BigHarleyGuy1

I share this story in hopes that it may help someone to never pick up a drink after VSG or to at least be hyper-vigilant about the dangers of drinking post weight loss surgery. I was sleeved in August of 2015 @ 310 lbs. Quickly lost most of the weight needed and began running 5k. Not really setting the world on fire, but it was really good for me. Prior to surgery, I had always enjoyed drinking with friends. Typical guy stuff - couple beers @ a football game or watching the game on Sunday, meeting for drinks after work, etc. Never an issue or problem. Never anything that i had to have. My doctor warned me against alcohol, sodas, and transfer addictions, but I thought "never me". WOW, was I wrong. I remember the first couple times I had a beer after the surgery (I waited 6 months), it was very fizzy and uncomfortable. I convinced myself that it would get easier, and unfortunately it did. Next came the rum and coke zero. Wow, that tastes great, and I get a buzz very quickly. That fast buzz turned into getting very drunk, very quickly. Our new bodies absorb the alcohol in 1/2 the time that a normal internal system would. Over the last couple yeaars there have been many episodes of drinking way to much, blacking out, and not remembering what happened. I have had to apologize for my behavior more than once after a night of drinking. I even started drinking every day. I would make a drink as soon as I got home each day. 1 turns into 2 or 3. Just like lays potato chips you can not have just 1. Alcohol consumed my every thought. When can I have a drink? How can I make sure I can get a drink? It amazed me how I was able to justify that if creamer was good in my morning coffee, how great would Rumchatta be (it's damn good, by the way). I am living proof that transfer addiction is a real thing. I am now in counseling for my alcohol addiction. Transfer addiction is definitely a real thing. Prior to VSG surgery I was over 300 pounds because I had an addiction to food, and all the wrong kinds of food. My new addiction is alcohol and it's best friend is food addiction. what goes with beer = chicken wings, or nuts and pretzels, what goes with a margarita = tacos, etc. Alcohol also makes it impossible to lose weight. So if you are really dedicated to clean eating but you drink, your weight may stay the same, but it surely will not go down. I have packed on 60 lbs of the 120 that I lost. And, I am slowly changing behaviors to get back to where I want to be. It is a journey,, but I am worth it. I will overcome. Addiction is sacrificing everything for that one thing ! Recovery is sacrificing that 1 thing to have everything !

I share this story in hopes that it may help someone to never pick up a drink after weight loss surgery or to at least be hyper-vigilant about the dangers of drinking post weight loss surgery. I was sleeved in August of 2015 @ 310 pounds. I Quickly lost most of the weight needed (lost over 100 pounds) and began running 5k. Not really setting the world on fire, but it was really good for me. I got down to a respectable 190 pounds. Prior to surgery, I had always enjoyed drinking with friends. Typical guy stuff - couple beers @ a football game or watching the game on Sunday, meeting for drinks after work, etc. Never an issue or problem. Never anything that i had to have. My doctor warned me against alcohol, sodas, and transfer addictions, but I thought "NEVER ME !". Wow, was I ever wrong. I remember the first couple times I had a beer after the surgery (I waited 6 months), it was very fizzy and uncomfortable. I convinced myself that it would get easier, and unfortunately it did. Next came the rum and coke zero. Wow, that tastes great, and I get a buzz very quickly. That fast buzz turned into getting very drunk, very quickly. Our new bodies absorb the alcohol in 1/2 the time that a normal internal system would. Over the last couple yeaars there have been many episodes of drinking way to much, blacking out, and not remembering what happened. I have had to apologize for my behavior more than once after a night of drinking. I even started drinking every day. I would make a drink as soon as I got home each day. 1 turns into 2 or 3. Just like lays potato chips you can not have just 1. Alcohol consumed my every thought. When can I have a drink? How can I make sure I can get a drink? It amazed me how I was able to justify that if Creamer was good in my morning coffee, how great would Rumchatta be (it's damn good, by the way). I am living proof that transfer addiction is a real thing. I am now in counseling for my alcohol addiction. Transfer addiction is definitely a real thing. Prior to VSG surgery I was over 300 pounds because I had an addiction to food, and all the wrong kinds of food. My new addiction is alcohol and it's best friend is food addiction. what goes with beer = chicken wings, or nuts and pretzels, what goes with a margarita = tacos, etc. Alcohol also makes it impossible to lose weight. So if you are really dedicated to clean eating but you drink, your weight may stay the same, but it surely will not go down. I have packed on 60 lbs of the 120 that I lost. And, I am slowly changing behaviors to get back to where I want to be. Addiction is sacrificing everything for that one thing ! Recovery is sacrificing that 1 thing to have everything !

Just a question for the group. I had my surgery 1 year ago. I am down over 100 lbs. So I am not complaining in the slightest. I have experienced some slip ups in the last couple months or so and I am not losing like I was before (like not at all). I do however, still exercise (run 2 miles a day 4-5 days a week). Bread is creeping in, as is an occasional alcoholic beverage. Are y'all the same ? I am 20 lbs. from my goal weight and need to refocus my efforts !! Mike A/K/A - BigHarleyGuy1 (although not so big anymore)

Only a couple days away from my 1 year surgiversary. Who else ? Post up some pics and say hello !!

