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I appreciate your concern but I’ve actually be doing really well food wise and am just trying to make wise decisions for Memorial Day Weekend and such. I already gave up alcohol for lent just to tack on another reason why I can’t drink it lol!! Right now all I drink is water with the occasional diet snapple. If you have any preferred drinks please share!!

If they are like the Blue Bell SF pops I had, they are made with sugar alcohols. While not completely carb free, from what I've read, your body only absorbs about half the calories from the sugar alcohols.

Okay I've always had mental issues, clinical depression, anxiety, ptsd and a history of being abused as a child yadda yadda (the stereotypical poster child for low self esteem)... But never once did I think losing a bunch of weight would be the sole solution to all my life problems, but yes it has greatly improved my quality of life, health wise most importantly and I wouldn't change my weightloss journey for anything in the world, yet I've always understood no matter what I will always be a damaged person. That is not to say I can't change and I consider myself a work in progress but sometimes I'm not sure what I'm doing. Before I always had a child like mind and was considered naive, innocent and easy to take advantage of (but part of me actually knew what was going on, just too meek to say anything and I often play dumb to avoid conflict). I had only been in one relationship in my 34 years of life (that relationship lasted 12-13 years) and when he moved on I just completely gave up on living and hardly went outside for 8 years, just stayed in my room and rotted away and hoped everyone forgot I existed and that I would just eventually die. For years it was told to me that I was disabled and just beyond help and I'd be better off living my days in group homes or facilities for the mentally ill and despite me knowing it was untrue I just gave into whatever everyone said about me until that one day I the found fire and strength in me to turn my life around. 3 years later and everything is much different now, people can't believe I'm the same person. I finally got over my fears and learned how to drive, got a car ,got a job, live on my own in and...got the sleeve which means I dropped a lot of weight. I've grown up and changed a lot...Except in one area where I am very much like a teenage girl. My "love" life. While I'm attracted to men it's like their a whole different species and I don't understand them at all. Even when I was in the relationship with my ex he left me because he wanted someone "in better shape." So I always assumed I'm gross and unwanted with a big part of it being because of the weight. So last summer I weighed about 200 pounds. I had just started fixing myself up more and my mom introduced me to this guy she thought would make a great friend since we were both shy and had similar personalities. Our friendship grew into a little more over the 4 month span but he never wanted anything else from me so I respected that, but he knew I liked him and we had been intimate on a few occasions and all of a sudden he just stopped and just wanted to stay platonic. I later found out that he had someone else but never told me and it crushed me. He said something to the effect of "When you get smaller you'll be a killer and I'll be bummed that you don't like me anymore." Yet the women he chose is heavy set as well and she is 19 years older than him and not to be mean but she is a known drunk, so yeah it was a major blow and I felt like crap. Despite my mom saying "It's not you, just he has his own deeps issues and prefers women who he feels need him." I still took it hard and looked everywhere for some sort of validation as a person and because of it I put myself in dangerous situations. In the quest of opening my eyes and seeing what else is out there, wanting to feel desired and connect with someone... I went on random dates with pretty much any guy who showed interest, even strangers who showed red flags from the beginning by repeatedly insisting I drink alcohol when I said I don't drink or as soon as I got into this one guy's car after talking to him on the phone for 2 weeks thinking he was going to take me out somewhere first thing he did was grabbed my boobs and stuck his tongue down my throat. I tried going to social atmospheres like bars and clubs, but it's really not my thing. I'm just really horrified at this point about dating because I feel like the majority of men are creeps and I'm not sure how to go about finding a decent one or knowing when I'm ready to.

I use to be a wine consultant, so wine is my favorite! I also drank it in moderation. And actually before I decided on surgery my NUT told me I could have 4 oz a day. But when I decided on surgery I stopped drinking. And it was refreshing. I save so much $ too. Because I would open a bottle and then drink a glass and that be it. Red wine is only good for two days once opened. But now I am six weeks out and still no craving for alcohol. I set a goal though. Going on vacation end of March to New Orleans so planning to have a drink or two. Wine has sugar so I'll make sure to have no sugar foods that time. I also know that it's all temporary. I'm still in healing phase. The key is Moderation!

I loved wine especially red but read several articles on how easy it could be to become an alcoholic after gastric surgery because it hits you blood stream really fast. Also the dopamine crave.I am just a few days post op and really want to try not to until probably 1 year But I do think however soon you choose be careful it's a slippery slope.

