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Last night we had a Christmas party, of course there was drinking involved. I regret having to many but what I figured out is you can't throw up. I even tried making myself and (tmi) but just liquid ran out not even dry heave or anything. I don't feel like I messed my band up but is that normal to not be able to throw up? What if you get the flu or something gets stuck? PLEASE NO NASTY COMMENTS. I know I shouldn't be drinking like that. Lesson learned LapBand ~ November 1, 2016

I have eaten less than 20 grams of carbs per day since March, and even once I get to my goal, I will probably always have to keep them low. I am a carb addict. I may not be able to completely eradicate them from my life like an alcoholic does booze, but I will likely always have to keep them low. Maybe not below 20 low, but probably below 50 or 60 low when maintenance comes around.

My surgeon says I can resume alcohol after 3 months. I'm not much of a drinker anyways though! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My dad is 74 and also begged me not to do the surgery, especially in Mexico. 8 weeks oost op now, 49 yrs old, serious arthritis pain is controlled with tylenol, 82 lbs down total, 35 since surgery. I absolutely would do this again (sleeve). The first 3 to 4 weeks were tough, so was the preop phase, but is all worth it in the long run. I still have 70 to 80 lbs I need/want to lose, and I know with this tool/assistant I will keep it off. You have to work on healthy coping skills, i used to lean on alcohol more than I should, and you lose both food and wine as coping methods post op. Overall I'm so much healthier in a short period of time. Do this for you if you feel it's the right step, based on Your research, best wishes! Jeanette Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

My nutritionist was just talking about this yesterday... She said I'd probably never drink alcohol again because my stomach wouldn't break it down the same and it would be horrible for my liver with that being said- we're adults and if I must have a drink wait at least 6 months post op so the new stomach can heal. Sent from my SM-N900T using the BariatricPal App

No carbonation and no alcohol...it's way to early! Please be safe, the last thing you want to do is vomit, get dizzy, or even faint at this party. How about some apple juice or grape juice. It will look like white or red whine! Dilute it though! Happy Holidays K ♡ HW 394 • RNY 361 11/28/16 CW 355 • GW 190 ♡

A cocktail or wine glass of Water with lemon slice. You'll have the appearance of alcoholic drink. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T337A using the BariatricPal App

Started my pre-op diet today and went over all the post-op dietary details with my husband who will help care for me. All the sudden it's hit him that I'm really doing this and he's started to panic. He was initially supportive when I started this journey six months ago but is now saying he'd like me to postpone the surgery and give dieting another chance...removing 3/4 of my stomach is extreme and unnatural...I'm going to be miserable during Christmas (surgery is 12/21)...I won't be able to stick with the plan and make myself sick...I'm just going to stretch out my new stomach, etc etc. I keep trying to reassure him that I'm confident in my decision, it's only one Christmas I'll be sacrificing (by not eating Cookies or drinking alcohol), despite my terrible track record with diets this time will be different, I will follow the doctors guidance so I won't get ill, etc. He tells me he is so scared about this he's not sleeping and thinks about what a bad idea this is all day long. He's begging me to reconsider. Anyone else have a family member/friend they had to "sell" on the idea of gastric surgery? Any good stories, videos, resources I should share with him to help out his mind at ease and reassure him that this really is a good decision for long term health? I need him in my corner and will need his support to get through the early months. Right now he's a negative ball of nerves. Advice appreciated. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am currently 4 weeks post-op and am thinking ahead about a Christmas party my husband and I are invited to. I know I won't be able to indulge in the appetizers, but what can I drink that won't bother me? I have usually been just a soda person but we know I can't do that! lol By the way, I only like wine and mixed drinks. Any advice, or is it just to early? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was going to wait until next month when we are 18 months post-op but I thought it might be good to do a check in before the end of the year and also because this is our first holiday season fully healed and I know there is a lot of food temptation at this time of year. How is everyone doing? I have exceeded my own personal expectations, and it seems like I am actually going to make my goal well before 2 years, which I am going to revise pretty soon for a stretch goal of 165 I think. After going so long not eating lots of stuff, I find it very easy to pass things up. Holiday candy doesn't appeal to me. Alcohol doesn't interest me. Even when I get a drink I usually only have one sip and I am bored.

