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No. You can never drink alcohol or eat greasy bread and be healthy..... Just my opinion as a nurse and person who has struggled with my weight forever It's sad I know!!!! Some say it's ok to cheat every once in a while that you need it to keep from binging. I also disagree with that once I cheat I want to cheat more! I think it's best to say good bye to eating crap for forever!

My one thing people don't know about me, I am what you get when you cross a gay alcoholic and Pollyanna. I must say it is not a bad combination!

I used a q-tip with alcohol on them and they came off easily - just dont use too much

I have a brewery I want to hit before I have my surgery. That is going to be my last alcohol for quite a long time. They have the most amazing Bourbon barrel aged beers there. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi Guys! How's everyone doing? I'm on day 9 post op and feeling great! My port site is still pretty sore though...is this normal? I'm curious to know how you guys are doing mentally. I saw a group of friends yesterday and they all commented on how happy and energetic I seemed. I didn't even realize that I was feeling pretty damn good! I get up early now, never tired and have loads of energy. I'm even thinking clearer. Do any of you notice a change like this? I'm sure it has alot to do with not having fast food or pizza in almost 2 weeks lol but I didn't think it would hit me this quickly. I'm likin this! Another question...with all this warm weather rolling in I could use a cocktail! I'm curious if any of you that have been banded already have had any alcohol yet. It seems a bit early. I am tempted to have a glass of wine but I think I should wait till I'm on solid foods. Any thoughts?

I'd like to know about people's experience with alcohol post-op. How much do you drink? Last night while I was on a plane back home to LA I ordered a mix drink with my dinner, after 4 ounces I knew I'd reached my limit, I felt very sleepy lol.

LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRIC SLEEVE DIET Introduction The following information provides guidelines for you to follow before and after Gastric Sleeve Surgery and for the rest of your life. Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a weight loss tool. After surgery, you will be required to make lifelong changes in your eating habits and to exercise on a regular basis in order to achieve and maintain your weight loss goals. Gastric Sleeve Surgery reduces the size of the stomach which restricts the volume of food that you can consume at one time. This means that you will feel full after eating a small amount. The surgery also induces hormonal changes which help prevent you from feeling excessively hungry. You should avoid drinking liquids with meals. This is to prevent overfilling of the stomach. Frequent snacking or grazing must also be avoided as this contributes to excess calorie intake and can slow weight loss or cause you to gain weight. Exercise is an important component of weight loss success. Exercise is recommended before and after surgery in order to maximize the amount of weight that you lose and keep off. If you have not been an active exerciser, always consult with your physician for clearance and recommendations before beginning any exercise program. It is important to follow the lifetime Gastric Sleeve diet rules, supplement guidelines, and exercise recommendations in order to achieve and maintain optimum weight loss success. In order to begin preparing for surgery, start implementing the pre-surgery diet goals listed on the next page. 4 Pre-Surgery Diet Practice Tips 1. Choose low-fat foods, and avoid fried foods. 2. Stop using sugar. Use sugar substitutes such as Sweet & low, Equal, or Splenda. 3. Decrease intake of Desserts and candy. 4. Stop drinking sugar-sweetened beverages such as regular soda and sweetened Kool-Aid. 5. Start weaning off of caffeine and carbonated beverages. 6. Start cutting back on fast food and eating out. Begin making healthy meal choices when eating out and at home. 7. Eat 3 meals a day. Do not skip Breakfast. 8. Start decreasing portion sizes. 9. Eat more fruits and vegetables. 10. Practice drinking Water and other fluids between meals, not with meals. 11. Drink 64 ounces water a day. 12. Practice sipping liquids. 13. Avoid alcohol. 14. Begin some form of exercise. 15. Review the following information on the gastric sleeve diet. 16. Practice chewing foods thoroughly, 20 - 40 times or to paste consistency. 17. Purchase your Protein drinks or supplements. 18. Purchase your Vitamin and mineral supplements. 19. Begin planning a schedule for mealtime, fluids and vitamin and mineral supplements. 5 Post Gastric Sleeve Surgery Diet Important Diet Guidelines: 1. Eat 3 meals per day. Avoid snacking and grazing. 2. Eat small amounts. Initial portion size should be no more than 1 - 2 ounces - approximately 2 - 4 Tablespoons - of food per meal for the first month. At first you may not be able to tolerate this amount. Over time, you will slowly tolerate more volume at each meal. Long term, the stomach will eventually hold about 4 - 8 ounces (1/2 - 1 cup) of food per meal. 3. Eat protein foods first. 4. Do not try to eat food and drink liquid together. • Consume liquid 30 to 60 minutes before and/or 30 to 60 minutes after eating meals but not during meals. 5. You are required to take a multi-vitamin with minerals for the rest of your life. 6. Eat slowly! • Each meal should last 30minutes or longer. • Avoid gulping foods and drinks. • All foods must be well-chewed to a paste consistency. • Using a small fork or spoon (i.e. baby utensils) can help control portion sizes. • Have one place to eat (such as at the table) and avoid reading or watching TV while you eat. This helps you to enjoy your food, concentrate on eating slower and to realize when your stomach is full. 7. Drink plenty of calorie-free, non-carbonated, caffeine- free fluids between meals . • Drink slowly-sip fluids, never gulp. • Calorie-containing beverages should be limited to skim milk and Protein Drinks. • Limit juice to no more than 4oz. per day. • Consume zero-calorie beverages throughout the day. 6 Diet Progression After Surgery The diet after gastric sleeve surgery progresses through several stages. Your surgeon will let you know when it is okay to progress to the next stage. Day 1 - 2 after surgery: Clear liquid diet The clear liquid diet means fluids or foods that are liquid at body temperature and can almost be seen through. You will be on a clear liquid diet while you’re in the hospital. Examples of Clear Liquid Diet (No Added Sugar/ Sugar Free): • Clear (diluted) fruit juices without added sugar: apple, grape or white grape or diet cranberry • sugar-free Crystal Light drink mix or popsicles, Sugar-free Kool-Aid • Herbal tea, caffeine-free tea • flat soda • Sugar-free Popsicles • Sugar-free Gelatin • Clear broth • Water ???? It is best to dilute juices by 50% with water. ???? Avoid citrus juices (orange/grapefruit) and tomato juice for the first three weeks. ???? coffee and de-caffeinated coffee contain acids which are irritating to the stomach lining and should be avoided for the first few weeks for healing. Day 3 through Week 2: Full Liquid Diet The next stage is the full liquid diet which consists of sugar-free, low-fat milk products and the Clear Liquids listed above. You will need to supplement with protein (drinks or powder) after surgery. Remember to sip liquids, do not gulp. Examples of Full Liquid Diet (No Added Sugar/Sugar-Free, Low Fat): • Skim Milk or Lactaid milk • Soy Milk (non-fat) • Low fat, thin, strained cream Soup (smooth, no pieces of food) • Sugar-free instant breakfast • Protein drinks – Start daily when you get home from the hospital. (See section on protein and protein drinks) • Plain or “light” (no sugar added) yogurt with no fruit pieces • Sugar-free pudding or custard • Thinned cream of wheat or rice