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Sounds like you had a seroma, I guess it's pretty common for us. But can be scary and a bit icky. I would doubt you are getting a fill, most docs won't even thin of a fill until at least four weeks out because you have to heal and the scar tissue has to form well enough to help hold the band into place. Might be a nutrition appt, too. My surgeon's office combines MD appts with a chance to talk with the nuts. About being hungry, you're not going to like this but the beloved Diet Green tea may be the culprit. I have found over the past six months that if I drink something with an artifical sweetener in it I am HUNGRY within about 60-90 minutes. Even though we aren't eating sugar, our body is tricked into thinking we are and it says: EAT. This is especially true with Splenda products for me. The sugar alcohols are still processed by the body like sugar and though you don't get the blood sugar spike from taking in a carb, you still get the dip and the release of gherlin that says: Feed Me! It took me about three weeks without artifical sweeteners to conquer that feeling. White carbs (simple carbs) like enriched flour and refined sugars/high fructose corn syrup make it awful, too. I switched to making my own decaf tea (or kool-aid, lemonade, etc) and sweetening it with either Stevia (a natural plant derivative available in bigger supermarkets in the health food section as a supplement or in health food stores) or Blue Agave Nectar (has calories and carbs but is low glycemic index, so it is verrrry slowly processed by the body and gives no spikes or dips in blood sugar levels). I wish us all luck.

I know others are saying that she's jealous, but I think its actually that some people have NO concept of what its like to battle with their weight. Like my Surgeon was saying, for some people food just doesn't 'do it' for them, and those people have no idea and no sympathy for the struggles we have gone though. I dont think she is going to be a very supportive person in your life, and honestly would consider dropping the relationship, because she could seeth like a toxic swamp and ruin any good feelings you have. My 'best friend' last night said something that really hurt me. I was talking about how another friend came over and bought pizza one night and Lagsane another night to eat in my house in front of me and how insensitive that was. She told me to 'suck it up'.... seriously, If I was an alcoholic and someone brought over a bottle of wine to drink in front of me would she react the same?? It made me really really angry

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

My rant for the night. Neighborhood Party tonight..Everyone is there. Except me. (kicking my teddy bear)lol I live in a small private subdivision. The neighborhood gets together for parties often. At the last party, A husband got uncomfortably friendly with me. A hello kiss and moving in too close. He demanded I have a shot with him. I avoided him for the night and chalked it up to alcohol. Now I have been taken off the guest list. Not a word or explanation. I am only speculating it was the situation at the last party...Who knows what other social faux pas I might have made. How did I become the bad guy here??? Damn it, We own our home.

What about alcohol during pre op diet? I know the big issue would be the sugars in the drinks but my big 30th birthday party is about 9 days before surgery. I am skipping Christmas dinner (2 days before) and not having cake on my birthday (13 days before) but I figured a drink or two as long as it's not beer (carbs) or some super sugary drink may be okay...? Just need some opinions...

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

A nice Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir is my choice. In fact, tonight will be the first time since beginning my pre-op diet on 4/9 that I will indulge in anything alcoholic and a bottle of Cab has already been picked out.

Be careful though. I've lost over 100 lbs and I went out with my sister and brother in law for some Mexican food. I had 2 pina coladas and that was enough to make me wobbly. I was almost 300 lbs prior to surgery and alcohol did little to me then. I had to be reminded that it will definitely affect me now! LOL!

