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O.T.R. hey guy "confession" - good for the soul??? I think so i know you knew you had to stop the overeating and all - but if it was so easy to do that , none of us would be here i think a slip like you had is inevidable for all/most of us sleevers we're like those "recovered" alcoholics - that always must say "i am an alcoholic", regardless if their better - they will always for considered an alcoholic well..........I'm a food addict - don't know if i feel better admitting that - but what i said it the truth if you/us don't admit we have a problem - how can we "fix" it????? i know/think it helps to speak about what you/me/us "did" you feel more accountable - you might not feel better immediately about admitting your goof , but it does help me for me its like getting a weight off my shoulder fessing up - even if its only "me" giving myself a good talking to when i "put it out there" its like i am making it official to myself/or you guys i now have told the world - so i go ahead and get back on that wagon if i don't get back to my new normal ways, i'm always afraid that one of you guys will kick me in the a sssss if i fall again I won't mention any names - this is just between laura-ven and myself!!!!oooops course a good kick in the butttt is never a bad thing you just gotta look harder now to find my buttttt don't be too hard on yourself - you don't deserve to beat yourself up anymore we'll talk next month at the "whats best" meeting!!!! i'm bringing an extra lrge Water bottle with your name on it!!! take care you are back on the road of success with your best friend and mine - The Amazing Sleeve

Certainly not trying to diminish what you’re experiencing. Just offering some suggestions, things to think about or discuss with your medical team. Head hunger encompasses more than just cravings it’s just the most obvious one that most relate to. But it’s also eating for emotional reasons: to sooth in response to anger, sadness, depression, anxiety, stress, etc. Head hunger is also habit driven eating. Like always eating when you go to the movies, watching tv, before you go to bed or eating very regularly (every hour or less). Also eating because you’re drinking alcohol & socialising. Plus perceptions of what is ‘enough’ food as I mentioned before. Because, if we’re honest when we’re obese, our body has plenty of stored energy in our fat it can burn if our body needs more calories than we’re currently consuming to function. It’s what we need to happen if we are to lose weight. Major surgery is stressful & doesn’t matter how ready you were for this surgery it still is an emotional roller coaster of various degrees. So that could be contributing. Is your esomeprazole prescription or over the counter? You may be producing too much stomach acid so you may need a higher dose - 20 or 40mg. The acid will make you think you’re hungry though you’re not. You eat & your tummy uses the acid to digest that food & the pain/pangs go so you think yes, I was hungry. Once you get onto solid foods this should reduce - more acid is needed to digest the denser food than just liquids & purées so you’ll use more of what you are producing. Hunger pains/pangs do not necessarily occur only when your hungry. They are the result of many triggers. Not the best article about the causes of hunger pangs but it may be a little helpful. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321725#symptoms. My tummy gurgles, groans, squelches, often (it’s doing it now 😆) but is not related to me needing to eat. (Remember how when our tummy would gurgle people would say you must be hungry? Not necessarily true.) It can be from what I ate (dairy causes it sometimes), drinking too fast or having too big a swallow, or even resting my iPad on my chest when I read at night. Can be a bit embarrassing but it seems to be how my tummy works now. I hope you can find a way to manage & help what you’re experiencing. And I hope your medical team returns your call soon. So frustrating when they don’t follow through with support. All the best.

I was cleared at 6 weeks for food & alcohol...each Dr's instructions vary

ok the alabama meet and greet is now set in stone. details is as listed below. place - springvalley beach food there. and you are allow to bring food in the park if you would like to. they do have Lifeguards on duty. they are located 2 miles north of Blountsville off of Hwy 231 on County Road 55. you can map Quest it if you need be, if you have never been there like me. and remeber.... No alcohol is permitted. No diving is permitted. this is going to be a family meet and greet so bring your boyfreinds,husband,wifes, girlfreinds, and kids. and also please have a good time. this is what this is all about. meeting everyone and enjoying the day. and remember they have alot of pools and slides to enjoy so bring the swim suits :w00t: and enjoy. :wink2: this is a list of people coming so far. i will update it when new people tell me they are coming. 1. jason r,wife,and 2 kids 2. kaninag and husband 3. fordgal88, husband, and kids 4.swneighbours 5.gone 4 ever 6.naynayto2, daughter, and grandson 7.venzwife 8.southern missy 9.debbut ok if you are going to bring someone thats not listed please let me know.

