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Danger Will Robinson!! It sounds like this is way too important to you than it should be. Transfer addiction is a significant problem in the WLS world - this is where whatever addictive tendency we may have had toward food is transferred to something else (alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, etc.) in its absence. So, what was a casual occasional drink thing can easily become full blown alcoholism. You seriously need to find a way to not "need" it. Sermon over. Doctors and programs vary widely on their directions for when it is OK to consume some alcohol, from a few weeks or months for the benefit of healing, to a year or two to prevent further liver damage (our livers tend to be in poor shape to begin with from our obesity - hence the common "liver shrinking" pre-op diets that are often imposed - and is further stressed by its role in metabolizing all the fat that we are losing, and it doesn't need the additional stress of metabolizing alcohol. Some go further to advise never again, for the transfer addiction reason. Check with your surgeon's program directions and go from there.

Im just a bypass newbie and havnt had a drink yet, but I smelled a glass of rosé when my husband and friend were drinking. It smelled wonderful! I couldnt drink it, but the smell was enough. I think I'll have to start seeing if I can find some good alcohol-free wines. In other words...an adventure begins! PS. I tried coffee as well but it made my pouch really acidic.

March 16, 2016 Hello! If you're reading this you might be considering getting your surgery in Mexico at the Mexicobariatriccenter. I am post op sleeve day 6 right now, have a fever of 102.5, and am feeling pretty crummy atm. FYI: I am a nursing student in my 4th block so I have some understanding of pharmacology and the importance of sterile/aseptic procedures. The positives: Price was about $4300 plus airfare, incidentals, tipping, etc. I estimate I spent close to $5k in all. Hotel accommodation and staff at the Hyatt Place in Tijuana was great. They will give you as much chicken or beef broth, sugar-free lime popsicles, or various flavors of sugar-free Jello that you want. Surgeons and the Anesthesiologist were professional and did a first rate job. 30 minute ride from San Diego Airport to the Mexico Border and another 15 minutes to the hotel. The hospital is only 10 minutes away from the hotel btw. Negatives: Oh..... where to start.... Mexico Bariatric Center has outsourced their aftercare to a third party. The "nurses" responsible for helping with post-care are no more knowledgeable than Medical Assistants, although they do have a little medication administration training. However, their severely limited training, and understanding of bacteria becomes quite evident when witnessing their attempts (or lack there of) to prevent the spread of bacteria. Here are just a few examples: I never once witnessed a "nurse" use the hand sanitizer on the wall or wash their hands upon entering my room. I did witness my "nurse", Cesar, blow into his gloves to help open them up before sticking his hands in them. That sort of thing would probably get you fired in the United States. IV ports were frequently not cleaned or were simply given a quick single swipe of the alcohol pad before injecting medications into them. Those IV ports gets dragged all over the place and probably have little microscopic bits of feces and drug resistant bacteria on them. Which is a little like mainlining feces directly into my blood stream. When I told them I wanted them to do it correctly they would respond with "It's ok, don't worry, don't worry." And they'd just keep on doing what they were doing, as if my objections were completely irrelevant. Eventually I had to call and speak to the hospital administrator to have my "nurse" replaced with someone more competent. INTEGRITY is not something I found a great deal of with the non-management staff members. Perhaps placating (i.e., lying) is par for the course over there, but it was common enough that very quickly I realized I couldn't trust anything I was being told on face value. Please understand that this was a big issue that reoccurred on multiple occasions. Trusting the staff to do what they say they are going to do, or when they are going to do it, is a huge mistake. This includes the drivers as well. I can't overemphasize this enough.... to be fair, the management was great though, however they have nothing to do with patient aftercare. The third morning after the surgery several of the patients had been cleared to go and we were driven to a "Pharmacy". The "Pharmacist" behind the counter was selling anything and everything. He was trying to get us to buy different antibiotics than the ones we were sent home with. I don't think he realized that not all antibiotics work on all bacteria and you can't just take whatever. He did give out free samples of vitamin-B shots and Viagra for those who were interested. Did I mention this was the pharmacy the Mexico Bariatric Center sent us to? I ended up buying a few items while I was there only to discover we had been charged 300-400% more than the pharmacy at the grocery store across from the Hotel. The driver will then offer to take you and the other patients on a "tour and some shopping". These stores inflate their prices for the patients and provide a kickback to the driver (and most likely the Mexico Bariatric Center) just like the pharmacy did. PAIN MANAGEMENT! Unless you are willing to pay the extra $1000 for the pain pump that comes with either morphine or Dilaudid you will be offered the ghetto version of pain meds (e.g., Ketorolac, tramadol). Although these medications do help offset the pain they do not provide the additional benefit of the euphoric feeling from narcotics. They will offer you all sorts of ridiculous reasons whey they don't want to give you those medications and if you don't have a background in pharmacology you may actually start to believe them. But, they are lying to you. Remember, if you spent the extra $1000 you could have all the narcotic pain meds you wanted in the form of a patient controlled pain pump. I honestly believe they tried to keep people in enough pain that they would agree to spend the extra money. One "nurse" told me that they wouldn't give them to me because of the nausea. However, they give you meds for nausea. "Doctor" Sing tried to convince me that the reason they don't give narcotics is because people are less likely to do their breathing exercises..... Ummmm.... the #1 reason people don't do breathing exercises or participate in their aftercare not a lack of motivation or education on the benefits, but is lack of pain management. That's not my opinion, that's a fact. It was just one stupid excuse after another. The additional pain I (and many other patients) endured as a result of these penny pinching, dishonest, dimwits would be criminal in the United States. You'll get plenty of narcotic pain meds if you choose to have the surgery here in the states. I was advised by that I do not need a passport, by Leili Kohan my patient coordinator, to enter Mexico because their company has a special medical pass, which lets them get across the border without the long wait times. Leili was adamant about that. What she failed to mention was that in order to re-enter the U.S. you definitely need one. I was fortunate in that I ordered a passport just in case otherwise I would probably still be in Mexico right now. Summary: I am glad I had the surgery despite what I have and continue to go through. I wouldn't be opposed to having some other type of surgery in Mexico at a later date. I would absolutely NOT RECOMMEND the MEXICO BARIATRIC center. Additionally, make sure that narcotic pain medication (e.g., Percoset, Vicoden) will be available and have them put it in writing stating you get a full refund for all services rendered if this is not the case. Trust me on this, unless you're one of the rare people who felt absolutely fine, you are going to want narcotics.

