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I don't feel I have a disease, but rather a disorder. Much like how I feel about alcoholism, if a person knows obesity runs in their family, the stakes are high to not start, than try to stop later. Don't drink, don't over eat, don't take that first puff, etc etc I have always thought diseases are out of one's control, but a disorder can be prevented or at least there are steps to try to prevent. I know that isn't what the ama says, but like I said in the beginning, it's how I feel.

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.

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

I'm nearly 10 months out now. Lost 75 lb. I'm 5'6", starting weight 240, now 165 (which is goal according to my surgeon but I'd like to lose 10 more). I feel awesome, sleep better, take the stairs without thinking about it, have more energy, and get lots of attention from men (ok that's the downside, but have to admit it feels good!). My meals are protein-focused but i don't count grams anymore. I drink around 40 oz per day and no issues, take my Vitamins, my labs look great. No blood pressure medicine the last 6 months. I didn't advance my diet nearly as quickly as the previous poster, but tolerate everything well in general. Fried foods give me nausea so i avoid them (not good for me anyway so no big deal). I avoid bread, biscuits, Cereal, tortillas, etc (except the low-carb tortillas--I will have ONE and make a Taco or mini pizza out of it, and I'm full). I don't drink alcohol because my fiance is in alcohol recovery, but it has a ton of calories so it's best avoided anyway. As a snack i will eat a handful of nuts and a cheese stick or a Greek yogurt (which contains extra Protein compared to regular yogurt and i think it has a better texture). Sometimes i will have 8 or 10 Blue Diamond Nut Thins with a little cheese dip to squash that craving for something crunchy. I love to go to Red Lobster and order the snow crab. So yummy and my tummy tolerates it very very well. For exercise i walk about 12 miles/week or more. This is a new way of eating for me, and it's for life. It's working for me, I'm used to it now and i like it. I'm very happy. Only regret is i didn't do this 10 years ago. Don't be afraid. Realize this is the first step in a journey that will bring you joy, health, and a longer life!

The reason we are not supposed to take NSAIDS is because of their risk of causing ulcers. With our teeny sleeves, an ulcer would be that much more dangerous to deal with and treat. It doesn't matter if it's administered orally, IV or sublingual. The systemic action of NSAIDS that relieve pain and inflammation is the same mechanism that causes ulcers... "NSAIDs work by inhibiting two enzymes, substances that cause chemical changes in the body, called COX-1 and COX-2. Both enzymes produce prostaglandins—chemicals produced in the body's cells—that promote pain, inflammation, and fever. However, unlike COX-2, COX-1 produces another type of prostaglandin that protects the stomach lining from stomach acid and helps control bleeding. By inhibiting COX-1, NSAIDs increase the risk of a peptic ulcer developing and bleeding. Many people have come to rely on NSAIDs. Some take the smallest possible dose of aspirin once a day to keep their heart healthy. Others take NSAIDs throughout the day to reduce pain and inflammation. As with all medicines, NSAIDs offer many benefits, while also carrying some risks. Doctors and patients work together to weigh the benefits and risks of using NSAIDs, even when NSAIDs have caused an ulcer. Patients who stop taking an NSAID at their doctor's request may want to resume use once they feel better. In other patients, the benefits of taking an NSAID outweigh the risks. In such cases, the doctor works with the patient to determine how an NSAID can be safely continued. Whether deciding to resume or continue using NSAIDs, patients should tell their doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medicines they take. The doctor then decides if the patient can safely use an NSAID that caused an ulcer or should switch to a different NSAID. In either case, the doctor prescribes a PPI or H2 blocker to protect the stomach and duodenal lining and promote healing. People with a current or resolved NSAID-induced ulcer who need the benefits of NSAIDs can promote healing and reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence by..... taking the NSAID with a meal using the lowest effective dose possible quitting smoking avoiding or limiting alcohol Peptic ulcers can return, however, even when patients have been careful to reduce their risk." That being said, my surgeon actually sends his patients home with a 5 day supply of a sublingual NSAID. It's the only pain med he Rx's postop. He explained the benefit of reducing inflammation at the incision sites and in the new sleeve outweigh the risk of ulcers. Especially since it's short term and we are taking a PPI at the same time. I had so little pain I actually only took them for 2 days, so I have extra on hand if I need them for back aches, knee pain, etc. (And as a side note, so you don't take NSAID warnings lightly, aspirin is SO good at causing ulcers, they actually used to administer aspirin to induce ulcers when researching ulcer treatments)

VEGAS is alcohol and bad food decision central. I'm going with my girlfriends and will be six months out. I'll have a cocktail or two, but won't go insane.

Don't bother with the Arial "de-alcoholized" Chardonnay. It sucks!

