Search the Community

Well today's weight is...335.4 I'm up by 1.4 pounds. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm weighing in daily to see the which foods affect me differently, and to keep myself honest. Again, I ate white flour products in the form of macaroni and cheese that I made from scratch. I need to avoid those because they make me feel heavy and I have low energy. I would have to equate it to when an alcoholic falls off the wagon. The next they feel like total shit - well that's where I'm at. I feel sort of sluggish, so I threw all the leftovers away. By the way, I'm back on the wagon so to speak. Until tomorrow...I'll be feeling good

Well today's weight is...335.4 I'm up by 1.4 pounds. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm weighing in daily to see the which foods affect me differently, and to keep myself honest. Again, I ate white flour products in the form of macaroni and cheese that I made from scratch. I need to avoid those because they make me feel heavy and I have low energy. I would have to equate it to when an alcoholic falls off the wagon. The next they feel like total shit - well that's where I'm at. I feel sort of sluggish, so I threw all the leftovers away. By the way, I'm back on the wagon so to speak. Until tomorrow...I'll be feeling good

What wonderful responses you've had on this thread! I'm 21 months post-op, have lost all my excess weight (100 pounds) and now maintaining easily at 135 pounds. Currently (and I emphasize "currently" because things could change, which would mean I'd have to change what I'm doing) ... * I love food! Love the taste of it, the varieties of it, the nutrition of it, the discoveries, the freedom, and the fact that I am no longer afraid of food. Food has become a resource to me, as well as a pleasure. * Since I'm now on maintenance (eating about 1800 cals/day) about 75% of my calories come from nutritious food. The other 25% of my calories come from from good-tasting, but un-nutritious things like alcohol (one drink a day), sugar treats (e.g., 1 biscotti, 2 squares of dark chocolate), or a starchy item (e.g., small biscuit). * I eat a lot of animal and plant Protein, aim for 5 veggies and fruits a day, whole grains, and mostly healthy fats and oils (although I do have a little butter). * I eat full-fat cheese, skim milk, low-fat yogurt -- weird combo, I know, but I like it. * I minimize fast food -- have it rarely. * Only rarely do I eat white bread, white rice, white potatoes, white flour Pasta. Instead, I eat whole grain breads, brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole wheat, protein-enhanced pasta. * I make most of my eating decisions when I make grocery lists and shop for food. If trigger and unnutritious foods are not in the house, I can't eat them. That's a very good piece of advice for you. * I cook a lot more than I used to -- which reflects how rarely I eat "fast food" these days. * I plan my meals and I track all my food and drink intake in My Fitness Pal. I love it. Frankly, for me, it's the second best tool I use to maintain my weight; the first best tool, of course, is my sleeve. * I still (most days) drink a Protein Drink for Breakfast. I just like the taste, and it gives me a great start to the day of 25 grams of protein for only 170 calories. * I take my very few meds (thyroid and H2 blocker antacid) and my Vitamins and other dietary supplements daily and on time. * So far, no food is permanently off limits -- although a lot of foods are on the "only once a week" list or "once in a blue moon" list or "only at X restaurant" list. * I'm still learning a lot about nutrition, metabolism, and eating mindfully. I expect I'll never stop learning. I hope not.

I started seeing a therapist nearly a year post-op. My issue at that time was not learning how to manage my behavior but body image issues. I did not recognize myself when I looked in the mirror. I had lost around 100 lbs. but I did not see a thinner person...I saw an old woman looking back at me. My hair was falling out, my skin was wrinkled, and I looked like my grandmother. I've gotten past the 'critical' issues of learning I need to give up some of my feelings of needing to be in control and I'm starting to get more comfortable with the much smaller sized person I've become but I'm now working with the therapist to tackle some of the deep issues surrounding my need to turn to food when I have emotional reactions to situations. Whether you see a therapist, or go with a support group...or do both if you need to, the point is that you should do whatever you need to make yourself better be it weight loss surgery and/or followup support in whatever way you require it. I agree with others in that those of us who are battling our weight have issues that manifest in overeating behaviors. Some abuse alcohol, others abuse drugs. We abuse food. I understand that I need to go deep to change my behaviors and need the help of a professional. Others do not or they need different type(s) of support. Good luck with whatever you choose...even if your choice is to do nothing beyond surgery.

