Search the Community

So after some arm wrestling i got blue cross to cry uncle, had my pre-op clearance, and I'm scheduled for wednesday AM (dec 15 -- Northwestern in Chicago). I have been *so* good for the past two weeks. stopped smoking, stopped drinking, did not let one carb pass my lips. Even was compliant on that damn CPAP machine. I hate that (*^_($^(# thing. Tonight, after confirming alcohol was not a carb, I went ahead and had a couple (vodka). Smack me with a noodle, but i was starting to lose it. What a really wanted was a going away party with white castle, but I held back. I actually don't mind the whole Protein shake thing. I got a gold card at GNC, and I think the 42G protein shots are fine. I honestly like those Ostrim meat stick things. So that 'll be fine. I'm pretty sure the "iso" whey thing is just a marketing gimmick, so clue a brother in on that. thoughts? What i'm gong to miss is pizza. and crusty bread. Crap -- I'll stop talking. Look at the audience -- im sure you know what i mean. So anyway, glad I found this group. I may need some help doing those ticker updates. Tomorrow I take my "before" measurements and pics, even though I've already lost 8 lbs on the pre-op diet. I'm ready. cheers.

I am so sorry you are going through this.... As a daughter of an alcoholic father....I feel your pain. However, he is responsible to fix his own problems. My dad had a reason to drink for every day of the week. If it wasn't tragedy Monday, it was joy Tuesday, or boredom on Wednesday, or that his boxers were too tight on Thursday...Friday...well that's the weekend...drinking so much he never got a hangover because he never truly sobered up. Never took ownership of his problem. It was torture growing up with that. I watched my mother for 25 years make excuse after excuse for his behavior and actions...while he but inhaled booze. She thought it was alright because he still provided for the family. Yes it is a disease and only one curable once they are convinced they have a problem. I prayed for years my parents would split because of the damaged it cause us all as a family. But she stayed, until the day he died an old age of 55. In my opinion, she enabled him to lead that life for never setting boundaries for herself or for us kids with him and never forcing him to choose booze or us. It took me many sessions in therapy to state that I resented her for that as much as him. Ok...wrong path here..this iss about you It is hard as hell watching someone you care about decline like that...but once it starts to be YOUR problem it is time to say, "you've got a problem, get help and I'll help you too...or if you don't I'm gone." You can help people mend, but you can't do it for them. They are always sorry after the fact, most are sincere when they say it. But sorry doesn't fix it...recovery does and if he is not willing to do that, then you honestly should move on.

You sound like you get your worth in life by helping others. You are probably the go to girl for everybody. Its good in life to enjoy being needed and lending a helping hand, but once you have children that addiction of being there for people has to go. If it wrre me I would start breaking up with him slowly. Weining myself away little by little. Start to consider other options and dont feel obligated to stay because of his professions of love for you. Sometimes people who have battled with weight tend to have the do unto others attitude about everything because we have been treated so badly in life. That does not apply in all situations. GOD gave you a heart and a Brain. Drug/Alcohol use is dangerous around kids because it impairs the ability of the user to make rational decisions and after only 5 months you dont know him well enough to know what he would do if he looses it one day.

I have had luck with some sugar free candies. You have to look at the sugar alcohol content and gauge it. I started with sugar free life savers and did ok. Some Russel Stover's sf chocolates are fine, others make me feel yucky. I'd avoid sugar free licorice, gummy bears, and Reese's. I'm 10 months out and don't have these items at all anymore. 1) because I don't want to really on artificial sweeteners for sweets so I fruit instead, and 2) because they seem to make me constipated and that's a tricky balance at my phase. Good luck, dear!

This will be an unpopular opinion, especially since I am not a parent: Parents with children that obese should be held to the same legal standard that a parent who underfeeds their child would be. Of course their pediatrician should intervene and monitor progress at first, but ultimately, those parents are killing their child just as surely as if they were withholding food. My weight was not out of control until I hit college, so in no way do I blame my mother. The addictive personality comes from my alcoholic father. As a teacher, I often wonder when parents will be held "accountable" for their children. If the kid is obese and dies in gym class, it is the school's fault, the nurse's fault, etc. Just my opinion.Will def check out the show.