Cereal 7 Week 3 through Week 8: pureed Diet You may now begin a pureed diet. This includes all items listed for clear and full liquids, and the items listed for the pureed (blenderized) diet. • Eat PROTEIN foods first • Make sure foods are well blended. • Start slowly. If you do not tolerate pureed foods go back to the liquid diet and try again in a few days. • Remember to drink liquids between meals, not with meals. • Continue protein drinks or protein supplements every day. Examples for the Pureed Diet (Sugar-Free/No Sugar Added, Low Fat): eggs cheese Pureed or blenderized scrambled eggs or egg substitute or cheese omelet; melted low-fat cheese, low-fat or non-fat cream cheese, ricotta cheese, very smooth/mashed soft cheese such as mozzarella, string cheese, low-fat or non-fat smooth or small curd cottage cheese meat, Fish, Poultry, Baby food meat or pureed meat or poultry moistened with broth or low-fat gravy Blenderized shrimp, scallops or fish Pureed tuna or salmon (canned in water) or pureed egg salad with low-fat or non-fat mayonnaise Potted meats thinned with broth; smooth deviled ham Starches Unsweetened instant oatmeal (strained), cream of wheat or rice cereal, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, smooth polenta, hummus, refried beans; low-fat or baked crackers or chips Vegetables Baby food vegetables or pureed cooked vegetables (no corn or peas) Mashed winter squash, tomato juice or sauce, pureed salsa, marinara Soup Strained, low-fat cream soup made with skim milk; fat-free broth Blenderized lentil or split pea soup or chili Fruit Baby food fruits (bananas, pears, applesauce, peaches, mango, etc) Unsweetened applesauce (smooth) Unsweetened canned fruit – blenderized Unsweetened fruit juice (diluted, no sugar added) Remember: IF YOU CAN CHEW IT, DON’T DO IT! 8 Tips to Get Started Everything that you eat on the pureed diet should be sugar-free or no sugar added, low fat and blended to the consistency of baby food or smooth applesauce. • You will need a blender or food processor or you can purchase baby food. • Start with 1 ounce (2 Tablespoon) portions - no more than 4 Tablespoons at the most. Listen to your body and stop eating as soon as you feel full. • Eat protein foods first. Then if you are not too full, try vegetables or fruits. • Continue protein supplements (80 g protein per day from supplement). Helpful Hints for Blenderizing • Cut foods into small pieces before putting into the blender or food processor. • Remove seeds, skins and fat. • Add liquid for ease of blending. Add enough liquid to cover the blades. Options include skim milk, broth, strained low-fat cream soup, low-fat gravy, low-fat or non-fat sour cream or fat-free half & half. • Blend the item to a smooth, applesauce consistency. • Make sure there are no particles, seeds or lumps remaining. If so put through a sieve or strainer. • If you have leftover blenderized foods, try freezing in single serving portions in ice cube trays and put the frozen cubes into plastic freezer bags. Meats – Very lean and dry meats puree better by adding a small amount of fat (margarine, oil, light mayonnaise, gravy, etc.) Fish also tends to be dry. Improve the texture by adding small amount of lemon juice, light mayonnaise or strained low-fat tartar sauce. Starches – Try pureed peas, canned Beans, sweet potatoes. Starches puree better when hot. Rice and potatoes tend to puree into a gummy paste and are not recommended. Substitute cream of rice cereal prepared with a flavorful broth and seasoned with margarine. Pasta or noodles are not recommended as they are not well-tolerated. Vegetables – Cook vegetables until soft. If using canned vegetables, drain first. Add melted margarine and puree. Add a small amount of liquid until it reaches the smooth applesauce consistency. Fruit – If using canned fruit, drain first. Add a few drops of lemon juice to help prevent them from discoloring. Begin to take advantage of your favorite leftovers before surgery. Process these foods, and freeze them in an ice cube tray. (Each cube is approximately 1/2 to 1 ounce). When frozen, pop out into Zip-lock bag; label and date, and freeze cubes until needed. 9 Meal Guidelines for the Pureed Diet (See Sample Pureed Meals listed in the Appendix) Once you begin to eat pureed foods (which are considered solids) you will want to start differentiating between liquids and solids – meals should include pureed foods, and so liquids (including protein drinks) should be taken separately from your meals. • You should eat 3 meals a day with protein drinks between meals. • Protein drinks containing at least 20 grams of protein per serving should be consumed as needed to meet 80 g/day goal. • Start with a portion size of 1 to 2 tablespoons of pureed food for the first month. At first you may not be able to tolerate this amount. Eat your protein source first, and then if you have room a small amount of fruit, vegetables or other foods may be consumed. Hints for Measuring Foods: Liquids or soft/pureed foods are best measured in measuring cups or spoons; they can be measured in ounces, Tablespoons or mls. 1 cup 8 Fluid ounces 240 ml 16 tablespoons 3/4 cup 6 fluid ounces 180 ml 12 tablespoons 1/2 cup 4 fluid ounces 120 ml 8 tablespoons 1/4 cup 2 fluid ounces 60 ml 4 tablespoons 1/8 cup 1 fluid ounce 30 ml 2 tablespoons 1 Tablespoon = 3 teaspoons 1/2 Tablespoon = 1-1/2 teaspoons Week 9-12 After Surgery: Soft solid food Diet If you have been tolerating pureed foods, you may now begin a soft diet. This includes all items listed for clear and full liquids and pureed diets plus items listed for the soft diet. Try 1 to 2 new foods a day. This will help you to learn what foods you tolerate. • Remember your stomach pouch empties more slowly with more solid or dense foods than with liquids, so you will be able to tolerate a smaller quantity of food than you could with liquids . • Go slowly. If you do not tolerate the trial of soft foods, resume