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alcohol and caffeine do stimulate acid secretion in your stomach, as does decaffeinated coffee. Caffeine also blocks production of prostaglandins, weakening your stomach's cytoprotection........(what ever that means) ......probably why we shouldn't have caffeine

Alcohol. When are we able to drink again...obviously I am not talking about getting drunk, but what about a casual drink? I was banded a week ago and I know this is way too soon, but I am a single gal who likes to go out (which probably got me here in the first place, bars and greasy bar food!) and I was curious to find out how long people waited to try a drink again. Melanie

The men aren't actually reading this, so for you ladies...As I’ve told you, I have the option of selecting either band type and I also have the option of selecting my port site. I told you about my surgeon’s consult in Jan. where, after doing my research, I told my doc that I’ve selected the LB and then we discussed my port site. I’ll remind you I selected a left of center, between my belly button line and my ribs…no third boob for this gal…3 boobs worked for Picasso, but not me…with my C-cup boobs, it would be the only one left at goal weight. So on our way home from the consult I announced to DH that I intended to mark my port site on my tummy before surgery…he just chuckled…he’s used to ‘my kind of crazy’ (But now I have those papers from the Psych saying I’m not! So there!). My doc doesn’t get many requests for a different port site but it’s important to me (bad left side so I sleep on my right, and I’m right handed) and his default is the right side, so I don’t want him to forget (I have enough trouble with sleep). I’ve been thinking on and off about my tummy artwork (that’s what we artists do) and how I could make it funny without insulting my doc that he’d forget (he DID tell me to remind him). I was reading some blogs lately that got me thinking; Banded Ben’s surgery date and trying to come up with a joke on the operating table so he could escape…too late, he was out. So, I was thinking maybe I could write a joke, or a funny poem on my belly to point out my port placement…welcome to ‘my kind of crazy’…yes, this is what goes on in my head. Wendytip’s post yesterday about people’s incision photos on LBT (I agree, eeewww), got me commenting about making different ‘connect the dot’ pictures with my incisions and washable markers and posting them here (NOT). But maybe I can do a dot picture for my port site? So, why am I making this confession and sharing this now? I had second thoughts…what if the Sharpie isn’t sterile, or it messes them up and they refuse to do surgery because I wrote on myself? I’m not crazy enough yet to call my surgeon and ask. Today “The Doctors” was on as I was doing the laundry…the plastic surgeon on the panel was talking about how a Sharpie is his best friend for surgery! Hey yea, we’ve all seen those Dr. 90210 shows where they’re marking all over the woman’s bodies with a Sharpie. I’d forgotten about that! So I ran to the TV to listen. The question was about whether a Sharpie is sterile or not...WOW…my very question! Apparently Sharpie’s have a lot of alcohol in them, and even if they weren’t sterile the Betadine they smear all over you sterilizes everything. OK, I’m going for it! Now I’ve got artwork to plan! My practical jokes always backfire on me, so I hardly ever attempt them…they’ll either think I’m nuts or laugh…we’ll see what happens…if I wake up with a third boob, it backfired.

The men aren't actually reading this, so for you ladies...As I’ve told you, I have the option of selecting either band type and I also have the option of selecting my port site. I told you about my surgeon’s consult in Jan. where, after doing my research, I told my doc that I’ve selected the LB and then we discussed my port site. I’ll remind you I selected a left of center, between my belly button line and my ribs…no third boob for this gal…3 boobs worked for Picasso, but not me…with my C-cup boobs, it would be the only one left at goal weight. So on our way home from the consult I announced to DH that I intended to mark my port site on my tummy before surgery…he just chuckled…he’s used to ‘my kind of crazy’ (But now I have those papers from the Psych saying I’m not! So there!). My doc doesn’t get many requests for a different port site but it’s important to me (bad left side so I sleep on my right, and I’m right handed) and his default is the right side, so I don’t want him to forget (I have enough trouble with sleep). I’ve been thinking on and off about my tummy artwork (that’s what we artists do) and how I could make it funny without insulting my doc that he’d forget (he DID tell me to remind him). I was reading some blogs lately that got me thinking; Banded Ben’s surgery date and trying to come up with a joke on the operating table so he could escape…too late, he was out. So, I was thinking maybe I could write a joke, or a funny poem on my belly to point out my port placement…welcome to ‘my kind of crazy’…yes, this is what goes on in my head. Wendytip’s post yesterday about people’s incision photos on LBT (I agree, eeewww), got me commenting about making different ‘connect the dot’ pictures with my incisions and washable markers and posting them here (NOT). But maybe I can do a dot picture for my port site? So, why am I making this confession and sharing this now? I had second thoughts…what if the Sharpie isn’t sterile, or it messes them up and they refuse to do surgery because I wrote on myself? I’m not crazy enough yet to call my surgeon and ask. Today “The Doctors” was on as I was doing the laundry…the plastic surgeon on the panel was talking about how a Sharpie is his best friend for surgery! Hey yea, we’ve all seen those Dr. 90210 shows where they’re marking all over the woman’s bodies with a Sharpie. I’d forgotten about that! So I ran to the TV to listen. The question was about whether a Sharpie is sterile or not...WOW…my very question! Apparently Sharpie’s have a lot of alcohol in them, and even if they weren’t sterile the Betadine they smear all over you sterilizes everything. OK, I’m going for it! Now I’ve got artwork to plan! My practical jokes always backfire on me, so I hardly ever attempt them…they’ll either think I’m nuts or laugh…we’ll see what happens…if I wake up with a third boob, it backfired.

