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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

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!

Hello! Just checking in to report, I've not done any IF, nor made a sigle wise choice as of late. Weighed in this morning, up 5 lbs since my new low last weekend, but not surprising considering, terrible food choices, alcohol, not anywhere near my fluid goals (even including alcohol!?), lots of sodium, etc., etc. This sums up the last week This week won't be much better. Headed to a trade show right now, with every bad, crappy, but delicious food you could ever imagine, and then entertaining in the evening ... FML Glad to see IF working for those on here though

Last night was TOUGH. got home around 8pm and wanted to eat sooooooo bad. I had to seriously fight it off hard-core because my body is still detoxing from sugars (primarily in the form of alcohol sugars) and the cravings were awful. The good news is that I woke up clear-headed and not hungry at all. It also helped that I slept in a bit to get me through a bit more time. Please keep us posted on the protein cravings and what your live group days. Tomorrow am I have an apt with my NUT and will be discussing macro goals with her.

Hi everyone! So inspiring to see and read how well you are all doing..and how gorgeous you look! I have discovered already that if you slowly sip margaritas, nibble cheese, biscuits and the occasional roses chocolates, while being distracted by having a great time with friends, you can double your calory intake. And I mean double from 750 cals to 1500 cals in one day. Eeek! The sleeve restriction just doesn't kick in if I graze. So I am being very careful today to eat small dedicated meals and not have any fluids (alcohol!) half hour before or after meals. Good learning curve for me at this early stage. It is sad to realise that I used to easily consume more than 3000 cals at this time of year before the sleeve. Wishing all of you wonderful people a very merry Christmas. Thank you for all your support and advice which I take heart from. Here is to a new year full of happiness and good health.

That sounds awesful! You poor thing.You definately did a job on yourself! Good luck tomorrow, you're young and healthy (now) you'll be fine Ummmm with the fall ........ was there alcohol involved?? Deano

I am usually fine mixing as long as it isnt too many different types, and as long I am not drinking wine. Wine makes me ill.....I am not a normal sleever when it comes to alcohol. Not sure why I bring it up as to say we all go into this thinking we are giving everything up. But as time goes on you get a new normal that feels like it was never any different. And on top of it all, bad night with food and stuff, this morning I weighed in at the lowest number I have seen in a while..

I can't seem to quote your quoted quote... No, silly - not alcoholics anonymous - american airlines (something special in the air my ass....) The spa is across from A23. Next time you fly out of DFW, give it a whirl - it's a great way to relax after dealing with ticket counters, security, and the other dumb-asses who mess up the general travel experience... And yes, you're Hottie McHottie also! Sweet Dreams! B

Nice one Scotty, good luck with your appt. A question for the post sleevers. Do you drink alcohol? How often? What do you drink? How much can you drink? Thanks in advance

Hey gang, Just go back from Los Angeles - My apologies to anyone who loves LA - but I can't freaking (in deference to J's new endeavor) stand the place - never have been able to - never will. I was very good with the food, but very, very, very, very, very bad with the alcohol... I've never been one to have a hang over no matter how much I drank. I figured this trip would be different, since I couldn't binge eat on protein after a hard night of drinking, but I'm happy to report that I can still drink like a whale and not be hung over - go me!!! BG - Good look on your interview today!! We'll all be pulling for ya! I like the revisions that Alex has made to the site in the last week - looks like a more modern version of the old layout than completely different. Can't believe that we went from bycyling to bicyling... Geez-o-Pete. Speaking of new suits (and congrats BG on the smaller sizes!) I had to buy a new suit before my trip - smallest size that I've worn since 1991. It will be the last suit I can buy at the fat man store (and if I hadn't been pressed for time, I would have gone shopping at normal stores). My boxer will be having knee surgery on Wednesday - she had quit limping after a few weeks of bed rest, but she blew it back out the first time she went to play with her friends. She'll be on three months of bed rest, so no Easter Hill Country ride for me. Not happy, but I got to take care of my puppy. Got my grades for the fall term - A & A-. Not happy with the A-, but whatever. Put me in a much better mood about school, though. Was wishing I was going to take classes this term, but in a few months, I'd be pissy about it too. Also with a recovering dog, I'm sure that I'll end up spending most evenings sitting with her, so the wife can do something besides sit with the dog. ZZ - Sorry I didn't respond earlier - your pics are awesome - you are doing sooo good! T - welcome - like BG said, any friend of J is a friend of mine. HP - Hope that school is going well TX - We still need to get together for a ride, but it might be a few weeks until the dog can start doing something besides bed rest. She's gonna be mighty cranky, and it's not fair to my wife to make her sit home with her all day seven days a week. D - We miss you, and hope that you are doing well! JC - Hope that your recovery is proceeding apace. B

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

I was told no alcohol in the first year.

