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Married to my first husband for 8 years. He cheated on me and got into drugs and alcohol. I was devastated. Then my high school sweetheart came back into my life and rescued me from the nightmare. All of the fireworks still went off. He got me and my kids out of a bad situation and we ended up together. I guess you could say we cheated, but I ended up marrying him and we've been together now for 18 years. blissfully happy. We have NEVER cheated on eachother. I guess we should have married in the first place!

Hi there...I am recent banded Man--(March 28th-2007). I am right at 33 pounds lost--kind of slow--but I won't complain. Cheating--sometimes we meet cheaters and we feel that we are in a great loving relationship. Then our walls come tumbling down. I have felt that pain that no drug, no alcohol drink can make numb. I have tried to stay to myself--like stop dating. I have looked at many of the people around me. It seems to be rampant.Many have forgot all about HIV or the repricussions of their marriage or relationship will bring--if the other party found out. I have said--to many times to my neighbors--one of the ones who's cheating--Thank God I am single and loving it. This was a mother who I know. Our world has changed dramatically now. What was once right--is now wrong. What's wrong seems to be the norm for many. At my age of "fifty"(50)..I am so shocked and sometimes afraid--I say--My hurt throughout life is enough for me.Since I'm a single father of 2 boys--11 and 9. I would hate to see them be hurt. They were hurt already from a cheating Mom--who happened to be my wife. She walked away--7 years ago. Fearing my anger would turn Violent. Never would I ever hit a Woman who was about 120 lbs-all of 5'4"...I will soon be tired of my exile of 2 years upcoming in August...

Suzie - I leave tomorrow for CO. Has he ever been in treatment? If not, I'd suggest finding a center for him if at all possible, or at the very least an "intensive outpatient" program. 90 meetings in 90 days is good, but eventually he needs a sponsor and should be actively working the steps to maximize his chance of success. Here's a link to Narcotics Anonymous pamphlets you can print out: Recovery Literature in English (US) As a family member there is only so much you can do. Your job is to set up boundaries (rules) and consequences and enforce them -- not an easy job. His recovery is his job and he has to want it more than anything. Hopefully his attendance at meetings will inspire him to want "what they have" which is SERENITY. A sponsor will help him in a way nobody else can and that's why they are so very important. Your best source for help, support and information is your local chapter of AA or NA. If he is a narcotics addict (rather than alcohol), NA is a much better choice for him. The NA office in Kansas City is 800.561.2250 -- call them and speak to someone about support for yourself and your husband. They will help you to help him. I promise.

Seems most of lifes social interactions involve food. So - when you go out for those first couple of dates here are some tips. First date - go for coffee/tea Order a Skinny Decaf vanilla Latte (160 calories & 10 gram Protein - order Soy if lactose issues) and go for a walk afterwards. You would be amazed at what you find out about a person in a book store. Second date - go out for appitizers. Tell date you don't drink on worknights (no alcohol) or say you have an early morning next day. You pick the place. Do your research going on the internet to search menus that have protein items you can have like fish, wings or another protien. At PF Changs I eat the chicken in lettuce wraps. NUMMY Date three - By now you should be able to feel comfortable enough to go out and do something. It is summer, so find a local park concert, bikeride, beach walk or go to a farmers market. You pack the Snacks. Remember, dating is about getting to know someone. Eating is just another way to have fun. You will know when it is time to approach the subject of - "hey, I am actively trying to lose weight so where would you like to go to do something together?" Now, get out there and have fun!

I only had a 4 day pre op because I had been traveling and my doc said he'd do it just after I got back- probably because I was a lower bmi. He said my liver wasn't fatty at all when he went it which totally surprised me- my gi had said a year before that my liver looked like an alcoholics liver even though I barely drink. I lost 6 pounds in those 4 days. Mich W Hw 223, SW 217 CW 199 GW 135

I wonder whether it is the lack of variety that is making you feel unsatisfied. I could not eat the same thing every day for that long and feel it, for sure. Why can't you have a variety of foods at this point? I'm on week 5 and my doctor just cleared me for everything except bread, refined sugars, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. I know every plan is different, but if you're in week 8, you should be able to eat a good variety now. That, combined with the protein, may help. Are you getting all your fluids in?

