I have been banded for about 1 month. It has been very easy and I have felt great. I eat less, but it takes much restraint because I haven't had any fills. At 1 week, I started eating anything I wanted, but just chewing very carefully and eating just small amounts. I love beer, but haven't done that since it is a big no!! Well, last night we went out to dinner and I had 2 margaritas since I can't have beer. I really don't like hard liquor and I hate wine. Those 2 drinks were way too much for me and I have a headache today. Is there anyone out there who has found an alcoholic beverage to replace beer? I also love mimosas, but those are a no also. I drink only when we go out, but would like a drink that won't hit so hard.

I think your dr probably told you no beer, but really meant no alcohol. Margaritas have so many more calories then beer. If you are going to drink, drink what you like.

It has to be all in moderation. Also this is your life, you have to have what works for you.

Personally I'm allowed carbonated beverages...can't remember off-hand, but I think it's after 6 mo. post-op. My doc says there's nothing to the 'carbonation stretches the pouch' rumor, but that many patients don't like carbonation because it makes you belch and if you've got restriction, it can hurt to burp. It might be worth asking if you can have it after a certain point. Side note; I've NEVER been a belcher/burper, but even with no fill yet and no restriction just the funnel of the band being there I've noticed I burp all the time while drinking now (lovely)...doesn't hurt though.

Personally, I drink wine now (love a hoppy beer too but can't have them yet), but you can order lots of mixed drinks "Tall" with the regular shot of your choice of liquor, but twice as much of the mixer so it's weaker (ie. I like a weak/tall vodka with diet tonic and lime...but that's carbonated too, so not much help).

OK, I'm starting to sound like a lush here LOL. Everything in moderation and the big reason they don't want you to drink much is because it breaks the no liquid calories rule. Just be sure to add the calories to you daily total. I'm sure if you do a search for low cal. drinks you'll find some you'll like to try.

If you like margaritas, that means you like tequila, so try ordering a 'Skinny Girl Margarita' (Bethany's recipe- Real Housewives of NYC). You'll probably have to give the bartender the recipe, but they'll make whatever you want, trust me they're used to mixing special recipes (this is not a weak drink, but way less calories and you can sip it slowly...I always order a water with drinks too so you can slow the drinking down and keep hydrated). If you try this one let me know how it is as I've been wanting to try it.:

A typical Margarita has about 740 calories, the Skinny Girl Margarita has 245 calories (according to the Daily Plate).

The Skinny Girls Margarita

On the Rocks

What you’ll need:

* 2 oz of clear Tequila (100% agave, Patron Silver)

* (count 1, 2 while you pour, no need for measuring)

* A splash of fresh lime juice (1T)

* A splash of Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec (1T and she uses Triple Sec)

Combine all ingredients over a glass of ice

Garnish with a lime wedge and if you want-salt (or sugar, but it's more calories then) if you’d like.

Makes one serving

Hi There, My Doc says to try anything that I want and I will find out just what works and what does not. I have found that soda is okay or carbonation is okay but in small amounts. I get a feeling of being bloated that lasts a while. I drink wine but try to keep it to a very minimum! Like Band Groupie says everything in Moderation. But what you really need to know is that all of these tasty drinks are empty calories and you will pay for them in not loosing weight or having it slow down. I have found this to be true for myself. I have slowed way down on the weight loss and I am rethinking my need for Alcohol! Good luck! The Skinny Margarita sounds really really good.

I am a beer lover and just need one every now and then. I try not to drink them often but when i do, I just take a gas-X and I am fine. The have the ones that disolve on your tounge and give you fresh breath. When I go out, I just slip 2 in my pocket. If I don't take the gas-X, I am in bad pain the next day around my port.