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SpecialK, I have the band and I am having it removed due to complications. I seen my dietician and asked her what the differece was with feeling full with the band and feeling full with the sleeve. She explained to me that once the hunger hormone (Ghrelin) is removed then I will feel less hungery all the time and I won't have those dramatic peaks of starvation. I will also not get that chest pain anymore. The sleeve has no device to make things get stuck to feel that pain. You will just feel "normal" with the sleeve since it operates like a regular stomach. The best thing I like is I won't be able to eat more and drink with my meals (you are NOT supposed to do this with the band anyway) bad me..., so with the sleeve if you try to eat too much or drink with it you will end up in pain and throwing up..I do not want that. There is no other part of your stomach to force food into with the sleeve like it is with the band. I do not drink with my meals anymore now, so that is a wonderful thing for me and it was hard for me to train myself to do. I don't even allow a drink on the table when I am eating. I make sure my hubby keeps his close to him and not near my side where I could just pick it up unconsciously and drink it. If you are having problems with head hunger...don't beat yourself up about it. You need to work hard with your counselor and try getting a book called "The Food & Feelings workbook" It is very good and I used it and am using it to help battle my addiction. Also joining groups for food addicts can be very helpful for some. The reason we are all obese or morbidly obese is because we didn't or couldn't control how much we ate. I have never seen a obese person eat 2-3 oz at each meal, exercise 4-5 days a week and say I don't know why I am not thin. If we could control how much we ate we wouldn't need surgery as a tool to help us out. Head hunger won't go away overnight and you will have to work on this addiction for life, as well as any alcoholic or drug addict works on their addiction and staying clean life long. You can still get surgery, but don't expect the surgical TOOL to work if you are not doing your part. I just feel you can keep working on this one day at a time, but you must be committed. That is also why they have surgical support groups. People don't cure their head hunger and get surgery, though that would always be best. But in reality, it isn't like that 95% of the time. We need a tool to help us along. You can make the band work for you if you want to. But it will mean working hard with getting counseling, exercise, going to support groups, and taking it one day at a time. If your band is causing you pain in your chest, first try and eat smaller bites and chew very well. If this doesn't work then maybe you need a slight unfill. Sometimes just .2 cc's is enough to help. Good luck with your weight loss journey whether you keep your band or get another surgery.

I've only experienced dumping syndrome a few times, but I knew exactly what it was. I still do not know what I ate to cause it, but the abdominal pain, and severe diarrhea, was enough for me. My nutritionist said it may have been the sugar alcohols in a sugar free life saver. They will get you every time.

I wouldn't recommend drinking at all. I was told no alcohol until 3 months post-op. You might want to consult with your doctor or nutritionist if you weren't already given specific guidelines. As for eating, if you are on solids by then, it shouldn't be too bad. Pick high Protein choices from the appetizer menu or share an entree with someone. When in doubt you could always go with something like chili.

Alcohol consumption right?

The reality is that in the beginning, we all lose weight due to the physical restriction of the sleeve. However, there comes a point where the sleeve will no longer be as effective at weight loss or maintenance as diet and exercise is. I have put significant effort into changing my relationship with food and embracing exercise. I still have work to do- my old habits still creep up every now and then and I find myself repeating old behaviors that I am trying so hard to replace with better choices. I understand and accept that the sleeve is basically temporary but my lifestyle is what is going to make the permanent and life-long change that I am looking for in my life. I understand and accept that I might struggle with my food addiction for the rest of my life, as any alcoholic does. But I also knew that I only had a 5% chance of loosing more than 100 pounds on my own, so for me, the surgery was necessary. Now, as I continue to struggle, I only have to deal with the food issues and temptations, and not the constant shame and guilt I felt at being 340 pounds. So even though I might always struggle, I won't struggle with as many things, if that makes sense.