Thank you for posting such an honest post. And congratulations on your success! I'm sure you know but that's called addiction transference. No matter if your addiction from food goes into shopping, drugs, sex, alcohol, etc. It can find it's way somewhere if we don't confront the issues that are making us want and need the high. I have also been in therapy for 17 years and couldn't have lived a lot of my life and made the good choices I have without it. I also went into a two month intensive outpatient program for eating disorders that greatly helped and was thankfully 100% covered by insurance. Good luck to all because it's a challenging journey at times but so rewarding if we get the help we need :-)

Got it! No alcohol for a while yet (which is really completely fine). And yes, I got very lucky with this lovely man Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi, Have fun sipping on a non-alcoholic approved beverage. So sorry your fill was delayed when you planned so well for it. Life happens. You'll get through this.

My ultrasound and CT scan showed that I had an enlarged liver and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. I had to do a three month diet of 1200 low carb calories with 60 grams of lean Protein, 64 oz Water, unlimited non-starchy veggies, 1 serving of fruit per day. Then I had to do ten days of liquid diet with 5 small Protein shakes per day and unlimited water or non-caloric beverages. I lost 22 pounds pre-op.

I was wondering if we could drink alcohol when we are banded and if yes what kind. Could we drink beer cause it’s a carbonated drink?

I was wondering if we could drink alcohol when we are banded and if yes what kind. Could we drink beer cause it’s a carbonated drink?

The book says to avoid alcohol during the losing phase and to limit alcohol in the maintaining phase. Beer is carbonated and shouldn't be consumed. However my surgeon told a man yesterday, that in the maintaining phase he can drink it, but said that he would probably find it very uncomfortable. I personally stopped drinking for spiritual reasons before the band, but I made the mistake of sipping on sparkling cider over the holiday and it was PAINFUL, the carbonation, just a few sips was NOT fun. Someone else asked about wine, and he said if you limit it to a glass a day you would be fine, but they recommend abstaining for the losing period because it's empty calories and turns into sugar in your body. Hope that helps

This is kind of a long one so bear w/me... I went to my surgeon's lapband support group last night. I've been doing great lately w/my band, but I still try to make it to as many support meetings as I can. I figure its free therapy (led by one of the psychologists from my surgeon's office) and I do learn something new at every meeting (either from the psych or from one of the more experienced bandsters). We have a lot that go to the meeting that are at goal. OK, so earlier in the day I had an odd discussion w/my 4 yr old daughter. On the way to preschool, she told me in the car that she wished I never had surgery. Yes, I've told everyone about the surgery, even my 4 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. They know it is to help mommy get healthy and they seemed happy w/that explanation before surgery. So, it totally throws me off that now my daughter is saying she wishes I didn't have surgery. :huh2: I told her I'm all healed now, feeling great, and that its really working so I'm happy I had surgery... and ask her why she wishes I didn't. And, she said its because I can't eat dessert anymore and she wants me to eat dessert w/them. I explained to her that I CAN eat dessert, but I'm just choosing not to because it is healthier for me to not eat it. But, for a 4 yr old, the idea of delayed gratification or doing something for one's health is just not a concept that can be easily understood. Long story short (woops, too late!), the advice I got from the psych is that he thinks I should eat a little dessert (not just for the kids, but for me too). He said that I'm slipping back into a 'diet mentality' of deprivation and extremes. Well, he didn't put it that bluntly, but I got the point. And, man, is he ever right on!!! :biggrin: I knew going into this that my biggest challenge would be embracing moderation and no longer living in the extremes. I just didn't realize that I had slipped back into an extreme. And, he also doesn't approve of my rule of no alcohol and exercise every day until I've lost my 10 pounds for the month. He considers that diet mentality as well and too strict. But, I have a feeling that the dietician and exercise physiologist would feel different about that! LOL :thumbup: Anyway, so I've decided I will eat a little bit of dessert when my family has dessert, but still not sure if I will give up my 10 pound per month goal. I figure I'll stick to it until this month's 10 pounds are gone and then see how I feel. I only have 6 pounds more to make my 10 pounds this month (my month goes 2/17-3/17) and I've been losing fast since I gave up the alcohol and started exercising every day. Ultimately, I have to do what works for me and even though he may be a great psych, it is still just advice and my choice what to do with it. But, definitely food for thought. :cool:

