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well. the good news is tomorrow is a new day and you can choose to eat good Proteins, lay off the alcohol for a while and see what you can do. All depends on how much you want to loose that 50 pounds. I wouldn't rate this as a failure, but a choice you've made. and your sleeve is right there waiting for you if you decide to make a change.

Ok so I had surgery on 12/8. Im really confused about a lot of things, maybe someone can help. 1) Im in the mushy stage, how much can you eat? I find that i can eat a lot right now, im not full after 1 cup not even close....not good. I don't get my first fill till 1/20, I feel like I can move to soft foods, ill haveto ask my doctor, but if I do what can it do? can it damage my band or make it slip??? What if i eat solids?? 2) I know they say no alcohol for a year, but will it hurt to have a little glass of vodka and cranberry on new years?? just wondering. What could that do?? 3) and the bread thing....verry confusing!!! I have heard like 5 different things, and its making me go crazyyy!! Can you eat it??? I have heard you will never be able to eat it again, or you can't eat it for 5 months after surgery....whats the deal? 4) How long after surgery can you start going back to the gym?? I walk right now, a lot. Like the mall or just around my street, but I would really like to go back to the gym. If anyone can help answer my questions, it really would be a huge help!!! oh one mroe thing...sorry My friend had sugery 12/2 and she was doing sooo good not smoking, I for one was really proud of her. She just startd smoking again....I tried telling her that it could damage the band, but she told me it couldnt. What can happen so I can get the right facts to tell her soshe will stop!!!!

Warm fluids. And drink drink drink if you can. Dehydration tightens my band right up. Also alcohol does it since it is dehydrating. I went out friday night and had a little too much to drink and I've been tight ever since. Travel does make me tighter so the idea of traveling wouldn't appeal to me either. Any way you can call your physician's office and see if they can get you a referral in China? Just a thought. They maybe able to check credentials of doctors better than you can as a "layperson". Keep to softer foods if possible to avoid the possibility of getting stuck. If you have access to ibuprofen (chewables preferably) you may want to take some with plenty of water of course to see if there is any swelling issues. I don't know if that's okay with breastfeeding, you probably do better than I. Tough to be in your situation, I wish you luck!

I've heard it's best to reintroduce alcohol at home as well because some of us will not react well with the new sleeve. I've heard it's common to get drunk off of just a few sips, or get flush and sweaty from the sugar alcohols. Sorry, can't speak from experience -- I don't care much for alcohol so not sure when, if ever, I'll try it again. But women in my support group talk about alcohol ALL THE TIME. Also, remember to count those (empty) calories! Red wine is the best, and measure. Most of us Americans "think" we know a glass of wine, but really the way we pour is more like 2-3 glasses (well over 8-10oz). But yes, please wait at least 6 weeks to 3 months!

I waited until I was 6 weeks out. Alcohol can be a major stomach irritant, and since you are on liquids it's highly likely to affect you much faster than it would if you could eat real food. I would definately follow ALL of the rules to the letter for the first 6 weeks after surgery. It's supposed to be the healing phase, and you don't want anything to go against your healing.

When I was early post op and went out with friends I ordered tomato soup. I could sip on it for a long time because "it's really hot ;)" As far as being with people that are drinking you can simply say you are watching calories and alcohol is full of calories. Or make your own virgin mixed drink and no one will know the difference. Glass of pineapple juice or cranberry juice diluted with water if you want to cut the calories. No need to be a hermit. I'm over a year out and my husband and kids are the only one that know about my surgery. My thought is that I want to enjoy life, not hide from it because I've had a personal surgery that I don't care to share with anyone.

I'm only 3 weeks out and by no way can even play like I eat like a normal person. I've been coming up with all kinds of excuses, but it's hard. At a dinner the other night, I sat and drank Water and just tried to be active in the conversation. I'm in NYC, a brunch city, so it's becoming frequent. Do you just move things around? I seriously feel my restriction when it's anything but water (I'm allowed softs, but it's not enjoyable). I come up with good alcohol excuses, but I know people are wondering what's up with the food.

