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True, however they should maybe tone it down a little. Just like if I drank and the were an alcoholic I would go easy on them and not just drink everything that I can. Sent from my XT1585 using the BariatricPal App

I'm on the Patches and I don't care what they say. The proof will be in my blood test. I will go to the horrible regime of taking oral Vitamins if it doesn't work. I have always had nausea with vitamins before surgery so I am going to play a guinea pig for a while. Maybe I can help support the data. Just place the patches on thin skin over bony areas. You fat in your butt won't be good for absorption and cleans the site with alcohol and let it dry before you put it on. Sent from bariatric pal app

I agree, you should most definitely mention this to your surgeon. Then you should ask for a referral to a therapist. Talking to a qualified person has been a tremendous help for me. As L.L. Said eating is a different type of addiction. We need to eat to survive AND thrive, unlike using drugs or alcohol. I had a raging alcoholic (mother) tell me for years that " I only needed to cut back to lose weight." My "cutting back" and a lifetime of emotional abuse got me to nearly 300 pounds! For the first time in my life I am taking care of me. I am only six weeks out, but feel very hopeful about the future. Best of luck to you and remember to take one stage at a time.

Have you spoken to your surgeon about your food choice? Are you working with a counselor to figure out why you made such a dangerous choice while your body is healing? Food issues are hard to handle on our own because unlike an alcoholic or drug addict, we still have to eat. I'm sure many successful people have made bad choices but I'd also bet they didn't make them often. Call your doc for use! Best of luck to you. You can do this.

This sounds like a horrifying situation to be in. Maybe you have a relative you could go stay with until things calm down? My father was/is an alcoholic and I know how stressful and miserable living with one can be, this cannot be helping your health. As far as your situation, I also wonder if there is a stricture. I'm glad your surgeon is finally listening and I hope you can get scoped and figure out what's going on.

