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yes there were 9 of us in the pre op class for Drs Smith and Ferrara. we were told if we had drank a soda that day that is was our last. we were told to do high protein (according to our individual nutrition guidelines) lean meats, eggs, chez, etc, that we could eat all veggies except corn, peas, beans and potatoes, nothing deep fried, no sweets, no alcohol, no bread of any sort (sliced, tortillas, bagels, chips, etc) and at least 64 oz of water a day but we could drink as much non carbonated, sugar free drinks that we wanted. also we could not have any fruits (juices, whole, or otherwise). i started a week earlier because i knew we would be required to do it. i followed my dietician's instructions for high protein, no carbs and lost a total of 14 lbs in 3 weeks but i was also walking a mile 3 times a week which doesn't seem like much but i've had 3 knee surgeries (1 on the left and 3 of the right, 2 of them back to back in less than one year on the right) so for me at my weight that is a good bit of effort. my surgery date is this tuesday oct 7th and i'm so excited!

Wow! Diet drinks-huh? Well, I don't drink that often, so I suppose that when I do, I'll just take it straight. One night out would only be two drinks max for me. Let's face it, alcoholic beverages is not my problem. But I know the carbonation in drinks can be very very uncomfortable, so I'd have wine. I love a good, cold Pinot Grigio or a Sangiovese! Red is good for ya, and there's no carbonation ; ) Stay away from artificial sweetners. Bad news.

@@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.

Food was on plan yesterday. I had more alcohol than I planned. Today going to the movies after lunch with a friend. I commit to no crapcorn and I'll bring a bottle of water. Also plan to walk the dog.

I don't drink a lot but do enjoy the occasional margarita every few months, how long after surgery and how does it effect you now ?

During my pre-op nutritionist visits, we were taught that alcohol consumption essentially stalled any/all weight loss for 3-4 days after...so I simply felt it wasn't worth it after making the decision to have my VSG. I have an indulgence, though---sugar-free Torani Bourbon Caramel syrup...drinking just doesn't appeal to me anymore...not to mention, I'm not wanting to experience any hangover, nausea, etc, due to my drastically changed BMI and stomach size...I simply don't know what my new body can/ could handle...and don't care to test that.

I just want to say upon reading the new posts this morning. That i really appreciate everyone's thoughtful responses... I'm finding this thread to be very eye opening in many ways, Not just because we have different views on why we personally over eat. but because it has really made me think more deeply this week about my own battle.. Today at this moment I feel a bit stronger than I have all week. I had now idea when I started this thread that it would impact me in this way... It was made out of curiosity about differences! So addiction... It is a scary thing and for me it is an addiction. This passage from the post I made above, is me; Their obsession is demonstrated in that they spend excessive amounts of time and thought devoted to food, and secretly plan or fantasize about eating alone. Addiction runs in my family.. My mother has been an alcoholic my entire life, she was a single mom. She was all we had. My brother was an alcoholic and a functioning drug addict he held a high powered job and was a much respected person in his industry. But he was a drug addict... He was just as addicted to his AA program and exercise when he quit.. and that is what scared me it was the same all consuming obsession but put into something healthy. But I found it fanatical. When he fell of the wagon it was gradual with "well when I entertain clients I'm ok to have a social drink" "I can handle a little now" Then he would fall... The last time he went back to AA it was with a vengeance and it worked for him. Side note he was always very judgmental of me and others when he was working his program, I think it was because he was desperately holding on to his recovery (program) for dear life. He fell of the wagon one last time five years ago, And killed himself with an overdose, the day after spending the day with his best friend (sponsor) training for a road biking event. I will never know if it was suicide or accidental. But it impacts me on a daily basis, in to many ways to explain here. He was my only sibling and I was his. we knew each others demons intimately... My mother quit drinking 4 years ago, she called last week and she fell of the wagon for the first time two weeks ago. She's back in her program now though.... When I write on this forum that this surgery is my last hope, it is! I operate daily coming from a place of thankfulness (for this surgery, my husband and children) but I also operate from a place of fear.. My name is Laura. I am a flawed human being.