You may find after a period of not drinking that you have no desire to. You might only go out once or twice every couple months now, but when you lose weight and have more energy and a new attitude towards life, you will probably go out more. Plus 21 is coming up and you will actually be legal. I expect you will want to party and enjoy life. A lot of people your age binge drink anyway, I know I did at that age, well kinda. You can drink socially, just be careful. Everything that OkPirate said was good advice. Now I enjoy being sober and being the designated driver. I have a big personality and I don't need alcohol to be fun. It is also interesting to watch other people drink and how it affects them. Just think about it carefully and proceed with caution. Sometimes when these alcohol threads come up everyone says you will be come a drunk or whatever. That really isn't the case for everyone. Just being aware can help you avoid a lot of the pitfalls.

Your experience may vary, but mine was I had a very rough time getting to the point of inebriation. Seems to zip right through my sleeve. I would suggest you wait until goal before you start and then proceed carefully. Don't drive the first time you try (better at home with friends). Some women seem to get snockered very quickly and that can be dangerous at a club. To help prevent "transference" addiction, look up The Sinclair Method. Dr. Sinclair discovered that the use of the drug Naltreone seems to block the endorphin rush you get when you drink. It is usually prescribed for people with opiate and alcohol addiction, but I don't know why it can be used as a prophylactic to prevent developing a physiological dependency. (see: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2899995/) PS - Let me add LISTEN to your friends. If they suggest you have a problem...YOU HAVE A PROBLEM. They may be polite, but it takes a great deal for most people to bring up such a sensitive situation. Probably enough said there.

Hello All! I am new to the bariatrics community, I have done research for the past 10 months have pulled the trigger to go ahead with bariatric surgery. I am scheduled to meet my doctor on December 15th, 2016. After many months of research i have gained comfort on choosing the gastric sleeve procedure (of course if my doctor agrees that it is suitable). I have never been so ready to change my eating habits and lifestyle... The reason I have created this post is to find out more about social drinking after gs. I am 20 years old and as my first appointment is approaching I find myself fearful of having to let go of my "partying days". On average I usually go clubbing once or twice every few months, and I won't lie... I definitely enjoy getting a little bit inebriated. I know all the risks of alcohol abuse post op and i am emphasize on the fact that i am not a big drinker, but on those special occasions, i really do enjoy having some extra fun. So my questions are... has anyone else felt this way? What is it like being drunk after gs? Does it feel the same as pre-op? I'm so happy to have found this forum, where other people my age may be able to relate to me and give really great advice. If you have anything else too add, I would love to know! Thank you!

This is slightly off subject but what about alcohol? My team says none for a year? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had popcorn at 3 months out, hey said I should have been fully healed and it would b ok. Before that, I was not supposed to eat it... I think the hulls wee too tough until fully healed. Same thing with alcohol.