I had my surgery sep 9, last weekend my friends wanted to go to New Orleans for the weekend, so we did. I had a Jell-O shot and a few sips of a friends daiquiri (I know, very unhealthy) I was pretty much hammered, but my stomach handled it well. They mainly tell u not to drink because your body will be looking for another addiction to grab onto. Also, alcohol can dehydrate your body so just be sure to drink lots of water. It was fun, but I doubt I'll be making it a habit.

My doc said no alcohol until 48hr after surgery! I'm 6 wk post op. Had the odd glass of vino with no prob whatsoever x

My surgeon told me that the main reason for quitting smoking before the surgery was because of the anesthesia and the possible problems that could occur if you smoke. I, luckily, quit years ago and only partake on occassion but he said that if I had any inkling to do so before I had the surgery, to think twice about it, especially since I already had sleep apnea and that, in itself would provide it's own set of problems. In fact, I had to spend my aftercare in the ICU because of my difficulty in coming out of the anesthesia. My suggestion is that if you can stop now, before the surgery, then you should at least try. I'm the type that would rather quit it all cold turkey than allow one excessive behavior to transfer itself to another. I quit the food, diet coke (my worst bad habit) and drinking alcohol all together and I am definately feeling the better for it. Anyway, maybe you could just try to quit for now, for the surgery itself, and if it gets too hard after, well, then. I think the benefit will be that you allowed your body to be as healthy as possible during such a strenuous time.

I'd like to hear the honest truth about this, the smoking and the alcohol....

I'm not going to call you a liar. I'm not going to call you stupid. What I am going to say is that you do need to see a therapist. I understand the cost, but perhaps you might try to call your local health department- they have mental health services and they have it on what is called a sliding-scale basis (you pay according to what you earn; which for you is nothing since you aren't earning an income right now). There are crisis lines to call which you do not have to give your name and they will help you. You can find these by looking in the blue pages in your phone book. Are you medicated? Are you taking your medication as prescribed? Does the medication say not to drink alcohol with them? Please know that I am not judging you. You sound as if you are in a lot of pain and need help. Please go get the help you need. What gives me the right to say these things? I AM a therapist. Please take my advice.

check out my new update everyone! Okay, so this is an update on me in a nutshell… I had taken a short break from college, but now I am going back. I had moved back to Corpus for about 3 months with a sorority sister, but she ended up being a, well, a bitch and because my name wasn’t on the lease, and I stuck to my responsibilities instead of partying all the time, she kicked me out the day after I paid rent on grounds that were completely false, however I don’t have a leg to stand on in them. I have a boyfriend that Ive been dating for about 2 months that I have had hell with, however he and I are both working on our lives right now. I am back in my hometown trying to get a full-time job and goto school as well as get back in the Theatre. He is in rehab for alcoholism. I asked him to go. He is a great guy, but I cant be with someone that I cant trust with money. Atleast if he bought crap we would have something to show for it. I love him so much, and he is freakishly in love with me, but unless he straightens up his act, I can not be with him. Im diagnosed as pre-bipolar or bipolarish and Im taking trazadone and abilify to help manage that. Im not happy about being home, but its better than being homeless in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Corpus Christi</st1:place></st1:City>. I actually have a positive outlook right now, which is rare as many of you may know. Im in debt up to my ears, but with the right job I can fix that in a few months. I need a new car and new cellphone, but since I lived a homeless life in Corpus (thanks to my wonderful roomie), and lived very poor because my boyfriend was a bartender/busboy and I was a hostess at a restaurant, we couldn’t afford much after helping our friend that we were staying with out with rent. Ive never lived that way before, it really opened my eyes. Ive almost completely quit drinking myself btw. I finally saw how much money I was wasting just tipping the bartender for free drinks! I still enjoy a couple of drinks every now and then, but as for the every night party I would rather not. As for events coming up……..Im going to school to get my paralegal certificate and Im going to Substitute teach at the schools here until I get a fulltime job. Well that’s my update……….Im open to questions, I know it is kind of brief for my writing lol! I already posted this as a seperate thread but if you are still subscribed to this one, I wanted you to read it

Thank you for the thoughtful article. It is nice to see a mental health article about WLS patients that is not focused on alcoholism.