When was the last time you were on a roller coaster? If you’re like me, it’s been a while. In fact, the last time I was on a roller coaster I was 310 lbs and could barely fit into the seat. The restraint almost didn't go around my tummy. I was squeezed in like Cinderella’s step-sister’s foot must have tried to squeeze into that tiny shoe. Yep. I was Drizella’s foot and the coaster seat was the glass slipper. I’m sure it was a comical, if not sad and pathetic site, for those around me. It was embarrassing to me, to say the very least. But I laughed it off and went on, as I tended to do. That roller coaster was a wild ride. It had huge climbs, steep drops, loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and at one point it feels like you’re lying on your side. Honestly, it’s a wonder I stayed in the coaster even with the restraint!! The end of the ride was abrupt - it felt like my insides were coming out of my mouth when it stopped short back at the beginning of the track. When it was over, I felt accomplished, in a way. I’d survived that coaster ride, wild and uncomfortable as it was. Many people don’t realize that life before, during, and after weight loss surgery becomes a roller-coaster ride of it’s own. It has the huge climbs of elation and joy and excitement, the steep drops into anxiety and depression, and the loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and lying on your side moments of uncertainty, worry, and fear. Here are some of the emotional dealings that will occur before, during, and after surgery that you might not know. 1. Pre-Surgery Elation. This happens when you are finally approved for surgery. It’s going to be a reality! You are going to get a brand new lease on life! The period of life where you are having to go through diet after diet is finally coming to an end! You might tell everyone you know or you might decide to keep your secret to yourself. Regardless, you are excited and ready to go! 2. Pre-Surgery Blues. This is when you realize that you are going to have to say good-bye to one of your best friends ... Food. You come to the realization that there are some favorites that you are just not going to be able to eat anymore. Depression sets in slightly, and you might even go on a food bender - similar to what an addict might do. At this point you might even question your decision to go through surgery. 3. Day of Surgery. You’re going to be going through a myriad of emotions during this time. You’ll feel excitement, anxiety, apprehension, and impatience all at the same time. You’ll be worried because, after all, it is a major surgery you’re about to go through. But at the same time, you’ll be excited at what’s about to happen. When you wake up from anesthesia, you might be scared, especially if you’re having a rough transition out of anesthesia. You might be a little confused, wondering where you are. When your body settles down a bit and you remember where you are and what just happened, you might feel a little concerned. "Did everything go okay?" "Is this going to work?" "Did I just make the biggest mistake in my life?" On the other hand, you might wake up beautifully, singing the praises of your surgeon and his/her team, excited to begin your new life. These feelings and emotions will likely cycle throughout the day as you’re getting used to the idea of what just happened and your body relaxes and comes out of shock from surgery. 4. Going Home. When you’re finally released to go home, you’ll either be excited or scared. Thoughts might rush your brain like “will I be able to do this on my own?” and anxiety might set in again. You might, again, question your decision to undergo surgery, especially once the monotony of the liquid diet phases set in. The first few days might be easy, and the next might be excruciating. You’ll be in some discomfort because of incisions and if the surgeon inflated your abdomen with gas prior to surgery (commonly done in laparoscopic surgeries), and this might heighten your doubts and anxieties. You might begin to worry about issues such as leaks, slippage, or staples coming loose. 5.The first few months. You will be going through a mourning period at some point, and for some that occurs during the first few months after surgery. You no longer are able to lean on food for emotional support, so you might feel sad. You might even go through a type of “withdraw” from food, similar to what an addict might be going through their first few days in rehab. You’ll be able to eat more some days than others, and that will lead you to worry if your surgery is working or if there’s something wrong. Some days you’ll be jealous of watching everyone around you eat foods that you once loved. Others, you’ll be glad you can’t/don’t eat those things anymore. By the time you've finished all of your phases and are on to real food, you’ll be relieved and excited, and likely worried and anxious as well. Whereas before, you were relying on liquids for sustenance, now you’re on your own and have to rely on figuring your food choices out for yourself. 