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Congrats Kathy - WTG You gave up sugar for lent - so no alcohol - it has sugar:lol: The eroded issue scares me - I know one lady here who had it happen like in 6 months.. Hope you have a good weekend too.. -------------------------------------------------------- I guess everyone else is having a hard time getting to LBT site... I have tried all night - (well got home around 6) but from 6 to 9:10 - I couldn't get here - been playing pathword on FB.. Now my eyes are dead... Well not much to report on - and as I said I guess no one else could get here today... I don't know what's up with that... Well, I am going to go watch some tv... Talk to you all in the morning

hey Shaggs, restriction is better but I want more fill. I tested the alcohol vs restriction last night to see how we were placed and I am glad to inform you that having fills does not affect alcohol consumption at all!!! These experiments are ongoing and I will keep you informed on any further results. Ego-boost was at an all time high thanks to advances of a certain cute and BUFF!!!! 26 year old who was very persistent and yet ultimately disappointed. Bad for him, good for me. It's good to know that even though I ain't using it, I still got it!!! LOL.

TGIF! I'm so glad it's the weekend. I'm having a good week with food. Went for a doc appt yesterday and went down on the scale - finally! He still won't put a fill in so I'm working on my "behavioral issues". Day 3 of no sugar... except maybe alcohol if I have it. So far so good. On another scary note, I ran into a woman I have gotten to know at our monthly support groups. She's had the band a year and already it has eroded so it was removed. She is devastated. Doc said he won't put another one in. I felt so bad for her. Anyway, have a great weekend everyone. Kathy

I have been in a similar situation as what TracyKS is in now. The child support does need adjusted, but if she is the one to ask for the change, then she has to get the attorney to get things going....which costs money, which is the basis of the problem! Anyway that is how it worked for me, for years with Manda's dad. He remarried, and had 4 more kids, and a huge home----and I struggled! Tried to get him to take Manda during the end of my 2nd marriage when the abuse was at its worst, and he refused. I know it is little consolation now Tracy--but I fully believe what goes around comes around.....and the tables will turn! Manda's Dad, continued through the years to be unfaithful (have to admit it was nice realizing it was not me....not something I did right or wrong, it was HIS issues) So he ended up divorced again, but by then she had run up credit card bills so high they re-fi'd the house, and ended up losing it. Then he moved in with a former friend of mine, together they have spent the last few years drinking themselves into oblivion. Just the other day Manda said she kicked him out, because she wanted to sober up (for the umpteenth time, hopefully for her and her family she can do it this time). So now her sister who lived with them, the one we consider ours....is having to move back with her Mom and her boyfriend who do not want her, because her Dad is going to be living in the motor home. My home is not as huge or fancy as the one he had and lost. But it is mine, and it does not have wheels! I do not have alcohol issues. I have kids who love me. Overall a life to be proud of. I did not purposely or willingly let my child down, he will never be able to say that. I Won. And Tracy, so will you! My opinion on your going on these little trips etc. is kind of like leaving a kid in Kindergarten the first few days, they feel abandoned, but they realize after the first few times, you are coming back, and when you come back happy and refreshed and happy to see them rather that resenting them for not going-------they will be ok! Now.....if you can find ANYTHING that the ex is doing that is against the divorce agreement or if an attorney will take it based on you having a child to raise that you are paying for....File the papers and include attorney fees and legal fees in the filing! Rick ask me if Kinsey and I wanted to go to lunch with one of his coworkers and his girlfriend---we used to hang together at the ballpark, we get along well so I said ok. I was supposed to go to the restaurant a bit early and get us a table. Well word of it got out, and he calls and says there will be 11 people. NOT what I agreed to, and half the time these guys think since Rick is the boss he should pay! I plan on ordering first and stating very plainly it will all be on separate checks---and to please add gratuity to the tickets. Otherwise some of them will not tip. Morons! Jane, my new grandson is Corvin, and he is already over 10 pounds!!!! He is an eater. I had Kinsey and Connor in the back of the shopping cart in Home Depot yesterday and had 2 people comment on the twins!!! Nope! And Ali just had her US, and there is only one baby there! Unable to tell what it is yet....but the US pic is awesome!!! Sorry you are in such pain again Laura!!! Rick and I are both Leo's and neither one really fit the profiling, although I do more than he does. He HATES being in the spotlight more than anything!! Heather, I have no real idea of what Alex looks for when he contacts people for being moderators.....he ask a couple of times before I agreed! I don't do a lot, and usually refer to him or Susan before taking much action other than reminding people of the rules. I make contact with newbies, and welcome them to the site, delete spam posts....mostly just monitor and sometimes warn!! I am picky where I monitor in R&R------I have to be careful, I get pissy!!! LOL Better go, Kinsey wants to write!