I haven't had any carbonation in one year. I gave it up 4 months before I got the band so I could see how I would do. Honestly, I seriously, seriously do NOT miss the stuff. I had a tiny sip of Diet Coke once and the taste was sickening. I've completely lost my appetite for it. blech! As far as alcohol goes, though, I'm not a very big drinker. The occasional cocktail on date night (we're talking once a month) or the occasional cocktail on special occasions. I do kind of miss being able to drink the carbonated foofy drinks (like those bacardi things in a bottle), but not enough to really care. I now drink the occasional margarita on the rocks or a glass of wine, but the last couple of glasses of wine I had made me feel icky and nauseated within about 3 sips, so I don't even drink wine anymore.

Will I be sick a lot after the operation? The LAP-BAND® System limits the amount of food you can eat at one time. If you feel nauseated on a regular basis, it could mean that you aren't chewing your food well enough or that you aren't following the post-surgical diet rules properly. However, it could also mean that there is a problem with the placement of the LAP-BAND® System, so contact your doctor if you continue to get sick. You must avoid vomiting as much as possible because it can cause your small stomach pouch to stretch. It can also lead to slippage of part of the stomach through the LAP-BAND® System, offsetting the effectiveness of your surgery. In some severe cases, damage due to vomiting can mean another operation. Will I feel hungry or deprived with the LAP-BAND® System? The LAP-BAND ® System makes you eat less and feel full in two ways: first, by reducing how much your stomach can hold at one time and second, by increasing the time it takes food to get through your digestive system. After a small meal, the amount of which varies from person to person, you should feel full and satisfied for some time. If you follow the nutrition guidelines when you choose your food and then chew it well, you shouldn't feel hungry or deprived. Remember, the LAP-BAND ® System is a powerful tool to help you change your eating habits. Can I eat anything in moderation? After your stomach has healed, you may eat most foods that don't cause you discomfort. However, since you can only eat a small amount at a time, it is important that you choose nutritious, vitamin-rich foods as outlined on this site and recommended by your surgeon and/or dietitian. Remember, if you eat foods that contain lots of sugar and fat or drink liquids full of empty calories (milkshakes, sodas), you will still be consuming more calories than you burn, and your weight loss with the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System may be greatly reduced or even cancelled. Can I drink alcohol? Alcohol has a lot of calories and breaks down Vitamins. An occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage, though, is not considered harmful to weight loss.1 Can I go out to eat? Order only a small portion, such as an appetizer. Try to eat as slowly as you can. It will help if you stop eating at the same time as your dinner companions. You might want to let your host or hostess know in advance that you cannot eat very much. Ask your surgeon for a LAP-BAND® Patient Card included in the Post-Op Patient Packet provided by Allergan. The patient card explains what the LAP-BAND® System is and states that you cannot eat very much (this card can also be helpful if you have an unrelated medical emergency). Am I allowed to have my LAP-BAND® System opened for a special occasion? While it might seem tempting and easy, your LAP-BAND® System should never be opened to eat a big meal at a special occasion. The LAP-BAND® System can be opened for medical reasons, though, such as pregnancy, when you will need to increase your nutritional intake. Does the LAP-BAND® System limit any physical activity? The LAP-BAND® System should not hamper any type of physical activity. You should be free to do aerobics, stretches, and any strenuous exercise you enjoy once you've completely recovered, and your surgeon gives you the 'ok'. Do I have to be careful with the access port just underneath my skin? The access port is placed under the skin in the abdominal wall, and once the incisions have healed, it should not cause discomfort or limit any physical exercise. The only sensation you may experience from the port occurs when you go in for adjustments. If you feel persistent discomfort in the port area, talk to your doctor.