6. The losing phase. From the moment you leave the hospital until you reach your goal you are considered to be in the losing phase of surgery. For the purposes of this article, we’re going to call the losing phase the time period from month 3 (about the time you transition into full solids) to the point where you reach your goal. There will be many frustrations, joys, and concerns in the months ahead. Some days you’ll forget everything you were taught about nutrition and make yourself sick on something you shouldn't have eaten. Other days you’ll be 100% on track. You’ll have moments of pride and joy, and moments of shame and weakness. You’ll revel in finding out you can eat something as simple as asparagus and despair over not being able to eat rice pilaf. You’ll finally reach your “groove” point sometime during month four or five, and things begin to go well. You’ll reach a stall or two (or five ...) and wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you've messed up your new tummy. You’ll marvel over losing 10 lbs in one week. You’ll wonder why you only lost 2 lbs the next week. When your loss starts to slow down, you’ll worry that you’re not exercising enough, that you’re eating too much or too little, or worry that your surgery is beginning to fail. You’ll relax more when you are consistently losing, even if it has gone down to 1-2 lbs a week. 7. The maintenance phase. When you reach your goal weight, you will have reached what is called “maintenance”. This is the final stage that you will likely be in for the rest of your life. Here, you will change your diet slightly in order to not lose or gain any more weight. You will get frustrated a time or two - especially the first time you gain a few pounds. You will marvel at what you've lost, but are concerned with the way your body looks now. You will have loose skin, which may cause body image issues. If you’re single, you might notice more possible suitors paying more attention to you. You might fall from one addiction (food) into another (sex). You might also be tempted into other addictive substances or habits such as alcohol, cigarettes, shopping, or pornography. Alternatively, you may look back at your loss, as meaningful and inspirational. You might revel in the way your life has changed and be happier than you have ever been and be ready to branch out and help others succeed in their bariatric surgery journeys. Tips on Riding the Roller Coaster Knowing that these emotions are possible doesn't mean they will happen for everyone, and doesn't mean you can’t get through them. The following tips will help you stay on the road to success and prevent you from falling off the wagon and into an abyss of self-doubt and depression: 1. Support. This is the number one most important thing for WLS patients. Even more important than food is support. Support can be found at home, through friends and family, in a hospital or surgery center support group, or even online forums such as Bariatric Pal. 2. Stick to the plan. As tempting as it might be to veer off and eat something you’re not supposed to, stick with your doctor or nutritionist’s eating plan as closely as possible. This will ensure that you continue to lose steadily, decrease the length and amount of stalls you’ll experience, and will speed up the healing process. 3. Vitamins. It sounds very cliche, but remember to take your vitamins! Focus on Iron and B Complex vitamins especially.A vitamin deficiency can result in depression, physical weakness, and poor sleep habits. 4. Speaking of sleep ... Make sure you’re getting plenty of it! At least 8 hours a day for an adult! Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and (you guessed it!) depression! 5. Remember that “this too shall pass” ... These stages of emotional turmoil certainly won’t last forever. You’ll get over them as quickly as they overcame you. And keep in mind that each stage after surgery only lasts a short time in the grand scheme of things. Most eating phases last, at most, a month. After which you’re on to the next phase. 6. Keep a plan handy. Know that you will likely feel some unpleasant emotions or feelings and plan for them. Know what you’re going to do when you get upset, depressed, feel head hunger, or even feel physical pain from surgery. Have a list of friends to call at the drop of a hat, have a bottle of water ready to sip on at all times, or have your doctor’s phone number on speed dial. Know that these feelings will likely happen at some point in time, and be ready to deal with them when they do. 7. Remember that everything you’re going through is completely normal and OKAY. It’s important and helpful to know that everyone goes through a stall at some point. Everyone has pain during the first couple of weeks after surgery. Everyone eats something they shouldn't at some point. Whatever it is you’re going through - someone else has likely gone through it! 8. Finally, DON’T GIVE UP! Remember that this is a journey. As the old saying goes, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” There will be ups and downs on this wild roller-coaster ride. There will be twists and turns and loop-de-loops and there will be many moments when you feel like you’re laying over on your side. But, in the end, it will all be worth it. Your health, your life, and YOU ARE WORTH IT!!

