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My bad, i had a drink the second night I was home, to numb the pain you know, purely medicinal lol. If you can take it, enjoy it. Did anyone say you couldnt have alcohol? My surgeon didnt tell me not to, so I thought I need one and I'm having one. atm I am struggling trying to get an alcoholic drink down, but i am persevering

Right peeps, i've had mi blowout crap food and am chipped, Chinese and Indianed up - if i ever let em pass mi lips again, im sure i'll hurl! lol Anyway, a bit of alcohol this weekend then i'm getting down to a low fat/alcohol free diet in prep for going to Brussels. Hey Starsky, your large clothes will fit me in my next size drop so maybe we should exchange numbers and do a deal ;o) (Im a size 24 at the mo and want to get to a 16) Bev xxx

I was banded on May 6th, and had my first fill yesterday (June 4th). I was pretty nervous going into it, mostly from not knowing what to expect. The woman was really nice though, and walked me through everything. She asked me some questions about my diet, how hungry I get, etc. Then she checked my chart and saw that I had 4cc's from surgery in a 14cc band. She decided that she was going to put 1.5cc's into it at this time. She asked me if I wanted lidocaine, and I told her I wasn't sure, what was the difference? She said if I got the lidocaine I was going to feel a bee sting, and then I wouldn't feel anything she did after that, or anything else right there for about an hour. I'll admit, I'm a big baby, and didn't want the bee sting. I asked her if I didn't want it, what would it feel like. She said well, it will feel a little like I'm taking blood. You're going to feel a push, it will be in and out, and then you'll be done. I finally decided to go without the lidocaine. I pulled my shirt up, and she put a pillow behind my back to make me "bend" more backwards, it kinda felt like I was looking upside down. I put my arms behind my head and didn't really watch her. She felt for my port, and said that it was right on top, and she wasn't going to have any trouble finding it. She swabbed me with some alcohol, and then said, ok...here goes the pressure. She said I'm going to check that there is 4cc's in there, yep, there is. I'm going to add 1.55cc's. Ok...you're going to feel a slight pull...and then...well...that's it. I was done. She was in and out in less than 45 seconds. She stuck a band-aid on me...and that's it. I was given a cup of Water, told to drink it, and that when I was ready, I could go. Could not have gone any better I don't think. I built it up in my head so much that I afterwards I couldn't believe it. Love my pre-op care, my surgery team, and now my post-op care. They've been wonderful. David

So tired laying on my back, it hurts. Laying on my side really makes my knee's throb. What am I to do???? I call for drugs and alcohol. I guess I won't make the news like Anna Nicole, guess I'll behave.

Hello all. I'm so sorry it has been so long since I have been on here. It has been a very crazy summer to say the least. My previously, somewhat, healthy father in law was admitted to the hospital on July 5th becuase he couldn't breath. It quickly got worse. He was hospitalized for 3 weeks and then released with hospice. Once home he got "better". Up and moving around and even the hospice nurse said she didn't think he needed to be on hospice. That gave everyone a lot of hope. But sadly he died five days later, he was 11 days shy of his 55th birthday. Of course there is a ton more to this story...he was a functioning alcoholic, a smoker and we found out that he had been using meth for quite sometime. My husband is one of four siblings and organizing the funeral and dealing with the aftermath has been problematic to say the least...he's the executor and his sibling are not happy about it. I think they think he is going to rip them off or something. It's been very stressful and is no where near over. But again, I'm sorry for not coming on here at all. I want to say I just didn't have time...but there's always some time to catch up. I'm sorry. Anywho, I'm doing good. Down a little over 40 lbs and no fills yets. I've been trying to make it a point to exercise every morning and just take better care of myself in general. Oh and I just had my one year Smokiversary on Monday (did I tell you guys I used to smoke? Yup, smoked for 17 years). Mike is absolutely over joyed that I finally quit and we celebrated on Monday with a trip to Cold Stone Creamery. I got a very tiny frozen yogurt with caramel and almonds...it was delish. I hope you are all doing well. I tried to catch up a little...but the shear volume is just too much. I did see that Janet had her knee surgeries!!! That is awesome! And Dee and Teri met! Again, awesome! Oh and I saw Michelle is in Onederland, congrats!! And Dawn has way too much candy right behind her desk...I 100% could not control myself around that much goodness! Looking forward to catching up with all of you guys. Bye for now Oh and on a weird tech note...I lost all my friends sometime in the past couple months. I looked at my profile and I now have zero friends...very weird.