Hi Everyone! I survived my horrid school administrator's exam last Saturday. I sure hope I did well enough so I don't have to do that ever again--3 two-hour blocks of solid writing (and a real bargain with its $500 price tag--NOT)! One more awful test to go on July 14th--another 6-hour writing marathon. This one is worse because I have to memorize all kinds of people and laws. If I don't screw up, I'll be done school at the end of August. I can't wait to be out from under this constant stress--I'm getting too old for this crap! I wanted to tell everyone how much better I feel now that I've read that some of you are having some struggles too. I'm glad that I'm not alone. I haven't been able to go to any of my local support group meetings because I've been in school every Thursday night for months (which is when the meetings are held of course). I started off SO well that I'm really ticked off at myself for letting my weight loss practically come to a dead stop! I just couldn't keep everything going at once. I didn't want to go for my fill this week because I knew that I hardly lost anything. I am SO grateful that I haven't gained any weight though. I guess that things could be worse! Although I haven't suffered any great tragedies or anything, life has just gotten totally out of control. I haven't had time to exercise or to plan out and prepare my food. ARGH! I can't say I'm doing poorly because of the band (it's staying tight) or because I'm drinking alcohol or eating whole cheesecakes or bonbons. It just boils down to not having the time to plan and pay attention to my eating plan. I've got to fix that now! So, because I got mad about the time I've wasted, I kicked myself in the butt. I pulled out all the paperwork from when I had my surgery and reread everything. I started my food log back up and broke out the old measuring cups. I have to go shopping tomorrow to make sure I actually have something decent to eat in the house (too tired to shop last weekend). I'm going to walk on the treadmill when I'm done writing this. If I'm really anal, maybe I'll catch up with where I should be with my weight loss. On the positive side, I bought a bathing suit 2 sizes smaller than the one I wore last summer. I'm trying not to beat myself up too much because I at least have kept off the weight I've lost so far, which is a little something to build on! I guess the bottom line is that we have got to hold it together so we can get to our goal weight! Hang in there, we can do this!

Still screwing off at work. I had lunch with the cute guy and another co-worker. Ummmm, why is he 26? And why is he oh so bold? And why was I just gushing on the inside? I had to go home and change my pannies. (j/k) Seriously though, he is just a sweet sweet sweet young man. I keep reminding myself to keep a professional distance. KNOWING I wanted to put my hand on his leg under the table. Or twist my foot around his. I think I'm smoking crack. We've been emailing this afternoon... Naughty naughty me. He said he can keep a secret, and doesn't kiss and tell. HA! As for the ex. The only reason he's an ex is because I moved out of town. That's the short version. Long version: He was separated from his wife and was not entirely ready to start dating. He was up front about it. His wife & kids were (and still are) in Australia. So we were friends for over 2 years, hanging out and taking trips together. We had a lot of fun. And an opportunity arose, and I moved to FL. So it's not like he betrayed me or was violent, etc. It was just bad timing. I now live in his home town. And he's divorced. Regardless, he didn't email me back when I told him it would make me happy to see him on my trip to Atlanta. That in and of itself is a sign that he's not interested and I'm mis-reading his cues, so EFF 'em. It's all so confusing as he sent me a b'day card on my b'day. Thanksgiving and Christmas cards... It's just a pile of mixed messages. The one thing that would make me happy is seeing him in a thinner body. I figure I'll be a solid 40 pounds thinner by April. And about 60 - 70 pounds thinner than the last time he saw me. He likes women with a little meat on their bones, and he always appreciated my body before. *sigh* Maybe I'm just hung up on the memory of him. On paper, he's the perfect match for me. But enough about that. B'man, you cracked me up. Mirror Mirror on the wall, indeed. Learn to accept a compliment gracefully. My Gramma taught me that. You deserve to be complimented, baby girl. Believe it! Kirsten - I bet that is a pound of water and nothing more. You'll flush it out in less than a week, watch and see. Plus the extra calories will boost your metabolism. I expect a big drop this week! StephC - "my hips ache" made me cackle. I bet they do! And sessy mama in the sweater. Don't you love a good semi-clingy sweater to accentuate your curves? I agree that the bangs would wear me out - I'd do them a bit shorter. And right on about calling the doc for a fill! I lost 2 more pounds since Thursday. I was astouned. We can do it, y'all! A question for you lush-ous bitches: When you drink, do you feel the effects of the alcohol quicker now that you're banded? What do you drink? I miss my beer, but won't do it to myself. I'm having that superbowl party, and think that I'm going to indulge in a glass or two of wine. Or maybe a martini. Okay, almost 3pm - let me wrap up my day. I'm leaving at 4. N.