Hi all, been banded since 2004 and God has blessed me to have lost 140 pounds, I am now struggling to lose the remainder 80-90 pounds needed to be considered healthy. I just went to my first meeting last week for the First Place diet bible study program, anyone else on this? I have been a Christian since I was about 9 and know that our bodies are the temple of God and feel so guilty for being gluttenous all those years and allowing my body to get that big, I currently need support and prayer for night time snacking/eating. I do so good all day long and know the rules of the band, no snacking between meals, etc, but have not lost in over 6 months and been the same wt and guess just got depressed and thought "all of it is over, this is all I am gonna lose" mentatity. That is just the devil I know trying to get me to give up. Please pray for me. anyone else struggle with nighttime snacking? If I could just get in a habit I guess it would be better of doing something else when I am watching tv at night. Thanks for your prayers. Here is an article I just read online about the sin of gluttony and it makes me feel just awful: "The real reason for being overweight is over eating. This is one of the truths that is hard to accept and acknowledge because it only brings guilt and shame. Overeating is sin. It is called gluttony. It is basically the excessive selfish indulgence with worldly pleasure which includes food, sex, money, alcohol and more. It is an addiction which basically means that food becomes the master, and takes the place of God. This is why it is sin and God hates it. What happens in the Church is that because many of us are guilty of this sin, we silently excuse each other and allow each other to continue with this sin. In fact some of our ministers are overweight themselves. This is not good for ourselves and we become examples of evil instead of good. But there is no reason to stay in this situation. It is time to acknowledge this sin, ask forgiveness from God and turn away from it. "

My doctor said we can still drink alcohol but mainly just liquors and mixed drinks that have no carbonation. He said more than likely after the band you will be a light weight but in a way I guess thats good considering how many calories are in alcohol. The main thing we're not allowed to have once banded is carbonated beverages. Everything else depends on you and how serious you want to lose weight. I hope that answers your question and good luck to you!

What is the deal with alcohol? I know no beer probably..but was about liquor and wine?

Ok my disclosure is, I did eat these when I was on Atkins.. so I only know of its 'impact' on Atkins if you want to eat them. As for calories, since I am on a reduced calorie diet-- I stay away, calories are calories. But apparently carbs are not created equal! My husband is doing Atkins now and eats these as well. Anyway.. I don't know what sugar alcohols actually means (besides it can act as a laxative if consumed in large quantities), but if you're counting carbs, you get to subtract Fiber and Sugar Alcohols from the carb count. So, on Atkins these candies work out. They never affected mine (or my husband's currently) weight loss on Atkins. The nitty gritty which I don't quite understand is that they don't trigger your sugar levels to change (diabetic info inserted here--that I don't know), so it doesn't impact you like a normal carbohydrate would.

My husband and I had 7 children together. 3 Boys and then a girl and then 3 more boys. After our 2nd son, we took in 2 sisters who were born to an alcoholic and drug addicted mother, They were 2 and 8 months at the time and they were neglected and had some physical problems. Nothing that was too severe. One girl has scoliosis, and asthma and is often sick. She came to us malnurished, and with scabies. The other sister was born deaf in one ear and had speech impairments. She also had growth problems throughout her life. She took shots for growth, and at 22, now is 4' 10", so she did well for we took care of it early enough. When she was 16, we discovered that she was born without ovaries, so she can't have children. This is a big disapointment to her now, for she loves kids. She is a slightly slow mentally and needs some help with controlling finances for she can't count money. She came to us malnurished also. Then, after I had my 5th child, we took in a 12 year old who is slightly schitzophrenic and socially inept. He is 24 now and doing well. He graduated 4years of college and is a supervisor at UPS. He is looking for work in his field of business and computers. It just goes to show you, that even children with problems can grow up to be successful. right?