Contrave Generic Name: bupropion hydrochloride and naltrexone hydrochloride Date of Approval: September 10, 2014 Company: Orexigen Therapeutics Treatment for: Obesity FDA Approves ContraveNew weight loss option targets both the physiological and behavioral factors associated with obesity. The U.S. food and Drug Administration has approved Contrave for chronic weight management in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. Contrave is a combination of two FDA-approved drugs in an extended-release formulation: naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol) used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder, and as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. Contrave is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obesity) or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Medication GuideRead this Medication Guide before you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical problems or treatment. Important informationContrave can cause serious side effects, including: Suicidal thoughts or actions. One of the ingredients is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.Stop taking this medicine and call a healthcare provider right away if you, or your family member, have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying new or worse irritability attempts to commit suicide acting aggressive, being angry, or violent new or worse depression acting on dangerous impulses new or worse anxiety an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania) feeling very agitated or restless panic attacks other unusual changes in behavior or mood trouble sleeping (insomnia) During treatment, you or your family members should: Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when you start treatment or when your dose changes. Keep all follow-up visits with your health care provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms. Contrave has not been studied in and is not approved for use in children under the age of 18. What is Contrave?Contrave is a prescription medicine which contains two medicines (naltrexone and bupropion) that may help some obese or over weight adults, who also have weight related medical problems, lose weight and keep the weight off. It should be used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is not known if it changes your risk of heart problems or stroke or of death due to heart problems or stroke. It is not known if it is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight loss products. It is not known if it is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. It is not approved to treat depression or other mental illnesses, or to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation). One of the ingredients, bupropion, is the same ingredient in some other medicines used to treat depression and to help people quit smoking. Who should not take Contrave?Do not take this medicine if you: have uncontrolled hypertension have or have had seizures use other medicines that contain bupropion such as Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin and Zyban have or have had an eating disorder called anorexia (eating very little) or bulimia (eating too much and vomiting to avoid gaining weight) are dependent on opioid pain medicines or use medicines to help stop taking opioids such as methadone or buprenorphine, or are in opiate withdrawal drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines and you stop using them all of a sudden are taking medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including linezolid. Do not start treatment until you have stopped taking your MAOI for at least 14 days. are allergic to naltrexone or bupropion or any of the other ingredients. See theend of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients. are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while taking Contrave. Before taking ContraveBefore starting this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you: have or have had depression or other mental illnesses (such as bipolar disorder) have attempted suicide in the past have or have had seizures have had a head injury have had a tumor or infection of your brain or spine (central nervous system) have had a problem with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or low levels of sodium in your blood (hyponatremia) have or have had liver problems have high blood pressure have or have had a heart attack, heart problems, or have had a stroke have kidney problems are diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar have or have had an eating disorder drink a lot of alcohol abuse prescription medicines or street drugs are over the age of 65 have any other medical conditions are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. This medicine can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you should continue treatment or breastfeed. You should not do both. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, Vitamins, and herbal supplements. This medicine may affect the way other medicines work and vice versa, and can cause side effects. Ask your healthcare provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider or pharmacist when you get a new medicine. How should I take Contrave?How to take Contrave Morning Dose Evening Dose Starting: Week 1 1 tablet None Week 2 1 tablet 1 tablet Week 3 2 tablets 1 tablet Week 4 Onward 2 tablets 2 tablets Take the tablets exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. Do not change your dose without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will change your dose if needed. Your healthcare provider should tell you to stop taking the tablets if you have not lost a certain amount of weight after 16 weeks of treatment. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not cut, chew, or crush. Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot swallow the tablets whole. Do not take more than 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening. Do not take more than 2 tablets at the same time or more than 4 tablets in 1 day. Do not take the tablets with high-fat meals. It may increase your risk of seizures. If you miss a dose, wait until your next regular time to take it. Do not take more than one dose at a time. If you overdose, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away. What should I avoid?Do not drink a lot of alcohol during treatment. If you drink a lot of alcohol, talk with your healthcare provider before suddenly stopping. If you suddenly stop drinking alcohol, you may increase your chance of having a seizure. Contrave side effectsSerious side effects include: See Important information Seizures. There is a risk of having a seizure when you take this medicine. The risk of seizure is higher in people who:take higher doses have certain medical conditions take this medicine with certain other medicines Do not take any other medicines during treatment unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure, stop taking Contrave and call your healthcare provider right away. You should not take Contrave again if you have a seizure. Risk of opioid overdose. One of the ingredients (naltrexone) can increase your chance of having an opioid overdose if you take opioid medicines. You can accidentally overdose in 2 ways:Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, such as heroin, methadone or opioid pain medicines. Do not take large amounts of opioids, including opioid-containing medicines, such as heroin or prescription pain pills, to try to overcome the opioid- blocking effects of naltrexone. This can lead to serious injury, coma, or death. After you take naltrexone, its blocking effect slowly decreases and completely goes away over time. If you have used opioid street drugs or opioid-containing medicines in the past, using opioids in amounts that you used before treatment with naltrexone can lead to overdose and death. You may also be more sensitive to the effects of lower amounts of opioids:after you have gone through detoxification when your next dose of Contrave is due if you miss a dose after you stop treatment It is important that you tell your family and the people closest to you of this increased sensitivity to opioids and the risk of overdose. You or someone close to you should get emergency medical help right away if you: have trouble breathing become very drowsy with slowed breathing have slow, shallow breathing (little chest movement with breathing) feel faint, very dizzy, confused, or have unusual symptoms Sudden opioid withdrawal. People who take Contrave must not use any type of opioid (must be opioid-free) including street drugs, prescription pain medicines (including tramadol), cough, cold, or diarrhea medicines that contain opioids, or opioid dependence treatments, buprenorphine or methadone, for at least 7 to 10 days before starting Contrave. Using opioids in the 7 to 10 days before you start may cause you to suddenly have symptoms of opioid withdrawal when you take it. Sudden opioid withdrawal can be severe, and you may need to go to the hospital. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before a medical procedure or surgery. Severe allergic reactions. Some people have had a severe allergic reaction to bupropion, one of the active ingredients. Stop taking this medicine and call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction:rash painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes itching hives swelling of your lips or tongue fever chest pain swollen lymph glands trouble breathing Increases in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people may get high blood pressure or have a higher heart rate when taking this medicine. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure and heart rate before you start taking, and while you take Contrave. Liver damage or hepatitis. One of the ingredients, naltrexone can cause liver damage or hepatitis. Stop taking this medicine and tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of liver problems:stomach area pain lasting more than a few days dark urine yellowing of the whites of your eyes tiredness Your healthcare provider may need to stop treatment if you get signs or symptoms of a serious liver problem. Manic episodes. One of the ingredients, bupropion can cause some people who were manic or depressed in the past to become manic or depressed again. Visual problems (angle-closure glaucoma). One of the ingredients, bupropion, can cause some people to have visual problems (angle-closure glaucoma). Signs and symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma may include:eye pain changes in vision swelling or redness in or around the eye Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if you are at risk for angle-closure glaucoma and to get treatment to prevent it if you are at risk. Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also take medicines to treat their diabetes. Weight loss can cause low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also take medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (such as insulin or sulfonylureas). You should check your blood sugar before you start taking this medicine and during treatment. The most common side effects include: nausea dizziness constipation trouble sleeping headache dry mouth vomiting diarrhea Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. StorageStore tablets at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. General informationMedicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use this medicine for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give it to other people, even if they have the same symptoms or condition that you have. It may harm them. If you take a urine drug screening test, Contrave may make the test result positive for amphetamines. If you tell the person giving you the drug screening test that you are taking Contrave, they can do a more specific drug screening test that should not have this problem. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information that is written for health professionals. IngredientsActive ingredients: naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose anhydrous, L-cysteine hydrochloride, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, edetate disodium, lactose monohydrate, colloidal silicon dioxide, Opadry II Blue and FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake

I only had a 4 day pre op because I had been traveling and my doc said he'd do it just after I got back- probably because I was a lower bmi. He said my liver wasn't fatty at all when he went it which totally surprised me- my gi had said a year before that my liver looked like an alcoholics liver even though I barely drink. I lost 6 pounds in those 4 days. Mich W Hw 223, SW 217 CW 199 GW 135

donali, well i'll preface this by saying my father is an alcoholic and has drank my entire life except 3 years. i'm 27 i told my bf in the begining i didnt have a problem with casual drinking but i could never be with someone who drank more than socially. as we have stayed together he has drank more and more and i find that i have to bitch at him to not drink more than 3 nights a week. its not something i am willing to live with. i dont feel like i should have to MAKE someone do anything. he of course assures me things will change, one last chance...yada yada. i have heard that before from my father and now him. the past is a good predicter of the future and i dont want to waste anymore time. i do truly love him but in the words of tina turner 'whats love got to do with it' you can love someone till the cows come home but if they arent good for you then you arent loving yourself by settling. its been a tough couple of months i am hoping he'll be out by august. i have been telling him he needs to find a place to go the past month but he isnt really listening. i dont know if i'll have to move too in order to make him see its OVER! michelle

Michele, you and I have a LOT in common. My first marriage was an exercise in co-dependency, something I was really good at as the daughter of an alcoholic. When I was 30 I walked out and it was the single best thing I could have done for myself and my future. I'd be happy to commiserate with you in private if you need any support. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. You are a stong, strong woman and deserve to take steps for your happiness. You owe him nothing and yourself everything. Lots of cyber-hugs from me to you, sweetie. It's a tough road but one you'll be glad you traveled someday.

I live in Denver and do use mj recreationally. I waited for several weeks after surgery but my doctor and nut said it was fine. I DO get the munchies and am sad about that. It DOES settle my stomach when I'm nauseous. It has A LOT less calories than alcohol. So while I'm sure everyone is different, I won't be using mj regularly anymore after I move out of state next month. Not to say I won't occasionally partake, but the munchies are enough to deter me from being a regular user. Plus, it's illegal in Texas.

You hit it on the nail.......self destructive. For some it's alcohol, drugs, sex, and then for others it's food. It's about that mindset and it was clear to me that Pauline needed some serious counseling...probably lifelong....prior to surgery. Sometimes you have to see your behavior in others in order to get "it", I know that's what worked for me.....straight up, frank, & clear examples. That is what keeps my tail in line.

I’m in the same boat I’m 2 years out in March and I’ve regained exactly how much I’m to scared to look lately but it was 5kgs a few months back drinking alcohol has been the biggest issue as I get drunk fast but I use to never drink prior to surgery now I do every night except the last week I’ve stopped I can also eat bread and chocolate and lollies I was sleeved and wish I had chosen RNY so I’d atleast get dumping and not continue to eat bad things I snack all the time and don’t exercise I’m miserable I Was self pay and cannot believe I’m having these issues now I was so good in the beginning so strict Please let me k ow how your going with your weight loss

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

Okay the actual "comment" was really not that awful or harming, but it was just a reminder for me. A man who has children at the same school my girls go to was walking by a few weeks ago and I hadn't seen him for a while. Just out of the blue he says "wow, looks like you have lost a lot of weight" and I mumbled a thank you and ended the conversation. Most people would just consider this a compliment and move on. But the part that was a reminder to me, the slap in the face, that I took away from the comment was just the general fact that we cannot hide our obesity. I happen to know that this man is struggling with alcoholism right now, to the point that his wife asked him to move out and get treatment. I heard this from a 3rd party as I am not super close friends with this family. So his comment to ME, was akin to me walking by him and saying "looks like you been laying off the bottle!" Of course I would NEVER say that to anyone, even if I did know that they were struggling with a problem. So why do people feel the need to comment on our weight loss, our body shape, etc. It's all visible, no hiding, you can't mask obesity like you can with other addictions, behaviors, or problems. Most of the issues that people have in their lives can be behind closed doors, where obesity is just screaming from your body everywhere you go, everything you do, etc. I hope this makes sense.