You did better than I did. I'm 10 days POST-op (which isn't much different than pre-op diet). I decided I'm just not ready for outings like these where there is food and alcohol (and cigarettes). I know I will learn to handle these things, but right now I'm too new to this way of life. Good luck to you! The weekend will be over before you know it!!

Okay my fellow pre and post Sleevers! I have a date. May 17, 2012 I get reborned into this world. Right now my head is spinning and unfortunately I have so much stress in my life right now I can't actually sit down and wrap my arms totally around what is about to happen. I do know that I have been pushing along. Getting my tests performed and visiting doctors. I had my transnasal endoscopy yesterday. Whew! I didn't have any anesthesia and it wasn't like anything I have ever experienced before in my life. The tube they inserted through my nose and down my throat was no fun. I'm trying to remove the memory from my mind. LOL I survived it so it's behind me now. I still need to get my antibiotic to take at least 10 days before the surgery becasue of bacteria in my stomach. It isn't covered by my insurace so the drug is $56.00 dollars. I can't get it until next week. (Sigh!) I want to start getting my supplies for the first couple of weeks but of course financially I can't do that yet. So it's like I'm happy and sad at the same time. *I keep praying and telling myself, "And This Too Shall Pass"! I don't have to do a Pre-Op diet so I guess I'm lucky. However I have been changing my habits to prepare for my journey. I have to do clear liquids the day before and then NPO after midnight. I did lose 5lbs. At my consultation I was 448.3. Yesterday I was 445.3. This is just from me changing how I eat and drink. I do not eat and drink at the same time. I chew my food until it is mush in my mouth I eat my protein first and then veggies I stop eating when I fill satisfied. (Not full just satisfied.) No grazing. Sip, Sip, Sip wait. I take little sips instead of big gulps. I'm trying hard not to use straws. I haven't had any alcoholic beverages. (I might this weekend.) I will keep you folks posted. Hugs

I tried baby oil, almond oil, alcohol, even Peanut Butter (I used that to get gum out of my kids hair when they were little). Out of desperation at week three, I got some Goo Gone from my boyfriend's workshop and used that.....perfect.

The biggest risk with alcohol is that you might overdo it and get sick to your stomach. Early out, that is just asking for a complication, such as a slip, gastritis, etc. IF you drink, make it one or two and call it done. Don't risk another surgery for a 21st birthday celebration.

Every doctor is different and so you will get all sort of answers. I suggest asking your doctor. Keep in mind alcohol is empty calories. I drink wine every night, I have worked it into my diet by counting the calories. And yes I had it at 3 weeks post op. My doctor knows I drink wine and says if it's working fir you ok. I'm down 60 lbs in 7 months, I think it's working. Good luck and happy 21st birthday!