pureed foods and try again in a week. • Eat protein foods first • Avoid foods high in sugar and fat. • Space meals 4-5 hours apart • Continue your protein drinks between meals • Drink other fluids constantly between meals 10 Examples of Soft Diet (No Added Sugar/Sugar-Free, Low Fat): • Baked fish (no bones) • Imitation crab meat, baby shrimp • Bananas • Canned peaches or pears in water or juice • Well-cooked vegetables without seeds or skin (no corn or peas) • Scrambled, poached or hard boiled eggs • Tuna or egg salad (no onions, celery, pimientos, etc.) • Finely shaved deli meat • Baked, grilled or rotisserie chicken o Moist foods will be better tolerated. Moisten meats with broth, low fat mayonnaise, or low-fat gravy or sauce. o Fish and seafood Proteins are softer and easier to break down than poultry or red meat proteins. o Reheating foods tends to make them dry out and hard to tolerate. Common Problem Foods (Avoid for 3 months after surgery) • Red meat such as steak, roast beef, pork. Red meat is high in muscle Fiber, which is difficult to separate even with a great deal of chewing. Avoid hamburger for one month after surgery. • Un-toasted bread; rolls, biscuits. (Toasted bread may be better-tolerated.) • Pasta • Rice • Membrane of citrus fruits • Dried fruits, nuts, popcorn, coconut • Salads, fresh fruits (except banana) and fresh uncooked vegetables, potato skins. Month 4 After Surgery: Regular Diet • Problem foods as listed above can now be tried. • Rice, pasta and doughy bread may not be tolerated for 6 months or more. • Try fresh fruits without the skin first. If tolerated, the skin can be tried the next time. Salads are generally well-tolerated if chewed well. • Go slowly. Try a small amount to see how you feel. • Avoid high sugar and high fat foods to avoid a high calorie intake. 11 Foods to Avoid : Hard/crunchy foods may always be poorly tolerated. Nuts and seeds are difficult to break down. Fried foods/greasy foods are hard to digest and are very high in calories. • Corn chips, potato chips, tortilla chips, hard taco shells • Nuts and seeds • Fried foods and greasy foods Points to Remember: • Solid foods will fill your stomach pouch more than liquids so you will be eating smaller quantities of foods versus liquids. • If you don’t tolerate a food the first time, wait a week and try again. • You may find that you tolerate a certain food one day and not the next. It is normal for this to happen. • If you don’t tolerate certain foods or notice nausea, vomiting or diarrhea during or after eating, ask yourself the following questions: o Did I chew to a paste consistency? o Did I eat too fast? o Did I eat too much volume? o Did I drink fluid with my real meal or too close to my meal? o Did I eat something high in sugar or fat? o Was the food moist or was it too dry? Steps for adding solid foods: • Try only 1 small bite of the new food and chew well. Wait awhile and if there are no problems, take another bite. • If at any time you feel too full, nauseated or vomit, stop eating and rest. Take only clear liquids at the next meal and add blended foods and liquids at the following meal. Try one solid food again the next day. 12 PROTEIN Protein is the most important nutrient to concentrate on when resuming your diet. Because the volume of your meals will be limited, you should aim for a minimum of 80 grams of protein per day – this needs to come from your protein supplement . Why is protein important? • Wound healing • Sparing loss of muscle • Minimizing hair loss • Preventing protein malnutrition Remember to eat protein foods first at each meal, followed by vegetables and fruit. These are some good sources of protein: Protein Sources Serving size Protein (g) Skim or 1% milk 1 cup 8 Evaporated skim milk (canned) 1 cup 19 Soy milk beverage 1 cup (8 ounces) 7 Non fat dry milk powder 1/3 cup powder 8 Nonfat, sugar free yogurt 1 cup (8 ounces) 8 Nonfat or low fat cottage cheese ½ cup (4 ounces) 14 Nonfat or low fat cheese slices String cheese *1 ounce/ 1 slice 6 LEAN meats – skinless chicken or turkey breast, fish, beef, ham, Deli meats *1 ounce 7 Egg or Egg substitute 1 egg or ¼ cup subst. 7 Peanut Butter (creamy) 1 Tablespoon 5 Tofu ¼ cup 5 Legumes; dried beans peas or lentils Chili, bean soup ½ cup cooked ½ cup 7-9 6-7 Soy/vegetable patty (like Gardenburger) 1 patty 8 - 10 Hummus ½ cup 6 Measuring Hints: *1 ounce of meat is equal to about 3 – 4 Tablespoons of chopped or ground meat. 1 ounce of grated or cottage cheese, tuna or egg salad is ~ 1/4 th cup (4 Tablespoons). A 3-ounce portion size of chicken or meat is about the size of a deck of cards. 13 High Protein Ideas Chicken or Turkey Pureed – Use baby food or make your own. Try mixing it into strained low-fat cream soup. Breast – baked or grilled Thin-sliced/shaved deli slices Ground – meatballs, meatloaf Canned – works great for chicken salad Strained out of canned soup – tends to be very moist Fish (avoid bones) Baked, broiled, poached, or grilled fish Shrimp Imitation or regular crab meat Fresh or canned salmon in water Canned tuna in water Sushi Beef or Veal (Extra Lean) Ground – meatballs, meatloaf Pork Shaved deli ham Eggs or Egg substitute Scrambled eggs or omelet Homemade eggnog made with skim milk, sugar-substitute Diet custard Egg salad Quiche or frittata Deviled eggs Low-fat Dairy Products Milk (skim or 1%) Yogurt (plain or no-sugar added) Low-fat cheeses including cottage cheese, string cheese, ricotta, or any other cheeses which are reduced-fat or non-fat. Legumes Peanut Butter – smooth Dried beans or lentils – or Soups, stews or chili made from these Hummus Vegetarian or fat-free refried beans Tofu 14 Protein Supplements ???? Because of the limited volume capacity of the stomach, it will be nearly impossible to meet your protein needs from food sources for up to a year after surgery. ???? You will need to consume a protein drinks to get a total of 80 g protein per day – This would be 2 protein drinks

