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Hey, so i live in a big coastal city myself, and just had my bypass. I’ll tell you, yes, it’s a funeral for food. I always ate all kinds of things, and now I’m full off of 2oz of water.. your new stomach doesn’t have room for much else. I have no idea how people are drinking alcohol and eating other stuff.. you’ll feel very sick if you do. But this is the cost of wanting to get health or small.. however, other friends of mine who had bypass, after one year or more, eat and drink pretty normal now.. they just haven’t kept their weight off all the way... as for insurance? I’m in California and have medi-Cal , so in all covered. Only payed for vitamins and my shakes.

Thinking Wellbutrin, it is the LEAST likely to cause sexual side effects and weight gain, which those two things are more important than the obsessive. Also, maybe combined with an ADHD medication, to help with energy and focus. Here is an exerpt from: http://www.bipolar-lives.com/benefits-of-wellbutrin.html (Note, I am not bi-polar) We know from clinical studies that Wellbutrin is more than just an effective medication to take if you suffer from bipolar depression. Wellbutrin is as effective as an antidepressant such as Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil, and is more effective than Effexor. Additional Wellbutrin benefits: Helps compulsive gamblers who have other bipolar disorder symptoms Helps smokers kick the habit (under the name of Zyban) Used as a treatment for ADHD Unlike so many other antidepressants, Wellbutrin does NOT induce fatigue Increases alertness and energy It is on the FDA approved list for treating Major Depressive Disorder as well as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Reminder: Wellbutrin is FDA approved for treating major depression but NOT for bipolar disorder. ... There is evidence that Wellbutrin medicine can help with social anxiety and generalized anxiety. However, it does not help against panic attacks and may even make them worse. (This is why I stopped taking Wellbutrin. For someone who does not have panic problems, Wellbutrin may still be a good option, especially in combination with an anticonvulsant mood stabilizer or with lithium.) Substance abuse? One of the best known benefits of Wellbutrin is how it helps folks quit smoking cigarettes – and marijuana! It may increase sensitivity to alcohol – or it may not – the evidence is inconsistent. Impulsive behavior? Wellbutrin has been shown to be helpful for compulsive gamblers. It should be kept mind though that Wellbutrin is a medicine with stimulant properties and there is not enough data at this time to understand how it may either fuel or control impulsivity. Obesity? Wellbutrin has been trialled as a weight loss aid and is unusual in being an antidepressant that contributes to weight loss rather than weight gain. This is extremely important as people with bipolar disorder suffer from higher than normal rates of obesity and are up to 3 times more likely to die from related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

This may not qualify as natural, but buy a bunch of rubbing alcohol pads and sniff them when you feel nauseous. I was severely nauseous after surgery and those puppies helped. It doesn't last long, but it helps.

I'm 10 months post op and I have no issues with carbonation. I was cleared for carbonation and alcohol after 6 months per my plan. I don't drink a lot of it but I do have a seltzer from time to time and when I was hit with the stomach flu back in August I lived on Diet Ginger Ale for 2 days per my surgeons suggestion because it was literally the only thing I could keep down, even water was not working. I have found that carbonation from a bottled or canned beverage does effect me differently than from a tap. It doesn't cause pain but I do burp a lot more.

Had RNY I would say there are 3 phases - 1st phase is honeymoon phase which lasts about 8 months when it's pretty hard NOT to lose weight. Then the 2nd phase u still lose weight but slower until about 18 months post op and then maintenance starts around 2 years...my body seems to like the weight it is now. I exercise and if I wanted to lose weight I have to cut out carbs and alcohol.

I had the gastric sleeve done at Smart Shape and it was also done by Dr. Coburn. The staff at Centric Health Surgical Centre were absolutely amazing!! Dr. Coburn was equally amazing too. I didn't know about needles... they gave me 2 pre op and 1 post op. (This was a big deal because I'm terrified of needles, but I got through it) Small things that I wish I had know earlier: -Will need to consume 60-80g of protein per day (I am having a very hard time with this, because I try to avoid animal products as much as possible) -No drinking alcohol for 3 months post op -Take bites the size of your pinky nail They werent exaggerating the discomfort of the gas afterward. It is painful and it does go away after a few days. I walked as much as I could to get it out. All in all, I'm very happy. I started my pre op diet on Aug. 5 and had my surgery on Aug. 17 and to date, I've lost 40lb.