Hi, all, I'm avidly following the posts here even on vacation. It's so nice to have a place I feel understood and safe and not judged, a place where I'm so interested in each of you and your progress and ups and downs. It helps me with this early part of my journey- thank God I'm going to know what to expect! However, because I'm using my ex's computer, I have to keeps things brief, so individual responses will have to wait. Just know I'm thinking about all of you, especially those who are struggling right now. Re: depression, it runs in my family for generations, especially the women, including my mother, my grandmother, and my great grandmother, who turned to alcohol because appropriate medication wasn't available then. I've been on Cymbalta for years, and likely will be the rest of my life- it lets me feel normal, whatever that is (good definition of normal- a cycle on the washing machine). So you add eating problems to depression- an awful conundrum, it is. This trip to Tucson to see my ex (twenty three years divorced) has been the most interesting trip for me- lots of memories, laughs, tears, and forgiveness. Just glad (delighted? grateful? joyous?) I don't live with him anymore, that's all. Anyway, I'm thinking of all of you, and trust we will all survive with a little help from our friends... P.S. An addition to the door shutting/window opening saying- When a door shuts, a window opens, but the hallways sure are a b**ch.

I am still wading into this thread, but one of the things I've seen is this repeated insistence that "I have to drink, it's part of my job." Hey, you know, there are a lot of recovering alcoholics or other folks in the world with jobs that have a social component like this. As a result, there are plenty of great alternatives to have other than liquor which will allow you to "look" like you're participating, if that's the issue. For example, a bit of cranberry juice with Water on the rocks or shaken and into a martini glass with a twist of lime. Looks like a cocktail, has much less bad going for it than a drink. Basically, if you need *appearance*, then your fabulous bartender can create that for you with ease. You walk up to a bartender you know and say, "I need a great looking virgin cocktail with no carbonation and easy on the sugars." Done! So, when someone says, "Oh, but I need to have the actual alcohol," then I agree that's something else. I'm not going to go so far as to say "OMG red flag," but as someone who grew up doing peer alcohol education, I don't think it's terrible to say to someone, "Have you considered some non-alcohol options that might be healthier and let you have more than one "drink" a night?"

Started pre-op diet at 276lbs. Surgery was cancelled for another 2 months but I kept calorie counting that whole time so in total I lost 25lbs pre-op in the end. Surgery weight 251 Date of sleeve 17 November 2021 Current weight 220 So that's 31lbs off in 11.5 weeks since surgery. 8lbs in the week of surgery then a long post-op stall that lasted over 3 weeks. I have really found a groove with my eating and am losing a steady 2lbs a week at the minute. I do drink some alcohol every weekend which I know is completely empty calories, but it's something I have chosen to do and factor in. If I stall again or once my rate of loss slows I'll probably stop it again! Hope that helps. I loved reading other people's stats pre-op and I still do really. 😍 Keep asking questions - it's a big decision, a lifelong commitment to being different, and there is such a lot of experience in this group you're absolutely right to use it.

Having dealt with a drug addicted brother for two decades and seeing the devastation that it causes to family and friends, I am all for voluntary sterilization. When you see infants detoxing from heroin and other drugs and see the effects... developmental delays, fetal alcohol syndrome, AIDS, etc., it's a VERY GOOD thing when addicts are offered the opportunity to not procreate.

That's true that no one is forcing them, but they are also not able to make a fully informed decision in their right minds. Legally, I would assume that this would open the organization up to litigation because they were taking advantage of the fact that someone might not be legally competent when they sign the consent. To me, it's the same as someone expecting a mentally retarded person to be able to fully understand the implications of what they would be signing. If a drug addict is in need of a fix, and is signing something to get money to buy more drugs, they aren't mentally competent to understand the full implications of what they are signing. This gets into a slippery slope, to me. If you start arguing about babies having rights, then you will eventually slide into an anti-abortion argument. I'm pro-choice. I think that with certain limitations (how far into the pregnancy, etc.), a woman's body is her own to control, even if she chooses to put drugs into it. If she is choosing to put illegal substances into it, arrest her and put her in jail. Otherwise, it's hers to control. That's one reason I oppose laws against pregnant women drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. I may not agree with their actions, but I think a woman should be able to do whatever she wants to her body.

I gained 2 pounds since last week and haven't a drop of alcohol all week. Maybe that's it. Gonna suck down a few Guinness right now and get rid of these extra pounds.

