only has 35 calories as apposed to 120 normal cranberry juice has. I seemed to do ok, but I was also a bit nervous to get too drunk since..I'm a barfer lol I wouldn't want to throw up because of alcohol after all of this! Good luck!

I think 2-3 weeks post op is a little early to start drinking because alcohol can impede the healing process and you ARE still healing during that time. Check with your doc. I can drink beer at almost 1 year out (with my surgeon's ok)...but not everyone can.

Request a Rx for Mycolog Nystatin OINTMENT-no cream. The cream is scented=alcohol. My gyn prescribed it for me. Works great!

I dont drink a lot but Im young so I still enjoy going out from time to time on the weekends. I know its empty calories! But is anyone drinking? Have you been able to drink beer?

I'll just give what guidelines I was given by my surgeon before I even had the procedure. -no carbonated beverages- as I recall, not only will it cause discomfort, you run the risk of stretching your pouch, and increase the possibility of your band slipping. Some people still choose to risk it, but I personally choose my health over the fizzy stuff. I've been without soda or anything carbonated for a year, I feel better, and don't feel that deprived. - no alcohol for a year. Alcoholic drinks can be LOADED with sugars, which makes it easy to gain weight if you drink them on a regular basis. On rare occasion, I've had one drink, but not until about 6 moths post-op, and even then, in the past 6 months, I've had maybe 5-6 drinks. Just remember to do things in moderation, since drinks can be so high in sugar, and because liquids go down easily, it's easy to overdo it.

He was very much like a psychologist. We went over many, many things, including possible stressors in my life, what I think my eating issues are, whether I had any trauma in my past, who will serve as my support system, and how to handle telling certain people and not others about the surgery. He talked about handling social situations with the band, and issues that come up in families. He talked about "addiction transfer," where someone who no longer overeats turns to alcohol, shopping, gambling, etc. addictions, and how to watch out for that behavior. He gave me a list of recommended reading, including books on general well being. And he was just a really good listener and gave me great ideas and feedback. I can see how meeting with him in the future would be really helpful. Okay, I just read what I wrote and I am going to edit this to say he was better than the one psychologist I had way back when. (Many psychologists don't talk, they just sit there and let you talk). This guy at Dr. Brown's had a real kindness, compassion, and obvious desire to help. It was not just about assessing whether I was psychologically suited to the surgery (that was part of it), but also an effort to help, and let me know that he would be there to help in the future as I progress with the band. I really, really appreciated that meeting.

I have been going to counseling for some other issues and the first thing they asked me when I told them I had WLS was if I developed any other addictions. At first I didn't even know what they meant. They had to clarify, do you gamble, shop , or drink? It kind of cracked me up. I hate gambling because I am cheap. I am not fond of shopping unless I need to buy something. Luckily, I hate the taste of alcohol. I am even having trouble bringing myself to drink that sugar free gatoraide that Dr. Campos suggested I drink because it has artificial sweetner in it.

I don't think there is enough alcohol in the world to make me ready to see plain's, um, toys. Nope. Now, the pink wig and cone bra? I am so there!:thumbup:

So far behind here that I can't even focus long enough to read all the posts I missed. But I will say that we do have the Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka here in the ghetto and it makes for a mighty fine alcoholic Arnold Palmer.

Right peeps, i've had mi blowout crap food and am chipped, Chinese and Indianed up - if i ever let em pass mi lips again, im sure i'll hurl! lol Anyway, a bit of alcohol this weekend then i'm getting down to a low fat/alcohol free diet in prep for going to Brussels. Hey Starsky, your large clothes will fit me in my next size drop so maybe we should exchange numbers and do a deal ;o) (Im a size 24 at the mo and want to get to a 16) Bev xxx

Dammit - what is your freakin obsession with water - it's not like it's that important for life - that's what alcohol is for - give it a flying flipping break you nimwitted, nanner eating tree swinging skankish freak btw - feel free to get to know me anytime - I'm a cool chicka!

Well, I thought tequila doesn't give you the problems that beer does. Though frankly I hafta say, I've skipped alcoholism and decided to go right to drug addiction. Why bother with the empty calories, right?