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I would be very careful with alcohol. I get drunk super fast and black out. Tread slowly.

And Blondie thanks for the reset info- I'm going to have to google it- I have to cut out all carbs I suppose- it's really tough- I know we all have this issue- I'm getting my protein shakes in and fluids thanks to skim milk and I don't even like alcohol so that isn't a worry- And thanks for clarifying about the "slowing down" stuff at 6 months- it's nice to know that it's really up to us- and not at the whim of a predetermined slow down- By the way- how many calories/carbs/protein do most people have recommended in their programs at 6 months? My program just says 60+g of protein and doesn't measure anything else except fluids- so I'm just wondering- Anyway- thanks for the replies ladies I'm really lucky to have this group- you all are awesome

I personally would, because I never over-did alcohol in the first place, but I think people don't understand a few things: - Contributory factors of addiction in many of us who had eating problems shows this isn't a good thing to have post-op -- those who had food addictions are way too susceptible to substituting food addiction with alcohol addiction. This is something my hepatologist mentioned before surgery and I notice this is backed up by numerous scientific journals. - Nextly, many of us know that the surgery puts our body into panic but don't fully understand the extent. The liver, for example, goes into overdrive, producing massive ketones to burn glucose and fat throughout the body as a natural response to lack of carbohydrates to utilize as energy. It likewise has to work extremely hard to produce enough glucose to move through the bloodstream to make up for the lack of glucose due to the extreme carb and caloric deficit, so the body needs to have enough energy to function. This happens all the way until we've healed enough to go to a normal diet. So add alcohol to the stress the liver is going through and it's very easy to cause damage to it without even thinking. This isn't a huge deal for people with normal livers, but for the 20%+ of population who do have liver issues (diagnosed with 1st stage fatty liver or worse), it's not smart. I believe in a recent journal I read that over 90% of people entirely who go through VSG wind up having inflamed livers (showing in their enzyme levels) for a period of time. It needs to heal almost as much as the stomach does. So throwing alcohol into it one or two months into surgery I just don't find to be a good idea. Besides all the carbs in alcohol it's likely to cause stalls and weight gain, never mind the prior paragraph about liver damage. If you want attention find a guy. You've already made enough drama out of nothing. Go away.

Hello Everyone, So much to say, where to begin? Hmmmmm. Ok, so I had RNY Gastric Bypass surgery back in 2013 when I was topping the scales at 289 at my heaviest. Having been on every diet under the sun by age 16, being approved for WLS was the greatest thing to ever happen to me. At the ripe age of 23, I had the idea that if my weight was under control then my life would be great, my life would have meaning, I would be happy. Growing up hating yourself because of what you look like is so lonely, it's so painful, and a prison that nobody can set you free from. As I have grown and matured over the years since my surgery I have gained a greater understanding of the why behind the what. What was the issue? I was obese, but why was I obese? The why is not addressed when someone signs on the dotted line after being approved for WLS. I am 7 years out of surgery and I had to learn the why through grueling life experiences that ran me face first into, well...ME. I will forever be grateful for the tool that was given to me through my surgery but I have come to realize that if the why isn't dealt with then my tool will be of no use to me. After my surgery I lost 132 pounds from my heaviest weight going from 289 to 157 and I loved it! I was on top of the world fitting into my size 8 jeans and able to wear whatever I desired but soon my life started to spiral downwards. Since I was no longer able to overeat, I substituted that for an unhealthy relationship, drugs and alcohol. To the naked eye my life seemed great because from the outside everything looked wonderful. The reality is that I sold myself a lie when I convinced myself that when I lost weight my life would automatically be great. Don't get me wrong, losing weight is wonderful but in my case it was much deeper then the extra pounds I was carrying. I needed healing from a life long battle of rejection, abandonment and emotional wounds that shedding 132 pounds didn't cure. I maintained my lowest weight of 157 until 2015 along with my out of control pain pill and adderal addiction and emotionally abusive relationship but it all came to a head when I found God (don't tune out if you don't believe as this is my truth and my experience) in January 2015. In surrendering my life to God and with His power, I was given the strength to leave that relationship and leave the drugs behind and thats when the real work began. In the last 2 years I have gained about 50 pounds and have come to realize that I never dealt with the real issues that caused me to almost be 300 pounds in the first place. I am in a really good place in my life right now as God is helping me tackle the root issues of my brokenness that manifests itself in self destructive behaviors like compulsive overeating or substance abuse. Emotionally I am at a place now that I wish I would have been when I had my surgery, in a place that I can appreciate the tool that has been given to me but more importantly having an awareness of what is going on within. I believe that I had to gain this weight to really appreciate not only what I have but knowing that my weight can't make me or break me. I no longer live in fear that I am not good enough like I did for my whole life leading up to WLS. I allow myself to feel and not numb my emotions with outside things which has been a constant in my life. So unlike most stories of feeling like a failure after regaining weight, this is a success story and one that is still being written! I want to document my journey to losing the regain and hope to encourage, inspire and open the dialogue to similar stories like mine. This is life peeps, if we aren't growing, we are dying. I started on Tuesday going on walks and getting back to the basics and am down 5 pounds and my goal is to get to 150. I know I can do this and would love the support from my fellow WLS community. My first time around, I did it alone but i know that there is power in unity and community. Be Blessed family. I have attached a progression picture of me at my heaviest, my lowest and now. -Mari