I have a brewery I want to hit before I have my surgery. That is going to be my last alcohol for quite a long time. They have the most amazing Bourbon barrel aged beers there. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This month I've had visits from relatives and old friends who live afar. These are people who have known me all my life, but I haven't seen much of in the last 2-3 years. Naturally, they were amazed and pleased. They were also a little weirded out. Evidently I now look like my mother, which no one has EVER said of me before. She was a beautiful woman undone in later life by alcohol, but early pictures of her bear a striking resemblance to Lauren Bacall. So to have an aunt on one day, and an uncle the following weekend, be moved almost to tears by my resemblance to their dead sister was both complimentary and a little sad. I'm really sorry my parents aren't here to see my transformation.

My 14 day preop diet is 3 meal replacement shakes a day with 3 zero calorie snacks. I had to do a lot of research to find shakes and vitamins that don't contain artificial sweeteners because I'm allergic. Anyone else have artificial sweetener allergies? In particular Splenda and sugar alcohols.

@@Menina honestly I think it is way too early for you to be experimenting with bread and alcohol, no matter how slowly you eat/drink. I would really stay away from those things for the time being. Stick with food you can easily cut with a fork and water to drink (when eating out). Good luck!

Ast night I ate some apple slices with some peanut butter and 10 minutes later, I was full blown dumping. What gives?!? I have eaten apples before and was fine so I'm guessing it was the PB. The PB was the natural with 1 gram of sugar and no sugar alcohol. I miss my peanut butter