So update.. After finishing my first fast day yesterday of my second week I'm holding steady at 168 (no loss today) last week I started at 171 I had been stuck at the number for months. After first week of the fast I went down to 169 which was very exciting! After a major party and much alcohol I went down to 166!! (dehydration I know) Evened out at 168. I'm good with it and I know my body well enough to know it will probably stay there this week. Oh and the first two fast days I was grumpy and off yesterday being my third, I felt a lot better

They drove us to a tourist area in a group. We walked around for about an hour. I bought a little dress for my baby and a couple shot glasses. Spent $15. Don't ever pay what they ask, they expect you to haggle with them. They will try and give you a shot of tequila at every store, don't of it. Also remember that food, alcohol, etc will be confiscated at the border. Ask the driver. Take small bills to tip. Take your own broth/bouillon. The broth they have is gross. They freeze their jello so you may want to take that too, and your own ready made protein shakes. They have an endless supply of Popsicles, plenty of juice and bottled water. They will supply all of that included in your price. The worst part of the entire process is the blue dye and the rotten grapefruit tasting stuff you have to drink on x ray day. Getting the drainage tube out sucks too. I room shared with my mother in law. You pass gas mostly on day 2 and feel so crappy you don't really care. If you have a private room you have to pay extra. You won't have a private room day of surgery, there were 3 to a room. TV is available in the room but predominately Spanish. They offer free wifi. You may want to set up a plan so you can call from Mexico before you go. I have Verizon, it was $15 for 1000 minutes (or 99 cents a minute with no plan). Texts are 5 cents to receive, 50 cents to send. Crossing the border back into the US takes forever so be prepared for a wait. If you drive, parking is $18 a day. We drove, I'm only 4 hours from San Diego.