You're welcome RSG! That's too bad your first dietitian didn't work for you. Maybe your doctor could suggest another? I believe trying to go it alone is never a good idea. Seeking help is strength & smart thinking - you first sought help with your weight loss by getting a lap-band, now continue with someone who can help you eat smart. It's like alcoholics that seek help with AA - they are the ones most likely to succeed in conquering their disorder. I couldn't have come this far without my dietitian - she's a great fountain of information. I wish you the very best, and stay with us here and let us know how you are doing! :cool2: I agree too Jodi & Christasha - everyone is welcome here. :wink: And I hope I didn't sound like I was hatin' on the Protein shakes LilMissDiva! :smile: If it works and you like it, perfect! They just don't work for me, I'm hungry like 10 minutes later.:cursing: I really hate the day after a fill - drinking liquids for 24 hours drives me nuts. I do like StLouisGal's idea though, she made a very good point - those shakes would be perfect in the morning for people who have that tight band problem! just keep swimming! :thumbup:

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:

When I had the nausea and lightheaded feeling I was told by the nurses to smell a alcohol pad. And it worked! Also I went through the same thing. Cooking for the family and u cant even eat it. I am now 6 weeks post-op and I cook what I eat for everyone. I just use turkey or chicken instead of beef. And so far no one has had any complaints. So it will get better! Hang in there...lol yoco28

Hi Mary, Don't lose faith - we didn't gain all the weight all at once, it took a long time to get on us, so be patient and pat yourself on the back for losing 30 pounds!! I would second the comments that you need to make sure you are getting enough calories - if not your body will go into starvation mode and hold onto weight...What is your fill history?? So here the answer to the question you asked!! (I'm 51): Breakfast: yogurt with nuts (that gets me 30+ grams of protein) (I really stay away from liquid Protein like shakes because they don't leave me feeling full like food does) Lunch: a salad w/dressing or 2 slices of turkey, or a hamburger patty (no bread), or a can of tuna with 1 T of mayo Dinner: Beef, pork or chicken breast (usually can only eat 1/2), 1 cup of salad with dressing. When I snack I will have nuts, chips, fruit, but at my current fill level I'm so restricted I seem to be eating my meals for 1-1.5 hours! I take 2-4 bites, get the feeling of being so full, I have to stop for 15 min. before I can eat more. I "cheat" with chocolate, chips, alcohol and carnitas (pork) tacos ! Again, I'm so restricted that even if I do "cheat" it's a very small amount. I exercise 5 days a week on average - on cardio days I do 30-50 min. on strength days I do the machines for 20 min. then cardio for 20 min. Hang in there :w00t:- NSV's and giving yourself credit for what you've accomplished can help put things in perspective. All the best,

