ObesityHelp

If you want a drink and you think you can handle it - then carefully go ahead. Follow your doc's advice as to when you could try alcohol after surgery. Remember it will hit you harder than before and to avoid dehydration, have water when you have a drink-or part of a drink. If you have a compulsive personality, or OCD or something else that may lead you to drink more alcohol than you need or can handle then don't do it. Transfer addictions after surgery happen to those that are compulsive/have an addictive personality BEFORE surgery. If that's you then realize where this is going and stop now. If you need help, therapy, etc - see your doc or a good therapist to get you over this patch. Alcohol for us is a personal decision. For some it's no big deal but for those that were unable to stop eating pre op - transferring that compulsion to alcohol or something else after surgery is a very real thing. See where you are. Get help if needed, realize that we're not "normal" in our digestive systems or in the way our intestines absorb and get rid of food. When we drink it effects us more and quicker and we can't drive as we don't know how it will
bother us each time we do have a drink or a few sips. It will hit you fast but the feeling will leave you fast. That's when we get in to the mistaken belief that we're fine and we can drive. Don't. It will stay in your system and because it goes in undiluted it will mess up a breathalizer. Take care and use caution.
Jen 10 yrs post op.

Whenever you take orange juice or anything sugared or glucose pills you'll spike and then your body will want to drop you down that much more again. Better to keep your numbers on a more even keel. My doc suggests eating protein every couple hours if needed. If you have an episode, straight protein, but if you're already having symptoms-light headed, dizzy, etc. go for peanut butter crackers. The carb will bump up your blood sugar and the protein in the peanut butter will sustain it. Straight sugar or carbs will make it jump but drop. Any carbs are sugar. YOu may be having whole grain crackers but for us crackers are just sugar. They just take longer to digest and turn into sugar. You might as well have a bite of cookie. Try crackers if you must with protein on top-spreads with meat or seafood, cheese or something so you're not getting the carb effect.
See what works for you. Check diabetic sites for info.
Jen 10 yrs post op Rny

 Dark chocolate contains the most caffeine at about 636mg per POUND.. an 8 oz cup of coffee has between 95 - 200mg of caffeine.  GNC Total Lean Rich Chocolate has about 50mg of caffeine in a two scoop serving (according to shopping.com).   So two scoops is equivilant to half the caffeine in a lower caffeine cup of coffee.  Does that make sense?  =]  If you are only drinking 1 or even 2 a day, you should be fine (but, I must add that I am not a doctor).  

Hey everybody!

Thank you so much for your contributions, it really helps a lot! I'm thrilled to read everyone doing so well. Not so thrilled about even the slightest thought of more surgery! From what I gather, it varies from person to person. However, vitamins and lots of water (what now seems to be my nemesis) is crucial.

Well, I'm done with hernias and down 50 lbs. So far so good with extra skin except for the boobs. (Tammie, I LOVE your Rolling Stones quote!!!:)) I'd love to know anymore info you all have on the subject. Or tips for tits? (srry, that's horrid;))

Wishing you all the best and thank you for your time!

  I had an RNY and I love it, but I am only 17 months out (and I understand that the hard part is still yet to come).  Had the DS been an option for me, I may have gone with that.  

I started out at 300+ pounds and lost roughly 155.  I have been holding steady at a size 4 for the last six months or so.    

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have based on my limited experience.  

Good luck!!

Hi, I don't know if this is too late and you have already decided which surgery to have with your Dr. or not. I do have 2cents to put in for all it's worth. lol   I had the RnY and my only real regret is not doing the DS. Now looking back I think I would have been much happier with it. I have not lost near as much as my friend who had DS has.I also like the types of food that she can eat as opposed to what I have to have. I'm sure you will do great with either one.  Good Luck.

we have a lady in our support group that has started drinking a bottle of wine a day and she's stalling at weight loss for obvious reasons but also almost blacks out. She says she just can't stop it though
Then I have a cousin that had the RNY almost two years ago and she has turned into a major drinker. She's in her early 30's and has always partied it up pre op but now it seems she always has a drink her hand. Makes me worry about the state of her liver in a few years.

Congrats on your loss!

I too suffer from turkey neck (though I call it my gobbler). I have the deepening creases around my mouth/nose too, but the neck is what realllly gets me.

I figure as hard as we've worked we're entitled to a little vanity ;0)

in the past 8 months i have been having low blood sugar levels 2.8 and in the low 3 number mark i check myself two hours after each meal and when its  to low i take orange juice or glucose pills.. i do incorporate good 100 % whole grains through my day and balance my meals and measure all of it. its very scary when it happens my heart pounds so hard and i feel like i'm going to pass out. dizzy double vision. I do have an appointment this tuesday so will discuss this matter once again and hopefully they can figure this out. i am meeting with the diatician and the surgeon on the same day.. Has anyone else have gone through this after having gastric bypass its been 2 1/2 years since my surgery and now i'm going through this.. any suggestions anyone.

 I just sent you a friend request on facebook.  I am just now starting on my journey to have wls. I go to a seminar on the 27th.  I am really excited about doing this for my health.  I'm about to turn 45, I have one son that is about to turn 6, and my oldest son and his wife are making me a Grandma in October, so my main reason for wanting to have wls is to beat my extreme insulin resistance and fend off diabetic complications.  Looking forward to meeting you!