Nearly six months out and so many NSVs I recently arrived on holiday in Europe for a week of fun in the sun, unfortunately my bag decided it wanted to hang out in New York, it took two days to catch up with me. With no hot weather clothes with me I was forced to go shop for clothes in the limited resort shops but ..... clothes fitted !! I cant believe I could actually shopped easily in these shops and found stuff that fitted to get me through. 6 months ago I would have to have bought mens tshirts and sports shorts to get me through. Still love fitting into airplane seats, no one elbows me in the side because I spill into their space, the tray table comes down without resting on my stomach and the seat belts feel big !!! Over all the general feeling of happiness is amazing. Going out wearing pretty clothes and feeling good in them, strangers compliments, I am off the alcohol and just high on life, I party longer than anyone else having the best time. Waking up refreshed ready to hit it hard again the next day.

Psych just asks about your home situation as it relates to accomplishing the sleeve objectives, your childhood, your work, relationship with food, alcohol, etc as it relates to the sleeve. As long as you answer that you are on medication and go to counseling and are not suicidal, not being abused, not an active alcoholic, do not have eating disorders it should be fine.... If you do have issues that need addressing - they will schedule sessions to work through them.

I do not have cravings for sugar. I don't eat sugar laced items on a normal bases, and my doctor okay Alcohol after 3 months. Carbonation as long as zero calories is also approved (sparkling Water ect). The reason why most doctors say no carbonation is due to drinking cokes and other sugar laced drinks. And carbonation does effect everyone the same. From looking at my stats we can all tell I am taking this life change seriously. In 3 1/2 months I have lost a total of 44lbs and counting. For me a mimosa/ wine here and there does not send me of the wagon. Each person's weight loss story and transformation is uniquely their own. I thought of the diet Dr pepper as it is zero calories, zero carbs, and I felt like I needed a little pick me up from the caffeine. If I could stomach the carbonation this would be a better choice than a cup of coffee with 3 sugars. Well all need to keep everything in perspective and remember that not everyone has the same Dr. after surgery instructions, and there are many outlooks on what is okay verse not okay after surgery. Making blanket states of " that is not allowed" is just not correct and not giving out the best advice to the newbies. I think it would be so much more helpful if we say " per my Dr.'s instructions" and advise that there are many outlooks on after care.

I do not have cravings for sugar. I don't eat sugar laced items on a normal bases, and my doctor okay Alcohol after 3 months. Carbonation as long as zero calories is also approved (sparkling water ect). The reason why most doctors say no carbonation is due to drinking cokes and other sugar laced drinks. And carbonation does effect everyone the same. From looking at my stats we can all tell I am taking this life change seriously. In 3 1/2 months I have lost a total of 44lbs and counting. For me a mimosa/ wine here and there does not send me of the wagon. Each person's weight loss story and transformation is uniquely their own. I thought of the diet Dr pepper as it is zero calories, zero carbs, and I felt like I needed a little pick me up from the caffeine. If I could stomach the carbonation this would be a better choice than a cup of coffee with 3 sugars. Well all need to keep everything in perspective and remember that not everyone has the same Dr. after surgery instructions, and there are many outlooks on what is okay verse not okay after surgery. Making blanket states of " that is not allowed" is just not correct and not giving out the best advice to the newbies. I think it would be so much more helpful if we say " per my Dr.'s instructions" and advise that there are many outlooks on after care. But back to my original question.... How are others handling carbonation and have you found different carbonation sources to play a part in the ability tolerate??? Just interested in learning many view points.

Carbonation and alcohol is a no-no for one year post-op. It will increase the size of your pouch. Over indulgence in food is essentially and addiction. We are addicted to food. When you can no longer eat the food, your addiction to turn to something else. Hence the no alcohol! I don't know your personal stage of post surgery, but if you're finding you're having cravings for soda and mimosas, etc, call your doc! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

It's my understanding there are two types of fatty liver disease. One is alcoholic and one is non-alcoholic. I have the non-alcoholic type, which is caused by eating too much carbs and fat, if I understand it correctly. I'm sure it's not just the milk alone causing yours.

If people are interested in getting the surgery they can talk to their doctor. Once you start losing weight and creating a new life you'll get out more and make new friends and won't need to discuss your surgery. I haven't had anyone directly ask if I've had surgery but people have asked how I lost all my weight...but they see me exercising and watching my calories in fitness pal so they see me making an effort to lose weight. I also gave up alcohol so that's a big reason for weight loss - u say I gave up carbs and alcohol and started exercising which will be all true and subsequently lost all my weight.