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!

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!

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 )

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

I am adding my two cents here. FF--get ready to raise your blood pressure again because you anger is RADIATING off the pages. Yes, your band did not work for you. We hear you. BUT you are allowing your less than satisfactory experience taint your view of others and that is simply not right. No one said you were in the wrong and no one commented on your experience. What people here were asking was more follow up to a post that said "my band does not work" but then offers no more details. Talk about dropping a load in the forum but with no information. So people asked follow up questions--there is nothing wrong with that. So, you jumped to the conclusion that people were picking on Swirl which is simply not the case. I too have to ask (because someone asked before) why do you stay? To continue to share your bad experience and be mean spirited in this forum? I get you want people to know the band does not work for everyone but truly folks--you are embarking on major surgery here with a doctor cutting open your intestines. You should know all the risks and the failure rate before you allow yourself to lay on the operating table. If people do their homework, they will find articles and statistics on the success and failure rate on this surgery. Second, if someone comes into this journey saying "I want cheeseburgers" and they want to eat cheesecake, cake, and Cookies but in limited portions, then they are setting themselves up for failure. There, I said it. NO LIFESTYLE CHANGE WILL WORK UNLESS THE PERSON REALLY WANTS TO CHANGE. That's like saying to an alcoholic "well I am apporaching soberity as I can have one drink a day instead of none". Or the drug addict can have one joint a day. NO--doesn't work that way. Addicition comes in many forms but overweight people are addicted to food. You can cure an addiction by saying "well I can have just a little" because a little is never enough. Sorry but that's just the truth. So, FF and Swirl, yes, the band doesn't work for some but for others it works but people self sabatoge themselves by saying it doesn't. So it didn't work for you. We get it. But for the majority of us, it has and enabled us to have totally differnt lives. Don't diss the people that have made the effort to get the most out of this journey. It's insulting and rude.

Hi fellow Feb ‘19ers - well, I was doing extremely well and as for all of us, Covid hit... child with autism at home, zero therapy for her, husband lost his job, yada yada I gained 25 lbs back. I really fell off the wagon, especially with alcohol. I hardly drank before but used it to get through those hard months. Even though I have gained, I have actually done pretty well by my standards haha. Skip to now - kid back at school 2 days a week, husband working again (from home) and I’m getting a grip on life again. I went to see my surgeon and we are working towards getting a distal bypass done. I’m currently taking Saxenda to get me started on the journey and so far so good. Anyway, I hope you are all doing well. The photos you have posted are amazing!

I'm right there with BeachBabe! Sometimes I think I would rather have some wine than food. I know that's not good but old habits are hard to break sometimes. As for margaritas I found a low cal recipe called the Skinny Girl Margarita. It is good but very strong so you will be a cheap drunk if you're not careful. I have also discovered that once your banded alcohol can effect you differently each time you drink. Well at least that is the case for me! Crystal Light and vodka is a low cal option too.

i was told 3 months for alcohol and carbonation.

Haha, I never liked alcohol much, I guess I'm weird. But that is almost an entire days worth of calories... that's nuts!

The problem with alcohol is empty calories. I think my doctor had told me to wait up to a month but still doesn't recommend it. As far as you Swan56, I would ask your doctor. That could be a problem with pre op, or maybe not. I really don't see how it would be a problem pre op unless you drink a lot and it was like a day before your party. Remember you need to try and heal your liver and reduce the fat in it, if you don't they can cancel your surgery. As long as you are doing well with the pre op weight loss otherwise, then I don't know how it would be a huge problem. Again, I already said that. LOL