Dietary Guidelines Once you can eat solid foods without problems, you need to carefully follow your new diet: Avoid drinking liquids during or immediately after meals as liquids tend to flush food through the stomach pouch. This prevents you from getting that prolonged feeling of satisfaction needed to help you eat less. As always, staying hydrated throughout the day is important, however. Drink at least six to eight cups of Water per day, and make sure you consume them between meals. Chew your food thoroughly and eat small bites so that the food can easily fit through the opening to your stomach pouch. This will help you avoid the problem of food blocking the stomach outlet. Only eat when you are hungry and no more than three small meals a day, but you must make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrition. Remember, your stomach can only hold about one-quarter of a cup of food, or two ounces, at a time. Stop eating when your hunger is gone or when you feel comfortable. The general nutrition guide below can help you create good and healthy meals that contain adequate nutrients but low sugar and fat: Good Food Choices Fruits and vegetables One to two servings of fresh fruit daily Two to three servings of fresh vegetables daily [*]Breads and cereals One small portion of low-sugar cold or hot Cereal Half to one slice of toasted whole wheat or rye bread each day. Note: Some patients have difficulty eating bread [*]meat, fish, poultry, eggs One to two ounces of meat, fish, or poultry-or one egg each day. Remove all visible fat from the meat. Remove the skin from poultry. Prepare the meat in ways that need very little fat. Grilling, steaming, microwaving, or boiling are all good ways to do this. Note: Some patients have difficulty eating meat. [*]Dairy products Milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form. However, these types of food have Calcium, which makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet, so choose a maximum of 2 cups of skimmed milk or low-fat yogurt and 1 ounce of cheese a day. [*]Fats Restrict the use of fat to 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter, or oil per day. You can have low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise in moderation. [*]drinks Drink as many calorie-free liquids per day as you wish (though not with meals). Suitable drinks are tea or coffee (black) with low-calorie sweetener, water, non-carbonated beverages containing few or no calories Some doctors have reported that carbonated beverages may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch and recommend they be avoided. Foods to Avoid Some foods deliver a concentrated supply of calories but little nutritional value. These foods should be avoided whenever possible. They include: [*] syrups cakes jam chips pastries Alcoholic drinks should also be consumed in moderation: for example, one glass of wine per day. [*]Common Problem Foods Some foods have difficulty passing through the stomach opening created by the LAP-BAND® System and may cause blockage. These include: dry meat shrimp untoasted or doughy bread rice Peanut Butter fibrous vegetables like corn, asparagus, and celery nuts greasy or fried food membrane of citrus fruits Introduce these foods slowly and individually to see if you can tolerate them. Always be careful, chew well, and follow your surgeon's or dietitian's advice.

Everyones right they are empty calories. When I got this band though I wasn't signing up for a diet. I was signing up for portion control :thumbup: Anything in moderation is fine even libation! I have a glass of wine each night and on the weekends maybe even more. I have lost 86lbs in 10 months so I am not sweating it. I do have awesome restriction... If I didn't enjoy my wine and chose to stop living my life then maybe I would already be at 100lbs lost... who knows. I am happy with it though. It's just a choice you have to make. On the medical side almost everything i have read says alcohol is fine... although there's addiction transfers that can happen. If you're addicted to food and cant have it you may begin to crave the alcohol... or so they say. I can drink carbonation is SMALL doses. It would take me a whole day to consume a soda I am sure. *Cheers*

I only drink alcohol on very special occasions since it's alot of unnecessary calories. And cokes, I've only had 2 since being banded 6 months ago. Most people on here say no to carbonated drinks. But my doc said they were fine in moderation. I would check with your doctor and get his/her opinion. I just dont drink them now because of calories.

:thumbup: After having the Lap Band does anyone drink Alcohol or sodas? And if so, how long did you wait to do so?

Sugar Free Drink Mixes Ocean Spray has some s/f drink mixes and they are really really good! they do have aspartame. I've had to give up soda, beer-alcohol period. I think I'll have a few.

Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed your weekends. I can't believe it is March already. That is the funny thing about being pregnant, so much of your time is spent "waiting" time is either passing at a snails pace or you blink your eyes and a month has gone by. I made some beef stew in the crock pot this morning before leaving for work. It just sounded good today and the weather turned cold again. I think it said it was 17 F today in the car . . . brrrrr. Michelle, you are such a dear for helping out that family and it seems to be going great. I am always afraid of offending people, but it sounds like in this case they just really needed a little help. It feels great to help, but it is sooo much better to be appreciated for it as well. Kat, My goodness . . . no wonder you get hives, I get itchy myself thinking about all the stress you have been dealing with. There is something about unruly teenagers that really makes me crazy. We just rented a film called Eden Lake last night. A bunch of pre-teens & teens started stalking and tormenting a couple on vacation . . . definitely suspenseful, gory and disturbing, which is great if you like that kind of movie. Could you post some no-trespassing signs and go out with a camera to take pictures when they are there? At least they would know they are on record and perhaps make themselves scarce, but then again . . . perhaps that would just antagonize them and you might find worse things happening afterwards. Spreading manure might help. I guess what scares me the most is that you said they found a crack pipe. That makes people dangerous because you know they are not thinking with their right mind. Not to mention that your valuables become more at risk . . . they have already broken into your shed. Do you personally know who any of these kids are? Judy, would Kris be up for a little company to break the monotony? Maybe play cards or watch movies. It is probably hard for both of you to wait and you could maybe share the time together. My mother "hung out" with me during labor with my son. It was really a special and exciting time for both of us . . . something I didn't realize I would enjoy so much but I have never forgotten it. Suzanne, those pic's were great of the basement. Someone went through a lot of time and effort to make it nice. I really want to do a kids play room in a theme as well, perhaps tropical-under the sea theme. I must be a bit shy . . . because there is no amount of alcohol or prodding that could convince me to sing karaoke although my sisters thrive on it, lol. TracyK, good luck with your van, I hope it is something small. Be careful with mechanics if you take it somewhere as well. My husband just had a problem with a break line leak about 2 weeks ago and the garage said it would be around $1,250 to fix because it needed break lines, calipers and wheel cylinders and break shoes . . . basically it sounded like the entire system needed replaced. I balked at the price and my brother came up to take a peek while it was still on the lift at the garage. He looked and only said, take it down, we are taking it with us. He fixed it for about $70 and a couple of hours of labor. My brother said the googly-eyed mechanic was trying to put one over on us (and this was at a big break repair chain). Laura, I am feeling your pain as well. I seem to be having aches and pains but it all depends on how I am sitting or laying. If I lay on my back or sit a certain way, I can hardly get up again without the sharp sciatic pain. It really is just easier to walk around than to sit. Also, sometimes I sit on the floor . . . always have . . . but I swear getting up again seems like scaling a small mountain sometimes, lol. I feel like am going to be as frail as a 90 year old women in another two months.

Sugar alcohols come out of the carb count. But as Laura said, they are also good laxatives, lol. The calories are still the same. In my humble opinion, you are doing yourself more of a disservice by eating the 'fake' chocolate with the fake sweeteners. Eat REAL chocolate, but in moderation. Those fake sugars screw with your metabolism. That's why you are not seeing weight loss. There is plenty of science out there that shows sugar free is NOT the way to go. Nor is the Fat free stuff. Off my soap box now. :wink:

First of all - go Megsy you ol' devil! Good to see the old girls' got some juice left in her yet! Hope you had a top time and thanks for testing out the alcohol thing, I'll be trying that myself tonight (husband away again this week) Funny that you had a bad experience yesterday, I have found out alot about bad experiences since I started whinging about having no restriction and eating all the time. Well, I do feel pain and now I know what comes after the pain I will do everything I can to not go there. Unfortunately I also know that you dont know theres a problem until its too late but I can only try. ALOT of people have mentioned this problem after eating rice. I've always had a prob with rice so I havent eaten it as yet but given the right circumstances I'm sure I will. Others have also experienced pain afte the PB on a par with post op pain and I definitely dont want to go THERE! Crossing my fingers for a better week, thank you for sharing hopefully we can catch up on chat one night???

Thanks so much, it means so much to hear from others! I tell you, no one understands what we go through with this decision except those of us in the midst of it. I really knew it was an addiction when a girlfriend, who was an alcoholic, said "I would watch you when we go out and you'd nurse one drink all night, it amazed me! to which I replied "yeah, and when we go to lunch you automatically order the healthiest thing on the menu and then don't even finish it!" The big difference, of course, is that you can live all of your life without alcohol, gambling or drugs, but we have to face the table each day. Here's too we brave folks that have made this choice!

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?