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pain after surgery from day 1 to 2 weeks out? (i had very little pain with insert and removal of band keyhole) I had very little pain. I took no pain medicines after I left the operating room. It is important to do around 30 minutes of walking daily before surgery. It helps to manage pain (mostly from gas) and speed up the recovery process. *how hard is it really to drink and what makes it so hard (the feeling that makes it hard i.e too full?) After surgery, my taste buds changed significantly. I couldn't even drink the Water it the hospital because it tasted very chlorinated. I found I could tolerate flavored water so I stuck with Crystal Light after surgery. *how hard is it to take pills if you have to? After surgery I found that I could no longer swallow medium to large size pills. This condition lasted for around 2 months. I used pill splitters and pill crushers on my Vitamins. *when transitioning through each food stage which foods will cause this dreaded dumping? After RNY gastric bypass surgery the part of your stomach that process fats and sugars has been cut away. So therefore if you consume these, they can be dumped into your intestines that do not know what to do with these. Also solid foods such as steak and chicken can cause dumping. Also if you eat more than you new stomach can hold, that can lead to dumping. Think of dumping as a learning tool. Your stomach will quickly teach you what you can and cannot do. *once you have lost weight to your goal and even heading up to it can you ever eat treats or the food you used to like in small quantities? I have a major sweet tooth. This is how I gained so much weight. After Weight Loss phase when I transitioned into the Maintenance phase, I have to be very careful to limit my intake of sugar otherwise I will gain the weight back. Fortunately there are many alternatives such as low calorie natural sugars (stevia) and artificial sweeteners (Splenda, sugar alcohols) that satisfy my sweet tooth and many of these are being integrated into the foods that we buy in the grocery store.

Try these things: Always have crystal lite, tea or Water in your hand. Drink 64 oz a day No or very little Pasta, rice, bread, potatoes At least 60 grams of lean Protein a day (some can be from a Protein shake with less than 5 grams carb and sugar per serving) Exercise--it curbs appetite Don't eat in front of the TV Pay attention to portions Don't buy junk food at all and no fast food Never go grocery shopping when you're hungry Eat 3 meals a day with protein Snacks in between (but don't graze all day) Get a good night's sleep Take a Multivitamin every day Avoid coffee and alcohol (stimulates appetite) See my blog (link below) for some pre-op tips. If you blow it one day, start fresh in the morning and move on. It's a new day.

i had a great surgery. i had to stay overnight at the hospital per doctors orders. i had very little pain and none of the gas pain or shoulder pain that some people talk about. the only real hang up that i had was that i was tired, so naps were definetly helpful. i work full time and go to school full time...i ended up taking about 3 weeks off from work...i could have gone back sooner, but was fortunate enough to be able to take the time off. i ended up having to drop down to half time in school. for me all of the changes in my body and then going back to work and starting school all at once was a little too much for me. i had never dropped a class in my life so it was a big struggle for me to drop them...mentally i just could not handle it. as for going out to eat and drinking...i can stll do that. there's just certain things i know i can eat without having any sort of problem so i just stick with that...for me it's salad. at first it was kinda hard, you don't want to order salad when everyone else is having steak and lasagna. but i know when i order salad that i will be able to sit at the table and enjoy the conversation and the company of your friends. i always order Water with my meal to feel a little bit normal. i've drank alcohol only a few time but have had no problems with it...however, i'm not a big drinker so i can't say that i really drink that much. so when you go out just make sure that you stick with things that you know you can eat and that have some sort of nutritional value and then you can still enjoy the experience.

HAHA bowels will explode hahahahahahaha. Yes sugar free hello and sugar free popsicles although the popsicles have 2g of sugar alcohol (i hope its not the same as sugar?)

Not sure what happened to my first reply but sounds like your mom wants the best for you but she is talking from her fears. You just stay focused on your own reasons for your decision and u will be fine. As for the alcohol addiction, here's a sidebar: my therapist told me that cross addictions are not uncommon in bariatric patients because they can transfer their food addiction to something else like shopping, alcohol or gambling. In other words, we all need to have stuff worked out before we get the surgery. Wish you the best! Keep your eye on the prize!

Sorry to hear that. I applaud you for going ahead and making yourself healthy regardless. On some level, your Mom has to know this isn't right. Any chance she would go to Al Anon and see a nutritionist to get back on track? If her alcohol issues were under control, her real self would show itself and, I imagine she would be supportive of you.

Hi there and welcome ! ! ! As for the alcohol, I was restricted for 3 months. Sodas were out for 6 months, and heavy lifting (anything over 10lbs) was restricted for 6 weeks. Normal working out could resume at 6 weeks out. As for the pills, I was allowed to swallow pills no bigger than a regular m&m around 4 weeks out. You'll want to remember that with alcohol comes some dehydration and immediately post-op, you might struggle to get in fluids. That goes for night clubbing, dancing etc. You'll just want to make sure you're hitting your calorie/protein/fluid goals to ensure success. Just play smart, and you'll be fine.