It’s been three years and, as I did a year ago, I wanted to post my annual update. The two year update, which includes the one year update is linked below. Enjoy. What's changed from year 2-3? No longer a fat guy. I changed jobs and met a lot of new people over the year. Combined with the fact that I'm 3 years out from surgery meant being a fat guy, both in my head and as reflected by people around me, is a very faint memory. I had the surgery when my kids were 3 and 6. They don’t really even remember me being fat, until they see pictures which just makes them giggle. This is a good thing, but when I reflect back on the 35 years of being overweight, it still blows me away. Portions Normalized. I really am just a normal (for a non-fat person) eater. I eat whatever I want, just normal portions of it. Breakfast might be 2 eggs and a piece of toast, lunch is a half sandwich and some Soup (or a whole sandwich without the bread), dinner is frozen dinner from trader joes or a small portion of just about anything. For those of you yet to have the surgery and can't imagine eating so little or those of you who just recently had surgery and can't imagine eating so much, I know it sounds very strange. Between years 2 and 3, I'd say the portion sizes really seemed to normalize. Here's the best way to describe it: Look at the nutritional information on something -- like a package of ravioli or a can of chili, etc. and find the serving size. That's pretty much what I can eat until I feel full and happy. In the olden days pre-surgery -- those suggested serving sizes always seemed like some sort of hostile joke! Battling 10 Extra Pounds. I feel like I have to watch my weight and need to lose 10 pounds. This is new. I weigh 194 on a 5'11" frame, wear medium or large shirts and have a waist of 34 or 35 inches depending on the brand. Don't get me wrong, that's amazing. BUT, last year, I weighed 185, which did feel a bit better. I'd like to say that my weight has finally normalized, but that wouldn't be totally in line with how I feel. The point is that, just like about everyone else I know, I'm working on losing those extra 10! For the first year of surgery, I couldn't stop LOSING weight. In the second year, I rarely thought about my weight. Now, in the third year, I feel like I need to lose 10. Health is Excellent. I just had my annual physical and everything is great. Blood sugar: Normal. Cholesterol: Normal. Same with everything else. I still take 20mg of Omeprazole for heartburn at least 5 out of 7 nights. It doesn't have any noticeable side effects and if I don't take it, I definitely get mild to medium heartburn. Some Advice to Those on the Fence: If you can, do it. Like a lot of people on this site, I'd say my only regret is not doing the surgery sooner. I honestly think (no scientific proof) that there is just simply something wrong between my head and stomach that resulted in me NOT having and "off" switch when it came to food. I'd watch other people that seemed to like food, get a plate at the buffet and then just eat a normal portion and stop. I'd go to the buffet, fill up a big plate and then get seconds and thirds. Even then, I'd probably just stop eating because I felt disgusted with myself or embarrassed, rather than feeling satisfied. This surgery really helped me in that way. As I noted above, I'm one of those small one-plate people now. By weighing a regular weight, life has completely changed. I wear normal clothes, can participate in all sorts of activities, happily sit in the back of the plane, etc, etc, etc. I wish I would have done the surgery when I was 21, not 39. VSG helps Quantity, Not Rate or Frequency. You engineers might appreciate this. Basically, VSG allows me to eat much less quantity at any one sitting. It doesn't tell me which foods to eat. You will need to find ways to eat steamed salmon vs. fried chicken, broccoli vs. mashed potatoes, etc. In the very early days, I really disgusted by really fatty food and was also worried about Protein intake. As a result, I directed my eating towards healthier foods. Three years out, VSG no longer helps with those types of decisions. Furthermore, if you like to graze, VSG doesn't help that at all. I work in an office that has Snacks all over the place. It's super easy to grab a handful of mm's or a bag of doritos every time I pass by the snack area (actually that's part of the reason I'm up 9 pounds from last year). I just want to set expectations about what you’re getting and NOT getting. Alcohol drinkers: Watch out. You can't eat much with VSG, but drinking is even easier than before. About 6 months ago, I felt like I was drinking too much and have limited my intake by a lot (1 or 2 drinks per night, not 5 or 6). I know, I know, still too much. My point is that this is a real risk area and something that needs to be considered. This post is getting long enough, so I'll stop here. If any of you would like to reach out with a PM, I'd be happy to chat. Good luck. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/355438-two-year-post-opp-upda/

I am 5 weeks post-op and am cleared to eat anything I want (OK, no alcohol, no carbonation). I have been doing really well all along, didn't have the 3 week stall, feeling pretty good, eating most meats (well-chewed), etc. About a week ago, I started feeling "full" almost immediately when I eat. My full feeling is actually pressure-pain behind my breastbone. I'm beginning to worry about this. I am to the point where about the only Protein I can eat is cheese and cottage cheese. I've been mincing any meat and moistening it with broth, but I still can only get down about 1 tablespoon before I am uncomfortable. I do OK with liquids, so I've resumed drinking my Protein shakes, but have found that the milk-based ones fill me up pretty quickly, too; I am able to drink an entire 8oz of water-based Protein drinks but only about half of the milky ones. Should I be worried? What should I be worried about?I feel like I'm so far post-op that I shouldn't be calling my surgeon with this, but I don't know. I have an appointment with my Nut in a week and am hoping this straightens out by then. I am thinking of going back onto my liquids diet for awhile, to see if my insides smooth out a bit (I have plenty of turkey broth, hahaha, given I cooked a 14 pound turkey yesterday!). It just seems like I'm going backwards in my ability to tolerate different foods. Has anyone had this experience, or have any advice/suggestions?

