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I cruise Pinterest for craft ideas. I love painting with alcohol ink on washers and make necklaces- just type in alcohol ink washer necklace and you'll see. It's so much fun and cheap. You can mix the colors like paint so you don't have to go crazy buying too many supplies. I'll post some pics when I pull them out for the craft fair next week. You have to seal them with acrylic seller though. Mich W Hw 223, SW 217 CW 179.8 GW 135

@Paul.VDH No worries - OK, my 2 cents on "pouch reset" and "counting calories" - Let's look at it logically.... We all know you have to consume less calories than you burn - Otherwise = weight gain. At 10 months out, let's face it, you're bored with the "diet" and ready to venture into new foods. At least I know I was. For me, I simply had to come to a compromise with myself and knock on wood, so far it's working. You can do the pouch reset, and you WILL lose weight by going through the phases again - IF you're doing that to get back on track, then go for it. IF you're doing it to lose 5-10 lbs quickly and then go back to what you're doing today - It's a temp fix. No different than what many of us have done before on previous diets. Use the app to make yourself AWARE of what you're doing to self-sabotage and make realistic modifications from there. If you want something that's "forbidden" (cake, alcohol, fried food, etc.), have it - BUT, in a reasonable quantity - I was just talking to a friend last night who also did the surgery and we were talking about these things - Instead of eating something like it's the last time you will EVER have it again (food funeral?), have a bite or two and then put it up and replace it with something more reasonable if you're still hungry. Example - Last night my husband had country fried steak (one of my all time favorites - can you say comfort food!!) - Rather than have 3-4 ounces of it - I had two bites and was still hungry so I had a protein shake. A month or so ago, I would have eaten it until I was stuffed and then swear I wouldn't indulge again (and of course I would!). Drinking... well, again, I told myself that if I was going to fall off the wagon, I should make it worth it and over do it. I'm consciously working on enjoying a glass of wine (vs. a bottle) or a glass of bourbon (vs 1/2 a bottle!). At just over a year out, I pretty much eat and drink whatever I want. It's been an adjustment, but slowly but surely I'm getting where I want to be. Many days/weeks I don't track. When I find that I'm self-sabotaging (I get on the scale each and every day), I go back to tracking. Seeing it in black and white (both the scale and the tracking) helps me get back on track to maintain and/or lose. I may or may not ever get to my goal weight, but I'll be damned if I'm going back to where I started.

Umm, sure it is. We have already proven to ourselves (and everybody else) that we dont have what it takes to stick to the diet & exercise thing on our own. Many of us have tried every other gimmick under the sun to lose weight, and failed. We are food addicts (most of us anyhow). If there were a surgery that could cure alcohol, drug, gambling, or porn addictions would there be any objections to using those surgeries? I think not. We have a weakness when it comes to food. Therefore we NEED help. We need this to be as "easy" as it can be. And let me tell you, after over 6 months with my sleeve, when your stomachs capacity is 6-8oz total, it's pretty damn easy to not eat a 16oz steak, or a whole pizza, or 4 slices of cheesecake. When someone makes the remark "that's the easy way" I have to agree. Last I checked we are always searching out easier ways of doing almost everything. Cars are so much easier than bicycles The Internet is easier than encyclopedias Tractors are easier than a horse & plow Debit cards are easier than writing checks or carrying cash Pre prepared foods are easier than scratch cooking Since when is making something easier a bad thing?