I have cheated so many times its not even funny and I'm still losing weight and gaining muscle. I just got back from a cruise and I feel like I ate 24/7. I probably gained 5 lbs on the cruise but I'm not worried about it as I'll go to the gym and get back into my better habits once I'm home. The Sleeve is a tool. Use it and you will be fine. I actually indulged in alcohol on this past cruise. One drink and I'm drunk for a very short amount of time.. then sip some more... I guess smaller stomach = lighter weight drinker.

Yep, next thing you know, BBK, you will be featured in one of those "can't hold their alcohol" emails!!!! Has anyone mentioned seeing you snoozing? My former BIL passed out one year at Christmas, and we decorated him.....hung ornaments on him, icicles, put his MIL's curly toed elf slippers on him.....and then we just waited.....and oh yeah---took LOTS of pictures!!!! Kat

So I am scheduled for surgery this summer and about 4 weeks after surgery I am scheduled to have an informal reunion weekend with 4 of my closest college buddies. 2 of them are doctors and 2 of them are good friends of mine still and will know about surgery. What will I be able to do? I assume there will be alcohol involved and food and I am fine sitting there with a class of Water and a cup of Soup. Just hoping that the weekend isn't a disaster…. In terms of food I will have progressed past the pureed/soft stage at that point and be on to adding soft Proteins like diced chicken. My surgeon's office does things a little differently I think. Will I be comfortable sitting for a long time? Will I be up for a day of sightseeing? They are coming to my home town. Thoughts?

I'm getting refrains of the 70's song, "When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman (It's Hard)" running through my head... :thumbdown: Yes, it's as if when we're fatties, we're safe. I am like Shamrock in that my husband met me about 145ish, though I didn't stay that weight very long in our relationship. I can only hope it'll be a good thing. The only real issue I'm going through is that he's being somewhat passive-aggressive about losing out on losing an eating buddy. He's not fat, but he's a HUGE foodie. It's like being with an alcoholic who is still drinking when you decide to stop. It's becoming a real issue for me, and I'm feeling passively attacked over all of this. :thumbup:

Doctor told me one month and at 31 days I strolled into the local bar. I have had no problems with booz however I do not drink beer. I typically drink bourbon on the rocks, wine, perfect manhattans, martinis and a few yeager bombs but not all at one time. But as the other guys said be ready because you will not be able to handle as much alcohol as before. I mean you can still drink it but you will be totally wasted if you drink pre-surgery amounts.

Honestly...I know my husband loves me to death but he has never had a weight problem so he doesn't know what any of this is like and I just wish he would have told me "no" on the times I've wanted to gorge myself on things that were no good for me. He didn't want me to be mad at him but what he didnt realize was that I would have gotten over being mad and I would have thanked him afterwards. I've tried to explain to him that I am no different than a drug addict or alcoholic. food was my drug of choice and I would equate me asking for Mickey D's or Burger to an alcoholic taking a trip to the liquor store but he just doesn't get it because he doesnt have that problem. And if your wife truly wants this I wouldn't worry about her being mad. One day she will thank you. :thumbup: Kudos for telling her no. If she doesn't realize it right this moment she will later realize that you did it because you love her and know what she is going through.

Hi- I'm scheduled for surgery next Monday 7/9 at BI Milton in MA and I'm on 2 protein shakes a day plus 1 meal (protein + veggies + fruit, no carbs). No snacks, no caffeine, no alcohol. The first few days were TORTURE. I was lightheaded and dizzy and really cranky. Now I'm a week in and it's better physically but still hard emotionally/socially. I've decided it's good prep for post-op and it's getting me in the right frame of mind for surgery and the changes I'll need to make long-term. Hang in there! Elizabeth