Let's see -- what are some of my favorites? Swedish fish, peeps, pizza on day 3 post-op, chicken fingers and fries during the pre-op liquid diet, ice cream as a full liquid, putting protein powder in a milkshake, alcohol during the first month post-op, a pork chop in the first week post-op. And there have been countless others; these are just the ones I remember off the top of my head. (And most of these posts come in the form of yes/no questions -- can I eat swedish fish? -- can't ice-cream count as a liquids? -- etc.) Yea, I have sparred with some folks in some of these threads -- mostly because I want better for people. But probably 1/2 to 3/4 of the people I've encountered on this site really aren't making lifestyle changes, aren't changing their relationship with food, and aren't going to be successful long-term because of their decisions and their inability to get a handle on food. And those people will be blowing up these forums for a while, and then they'll disappear until they come back months or maybe even years later talking about how WLS failed them and they need a revision to one thing or another. And then the cycle will repeat. For those people who are super focused on what they need to do to be successful pre- and post-op, this gets really frustrating. Yes, it's probably better to just ignore these kinds of posts, but, again, many folks just want better for these people, make a comment, and then commence the next internet war. There are a handful of people on here who are successful and thoughtful. I stick around to see what they say. Everyone else can eat/drink/post/etc. whatever they want to. I'm just going to enjoy my 200 pound weight loss, and work on getting this last 17 pounds off by the end of the summer.

For me personally, I have a hard time with sugar free foods because of the sugar alcohols. Everyone is different though. The key is moderation!

What do you mean what alcoholic drinks to try when weaning back into alcohol? Are you looking for recommendations on low alcohol or low sugar or low carbonation drinks? My favorite drink is champagne but it's quite sweet and bubbly so that might not be the best choice. I'm thinking maybe some Rose or Chardonnay might be a better. I do like vodka drinks but some of the mixers might be hard on the stomach. I don't tend to drink hard alcohol straight; however, some pineapple infused vodka with lots of ice might make a nice drink. I'm only 6 weeks post-op and am not sure when I might try a drink. I may wait 3 months, 6 months, a year, never, who knows. I definitely don't want to cause an ulcer but an occasional drink might be fine. TBD

My doctor said no alcoholic drinks for a year! I'm 3 months post. I have had a couple very small sips of red wine maybe 3 times now. I did feel the alcohol quickly since I had not had any for 2-3 months. I will continue to be very sparse with this. Too much sugar will hinder the weight loss. And I'm loving my results MORE than I love drinks. [emoji12]

To help your body reset its set point weight make sure you are exercising daily and cut out wheat.... no bread, crackers... and keep sugar low and you'll lose. Make sure you're getting your 2 protein shakes in day. And the longer you can stay off alcohol the better. The weight lose doesn't stall that much it stalls cause people start eating everything if you stick to no wheat and little sugar you'll keep losing.

I personally won't drink a drop of alcohol until I know my liver issues are completely resolved first. Another criteria I'm imposing is to be my bottomed-out weight, so I don't have to worry about stalls that will result. Like others here have shown with their planning, it makes 100% sense to go at it from a logical perspective.. just be careful if you're doing any sort of exercise or prolonged standing. Keep hydrated and fed.