How far post op are you??? I had wine about 2 months post op, the alcohol has not affected me either way. My surgeon said you "could" get durnk easily but for me nothing has changed. Just be careful and I would try alcohol at home first to see how you will react. You don't want to try something new for the first time out of you house. Just remember that alochol has lots of empty calories.

I am a food addict. My trigger is anything sugar or bread. I love most things carb related and will eat them even when I do not like the taste of them (because there is nothing else in the house to tame the craving at the time) Also some artificial sweeteners trigger me. I am slowly realizing that it is not just because I am hormonal that I react this way. For example, tonight we bought sweet rolls. I ate one. It didn't really trip my trigger. I wasn't hungry when I ate it, I just wanted sugar. An hour later, still not hungry I ate another and felt some acid reflux a bit from over eating, then about 20 mins later I picked up about 10 crackers and ate them trying to make the acid reflux go away when I was the one who caused it in the first place and I didn't even really "enjoy" any of that food and now I just had to take tums to help the extremely full indigestion I have going on. Before now I would not have picked up on this. It was my normal, as sad as it is. I will not eat anymore sweet rolls tonight BUT there is a good possibility that I may finish them tomorrow, even though I didn't really like them. At least now I am aware of what I done after the fact. Now I need to stop it before it happens. Sugar/carbs + mindless eating is one of the reasons I am morbidly obese. At times when I was thinner I had issues with how much alcohol I drank. I grew up in an alcoholic home. It was better to stuff our feelings with food than to be verbal and deal with the wrath of my dad on a non happy drunk day so I know there is an emotional connection as well.

So one thing I’ve learned is that the dont’s vary WIDELY between each Bariatric doctor/clinic. The do’s are pretty much the same; mainly, focus on protein and water consumption. The dont’s and other instructions after surgery for me (per my doctor) includes NO ALCOHOL; no drinking from straws; no chewing gum; no carbonated drinks; no caffeine; no beef/red meat for the first year; deconstruct every meal; every meal to be low cal; no drinking liquids for 15 mins before and 30 mins after a meal; chew your food for 30 seconds before swallowing; eat your meal within 30 minutes; exercise/weights at least 3x a week. TAKE THE PRESCRIBED VITAMINS EVERY DAY WITHOUT FAIL - especially thiamin. Soooo - I’ve lost 140lbs - sleeved December 2019. ONE OF THE TOP BEST DECISIONS OF MY LIFE. Wish I did it sooner. I struggle now with the type of foods I put into my body - I have a hankering for chocolate and cookies. 😩 BUT! 99% of the time it’s because I’m bored and will mindless eat. I have to reel it back in. It will always be a recurring process for me.

I would go by what your physician/nutritionist tell you. As with many other aspects, presumably guidance will vary. In my case, I was told no alcohol for 1 year following surgery. Also, if you have lost a lot of weight, and due to the changes in your system, inebriation may hit you much faster and more severely than prior to surgery. Carbonation is a lifetime no-no. I think I've had 2 partial cups of soda in 8 months. I wouldn't have believed it prior to surgery, but I don't miss soda. I now drink unsweet/diet tea and zero-sugar vitamin waters instead. One thing that I have found incredibly difficult is locating low-calorie noncarbonated energy drinks. They just don't exist. EVERYTHING in the energy drink space is carbonated. Rockstar Recovery Lemonade was a Godsend and I was ordering 3 cases every 2 months... until 2 months ago when Pepsi changed the formula and made it carbonated. Bastards.

I liked the post. You made some great points. I did hear a story about someone through my surgical group who ate a chip the day after surgery who did open her stomach and cause complications. So I don't know that it's 100% accurate what you said. Also in respect to caffine or alcohol... I know there is a medical reason and that is while your new stomach is forming you don't want to cause ulcers. But maybe the length of times can be exagerated sometimes. My NUT said to wait a month while my surgeon said to wait only 2 weeks. Friday is my 2 week mark and I am seeing my surgeon that day. I am excited to have my first coffee on that day and I am doing my part by waiting until then. -Joe M.