Hi everyone. So far, so good...3+ months out and just over 48 lbs lost. I feel great and am exercising nearly every day. My question is - I chew a lot of sugar free gum. I also have been having problems with my stomach for the last two weeks or so. I saw where someone else called it "unconstipation". That is a very good way to describe what happens to me. It's several times a day, very nasty and somewhat painful. It just occurred to me in the last few days that it could be from the gum. I've always been sensitive to the sugar alcohol in SF candy, etc., but never really thought about the gum. Is it possible? Any opinions? Thanks! Stephanie

They are a sort of artificial form of sugar. They are similar to sucrose, but with an -OH group added to the end (an alcohol group).. This makes them taste similar to sugar but our bodies don't absorb/digest them, really.. so they pretty much go right through you! Unfortunately, this creates some interesting side effects in the bathroom, such as diarrhea, bloating, and major gas issues. You find them in a lot of "low-carb" candy bars or proteins shakes.

I was going to wait until next month when we are 18 months post-op but I thought it might be good to do a check in before the end of the year and also because this is our first holiday season fully healed and I know there is a lot of food temptation at this time of year. How is everyone doing? I have exceeded my own personal expectations, and it seems like I am actually going to make my goal well before 2 years, which I am going to revise pretty soon for a stretch goal of 165 I think. After going so long not eating lots of stuff, I find it very easy to pass things up. Holiday candy doesn't appeal to me. Alcohol doesn't interest me. Even when I get a drink I usually only have one sip and I am bored.

Have some diluted fruit juice instead. Or water with lemon or lime. You don't ever "have" to have alcohol to celebrate anything.

I was so satisfied with scrambled eggs for breakfast and tuna at lunch. If the junk isn't around, then I can't eat it. (Maybe this is how my hubby has lost 30 lbs since my sleeve?? Ha!) So if an alcoholic avoids alcohol, a druggie avoids drugs, former fatties must avoid Rice Krispie Treats!!! It's sure true for me! Moderation and occasional indulgences are great and I do that - but having the temptation sitting on the counter while snowbound at home all weekend is a recipe for disaster!

Your reticence is understanding, this is a huge surgery, a giant step. I had to take it to live, with severe diabetes, high blood pressure, urge incontinence, severe edema, all of which are now virtually gone at the 3 mos post bypass timeframe. I had hundreds of attempts to lose the weight but slowly over the decades crept up to over 422#. I, too, used the NSAID pain killers and Tylenol is a hoax, does nothing for me. The good news is that I don't need it anymore. I have already lost 80#, and look forward to a long life. I don't mind the supplements. Having said that, I think you should be solid about why you are doing this major surgery. You seem to think you might be able to make it to health without it. Go for it if you can. In alcohol treatment, addiction counselors frequently tell people who are unsure if they are alcoholics to go ahead and drink and see if there are any negative effects...

I was told I had to wait a year before having alcohol. Im 3 weeks out, and I don't think my stomach could tolerate it. Having trouble with the Vitamins, so Im thinking I should wait till I can at least get those down. I love my wine, and have quite a few bottles, but Im waiting for the right time. Im concentrating on getting thin and healthy, Ill have my wine later.

My insurance and surgeon required it. They're checking for things like, do you have the commitment to make the necessary changes to be successful, are you doing this for your health or someone else? Tendencies to transfer food addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, etc, suicidal thoughts, etc. They want to make sure you understand it's not a "quick fix" but a lifetime commitment. Not a big deal at all. Several paper\pencil tests and an hour interview. Mine didn't require anything post op and I've not felt like I needed therapy, (though I was prepared for that if I felt like I needed it.)

I know what you mean. I'm a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding in NOLA in June, three months post op to the day almost. I'm nervous, too. Im more so concerned about the alcohol restriction since this is a 3 day long extravaganza. I'll just have to pace myself with the shots. I already know I won't partake in any mixed drinks because of the sugar and cals. I'll just pick off the many meals that will be provided and have my high protein snacks in my purse. It sucks but I'll still have loads of fun.

