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Yes - number one is to check with your own medical team, and not anybody else's. Philosophies and rationales vary all over the map with different surgical programs depending upon their own background and experiences. With my doc, it is no alcohol at all as long as we are losing weight - it's a liver health issue (our livers are usually in poor shape to start with from our obesity, and are further taxed with their job in metabolizing the fat that we are losing and they don't need the extra load of metabolizing the alcohol.) Overall, this is one of the many "when can I..." (drink, eat pizza, Cookies, cake, lattes, etc. etc. etc.) that we see where the first question should be "why is it that important to me?" and how does that desire relate to the condition that has got you into WLS? Can you enjoy a birthday without drinking or cake once? Do you need to have pizza with your kid's little league team after the game (instead of something more WLS friendly)? That's not to say the we can never drink or have cake or pizza, but it these things are no longer all that important to us, then we are much better able to tolerate them when they may be appropriate due to various social situations and not be as vulnerable to their addictive qualities.

As @@con con referenced, this topic has been covered many times over (not as much as stalls, though!). All sides have been debated at length. Do a search on here for "alcohol" and you will discover dozens of opinions, experiences, and words of advice about postop alcohol consumption.

I have a question, the doc said no alcohol for 1 yr and others say 6 mo and sooner. What does it do to you (besides get you drunk).

makes you fat! Empty calories!! Alex has posted on here several times about how high alcoholism becomes in RNY patients. Im sure there are more but that seems to be enough for me!

Lucky! I just had my 3 month check up and labs and I am low in Iron, D3, Calcium, Protein, B1 and B12! Taking supplements of all of them except the B1 and B12 and I am taking injections of those. Funny because the B1 is usually related to alcoholism but I don't even drink! These are all reasons why I've been feeling so crappy lately though...really fatigued!

Some surgeons will state you should not drink any alcohol as it is empty calories. My surgeon states this but as I dont drink it never bothered me.

If you don't drink any for 3 months.......then it's true. It appears everything just sorta depends on your tolerance for it. Some can, some can't. Some docs allow it, some don't. With alcohol, I believe there is typically more concern about sliding into an alcohol addiction, as a substitute for food addictions.

I found the book The End Of Overeating really useful. Dr. K. points out that it's not 100% willpower, and those who try to depend on willpower alone likely fail at getting control of their eating. Sugar salt, and fats affect us neurologically, and are as addictive as tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. I write a bit about it on my blog but this is the link to Amazon. I did search and find it at my library, as an ebook, as well. We can't do it alone and asking for help is the intelligent thing to do! Hang in there!!

Surgery is one week away, thank goodness, and hurricane Matthew is approaching on FL coast's. Not having to evacuate, but usually, drink during these type of events. No alcohol this time. Staying on track. Ready to get this done and move on. Did not have to worry about getting perishables because have Protein shakes for pre-op. Btw, does anybody else suffer with gi problems from the unjury shakes? I have never been lactose intolerant before, but do not really drink milk either before. Anyway thanks for letting me vent. Hoping me to get some rest before the storm lands. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The first few weeks drinking any liquid has to be slow and careful, you are healing and this takes time. I am nearly 3 months out and can take pretty good sized gulps now. Prior to surgery, I really worried about how in the heck will I eat without drinking liquids? - but it was mostly all in my head, it's not that big of a deal, and I drink up to 15 minutes before eating solid food. The first few weeks before solids don't worry about that rule of waiting - you will need every ounce of liquids you can get down. I had one sip of champagne on NYE and it was fine. I also had half a glass of wine a week ago and it was also fine. I am however not much of a drinker anyway, and it isn't a lifestyle to aspire to when getting healthy is your goal. YOU have to decide what is most important to your well being - food and alcohol or the chance to have a healthy body that will support you for years to come. We all have the fear of the unknown, don't let that keep you from making important decisions.

On my plan sugar alcohols do NOT count. The way it was explained to me is that they're from artificial sweeteners and therefore do not spike blood sugar as much.

Hi JRT Mom, my first set of ulcers were related to H Pylori. This time around they tested for H Pylori but it was negative. I don’t use a lot of NSAIDS so I’m not really sure what the culprit is. I had my gallbladder removed shortly after I was told I had Ulcers in 2011 (sludge). The MRICP revealed no pancreatic or duct complications but it did reveal I have Hepatic Steatosis (non alcoholic fatty liver disease). In 43 and so finding this out was a shock & that is why I have really decided I need to do something about my weight. I’ve already been told my cholesterol was high and was diagnosed with Hashimotos Hypothyroid about 2 years ago. I will definitely make an appointment with my gastroenterologist to discuss bariatric surgery and to get his input.

I was able to.get mine off with rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball. I just had to rub really hard. Good luck.