Hey, there, back up a minute. Do you really consider a problem with food somehow superior or more socially acceptable to a problem with drugs or alcohol? Addiction is addiction. Some of the finest people I know are veterans of twelve step programs, and yes, I met them while sitting in the rooms myself. The lap band is not a miracle worker; it won't change your attitude, your mental processes, or your addiction. You have to do that yourself and a twelve step program gives you a plan to follow and support along the way from people who understand exactly what you are going through. Give yourself a break. Don't knock OA till you try it. I wish you the best.

I've noticed a lot of low Carb and Atkins friendly items state these things on the labels...what do we think about these concepts?

I do net my carbs. Not sure if it's the right thing to do? I assume so since sugar alcohols are not supposed to mess with blood sugar, which is key.

Rick has decided to get back into shape. He is doing exercises every night. Sit ups, and push ups----not me! BUT we did make a pact to begin walking each night after dinner, as soon as the Olympics are over! Following his valve surgery, we walked daily---it helped his recovery and my weight loss---but somehow, somewhere doing it fell away. We decided to do it again. I know I need to do it. I am going to uncover my elliptical today! It really is not covered, but there is a doll house blocking it's ability to spin around, as well as an unused exercise ball!!! Imagine that! Going to find new homes for those items and get with it. He wants his muscle tone back before making such a long ride....and he has a point. Our bike is really heavy, and it helps to be able to control it easier. As soon as I can ride again, core muscles should get a work out again.....til then it is inside equipment....and MAKING myself do it. Anyone want to agree to.....say....even 15 minutes of daily activity---meaning some sort of exercise----to help push me along????? Sorry y'all are feeling bad. My throat is kinda sore, like something is trying to get started on me. I spent the first half of the day yesterday not being able to get too far from the bathroom.....not sure what that was about. I took so much Immodium, I may have other issues!!! LOL Sorry way TMI I know! NM is going through a big battle in regards to the concealed carry permits. There is a group fighting to give us the right to carry our weapons into a restaurant or bar. There is a restaurant group fighting it. I KNEW I was not supposed to have it in the places, but it is usually --if I am carrying---in my purse, and I never think twice about it! Seems so silly----here they are fighting about it, and I would bet anyone who is carrying CONCEALED will keep it that way!!! There are those who get the permit, and then wear a holster so everyone can see they are armed etc--------THEY are the ones to worry about alcohol, and weapons! If you feel a need to let others know you have a gun, then the gun could well be an issue. Going to my weekly lunch with Marie today. I need to make a pot of Soup before I leave. My inlaws are sick, and she informed me that my DIL and grandsons are not feeling well either. They seemed fine, but WTH, I'll make soup. I didn't do it yesterday when the hint was made, but hey I was not feeling good then either, and no one was making me anything!! LOL So....gonna go get busy.

Bye Kat and Manda. We will miss you but have a great time. Darrell and I got up and went for an early morning walk. Temps were in the upper 50's. My favorite time to walk. You could smell someones wood stove burning. My favorite time of the year, Fall. This morning I got an e-mail from my high school friend. We met up with her and her husband right after the wedding. It was so good to see her and she had brought along her mom. Her e-mail brought back some painfull memories of growing up with alcoholic parents. I thought I had dealt with that yeas ago and buried it but her e-mail brought it back to the surface. She is dealing with her mom now and her drinking and what it has done to her health and to her family. My parents weren't that bad but we did suffer some from their drinking. So I guess I will be doing alot of walking in the next few weeks. Doing my therapy. A good 45 minute walk is worth 2 hours on the couch talking. Tracy, I will say a little prayer for your mom. I hope all works out ok for her. So, did the "Deer" win???