@@Alicia Richards You will be just fine. I had surgery at 8 am and the next morning at 8 am they weighed me. When I saw that I'd gained 9 lbs. I was furious. I had just spent 2 weeks losing 15 lbs. on a liquid diet and now had to lose this same 9 lbs. all over again ... what?! I heard, "Oh it's just the fluids we've been filling you with post surgery. You'll lose it." Well of course I will as I have no choice, but I still had to lose it! I find it funny (not laughing funny) they neglect to tell you this when going through all those months pre-surgery. Anyways at almost 6 months post-op and 81 lbs. down, I can laugh at it now. The surgery will do its job so long as you follow your plan. Here's some very sound advice to take to heart: Follow Your Plan Too many people treat bariatric surgery as if it is simply a diet and turn their head to the intensity of the operation. A smart friend quipped that if we woke up with a giant bolt going through our leg we would get it, but since there are Band-Aids on our belly, we think it’s nothing. Your internal surgical wounds must heal – this is no time to go to the mall, out to dinner, visiting friends and on vacation. Sew what? In terms of food, you must stick to your surgeons program for post op food stages. You need time to allow the tiny pouch cut and sewn from the fabric of your giant floppy stomach to heal itself closed. We have all glued something only to have the seams pop open. The liquid and soft food stages are to avoid stressing pouch seams and give your stomach a break from the process of digestion. Is ice cream a puree? Sirloin steak is not a soft food. Ice cream is NOT a puree. You can’t eat popcorn, raw carrots or celery ten days after surgery. People ask if we think they could have a pork chop, we say ‘no’, they eat it anyhow, then tell us ‘they didn’t have a problem’. No alcohol for a year… non negotiable… but people push back saying their surgeon said five weeks was okay. Folks… we know better and we are trying to help you. General Tso? NOT your friend The post op dietary stages are not a suggestion, they are a requirement for you own safety. You cannot eat Chinese food the week after surgery because you ‘chew it well’. A ‘craving’ for Orange chicken landed one support group member in the hospital! It’s a very bad idea to push. Being ‘released’ to ‘regular food’ does not mean what you think it does, but you already know that. How long until you can have pizza again? “Pizza is not a food for someone having obesity surgery.” (that’s a quote from Dr. N on My 600 lb Life) Every single week in our support group, these actions land new post ops in the hospital. Sip sip sip sip sip… If you had a back injury, you would not tile your kitchen floor the same week. Yet, people think nothing of making a trip to a theme park when they should be at home resting and taking in fluids. People ask us ‘Do you think I would be able to go on a cruise two weeks after my sleeve?’ (Nooooo!) As high as 30% of post ops are dehydrated enough to land back in the hospital with a Fluid IV. Not drinking enough Water after surgery can cause heart damage. Dehydration is the most common bariatric complication, yet it’s largely avoidable. Stay home and heal… drink hot water, cold water, broth, Diet Snapple, herbal tea, eat sf ice pops and Jello. (We have a free bariatric water app called HY, click for GetHyApp.com) What’s eating you? If eating is a compulsion that you cannot control, ask your surgeon to suggest someone for you to talk to. A therapist can help you come to conclusions about your life – you talk, they listen and even after one chat you’ll often have a clearer truth of why you use eating as comfort. Knowing what drives you can help you deal with your eating issues to better work with your surgery. Vitamins are critical It is impossible for you to have your stomach surgically removed or reconfigured and take in the nutrients needed to run your body. While your surgeons group has mentioned Flintstones, that is so you will possibly take something instead of being one of the 67% of post ops who take nothing. They are not optimal and won’t prevent long term problems like broken bones from simple falls and losing teeth, but may keep you from dying in the short term. The idea behind supplements is to prevent issues from grabbing you in twenty years when it’s too late to change the path. Take them! Protein from food? What a novel idea! Yes, yes, yes, we’d all like to get our protein from food and that’s what you want to hear. However, if you are unable to take in 70 grams of protein per day, you can either weaken and lose your hair or you can figure out another way until you are able to learn and eat the right foods. Protein drinks make up the difference between what you can eat and what you need. They are not simply a tasty beverage for your enjoyment for you to be all picky and ridiculous over. They are the antidote for your disease of morbid obesity. Morbid means death and obesity surgery only slows and reverses the disease IF you follow your plan.

I just tried the pure protein bars the other and they are very good. My concern now is how it says that it has sugar alcohol in them, but very low sugar. I'm just so confused with the whole sugar alcohol and what to think of that when it says (ie 15g) . So can someone please tell me if I should avoid the sugar alcohol all together or is it not as bad as I think?

I couldn't handle chewable vitamins after surgery. They usually contain sugar alcohols (chemicals ending in -itol like xylitol or malitol), which are artificial sweeteners. They give me gas and make me nauseous now. This is not an uncommon reaction after bariatric surgery.

Good luck to you all. If spouses do not want wls, then make sure as your emotions change from surgery that you assure them that you are still attracted to them and value their company. It might be tough from time to time, and they may feel insecure, jealous, angry at your changes and unknowingly or knowingly sabotage your progress. In my first marriage when I would diet and lose weight insecurity would cause him to bring home all kinds of goodies to tempt me or want me to eat out and get a 'garbage basket' appetizer, etc. Now he wasn't overweight, but an insecure alcoholic that figured if I lost weight I would leave (I left fat, because I couldn't take the alcoholism)