same here!!! it takes a lot for someone to truly admit to themselves the ugly truth. sometimes denial can cross over into an uncontrollable state of delusion. i commend you on your honesty and i wish you the best of success on your weight loss journey. i have seen people who are 30-50lbs overweight due to medication, metabolic disorders, etc but to be honest i have never seen anybody who was 100lbs+ overweight from medication and/or metabolic disorders and I've spent over 15 years studying both psychology and metabolism (on a cellular level/biology). you know, you can lead a horse to water but you can not make them drink even if they are dying. and when it comes to issues of morbid obesity, it really is a life or death matter. some people are unable to cope with what they have done to themselves. i've taken prednisone, and was unable to walk for 2 years after some injuries that i had. i would ride in my medical transport van and we would go to a fast food place and get 3 meat shwaramas, poutine (fries with all types of delicious stuff layered on it and topped in cheese and gravy), 4 pieces of baklava, then have a few pieces of cheese pizza at physical therapy. i would still go home and have what my household considered a healthy balanced meal. Grilled chicken, green beans, tomatoes, cabbage, rice, and a banana. i would often have seconds. my eating was so secret. even people who LIVED with me thought that i was just overweight based on having seconds at most meals and not being active. because i gained most of my weight after my injuries (i went from about 175 to 375 in just over a year and a half then another 150 crept on over 4 years) my mother in law was from Somalia and she was quite large and i added rice and banana to almost every meal (which is a very Somalian tradition). people would actually defend me and say 'she doesnt eat that much - i have seconds too and i havent gained as much as she has, it has to be her metabolism'. because people try to make the illogical logical so they can cope with it. but it's just PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE to gain massive weight unless you are consuming and storing those calories. if you are in a coma and no one gives you nourishment you are going to waste away. no matter what type of crazy medications you are on, no matter what type of crazy edema you have. it's physically impossible. it is a whole lot to mentally deal with and maybe the OP is just not there yet. as frustrating as it is to witness a person in that dangerous of a state, no one can FORCE her to see the light, you know? it just really hurts my heart because people out here are trying so hard to get this surgery to save their lives. people are mortgaging their homes or taking out loans to even go out of the country to get this surgery. and then when you see someone so defiant and abrasive and unappreciative of it...that just breaks my heart. and then when they become HOSTILE to the point of wanting to pipe off at a community dedicated towards getting healthy it's just so painful. obviously the OP is just unaware. and you know, hey. it is what it is. imagine going to an AA meeting or an NA meeting and you have that one person there who wants to rant at everybody like "Oh, yeah...I have 100 DUIs, I ran into a few houses, I drove my car into a lake, but I do not have an alcohol problem, I do not have a drug problem. Every DUI I got was because I had just used Listerine right before I drove. I always drink in moderation. My body just doesn't process alcohol well so that is not my fault but yet I am going to keep drinking. I don't know why I am here I am sick of hearing about being clean and sober." You'd want to pull your hair out! Well, maybe not after the sleeve LOL. I want to keep each and every strand I currently have.

Three and a half drinks last night over a 5-6 hour period.. Lots of water and some food in between and I STILL promised the Irish boy sitting next to me that I'll be his NEW BFF and I'm pretty sure I kissed a man with Maori tattoos on his chin. I'm 40 years old and up until last night, I've never been intoxicated... EVER.... I thought I was doing good with pacing myself and eating bits of food etc....WRONG. So glad I looped in my friends PRIOR to going out of the possibility of alcohol affecting me differently because BOY, did it EVER....but fortunately they kept me in check and took me home and tucked me in... BUT now as a special added bonus..Now I'm hungover and ridiculously nauseated... Who gets hungover on three and a half drinks???? OK, just wanted to share the experience. If you choose to drink post sleeve, please be sure that you have friends who will watch out for you.. or drink at home.