I've had a suspiciously easy recovery so far. I was approved to go home the same day I had my sleeve surgery, and I only had nausea coming off anesthesia. I had no gas pain, and honestly, I'm doing really good still (10 days post-op today, I've been back at work since Monday). All this being said, I'd prep yourself for everything just in case. I recommend extra comfy clothes, a pillow and blanket for the plane, a good neck pillow, eye mask, etc. Pack some single use alcohol wipes (my nurse opened one for me the one time I felt nauseous, and the scent chased away the nausea fast - great in moments where you can't move fast / aren't near a bathroom). Look into getting a couple LiquaCel packs. They travel good, and they tend to give these to you in the hospital, but you can order them online, too. Invest in some powder/liquid Tylenol. And give yourself extra, extra time. You will be moving slow, and you could hurt yourself going too fast. Give yourself enough time to move as slowly as you want/as possible. ❤️ Good luck!

Hey Friends, Had a total unfill today! Let me give a little back story. I got a fill back on 8/8--no problems etc.. Then two weeks ago got a complete flare up of eczema--sounds gross and it is--I only get it once every two years when I get more than one or two mosquito bites (highly allergic) So anywho both arms and hands are looking like I have small pox eek! Which means my histamines are going crazy--everything is swelling and yep you guessed it--my esophagus and stomach tissue!!! So the restriction was pretty much like 4cc in a 4cc band--HOLY SH$T! So for the last week I have been PBing like a muther---and two nights ago woke up with acid reflux that put me in to an asthma attack. And this morning I threw up water!!! So I was like---ain't freakin' doing this crap anymore and went to my doctor. He took out 1cc--had me drink some Water and it made all sorts of weird sounds and it hurt--so he said we are taking everything out!!! AARGH! He told me that on the 25th of this month we would start my fills again but under fluoro to make sure I haven't slipped!!! Girls...I am so nervous about not having Fluid. To make matters worse I got a steroid shot and will be on three weeks of intense steroid treatment for my eczema from freakin' hell! My doctor says not to worry--I won't gain back pounds in 17 days- The nurse told me that this would be the time to eat foods that I haven't been able to eat since the band--ie hamburgers. I think that would be like giving a drink to an alcoholic. Just looking for so hugs right now...I am so depressed and itchy! Denise---"aka the itchy bitch"

It's so hard for me to go out to eat these days. It's just not that enjoyable as it use to be.... I don't want to eat junk, I want to eat healthy and the restaurants sabotage my eating if I'm not careful. so I just prepare my meals at home. I do have a margarita when out but can only drink a few sips. I realize now that I was totally misinformed by the bariatrics department telling us that alcohol will kill us. I realize they were talking about about GBS mostly. So I haven't pushed the limits with alcohol..But from what I'm reading from the posts, alcohol will not kill me....So instead of ordering food at a restaurant, I'll just order and drink and have some fun with it, especially in Maui.......I still have stricture, I discovered yesterday, and I felt horrible the rest of the evening. I realize that I think about what I'm going to eat all the time and when my stomach feels empty, I will eat something......This is my obsession and it's time to break the pattern......Sorry for the rant! Everyone here is doing really good.......