I appreciate everyone's kind words, stories, and concern. It's so encouraging to know it can and will get better. I just don't have much optimism right now. I went to the ER again because I felt worse. I finally got a CT scan. It shows nothing abnormal going on in my belly. It did show some very tiny (doctor said if you squint) sign of appendicitis. Now I'm worried about that. I asked if it just stays like that or what. They said as long as no other symptoms of appendicitis I'm ok. I feel like I'm lying in wait for that to happen now. She said if you ask 100 doctors half would be concerned half wouldn't. So whatever that means. While in the ER they called my surgeon and he wants me to come in this coming week for an EGD. It's about time! I left there with carafate. Since leaving last night I am now to the point of vomiting for real. It's not just nausea. I've got the saliva going crazy, heart racing etc going on and it's takes everything I've got to not do it. It's happened several times. I've taking 2 doses of the carafate. I don't know if it doesn't anything or not. I also got some pedilyte popcicles. I tried to eat one earlier. I'm just trying to get fluids in. It makes it harder now that I am on the verge of throwing up. As for my husband and his stupid comments. He's an alcoholic so that doesn't make anything easy. He keeps drinking because he's worried about me he says. How dumb is that? I need him to get his act together and at least take care of our youngest. His mom isn't a reliable source of help and my kids aren't allowed over at my parents house anymore. (Long story but my brother was inappropriately touching our daughter and that's still under investigation.) I am having a lot of problems financially or I'd hire a babysitter. I feel like I have one issue after another and I just need something to go right. I need my health more than I need anything. So here's to hoping this gets better very soon. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was also advised to wait one year but that advice came from the dietitian. In my post-op diet class I was told to be very careful about consuming alcohol because post-Bariatric patients had less stomach to absorb the alcohol. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Couple more factors that may disrupt weight loss: 1. Alcohol 2. Thyroid disease: undiagnosed, not treated properly

Our plan says never, citing statistics that Bariatric surgery patients who continue to drink have a 8-10x greater percentage chance to develop cirrhosis of the liver than the general population.That's interesting. I've never heard that. Could you provide me with the reference?The specific wording in our manual is "*the bariatric center* has a policy never to recommend alcohol consumption after any bariatric procedure. Eighty percent of the alcohol you ingest will go as a toxin to the liver resulting in a higher level of intoxication and more liver damage." The 8-10x increase in cirrhosis was listed on the presentation slide, of which I unfortunately do not have a hard copy of. (hopefully it's not something they pulled out of their @$$, they are supposed to be reputable...) The only research I could find was about patients who had cirrhosis before surgery. I found one little sentence that said bypass patients should avoid alcohol since their duodenum is bypassed but nothing about sleevers. Of course there is NO nutritional value to alcohol so it shouldn't be regularly consumed but I think the occasional drink can still be enjoyed. Then again, every surgeon has different rules so it is always best to follow your surgeon's rules! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I consulted two surgeons prior to having my sleeve surgery. I was actually in two different programs for 2 months each. The first surgeon was very strict on everything. He spoke in terms of "never" in regards to carbonated drinks, alcohol, certain medications and etc. He was also in the first 5 years of his practice in bariatrics after being a general surgeon for much longer. The second surgeon who I actually used...was further along in his experience with bariatric surgery. He also was very clear on certain aspects but also left certain things open for me to test and evaluate.

Our plan says never, citing statistics that Bariatric surgery patients who continue to drink have a 8-10x greater percentage chance to develop cirrhosis of the liver than the general population. That's interesting. I've never heard that. Could you provide me with the reference? The specific wording in our manual is "*the bariatric center* has a policy never to recommend alcohol consumption after any bariatric procedure. Eighty percent of the alcohol you ingest will go as a toxin to the liver resulting in a higher level of intoxication and more liver damage." The 8-10x increase in cirrhosis was listed on the presentation slide, of which I unfortunately do not have a hard copy of. (hopefully it's not something they pulled out of their @$$, they are supposed to be reputable...)

I waited about six months and found out shortly that my tolerance was two drinks tops. I'm a year out and still haven't had a beer. I would avoid carbonation and alcohol for at least six months. Just remember everything in moderation. Alcohol has no nutritional value, so it is best to avoid it if you can.