this might be helpful for all who have tummy issues. I for one have had GERD all my 33 years of life. My mom said that she had to follow me around with a towel when I was a baby...... :sick Original Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=HQ00312 Barrett's esophagus Overview Tums. Maalox. Mylanta. Rolaids. These and other over-the-counter remedies spell "r-e-l-i-e-f" for many of the millions of Americans who regularly have heartburn. However, common heartburn isn't always just an annoying condition that's quickly remedied by an over-the-counter antacid. It can also be symptomatic of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is the chronic regurgitation of acid from your stomach into your lower esophagus. And, long-term GERD can sometimes lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which the color and composition of the cells lining your lower esophagus change because of repeated exposure to stomach acid. Having Barrett's esophagus increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer. Barrett's esophagus is uncommon. Only a small percentage of people with GERD develop Barrett's. But once it's diagnosed, there's a much greater risk of developing esophageal cancer, which often spreads from the esophagus to lymph nodes and to other organs. Although increased, the absolute risk of esophageal cancer for someone with Barrett's esophagus is small — less than one percent a year. Signs and symptoms Barrett's esophagus itself isn't associated with specific symptoms. But, heartburn and acid reflux — the bad-tasting liquid that may enter your mouth from your throat — are common indicators of GERD. And having GERD can lead to Barrett's esophagus. A telltale sign of Barrett's esophagus occurs when the color of the tissue lining the lower esophagus changes from its normal pink to a salmon color. This process, called metaplasia, is caused by repeated and long-term exposure to stomach acid. Other signs and symptoms of GERD that also may be associated with Barrett's esophagus or even rarely esophageal cancer include: Trouble swallowing. Often, a narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture) leads to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Bleeding. You may vomit red blood or blood that looks like coffee grounds. Unusual stools. Your stools may be black, tarry or bloody. Weight loss. You may experience an unexpected drop in weight. Causes Barrett's esophagus usually develops from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn and acid reflux are the most common symptoms of GERD and result from stomach contents washing into the esophagus. The ring of muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach (sphincter) normally traps acid in your stomach by clamping shut. GERD usually results from a weakened sphincter, and it can be aggravated by a protrusion of the upper stomach, where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm (hiatal hernia). Left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious complications such as severe heartburn (with esophagitis) — the chest pain can be intense enough to resemble a heart attack — stricture, bleeding, Barrett's esophagus and even esophageal cancer. Risk factors Chronic heartburn and acid reflux put you at risk of GERD and Barrett's esophagus because the esophagus is designed to carry food and liquid only one way: from your mouth to your stomach. The esophageal lining is sensitive to and unable to handle acid. Your stomach, however, has a lining designed to withstand acid-containing stomach (gastric) contents. Stomach acid is damaging to esophageal tissue. Repeated and long-term exposure to stomach acid can lead to the transformation of esophageal tissue into the salmon-colored tissue characteristic of Barrett's esophagus, which is actually an acid-resistant lining similar to the lining of your stomach. Men are more likely to develop Barrett's esophagus than women are. The disease is also more common in people over the age of 60 than it is in younger adults. When to seek medical advice See your doctor if you've had long-term trouble with heartburn and acid reflux. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you: Have difficulty swallowing Are vomiting red blood or blood that looks like coffee grounds Are passing black, tarry or bloody stools Experience an unexpected weight loss. Screening and diagnosis Diagnosing Barrett's esophagus is difficult because it often doesn't exhibit specific symptoms. Experiencing the acid reflux of GERD may be the best indication that you either have Barrett's esophagus or may be at risk to acquire the disease. If you have severe acid reflux, your doctor may discover Barrett's esophagus by examining your esophagus through endoscopy. Endoscopy involves inserting a lighted, flexible tube (endoscope) with a camera on its tip through your mouth and into your esophagus and stomach. Usually, you'll receive a local anesthetic, and you may be sedated for this procedure. The procedure allows your doctor to search for abnormalities such as precancerous cell changes (dysplasia) or an abnormal junction between your stomach and esophagus. In a healthy esophagus, the stomach-esophagus mucosal junction is at the lower end of the esophagus. In Barrett's esophagus, this junction is displaced upward. If Barrett's esophagus is suspected, your doctor also looks for evidence of cancer. During endoscopy, your doctor may remove tissue samples (biopsies) of potentially abnormal areas to be examined under a microscope. If specimens reveal intestinal goblet-shaped cells, your doctor may make a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. Complications Having Barrett's esophagus increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer. The earlier that metaplasia — the telltale changing of the color of the tissue that lines the lower esophagus from its normal pink to a salmon color — is detected, the