Since you mentioned you've posted several times about already having a "stall", I will respond with a excerpt from an article written on Bariatriceating.com because it may be of interest to you: Your internal surgical wounds must heal – this is no time to go to the mall, out to dinner, visiting friends and on vacation. Sew what? In terms of food, you must stick to your surgeons program for post op food stages. You need time to allow the tiny pouch cut and sewn from the fabric of your giant floppy stomach to heal itself closed. We have all glued something only to have the seams pop open. The liquid & soft food stages are to avoid stressing pouch seams and give your stomach a break from the process of digestion. Is ice cream a puree? Sirloin steak is not a soft food. Ice cream is NOT a puree. You can’t eat popcorn, raw carrots or celery ten days after surgery. People ask if we think they could have a pork chop, we say ‘no’, they eat it anyhow, then tell us ‘they didn’t have a problem’. NO alcohol for a year… NON-negotiable… but people push back saying their surgeon said five weeks was okay. Folks… we know better and we are trying to help you. General Tso? NOT your friend The post op dietary stages are not a suggestion, they are a requirement for you own safety. You cannot eat Chinese food the week after surgery because you ‘chew it well’. A ‘craving’ for Orange chicken landed one support group member in the hospital! It’s a very bad idea to push. Being ‘released’ to ‘regular food’ does not mean what you think it does, but you already know that. How long until you can have pizza again? “Pizza is not a food for someone having obesity surgery.” (that’s a quote from Dr. N on My 600 lb Life) Every single week in our support group, these actions land new post ops in the hospital. Sip sip sip sip sip… If you had a back injury, you would not tile your kitchen floor the same week. Yet, people think nothing of making a trip to a theme park when they should be at home resting and taking in fluids. People ask us ‘Do you think I would be able to go on a cruise two weeks after my sleeve?’ (Nooooo!) As high as 30% of post ops are dehydrated enough to land back in the hospital with a Fluid IV. Not drinking enough Water after surgery can cause heart damage. Dehydration is the most common bariatric complication, yet it’s largely avoidable. Stay home and heal… drink hot water, cold water, broth, Diet Snapple, herbal tea, eat sf ice pops and Jello. (We have a free bariatric water app called HY, click for GetHyApp.com) Vitamins are critical It is impossible for you to have your stomach surgically removed or reconfigured and take in the nutrients needed to run your body. While your surgeons group has mentioned Flintstones, that is so you will possibly take something instead of being one of the 67% of post ops who take nothing. They are not optimal and won’t prevent long term problems like broken bones from simple falls and losing teeth, but may keep you from dying in the short term. The idea behind supplements is to prevent issues from grabbing you in twenty years when it’s too late to change the path. Take them! Protein from food? What a novel idea! Yes, yes, yes, we’d all like to get our protein from food and that’s what you want to hear. However, if you are unable to take in 70 grams of protein per day, you can either weaken and lose your hair or you can figure out another way until you are able to learn and eat the right foods. Protein drinks make up the difference between what you can eat and what you need. They are not simply a tasty beverage for your enjoyment for you to be all picky and ridiculous over. They are the antidote for your disease of morbid obesity. Morbid means death and obesity surgery only slows and reverses the disease IF you follow your plan. I personally like their no-nonsence approach to this life altering surgery we've all had. Also, yes to wait staff looking strangely at us but it won't last long. I found it harder for them when I wouldn't want to order anything to drink since we can't drink while eating. Now I tell them, "No thank you, I don't drink when eating". I've been asked "why?" many times. I then tell them how no one should because it doesn't allow your food to be properly digested when liquid is present. 95% of them tell me they're going to try it. I wish you nothing but success

So I'm 16 days post op. I was out last night with a group of parents. Our 15 and 16 year olds were in baseball tournaments for the past 4 days. Last night coaches bday its our time. Some of the parents went out and bought drinks. No one knows I had the surgery. I poured a 8 oz cup of grey goose and pineapple orange juice. I pretended to sip until someone called me out. I started sneaking and pouring my drink on the ground we were on the hotel patio. Finally i quietly walked over to my hubby and begged him to drink it for me. One of the moms imitated me to a tee and jokingly accused me of telling my husband to take one for the team. I was embarrassed... but didn't take one sip. To each it's own. That's my personal choice NOT to drink at this time. Do you! Just be careful and very mindful that alcohol can be a barrier during weight loss. I'm sure an occasional cocktail at a concert or a night out should be ok take it slow and keep it at a minimum.