I tried to wait until I felt my sleeve was completely healed before I introduced alcohol. I believe it was around 4 months. Even then it burned like fire so I didn't try again for a while. I also did not want to take in the extra calories while I was losing weight. Try to make the most of your first year when you are able to lose the most weight and avoid drinking your calories (besides Protein drinks, of course). Two years out it still burns when it hits an empty stomach so I've learned to have a small snack before drinking. I also learned I have a two drink limit now. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was allowed alcohol by my surgeon pretty quickly post-op and drink 1-2 x a week generally. This didn't happen at first, but as I've lost weight further out from surgery alcohol hits me much more quickly than it did pre-op. It also wears off quickly, but yeah I'm pretty loose after just 1 drink. I consider it a blessing - less calories and less $$! If you are allowed to progress to include alcohol just make sure you're conscious of how it fits into your daily protein/calories consumption and make smart choices.

When does your surgeon allow it? They are all different. Best to get past those cravings. I had wine after 6 weeks. I was fine. However, alcohol has empty calories and turns to sugar so drinking will impact your weightloss.

How soon was any of you capable of consuming alcohol Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

for the drinking - you absorb faster because there isn't as much volume of stomach fluid diluting it and also you typically aren't eating while drinking anymore. The alcohol is already a liquid so there isn't any wait for it to dissolve to become available for absorption.

@@rose1504 Greetings from an ex Sydney person, now in Queensland. How much Protein daily do you eat (in grams)? How much Water do you drink? How many Carbs do you consume, and are these healthy carbs like fruit and vegetables, or unhealthy/sugary/processed ones? How big are your portions per meal? Do you drink alcohol? Yes, MyFitnessPal is great to keep track of the food/drink consumed daily. Once it is set up and programmed correctly, it is very easy to use. My Dietician gave me percentages of my Daily Goals re: Proteins, Carbs, Fats and Calories. Yes, as mentioned above, a visit to a Bariatric Dietician would be good, to discuss your situation and make goals and food plans. Good Luck!

I'm six years out. It took me a year and a half to lose 107 pounds, now I'm down 124 pounds from my surgery weight. I was a slow loser, and it was a frustrating process at times. I had a child post op, and lost that weight, too. I do not fear regain. I'm so small now that I work to keep weight on. I'm still not hungry. Emotionally, it was a difficult adjustment. It took a few years to realize I was normal. I've been in therapy for a long time. I had a lot of issues to work on, and depression set in when I had to acknowledge that it wasn't my weight that had been making me unhappy - my weight was a sign of my unhappiness. But I'm in a much, much better place now than I've ever been, mentally and physically. I was finally diagnosed with mental problems I'd been suffering from my whole life. I never would have gotten help, because I'd been medicating with food and alcohol. When my sleeve took the ability to do that away, I had no choice but to reach out. As for what I wish I'd known? I'm on B12 and a PPI. No biggie, but I had no idea they'd be forever. My diabetes is gone, so I consider it a win! I just turned 36, and I feel like I got a chance to live a life due to my surgery. I'd never, ever take it back. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I'd suggest hitting an Overeaters Anonymous meeting - just look them up online. food addiction, like alcohol addiction, can be cured through a 12 step program. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