OMG How did I miss this thread till now? You can't ever drink from a straw again You can't have port again (I love Port and it's the first alcoholic drink I had post-op.) Everyone who follows a 800 calorie or less diet during the first 6 months trashes their metabolism for the rest of their life. You can't eat <fill in the blank>. You can't drink <fill in the blank>. You won't lose unless you exercise. Lynda

I know this probably seems ridiculous - and I'm really just inquiring if anyone did this??! I have a vacation in Montauk less than a week before my surgery - can I have a few drinks while on my pre-surg diet? My dr. Said it won't really hurt but I shouldn't. ... If I can't I won't - but I'm just wondering! Trust me I've been more than compliant and plan to continue to be... But I really want to enjoy my vacation and its bad enough I'll be on my pre-op diet! Lol

I had a friend who was an alcoholic - would drink as he was throwing up and crapping himself through all the alcohol. She had absolutely no place having that surgery without extensive counseling. it is hard to say, but honestly. At that size something is far more wrong than a basal addiction to food, or being a bit lazy or your metabolism is sluggish. Did not see the episode, I watch very little TV, but is sounds so sad

If you are on soft foods and going out to eat, you can have a soft fish, like salmon. I can go to almost any restaurant here in town and find salmon on the menu. You could get it with a side of mashed sweet potato or mashed potatoes.... you will be shooting to eat your Protein first, of course. Take the leftovers home.... or don't.... whatever. No alcohol. No soft drinks. You've got to take care of your healing tummy and it is way to early to consider a glass of wine and the chicken wings.

If you're on pureed, refried Beans should be fine (ditch the tortilla chips though) and you may be ok with some chili, but careful if it's spicy might upset a 3 week postop tummy. Don't do alcohol that fresh postop, totally not worth the risk, way too soon. Agree with erp.....it's one afternoon, and a HUGE part of succeeding with this tool you've been given, is in learning how to disconnect from making holidays, celebrations, events, and yes, even comfort, about the food. Learn now how to restructure your focus for those things in life, and the rest will easily fall into place. Sent from my SM-G928V using the BariatricPal App

3.5 weeks? You can have soft foods right? No carbonation, no sugar, no solids, no alcohol. I'd recommend sticking to Water (or whatever you drink instead of water) and your own food. Trust me, if you try to eat any of the food you will probably be quite sick and could hurt your stomach incision. Your tummy isn't ready for that stuff. If it were me? I'd just say you are on a diet and are doing shakes.

My plan counts net carbs so once you subtract the fiber and sugar alcohol it's only 3 net carbs

Not a lot of low calorie options in a bar if you are not doing alcohol or carbonated drinks. I haven't tried them yet, but a friend of mine is quickly becoming addicted to the cold water herbal tea infusions. Perhaps you could take something like that with you. If it were me it I would be asking for a water with a wedge of lime or lemon.

I’m trying to avoid alcohol and my dietician has told me no carbonated drinks. When friends go to the bar, what can I order? I’m looking for something that is relatively common, which many bars would be able to make.

on the 1 year: My doc says that 60% of the weight loss occurs in the first 6mos. However, he didn't cap it to a year. He just said, "get up and move (exercise), eat right (protein & vitamins), and drink drink drink (water~not alcohol)" the rest will take care of itself. I love my doc.