I think this forum is giving me an ulcer. Some people seem so angry, like chill out. The world is not coming to an end. I don't see anything wrong with someone making a post about their experience with alcohol. I don't see the person asking for advice or tips, but some folks just don't have enough self control to keep scrolling. If u don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. Its their sleeve!!! Did u pay for it??? Well zip it!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My doctors written instructions say "No alcohol for one month". That seems a bit strange to me and I plan to hold off longer than that as I'm not sure I'll be ready but to each their own.

I haven't tried drinking yet, but I have taken zzzquil a couple of times to help me sleep since surgery. That has about 10% alcohol, and I can definitely feel a burning sensation as it goes down into my stomach.

Well, went out for a bit on Saturday and did a little bit of bar hopping, live music, etc. Started pretty light at a winery, and the first sip of wine burned down my throat and into my stomach like a shot of whiskey. Didn't think I would be down for a full night of "fire belly" but I guess it was only the first few sips. Was able to have my wine and a few Crown & Cokes. This is by NO MEANS a scientific or medical assumption, just how I felt, but it seemed that the alcohol was metabolizing in my system much faster than it used to, thus, giving me a buzz much quicker....but....it seemed to be more short lived than normal, if that makes any sense. Felt great that night and even better the next morning. No hangover, upset stomach, etc. Much better than I thought it was going to be, to be honest.

My instructions said no alcohol for 3 months. At about 3.5 months I had about 3 ounces of Bourbon over a couple hour period. It ended badly. Safe to say I won't be doing that again for another few months or more. Not that I'm a huge drinker and had plans to start drinking regularly, but it was a major deterrent.

What alcohol are you able to drink k ? Also what would be the amount you have ? Frequency ? Sent from my SM-G930P using BariatricPal mobile app

I was banded in TJ in May of this year and returned to have one fill done in July. I am a nurse and the procedure looked pretty simple, so I was thinking that for my next fill I would just do it myself. I have a 9cc midband with a 3cc fill right now. If I do try to do my own fill I would only add 1cc per fill and space them out several months apart. I have permission from work to use a sterile syringes, IV flush solution and 22g IM needles, gloves, alcohol pads and any other supplies as needed. The needle used for my first fill in TJ was a huber 22g 50mm. My questions are: #1 Is there any difference in a huber needle and a regular IM needle, as my internet research on that did not help. #2 has anyone else done thier own fill and how did it go? I do know the risks of infection, MRSA and no I am not crazy.

The Irish say Everyone has a wee bit of Irish in them on St. Patrick’s Day. So being a wee bit Irish today I set off to find out about everything Irish. Even the Obama’s are Irish today. Michelle and her leprechauns dyed the White House fountains green today. Pittsburgh's own Dan Rooney (owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers) was named Ambassador to Ireland today. It’s all about this guy… If you don’t wear green you’ll get pinched by everyone but your boss (sexual harassment and all that). I sent both of my boys off to school without reminding them…no green….BWhaahaahaahaaha (evil laugh). Hey, teenage boys getting pinched by the girls…I think I did them a favor. If you tell people you're Irish they have to kiss you...keep breathmints on hand. Of course, they eat potatoes and corned beef, but they also eat some of this today…I don’t even want to know…haggis… They drink a LOT of this today. This pic is of Guiness beer, but it looks the same as Irish coffee with clotted cream on top…to the Irish, it really doesn’t matter as long as it has alcohol in it…and after awhile the pub bartenders can serve either and no one knows the difference…it’s all good… After a few drinks they run around looking for their Pot-O-Gold… …or if the line at the Port-O-Pot-O-Gold is too long they use this one… Then they dance the Irish jig…and apparently if done fast enough you'll eventually levitate through the air… Then they fall down into the grass and look for these… And if they're really lucky, they'll catch one of these guys...probably passed out right next to them... A toast to you on St. Patty's Day.... For each petal on the shamrock This brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness For each and every day. Slainté! (health)