Im told myself i’d do a 2wk stint of low-carbing starting today to get myself bikini ready for an upcoming vacay at the end of the month. (while i am no longer a card-carrying ultra-low carber these days, i do acknowledge the drastic effect it has on my appearance when i do, which, in my opinion, is for the better as I think my body looks so much less “puffy” when deprived of carbohydrates). Plus I anticipate many an alcoholic drink to be consumed on vacay so it’ll all even out in the end anyway, lol. But I digress. Mr comes home with my absolute favourite brand of Jamaican Beef Patty (perfect amount of spice and sauciness of filling, as well as my preferred pastry makeup: not too, too flaky on the outside and chewy/soft just under the surface…how that for a description!?! Lol) So low-carbing be damned! I split one with Mr. 190 calories for 1/2 the patty. 🤤

i would slit my wrists and pour alcohol over them if my MIL moved closer than the hr away from us that she is now. ok - that was dramatic, but still......that would be a HUGE pill to swallow. i would have PB&J out for them this evening for diner and take your son out to eat.:smile:

Ok, so DH has decided that the mojito is his new favorite drink. He is actually drinking a virgin mojito right now. He said that he can't handle the alcohol tonight, but loves the taste (even with the mint that he didn't think he liked Friday). He seems to think that mojitos with tacos would be an awesome combo. I can't believe he tried it in the first place so him liking it is surprising.

Wow, I was up for the evening posting, but got way behind this morning! Went for a nice 3.5 mile run and it was beautiful this morning. Slightly overcast, but the temp was perfect for a run! Came home and mowed the lawn so the poor pups could use it for their business! It was getting so tall the little one could hardly go!:wink2: I love hs kids, they are great! So full of energy and creativity. The hs drama gets a little old, but, have to take the bad with the good! I teach marketing so they want to be in my class (well, for the most part) and we do a bunch of fun business projects, run the student stores (coffee shop, clothes, snack shop) and travel for competition. They keep me hopping and they are the reason I can get up and go to work every morning! Kind of like suntea, but with alcohol! Oh yeah! I need to get my drink on! You all have such good recipes, I am heading to the liquor store today! Girl, you need a vaca! You get way too little sleep! Thank God for neighbors, at least you can still see the Hotties - I am sure you have binoculars!:biggrin: My DD is off to college here at the end of Sept. Isn't it crazy how fast they grow up and head out the door to start their own lives! Do you have a good CC in town where you live? DD is going to OSU, but if she doesn't make the crew team, she will most likely be heading home to CC before the year is out. I just can't believe how expensive college is! :sad: We are trying to get her set and ready to go. We get no financial help whatsoever - sux! She does get a loan for $5500, but it accrues interest while she is in school - ick! Kat~ Hope the grandbaby is well! Can't wait to see some pix!

People with the TAS2R38 genotype have a heightened sensitivity to bitter taste. Their genetic makeup includes a gene discovered in 2003 that controls the presence of receptors for a bitter-tasting compound called 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). Scientists believe that the presence or absence of this gene can help account for individual taste preferences and eating habits. A study published in February 2005 found that children who had this gene were more partial to sweet beverages and foods than those without it (though this effect seemed to wear off by adulthood, when race/ethnicity was the strongest determinant). Researchers theorized that these children may be less likely to find vegetables palatable, which could limit their intake of important nutrients. On the plus side, an earlier study suggested that those with the TAS2R38 gene were less likely to indulge in underage alcohol consumption, experiencing it as more bitter and irritating than do those without the gene. Nutritionists hope that this type of information will help improve dietary planning for children. We were just discussing this on another thread I am on regularly. It was a subject on a Nova Science program. It was common among the group of us, that those of us who disliked broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts as kids, were also the ones who disliked bitter alcohols. And some of them who really liked those foods, even find swishing VINEGAR in their mouths to NOT be horrid! There were of course exceptions to the rule--but it was kind of interesting...... Not of course as interesting as hot handy men, or sponge baths given by hot handy men, or giving sponge baths TO hot handy men......deep, deep sigh.......