1) I am a huge (no pun intended) Star Trek fan, too. My husband and I gave each other the Vulcan Salute when we married. 2) I've been married to my (for lack of a better phrase) soul-mate for 18 years on August 11th. We enjoy an active and loving relationship. He doesn't keep his hands off me now--and he's already talking about "elevator" sex when I've lost weight. Oy vey. I refer to my husband as my "crash test dummy" sometimes. Oh, honey! Will this work? Now, hold that position...I need to capture it in my mind and translate it onto paper! 3) I write romance novels. I write steamy, spicy, happily-ever-after and even a few happy-for-now novels. I once received an email from a reader saying that reading my book aloud as a couple was the best foreplay they'd had in years. Cough! I have older relatives who call me the "Porno Queen." Grrrr. I do not write porno. I do write bodice-rippers and crotch-burners, but there's a huge difference between romance novels and interent porn! HUGE! I have some very strong opinions about porno addiction, to wit: It broke up my cousin's 17 year marriage. It removes a level of intimacy in marriage (or bonded couples), and leaves them both unsatisfied. It desensitizes and anesthetizes. It can be a gateway drug to a seemy, smarmy underbelly of images that are both illegal and immoral--not just sexually titilating. It is a serious addiction. If you know someone with an addiction, talk to them about getting help. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, whatever. Pray, talk, point them in a direction where they can learn to overcome their addictions and regain their lives. I truly want all women to know love; to know the joys of intimacy and even if it's achieved alone, the release of climax. If, for any reason, you are not finding satisfaction in your life with your partner, please discuss it, pray on it, go seek medical advice. Loving relations are too wonderful to dismiss! I don't usually discuss this kind of thing on forums, so if I've offended anyone, I apologize. Darr

Okay I am a fat person. I like to eat. I have been overeating for most of my life, If I was not overeating I was probably on a diet. I have been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle for a time but I have always returned to my bad habits. I am wondering if i will be miserable without the option of eating unless I can find something that can replace whatever I am getting from the food. After this proceedure I will not be able to eat. I have heard stories about people who have WLS and become alcoholics or drug addicts. I was curious about what some of you who are post-op have done to replace the food?

Reading your post, I find myself relating to your story… I was thin till I was about 30/31 years old… so for the last 10 years I have put on weight for one reason or another – but I too didn’t match what I saw in the mirror… now 8months post op and a 100lbs lighter, I look back at pictures and have no idea who that person was for the last 10 years… I always knew there was a “skinny girl within” so when people who didn’t know me before I gained weight say “omg you look so different” I just smile and say well I am still the same on the inside… or a simple “Thank you.. I think..” and then normally they realize that they kind of crossed that invisible line of offending you with a compliment… and then they kind of back tract… Most of my coworkers know that I had this surgery, I just couldn’t really hide it… there are just too many big mouths and there was just no point in trying to lie about it… HOWEVER – in my life outside of work, only close family & friends know. It’s not something I post, blog or brag about… I have had a lot of people that are not in my everyday life ask me what I am doing, and I tell them I cut all pork, Pasta, rice, breads & alcohol… (which is the truth – I just have left out the part where they took out 90% of my stomach) I do feel bad, but half the time I just feel like they are being nosey.

I love the quotes. My son is suffering with depression and alcohol abuse and has recently decided to seek help. I sent him these quotes as they are relevant to so many life decisions. Thank you for sharing.

I have a friend who in a recovering alcoholic, when he hit rock bottom he spent 90 days in rehab. He came out and has never looked back. . . at alcohol. When he got out of rehab, he dived headfirst into exercise. He was not obese by my estimation, but he has lost a ton of weight, and gotten into what he admits is the best shape of his life. He runs marathons and competes in Iron man competitions. He admits that he had transfered his addiction for alcohol to exercise, but says in rehab they were told to expect this, and as long as the new addiction was not self-destructive, it was positive. He looks great and says at 40 he has never felt better. Jim

Alcohol is on my surgeons No Forever list.

to my H, a snack ALWAYS consists of carbs! or alcohol. or both.