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.

Hi shoes, Are you in Ireland? What I mean by obstruction is, getting "stuck" on food, having to excuse myself after a bit or two to go and hurl it back up in the loo... My band was obviously too tight. It got to the point that I couldn't even drink fluids, it was pretty bad so I had a complete unfill last sept. Restriction is suppose to mean "feeling full" but in my experience the term restriction means exactly that, food is literally restricted, it's not that I feel full, it's that I can't eat much, which sucks because instead of feeling satisfied it leaves me with head and eye hunger. I CAN'T eat the food, but I'D still LIKE to...so, while the mechanics work, it doesn't take care of the desire. My mistake is that I wanted the band to act more like a wand and CHANGE me, instead of the reality that it can maybe be used as a tool to help me change myself. I didn't and don't want to "DIET" anymore...I still have the urge to overeat regardless of what the band is capable of. Hence sabotaging by eating "around" the band, Ice cream and chocolate and alcohol when I can't get the bread & crisps into me. My desire to binge is as strong today, 2+ years post band op, as it was the day I paid money in desperation to get the fat monkey off my back The only thing that has grown stronger is my own resistance. I DO NOT WANT to DIET anymore..I'm sick of it, which is why I got the band and is why I misunderstood what the band does. If I didn't eat when I wasn't hungry, I wouldn't have needed the band...so how do you change desire? I have reasons why I want to lose weight and reasons why I don't want to diet...I am conflicted and as a result ambiguous!! I suck!! :blushing: Only thing I can do now is come to terms with my obvious emotional need to stuff my face.

I can't drink anything with even the slightest bit of carbonation or I will be in MAJOR pain -- groaning, rolling on the floor pain -- from the gas. Really, it's that bad. So some of us do have problems with carbonation. I've found that the only thing I miss is that some of my favorite alcoholic drinks have Coke in them and I can't have them anymore. Since alcohol isn't exactly conducive to weight loss, that's probably not a bad thing. Otherwise I don't miss it at all -- there are plenty of other yummy things to drink. Lots of flavors of Crystal Lite. So if you're a bandster who hasn't tried carbonation since banding, proceed with caution.

Well, I just avoided junk food, anything high in fat and alcohol for the couple of weeks before hand. By the way, it'll be the best decision you ever made. It was the 6 month anniversary of my band yesterday and i don't know myself. i have so much more confidence. I was squeezing myself into a 24 and am now comfortably in 18s. In fact they're a bit loose. Best of luck with it!

Read this I tried to just post the link but I couldn't get it to stay. Adjustments How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of protein a day 2. Are you eating 25 grams of fiber 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories a. Soup can be sign of “soft calorie syndrome” b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram (1) It’s also a stomach irritant c. Fruit juice is just sugar water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can’t just eat what’s easy c. Cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals 6. Are you eating too much junk a. Chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don’t avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of calcium daily 8. Do you always eat the protein first 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. Meat or fish (1) 3 ounces – the size of a deck of cards b. Vegetables (1) ½ cup – the size of your fist c. Starch (1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don’t need much (2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine (2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you’re not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait. 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won’t be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it’s a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive – compulsive thoughts (1) Obsess about something else b. Perfectionism (1) All or none, black and white thinking c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as “good” and “bad” e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables a. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (6) Peppermint a. Baking soda toothpaste (7) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (1) Tylenol is OK n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider 4. See your health care provider immediately (or call 911) if a. You have a squeezing, tightness or heaviness in your chest, especially if the discomfort spreads to your shoulder, arm or jaw or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat or nausea. These could be symptoms of a heart attack. b. If your symptoms are triggered by exercise. c. If your pain localizes to your right side, especially if you also have nausea or fever d. If you throw up vomit that looks like black sand or coffee grounds. Or if your stool is black, deep red or looks like it has tar in it. These are symptoms of bleeding and need immediate attention. (Note: Pepto-Bismol or other medications with bismuth will turn your stool black. Iron supplements can also make the stool tarry.) e. If your pain is severe This was written by Jessie H. Ahroni, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., C.D.E., B.C.-A.D.M. All site content copyright Malcolm Bywaters and WorldWyldWeb.com 2003 Web Site Design WorldWyldWeb.

Hey! I'm down from 283 to 253 since Sept 26th so 30 lbs in 5 months. I've lost 62 since July. I've had 2 fills and I'm not in the green zone yet. I am happy with my progress considering I haven't been on an exercise regime and still eat some things that aren't considered diet food occasionally...plus I drink alcohol daily

So ... today is my birthday. I am having kind of a down day Birthdays are normally a big deal in my family. Parties, alcohol, and lots of food. I am way out of my element right now. I feel like I can't celebrate my birthday at all. I hate this feeling! I keep telling myself over and over I did this for myself, this is my present to myself. It's just hard to except no celebration for my one day. I know I know I should not think like this and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I have been given. It's just a hard day :/ Also on the negative my husband has to work all day and I wont be able to see him at all on my birthday End rant! Thank you all for listening. Hope all is going well with everyone.