Apples - when you say your band area - did you have pain inside where we imagine our band is or port site ... Did you feel stuck - have heartburn or reflux.. I am glad you are doing ok now - I know that fear about slips -etc all the stuff that can go wrong ... Joann - I have flown from Cali to Minnesota to Vegas & Texas - and flying didn't bother my band at all... So Maybe you will be a lucky one and it doesn't - I would get another fill now and give it 30 days to settle in before you go.and to make sure you aren't too tight..... I would imagine that you are eating healthy - how much are you eating per meal.. Sharon - Hugs GF - I am sorry for your stuggles - I luckly don't have the PMS stuff anymore - but gotta say those craving stay around even if the cuz doesn't visit anymore.. Now I am trying to remember here - You are newly divoriced/separated right?? no kids or grandkid?? Who knows about your surgery - do you have family or freinds around you - What do you do for fun or enjoyment (besides eating :frown: that use to be my most fav past time :tt2:) And sounds like you work for a school?? #1 - I understand about being tired after work and not wanting to get on the computer or talking on the phone - but gotta tell you her gf you can't just sit in front of the t.v. and veg anymore - that activitiy or lack of - will lead you to your drug of choice which is the food.. Do you belong to the January Hotties or whatever 1/09 banders call themselves? Is this the only thread you are posting on?? You will make freinds here that will last you a life time and you will be so comfortable with them that it will seem like you have known them all your life... New habits - that's what you need - the old you sat infront of the t.v. and ate when you were tired from work - I get that cuz when I am super tired - it's a big food trigger for me. New habits are what you need come home from work change clothes and walk 1/2 hr on the treadmill - then sit at the computer - come to lbt and tell us about your day (good & bad) what you had for bf & L - and how your exercise went and what you are having for dinner - then go fix something healthy - eat - shower - then sit to watch t.v. and have your sf pudding or fudge cicle That's my routine - I don't sit down most nights til 8 to watch tv - and gf I am up at 5 - to work by 7:15 - get off at 4 - gym - home - lbt & facebook - dinner - tv - bed.. The reason I asked about the pple around you - is I wonder if you have pple who support you - encourge you ... I don't have a DH so I understand you wanting someone to be proud of you - Heck one time I left the gym and started bawling - My trainer said something really nice and encouraging and I thought OMG that's the only man in your life giving you that kind of support - and it's not like I even want a man in my life I love being single - but having someone who encourages you is very important..Hows that friend who made you bean Soup - is he a good friend I agree with apples that you have to be proud of you yourslef - but since I'm single too - it's nice to have someone to share it with and to be proud of you too... I totallly get that so yes - I am on your shoulder 24/7 encouraging you and pushing you to be the best you --- just like the title on this thread - I'm here to help !!! Oh you guys might not know this - but I am know for being the food cop (on my Lucky #7 thread that was my title and Charlene can atest to it too ) - yep that's me - but it's with love and not judgement - it's cuz I walk in the same shoes as you - and I know what it's like to want to eat even with the band.. But you just gotta not buy the crap - you gotta budget those point/calories - you have to look at the junk you eat as a drug - as the devil - it's not helping you in the long run it's killing your and making you feel bad about you. As to binging this weekend - gf you bought the food - no one else and if you hadn't bought it you wouldn't have eaten it... You really really gotta keep the junk out of the house - I want you to go throw it all away - get the crap out - come on would you leave a bottle of booze on the counter and expect the alcoholic not to drink it.. Part of your new habit is to sit down and write out a menu for the week - go shopping and only buy whats on that list and nothing else... And when that bag of Cookies or bags of candy or ice cream wants into your cart - Just say No - I am not going to let you continue to kill me and make me feel bad about myself. Sharon - I want you to check at least every evening ok - it's part of your new habits - I think it will help and you can share whatever you want - it doesn't have to be just band related.. Julie - just have your doc go slow on the fill and remember I know it seems like winter will last forever - but spring should be here soon - so hopefully you will get to see your grandbabies soon... Becky - Ok if you are eating at least 1/2 to 1 c per meal - I feel better and glad you got some chicken in.. Tonite make gs chicken tacos - and oh the chicken cooked in a little chilli powder garlic is good - but I am having fish cook with el pato sauce (spicey mex tomato sauce) asparagus and rice.... for BF i had go lean kashi oatmeal - has 8 grms pt - and it was pretty good - Lunch 2 small ribs - snack a pt bar --- Well it's 8:06 and I need to go eat - So gang I will cb in the morning... Sweet dreams...... Hugs Janet

I'm on day 3 of meditrim. Things could be better, but they could be worse. I mostly want to eat and I'm very irritable. I do believe that the diet shrinks the liver but I'm not sure which "method" is the best. There seems to be a lot of different ways that surgeons have people slim down a bit for the surgery. Fatty liver disease is a huge problem for us that are overweight and I do see how the size can greatly jeopardize the success of the surgery (band or no band) and without damaging the liver. It's strange for me, I'm a lab technician doing medical research in human nutritional sciences... one of my projects right now is looking at non-alcoholic fatty liver disease so I feel like I know too much for my own good sometimes.

Well thats me going for my third fill tomorrow with wendy at wls and it cant come soon enough.It was my sons 13th birthday today and i have stuffed myself.We also had a party for him on sat were we had a buffy and loads of alcohol so i was not very good then.Today i took him for a mcdonalds for lunch and had one my self then my mum took us all out tonight for a chinese .So im sitting here disgusted with myself i realy hope i get some restriction after tomorrow as i feel as im eating as much as i used to before i got the band when i have a blow out.Most of the time i can eat small portions which does not bother me but lately it has been hard so roll on tomorrow.

At 2 weeks post op, the first thing I see is the Baked potato. A lot of drs are different. We were given specific instructions on how to eat and what to eat. first 2 weeks clear and full liquids, weeks 3 &4, High protein foods Puree'd, nothin gstringly, plenty of fluids, 80 oz.plus Protein shakes, protein up around 60-90. EVERy DAY. No white carbs, no pizza, not even WW bread It took me about 7 months before I was brave enough to eat Pzza topping. Tried WW bread at 6 months, paid dearly for that. 6 hrs stuck. Contact your nutritionist, get suggestions. You are still in the healing stages. You now have a band around the stomach. heal and let the stitches set, walk and learn how to make menus during this time. Not to mention the 5 glasses of wine. I bet that blew you away , not having any solids to soak up that alcohol. Dont get me wrong, I like to splurge as well. I had to fight to get this band and I think that nothing taste as good as thin feels. I am 14 months out, down to a size 6/8 and I did not get here by eating like a normal person. l have had lots of temptations. and some I have given into. You need to get things in order if you are going to make this band help you lose any weight at a steady rate. Take this time slowly, make menus , learn how to eat slowly, lean how to eat good healthy foods. It's a tool, not a miracle. I am at the gym 5x week, walk 4 miles 7 x week , muscle is the name of the game. If you are not moving, you're not losing. Use that energy. Good luck.