I am reading a fabulous book book on addiction called (I think - I don't have it with me at work) The Heart of Addiction by a psychiatrist who (I think) is Lance Doddes - or something similar. It is a really different look at addiction because I explains the difference between addictions, habit and physical addictions. Also explains why 12 step programs often don't work. His premise is that addictions are a coping mechanism for psychological issues - be it anger or rage or loss of control etc. Therefore, when one stops abusing the object that they have chosen (ie. drugs or food) but has not dealt with the reason why they need a displacement in the first place, then they will often turn to another substance or behaviour which will serve the same purpose as the original one. It makes so much sense to me - this book makes so much sense to me as one who has chosen (for whatever reason) food to deal with my issues even though he barely talks about binge eating of food in the book. I mainly focuses on drugs and alcohol - but that just proves his point that it could be anything used. I will try to post later tonight when I am home so that I can give you the proper information.

I've had a few cocktails here and there starting the second month after surgery. I know this is not recommended but I checked with my doctor and was told just to not over do it, and I didn't. The alcohol does affect me differently. One or two cocktails over the course of an entire evening is all I drink. My go to drink is vodka and Water (tap) then I add a flavor enhancer to it. There are tons on the market now and you can make yourself a great cocktail.. I also order it tall (twice the water same amount of vodka). This way I can track the calories and carbs without worrying about anything else in the drink. I don't drink often, maybe once a month or so, but I like to go out and have the occasional drink. I stopped drinking wine. I tried it several months ago and just couldn't take it. That makes me sad because I have wine racks in the basement with about 100 bottles of wine! Oh well, they will make excellent gifts!

There are two answers for this. Medically, your nurse practitioner is correct. Emitionally, why go down that path? Alcohol is a slider with nothing but empty calories. No nutritrional value at all. I'm like you, 2 or 3 times a year I would socially drink. I think I waited a year and was almost to my goal weight before I allowed myself to have a drink. I didn't want allow anything between me and my goal. But I'm probably a little overboard of this .

You have a good point. I'm sure the best thing to do would be to avoid alcohol as long as possible or forever, especially if you have an addictive personality. I'm hoping that I can indulge in the future at social events but cut out all of my evening glasses of wine at home. Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App I'm with you. My days of "weekday" wine are over. I hope to enjoy a glass here and there when the time comes. Thankfully, it's just not that appealing anymore!

wow - i have been lurking for awhile and i just have to say i am one of those kids that came from WONDERFUL PARENTS - i cannot think of one memory from my childhood that wasnt really a good memory... my parents were and are happily married and always there for me and supporting my goals and dreams... i was a straight A student, an all-conference basketball player and BOTH my parents were at every single sporting event or program i ever had. i never saw any adult drink, smoke, or do any drugs my whole childhood - not parents, grandparents or aunts and uncles etc... nobody in the family does these things even now... however, my parents believed every word that ever came out of my mouth - and why wouldnt they with my sterling reputation of straight A's, good kid, good athelete and never caused trouble... there is not a thing in this world that could have stopped me from experimenting with drugs, alcohol and sex. i made these choices at 16. i could care less what someone thinks of me but to say that my parents were bad parents for not controlling me is the most ignorant thing i have ever heard. I did manage to balance sex, drugs, rock and roll, drinking with straight A's and athletics. i made those stupid choices and i own them -

I haven't checked out this thread for a while, and I'm LMAO from this page alone. I just got a message from a friend in Northern Ireland and thought LBT-ers would appreciate it: Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it. Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap. Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables? A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay annd corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products. Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake? A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine. That means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up! Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? A: Well, if you have a body and you have body fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc. Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program? A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain = Good. Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you? A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!!. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you? Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle? A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach. Q: Is chocolate bad for me? A: Are you crazy? HELLO ...... Cocoa beans ... another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around! Q: Is swimming good for your figure? A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.