I've just had a bit of upsetting news and am in shock. It couldn't have came at a worse time. My dad has been sober for 23yrs and my mum phoned to say he has lifted a drink......I am numb He has been having a few health issues for a while and the Dr keeps reassuring him he is fine but he is getting so worked up about it that he suddenly hit a depression last week. I think he is worrying about my op too. I was 14 when he found alcoholics anonymous, so for 23yrs hes been going and doing great I cannot believe he's went back on it. I am absolutley floored I am on my own with my little girl of 3 and rely a lot on my mum and dad we are close. They were planning on looking after Hattie when I was going in for the op. Now I don;t know what to do. Do I cancel? My mum says no but there is just no knowing what state he will be in by next week. My stress levels are through the roof but I don't want to cry on my mums shoulder she's got enough to deal with. I'm trying to be a grown up. One thing though the thought of food is making me feel sick Am totally devastated

What "clk" said!!!! 2,000 or 1800 is way too high for a sleever to loose. We who have yo-yoed or have become obese do not have the same calorie deficit formula. The sleeve cannot stretch all that much so you must be eating a lot of slider foods. It doesn't take much: a little Peanut Butter there, some mayo here, a few crackers there. I suggest using My Fitness Pal and documenting everything you put into your mouth. Eat dense, lean Protein first and then some good veggies if there is room. Cut the carbs way back. I don't eat over 40 grams a day. Go to The World According to Eggface for some great recipes. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo and sour cream. You can add anything to flavor unflavored Greek yogurt (blue cheese, caramelized onions, spices, horseradish, a little avocado, SF Torani syrups, etc.) There are all kinds of tricks. Most important: Cut out the simple sugar. If you cannot limit yourself to tiny amounts of dark chocolate (and I mean tiny), do not touch it. If you cannot limit the crackers, get rid of them and substitute cucumber slices. We are like alcoholics in some ways and sometimes total abstinence is the only way to cope. You have the tool. All you need to do is pick it up and use it. I like the idea of going back to like you've just had surgery and doing the Protein shake thing. Again, go to Eggface. I learned how to make protein shake from her and they are so good that I actually look forward to them When I occasionally have one. You both do look pretty darn good! I see a thinner person in there too and there is no reason why you cannot reach your goal.

Well I've paid for flights, deposit and insurance and have to do a 2 week low fat diet with no alcohol ready for operation on 8th April, my only worry is that my passport won't be here in time. Its kinda cool though as I can't worry bout op as more worried bout passport.

This is from a slightly different perspective, but I was in a relationship over the course of a few years when I went from being mildly overweight to morbidly obese. Part of my weight gain was for the normal reasons of poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and emotional disregulation, but the speed in which I gained was largely because of medications I was taking for a mood disorder. When I look back over that relationship, a big part of the deterioration was because of the weight gain. When you date someone who's 170 pounds and they shoot up to 250 in such a short period of time, it just changes everything. Part of it was the physical attraction, but I think more of it was how poorly I coped with my body image. I struggled with moving, I hated myself for letting it happen, and I projected that negativity into my relationship. My partner wasn't being shallow as we fell out of love, they were experiencing the pain of what it's like to love someone who doesn't value themselves. We ask ourselves on this site how we are going to address the emotional aspects of what lead us here, and we fight a battle to get to where we want to be. And when you look at all of the obese people throughout the country, we are in the minority of people who are actively fighting and winning this battle. Everyone deserves to be valued and treated with respect, but when it comes to choosing romantic partners, I don't get angry when people aren't interested because of my weight. Like others have said, we choose people who are most attractive to us, and obesity is one of the most visible personal demons out of them all. If every alcoholic had a bottle of wine on top of their heads, Id be hesitant too.

Ok, quilty, so quilty. Popcorn is my one vice. I gave up everything else, soda, alcohol, sweets, potato chips, bread......... I have been able to eat popcorn the entire time. I can eat about 1-2 cups depending on how my band is responding. I buy the small bags, 100 calorie ones, pop them, spray, I can't believe it's butter on it and some fresh ground pepper. I do chew the heck out of it but it is the one thing I really enjoy as a snack, it satisfys my urge for salty snacks.