Hey gal. I just posted on another of your posts and also sent you a message. BUt here is the liver shrink diet my doctor and nutritionist gave me to follow 2 weeks prior to surgery: Liver Shrink Diet Remember: Vegetables ar unlimited on this diet. (except potatoes, corn, Beans, and peas. Breakfast Protein shake or Protein Bar (You may use any shake as long as it has 220 or less calories and 10g or less fat/serving) Mid Morning Snack 1 small piece of fruit (if you have Diabetes add 4 oz low-fat yogurt) lunch Protein Bar (220 calories of less and 10g or less of fat) or Shake Mid Afternoon Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you have Diabetes) dinner 3 oz meat (lean) - The size of a deck of cards steamed vegetables or salad with Fat-free salad dressing 6 unsalted crackers or 2 slices low calorie bread or 1 small baked potato 1/2 c fruit or 1 small piece of fruit Evening Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you are Diabetic) (You may have non-caloric beverages on this diet) NO ALCOHOL!!!!!!!! Examples: Decaf. Tea, Crystal Light, sugar-free Kool-Aid, Water Follow This 1 Day Prior To Surgery: Clear liquids only including Jello, broth, juice, and any beverages listed above. Jello can be congealed, but do not put fruit in it it. (NO RED JELLO) & NOTHING TO EAT PAST MIDNIGHT (of course). This is just what my surgeon and nutritionist gave me. Of course everyone's seems different but I just thought I would give you something to go on. October 29th will be here before we know it!! We will both rock this band. :tt1:

So I'm getting pretty nervous... Two things that are weighing heavy on my mind are loose skin and alcohol. I love having a good scotch or glass of wine. I don't drink everyday, so that's not a problem. It I hope I can still drink in moderation! Obviously I won't be crushing 12-18. Were while trolling for salmon all day, lol. Has anybody had their loose skin removed? How much does that cost?

My weight has been the one thing I can't really control in life. I come from a long line of tall, big-boned giants in my family. (Seriously, my dad is a non-athlete and needed a knee replacement the size of a football player's.) I am 5'9 and have always had long legs and curves, even at my highest weight. I developed earlier than other girls when I was in my teens, and owned a size 12 (Between 165-185 lbs) until my sophomore year in college. I've always loved my body and felt that it was beautiful even if I was more voluptuous than other girls in school. During college I ate more. I discovered that beer and wine were good. (You know, before you realized they contained boat loads of empty calories?) My sleep patterns changed and the stress of tests, papers and social life added up-- and so did the pounds. By the time I graduated I was larger (Size 18-20, 240-260 lbs) but still had my curves. Dieting became more of a priority now, but the dieting almost made it worse. I would lose weight, regain. Cut carbs, try intuitive eating, then go to a doctor, go to the gym and try to get on a new plan, try the South Beach Diet, Eat Vegetarian... you get it? Right? I felt like my energy was sucked up with trying to lose the pounds and it was discouraging thinking about it. I worked hard at my career while still trying to work out and eat less carbs. I was supervised by a doctor, personal trainer and nutritionist-- but somehow I just couldn't stop the lose and regain cycle I had started. Every time I stepped on the scale, I was more than 20 lbs heavier than the last time. I wore nice clothes to the office, but as my weight creeped higher and higher-- my heels got lower and lower-- because my sitting and walking posture were losing strength. I felt my muscles weaken and it was weird for me. (By this time, I was about 300-320 lbs.) I added more time in the gym to help keep me active and to prevent myself from becoming completely glued to my office chair or in meetings. I gave up alcohol and only drank water.For a year and a half before my wedding, I worked out 4-5 days a week (cardio and strength). My diet was balanced, (whole grain, lean meats, vegetables, occasional treats) but between working out, going to work 40-55 hours a week-- I ate way more when I came home. Not out of stress, but because I felt HUNGRY. No fast foods, no crazy fried foods-- just balanced meals choices... but HUGE portions. I ended up losing 5 pounds in a year and a half for my wedding. Then gaining 15 while on my honeymoon-- my highest weight. (376 lbs.) So let's fast forward to today: I am a successful profession in marketing. I have some competitive skills and work well with others. I am able to look people in the eye with the same confidence I have always had. I love myself, and I love my life. I just want to be a winner of my own health, too. I am working out in the gym still, eating a balanced diet, now reducing my portions and I weighed in today at 358 lbs. I am currently at a size high 24 and low 26. I still wear heels to work, but low ones. I am at a point where I can walk up and down stairs, quickly through hallways and to my car with a bit of a heavy breath-- but still doable. My chair is snugger than I would like it to be, but it works. I pass on the endless parade of employee birthday cakes, but still participate in the celebrations. My struggle now is trying to control the urge to eat at night and keep my calories in check. It's hard. It's hard not to be tired after work. It's hard to be as focused on my duties, be a leader and ensure I take care of my body with the proper nutrients and exercise it needs. I have some aches that I didn't have before. My lower back gets tight and my joints crack more. This is a new development and one of the reasons I am moving forward with the VSG surgery. Working out IS HARDER at this weight, and it still feels like I am not getting anywhere. However, I am staying positive no matter what. I have decided that I am going to take control and apply this tool (the VSG, is a tool-- not a cure-all) to my gym routine and eat like my nutritionist instructs. Protein, small amounts, stay away from those starchy carbs. I only drink water and iced coffee with a little light cream in the morning. I am already learning to love my scale and thinking of it as a unit of measurement. (The same way I would measure success at work.) I can still be my big-boned, tall self at work-- I just need some help and taking these next steps will help me do that. Anyone else struggle with the weight and work? (In the office or at home?) I'd love to hear about it. I will continue to write more. The good, the bad and the UGLY It's here we can all share these experiences and learn from each other.