As another one of the men on this site, I can confirm that committed men lose fast. I am averaging 3.2 lbs a week since going to the seminar in October. I was banded in Late November. I have lost 62 lbs in 4 months. Committment takes diet, exercise and thought. I tracked everything for the first three months, but stopped and am maintaining my loss. I feel I know the rules now and don't track because the rules are ingrained in my day to day thinking. I travel a lot for work, and eat out often. I also drink alcohol sometimes when out with business associates. I work out 6 days a week for at least 45 minutes. I eat a lot of Protein, and at least 5 days a week rely on Protein shakes in the morning. I eat beef, chicken, fish and shrimp. I eat salads, vegetables and some carbs (one time a day at most). That is what it takes. I have PB's 3 times and slimed twice. I learned my lesson there to slow down and chew. I have had 2 fills. I do not think I am exceptional, just an average band patient, but I am committed. I am a scale addict too. Oh well. Good luck to you. If you want to lose and keep it off, this may be your best chance. TJ

This is the Liver Shrink Diet that my doc uses. I have to start it on 10/24/2017, for surgery on 11/07/2017. LIVER SHRINK DIET Follow this 2 weeks prior to surgery Remember: Non-Starchy Vegetables are UNLIMITED on this diet (Except potatoes, corn, beans, peas-see attached sheet) Breakfast Protein Shake or Protein Bar (You may use any shake or bar as long as it has 220 or less calories, 1 Og or less fat, and 15-30 g protein/serving) Mid Morning Snack 1 small piece of fruit (tennis ball or 1/2 cup) (if you have Diabetes add 4oz low-fat yogurt) Lunch Protein Shake or Protein Bar Mid Afternoon Snack 1 small piece of fruit (tennis ball or 1/2 cup) (if you have Diabetes add 4oz low-fat yogurt) Dinner • 3oz lean meat (the size of a deck of cards) • Steamed vegetables or salad with fat-free salad dressing (2 Tbsp) • 6 unsalted crackers or 2 slices low-calorie bread or 1 small baked potato (computer mouse) • Y2 c fruit or 1 small piece of fruit (tennis ball) Evening Snack • 1 small piece of fruit (tennis ball or 1/2 cup) (if you have Diabetes add 4oz low-fat yogurt) Beverages • You may only have CALORIE-FREE beverages • NO ALCOHOL! • Examples: Decaf. Tea, Crystal Light, Sugar-free Kool-Aid, Powerade Zero, Water CLEAR

Sigh, you're not alone with this. I've returned to full time work this year after a 15 year hiatus and not only that, its an entirely new career as a teacher. My kids have been used to life with a stay at home mum and make the same demands only now I have an 8 hour day to contend with as well. Well.... stupid busy is how you would describe my life at the moment. I found the same as you, slipping into the bad eating trap,in fact some days of late I've had nothing but sugar and alcohol. I was very fast developing a bad habit of several wines at night, followed by drambuie or baileys! I havent gained anything probably because my appetite for regular meals has disappeared, I've not been eating Breakfast and am too damn busy for dinner, with all the running round to kids sports etc. So! Disaster! The saving grace is I havent let my exercise slip and I've replaced meals with the bad food, so calorie wise, I've actually been eating less and have even lost a little. But its still FAR from healthy. The last 2 weeks I've FORCED myself to eat breakfast, by taking Cereal to work, I've had a regular lunch and my main challenge is dinner - and not eating before dinner. Its just a willpower thing, really, you just have to force it on yourself and you also have to use your willpower to shop and prepare so that good food is there ready. I have to cook on the weekends and freeze or there'll be nothign for dinner as I just dont have time to cook. but I do find eating properly during the day really helps me.

I was wrong, BlueCross Complete is going to be it. Aetna Medicaid is 12 months, not 3. After consideration, I'd feel better about a 6-month wait. There aren't many hoops to jump through either. I've got a 41 BMI, the only thing they want from me is 6 months and a drug/alcohol test.

It's just an alien alcohol drink........

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!

Yay girl!!!! Congrats!!! Love your thinking!!! So glad you're on the way back down. Pre-surg, alcohol would completely stall my losses for 4-5 days any time I drank.

Sean - I followed a nearly liquid diet with some limited cheating and dropped almost 15 #s in two weeks before my surgery. Heck, the day before the surgery I broke every rule and did a pizza buffet with a friend (but severely limited what I ate).. I was afraid that was going to cost me the surgery. It was hard but I cut out all the fun foods - soda, pizza, Panda Express, Pasta, Soups, BEER, alcohol, and marijuana... and even when I traveled, I would still go to Panda Express, but get teriyaki chicken with NO sauce with white rice and drink Water. My doctor had a *very* strict diet, as I guess they get a high failure rate of people who can't lose the weight. But a lot of water, fruits & veggies did the trick for me.

8 days post op ate 1/2 a hot dog without the bun fresh off the grill. I then proceeded to eat a snack size bag of Doritos. They both went down fine, no problems afterward. I was very disappointed in myself, got back on plan and week 3 I had popcorn and vernors (gingerale). I Also ate salad. Again no issues just guilt. Then I made a choice to follow my plan to the letter for the next 3 weeks until I was on reggies (regular). I did. I also spent that time planning out meals, Protein, exercise so that I could really enbrace this lifestyle. I have alcohol on occasion. I ate a slice of cake at a wedding. This time. No guilt. I have the power. I made an informed choice. I no longer consider it cheating. Maybe not the best choice but I maintain accountability for my choices.