I think mine was around 1200 to 1800 a day. I looked for my paperwork, but couldn't find it, sorry. I gave up soda, coffee and alcohol and concentrated on proteins and veggies, I think I drank at least 2 protein shakes a day as my snacks and very minimal carbs. and walked at least 1 mile a day. it was tough, but so I the huge change in lifestyle you are about to do. Please check with your Doctor and Nutritionalist. Best of Luck to you, BELIEVE me when I say that 6 months will fly by! It is all worth it in the end.

I just had my one year checkup after my conversion from band to Bypass. I've lost 98 pounds and have a BMI of 22. My surgeon asked me not to lose any more weight.. Words I never expected to hear from a Doctor's mouth. My story started in 2009 with a lap band. I lost about 60 pounds while throwing up almost daily. Even with repeated fills and unfills, there was no "sweet spot." I either could only have liquids, or experienced no restriction at all. After 3 years, I asked that it be emptied. I ate whatever I wanted and began living on milkshakes and M&M's, My sugar addiction was in full swing. I was drinking 2 liter of Diet Coke daily and felt terrible. At this point I was 64 and my Dr. gave me a harsh wakeup call, I was 100 pounds overweight and heading for a crash. I talked to a surgeon who was pessimistic about my success with the band because of my habits. My family shared his doubts. I shared his doubts. I prevailed. My insurance paid for the revision. I had to take the nutrition classes and I spent a lot of time on this website. The time on Bariatric Pal was the most valuable preparation I had going in to the RNY. I learned from the rest of you how awesome and how difficult my life was going to be. I ate my last big meal and then it was time for surgery. I had no pain with the lap band insertion or removal and I had none with RNY. The biggest adjustment was that I no longer wanted to eat. I followed the rules - got in my protien, water and supplements. The weight came off - quickly at first, then slowing. I developed new eating habits. I haven't had sugar or diet soda or alcohol since surgery. I don't crave them. I've gone to the movies without popcorn. I've colored my hair, purchased a beautiful wardrobe and look 10 years younger. I accepted a new position at work. I'm off all my Rx with the exception of the 2 for depression and cholesterol - both genetic conditions. I've saved a lot of money. I didn't exercise. I keep thinking about it, but haven't gotten out of my chair, yet. Thank you all for the information and encouragement I've received on this amazing journey and for letting me share my story with you.

Warning - reports of meth in 7up at resorts in Mexico - specifically Mexicali. Also bad alcohol as well. Just a precaution if any patients have family members traveling with them to take caution. This is not a hoax, report was on Drudge Report.

Megan - it will get better. I am sorry you feel excluded by your friend. I think you should actually ask her after the outing why she excluded you though..... She might actually feel that she is sparing you from frustration by not asking you to attend. Friends are really complicated and be aware that a lot of friendships tank once YOU start changing the 'game'. But you will get more social and have so many new life experiences once you let the new you out. Warning: there are transference addictions and alcohol can be one of them - most docs say don't even try any alcohol for a year after surgery and it takes less to get wasted quicker. Is there a support group for wls patients at your hospital/clinic? If not maybe you could ask to start one, it's sonetimes so good to see other people experiencing the journey and share solutions. Dream big girl!!!! Go buy a top 2 sizes smaller that's on sale and hang it where you can see it, if you get the urge to stuff your feelings - then go 'pet' it and tell yourself you want to fit into this instead of eat. Tell your brother to sod off!!! Lol

Thank you so much @Sosewsue61 . I think (although I KNOW better) I am still expecting food to solve all my problems (either by eating it or not eating it). How come you know my brother so well ... LOL What you say about the emotions makes a lot of sense. I've had counselling as part of the assessment and preparation for surgery but I have trouble putting it to practice. Running to my old "friends" in the fridge seems so much quicker and easier. I know this is something I must change. Yesterday I was feeling rejected twice over. (1) I offered to do more hours at my voluntary job, but the manager said no. She said she didn't want me to get too tired but I was imagining other reasons in my head. (2) My best friend organised a trip with some other friends for her birthday and didn't ask me, even when somebody dropped out at the last minute. They went with an empty place. I think this is because they want to have a wild time and I have stopped drinking alcohol. And I know it is better for me not to go because I don't want to be tempted to start drinking again so close to my surgery, plus all the hotel food. But I still feel upset that she didn't invite me or even explain. I know overeating doesn't deal with the feelings in any useful way - in fact the opposite, just makes everything worse long term - but it does make them feel so much less powerful temporarily ... I will keep working on this

Making a lifestyle change, getting in shape and eating healthier always works, then when they see the weight coming off they will know why. Which isn't a lie! Drinking is always easy because when your trying to lose weight alcohol is unwanted calories that have no benefits. Good luck!