Thursday, June 11, 2009 Goodbye to food---at parties:crying: I have at least 5 parties to attend over the next 3 weekends and I'm going to have to attend them without having food as a crutch. I'm going to have to bring food and not eat it. I have to talk to people without relying on food to allay my social anxiety and fear of putting my foot in my mouth in one of my impulsive, ADHD moments. I won't be able to gorge myself on foods I would never have in my home or buy for myself. That's the thing about parties. I love to go to parties because of the food, and I hate to go to parties because of the food. At my church we're into celebrating everything, and everything involves food--delicious food and lots of it. At school people bring special treats for everything. At weekly faculty devotions, the leader is supposed to bring a treat. If my husband and I want to do something special, we go to a cheap restaurant in order to stay within our budget. Family get togethers are dominated by food. I really don't know how to talk to people without food smoothing the way. Alcohol has never appealed much to me--its always been food. The food is killing me. More insidiously than alcohol or nicotine, it is still killing me. But unlike alcohol and nicotin and other addictive substances, I need it to live. How can something that God created so good, become so evil for me? Imagine a world that sin had never entered. Where genetic alterations that make some people prone to addiction had never happened. Where celebration never turns into debauchery--of any kind, either by choice or by uncontrollable compulsions and cravings. That's what paradise would look like, and what it will look like when Christ comes again to establish his new heaven and new earth. Party!

Ok so I had surgery on 12/8. Im really confused about a lot of things, maybe someone can help. 1) Im in the mushy stage, how much can you eat? I find that i can eat a lot right now, im not full after 1 cup not even close....not good. I don't get my first fill till 1/20, I feel like I can move to soft foods, ill haveto ask my doctor, but if I do what can it do? can it damage my band or make it slip??? What if i eat solids?? 2) I know they say no alcohol for a year, but will it hurt to have a little glass of vodka and cranberry on new years?? just wondering. What could that do?? 3) and the bread thing....verry confusing!!! I have heard like 5 different things, and its making me go crazyyy!! Can you eat it??? I have heard you will never be able to eat it again, or you can't eat it for 5 months after surgery....whats the deal? 4) How long after surgery can you start going back to the gym?? I walk right now, a lot. Like the mall or just around my street, but I would really like to go back to the gym. If anyone can help answer my questions, it really would be a huge help!!! oh one mroe thing...sorry My friend had sugery 12/2 and she was doing sooo good not smoking, I for one was really proud of her. She just startd smoking again....I tried telling her that it could damage the band, but she told me it couldnt. What can happen so I can get the right facts to tell her soshe will stop!!!!

Well its fudge cake day today, so far I am surviving it, but there are only so many cups of coffee I can drink, especially since everyone else is saying "Well a little bit won't hurt". But everyone here know's just how much alittle bit can and will hurt:frown: The other thing is I normally go to the gym in the mornings and hadn't really noticed how I get into a routine and now that I am not there it is really bugging me. Took me longer to get ready today as well because I couldn't just chuck on the gym gear actually had to make a bit of an effort. Maybe I should take some of the cake to the gym and hang it in front of me like they do in the cartoons.:thumbup: I feel now after nine weeks I;m really beginning to get a grip on the food I can and can't eat and if in doubt vow to try it out in the privacy of my own home not in the middle of a packed out restuarant, as this can lead to a hasty exit to the ladies room.:eek: I'm wondering about alcohol these day's and do you end up drunk quicker? Because generally if I drink I eat lots and it's a good night out because it used to happen so rarely. But now because now there is no food too soak it up I think I will end up on my ear a lot quicker than ususal, so this is something I am going to have to watch out for . Cheers Chooky

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

Can we have alcohol during the liquid diet phase. I don't need a lecture, I'm just curious. My 1-week starts Friday.

