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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.

Get Dr. Jason Fung's book, "The Obesity Code." He does a very good job of explaining that insulin is what really makes us fat. Every time you increase your blood sugar with simple carbs, sugar, alcohol, your insulin shoots up to drive the sugar down, and send the calories to fat storage. When your blood sugar crashes, you get hungry and crave more sugar. This yo-yo stuff can go on indefinitely. The only way to break it is to stop the simple carbs and sugar. The fact that you have cravings after you drink alcohol indicates the same thing is happening. It takes about 3 days for the cravings to go away, and just a tiny taste can bring them raving back. The same pleasure receptors in the brain that are activated by sugar, are the same ones that activate for cocaine. Sugar is highly addictive - that's why it is in so much processed food that doesn't even need to taste sweet. An extra bonus: when I gave up wheat and sugar, ALL my joint pain went away! My brother experienced the same thing. These are such inflammatory foods. Once you see how good you can feel without them, and how bad (tired, achy, cravings, depressed) you feel when you eat them, it is much easier to "just say no." "It's just not worth it."

I was terrified right before my first fill and almost cancelled and rescheduled since I had worked myslef up into such a state of panic... Then after the Dr. Swabbed the area with an alcohol pad, I actually reached down and put my hand on the spot and said "wait... I'm not ready" and he was peeved and had to swab me again... After that he made me put my hands under the back of my head... LOL... Turns out it wasn't that bad after all.... He does not numb since that would require two shots and I'm glad of it... Once is enough... He also does not do Floro... It takes about 30 seconds and I'm outta there... Very easy with minimal discomfort... Afterwards, the nurse makes us drink a 4 oz cup of water to make sure we can swallow... This gives us about 15-30 minutes to sit and chat with Prospective and current LB patients in the waiting room and answer questions and just share our story or advice.... It's like an unofficial therapy group, which I like since I have only told 4 people whom I don't even see often... It's my opportunity to talk talk talk about it....

#3 on a day to day basis...no tracking, mindful of my protein and water intake, abstain from nothing but indulge in moderation. However, I tend to leap with both feet firm in the #2 camp over holidays and when on vacation. But afterwards my tummy usually hurts so bad from all the sugar and alcohol, I'm more than happy to return to the #3 camp.

My surgeon said no alcohol until 6 mos. post-op. Internal healing takes quite a long time and drinking alcohol too soon could be an invitation to an ulcer. All forms or alcohol are also essentially sugars which could result in dumping as well. I enjoy a glass of wine before dinner but I didn't go there until I was 6 mos. post-op.

@@mjmboston I appreciate the kind words. I've actually lost about 144 pounds...not quite 180 lol. But, I've been successful by eating healthy calories, not just fewer calories. I'm at about 1000 calories per day give or take. No pop, no alcohol, no caffeine, low carbs. I also exercise 5 days per week at a 30 kickboxing circuit training gym. It's been a huge part off my success. I eat 5 meals a day and do not cheat. Anyway, hope that helps. Best of luck to you.

Here's a question for some long time sleevers and people who've achieved their goal. How did you deal with refocusing the energy that you used to put into food and eating into something else ? I'm keenly aware that some surgical weight loss patients become addicted to other things, like alcohol or sex, once the compulsion to overeat has been taken away from them. I worry about transferring my food addiction into something else that's unproductive. I like to say that I'll put it into exercise or hiking or something good for me, but I'm dubious long-term. How did you readjust that energy into something else?

Omg you sound exactly like I did, DID being the important word here. You are going through a grieving process and denial in one of the stages. Don't drink any more alcohol until later down the track. How soon after eating did you drink ? Maybe you didn't wait long enough. Sorry to hear you quit your job was that because of how you are feeling now? I would get some counselling asap it's not an Instant fix but it will help. What you are going through is very normal for some of us and believe it or not it gets better much better. Once it starts to get better it gets better very quickly and you wish the heavy restriction stage lasted a bit longer. Hang in there ❤

Hi 2steps! Well, I think you have already explained your problems. Now only to fix them. You have to leave the alcohol and corn puffs alone until you reach goal. I know, easier said than done... but just remember - it's not forever! Or at least until you fit your Christmas gown. It's only 7 Lbs.. you can definitely still get into it by Christmas. Also, you do need to change up your workout. Our bodies get acclimated to the same workout, especially if it's all we do every day. Try some new workouts, integrate some weights and more cardio. You will do fine. Sometimes we just go through these crazy stalls. Also, remember you are a lightweight. You lost incredibly fast in the beginning, your body may just be playing catch-up right now.