Well, got back on the bike yesterday. Saturday was a mess. Apparently your body doesn't like you when you've "detox'ed" for 4 weeks then decided to fill it up with bad stuff like alcohol. I had the worse head ache, and my old body just ached. Not to mention I figured out another reason the weight wasnt moving. My monthly friend came to visit yesterday (gggrrr) :-( soooo Im sure THAT was been messing with my weight for the past week as well. I was crampy, bloated and grouchy all weekend. sooo much for fun. But I did get on my bike and pump out over 4 miles yesterday. Only about 20 minutes of riding, but I felt it was a good healthy "jolt" to my aching old body. Worked some of the bad out... Will be back on the elliptical tonight... need to get my crunches on too. I usually do a monthly pic at this time. I think I will wait till the end of the week -- hopefully, not so bloated and will have a few more days to tone some more things up before the dreaded PICTURES!! I feel tired.:faint: -- I do NOT want to be at work right now!!

Sassy why did she say it was too early? Have you had a fill recently? I like the Zone protein bars. I don't do the shakes, yuk. Its hard to tell if you really need a fill or not. With myself I try to see how I'm doing calorie wise and if I'm following the band rules, how much time between eating before I feel hungry. My PA asks me all that before he will schedule the fill so I track it myself too. I don't think getting "stuck" is the same as needing a fill. Getting stuck or pb's, sliming all happen to me when I eat too fast or too big of a bite. Nikki we all go thro the disappointment in ourselves. Don't be embarrassed to get a fill bc you haven't lost anything! Thats all the more reason to go in. Just keep checking in with us and you'll get on track again. 30-35 lbs is great!!! BK - wtg on the measurements!!! It feels great doesn't it? And yes the scale is the evil one. It told me today that I haven't lost a pound this week! A couple days ago I was down 3 - but today was my tracking day. I actually think I need alittle more fill now. Its been 3 weeks and I'm beginning to feel hunger alot faster and its harder to keep my calories below 1200. I went to the wedding yesterday and I did pretty good, no alcohol (wasted calories) but I was so hungry before the food started and I drank 2 ice teas they were sf but then I had all this liquid before I ate, I think I ate more then a cup - but its so hard to tell. Yummy food, flank steak, chicken alfredo... CAKE.. I just did a little bit of it all. The groom was chef at the club for a few years and he created some of the recipes - he was amazing when he worked with me, and he knew I loved food so he'd always bring me samples to try - any wonder I got fat? Anyway I took a bite of the steak and went uhoh! Sat my fork down and waited for gravity to do its job, then I took the tiny little bites like I should and it was great. There was a man at our table who we thought we should know and just couldn't place him, through conversation we realized we did know him... when he was 240 lbs heavier! He had been 500 lbs and had gastric bypass! So then the topic turned to my lapband. I was the first person he'd ever met who'd had it done. His brother died from the bypass back in the late 70's, his other brother almost died, but he still went through with it. He said his dad died at 47 so he knew he had to do something. It made me very thankful for the lapband. Its supose to be 78 here today - there's still snow in the shady spots! Anyway I'm going to church then I'm going to get my flower gardens ready for spring plantings. Have a good day!

Michelle - oh my gosh I can't believe you tried the vinegar trick. I never actually tried it. I left the vinegar out on my kitchen island and each time (for about a week) that I wanted something sweet the thought of actually swishing with vinegar made my stomach turn. But then I just put it away one day and forgot about it... Terry - that thing you found about people with that gene liking sweets and hating alcohol, that's me. I never ever drank until I was in my late 20's because alcohol was so bitter and gross to me. Now at this age I still won't drink beer. Hate the taste. I will drink alcohol only if it's masked with fruity sweet things. Red wine is bitter and gross and I will drink a very light white wine once in a blue moon. I hate brocoli, asparagus, lots of other veggies as a child. They were so bitter to me...

Well, we had to clean the house of any and alcohol and drugs since DS is back and I'm on Day 2 of sober living. Just because I "can't" have it, i want a glass worse than ever, of course! But I'm gonna do what he's doing -- one day at a time -- I think that will help him. I'm thinking I'll restrict myself to the occasional glass when I go out with friends. If I have a hard time sticking to that rule then it's all the more reason I should stick to it! I think I've done SEVEN loads of laundry today....maybe eight. I don't think there's a dirty sock or shirt in the house.....until tomorrow! Speaking of which...the dryer is beeping! Laterz.