Josie: Thanks for asking. I went last month and had a check-up. She's pleased with the results and the scar looks light pink and fading more and more. I do have a small dog-ear on one side. She wants me to give it three more months to see if it corrects itself or not and if not she'll fix with a minor procedure in the office. Now I'm focused on trying to find a new job. I got laid off in April and it's a b**&h trying to find a new job. If I get a job at the level I was before I'll be saving up to get the girls done. It's not likely, but I can dream. Unfortunately with the boredom and stress of trying to find a new job I've been grazing. I have now gained 20 pounds since my plastic surgery. I talked to my band surgeon about it this week and I asked if I can come in for weekly weigh-ins until I get a job and get my eating back under control. He's so nice. He gave me his cell phone number and told me to call him any time if I was struggling. When I went in to weigh in yesterday with his office staff I got the same feeling that an alcoholic must get when they go to AA meetings with a hangover. Embarassed, but facing my demons. I'm not changing my ticker because I am going to kick it back down very soon! I cannot wait to see your pics. Take care. Sue

Yep. This happens a lot, but you have to take to heart the fact that the power is in your hands. Just because people are drinking socially doesn't mean you need to, so do not try to justify the situation to yourself like that. If you have a problem with alcohol you've got no business drinking.

Well done to you for noticing this in yourself. It is something I sometimes worry about. I know I can choose to not drink, I have not had alcohol over extended periods of time and been perfectly okay. What worries me is that I don't want to not drink. I like to drink. It is scary enough that I think at times it is enough to keep me sober. Which I know makes little sense! The trick for me is, I think, telling others. Being really honest about wanting to not drink and seeking support in that. Which may mean that others don't drink so it is a big ask. But these are your friends and family, they want what is best for you so I hope they can support you to not drink through this period.

Hi Shazam, you sure have your head in the right place -- pre-band here and loved reading your post. Transference is the term for trading in one addiction for another. Those seeking escape through food and unwilling to really look at that are prone to finding another way. Alcohol, for example, or just straight-up sugar. Something to stay in a fog rather than really showing up for life, which it's easy to see you are doing. Congratulations on all -- you are navigating some difficult people around you. Stay strong and stay away from any one who is toxic for you. We all know chips, ice cream, etc. are excluded -- why go through all this not to be successful on the band? We want health, vitality -- beautiful futures full of promise!

I would say absolutely not. If you are SERIOUS about this whole process, you need to begin to make the right choices. For a LOT of people who are obese, much of the problem comes down to them having made BAD decisions.....eating the WRONG things at the WRONG time in the WRONG amount, for long periods of time. You need to begin making the RIGHT decisions. Alcohol is NEVER conducive to weight loss. And, even a small amount may impair your judgement further, causing you to drink more, and even eat some stuff you shouldn't. Start making GOOD decisions.

You my friend, will be a success. Congrats on your understanding what life changing really means. It's ladies like you mention above who give WLS a bad name. People see those folks doing nothing different and figure it's the 'easy fix' and then they wind up gaining the weight back anyway. Your friend with the alcohol problem has just changed her addiction. It happens alot from what I understand. Find your true support in life and here virtually and enjoy your new life..you have earned it.

No way on earth would I have had any liquor as soon post op as that would be for you. Not flaming, either; I like to drink. But you only got your band on 2/2...don't know where you'll be on your post op diet (for me, I'd have been in full liquids, or mushies, depending on day of diet). You had an artificial device placed around part of your stomach. Your liver (where alcohol is processed) was moved and jostled so that it could be placed. You need to give everything a chance to settle down, heal from any bruising, etc. To drink too soo would be really counterproductive. Many docs say 6 months (or never...) I didn't wait that long. I did, however, wait 3 months. You should call your surgeon to be sure (they are all different) but I think it would be smart to give it longer than 2-3 weeks.

Hi, I haven't had my sleeve yet, I just did step 3 my psche eval, he told me I could never have alcohol drinks again, not that I drink alot but at celebrations I like wine etc, is it true that you never can have it again? just thought I ask, I'm going thru old posts to get all my answers but just thought I post, also no gum or straw uses? thanks for help Jenn

I think they say that because of the fear of transfer of addictions. Alcohol is very high in calories, so you can drnk but just tread lightly.