Are you drinking any alcohol at all around the times you get this pain, within a half hour to an hour before?

I'm just curious if anyone else has noticed this and what it really means. They show on the package that they have low carbs, but if you look closely it says sugar alcohols. It seems whenever I eat any of this chocolate and even accounting for the calories, it pretty much puts a stop to my weight loss. I'm not eating more calories per day, but I'm just wondering if the "sugar alcohols" is really reacting just like normal carbs and preventing me from losing weight. I am one of those people who really has to watch my carbs or I don't lose.

You are so right, lellow, about the changed tastes. My favourite food before the op was spag bol but now the thought of it makes me feel a little queasy! And as for alcohol, I really don't feel like it often at all.

shaggs, The thing that worked for me with gas pain was peppermint tea (which I loathed but, damn, it did the trick) and walking. Exercise, to this day, helps me get gas out. And as you get more fills and get tighter, burping becomes harder to do without exercise. As for the alcohol - hell, it used to take a LOT to get me tipsy. Now it takes 2 glasses! And try to stick with not giving in the the sugar cravings if you can - you get over them soon enough, believe it or not. Now if I have something too sugary, I feel a little ill. And don't be surprised that things you used to love the taste off suddenly don't taste the same. There was a thread about it recently and I think a lot of banders go through it - and it may well mean the end of your love affair with food (and drink!) and that's not such a bad thing, trust me!

My husband has gastritus (not banded). The causes of his gastritus are the foods he eats & stress. He shouldn't have spicy foods, alcohol or stress or his stomach hurts and he gets an ulcer that acts up and bleeds a little. He is on Acephex and it helps a lot. He only takes it when his stomach is bothering him and then it heals up and he doesn't need medicine anymore. Maybe its something your eating. Do you eat spicy foods???

Hey Guys I'm getting nervous about my pre-op diet. Unfortunately it falls on my birthday - so am trying to think of other things that are non food and alcohol related to lavish upon myself! Have come up with spending the day at a spa and having 100 different types of massages -will be great! Anyway, there seems to be a difference in pre-op diet approaches. My Doc has me on Optifast from the 19th March to the 2nd which is potentially my operation date. 4 sachets a day, plus 1 cup of veges at night. Nothing else, for two weeks. I am a little scared!! He says that the liquid optifast sucks all the fat from the liver the best - and there is a risk of the liver rupturing when they lift it if it is still infiltrated with fat - so I am really worried about messing it up and then either having complications or them not being able to do the surgery cos I am useless!! What is happening with all of you guys?

After looking closely at the label on the Centrum Silver Chewables there isn't any IRON in it! The only other source of Iron (at the moment) that I can find is in liquid form that he can take is the "Geritol Liquid". He's only taken one teaspoon so far, but is really freaking out because it does have some alcohol in it. I'm saying that with such a small dose (1 tsp.) that it isn't enough to matter as long as he is getting his iron. Am I wrong? My question is two fold I guess. #1. How much Iron should a grown man have per day? #2. How do you get your Iron? He had his band done yesterday.

Oh Shaggs, don't feel guilty about 2 small glasses. I had 5 big glasses the other night (one of my best mates was leaving town) - I tell you what, its true what they say about the alcohol going straight to your head! I also had the worst hangover I have had in a loooong time. I'm not feeling guilty because before I would have downed a bottle of scotch in a session and god knows how much coke. But now when I socialise I am drinking low-alcohol white wine so I still feel social, but without all those empty calories before. And it hasn't hurt my weightloss, I lost 1.3kgs this week! One other thing I wanted to post here - I had the worst, most terrible shoulder tip pain for 2 weeks after the op. The only thing that would help would be panadiene forte but I wanted to get off pain killers after 2 weeks on them! I went to my local massage therapist and she did some bowen therapy on me. The pain was instantly gone and hasn't been back so if anyone is having trouble with shoulder pain, find your nearest bowen therapist! Bowen therapy also helps with detoxing the body, which is good during weight loss.