On the first day of ObesityWeek 2016, The New York Times featured a major story on obesity with the headline, “Americans Blame Obesity on Willpower, Despite Evidence It’s Genetic.” This was no coincidence. The story was timed to the release of a national consumer survey conducted by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) on perceptions Americans have about obesity and its treatment. Major national news outlets including People magazine, Medscape, Yahoo News, CNBC, MedPage Today and even Cosmopolitan covered the ASMBS/NORC Obesity Poll. The ASMBS Executive Council decided several months earlier to partner with the highly regarded independent research organization NORC at the University of Chicago to identify current views, perceptions, and misperceptions about obesity and its treatment held by the American public. Additionally, the ASMBS wanted to use the survey as an educational and public awareness platform to inspire national dialog on the diagnosis and treatment of obesity and generate national media coverage on the issues that interfere with the treatment of the disease. “The barriers to treatment go beyond insurance,” said Raul J. Rosenthal, who was president of the ASMBS during the time the survey was conducted. “We felt the survey could uncover other barriers including fear and denial about the disease and misperceptions about the safety and effectiveness of the treatments, including weight-loss surgery.” In addition to comments from ASMBS president at the time, Dr. Raul J. Rosenthal, The New York Times contained reactions to the survey from several obesity experts from throughout the country. Dr. Donna Ryan, an obesity researcher and professor emerita at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La. said, “It’s frustrating to see doctors and the general public stigmatize patients with obesity and blame these patients, ascribing attributes of laziness or lack of willpower. We would never treat patients with alcoholism or any chronic disease this way. It’s so revealing of a real lack of education and knowledge.” “Trying 20 times and not succeeding — is that lack of willpower, or a problem that can’t be treated with willpower?” asked Dr. Louis Aronne, director, Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian. One problem, though, is that medical professionals can be as misinformed as the public, said Dr. Scott Kahan, an obesity medicine specialist who is an assistant professor at George Washington University and directs the National Center for Weight and Wellness, an obesity clinic. Doctors, he said, learn nothing about obesity in medical school, which might be why only 12 percent of those in the survey with severe obesity said a doctor had suggested surgery to them. “We are talking about people who are 100, 200 pounds overweight,” Dr. Kahan added. Dr. Caroline M. Apovian, the president-elect of the Obesity Society and director of the nutrition and weight management center at Boston University, echoed Dr. Kahan’s concerns about the failure by doctors to mention the only effective course of treatment. “If I said that was the case for cardiovascular disease and bypass surgery, you would say doctors are negligent,” she said. Major finding from the ASMBS/NORC Obesity Poll include: 81 percent of Americans consider obesity to be the most serious health problem facing the nation, tying cancer and ahead of diabetes (72 percent) and heart disease (72 percent) 94 percent think obesity itself increases the risk for an early death, even when no other health problems are present Most Americans think diet and exercise on one’s own is the most effective (78 percent) for long-term weight loss, saying it’s even more effective than weight-loss surgery (60 percent) and prescription obesity drugs (25 percent) 1 in 3 of those struggling with obesity, report that they have never spoken with a doctor or health professional about their weight Only 12 percent of those with severe obesity, for whom weight-loss surgery may be an option, say a doctor has ever suggested they consider surgery Only 22 percent of Americans with obesity rate their health positively, and half report being diagnosed with two or more chronic conditions 88 percent say losing weight through diet and exercise, especially with the help of a doctor, is the safest way to do it, while prescription medications (15 percent) and dietary supplements (16 percent) are perceived to be the least safe About one-third believe weight-loss surgery to be either safe (31 percent), unsafe (37 percent), or neither safe nor unsafe (31 percent), though 68 percent think that living with obesity is still riskier than having weight-loss surgery 62 percent consider obesity simply a risk factor for other diseases and not a disease itself 48 percent believe obesity is caused primarily by a person’s lifestyle choices and that the biggest barrier to weight loss is a lack of willpower (75 percent) For more information, you may find two reports associated with the survey: “Obesity Rises to Top Health Concern for Americans, but Misperceptions Persist,” and, “New Insights into Americans’ Perceptions and Misperceptions of Obesity Treatments, and the Struggles Many Face.” http://www.norc.org/Research/Projects/Pages/the-asmbsnorc-obesity-poll.aspx.

@@lisa52 Imagine instead of a food problem, you have an alcohol problem. Your drinking is causing health problems and relationship issues. Your insurance has just approved you for a procedure that will (with your cooperation) offer you a chance to get right and start getting healthy. Your procedure is scheduled for a few weeks from now. Do you spend the next few weeks getting smashed and bidding farewell to wine, gin, vodka, whiskey, lager, IPAs, porters and wheat beers? Or do you start your part (remember, it only works if you're willing to make it work) early, and try to get a jumpstart on this golden opportunity to turn your life around?