Well it's Boxing Day here in Australia and Christmas is over. Had a great day yesterday with family and friends. I cooked for everyone, turkey, ham, roast pork loin, lots of vegetables and salads, pudding, sweets. I did really well and ate my Protein and vegetables. Wasn't even hungry when we sat down for lunch but I joined in anyway with eating, didn't even finish what was on my plate but what I ate was delicious. I had one teaspoon of pudding and a one teaspoon of a yummy dessert I make and I was satisfied. After lunch everyone was struggling with overly full tummys and the urge to sleep. I was energetic and constantly on the move cleaning up etc. I didn't have any alcohol, was never a drinker anyway but I did have a glass of non alcoholic wine and sipped on that throughout my meal. Jumped on the scales this morning and I'm two pounds down from yesterday, must have been from all the effort I put into cooking for everyone yesterday. The first Christmas I have truly enjoyed food wise because I enjoyed a bit of everything without the over stuffed feeling. Hope you all had a fantastic day with family and friends and to those that did have that bit extra no guilt feelings the next day!!! The effort will be better spent on getting back on track and moving forward.

From: Chapter 5 - How It Works (Higher Power Version) "Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average. There are those, too, who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest. ******************************************************* No part of the Big Book is more beloved or oft quoted "in the rooms" than "How It Works." I am now applying these concepts to my personal experience with Food. I am thinking about the difference with Alcohol, if there is one. OA bases its program on the same Steps and the Big Book with an adapted form as well. One can live without drinking, but not without food. The portions I am trying to resolve are: "People who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program" refers to the 12 Step program process. How does it apply to the Weight Loss Surgery process? Certainly one "gives themselves" to it. "they seem to have been born that way" Many find it impossible to overcome their genetics for obesity. Some are able to overcome them through dieting, and/ or medication, some through WLS and the remainder are, unfortunately unable to do so. It is Higher Power intervention that acts to bring these folks through, but failure does not mean they are wrong or that the Higher Power is incapable. What is the answer for these people? I am still unsure about this, as I am about children who die in Africa etc. it is one of those great unanswered questions. "They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty." We know that the success of WLS is dependent on 100% effort, when it comes to managing food and exercise properly. A lifestyle change = a "manner of living," I believe. "...grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest." Honesty must be a very powerful factor indeed, if it trumps the incapacity of mental illness. As a person who has survived alcohol and drug dependency by taking appropriate medications, i must believe that "honesty" also means getting the help you need, no matter what it takes. Medication also falls under "manner of living." to be continued

Reading your post, I find myself relating to your story… I was thin till I was about 30/31 years old… so for the last 10 years I have put on weight for one reason or another – but I too didn’t match what I saw in the mirror… now 8months post op and a 100lbs lighter, I look back at pictures and have no idea who that person was for the last 10 years… I always knew there was a “skinny girl within” so when people who didn’t know me before I gained weight say “omg you look so different” I just smile and say well I am still the same on the inside… or a simple “Thank you.. I think..” and then normally they realize that they kind of crossed that invisible line of offending you with a compliment… and then they kind of back tract… Most of my coworkers know that I had this surgery, I just couldn’t really hide it… there are just too many big mouths and there was just no point in trying to lie about it… HOWEVER – in my life outside of work, only close family & friends know. It’s not something I post, blog or brag about… I have had a lot of people that are not in my everyday life ask me what I am doing, and I tell them I cut all pork, Pasta, rice, breads & alcohol… (which is the truth – I just have left out the part where they took out 90% of my stomach) I do feel bad, but half the time I just feel like they are being nosey.

Wow. Same here. 3 months post op, planned Caribbean vacation before surgery. I just came back from vacation a week ago. When I was there I could only drink one serving of alcohol &, I'll admit, I didn't restrict my food since I was on vacation. I ate some carbs & dessert. But since I ate so little & did a lot of activity, I came back home & see I lost 2 lbs. It so awesome to go on vacation & still lose weight. Height: 5'0" Weight for WLS consultation: 216 lbs. Surgery date: 2/13/17 Goal: -71 lbs for healthy BMI (about 145 lbs). Current weight: 158.4 lbs My profile picture is not me. It's my "FITspiration" body.

I was told no alcohol for at least one year, and should be only on special occasions. Also, no more than 2 drinks within a 24 hour period.