I either have red wine or whiskey and water (depending on whether I want to have the carbs in the wine or not). On those days I do have drinks, I have to maximize protein and minimize calories through protein shakes. Basically, I have to reserve calories for the alcohol, and since I'd rather be able to eat real food rather than drink, it has become just an every-once-in-a-while thing for me now. (No beer for me, though, since I won't do any carbonation...) Good luck!

Hello folks! I just had my 2-week follow up with my surgeon today. I am excited to be moving onto stage 4 (out of 5, being solids food and forever based on my surgical center's directions)... I am able to take in soft foods and thicker purees. My surgeon told me that I can resume drinking alcohol again at the 2 month mark. I know this might be a contraversal topic and I know many have different opinions and experiences. But if all goes as well I plan to resume drinking and enjoy some alcholic beverages again. I have heard that others do drink beer (which is carbonated). I am willing to try it and see how my stomach tolerates it. But I am normally a liquor drinker or mixed drinks. I am used to drinking vodka in sprite or ginger ale. I am trying to plan what non-carbinated drinks I can make especially with vodka. I would love to find a ginger based drink because it would go well with vodka in my opinion. Does anyone have any ideas of what alcoholic drinks to try when weening back into alcohol. *note* note I also know that I will try my first drink at home and be aware that it will affect me quicker. I know that I need to be aware of my calorie intake and know that alcohol = sugars. -Joe M.

Thanks everyone for your responses. They were very helpful. Now thinking about the standing for long periods of time..I know that happened to me once while waiting for a concert to start (it sounds like I go all of the time lol), and actually walked out early because I started to feel nauseous and hot. I didn't have alcohol then since I was 2 months post-op, but I think of how I was then - combined with alcohol and a bit of salad for dinner..it must've been too much, causing me to pass out. I think the best thing for me to do is stay away from alcohol for a bit anyway, but I'll be more cautious when I know I'm going to be in similar situations. Thanks again for everyone's input. And I believe someone asked which concert.. it was Marian Hill

I have almost passed out several times, I don't drink so I can't blame it on alcohol. The main thing that triggers it for me is standing still for long periods and becoming over heated. I don't really sweat anymore, I go from normal to hot very fast. Standing makes the blood pool in your feet and you get dizzy. Low calories. I used to try and save my calories for dates, and not eat much during the day, but mistake which probably leads to the other cause... Low blood sugar If the alcohol did anything it wasn't because of the liquor, it is because it spiked your sugar and then made it drop. If I go some place and I am just standing for long periods, I get dizzy every single time.

For post WLS patients the hypoglycemia after booze would be reactive, and it can cause you to pass out. Alcohol is extremely carb-dense, and its liquid so it will be absorbed very quickly, your body will respond in kind by releasing tons of insulin into the bloodstream. The booze will past through your digestive tract extremely quickly and the insulin will lower the glucose in your bloodstream by far more than you can handle. This problem gets compounded if you haven't had much to eat or drink, as in water, not booze, in the prior few hours. At any decent concert one can be there for hours.. even worse if they're burning off energy standing, walking, moshing, etc., and not sitting, out in the heat, it only gets worse. Sometimes people need to learn the hard way that their bodies can't take much post-op.

This is one of those things that could mean nothing, or it could get serious quickly. Umm.. Pass out while driving anyone? Good to get checked out to make sure it was just the alcohol.

I had pretty much an identical experience at the Britney show in Vegas. For me, I think it was a combination of alcohol (it's Vegas!), dehydration, and heat. The only other time I had this happen was at my rehearsal dinner where it was super hot and I hadn't been taking care of myself (oh haaiiii pre wedding stress). I haven't had this issue since, so I wouldn't worry too much.