There's a great solution do not tell ppl that act this way ppl that don't have the weight problem cannot understand if it was simple as just stop eating and go to the gym there wouldn't be a need for bariatric surgery it's the same as drug or alcohol addiction just stop drinking and taking drugs we gee that's so easy why do we have rehab then? I know it sucks but sometimes you just can't confide in ppl you must be your own cheerleader remember it's only your opinion that matters they aren't living in your body or with whatever issues you may have because if it they don't have to live with it you do don't listen to the opinions of ppl who cannot possibly understand the issue

@@Annieof2 I too have multiple medicine allergies and now that I have had bypass, nsaids are completely out of the question. I also have stage 3 kidney disease in addition so surgeons are careful with me when it comes to medications of any kind. I used to give myself shots of torridol as a rescue drug for migraine and I can no longer use that either. I don't think it is unreasonable given your allergies that you know the plan ahead of time. In fact, I would insist on it. If it helps any, for me the bypass was not what I would call painful. There was discomfort. For the two days i was in hospital, they gave me liquid vicodin because I am allergy to percocet and NSAIDS were immediately off the table. I can take vicodin or even dilaudid if the pain is really severe but I honestly did not need it for this surgery. The only time they gave me that was in the recovery room when i woke up and my chest was hurting but once that was under control, that pain never came back. I took liquid vicodin 3 times per day, then went home. I took it one more day and by day 4 i was on liquid Tylenol. That stuff is horrible to drink after having stomach surgery because I think it has alcohol in it. I found that simply avoiding all of it made me feel better. Any kind of pain reliever was actually more of a problem than what it was worth. I used a heating pad and chewable gas x which helped with the gas pains when your bowels start working again. I walked the gas off that they use for surgery, honestly the pain medications did not help that discomfort anyway. I do have a high tolerance for pain but I have seen many many many posters like me that just did not have a great amount of pain. The gas is the worst part and meds really dont help with that. Lots of Water, walking, heat and gas x is the only thing that helps. Let me know if you have questions. I would be happy to help.

Thanks for all the input everyone. My "bible" as the team calls it says 4 months out. It was my friends wedding last night. I had two cranberry vodkas and didn't feel very much considering I have not drank in almost 3-4 months. I just wanted to fit in, but I just feel so guilty. I know it will never be the same again, but maybe it's a sign that alcohol really doesn't need to be in my life anymore, but then I isolate because I was always the life of the party or when hanging out. I know everyone is different and responds different to alcohol. I'll probably wait longer if I even do drink again. Thanks again for all the input Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My plan says no alcohol for 6 months because of irritation to stomach. After that it warns about empty calories, etc.

Hi guys. I haven't been on in ages but over the summer had some plastic surgeries. I had an upper/ lower eye lift with a neck lift, then had a breast lift with an arm lift. I am so happy with everything that I did that I have scheduled a tummy tuck for January. I traded severely baggy upper arms for some scars, but I am so good with the trade. However, after each surgery I got so constipated that I gained a couple of pounds each time that I thought would come back off after swelling but hasn't. I am now 9 lbs up from my lowest of 150. I went in to my 2 yr checkup expecting to be chastised, but they were thrilled that I was only 1 lb different from the 1 yr checkup. (Must have lost weight during the year and then gained THAT back). So they were happy, I was happy they weren't mad, but I still am internally freaking out. I have never been an alcohol drinker, but I have become one. A Big one. I know there is a lot of sugar in wine but I can't eat very well so I drink. Plus I don't want to eat and drink together so I don't eat. I realized I prob don't get but maybe 20 gr of protein in a day. Soooo, I came back to my support group to see how everyone is faring and to get a plan together. My bloodwork came back fine except for the iron is low. But I don't want constipation, so I don't take a lot on purpose. But I do get dizzy and shaky ALOT. But I have also taken up drinking coffee several times a day (I never drank coffee before either and didn't understand ppl that liked it) my other go to drink is 1/2 sweet-unsweetened tea. I drink all day and will 'eat' soup bc it's cold here now. But it's not good for me and bc of the surgeries, I need to re-lose. My plan, and due to tips from this group, is to uptake my protein and go to the gym. I already ate a quest bar for breakfast. Yay me. I have no motivation for the gym tho, and no friend that goes there. Yes, I know I'll meet someone there and that's in my mind, but also a part of me thinks, "you'll meet a guy and flirt while not wearing your ring during a workout and you'll like the attention". My husband and I aren't close, and I'm lonely a lot, so I'm really nervous bc I think I could be swayed so easily and I don't think I'll have much willpower to not get caught up in it. But I don't want to bc I'm faithful but I really want someone to talk to and give me attention. My husband and I tried and tried, but we just live in this weird world where we share a house. (Separate fridges, sides of the house, dogs, garages, friends, etc) Anyway, I'm not complaining about that, but I'm just explaining how I could meet someone like-minded but seriously don't want the stress of lying or hiding something from him. So I avoid men usually. I hide in my office at work and at stay at home bc I don't trust myself. So, off I'm going to the gym and will try hard to make girlfriends at once and not talk to the men so I don't make a huge mistake. It's hard tho bc I'm craving some attention. That's all I'm saying I guess. Also, during my 2 yr, the PA said that I'm 24BMI and that that's a "one percenter" at 2yrs and beyond. (I weighed 156- 3 lbs ago)That it was fantastic, and great job!". That being said, I've noticed that in our support group, a lot of us have low BMIs and we should be so happy that we are not in the "norm" and have lost so much and have maintained so well thus far. Agreed that it will get harder though and it will take work. I'm going to work on my choices of beverages, protein intake and working out. Congratulations everyone for being healthier this year and even more so in the coming year.