better. Barrett's esophagus may develop precancerous changes (dysplasia) in grades ranging from none to mild but still significant changes (low-grade), to serious changes (high-grade), and finally to invasive cancer. When high-grade dysplasia is detected, cancer often is already present. Cancer can spread from the esophagus to nearby lymph nodes and to other parts of your body. Treatment It's not too late to treat Barrett's esophagus if you don't have advanced cancer. However, many people with esophageal cancer show up so late in the progress of the disease that doctors first discover Barrett's esophagus at the same time they find the cancer. Treatment for Barrett's esophagus may start with controlling GERD by making a number of lifestyle changes and taking self-care steps. These actions include getting more exercise, avoiding foods that aggravate heartburn, stopping smoking if you smoke, taking antacids or stronger acid blocking medications, and elevating the head of your bed to prevent reflux during sleep. People with severe GERD and Barrett's esophagus usually need aggressive treatment, which may include medications, other nonsurgical medical procedures or even surgery. Medications Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix) and esomeprazole (Nexium) are drugs that block production of acid and relieve irritated tissue. Doctors sometimes prescribe another class of drugs called H-2-receptor blockers to treat GERD and Barrett's esophagus. They're weaker than PPIs, although less expensive. Prescription H-2-receptor blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid, Mylanta AR), cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid) and ranitidine (Zantac) are available over the counter in doses less than prescription strength. Although these medications often are quite effective for GERD, once Barrett's metaplasia is present these drugs won't reliably reverse the condition, and the risk of cancer remains. Surgery Anti-reflux surgery (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication) offers an alternative to dependence on medication for GERD and Barrett's esophagus. The procedure tightens the sphincter by wrapping part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to prevent acid reflux. Laparoscopic surgery involves inserting special instruments through small incisions — less than an inch. The procedure leaves only tiny scars. You can expect to stay in the hospital for one or two days following this surgery. Although surgery can be effective for GERD, once Barrett's metaplasia is present surgery won't reliably reverse the condition, and the risk of cancer remains. If you have esophageal cancer, or if you have Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia, your doctor may recommend you undergo a procedure in which the esophagus is removed completely and the stomach is pulled into the chest (esophagectomy). After this surgery, you may lose up to 20 pounds, spend 10 to 12 days in the hospital and require up to six weeks to recover. The surgical treatment of people with high-grade dysplasia is controversial. Some experts believe that esophagectomy should be used as a measure to protect against cancer. Other experts believe that surveillance through endoscopies at three- to six-month intervals and esophagectomy — if cancer develops — are sufficient. Doctors generally don't recommend surgery for people with declining health or for those who are too weak to withstand a major procedure. Alternatives to medications and surgery Removal (ablation) of dysplasia makes possible the reversal of Barrett's esophagus, and it may prevent esophageal cancer. Combined with PPIs, ablation may be appropriate especially if you're not a good candidate for an esophagectomy. Ablation procedures include: Photodynamic therapy. First, you'll take a drug to make the Barrett's cells sensitive to light. Then, your doctor inserts a light into your esophagus. Tissues that the light touches are burned off. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the photosensitizing agent Photofrin to treat Barrett's esophagus. Electrocautery. Your doctor inserts an electric wire into your esophagus to burn away dysplasia. Laser therapy. Your doctor uses a hot beam of light (laser) inserted into your esophagus to burn away Barrett's cells. This procedure is effective but difficult to apply evenly. Argon plasma coagulation. Your doctor releases a jet of argon gas into your esophagus along with an electric current to burn away dysplasia. The long-term effectiveness of ablation procedures in preventing cancer is not known. Self-care You may eliminate or reduce the frequency of stomach acids flowing up into the lower end of your esophagus by making the following lifestyle changes: Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Three meals a day, with small Snacks in between, will help you stop overeating. Continual overeating leads to excess weight, which aggravates heartburn. Loosen your belt. Clothes that fit tightly around your waist put pressure on your abdomen, aggravating reflux. Avoid stooping or bending. Tying your shoes is OK. Bending over for hours to weed your garden isn't, especially soon after eating. Don't lie down after eating. Wait at least two to three hours after eating to lie down or go to bed. Raise the head of your bed. An elevation of 6 to 9 inches puts gravity to work for you. Or you can insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring to elevate your body from the waist up. Wedges are available at drugstores and medical supply stores. Raising your head alone by using pillows isn't a good alternative. Don't smoke. Smoking may increase stomach acid. The swallowing of air during smoking also may aggravate belching and acid reflux. In addition, smoking and alcohol increase your risk of esophageal cancer. By Mayo Clinic staff HQ00312 May 19, 2004 © 1998-2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