No need to stress about the psych eval. The doctor I saw started out by just talking to me and asking general questions about my health and weight in the past, why I was considering surgery now, and other questions to see if I understood the process and was knowledgeable about the surgery. Then I had to do 3 questionnaires. They were just to make sure that there are no underlying psych issues that were causing me to be overweight such as food dependency and other issues like alcoholism that may become worse after surgery. I was told that it wouldn't keep me from having surgery but would let them know if I needed his assistance after surgery to work through issues that could potentially be problems. Best wishes and good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sorry to hear this. Have you always had trouble with alcohol or just since you got sleeved? I know someone who hated drinking but after she had gastric bypass she is now raging alcoholic.

One of my co-workers that got sleeved was having the same problem and she wasn't losing any weight. She decided to start over with her doctors post-op instructions. She is losing again and has cut out alcohol. She looks great! Good luck to you!!!!!

How long before your doctor ok'd you to have alcohol? Mine is very strict, no booze what so ever for the first year. I had to sign a contract.

My surgeon also recommends no alcohol at all after surgery.

Different drinks make me feel differently when I have them. A cold coffee or a drink like milkshake or something thick ( ie Protein shake) I am full for a while. Water, I use to help curb my cravings ( ie sweets) like the person said above because we can't eat until 30 minutes after drinking, when I am craving something or think I am hungry I drink water and wait to see how I feel. This really helps with my sweet tooth. Carbonated drinks, help me when I am head hungry. The carbonation makes me feel full and bloated and then I have no desire to eat. Alcoholic drinks, don't make me feel hungry or full but do cause me to graze while eating ( Koreans serve food and drink together, maybe why they can drink so much)

I am a year out next month and I am desparately trying to kick my ass exercising. That is my downfault. I know I can do this but I need to stop drinking too much alcohol for one thing! You can do this. Just recommit, get a fill and get back on the treadmill. One day at a time.

So today is 3 weeks post op date. I am very glad that I am feeling better every week. The pain from the incision in the right side muscle was almost unbearable the first week and now it only bothers me when sitting too long. I am totally used to burping in-between bites..lol.... not something I ever thought I would be comfrtable with, but it has to be done or food gets stuck. I had a bad weekend of trying new foods, and all feeling stuck. As for the weight loss.... well I feel that I am a slow loser? I can see that lots of people have twice the success as me. I lost 9lbs the first week and 4 since then, nothign since last friday tho. I know that 12lbs is still something to be happy about. I could not even button my pants after surgery because of the iv fluids and gas inside me so at least I feel that I am fitting into my pants with ease. I know that 12lbs in 3 weeks is something I would not have done on my own. I also know that not drinking alcohol or eating late night Snacks would still be happening if I did not have this surgery. It is a shame I could not have adopted this mind set before, as I am still always hungry, so I have been cranky. The worst for me right now is the moods! I am hungry... my dr says it is gas, and ummmmm noooooo it is hunger!! so I am depressed not to be able to fullfill that emtiona need sometimes, and then angry cause I am hungry and feel pain when I eat most of the time, so then angry for putting myself in the position of being so over weight that I had to have surgery and then I feel sad that I have so many restrictions which make it hard to enjoy being out with friends and family as we used to. I am glad I made the choice to do something for me that will help change my life because I know that a year from now i will see this was all worth it. good luck to all on your journey.

My NUT advised not drinking alcohol for a t least 6 mths. She also said if I was determined to drink, to drink what I call "hard liquor" mixed in something non carbonated. Remember, your tolerance level will have changed deamaticlly also. If you do decide to drink, be extremely careful.

If your doctor doesn't have you on a pre-op diet that excludes it, then go ahead and enjoy! My doctor did not have any rules regarding cutting out alcohol before surgery.