Hey girls~ What a nice evening! Rick made it home, he has to go out early, but we got time together anyway---spent some time in the backyard, just planning and saying "what if we....." lol Sitting up, waiting for Megan. They are stopping by, but it won't be until about midnight. One of the girls in their group was running so late, they did not make it by before leaving for prom, so since 2 of them have to be home at 12:30, they are stopping on their way to take them home....so I can get pictures. Even with his early schedule, Rick said be sure to wake him up! This little girl is part of our lives and part of our hearts!! When she was little our son would take off with her shoes, especially her favorite "hello kitty" platform sandals, and she would go nuts! Rick would rescue them for her, and she still acts like he can fix anything!!! But she also loves giving him a hard time! I guess she is going to Denver with us when we take Kinsey. Talked to my SIL there, and she said we could get one of her grandsons, that Kinsey gets along with really well to go ride things at the 6 flags there. We were going to take her and Connor, and that fell apart, so we will move on to plan B!!! She will be happy with it, she and Brandon played together really well, he is older, but small. Will be better anyway, they will both be tall enough to ride most things I think. Oh I will send you the info to look at her pics. You will laugh at the fake smile in some of them!!! The ones with the pink netting I had made into a collage---and also the last one, a close up of her face, I had a collage made with it large in black and white, and the 3 bright ones with all the flower backgrounds and the rock, in small ones down one side. That one is going to be a surprise for her Mommy from her for Mothers Day. It is soooo cool looking!! I am excited. I cannot see the collages on the website, or the highlighted pics. One of them, the same large one, we had just some flowers, and her eyes colored....the rest is b&w. FIL is doing better---he had some pretty serious bleeding, but MIL said tonight he was better. I have avoided going out, my cough is sooooo bad. The last thing he wants to do with how he is bleeding is be coughing like I am! YOWCH! Talked to my nephew who is going to be a Daddy today. He is kind of shell shocked, and shy about it, but happy too. His picture is in todays paper, he is a volunteer with Special Olympics, and shows him helping a boy in a volleyball game. He will make a great dad----which is really surprising, he had no role model. His Dad is a nice guy, but just not around much, and has an alcohol problem. Rick is hoping to be off early tomorrow too---but not holding our breath! We have a few things we want to do....but we'll see. Is his last day in the field. He likes his job so much better, it is a relief. I hope it remains something he likes as things are starting to pick up again..... I would have looked into the sleeve if it had been an option at the time Tracy, simply to avoid the trips involved with fills. Lucky for me, I have not needed but 3 since I had my band surgery--but even check ups are so far. Never adjusting would be nice!! DH changed jobs didn't he? What is the new insurance???? You mentioned part time work. I have 3 different people I know who went to work for Starbucks just for the insurance coverage for WLS.... I just hate seeing you unhappy! Think I will go get my jammies on and wait for the kids. My baby Megan, at prom....with a boy no less!!! UGGGHHHHHH

Sorry, I didn't see this response from you. I'm doing Okay... honestly pretty hungry at times, but forgetting to drink my shakes has been a bit of an issue. Spending a lot of time cleaning, lol. Made some cookies (weird, but I enjoy it). If you're concerned about not having a pre-op diet, you can do a really low carb one until that day. Stay away from fatty foods, sugar, alcohol. There's a lot of examples out there. It certainly can't hurt, and maybe will shrink up your liver a little bit.

PartyLite Party? Getting together tomorrow night from 5:30 till 7 with a few people and some bariatric patients for a PartyLite Party at my house. Would be a good opportunity to meet some of the locals. If interested please contact me snacks and non alcoholic drinks provided. Feel free to bring a friend/support!

I had a lap band placed 11 years ago (and removed 2 days ago!!) but back then my husband voiced his concern that I might lose weight and leave him for someone else (an irrational fear he's always had). My own fear with my upcoming sleeve is that when I lose weight he'll no longer be attracted to me. He's never known me at a healthy weight. We've been married for almost 16 years. Alcoholism, interfering family, lost jobs, bankruptcy, foreclosure, a baby in the NICU, having 3 babies 3 and under at one point, a move across the country and back again 10 months later that was intended to be permanent, health issues for us both, and a child who has fought a brain tumor for almost 4 years...we've made it through all of that, so I pray we can make it through this one too.