After 4 years of (almost) nothing dating-wise and having my self-confidence completely shattered by my only ex-girlfriend (3years and a half of relationship), I have remet a girl again at my university (had to skip it half a year due to health and depression stuffs), she was surprised to see me since I had gone without giving anyone much news and that I barely ever checked my facebook stuffs. So basically, she added me on facebook on the very same day and talked to me on a daily basis, at first I was not answering much but she would always try to restart the conversation with questions, or jokes or pictures or gifs. I hadn't received this much messages in a while so yeah I chatted more and more and she invited me to some events I unfortunately could not attend to, making more and more hints she would like to see me. At one point, she invited me to some halloween party, on that day I had to go back to university for some exam (it's 50minutes away by train, Belgium is a small country so many students don't actually live on campus but travel from home to uni every day), so yeah I accepted her invitation even though I only just knew her and none of her friends. The party went on well, my bad, I got a bit drunk on red wine (stomach regrets in the morning) and so was she. Everyone was pissed off, only her and I were still in acceptable conditions and she absolutely wanted to go to some club, I drunkenly told her I hated those and hated dancing (I am a joyful fella am I not), but she still dragged me there and after a while she kissed me and it went on for a while before we went back to her place and fell asleep like garbage because of the tiredness (studying for the exam almost all night+alcohol). Anyway, I had to leave really early in the morning because I promised a friend I would help him move out, so I went away before she awoke and later during the day she called me to say she was sorry she was a bit drunk and that she didn't even hear me leaving. Of course, what happened didn't leave me cold (don't know if it's a thing to say in English, my bad) and in the conversation I asked her if we could see each other in a while again, she said yes but that she also said she was not usually as demonstrative as she had been (but she also stated she really enjoyed the whole party) and that it could be nice to get to know each other better. So I went back next Friday, we were just the two of us, and it was indeed way more quiet, we went to the cinema, walked around and had a drink and nice talks, the evening ended and we parted ways also knowing I would not see her for a while since she had a placement for university nearby the German border and that she would have a lot of work to do. So far so good, we still talked on facebook and agreed to meet up on a Friday again to an art expo in Brussels. But of course, two days before the expo, she didn't reply much anymore (which I can understand because placements in Belgian high schools are no fun and you get shit tons of work, I have been through there) and cancelled the plan in the morning claiming indeed she had much work to do. I tried to take some news, asking if help was needed with her work, but I only get some small sentences back and "seen", so I didn't send anything anymore and didn't receive anything either for a few days now. Of course she is probably overflooded with work, but she already was when she was talking to me a lot and it leaves me kinda sad wondering what I did wrong or if there is actually anything wrong with me or why you would give someone attention and then just ignore the shit out of them. I kinda am sad/angry with myself at the moment because I had been an emotional wreck for a long time: the death of my dad when I was 16 from a very long brain cancer followed by a very bad break up with my ex alongside with financial difficulties because my mom lost her job with three kids in charge and massive gain weight has made me as a very closed and cynical person always using self-deprecating humor. And now that I am fit again and that people actually tell me I look "handsome", that I look like a new person, that I got back on track with studies and that I am looking for work, I truly thought my confidence was back on again. But that such a silly event (two dates and no more answers must've happened to tons of people) is actually able to open some emotional wounds so easily and makes question myself so badly leads me to wonder if dating is actually made for me. I wish I was not overreacting so much and I also wish I didn't write an actual book about my life on a bariatric surgery forum but the whole thing actually kinda haunts me and right now. I actually wish I didn't take a step outside of my shell. Congrats to anyone that was able to go through this uncoherent mess (English is not my native language ) of raw emotions, don't know what else to add... Cheers everyone.

Good Luck to you. I'm 1 year 11 months post op. I weighed 410. Now I weigh 245. Walking will be easier when you lose more weight. I could barely walk a 1/2 mile. Now I walk 4-5 every day. I also lift weights at the gym 3 days a week. That has increased my metabolism & really has helped me. I eat grilled chicken & fish daily. Lots of vegetables & salads. No fast food, alcohol, fried food, sweets, bread, sodas, or Pasta. It's tough at first especially when you're used to double cheeseburgers & large fry. I don't miss that now. You get used to it & you will love the new you. I drink Premiere Protein shakes for my Breakfast for 2 years now. Drink whatever works for you. 1 year from now you'll be amazed at your results. I still have 45 lbs to go. Hopefully I'll get there by Summer. Good Luck to you Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So, mix a lifelong social anxiety with serious body issues and you get a recently sleeved 30 year old with near-zero dating experience. But I'm 30, lonely, looking pretty good, so I want to see if I can find somebody. How does dating work these days? What's it like to date after having surgery? How do you answer first-date questions like "Is that all you're eating" and "Why don't you drink alcohol?" Anyone have any advice in general? Thx.