I meant only good carbs, I think at this stage bad carbs (refined sugars cakes chocolate ALCOHOL) shouldn't be part of are diet. In fatsecret.com the carbs come out when you log you're food in. I do agree though you need to see what your doctor recommends. As I said earlier I wouldn't recomend the bad carbs at this stage

What you're experiencing is very normal. Including the ***-sitting husband! LOL Your body has gone through a traumatic experience and needs time to heal. It is definitely hard to eat enough right now. You're probably on a liquid-only diet right now, so just try to have whatever you can. Broths, SF Jell-O, and Water. Sip your water whenever possible. sleep if your body tells you it needs sleep. Now is the time to rest and recuperate. Tell your husband to get you something if you need him to. But don't forget that you need to walk, so sometimes getting yourself something is good (as long as it doesn't mean lifting or doing anything you're not supposed to do). Walking will help with the tummy sounds, etc., too. When your dr says you can have Protein, add some high protein/low-or-no sugar shakes - maybe start off with some that are already made since they should be very smooth. If necessary, water them down (or add skim milk). It will take time to work up to the amounts you are "supposed" to have. Just remember, as you progress, to do it slowly and don't add anything that doesn't assist your being healthy (NO candies even when/if the dr says you can have them in moderation, and don't drink alcohol except once in a blue moon and very little of it). Take it from someone who regained 76 lbs and has been struggling to get down below the almost 50 lbs she finally lost!!! (As for the alcohol, that's because even many drs don't know the latest research on WLS and drinking. It turns out that RNYers get high quickly, may feel like it went through us quickly, but the effects and blood alcohol levels stay longer - plus we tend to become addicted to it very easily. Don't risk cross addiction.) End of "lecture." LOL Good luck! ♥

Before people start arriving, try to sit down & eat some of the turkey chili ahead of time. This may help you to better resist the temptations around you tonight. Keep Water in your hand to sip throughout the party, and be very careful not to overdo the alcohol. Since you're not even a month out yet, you don't have any way to know what foods might not sit well or make you sick. Good luck!

chocolate for dinner is a bad idea for sure, but I think a piece of chocolate (especially dark) every now and then is fine! I get sent tons of European goodies for Christmas from my family in the UK, and though I allow my husband to eat most of them, I refuse to completely avoid them. I am down to 135 lbs too On top of that, I don't avoid alcohol- they sent me some nice brandy and I have one glass of that a couple times a week with my husband. I'm of the opinion that so long as you enjoy the naughty stuff in moderation, it's good for your soul. What got me to being obese was not having the ability to "moderate"- I'd go through an entire box of chocolates in a day, along with massive portions of everything else. I am happy I can no longer go nuts, but I don't really care to over indulge now, even if I could.

Just like a recovering alcoholic, I'm a recovering food addict. It's going to be a life time addiction that I will have to manage forrrrrrrreverrrrrrrr.

Sugar is on of the most toxic chemical we can put in our body. I am a sugar addict and struggle with this all the time. I do have to read all labels for 5 different types of sugar. I even avoid food products with sugar alcohol in there. If I do eat something sweet, I crave more of it.....it's really dangerous for me. I find that if I stick to things like organic meats, spaghetti sauces that are organic no sugar listed I am ok. I realize that I can only eat organically grown foods that are not processed due to needing the nutrition value from that food. This is a choice that I have to make and I do fail at times and have to recoop my focus and start over........

I have had wine a few times, I am almost 6 months out. I too got tipsy after 2 glasses. The big thing, I think, is the fact that alcohol is high in calories. Drinking your calories can easily cause weight gain. So I try to keep alcohol to special occasions and not too excess.