There is so much support from the folks @ BariatricPal and from Dr. A. You will both be fine. If I were making this decision again there would be no doubt in my mind. Dr. A is the way to go ! Just Do It !!!!

I would go with the high priced hookers. Certainly can't hurt, and might help. Plus you are helping the economy.. It's a win for everyone.

MBRADBURY - Dr. A is one of the most professional, caring, and passionate surgeons I have ever met. He has a great bedside manner, and TRUELY cares about ever single one of his patients. AND HE IS APPROACHABLE. How many stiff, tight lipped surgeons in the US can say that. Yes, you are most definitely over reacting. Don't you want someone with a sense of humor ? Don't you want a surgeon that takes the process very seriously, but does not take himself seriously ? If you knew the man, you would have no doubts whatsoever. And just to add, the website does not tell the story. The pillow picture was a patient that made the pillow for herself, the stomach pictures is something we all can't wait to get. Kind of our right of passage into this new world. Mike. PS - email me any time. I could talk about how awesome my experience was for hours.

Dawn - 2 months out and down 49 lbs. Eating almost anything that I want. Still have not tried steak as sometimes a grilled chicken breast is tough for me, but everything else is easy. Hope you are well. Mike

Amen to that ! I am not as wordy. I had Dr. A and he is the best surgeon ever. Mike

You will most definitely want to tip everyone because everyone goes out of their way to make sure that you are happy and well taken care of. How much you tip is up to you and none can tell you how much. Tip what you feel comfortable with. Mike

Hey Back2me - I had the surgery with Dr. A in August. It went FANTASTIC !!! Everything from the Dr., to the nurses, staff, hospital, and recovery condo were all top notch. I am down over 40 lbs and 6 weeks out. Best decision I ever made. Dr. A is the man !

Post # 1 guys. Decided to introduce myself here instead of one of the generic pre-op boards. I am just beginning this journey towards weight loss surgery. I am unsure if I will have the surgery. Deep down I know that I need it. 1/2 my family is against it, and 1/2 are for it. Both camps want to talk me over to their side and right now I am caught in the middle. I met with my doctor 2 weeks ago to discuss my “situation”. My doctor recommended weight loss surgery. I went to the seminar last week and it was very informative. Today I got my blood results and I have high cholesterol and low "T". 2 years ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and given a CPAP machine. I am 5′7″ and I weigh 297 pounds. I need to lose the equivalent of a baby giraffe The proper BMI for someone my height (5′7″) is between 118 - 159 lbs. I am sure that I have a screwed up body image, but I can not imagine myself @ 159 lbs. It seems alien to me. I certainly could not imagine 118 lbs. I think I would look like a prison camp survivor. (no offense to anyone). I think I would look extremely unhealthy. But, how is that different from how I look now. I look unhealthy now. I am trying to justify a different weight. 200 sounds good. 200 is a 97 pound loss. That makes sense to me. Unfortunately 200 lbs. is still considered obese for my height. I would not be morbidly obese, but I would still be obese. I have to get to 190 lbs. before I am only overweight. This is a lot to wrap my head around. Thanks for letting my vent and release as a way of introduction. I am not normally a "whiner". When I am not pouring my guts out on weight loss boards, I am a Realtor in Jacksonville Florida, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider, and a lover of chicken wings and beer. Mike (BigHarleyGuy1)

Three weeks out from surgery. All activity has returned to normal. Doc said wait 6 weeks and I said "Uh, NO !!" Wife and I are pretty good at figuring things out.

Update !!! Had the surgery on 8/10/2015 with Dr. Carlos Altamirano in Tijuana. The surgery, recovery, etc went GREAT. All is good. Came home and went right back to work (Real Estate). I am down 35 lbs including the pre-op. Feel great. Eating my mushiness and puree. Thanks. Mike

The recovery condo is great. It is relaxing, comfortable, and pleasant. The staff is very accommodating. The star of the show @ the condo is Juanito. Expect to go for walks, see the sites, and hang out and socialize (like maggie409 said). I had a great time. I am going back in a year just to visit the folks there and I think some others are planning the same as well. Mike

I think 100 lbs in 3 months is incredibly fast. Your body will need time to catch up and adjust. Give it time.

OasisTerry - I am a patient of Dr. Altamirano. I was sleeved on 8/10/2015. I would recommend Dr. A to everyone who asked. I could care less about the $100. The money means nothing to me and I would not compromise my integrity for $100. Perhaps some would, but I am glad that I do not know any of those people. If anyone is looking for a surgeon that cares about his patients, has an outstanding staff, hospital, and support behind him then Dr. A is the way to go. I would text, email, or have a personal conversation (Skype or phone) with anyone that was looking for more information or a recommendation. That is how strongly I feel about "My" Doctor. Best Regards. Mike

Dr. Altamirano is the BOMB ! This guy is awesome. Very caring, great bedside manner.

I lost about 16 lbs. The caffeine withdrawal headaches the first 3 days kicked my butt. After that it was smooth sailing !

Thanks for the advice y'all. I am going shopping with the wife today. I will be looking of some loose fitting, but fashionable sundresses and "mumu's". Where do you get those in size 3x with 48" waist ? Thanks, Mike

I tried cajun broth 8 days out from surgery and my stomach freaked out. I was a spicy food fanatic prior to surgery. MIke