If you are unable to conceive of people who would put their surgery at risk by drinking alcohol or eating a burger so quickly after surgery, by all means don't let go of that mindset! It will serve you well to be a compliant patient when your time comes! That said, everyone's struggles are different, and we ALL need to be aware of judgment vs well-meant advice when replying to other on this or other similar sites. It's so hard to communicate intent on a web site posting or text or IM sometimes things get misconstrued. Simply prefacing with "my experience has been" or "what works for me" and "your mileage may vary" can help in a response. Try not to be disheartened, this is a great place to get and give advice!

I couldn’t believe my scale this morning, 192.4! I’ve lost a total of 49 pounds so far, only one pound from half way there. My last fill really did the trick for me, I’m comfortable most of the time and even though I still can’t eat a whole cup of food at one sitting, I’m held over after eating for at least four hours. This must be the sweet spot everyone talks about. I had a fabulous vacation with DH earlier this month to celebrate my 40th birthday. We flew to Cancun and stayed at a gorgeous hotel on the Rivera Maya called The Valentin Imperial Maya. I highly recommend it. I discovered a new favorite dish that is terrible for me but was so wonderful tasting called Lobster Thermidor. I’d never heard of it before but DH had. It was decadent and saucy and perfect. I ate it twice while we were on vacation. Even with that and the daily doses of yummy alcoholic beverages, I came home three pounds lighter. DH gained 8 pounds, but has already managed to take it back off in less than two weeks. Men! I was able to do the physical excursion that I was so excited about on my birthday. I would not have even attempted this when I weighed 240 pounds. We hiked through the jungle, rode a zip line over a lagoon, hiked some more, repelled in to an underground cave filled with crystal clear water called a cenote to swim, hiked some more, climbed to the top of a Mayan Pyramid, hiked some more, and collapsed. Such a fun day! It was definitely the highlight of our trip. I didn’t like looking at the pictures they took of us during the excursion though. I was still by far the biggest woman on the trip, and my fat legs oozing out through the repelling harness was not a pretty sight. I’m not going to let that bother me because I did something so remarkable and I know that with the help of my band I will never be this weight again. It’s only going to get better from here! Kimberly