Congrats on your weight loss btw.. I don't know you or your hubby... but from what i read. it seems you have had a realization that your not happy. I have been in a similiar situation. I was with my boyfriend for 8 yrs. (since i was 14) I literally woke up one day and said. this is the day. i slowly broke it off with him. he was a very sensitive man.. so it was hard for me being that i am a very compassionate person. I even had the same feelings of maybe he would meet someone.. or tell me he was gay .. anything!! I didn't hate him for anything.. i just realized I live once.. and other than wanting something more.. i felt like i was leading him on. I had to make the decision for the both of us because if i left it to him, we would be together still.. i went through months of sadness because i had a hard time dealing with the fact i hurt someone.. but... it was the best decision i made. i gave him sooooooo long to get over our breakup. i remained friends.. i talked to him when he had a bad day.. i helped him with relationship advise. NOTHING worked. I moved on. he became an alcoholic. and you know what.. i really don't care anymore. it's been 6 yrs since the breakup and i haven't talked to him in maybe 3 / 4 yrs or so. i am happily married with my soul mate.. and we have a beautiful daughter.. I can't advise you do anything but follow your heart. stay strong, think it over twice, and if you really feel you need to move on.. go for it! best of luck.. i'm sure you will make the best decision..

I was surprised as well. My list from my doctor is: Clear Liquid Diet in hospital (day of surgery + next day) Full Liquid Diet, 1-day post-op - 1-week post-op. Chopped Diet, 1-week post-op - 1-month post-op. Avoid foods with more than 2gm sugar alcohol 8 cups of fluid between meals Take multi-vitamins Exercise - No lifting over 10lbs first eight weeks after surgery. I do have the Premier Protein shakes, which I liked before the surgery, but after the only one I can tolerate is the chocolate one. I do like the clear one, but it is only 20g, but it also counts as a liquid, so that is a win-win. I was all prepared with caffeine-free coffee and everything, but I was told coffee is fine, so happy dance. I do like seaweed, so I am going to get some of those for snacks and just add protein powders to everything I can since 92 grams seems like a lot.

Well, I feel like I'm back on track and have cut back on snacking and alcohol. I lost 2 lbs this week. Last Friday: 204.5 lbs This morning: 202.5 lbs Slowly losing my way to 200 lbs

Tomato Girl, There are several soy shakes that Shaklee offers. "cinch" is a componant of the inch loss program, it's soy ( or comes in whey ), and has Fiber and luciene in it. They also have two plain soy shakes in vanilla or chocolate. All Shaklee's Soy are non-gmo, rinsed with Water vs alcohol, keeping it's isoflavones in place. Finally there is a carb free Soy Mix - virtually tasteless and a great mixer in your healthy baking. I'd be happy to assist you with any other Shaklee questions you might have. Karen Hanrahan - Shaklee Independant Distributor www.bestwellnessconsultant.com

I've been wondering this as well. I was sleeved on 12/29 and my birthday is 1/28. I have no idea what to do to celebrate. I'll only be 4 weeks post-op so I'll still be limited in what I can eat and drinking alcohol is out (which is typically how I celebrate). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Happy (early) birthday @Qtpie28!

Very good point. Just because we CAN eat something doesn't mean eat it...or try it! :smile2: I have made the decision to get the band and follow the rules. No more over-indulging - I've had 10+ years of pigging out and testing my limit with food - IT STOPS HERE. I am determined to be successful! No more starting diets on "Monday" for me. It will not kill me to stay on liquids for 3 weeks, mushies for 2 weeks and then eating healthy - Protein first, then veggies then carbs. It will not kill me to give up caffeine and sodas for 6 months - I've over-indulged on soda for far too long. It will not kill me to avoid alcohol for 6 months - I will have the rest of my life to enjoy the occasional glass of wine or beer. Now is when I LEARN self-control and for once in my life be successful at weight loss. Now who will join me?

ask your surgeon what he recommends. I think you will find the surgeons recommendations on alcohol as varied as they are on caffeine/coffee! I think I had my first social drink at maybe 12 weeks post op, but I tend to avoid alcohol altogether now because it really is just excess calories. If we are out with friends I will get a "token drink" and sip at it, but that's about it. I'm all about not throwing the calories and carbs away for drinks. :-)

I felt the same way yesterday when I started my full liquid diet - which I have to be on until they call me on Sept 15. Who would think I would get so exicited to eat 1/4 cup cream of wheat or a sugar free chocolate pudding cup. I had my cream of wheat for Breakfast this morning and a sugar free popsicle a couple of hours afterwards. My program is pretty strict - no smoking of any kind, no alcohol, no straws, no gum, using my Spirometer etc. I have been reading some of the posts this morning about some people wanting to smoke pot, cigarettes, drink alcohol, eat solids too early, etc. I think every program's guidelines are different and as we are all adults, it is up to each of us to decide what we are going to follow. I plan to follow my program's guidelines and food directions they way they were given go me. I have to be accountable to only myself as far as what I decide to do and also then how successful I am. I don't think they require psychological counseling and all the classes just to be a pain to us - overeating is an addictive behavior and if I get my overeating under control, I don't want to transfer that addictive behavior to alcohol or drugs. Why would be have surgery to get healthier to then only have other unhealthy behaviors? Just my opinion - not meant to offend anyone. Pam orientation 5/9/08 285 lbs surgery 8/26/08 255 lbs 8/30/2008 248 lbs