I'm keeping my gastric bypass on the down low with coworkers. I seem to be getting unwanted attention about how little I'm eating and not drinking alcohol. Anybody have similar issues and have tips for diffusing comments.

I use saccharin - sweet n low. But I am going to try stevia blend with erythritol (sugar alcohol). Also I am old - I remember Funny Face (koolaid type) drink mix and it was sweetened w cyclamates - the US caved to errant reasearch and the sugar industry and banned cyclamates - but you can order it from Canada under Sugar Twin brand name. Many many countries never banned its use. I intend to order some.

Any update? And are you taking a PPI (e.g. Omeprazole/Prilosec), or consuming anything that could lead to an ulcer like NSAIDs (aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, etc), coffee, alcohol, smoking? I hope you figure this out and feel better soon!

Protein bars rating out of 10 P=protein C=calories S=sugar Sa=sugar alcohol Balance- Chocolate chip cookie dough 15p 210c 17s 5/10 Chocolate mint cookie crunch 14p 200c 16s 9/10 (tastes like thin mint) Chocolate peanut butter 14p 200c 17s 4/10 Cookie dough 15p 210c 17s 4/10 Bounce- Coconut macadamia 8p 160c 9s 4/10 Cliff bars- Blueberry crisp 10p 250c 22s 10/10 Chocolate chip peanut crunch 10p 260c 20s 7/10 Peanut toffee buzz 10p 250c 21s 10/10 White chocolate macadamia 9p 260c 20s 4.5/10 Cliff builder- Chocolate hazelnut 20p 280c 20s 7/10 (does not taste like hazelnut, more like caramel): Chocolate mint 20p 270c 22s 8/10 (flavor [emoji1303] texture [emoji1304]) Chocolate peanut butter 20p 280c 21s 6/10 Epic- Beef habanero cherry 13p 190c 9s 0/10 Chicken sriracha 15p 100c 0s 9/10 Fit joy- Birthday cake batter 20p 230c 3s 10/10 Homemade pumpkin 20p 220c 4s 8/10 GNC- Lean shake banana cream 170c 25p 2s 7/10 (not strong but no after taste) Lean shake chocolate 25p 170c 2s 6/10 Lean shake pumpkin spice 25p 170c 2s 10/10 Lean shake strawberries and cream 25p 170c 2s 9/10 Lean shake vanilla 25p 170c 2s 5/10 Isopure- Blue raspberry 40p 160c 0s 9/10 Larabar- Pumpkin pie 10p 220c 18s 4/10 Luna- chocolate cupcake 9p 190c 4/10 Chocolate chip cookie dough 12p 170c 15s 9/10 Chocolate coconut almond protein 12p 180c 13s 8.5/10 Chocolate peanut butter 8p 180c 5s 8/10 Chocolate peanut butter protein 12p 190c 13s 11/10 Chocolate peppermint stick 8p 190c 8s 10/10 Chocolate salted caramel protein 12p 170c 15s 6.5/10 Lemon zest 9p 190c 9s 12/10 Peanut butter cookie 10p 240c 18s 2/10 Oatmega- Brownie crisp 14p 190c 5s 7/10 Oh yeah! One- Almond bliss 21p 230c 1s 10sa 10/10 (tastes like almond joy) Birthday cake 21 p 220c 1s 10sa 10/10 Blueberry cobbler 20p 220c 1s 10sa 10/10 Chocolate birthday cake 22p 210c 1s 9sa 5/10 Chocolate chip cookie dough 210c 1s 11sa 6/10 Cinnamon roll 20p 230c 1s 11sa 0/10 Cookies and cream 22p 220c 1s 10sa 5/10 Lemon cake 22p 220c 1s 10sa 10/10 Maple glazed donut 20p 220c 1s 10sa 10/10 Mint chocolate chip 220c 8/10 Peanut butter pie 22p 220c 1s 9sa 10/10 Salted caramel 20p 220c 1s 10sa 11/10 Power bar- Cookies and cream 20p 210c 13s 1/10 Promax- Chocolate chip cookie dough 20p 290c 26s 6/10 Double fudge brownie 20p 280c 29s 2/10 Quest bar- Apple pie 20p 190c 3s 7/10 Banana nut muffin 20p 180c 2s 10/10 Blueberry muffin 21p 190c 2s 11/10 Cereal-chocolate 12p 110c 8s 10/10 Cereal- cinnamon bun 12p 110c 8s 8/10 Cereal-waffle 12p 110c 8s 10/10 Chocolate chip cookie dough 21p 190c 1s 10/10 Chocolate peanut butter 20p 170c 1s 5/10 Cinnamon roll 20p 170c 1s 4/10 Coconut cashew 20p 190c 1s 7/10 Cookies and cream 21p 190c 1s 10/10 Lemon cream pie 20p 170c 1s 4/10 Mint chocolate chip 20p 190c 1s 8/10 Mocha chocolate chip 20p 180c 1s 11/10 Oatmeal chocolate chip 20p 190c 1s 5/10 Peanut butter and jelly 20p 200c 2s 0/10 Rocky road 20p 210c 1s 10/10 Smores 20p 180c 1s 9/10 Quest chips- BBQ 22p 130c 0s 9/10 Cheddar sour cream 22p 130c 0s 10/10 Sea salt 23p 130c 0s 1/10 Sour cream and onion 21p 120c 1s 9/10 Quest shake- Banana cream 21p 100c 2s 6/10 Cookies and cream 20p 100c 1s 4/10 Peanut butter 23p 110c 1s 10/10 Salted caramel 22p 100c 1s 12/10 Think thin- Brownie crisp high protein 20p 230c 12sa 5/10 Chocolate peanut butter toffee 13p 180c 2s 9sa 5.5/10 Cinnamon bun white chocolate 10p 150c 5s 10/10 Cookies and cream 20p 230c 14sa 1/10 Lemon 20p 240c 13sa 10/10 Peanut butter 20p 240c 11sa 11/10 (tastes like Reese's) - [ ] Salted caramel 10p 150c 5s 11/10 Smores 10p 150c 5s 8.5/10 Zing- Dark chocolate coconut 10p 210c 13s 3/10 Dark chocolate mint 11p 210c 13s 6/10 (mint flavor VERY strong)