Good Morning! I was banded April 29th. Your Dr. will obviously tell you not to drink alcohol for two reasons: it contains calories and you will notice the effects with considerably less ingested. Having said that, I have a glass (maybe 2) whenever I am out but make it last the night. Will probably limit it to special occasions. This band is a tool and you have to make it fit into your lifestyle while appreciating you got it for a very good reason. Now, as far as the gulping Water thing goes. You quickly learn to get the water down but not in huge mouthfuls. Just like your eating habits will change - you will chew more and take smaller bites - your water drinking will change a little as well. Just take slightly smaller amounts and swaller more frequently and you should be fine. Good luck.

Hi jabs i will be 3 years out on May 15th, my new birthday, wish it was 35 years. as of today I'm 97 lbs lighter. Never had any regrets, not an instant. Nothing I can't eat or drink, except for extremely sweets, i can only have one [/url]chocolate, not half a box. i was pre diabetic, needed a knee replacement but now no problems with my knee and i have a clean bill of health. My favorite thing is being able to cross my legs in addition to wearing flattering clothes. Be sure to get your Protein or you may risk anemia so I have a Protein Drink each day, i can only palate Premier Protein at 160 cal and 30 grams of protein. You can also eat greek yogurt at 12g and you will have a good head start. I don't worry about calories anymore. if i feel like eating anything i go for it but in very small quantities, kids meals are too much but the toys are cool. I give them to the food bank. I love Soups but still hates salads. by the way if you want to fell full for free, have a free meal by eating samples at costco I'm usually full before the lasts samples. Remember, liquids first but you will learn. Sometime my eyes are bigger than my stomach but my stomach always wins. I usually share with whoever i am eating with or order an appetizer which is always too much so i eat lots of leftover. If you like to drink alcohol, be careful you get drunk real fast on very little and sober up kind of fast. I no longer like wine just light beer but very occasionally now as i was developing a habit. I now have tea in the evening as i realized i was just thirsty, i don't like Water. My only comp;location is eosophagal cramps that resemble a heart attack its noes,let common, the first time it happened i was at a hotel and had to call the emergency. The EMT tested me gave may an EKG and my heart was fine, i took a couple of Tums and it went away. I was lucky to have a dr who recognized the condition right away soI now i take an omapremazole every day, i tried nexium but it doesn't work for me. Don't expect to look great naked, actually pretty creepy but i don't want plastic surgery at my age and except for my hubby, nobody else sees me that way. I have a wonderful husband who want to see me healthy and happy. i do look great in jeans. congratulation on your decision to live longer

Addiction is addiction, you have swapped one for the other which is not uncommon, there are many folks that slip on this path. I am sorry for your recent troubles, it seems when it rains it pours in regard to personal problems and you are not alone in this predicament. First of all, don't let your ex-fiancé determine your success or your future. Put down the alcohol and take a sober look at your present predicament. He has taken away a lot from you by "dumping" you but he can't take away your determination and self-esteem unless you let him. Decide what you want...to lie down and let him win or stand up for yourself and let this process change your life for the better so you can win. Get another job...any job to see you through for a while. You can find your dream job later... what you need now is income. See if a relative or a friend can put you up until you can save a little money to get you on your feet. Life has roadblocks and detours for everyone, very few people follow a path of roses and sunshine. You have undergone this major surgery to make your life better, please don't sabotage it by giving up. Sending you healing hugs and offering up prayers for you to find the strength to do what you need to do. You have a wonderful support group here. Please use it .

The surgery was good, I didn't have any issues afterwards, which I was surprised with. I often felt a 'failure' that I didn't really have to try very hard or fight for the weight loss. It just happened. Now when I look back I just think that I was very blessed. What was I disappointed with? My transferance to alcohol for a few months in 2016. A very slippery slope and now I don't drink at all. It was a very dark place for me and I felt I couldnt tell people here because I'd be judged harshly and at that time I wouldn't have been able to cope with that. The funny thing is, even in those dark days, I never broke the 'food' rules and some weeks I continued to lose weight. How has it changed my life? In EVER single area. Best thing I ever did