Its a long one so you don't have to read it. I, like most of you, have been over weight my whole life. I battled with weight right next to a thin younger sister. She is now a stuck, materialistic kind of person who doesn’t care about other people. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> To tell you the truth, I hate being fat and hated the years I had to grow up fat but I wouldn't have traded it for the world. I wouldn’t be the person I am today had I not been. I feel I have confidence in my personality, my brain, and my work ethic. I strive so hard to be what people wish they could be or just be someone people want to be around. This could have something to do with having a father who was a productive alcoholic. He liked to work more than he liked being with his family. At a younger age, I prided myself off the fact that no one hated me. This, I feel, has caused me a lot of emotional and mental damage. <o:p></o:p> I know I did things out of lack of self worth and as ashamed as I am to say it, lack of self respect. I mean I slept with people so they would like me more. I have matured since than, so I can see the errors in my ways. I just find it’s difficult for people to understand why I did it. All I can say was I wanted people to like me, I wanted to be that girl and if I gave people what they wanted, I thought I would be. You know it turns out life isn't that way. <o:p></o:p> AAHH! I just blamed so many things on being fat. I mean I had girls be so mean to me in middle school who said they were my friends and had been for previous years. A girl who said she was my best friend dared her neighbor to see how far he could get with me. He did, but I was innocent than. He had me backed in a corner... I'm sure you can imagine the rest. My own friends. How sick. I never thought what crazy people. I thought wow something must be wrong with me. Honestly even today, telling that story out loud brings me to tears. <o:p></o:p> I lived with my Grandparents at the age of 7 while my parents were building the house they live in today. My Grandpa was a heavy machinery mechanic so he worked nights. He taught me to read and watched me everyday after school. He was like my father since my real one was never home. We eventually moved out and had been over at their house visiting. My cousins were there and my mom said we had to go home. I threw a baby fit and went to sit in the car. My Grandpa was standing outside and lipped Olive juice to me (cause it looks like I love you). I just gave him a dirty look because I was so mad and than we left. My grandpa died that Friday; Father’s day weekend. I have never felt so guilty about anything in my life. My Grandpa’s death has haunted me since the day he died. Even typing this right now is making me sick to my stomach. <o:p></o:p> Since I had been so confident to go to middle school, and the girls were so mean, I was dreading high school. I started smoking pot over the summer. I just had such a big fear of saying something wrong that I wanted to make sure I could have an excuse. Saying oh because I was high gave me the illusion of being cool. I started getting into heavier drugs and hanging out with people who only wanted to take advantage of me. I let them. Knowingly. I just wanted so bad to be a part of a group, I was dumb. <o:p></o:p> Eventually I transferred schools and started living better and made real friends. One day I had missed the bus and my mom was really mad that she had to take me to school. We had been talking about a family friend of ours that my mom had always kept on a Pedi stool even though she’s stupid as shit. She had always compared my sister and me to her and her brother. My mom than started talking about me losing weight and here are her exact words, “I just don’t think you are the kind of girl that guys look at.” Today I know my mom didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I just felt like mentally I had grown up a lot and no longer had a surface hate for myself, had good grades and was off drugs. It just felt like it was never enough. It was never going to be enough. Let’s just say my high school cycle repeated itself with the self hate and the drugs. <o:p></o:p> Today, my mom is so proud of me. My whole family is. My mom had called me one day and said you need to take a new picture because when you call I see one of this fat girl. I know it was supposed to be a compliment but it hurt. I felt like if I ever gained the weight back she wouldn’t love me as much. I mean I know it’s because she wants me to be all I can but my mind just won’t take it that way. <o:p></o:p> I know I still have self hate in my body. It’s deep in there but I can feel it. When I have time to think, I don’t have very happy thoughts. After losing 90 pounds I should but just don’t. I go in for a screening for counseling on September 3<SUP>rd</SUP> but have nothing in the meantime. I have a guy who’s like my brother to confide in, but he has been away for the past year and doesn’t have much time to talk. Oh and I do have a boyfriend but don’t tell him anything about this because he takes it personally. Stupid I know but he’s been here since before I had the surgery and is now more insecure now that I am thin. I just wish I didn’t care about what other people think. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Thanks for listening. I needed that. <o:p></o:p>

I can totally relate - if it's not food, it's cigarettes, spending money, sex, drugs, alcohol etc. It's a disease and it's not your fault. You can cure it. I'm not sure what's available in Australia, but I would look for a 12 step group - they have a Debtors Anonymous (DA) or even Overeaters Anonymous (OA). I promise you the programs work if you work them: Debtors Anonymous Good luck to you - and don't forget to ask God for help.