Definitely drop the alcohol and your carb count. Too much for where you are, right now. I had to sign a document with my surgeon that I would not have alcohol, caffeine or starches until after 12 months. During the first 12 months, the honeymoon period, I can only have up to 40 carbs per day.

WOW! They asked about sexual abuse and alcoholism for yours? Mine was much more laid back. None of those questions were asked.

This is not a study, only a recommendation by the ASMBS for certain surgery types and the introduction of certain foods during the post op diet phases. It is only an excerpt of a very lengthy article. I am not going to argue this point, everyone needs to do what they feel is best for them based upon their surgeon's and nutritionist's recommendations. There are polar opposite opinions by the medical professionals on carbonation stretching your stomach, so it is not something that they seem to agree upon. I guess err on the side of caution if you want to feel safe. This document is intended to provide an overview of the elements that are important to the nutritional care of the bariatric patient. It is not intended to serve as training, a statement of standardization, or scientific consensus. It should be viewed as an educational tool to increase awareness among medical professionals of the potential risk of nutritional deficiencies common to bariatric surgery patients. The goal of this document is to provide suggestions for conducting a nutrition assessment, education, supplementation, and follow-up care. These suggestions are not mandates and should be treated with common sense. When needed, exceptions should be made according to individual variations and the evaluation findings. It is intended to present a reasonable approach to patient nutrition care and at the same time allow for flexibility among individual practice-based protocols, procedures, and policies....... .....Similar to AGB and RYGB, programs offering DS/BPD procedures reported that the clear liquid diet phase is employed for one to two days after surgery. The full liquid phase was most commonly noted to last >10 to 14 days, while the pureed phase was reported to be >14 days. Most programs report that a ground texture phase is not utilized. The soft diet phase was reported to last >14 days. Finally, those programs offering DS/BPD most often reported advancing patients to a regular diet five to eight weeks after surgery. **Foods commonly restricted ** The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery members reported in the survey that patients were instructed to avoid or delay the introduction of several foods as noted in [Table 9](#tbl9). Research to support these clinical practices is limited, especially with regard to caffeine and carbonation. Practitioners might theorize that certain foods and beverages will cause gastric irritation, outlet obstruction, intolerance, delayed wound healing, or alter the weight loss course; however, much of the information is anecdotal and lacks empirical evidence. In addition, although practitioners recommend that patients avoid or delay the introduction of these foods, little information is known as to whether patients actually comply with these recommendations and whether those who do not comply have altered outcomes or clinical histories. One retrospective survey suggested that many patients are noncompliant with diet and exercise recommendations [[174]](#bib174). food type Recommendation Sugar, sugar-containing foods, concentrated sweets Avoid Carbonated beverages Avoid/delay fruit juice Avoid High-saturated fat, fried foods Avoid Soft “doughy” bread, Pasta, rice Avoid/delay Tough, dry, red meat Avoid/delay Nuts, popcorn, other fibrous foods Delay Caffeine Avoid/delay in moderation Alcohol Avoid/delay in moderation The article: https://asmbs.org/resources/integrated-health-nutritional-guidelines

I am saddened by the tone this thread has taken. How many of us have heard "Why didn't you just eat less?" I don't think there is one person here who has ever weighed 600 lbs. It takes a very severe food addiction to reach that point. IMO, Penny needed support she did not receive. Perhaps a longer hospital stay so her food choices could have been more restricted. For sure, more counseling. I understand people who contributed financially are disappointed, but there are no guarantees in life. Of course, we've all seen that ability to make choices and the lack of intervention to stop them due to legal and financial restraints. I have friends and family members who abuse food, alcohol, and other drugs and I can't stop them. It hurts, but I have learned that heaping guilt and scorn on them does not help them or me. I haven't seen the show, but I do know that most reality shows are scripted and any story can be twisted a bit based on the bias in which it is shot and edited. Not that there is any denying that she made bad food choices, was enabled by those around her, and didn't want to face the face that she has responsibility too. This is just my opinion, but before you comment, please remember the hurtful things others have said to you. How many people are secretly wondering why you didn't get thin sooner for your childen's sake? How many are wondering why you just didn't get it under control with diet and exercise? Lynda

Some will some won't it depends entirely on your insurance and surgeon. My surgeon is known for putting people "back on the bench" for 6 months if they gain or test positive for tobacco or alcohol day of surgery. They understand that we have a difficult time losing weight, they love to see te scale trending down no matter if it's .2lbs or 50lbs, or they at least want to see us maintaining (staying the same). They consider us not ready if we gain. That's my particular program though, all are different. I'm guessing if they say it, they mean it.