Hey all, so I was sleeved on 5/23. I am so grateful for everything I've learned from this board just by reading people's stories, so hopefully, someone can benefit from mine... My surgery was at 9:15 am this Tuesday. On my way to the hospital, I was complaining to my sister that I wish my surgery was outpatient instead of I day inpatient stay because I was so sure I'd be fine and just wasting my time in a hospital... boy was I wrong! Apparently I don't tolerate anesthesia well at all. I woke up in the PACU in horrible pain and severe nausea/gagging/abdominal spasms that were almost nonstop. The last time I had surgery was when I was a kid and I just remember waking up and feeling a bit of pain then.. I thought it may be the same. I was transferred to my unit for my first night and every few minutes I was calling the nurse for pain meds or nausea meds, or both. They had me on 3 different types of medications for nausea, 2 different pain meds. Despite this, I was still having significant breakthrough pain and nausea. I couldn't get out of my bed at all, let alone walk a few hours after surgery. The entire time I kept thinking what the heck did I do to myself and I wondered whether I'd be sent home feeling this way. I didn't get more than a few minutes of sleep the entire night. All of the nurses on the floor did everything they could to help me out and I could not be more grateful for such a wonderful team caring for me. The next morning I was still on max doses of all the same medications, but I was starting to feel better. Started walking with the nurse's assistant and took a few more laps around the floor throughout the day. I had lots of secretions in my lungs that was keeping my oxygen saturation down, so I had to clear them out. By evening time, I was more stable, but I still had not peed and was not passing gas. This may be TMI but they had to catheterize me 5 times I had to stay inpatient for another night so they could monitor my urine output. This morning I woke up much better, just trying to take in all of my fluids, but I'm getting small bouts of nausea from just one 1oz of liquid per hour. It's slowly getting better, but I'm still behind on my fluids. Anyway, I'm so happy to finally be home. I'm gonna keep drinking fluids like it's my job. I also wanted to add a couple of things people may find helpful: First, if you are out of surgery and having trouble tolerating plain water, try a flavored water. I never was much of a fan of flavored water pre-op, but it helped me so much after surgery. Second, if you are having bouts of nausea, ask the nurse for some alcohol prep pads (the ones they swipe you with before you get an injection), place it under your nose and keep inhaling. This may seem strange, but it kills nausea and worked great while I was waiting for my IV nausea meds to be administered. I hope my story didn't scare anyone off. Everyone responds to anesthesia differently, I guess I'm one of the unfortunate people who have a hard time with it. I also hear for most people the first night is by far the worst, and that was definitely the case for me. I started feeling much better by the next morning. Good luck to everyone!

Definitely would be a good idea to go to your doc and get some bloodwork done. Make sure you aren't short on something. That little bit of alcohol shouldn't have done that.

I'm so sorry that happened. When I feel faint or dizzy I eat a little salt and then drink some water. It helps. I keep little packets of salt in my purse/backpack so I'm ready when the need arises. I haven't had any alcohol in months and I'm 6 weeks post-op. For me I think the triggers are dehydration and low BP or BS.

Hey All, So as the subject title says, I fainted at a concert last night. I've never fainted in my life, so I'm pretty shaken up. I'm 8 months post-op, and I know I shouldn't really be drinking yet, but I did have about a quarter of a drink over the period of an hour (during the opening band). I had dinner before (salad with chicken) and had been drinking plenty of water all day. As the first band ended, I started to feel a little dizzy, so I told my friend I needed to lean up against the railing. As I started to walk over there, the dizziness increased tremendously, and very quickly. I just remember holding on to the railing, and telling my friend "this is not good", and then all of a sudden it went completely silent and I could hear ringing. Next thing I know I'm on the floor and someone is helping me because my legs got tangled in the spaces of the railing, but I couldn't get up. My friend and security helped me out of the crowd but I could NOT walk. The security guard was just pulling me and I was trying to tell him to stop or let me sit down but he wanted me out of the way (understandably). Everyone assumed I was drunk, but I could hear my friend yelling that I hadn't even finished half of my drink. They brought me to some employee area, tied my hair up, gave me a wet cloth and some water and tried to give me juice. I kind of gagged from nausea and then that's when everything started to calm down and go back to normal. I explained to the 8 people I had surgery and they agreed not to call 911, which I was glad about. Everything just kind of went back to normal and I was brought upstairs to sit down and watch the show from the balcony. Thankfully the "passing out" was super quick, and my friend said I was moving extremely slow (even though I felt like I was moving really, really fast). I feel fine today other than being a bit sore on my side from falling. My body also feels sore like I must have tensed up. Has anyone experienced something like this? I know it must be from the alcohol, but I can't imagine this would happen every time I drink?

Yeah it's best to wait at least 9 months until having alcohol to prevent developing ulcers. And my nutritionist advised no carbonated drinks so no beer...I have a had a vodka cooler but have to be careful of sugar. I can have most wines

Definitely be careful regarding the coping mechanisms. Especially with alcohol. I have several people at my job who have had the procedure and spouses/relatives that had the procedure. Several of them (like 30% which is a crazy rate) became serious alcoholics. I can only think this was a new way to self medicate. Sent from my Nexus 6P using BariatricPal mobile app