Hello my fellow Marchies!! (Crickets chirping...) Where is everybody?!?!?!? Oh well guess everyone is busy this holiday weekend... Hope everyones 4th was a fun one... So how are we all doing this month... Hows the progress?? It seems like i am officially stuck at my current weight without being able to crack the 168/169lb marker... I know my fill level is good and i have optimal restriction, i guess my problem is my eating habits haven't been following the good old bandster rules... and the exercise needs to be kicked up another notch!!! I say we all vow to go back to those bandster rules this month and get the ball rolling again!!! Anyone with me?? Here are the good old rules as a nice reminder: 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. Back to Top [*]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 I got everything directly off the lapband site... I figured we all may need a little jog in the memory once in a while... Oh and tdont forget the most important rule!!! PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN ALWAYS FIRST!!! I'm pretty sure that is well drilled into our minds.... but i can honestly say i haven exactly been following that rule very well lately!!!

I guess I learned the hard way, I was a beer drinker pre lap-band and had gone to a wedding 3 months post band and had wine, which is what most recommended b/c no carbonation. Well I am now on a no alcohol sabaticle!!!hehe I was not used to drinking wine, which should be sipped, b/c I always drank beer which you tend to drink more quickly. Needless to say I was very sick and I cannot even think of drinking wine again!!! Just follow your drs. orders b/c they know best and when it comes time for that drink be very careful b/c it will affect you much differently now.

Hi! I am still awaiting approval from insurance and have a question. This weekend, we went over to a friend's house to play cards and I had some alcohol to drink. It made me think about what happens AFTER the band...do you have to watch how much you drink? I would think that being able to have less food on your stomach would cause the alcohol to effect you sooner. Anyone noticed a difference? Thanks...just preparing for a life change! ~~anne

You can drink alcohol in moderation too. Wine (particularly red) is actually good for you in small quantities. I eat whatever I fancy depending on what type of restaurant it is. I can pretty much guarantee I'll always avoid the bread and garlic bread though!

I also avoid taking shots because when you burp, some comes up with it. Oh man, i have never gotten so sick from drinking in my life. The taste of the alcohol coming back up was horrible. Lets just say, my next shot won't be until i'm 21 hehe :]

My surgeon said no alcohol for one year after banding, period. Alcohol is a gastric irritant is the reason why. He is more conservative than other doctors, from what I've read on here. It would be best to check with your surgeon.

I had that too. It turns out that it was a stitch poking thru! What I ended up doing was getting a new CLEAN shaver, soaked in alcohol, and I actually very carefully shaved it flush with my skin. It worked! But since you're going to the doctor, I'm sure they'll take care of it for you. The fill is a piece o' cake.

My hubby has this too and sausage, red meat, bacon and alcohol break him out bad. He eats/drinks cherries/juice.. and takes meds for the inflamation...

Carrie, Sorry to hear that you are having difficulties. If I can implore you to make one change it is to stop throwing up. As others have pointed out, we all sometimes eat too much or too fast. Personally, I can't stand vomiting. Even a PB is too much for my spirit to handle, so I tend to be pretty careful. My point is, when you vomit, you subject your band to the kind of pressure that causes slippage. You have done a lot to get this far, don't ruin it by vomiting. Regarding temptation, what can I say. I am a college student, and the alcohol is my little mistress. I have an idea that you may really enjoy. There is no sense in flirting with temptation if you allready have something you desire more. My suggestion is that you learn to love your food. That's right, love it damn it. Why eat all that mediocre S&@# when you can have a delicious meal. Do it up! Make others jealous. Microwave dinners leave much to be desired, so why eat them? Find some healthy meals that you enjoy, that "hit the spot," and kiss that other crap goodbye. Remember, food is like sex. You enjoy it more when you have a good partner.

I quit all of my vices within three weeks time. On day 1 of my pre-op diet I quite Diet Pepsi, Caffeine and sugar I had my last cigarette the night before surgery and of course since then have kicked my addiction to food/emotional eating. About a month or two post-op I went through a couple of weeks of being a ball of nerves and desperately looking for an outlet. Admittedly alcohol came to mind a couple times but I made it through without picking up any new bad habits. I guess my only regret it taking on all of that at once but I figure what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger! I am very proud of myself now.