Yesterday was my surgery. I had a check in time of 12:00 noon. I was very thirsty, as you can imagine! They brought my husband and I back and we worked on some paperwork and the final pre-op weigh in, I was down about 30 pounds since I started with this doctor last June. 13 pounds were from the pre-op diet alone. I also got a huge heparin shot in my leg to prevent clotting and an anti-nausea patch behind my ear. The hospital was running a bit late (they kept apologizing) but brought me to the OR at 1:45. I was having some anxiety laying on the table, but the put me under very quickly. Next thing I knew, I was awake and the nurses were asking how I was doing. I remember replying "Hot, thirsty, nauseous." I'm not sure how it all happened, but the next thing I knew, I was in the big hospital recliner with a bottle of Water to sip and a fan pointed right at me! I felt much better at that point. They wanted me to get up pretty soon after that. Walking was not at all a pain, but I was having trouble focusing my eyes. My DH was there too, and he sent out some texts to the family that I was all done. I passed out at that point. The rest of the evening kind of went on that way: sip, sip, sip, walk, doze off. I listened to music and podcasts to help keep my mind at ease. DH had to leave to help out with the kids at home. I had my surgery at a stand alone bariatric hospital, and there was only one other patient there overnight. My abdomen was a bit sore but not too painful. However, my right shoulder was. Luckily I had brought a heating pad that is helping A LOT. I asked for chicken broth, but before I could try it, I had a dry-heave thing. The nurses waved some alcohol wipes under my nose and that helped it to stop. I waited a bit longer till it had totally passed to try anything else. At abut 5 this morning, the nurses got me up and dressed. I did some more walking and sipping. I had to really play around with the sipping. Too little and I think I was swallowing too much air which was VERY uncomfortable in the esophagus area. To much and my tummy kind of spasmed. Around 7, I had to go back for the barium swallow/X-Ray which was AWFUL. Apparently, the liquid is having a hard time moving into my stomach (refluxing) and is kind of just sitting in my esophagus. She also saw a big air bubble sitting in the top of the stomach. That sort of explains why swallowing has been (and is still) very uncomfortable. Not painful, but really strange feeling. At that point, my husband returned and I got discharged to come home. I'm still having the weird feeling in my esophagus. My surgeon said the swelling there should go down in a day or so. But other than the general discomfort, nothing super acute has been bothering me. I think I might feel a smidge worse tomorrow. I've been drink water, Vitamin Water Zero (the lemonade is good and not too sweet, the mixed berry is good too) and some warm chicken broth. I am trying to take it all slowly. The weather is really sunny day, so I may even take a little walk outside! Please let me know if you have any questions about the surgery, my background or even the pre-op diet!

I don't do the cooking, we go to relatives ( all good cooks), so I just eat a little of whatevers there and have a little dessert and call it good. My Dr. Said to eat healthy 95 % of the time and not worry about it 5 % of the time. I have a daily battle with sweets, the sweets always win, but Im not interested in other unhealthy foods for the most part ( chips, alcohol, fast food, etc ) so I dont feel bad about the sweets. I think you have to choose your battles wisely, and leave room for a few treats too. Good luck ! Happy Thanksgiving !