Hi @LibrarianErin I work for an American company and have some US based family and friends so I am well aware of the 4th July. I told my boos (American) that I was having my own freedom day on the 4th I had my pre-op consultation yesterday at the hospital with the anesthetist and floor nurse. Lots of questions for me, an EGC and blood test. I asked if there was anything to do in advance food and drink wise and they said no, just fasting from the night before when I arrive to the hospital. When I said I had given up alcohol three weeks ago they said that was a "good idea" and when I then said that as of the start of this week I had switched to decaf they asked me why I would do that, there was no need!! I explained I had read online a lot where it said not to have caffeine before or after surgery, the nurse laughed and said one of the things they give as a liquid after the op is a coffee. I didn't even tell them that I had started my own version of a liquid diet for the two weeks lead up. Protein shake for breakfast and one for lunch or dinner and then a meal for the other. I am trying to reduce my portion sizes and eat slower but it is really hard. I think that is what I worry about most, being able to slow down and be more mindful. I also love to drink - water, coffee, alcohol etc. - and not sure how I will cope with tiny sips. It is very hot here, in mid to high 80s which is too much for me and I am gulping back the water non-stop. What I didn't like to hear was that I have to shave from under my breasts to top of my things including pubic area. I am not sure I have seen there in years or can easily reach down there The pain of surgery might be one thing but the pain of regrowth elsewhere could be worse for longer, not looking forward to that.

Alcohol has absolutely no nutritional value. Food is supposed to keep us alive, not give us pleasure. Can you just do without? One drink can equal all you're daily calories.

I don't think anyone here that is seriously wanting to lose weight has the mindset that "just one is okay", whether that is about food, alcohol, drugs, or whatever vice one may have. With that being said, the vast majority of those having bariatric surgery had to jump through several hoops for insurance to approve them. One of those hoops were a psychological evaluation. I won't get into the medical criteria for alcohol addiction, but I think @@Roxie Malone can tell the difference between having a social drink vs drinking alcohol everyday because one cannot stop. Lastly, no one will be 100% perfect with their diet. It's not possible. Can you honestly say that you will never eat a piece of pizza ever again? I know I can't and I won't. The key is moderation.

Thank you for sharing. Sadly I am in the same position and today is my 3rd day without alcohol and the withdrawals have been so bad that I needed medication from the doctor to get through it. My blood pressure raised at such high levels it was dangerous. All this is such a shock to me and before my bypass back in December 2017 I was never really interested in alcohol but over the last few years my drinking has increased so much so it had taken over my life…I seemed to look forward to the joy it gave me and the quick fix that food no longer could give me. I am hoping I can keep going and start to feel better soon. I hope to learn to live my life without alcohol and the extra weight gain from the late night snacks and start to enjoy eating healthy and to feel alive again! 🙏🏽

I thought I read that you would become intoxicated faster with the sleeve due to how the alcohol is absobed in the stomach. wrong?

My adult beverage of choice is wine -- either white or red, depending on the season and the food I'm likely to drink later. (The taste of the wine is still there for me.) In winter, I love single malt scotch. When I drink, I only have one drink (4-5 ounces of wine), and I don't drink every day / night, but usually do on weekends. I'm the definition of a social drinker (max of 1 drink a day). For those who care: http://alcoholrehab.com/alcoholism/social-drinking-defined/

One thing I can say for sure after reading these boards for over a year, is that everyone is different. So my advice is to choose the alcoholic beverage that appeals to you and drink it slowly -- the first time I had a drink was about 6 weeks after surgery. I ordered a skinny cosmo - a drink I had many times before surgery and considered it to be a fruity light thing - and it burned like I was drinking grain alcohol! I had to give it to my friend to drink, I could barely get down 2 sips. I found that I was able to handle wine soon after that, but if that doesn't appeal to you then you will find something that works for you. I am able to drink every kind of alcohol at this point and have been able to since 6 months out. I don't like beer and I stay away from carbonation because I don't love it, but I enjoy all kinds of cocktails, sangria and wine. You are on your own journey and it can be fun figuring out what works for you and what doesn't. It is a new world, enjoy it!

I have chosen to make this surgery, and the way I live my life now, a total lifestyle change. Meaning, I will eat/drink this way for the rest of my life in order to maintain my weight loss and not regain everything 5 years down the road. For me, that means all things in moderation. I lost 70 lbs several years ago, eating no carbs, drinking no alcohol, basically starving myself, and of course - it was not sustainable, and I wound up at 323 lbs. I am determined not to make that same mistake again. Unless you are a nun or have decided to give up your social life entirely, it's kind of ridiculous to think that you will NEVER EVER touch alcohol (or French fries, or a cupcake, or whatever) again. A healthy relationship with food is about making good choices as much as possible, indulging occasionally, and being active. That being said: OP, when I have a beverage I generally have a small glass of wine; but since that has been ruled out, my suggestions are.... Vodka with lime juice and a splash of simple syrup Vodka with light cranberry juice (sometimes the bar has it, sometimes not) Or, my favorite, a Bloody Mary ???? vodka and v8, basically I am 9 months out and 120 lbs down, and still dropping. I eat carbs and drink wine occasionally, as a treat. Has that made my weight loss slower? Maybe. Is this lifestyle something I can keep up the rest of my life? Absolutely.