I have been around goal weight plus minus 5-10 lbs for some time. I got my band in 2008. Had issues with dilated pouch/esophagus. They remove my fill liquid for 4 months, I gain weight. They put it back in and it's twice as hard to get back down the 20, 30 lbs. I do it but without some liquid in my band, I'm like an alcoholic but with food. I know this. Food is my weak point, my comforter, my vice. I try not to gain weight during that phase but so far I have lost the battle. I'm at goal weight and now I hear I might have to have liquid removed yet again. I have the opportunity to change to the sleeve. One doctor says do the revision, another says I may go underweight. What would you do if the band served you so well for many many years?

Thank you! Yea, sadly they won’t lol My calorie intake eating as I would say like a beast protein after protein yesterday was about 600. Thankfully, I realized where I was gaining all the weight gain, it was from alcohol, I could drink a bottle of wine like it’s no ones business as I cleaned my home. So I quit the fun drinking and now am just focusing on fueling my body with what it needs

So Wasa.....I would like for you to tell me exactly what it is that Dr. Gonzalez is doing to cause all these erosions. From the information that I have read, it is due to the way we as patients follow the rules. Below is a list of potential things that could cause erosion. I would like everybody to read this because I am not seeing where the doctor is causing the erosions. WE are the ones that are responsible for following the directions. The doctor CANNOT follow us around to make sure we are doing the things that will keep erosion and slippage and other possible complications from happening. You have been slamming Dr. Gonzalez's complication rate.....but what you don't seem to get, is that if somebody has an erosion.....it is not necessarily due to anything that the doctor may have done. If you find somewhere that it says....erosions are completely the doctors fault. Please post.....I would love to see that, but until then....I think this erosion rate discussion is over. Quit trying to discredit the man. He is a good doctor and has a wonderful staff. For some reason, you cannot accept that and you have to just keep stirring the pot! EROSION Erosion can become a problem for a patient if the patient Doesn’t follow the simple guidelines set forth by the doctor. HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES You should not consume alcohol, if you consume any alcohol you may cause damage to the stomach at the neck of the band (an ulcer). If you eat spicy food or certain types of medication you may also cause harm to the stomach. If you DON’T protect your stomach while you have gastritis (like eating Tums or any other antacid), this can and usually does cause the acid in your stomach to erode to the band.

If I can give you 1 piece of advice they don't talk about enough in the pre op or post op visits! I am telling you this because it will save you from misery possibly even death! DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL OR TAKE ANY OPIOIDS! Not a drop! Not a single pill! I was not a drinker at all before surgery and I went through my second divorce and moved in with my recently divorced best friend. We started going out on weekends and all of a sudden I was getting hit on by gorgeous men and weekends turned into weekends n ladies night and then we started drinking at home first because it was cheaper and then go to the bar.... long story short I became an alcoholic and I mean the for real kind! I almost died so many time in a high rise I moved into I just know an ambulance had to come get me 57 times in 1 yr and I started having seizures from drinking and from withdrawals! 3 rehabs and finally I started begging god to do what ever it would take to save me and I went to a place here in Omaha Ne called Campus for Hope. I have been sober 2 1/2 yrs now I go to meetings 5 days a week and I am still repairing the wreckage I created with my drinking. I know your thinking oh that won't happen to me... I traded my addiction for food to alcohol and attention from others! It's called co addiction. I beg you all to google the statistics on this! One of my meetings I go to are all people who had gastric bypass surgery or some kind of weight loss surgery. It's real it's your worst enemy. Opioids are just as bad I had major surgery on my mouth and then had a near fatal car wreck and before I knew it I was withdrawing from them. I guess I had been a total wreck for months from all the meds they had me on. I don't remember months of my life from the meds they were pumping in me 9 out of 10 were addictive. When you ever go to the hospital or dr be sure to tell them you had gastric bypass surgery and are highly susceptible to addiction. It will help save you from a traumatic side effect of this surgery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App