Good morning, BP Campers. Thought I'd stop in for a a quick visit and update. I started my preop diet 3 years ago today. I always consider this my anniversary, rather than the surgery date. Here's a recap of my journey so far..... Year 1 - the year of losing all of my excess weight (100 pounds), dozens of NSVs, and a new wardrobe. By far, the most exciting year. Even the month of liquids, 6 weeks of diarrhea and 2 insanely painful gallbladder attacks couldn't put a dent in my enthusiasm. It was all so new and fun and easy. Life was great and I was invincible! Year 2 - the year of finding out life still sucks no matter what size you are, losing my best friend to suicide, sinking into a deep hole of depression and finding that I could no longer rely on my old friends.....food, alcohol and cigarettes. Just struggling to get through each day with really no desire to. Two more gallbladder attacks which I finally put an end to with a long overdue cholecystectomy. Despite a complete breakdown of my emotional stability, I was surprisingly able to maintain my weight loss from the 1st year. I held onto the fact that what I put in my mouth was one of the few things I could control at that point. Year 3 - the year of emotional healing (well, at least a start in that direction) with a grief therapist, testosterone replacement and an antidepressant. Finally able to crawl out the darkness into a somewhat bearable existence. My latest breakthrough is I actually said yes when asked out on a date about a month ago. Considering my introvert personality and swearing off relationships almost 20 years ago, this is an extraordinary step for me. We've been out 1/2 dozen times and I'm actually enjoying it. Who knows what Year 4 will bring. But I've definitely come to realize as time goes on, everything has become less and less about surgery and weightloss and more and more about life. I maintain my weight the same way I lost it....80+ grams of Protein, 100+ ounces of Water, low carb, balanced diet including veggies, fruit and whole grains. I pretty much eat whatever I want but I make smart choices when it comes to quantities. No tracking, no measuring, just mindful eating. I am diligent about keeping any regains in check. I've got too much invested, both financially and emotionally to let a 1-2 pound regain turn into 10-20 pounds. I have labs done annually and follow a Vitamin regimen based on the results. I don't have an exercise routine, just a very busy, active life. Bottom line is a successful WLS result is not rocket science. Whatever you had to do to lose weight is pretty much what you need to do forever. If you can't control sliders and trigger foods, they WILL lead to regain. If you don't make the psychological adjustments and permanently change your habits and behaviors, you WILL regain. It's totally up to you whether or not your surgery becomes just another failed diet. Don't be afraid to seek professional help with the mental side of it. I finally did...thank goodness. Good luck to the newbies. Congrats to the veterans.

The stomach/sleeve "stretching" is a myth. It just doesn't. The problem with carbonation is that is often very painful, esp. early on. If you search "alcohol" you will find a bunch of info on the subject in various forums on the site. It is a subject that is highly controversial and there is great division within the medical side, and the patient side. Some of it's personal preference presented as fact. But the empty calorie argument is a fact. And you did invest in your health. You have a six month or so honeymoon phase. This is the time when you are most likely to lose the most weight. You have a great second chance. Now this is my opinion: it's just too easy to lose this great opportunity if you drink before you hit your goal. Then proceed with caution. We are all adults, we can make our own decisions. I think if you poke around, you will find people who have no problems alcohol and others that do. (Just like non-WLS people). I'm a bit of evangelist for WLS, and I hope everyone who uses the tool, really grabs this opportunity for a very abundant healthy life.

Oh, wow was this a good read folks!!! Hope all works out BG. I love tomatoes, have about 24 ounces of coffee a day (it is a lot huh) I know and not much citrus or alcohol. I have started slowing down even more my 1/2 a cup of food (4 ounces) takes me over a half an hour to eat. It is crazy? I just have to go really slow or I get stuck. I chew like a COW, I sometimes swallow only half of what is in my mouth and then wait and swallow the rest in a few seconds. I have been drinking the water trying to get it all in, but it is hard. I have been having the other kind of gas. The other end. LOL. You just can't take me anywhere I blame the dog!! Maybe it is what I am eating that gives me the gas? I do not burp at all and I never have. If I try to burp more than air comes up usually. I may be saying just a little too much here. Sorry..... I just love your blog BG you are the best Made any soup lately? Have a nice night. imaluckydog