I’m 62 pounds lighter since my May 28th LAP-BAND® surgery. In eighteen weeks, there has been such significant weight loss and, more relevantly, so much positive change in my health that I can hardly remember the time when I was medically obese and “lost.” First, let’s dispense with the formalities. Need to know exactly what LAP-BAND® surgery involves? Click on The LAP-BAND® I : "Entering the zone" | Babyboomers.tv. Want to know how civilians react to news that I’ve elected to have surgery? Click on http://babyboomers.tv/content/LAP-BAND®-zone-ii-dealing-civilian-response. Interested in hearing about my status and what happens next? Read on. In addition to monthly post-op visits with Dr. Gellman, my bariatric surgeon, -- click on www.northshoresurgical.net -- I’ve lived through 4 months now as a post-operative LAP-BAND® patient. It doesn’t feel that much different than following Weight Watchers, Atkins, and other weight loss programs. Except … I’ve had laparoscopic surgery to help cure my lifelong addiction to food; There is this device inside of me banding the upper portion of my stomach; The LAP-BAND® is a “tool” to help me cut down on food consumption; While my 62-pound weight loss has been sensational, the doctor reminded me this week that the band was inserted for a reason and it’s time to tighten it now. So, this is a different reality for me. The band will be tightened in a few days by injecting saline solution into a port which has been surgically inserted on the inside of my stomach epidermis. The net result is that the band will be tightened and my little stomach pouch (the “stoma”) will feel full with less food. I’ll have to go back on a liquid diet for a few days to allow the stoma to adjust to its new tighter reality. Aside from my regular visits with Dr. Gellman, I also attend a monthly support group with other post-op patients. These groups are enormously helpful for both the camaraderie of those who have been through my same experience as well as for the practical advice I get from participants. At the last group, the topic was “How have you changed for the better or worse following surgery?” I believe life is drastically different (and better) since surgery. However, I’m still a LAP-BAND® rookie so I asked the group “do you all tell people that you’ve had LAP-BAND® surgery?” Interesting responses: “it’s none of anybody’s business”; “nobody has to know”; “they don’t understand”; and, “I only tell my closest friends and relatives”. I understand. Even though I’ve gone public on this website for the entire world to know my story, there are specific people in my life who don’t know about my decision to go through with LAP-BAND® surgery --- most importantly, my mother and father-in-law. They are in their 80’s and they just wouldn’t understand the surgical procedure (or the need for it). Mind you, they are each thrilled to hear about and see my weight loss progress. The best advice to come from the support group, however, has been “If anyone asks how you lost the weight, tell them you’re on Weight Watchers.” This echoes a similar sentiment from Dr Gellman, who reports: “so many of the patients in our practice simply default to “Weight Watchers” when asked how they lost the weight. There is logic here … the final phase of post-operative eating adjustment encompasses a diet that is very much like the Weight Watchers protocol: Eat fruits and vegetables liberally; Follow portion control: 1 ounce of meat = size of a matchbox; 3 ounces of meat = size of a deck of cards; 3 ounces of fish = size of a checkbook; Medium apple = size of a tennis ball. [*]Use little, if any, sugar; [*]Choose lower fat foods; [*]Avoid fried foods; [*]Eat 3 meals a day; [*]Exercise regularly, preferably 3 or 5 or 7 times per week (I walk 4 miles every day;) Who, among us, has not seen this movie before? And yet it really is unlike the thousands of diets I’ve previously been on. I think it has a lot to do with my commitment to a new way of life once I agreed to the surgery. And, I strongly believe in my ability to do this. Also, there is the reality that the little stomach pouch won’t hold the huge quantities of food I had become accustomed to eating. But, if we’re honest, I believe it’s that I don’t want to betray the promise I made to myself: this time, it’s for good and will be different than before. At our tender age when death and illnesses are dodging us, who is gonna argue? I’ve learned from my support group that the post-op fellowship strongly resembles Alcoholics Anonymous: it’s critical to keep sharing your feelings and to report any incident(s) of falling off the wagon. Fine with me, so far. But then, I’ve never really had a problem losing weight --- it’s maintaining my goal weight that has always done me in. For now, I take it one day at a time. The weight loss has been thrilling and I’m extremely grateful for my newfound health and mobility. I’m off blood pressure medicine, I don’t need the sleep apnea machine and my knees have magically stopped hurting during my 3-4 mile daily walks. As for the outside world and how to respond to the queries about “how did you do it?” … I smile like a Cheshire cat and reply that my answer lies in a renewed commitment to exercise and a diet of fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins. I guess my real shorthand answer can be “I’m going to Weight Watchers.”

I did well because I can't really over eat without having extreme nausea. Eating for me now has no pleasure--it's only for nutrition. My only "cheat" I'd say was a few Hershey's kisses. No alcohol for me per my surgeon. He says none ever---but I know other patients of his who have tried it when they're about a year or more out. I don't think I'll chance it for now.

Oh yeah Flat Whites are perfection. I haven't had one since surgery. I might splurge on one today There are lots of good options at Starbucks. I used to be addicted to white mochas, a triple venti white mocha was my drink of choice for years. It has like 900 calories though, a 1/2 day of calories, and I would get a coffee cake with it. I broke myself of that habit years ago. If you can carry your own sweetener and learn to love black coffee of very little cream, you really don't have to give up your coffee forever. You just have to be smart about it. I have given up basically everything with surgery, no alcohol and a laundry list of other things. I'm not giving up coffee. Plus after surgery your mind can be foggy and your concentration not what it used to be and coffee helps.