I would worry about getting an ulcer drinking alcohol this early after surgery. Things that dont affect you now may in a month or so after all the nerve endings of your new pouch heals. Honestly I think you are playing with fire drinking alcohol and coke this early in to the procedure. You may not be getting sick now but who knows what it is doing to your pouch. Just my two cents. Good luck

I would caution anyone who has struggled with food addiction to be careful with alcohol after surgery. I am 4 years post-op, started drinking 2 years ago, and it has really messed me up. I thought I could handle it, thought I DESERVED it. I have gained 15 pounds back, and lost a lot of evenings that I ended up inebriated. It is NOT worth it for me. I have a friend who also had RNY that is giving me support, and I am going to KICK this addiction to the curb!

Once you are healed you can drink more than a beverage or two and it will not hurt your sleeve any more than it would have hurt your regular stomach. I haven't been a big drinker since college like 10 years ago and since having the sleeve I have had two nights of drinking. The first was like 4 shots of tequila at about 8 months out and the second was this past weekend where we drank frozen drinks all day and then knocked out a bottle of tequila at night. Much as I have read you're supposed to be impacted far more from drinking with the sleeve than with a normal stomach, my tolerance is not much different. Since I rarely drank as it was, I'm a lightweight. I woke up Tuesday without a hangover, so I suppose at 20 months this was a good test of alcohol with a sleeve.

I have the occasional alcoholic beverage but no more often than before I was banded. My only addiction is food so I can't really help you out with the cross addiction. I do know that the detox places will help you IF you really want the help. If you don't really want the help, they are not going to work. I say this, not to be mean, but this comes from the wife of a recovering addict. Hubby's been clean for 14 years. You have to want to change. The results match the efforts. Good luck to you and I wish you much success in this.

I'm almost 24... so I've not quite outgrown my partying years. What do you guys do about drinking?? Do you still drink? Cut out beer? Only do shots? No alcohol at all (if you drank before)? My hubby and I drink <responsibly> with friends practically every weekend!! That's the one thing I'm really wondering about... can I still drink a little? I mean I'd be okay if I could just throw back a few jagerbombs... or just straight jager

Honey, just my opinion, but I think you need to rethink WLS completely, regardless of the method. Read here and on other boards about how many people regain weight after RNY (and lapband and sleeve, too). That is because WLS is just a tool. It won't keep you from sabatoging yourself. You need to get your head on straight before you attempt this. If you have a sugar problem, it's really best to address it beforehand. Some thoughts: Get on a low carb Atkins type diet asap and stick with it. Once you get past induction phase your need for carbs and sugar is substantially lower. You may find this is all you need. Attend counseling prior to getting surgery to deal with food issues. Understand how eating slider foods can easily disrupt and delay weight loss with WLS. Learn about addiction transferring and how some people with sugar addictions switch it to other foods/alcohol etc. and still continue to sabotage their weight loss Really understand how liquid and soft calories can cause you to stop losing and regain weight. Best of luck to you however you decide.