I was told no alcohol for a year after surgery.

Rimonabant hcl is fda approved. Not on the doctors lists so theres no kick backs for him to push but if you ask for it it is available. My wife quit smoking in a week because it made her. Heres the true background information: Rimonabant also known as SR141716, is an anorectic drug primarily used for comprehensive anti-obesity treatment. It is an inverse agonist for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor.[1] The primary method of action is through reduced caloric intake, due to the anti-hunger effects of rimonabant. An inverse agonist refers to a chemical that binds to a receptor and, when compared to a known agonist for that receptor, shows approximately the same affinity and exhibits roughly inverse effects of one or more primary effects of the agonist.[2] One of the primary effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists is an increase in appetite; rimonabant reduces appetite, demonstrating an inverse effect. Some effects of rimonabant are admittedly under-studied or not well known or explorer; for example, rimonabant-dosed mice reduced voluntary wheel-running behavior when compared to a control group.[4] Rimonabant does have other uses besides weight loss; though the mechanism is not well understood it has been demonstrated to increase probability of quitting smokers by 50%: From the preliminary trial reports available, rimonabant 20 mg may increase the odds of quitting approximately 1(1/2)-fold. Adverse events include nausea and upper respiratory tract infections; the risk of serious adverse events is reported to be low. However, there is current concern (August 2007) over rates of depression and suicidal thoughts in people taking rimonabant for weight control. The evidence for rimonabant in maintaining abstinence is inconclusive. Rimonabant 20 mg may moderate weight gain in the long term.[5] Researchers hypothesized, in keeping with the inverse-agonist nature of rimonabant, that (because cannabinoids nearly univerally impair memory), rimonabant may improve memory; this is borne out thus far in rat studies: The positive influence of rimonabant on performance indicated that the action of endocannabinoids was to reduce SmR code strength, resulting in trials that were at risk for errors if the delay exceeded 10 s. Thus endocannabinoids, like exogenously administered cannabinoids, reduced hippocampal encoding necessary to perform long-delay trials. The findings therefore indicate a direct relationship between the actions of endocannabinoids on hippocampal processes and the ability to encode information into short-term memory.[6] Researchers speculate that due to the pervasive role of the endocannabinoid system in the reward (and therefore addiction-perpetuating) system, rimonabant might be successfully used to treat other addictions besides nicotine.[7] Rimonabant has been demonstrated to successfully block the psychological effects of cannabis use without interfering with the physiological effects.[8] Respective excerpts follow: Recent studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system is involved in the common neurobiological mechanism underlying drug addiction. This system participates in the primary rewarding effects of cannabinoids, nicotine, alcohol and opioids, through the release of endocannabinoids in the ventral tegmental area. Endocannabinoids are also involved in the motivation to seek drugs by a dopamine-independent mechanism, demonstrated for psychostimulants and opioids. The endocannabinoid system also participates in the common mechanisms underlying relapse to drug-seeking behaviour by mediating the motivational effects of drug-related environmental stimuli and drug re-exposure. In agreement, clinical trials have suggested that the CB(1) cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant can cause smoking cessation. Thus, CB(1) cannabinoid antagonists could represent a new generation of compounds to treat drug addiction.[7] Single oral doses of SR141716 produced a significant dose-dependent blockade of marijuana-induced subjective intoxication and tachycardia. The 90-mg dose produced 38% to 43% reductions in visual analog scale ratings of "How high do you feel now?" "How stoned on marijuana are you now?" and "How strong is the drug effect you feel now?" and produced a 59% reduction in heart rate. SR141716 alone produced no significant physiological or psychological effects and did not affect peak THC plasma concentration or the area under the time x concentration curve. SR141716 was well tolerated by all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: SR141716 blocked acute psychological and physiological effects of smoked marijuana without altering THC pharmacokinetics. These findings confirm, for the first time in humans, the central role of CB1 receptors in mediating the effects of marijuana.[8] Citations: [1]Fong TM, Heymsfield SB (September 2009).Cannabinoid-1 receptor inverse agonists: current understanding of mechanism of action and unanswered questions. Int J Obes (Lond) 33 (9): 947–55. [2]Kenakin T (2004). Principles: receptor theory in pharmacology. Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 25 (4): 186–92. [3]Suicide risk fears over diet pill. BBC News. 15 June 2007. (URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6755665.stm). [4] Keeney BK, Raichlen DA, Meek TH, Wijeratne RS, Middleton KM, Gerdeman GL, Garland T, Jr. Differential response to a selective cannabinoid receptor antagonist (SR141716: rimonabant) in female mice from lines selectively bred for high voluntary wheel-running behavior. Behavioural Pharmacology 19: 812–820. 2008. [5] Cahill K, Ussher M. Cannabinoid type 1 receptor antagonists (rimonabant) for smoking cessation. Cochrane database of systematic reviews (On[line) (4): CD005353. 2007. [6]Deadwyler SA, Goonawardena AV, Hampson RE. Short-term memory is modulated by the spontaneous release of endocannabinoids: evidence from hippocampal population codes. Behavioural pharmacology 18 (5-6): 571–80. 2007. [7]Maldonado R, Valverde O, Berrendero F. Involvement of the endocannabinoid system in drug addiction. Trends Neurosci. 29 (4): 225–32. 2006. [8]Huestis MA, Gorelick DA, Heishman SJ, et al. Blockade of effects of smoked marijuana by the CB1-selective cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716. Arch. Gen. Psychiatry 58 (4): 322–8. 2001.

Alcohol is not reccomended at all for bariatric surgery patients. Do not drink beer. Beer has carbonation and will cause bloating and swelling. Alcohol in general increases gastric acid secretions and increases esophageal irriation. Number one you just had surgery, you are NOT healed. Think! Number 2 this provides empty calories and no nutitional value. I wouldn't trust any nutrionist that said beer was ok for lap band patients 2 weeks post op. I would refer you to your doctors post op instructions which clearly state what is allowed and not allowed in recovery period. This is a choice you made and you have to give up some things. This how life with the band is. I waited 6mos until I had a drink of wine but that is just me. Wait until your body is recovered and post op swelling is gone before you decide to do things like this , and also discuss these things with your doctor not the nutritionist. I wonder sometimes if people actually read pre op teaching and actually research things before they do them sometimes. Sorry to be blunt but seriously. This isn't a game it is your health and you don't want to take two steps back. I am not trying to be nasty but I have seen several posts of yours that lead me to believe you haven't quite understood the purpose of the diet progression and the learning process that comes with the band. Did your doctor not give you pre op teaching and do's and dont's post op? I wish you luck and hope for your success with the lapband.