If you saw one of my earlier posts asking the removal of the drainage tube and how that felt, surprisingly that was the biggest thing I was concerend with in this surgery; not the possibility of risks, not the posibility of no weight loss. Had my surgery on Tuesday morning. Took the nurses quite a while to find find a vein to start the IV. The told me that most overweight people have this problem so I shouldn't worry. I was little upset because I drank so many Clear liquids the two days up to it and still they had problems. The IV going in hurt like a MOFO. I can't stand needles at all, or any kind of pain. I'm a 32 year old male that screams when I see a tiny spider in a corner. Yea, figure that one out. Then came time for the surgery, I actually started to cry as the nurse came in and said the doctor is ready. I was crying because it was finally happening - all the waiting, insurance approval, 2 week Protein diet, everything had come down to this. I remember going into the OR and they moved me from my bed to the operating bed. The anestesiologist put an oxyegen mask on me and said to take some deep breaths and that I should start to feel sleepy soon. I vaguely remember having my arms and legs strapped in? But that might have been my imagination. I also remember there were two attractive nurses in the room with me, and then I zonked out. Next thing I'm waking up and the anestesiologist is talking to me, saying things like "Jason...can you hear me?" "Jason, are you awake?" I'm rolling around in the bed all groggy, not really in pain or discomfort, but just trying to figure out what the hell is going on. He asked me what I remember and I said the oxygen bit and that there were 2 hot nurses in the room and he laughed and said "That's why I keep coming back!" He asked if there was any chest/shoulder pain and I said no. The first few hours of the surgery were the worst. My abdominal muscles were tight as hell, and I kept dosing in and out of sleep for the next 6 or so hours. By the evening the nurses were getting me up and having me walk to the bathroom to see my urinary output. Some of my friends visited me which was nice. I had an extremely hard time falling asleep that first night - strange hospital, only 12 channels on TV with stupid shows and infomercials, pain for the most part was non existent because I was on a comination of tylenol drips and morphine. The next morning they did the final blood draw, had me do my barium exam and I was discharged. I've got to say, before I continue, the nursing staff and the surgeon, as well as the anestesiologist were of the highest professionalism, care and bedside manner. I could not have asked for a better team. In fact, overnight I was the only one in recovery and I had both nurses to myself! Then I was being discharged. My dad was driving my car, and I rarely ride passenger, I'm normally the driver. His driving has always made me groan a bit because he just doesn't drive like me....I'm a little more agressive. I started to get naseaus right away and thought, am I having motion sickness? Getting in the car hurt like hell, bending those adominal muscles as well as getting out. My parents let me stay with them for a few days to recover and immediately I decided to lie down. I slept hard for about 2 hours. Here is an outline of the pain/discomfort I have had since surgery - Surgery day - Not much because of the morphine and tylenol drip Day after surgery - Not much until I got home. Sipped on a Protein shake and took another 2 hour nap. As I was sitting up I started to feel naseaus and there went the protein shake. It was dark in the room and I thought for a second I vomitted blood. Thankfully is just a light brown color reminiscent of when I drank too much alcohol and bile would come up. Called my surgeon to let me know and they said that was common after surgery but not to worry. Started feeling sharp pains in left shoulder/chest area. Worried I had a leak. Thursday - Off and on discomfort - still feeling sharp pains in left shoulder. Occassional naseau. Friday - Off and on discomfort - still sharp pains. Went to surgeon for first followup to get the drainage tube removed. Ok, I'm going to digress here, but that was the most unfomfortable, oddest, strangest sensations I have ever experienced. It was quick, but honestly felt like he was rummaging around my organs. I pray I never have to feel that experience ever again. Sharp pain in chest IMMEDIATELY went away. Who knew it was the drain causing it??? Saturday - I took 2-1 hour naps today, much imrovement from the days before. Had a lot more energy. Very, very little abdominal discomfort, only when changing positions from seated to standing, laying to standing, standing to seated etc. It's not as bad as it nearly was. Either I'm getting used to the pain, or the muscles are finally healing. Now here is a diary of my liquid/protein intake - Day after surgery - Got 30 ounces of liquid...if I was lucky. The one protein shake of 13g of protein was lost when I vomitted up. Thursday - Got around 30 ounces of liquid. Finished one protein shake for 13g. It is so difficult to get in the required 64oz and 45g for the first five days. Friday - Got around 40 ounces of liquid. Finished one and a half protein shake for 20g with skim milk in both, so around 25g of protein. Told the surgeon I would like to extend the liquid diet past day 4, as he had originally planned, because I want to make sure I'm up to 64oz liquid and 45g protein before moving to stage 2. He said I can stay as long as I want on each stage, just don't end it early. Saturday - Got around 55 ounces of liquid. Had Jello, half cup skim milk, popsicle, about 30g of protein. I'm getting there. Tomorrow, Sunday, I should be starting the 2nd stage of purreed foods. But I don't want to yet, I really want to get up to the 64 oz of liquid and 45g of protein for a solid 4 days in a row before I got to stage 2. I owe it to my new stomach to get used to all liquids and actually completing a stage before moving on to another. Plus, I think in the long run that will help to heal my stomach better than by forcing myself onto a new stage when my stomach isn't ready it. Each day gets better, and I'm hoping I can get the 64 ounces of liquid and 45 grams of protein tomorrow for my first official day at that mark..... .....as much as applesauce, cottage cheese, and refried Beans sound right about now! LOL For everyone that has said it before, as soon as that drainage tube was removed, so much discomfort IMMEDIATELY went away. My only concern is right now I'm developing a cold, and my ears are popping and I have a slight cough. I am sure this is due to not eating and staying hydrated. I am taking my required multi-vatamins and supplements daily. Finally, I have not had any stomach or head hunger. I'm watching tv and I will see commercials for Steak and Shake or donuts and think, "Hmmm, I remember how good those tasted" but I am very happy with the decision I made. The hardest thing for me is just sipping ice cold Water, because I'm so used to chugging ice cold water, especially when I'm thirsty.

I eat the Stoneyfield Plain Greek Yogurt and add splenda and vanilla extract for flavor. You can subtract the fiber and the sugar alcohols from the carb count. I manage to keep mine between 20-40 a day most days. I eat alot of spicy pork rinds for the crunch factor! They are my chips and they are awesome with just about everything (except yogurt - lol) I manage to get about 80-100 grams of Protein a day. I do add some unflavored Protein Powder to my coffee and sometimes to my Propel Zero Water to bump up my intake. If you aren't on My Fitness Pal think about joining it and getting friends because you can view their food diaries each day and get ideas of the different kinds of foods they eat that are low in carb and get an idea of how others are doing it.