270 grams and 17 grams of protien. cool i dont have to drive to whole foods. lol now for ingrediants i have to check but im sure it says beef or turkey organic beef, organic evaporated cane juice, Water, organic soy sauce (water, organic soybeans, salt, organic alcohol), organic apple cider vinegar, salt, organic paprika, natural smoke flavoring, organic black pepper, organic onion powder, organic garlic powder

I get dizzy often too. My blood pressure is low and my PCP attributes my dizziness with my blood pressure. Asked me how much water I was getting and when I told him, he flinched, like I was drinking too much. He told me to increase my sodium intake. I did a little, but decided I really didn't want to do that because I'm already a big salt user. Yesterday I had appointment with PCP and she wasn't even concerned with my blood pressure. It wa a little lower than previous appointments with my other PCP. She told me I had the blood pressure of a 15 year old....... Hang in there and if you have been drinking alcohol, remember to increase your water intake to cleanse your body of the toxins....... Cheers to everyone!

Just want to add my vote. I am 8 months out and 110 lbs down, I have The blood tests and blood pressure of an 18-year old, this week I have fainted and fallen twice when getting up quickly from laying down on the couch. I have bee pretty lax about caffeine and alcohol lately. I am going to watch that and follow this thread. This can be pretty serious. I fell hard the last time. If I had hit something on the way down it could have been real serious. Sent from my iPad using VST

Hi there! I didn't have a preop diet. Just the day before was an all liquid diet. The handbook and doctor said no smoking or drinking alcohol six weeks before surgery. I know my friend had to do a fasting but she also needed to shrink down her liver and she went somewhere else. Who is your doctor, if you don't mind me asking.

I almost always look online so I know what I am going to order ahead of time. I personally would skip the soup or salad and go for the entrée. I don't like most of the appetizers either. Also how do you squeeze in a glass of wine if your not supposed to drink 30 min before you eat? I always just order a glass of Water so no one looks at me like I am weird and then maybe take one little sip. Just curious as I am not at the stage where I can have alcohol yet. Good luck- LA

I gave up alcohol before surgery. I had the occasional mimosa with brunch because I am civilized. I had communion at 2 weeks, not thinking. It burned really bad. And communion wine is watered down. I imagine real alcohol would burn like hell. It is your birthday do whatever you want, you are an adult, but you have been warned, it might really hurt. I'm not even going to bother with empty calories and all of that, because it doesn't even matter.

when are you allowed to drink after being sleeved? I am 4 weeks out now.

I would suggest having a drink or two in the "Safety " of your own home before going out on the town. Like trying any new thing postop, you never know how your body will react. You want to make sure you won't puke or dump. You also want to gauge how alcohol affects you now. So many people report how they get tipsy on just a little bit. I was looking forward to that. But nope, I can still out drink a football team. My alcohol tolerance followed me into postop life.

FWIW - I drink my coffee black. Always have. Partially as a result of that, there was full caffeinated coffee on my tray day after surgery. I had a few sips and was in heaven. My team's approach is if you don't add extra calories to it (e.g. cream and sugar) and you aren't bothered by the acid - have at it but try to keep it to 1 cup a day early on. I'm 23 months out. I drink roughly 32 ounces of black coffee almost every day. Doesn't bother me. Doesn't bother my team. I was told I could experiment with alcohol at 6 months. I waited on the booze, with the exception of sipping some wine at toasts at weddings I had to go to before that point. My rule on alcohol is that I have met all my protein and water goals and I have calories left in my daily allotment, I can have a drink. Again, that has been ok with my team and has worked for me.

Thanks everyone! It does seem like the dehydration is the main concern. I had a cup of real tea today and I felt so much more productive. I’m going to stick with that for another couple of weeks is I can and then switch to coffee. It always did bother my stomach a bit, so I want to be careful. I’m going to try and avoid alcohol for a year if I can. I always eat too much when I drink and the worst foods-chips and crackers and chocolate.

Today is my birthday and I'm 4wks post op and wanna know how soon did any sleeves start drinking?? But remember I'm really don't drink like that only on occasions.. Help pls

I'm 13 months out and have never regretted it for a minute. I had a pain free recovery and although it took 3-4 months before I felt "normal", I was OK with that. After all, I was recovering from major surgery. Initially I had some lactose intolerance and plain Water and artificial sweeteners hurt my sleeve. But I figured out how to deal with it and after the 4 month mark, those issues disappeared. I found an answer to my constipation (insoluble fiber), I get in all my Protein and fluids, take 3 Vitamin supplements (multi, Vitamin D and B12) and get regular bloodwork to keep ahead of any deficiencies. Fortunately I have had no long term intolerance issues. I can eat anything, including all meats, veggies, fruit, sugar, carbs, and alcohol. I just can't overeat or drink anything carbonated. I don't have GERD but I do get a little gastritis if I eat too many sweets or alcohol, but I guess that's a good thing. And nothing a couple Rolaids or some Zantac can't fix. Seriously, the only difference between my pre and postop life is that I drink less alcohol, I eat less and I eat healthier. It's been very easy to get over the psychological barriers of my food addiction. Being thin and feeling great far outweighs the emotional bond I had with overeating and eating crap. I can eat anything ( in moderation), so there's nothing to miss. I am one of the many lucky ones, but there are a lot of people on here that have had serious complications. Despite their struggles, they continue to maintain a good attitude and don't regret their surgery. Everyone's journey is going to be different and only you can make this a good experience or a bad one.