I'm on board with the bloating/swelling notion, I "gain" exactly 4 pounds every TOM the week prior that goes away the week of. Also salt is a big culprit and summertime foods like barbeque and margaritas are high in sodium. You never mentioned what your exercise regimen is like? I'd say go one week of trying all the stuff we've mentioned here; fat flushing foods, low salt, extra water, exercise change up, and if after a week there is no change in either how you feel or the scale, then see your doctor. As for going on a diet, I am with you, "diets" are cruel and pointless. Of course, I don't consider cutting out flour-based carbs, soda, alcohol, etc. to BE a diet, that to me is just smart healthful living and taking care of my Self.

I have gained 25 pounds on the dot and in the last month have only lost 5. So it is clear like you, I have slipped into old habits. We worked too hard for this god damn it. It was NOT easy, it was pain and suffering. SO LETS DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! I am going back to the old old old diet that I started on. I am going to be eating a clear soup for at least 50 percent of my daily meals. No more junk, no more snacks, NO MORE ALCOHOL. My capacity to eat is still really small. Anyone wanna do a thing for a month? Like a support group? For real, no judging we encourage each other and try to reconnect with the habits that worked.

Best to consult your team when it comes to timing of alcohol and moving forward on your plan but either way at seven weeks post op you are going to nurse the drink or meal heavily as both may be surprisingly unpredictable to tolerate now. Enjoy!

OMG I just saw this - how scary I'm so sorry... Why did it get worse? Did you not stay on liquids after the unfill? Then again when I got unfilled I didn't have to.... BUT I was able to hold liquids and mushies w/ just some foaming no vomiting. I thought the .5 was better. I probably don't have to tell you but after my last time I learned I will let doc do what they think no negotiating. I am going back Jan 5 and I don't think I want her to fill me at all i'm eating no more than 1000 calories and most days about 700. CNR try this... literally take a stop watch there is one on line or if you have an iphone the clock does it. Chew 30 seconds; wait 30 seconds before you even put anything in your mouth after you swallow - see if that helps. I was having SUCH problems until I started doing this! Scotty how do you feel now w/ no restriction? How did it get like this I am so surprised to read this. Did you have a bad stuck episode or something after that initial fill? Did you try the MOTRIN? I didn't see ur post w/ the Pepto but MOTRIN can help get inflammation down (must be liquid - childrens) - I think we posted that in this thread. For future reference. Even after fills it helps. Someone else suggested it and I think it helps. Also the band reacts better to hot than cold. And alcohol one of our docs actually recommends it and if I have an 'event' i'll always have a glass of wine or two (but I"m told that drinking hot before eating has the same effect) as it opens you up. I'm sorry I hope you are feeling better - what a bummer that you had to deal w/ that over Christmas.

I feel you, banded bob, I really do. I work a job that takes a lot out of me and causes me extreme stress, but the money is good, so I keep going in for more. I don't do much booze anymore because of the effect it had on my triglycerides. I'm doing prescription anti-anxiety medicine because the shrink figures now that I am of a healthier weight, the stress will be what prematurely kills me. Stay away from the drinks that involve fruit juices - lots of empty calories there. If you need a mixer, diet cranberry juice is not too bad and will help save some of the calories. I have only had alcohol 4 times since I was banded 6 months ago (OMG, it is 6 months, isn't it) but when I had it I was in a social setting, so I ordered only an appetizer, that I shared with the person next to me, and the alcohol was allowed to have its full effect on me. Also, I mixed hard liquor and beer, which is always interesting. But I've always been a two drinks under the table kind of girl...