I'm 3 yrs out, down 130 lbs and maintaining!! I lost 40 pre op on my own. I think this was key for me. As it helped prove to myself that I was ready and could do this long term. Like most above, I followed the program to the letter for probably a solid year. That really helped me totally changed my eating habits and it's "just how I eat now" so I don't think I'm on a diet. I exercised as soon as possible. Walking shot distances at first and adding distance and speed gradually. Now I do 8-10 miles a day 5-6x weekly at a pretty fast pace. Exercise too is just now part of my life. I need it to maintain and feel good. I still track everything, Eat protein first, drink all my water, alcohol only on rare occasions and then one is plenty, and I'm still and hopefully permanently off pop. I also control the food that enters my house. So I don't keep junk food in the house. I know that isn't realistic for all. But really nobody living in your house is gonna die without junk food. The result, if I need a snack or mental eating...it's still a healthy choice. I don't deprive or avoid any food group or type. If I want pizza I get it, I make sure it's my favorite (no point eating bad anything) I have a small piece or two and move on. The great thing is a small amount always satisfies me so I don't have to feel guilty. And guilt free pizza tastes soooo much better. I always say.... the second bit doesn't taste any better than first. (Really think about that) So often one bit of something "bad" takes care of my craving. I hope this helps a newbie if I can do it anyone can!!!! Best wishes all

Good! You have the right attitude! It feels like a race in the beginning but it is a journey. In some respects the pre weight loss is harder than the post and you are held more accountable in the beginning because of the weigh in's. I was so scared even on surgery morning because until you are laying on that operating table you think that your chance could be snatched away for any reason. I took some of my liquid pain medication the day before surgery cause I had been tapered off my pain medication and we could not take any OTC because of risk of bleeding. Anyway I took a water pill and some of the liquid Norco my tail bone was hurting so bad not sure why. Oh and I did not give up caffeine either let me tell you the headache from not having caffeine hurt worse than the surgery. Anyway they test you right away when you get admitted for surgery and weigh you. My saving grace was the nurse brought regular tea on my tray rather than herbal lol it was hard but I kept sipping that nasty Lipton tea poof the headache was gone. Not even the high powered pain killers were touching the withdraw headache. In 2007 I tried to get gastric bypass but failed to pass everything, it was way harder then to get accepted. Then the sleeve became a thing so happy I waited. Anyway I am trying to get strict again, slowly being able to eat more and its scary. I still eat 1/2 cup no more than a cup of food per serving. Need to get back to chewing 30xs not drinking, get rid of carbs. Still fight the sugar & carbs. Caught myself drinking from straws, drinking alcohol. So yeah the work continues!!!! Let me know how you are doing. Good luck!