Good morning, BP Campers. Thought I'd stop in for a a quick visit and update. I started my preop diet 3 years ago today. I always consider this my anniversary, rather than the surgery date. Here's a recap of my journey so far..... Year 1 - the year of losing all of my excess weight (100 pounds), dozens of NSVs, and a new wardrobe. By far, the most exciting year. Even the month of liquids, 6 weeks of diarrhea and 2 insanely painful gallbladder attacks couldn't put a dent in my enthusiasm. It was all so new and fun and easy. Life was great and I was invincible! Year 2 - the year of finding out life still sucks no matter what size you are, losing my best friend to suicide, sinking into a deep hole of depression and finding that I could no longer rely on my old friends.....food, alcohol and cigarettes. Just struggling to get through each day with really no desire to. Two more gallbladder attacks which I finally put an end to with a long overdue cholecystectomy. Despite a complete breakdown of my emotional stability, I was surprisingly able to maintain my weight loss from the 1st year. I held onto the fact that what I put in my mouth was one of the few things I could control at that point. Year 3 - the year of emotional healing (well, at least a start in that direction) with a grief therapist, testosterone replacement and an antidepressant. Finally able to crawl out the darkness into a somewhat bearable existence. My latest breakthrough is I actually said yes when asked out on a date about a month ago. Considering my introvert personality and swearing off relationships almost 20 years ago, this is an extraordinary step for me. We've been out 1/2 dozen times and I'm actually enjoying it. Who knows what Year 4 will bring. But I've definitely come to realize as time goes on, everything has become less and less about surgery and weightloss and more and more about life. I maintain my weight the same way I lost it....80+ grams of Protein, 100+ ounces of Water, low carb, balanced diet including veggies, fruit and whole grains. I pretty much eat whatever I want but I make smart choices when it comes to quantities. No tracking, no measuring, just mindful eating. I am diligent about keeping any regains in check. I've got too much invested, both financially and emotionally to let a 1-2 pound regain turn into 10-20 pounds. I have labs done annually and follow a Vitamin regimen based on the results. I don't have an exercise routine, just a very busy, active life. Bottom line is a successful WLS result is not rocket science. Whatever you had to do to lose weight is pretty much what you need to do forever. If you can't control sliders and trigger foods, they WILL lead to regain. If you don't make the psychological adjustments and permanently change your habits and behaviors, you WILL regain. It's totally up to you whether or not your surgery becomes just another failed diet. Don't be afraid to seek professional help with the mental side of it. I finally did...thank goodness. Good luck to the newbies. Congrats to the veterans.

Judgments about drinking and weight loss aside, I was not able to drink for a while. My first couple attempts to enjoy an adult beverage or met with a burning sensation in my belly. I am now a year out and have no problem having a drink or a beer, but I would say that if the alcohol burns your stomach then it's probably too soon. After all, basically one whole side of your stomach has been cut and resealed. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my first bit of alcohol 6 months after surgery. I wasn't planning on drinking but witnessed a traumatic event right before diner. I had less than an 1/8 of a cup and felt it way hard. I don't think I'll be drinking again anytime soon. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App