Hey, there, back up a minute. Do you really consider a problem with food somehow superior or more socially acceptable to a problem with drugs or alcohol? Addiction is addiction. Some of the finest people I know are veterans of twelve step programs, and yes, I met them while sitting in the rooms myself. The lap band is not a miracle worker; it won't change your attitude, your mental processes, or your addiction. You have to do that yourself and a twelve step program gives you a plan to follow and support along the way from people who understand exactly what you are going through. Give yourself a break. Don't knock OA till you try it. I wish you the best.

I recently tried the Celebrate Multi-Vitamins - HUGE mistake for me. I had horrible stomach issues, gas, and diarrhea all day. Then I read the ingredients - first two are both sugar alcohols! Some people are more sensitive to sugar alcohols than others, but these vitamins CLEARLY did a number on my system - instantaneously! I have switched back to a Target (Up&Up Brand) multi-vitamin/mineral - it is in gummy form, and it works great for me! I am not switching again after the Celebrate episode... But you will need to try things out for yourself. In my support group, everybody has had a different exerience with the vitamins - it all boils down to what your body will or will not tolerate. Most of the Bariatric companies offer free samples if you email them - it is a great way to try them before making a big investment.

I guess another way to answer your question would be to imagine the rest of your life as you are now. Would you/are you happy in your body; do you think you will live as long of a healthy life in your present state as opposed to having the intervention?.............if NO is your answer to either question, then perhaps you are making the right decision. There is only one way to see. Don't let your "food addict" get in your way. Worst thing you could do is not try. I think statistics prove, WLS is no miracle weight reducer. If you regret having the procedure done, there are plenty of ways to getting back to where you are now. 65% of WLS patients go back to who they were all the time - it is called sabotage. I believe you will be happy once you see the results. Try not to overthink it. I am sure we all at one point or another will regret having it done. Particularly in the beginning stages. Withdrawal from any substance/behavior is difficult....from coffee/soda/alcohol or cursing to hardcore drugs/promiscuity/gambling and Eating for pleasure. Good luck. I know it is hard. I too am struggling with the "what if's". The longer we have to wait, the more time we have to torture ourselves. Some days are better than others. Just take it one day, one hour, one minute, one second at a time. Best wishes to you! I am desperately waiting for September 21st! My scheduled day.

My mother-in-law has a glass of wine every night. She'd probably have two except the one puts her to sleep. :blushing: Seriously, a couple glasses of wine at night does not an alcoholic make. I know many people who have a couple glasses of wine or beer *every* evening...and they are not alcoholics. I would caution you to be careful though if you feel you 'need' those drinks to relax because life is so stressful right now. Nobody starts drinking with the intention of being an alcoholic, but some wake up one morning and realize they have become one. Your husband was caught in the act (making faces) of doing something inappropriate and mean and is trying to make his actions less important by trying to turn the tables on you and your behavior. If it wasn't the alcohol, it would've been something else. I have to say I'm a bit dumbfounded at the idea of a grown man making faces like a child behind his spouse's back. Ok...my .02. If you can't afford a therapist, then a good old fashioned sit down is in order. Keep it calm. You might just put it out there and bluntly ask him if he's looking for a reason to end the marriage. He may not realize how close he's coming. In the end, you have to do what is good for you. .

Has anyone else gained weight?! YES! I called it my "Farewell to Food Tour" (I didn't make that up, I read it somewhere) and I personally think it is quite a natural response to what's coming. I've read some places that some docs get upset if you do that, but mine didn't. In my case, food has been an addiction. So like a typical addict, when faced with the prospect of "rehab," I embraced my habit because it was about to end. Having had experience with drug and alcohol addicts, I know that they "drink themselves in" to rehab, so it makes perfect sense. The bottom line is I was banded Mondayl. It's Friday. I stopped being hungry sometime Monday evening and am on my way to a new life. Having the band already seems to be giving me the advantage of not feeling driven by hunger, which gives me the edge I need to conquer emotional eating. I hope you're not beating yourself up about eating. That was really the point of my answer!

My surgeon said no alcohol until 6 mos. post-op. Internal healing takes quite a long time and drinking alcohol too soon could be an invitation to an ulcer. All forms or alcohol are also essentially sugars which could result in dumping as well. I enjoy a glass of wine before dinner but I didn't go there until I was 6 mos. post-op.