Hello Everyone, wow I have a lot to catch up on.. I had to go back and start reading from the 19th.. JDI- I still run 3.1 miles 2x's a week with my running group or in my neighborhood and occasional add in a short run (about 1.5 to 2 miles) too. But Next time I register and pay for an official timed race I just hope to be at my goal of running the entire course. It's just a personal goal that's all always challenging myself. Rkimom - I know I'm late but glad you've joined the group, I've read your posts and since I've been back to taking my vitamins on a regular basis..I am terrible with that but getting much better. LadyB - I worry about erosion and slippage every time I get a stomach ache, I noticed over the holidays I did great with food but did bad with the wine & mix drinks on Tues, Wed & T-Giving and noticed by Friday I felt like my band was having spasms I got really scared, so I stopped the alcohol and no more spasms, then tried a mix drink on Monday (as a test) and boom, spasm feeling again. I guess me and alcohol no longer get along! well thank goodness I'm not a heavy drinker lol so this should be an easy issue to fix. I see everyone survived Thanksgiving..that's wonderful. I had 1 plate of food, 1 small dessert and I was done with dinner for the day (no seconds) I shared cooking with my mom and my daughter cooked the desserts so that helped with the pre-meal eating. I cooked the vegetables and "light" sweet potato casserole, that helped too. I forgot to post my Monday morning weight still 192. All the running doesn't seem to help however I'm maintaing just perfectly lol, guess I need to switch it up a bit either run more and/or add in some strength training or something. To reach the yearly goal I set by 1/17/13 I'm suppose to be at 175. hmmm, may not quite make it, right now I'm about 17lbs off, but I feel great so I'm ok with it (but I'm still going to try to get as close as possible )

Hi everyone, been super-busy like everyone else, but checking in. Still holding at 172 which I guess is OK. Have a doc appt in a couple weeks. Nicole, hope you are feeling great again... Pneumonia is serious stuff. I like your idea of New Year's liquids. I've done that a couple days this week myself to make up for the horrid aftermath of the office Christmas party. I did so many things wrong that day. First off I was tired and decided to have a caffeinated peppermint mocha on my way there. It did pep me up since I haven't had caffeine in a year! Then I ate spicy food and drank margaritas. I was in a world of hurt the next day with my stomach. I will not be drinking alcohol for New Year's, thank you, it is not worth it! So onward and downward, wishing all of you a very joyous and prosperous New Year! Bandiversaries are coming up!

Since I can barely walk for the past week, I am glued to this laptop and anything else that can occupy my mind for the past week. I looked at and joined a couple FB private groups, just to keep busy since i cannot walk right now. I cannot believe the number of young women who discuss things like When can I drink alcohol When can I have bread, pizza and Pasta I am drinking my Coke no matter what I have not lost any weight, I am gaining I have been thinking how blessed I am to be 67 years old and be where I am right now, and not worrying about what I am missing. Only thing good about old age I guess.

Hi everyone- NJ2NC- LOL about the alcohol! I'm not a drinker, so have no experience. I think it's great to have that goal to run the whole 5k. I would love to be a runner- I have a plate on my right shin holding things together after an ankle break a long time ago. I've tried running and it kind of hurts, but maybe after losing a bunch of weight I could try again. It is such a good exercise! Kymie- that's a good goal- if I were you I'd up the exercise and the protein, and really really track everything. Chrissy- I was having a protein shake, but was too tight- so that's a good idea to do the hot tea then protein shake later. Hi Ready- good to see you, glad turkey day went well. I do need to do something about the ice cream, but for me it's going to have to be NONE, not something else- I"ll overeat whatever it is. It is truly a trigger food for me. Ladybandido- I hear you on the hibernation thing! I am feeling that as well. And I'm kinda sick and headachy, so just not feeling it. My dd is sick, throwing up- just at night, so I have to be up, LOL. DH is taking her to the doctor today, couldn't get in yesterday, so we'll see what's up. I'm not feeling great and not getting any sleep isn't helping. I stupidly tried a pastry that was in the office, and got stuck- luckily not badly, but threw the rest of that sucker out! Not worth it! Still hanging in, but not doing great, but honestly I'm just surviving until January. I did get the carb cycling book and will be reading it to implement it. I will get back on track, and get my mojo back! Nicki