Hi, I'm new at this, have read many posts over the months, but this is my first post, so please be patient with me if I don't get it right. Since I was banded back in May 08, I had been in such a good head space. As as result, my weight loss has been fantastic, but I seem to be "loosing it". I had abstained from my trigger foods: takeaways, alcohol, potato chips etc. but they've since started creeping back, and my weight loss has slowed, though I'm still exercising. It's like they open up this insatiable abyss. The other thing is, my band is quite wide open for a bandit, but any more fill makes me so tight. My Doctor took out .02ml to loosen me up from being too tight, but I can eat ANYTHING and am not satisfied for long. I know most of this journey is more a head trip rather than hunger trip so how does one get back to that good headspace for further weightloss/maintenance?

I just celebrated one month since banding (Oct. 7). I am down 30-35 pounds depending on the day. I have found that since I am back on solid food though, the weight loss has stopped. I guess I need to increase activity now. Everything is healing fine. I am able to wear things in my closet that I haven't looked at in over 3 years. It's a great feeling. I haven't really purchased any new clothes yet, but my husband has surprised me with a few things here and there. The big thing for me is not to stress and to find more time for activity. I fell prey to a small handfull of cheese its yesterday. I should have gone for a walk or had a glass of water instead. I am proud that I refused the alcoholic beverages at a birthday party on Saturday, though I did have the cupcake...It was the first real sugar I've had since before the surgery. It was nice to have, but I can see where it was only that good because I don't eat those things much anymore. I think it is time for my first fill. I can eat almost like before surgery, but I don't. I am scheduled for 2 days before Turkey Day.

Alcohol prep pads worked well for me Sent from my SM-A102U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks, everyone. It was a very good reminder, but I hated how intense it was. Everything seems to be fine now, but one always worries about one's band in situations like this. Jeanie, I don't know of any definitive answer to your question. People have had the flu, morning sickness, etc., and survived with no band problems. My theory is that post-banding there is just a whole lot less food IN out stomachs, so vomiting of any kind is less of an ordeal. But it's never a good idea so if you think you might be prone to it you might ask your doctor for some anti-nausea meds. People know if they're "vomiters" or not. Through 40 years and two pregnancies I think I've thrown up maybe a half-dozen times all told, and most of those were alcohol-related. And I've had the flu, of course, but I can only think of once that I threw up due to sickness. Other people throw up if they eat a bad grape or if someone walks by who has a fever. People in the last category probably should stock up on anti-nausea meds if they're getting banded. This edisode of mine probably didn't involve any vomiting from below the band, it just felt like it. But what's more likely is that the tofu that came up had been sitting in my pouch for four hours, causing the misery that it did. I still don't know what it was that plugged me up, but whatever it was it did a good job.

Got to love you. Some of us have been exercising for years. Funny how some people think working out is a new concept. Uuuugh " Have you gone to the gym?"Nothing worse than a reformed alcoholic or a reformed obese person. No need for preaching to a point of throwing it in your face. Keep up your positivity!

My doctor said wait THREE MONTHS... I imagine alcohol will be painful on the pouch. I wouldn't do it!

If for no other reason than the fact that all alcohol causes dehydration, in the early days you should refrain. Again OP is a grown up...but we were told none for 3 months. I figure the band is more important to me than a drink...but then I got my party days under my belt a while back! LOL

Call your nutritionist or surgeon's office and mention the wedding, and how close it is to your surgery date. As Enchanted mentioned, the purpose of the pre-op diet is to shrink your liver, which I understand happens quite quickly if you follow the guidelines. Most likely your nurtitionist/surgeon will advise you foods that you can eat - limit the portion, avoid alcohol, soda, carbs, sweets. You are not banded yet, so you won't have to worry about restrictions or food textures. Good luck.