Hello Everyone, GREAT Thread! I was banded May 21,09. I had my first fill today not much pain at all. My Dr. asked that I lie on my back and left both legs a bit as if I was doing crunches for my lower body, I did and she felt with her hands for the pot. She swabbed me with alcohol to clean the area. I closed my eyes because I am very afraid of needles. Small prick. Dr. says she put 5cc in I had my eyes shut the whole time. Not much restriction at first. My stomach growls a bit. I had Water and a yogurt, some Peanut Butter, I was hungry.

From my understanding of how the lap-band works is that it creates a pouch and food 'hangs out' awhile after you eat. Sounds like the positioning is ok. While the food is hanging out it sounds like your LES (lower esophageal sphincter) is relaxing and opening and that is causing reflux. The LES is suppose to stay closed unless you are laying down and then it automatically relaxes and opens up which is why you don't lay down or recline after eating. For people with GERD for whatever reason the LES muscle is weak and opens up when it's not suppose to causing food/acid to push back up the esophagus. Your GERD is most likely not caused by the band but aggrevated by it for sure. Maybe try a different medication? Also caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol makes it worse. I usually deal with the neck up but have a lot of clients who have GERD. Hope this helps!!

I've only told about 6 people....trusted people. Sometimes I wish I hadn't even told them. When people ask if I joined WW....or how am I doing "it"....I just say that I've cut out anything white, no bread, sugar or alcohol.

Kymie, congrats on getting over the hump!! I'm just getting back in to groove too, first full day of tracking food was today, so nice to track food in the green zone. I'm not hungry, I'm not over full, I'm satisfied. Could I keep eating? Probably. Do I always eat the things I'm supposed to? No, but I always watch my protein and fat intake especially, and I'm slowly beggining to realize, back to the basics of counting calories is really what will control my head hunger. Not saying I won't take a break now and then, but to get over this plateau I've been stuck at for the past few months, I'm finding it encouraging. NJ2NC, welcome back girl! We have all been so busy this summer, and I'm really looking forward to fall, it makes me feel so motivated! The weather, the scenery, running around in a corn maze and not feeling like the "fat person"...love it!!! Meredith, so glad to hear about your little "mistake" I'm so happy it gave you the confidence to rock your interview! Chrissylu, hope the scale was good to you!! Savannah!!! You're so close! Whether it is one or two pounds, honestly, you have already won. Look at how far you have come!! I'm so proud if you, and I'm sure you're gonna look HOT on Halloween!! I would like to be in onederland by Halloween!! I love having a goal to work towards. Ladybandito, so good to hear from you! Sounds like you have been doing amazing, keep it up, you're not too far from your goal!! As for me, I'm still slightly above 220 daily. I may dip below for a bit, but right back up I go. Honestly, one thing I know has been contributing to my plateau is alcohol. I have a fun loving family, and we get together a lot in the summer...I always say I'm gonna have one drink, but you know what happens when you have one...there go my inhibitions. Another reason I'm looking forward to the end of summer, lol. As I was saying before, I am back to counting calories, and day one went well. Even if I do have a drink, I'm going to limit it to once or twice a week and allow it only if I have room in the calorie count for it. I would like to keep it to once a week because of what alcohol does to your metabolism...its pretty much one of the worst things you can do for your metabolism....that being said, I'm gonna be trading the cocktails for water more often. I guess ee all have our demons, and mine just do happens to be having a good time, lol. I'm planning on Leslie Sansones 5 miles tomorrow, wherever I can fit it in, and going riding too. I'm so grateful for you guys, I love having you here, to talk about a plateau, and get me through it. I can talk to my family, but let's face it...they didn't understand me and my eating habits before...so they aren't going to now. They try, but no one gets it like you guys do Although I've been stuck, pun intended, at the sane weight for a few months, maybe a loss of five lbs over the past three months, I've been getting more compliments then ever!! Someone at work even asked me if I ever eat!! I went shopping with my sister today and was able to just pick some things out, try them on, decided I loved them, and went on my way! Am I the only one here that used to buy clothes without trying them on, just so I could cry at home instead of in a dressing room?? On that depressing note, have a good night everyone I think this post is long enough!!!! ))

Hey Cath, I'm now eating normal food but I need to be careful coz sometimes it doesn't sit well. I'm two months out now. Had my first drink if alcohol last night and seemed to go down ok. How are you going???

This isn't a deal breaker for me but I would like to know if any sleevers have an occasional drink and how their body reacted. My Doctor recommends to never drink again.. Anyone else?