I was allowed alcohol (1 drink once in a while) after 2 months. I used to be a party girl myself, the first time I went out after surgery i managed 2 cocktails (cosmos I think) and I'll have a drink every now and again, mostly diet coke with rum or vodka (lower calories) but as Julie said beware, because they are empty calories! I completely lost mu taste for wine (red, white even rose which I used to love!) I do hope i get to love my wine again!

I love shrimp. Then one Christmas eve my evil mother in law made her usual shrimp and i got itchy and ad just some minoe trouble breathing that benedryl took care of. Now i haveheard that after sleeving many folks seem to feel the effect of alcohol is increased. Does anyone know if food allergies will be enhanced as well? If so should i avoid them or go eat a shrimp cocktail in my docs waiting room.

Hi Everyone out there, What prompted me to write this was a wonderful lady named “Kathy”. She spurred some thoughts that I have going around in my head. First of all a big thank you to Kathy for what she said and the very nice compliment about my writing style and the things I have to say. She said they have helped her go forward to make some appointments to check out having WLS. For most of us we didn’t overeat because we were hungry. We ate for a thousand different reasons, and they were mostly emotional reasons. We have so many issues or problems in our life and have turned to food for comfort. The range is so wide, self-esteem, addictions, to food, drugs, alcohol. Our hearts and souls have deep emotional scares for various reason, we cared more for the food than we cared about ourselves. Food was or is our comfort and it was easy to hide behind being fat. For some they have been sexually or emotionally abused and the food was the one thing that we could control and NO one could stop us. Kathy said something that really stood out in my mind; and that was we were slowing killing ourselves with a “fork”. That is so true. So what will it take to motivate you to love and care for yourself enough to STOP this cycle? We do have a disease also called obesity. If we had any other disease we wouldn’t think twice about having surgery for it, we would do it because a doctor would tell us it will save your life. For some it will take some therapy, to heal enough to turn their life around. What you look like on the outside is usually not who you are on the inside where it really matters. There are so many people who love and care about you. I want you to take your power back and take the steps to move forward past the pain you feel. I never said it was easy, but you are worth all the efforts it will take. You are unique, and special. There is ONLY one of you, and you are here on earth for a purpose, and a reason. Take that giant leap forward and consider having the WLS to change your entire life forever. You have earned the right to be everything you could ever want to be. Shed the fat and let that inter person inside of you out. Look at all the possibilities and pick the right one for you. I will be the first one who will tell you, it will require work and effort on your part. WLS is your tool to use to achieve your healthy weight. Be proud of yourself for doing it. Only you can make this choice to change your life. The first time someone calls you “skinny” you will think are they talking about me? Yes, they are. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me. I had Weight Loss Surgery almost 4 years ago and Dr. Aceves in Mexicali was my doctor. I happen to think he is the very best doctor you could ever have for WLS. As a matter of fact Dr. Compos who is his partner has had VGS and so he knows all the things you have to go through to be healthy again. They are a terrific team, and when you have them, you have the BEST. Hugs, Suzanne Sleeved 10/21/2008 Lost 105 pounds

I am beyond amazed by the quality of care and service that is being provided to me by my care team. My journey started less than a month ago when I met with a new PCP, got referred to a weight loss clinic. since then I have started making lifestyle changes that will help me succeed in the future. I have stopped drinking alcohol (a big deal for me) and carbonated drinks! I had my group intro meeting Tuesday and met with a nurse practitioner and a nutritionist today all regarding my weight loss journey. Good news is, aside from being obese, there is absolutely nothing wrong with me. good blood work, perfect EKG, etc. Next step for me is a sleep study. I have never had one and I am not really looking forward to it. Also have appointments with a psychiatrist and physical therapist. It seems that Legacy Weight Management Institute has a real wonderful program that seems well thought-out. They strive to specifically tailor each surgery to each patient for best possible success. I am not required to lose any weight prior to surgery and have just started a 3 month medically supervised diet as required by my insurance. This is getting me really pumped up. I know I haven't been on here in a while, but I have the weekend off and plan to read a bunch of information.

I am new to this also. I have been tossing around the idea for a few years, while continuing with one failed diet after another. I decided this year is the year. I have just been approved by my insurance company and have my pulmonary and cardio clearance left to go. I believe I will be having surgery either right before Thanksgiving or right after. I am scared too! I feel like this has all happened so fast and I don't know what to expect. I know my eating habits will drastically change, but what about my day to day life? Will the surgery affect my digestion? How about alcohol consumption? How long does it take to get back to solid food? Will my skin "sag?" I really just need someone to give me a step by step description of the process! lol

Happy to report I made it through my big holiday party without cheating once. I drank crystal lite throughout and half way through I snuck to the kitchen for half a Protein shake. I think some people caught on to my alcohol free night and suspected pregnancy - but who cares. In other news I'm on day 13 of pre-op and a little disappointed with my weight loss so far. I feel like I eat nothing and should be losing more. Ill have to readjust my expectations I guess. My big meatball if you will is my self esteem. Even though I've lost 10 lbs so far, looking at my pictures from my holiday party makes me feel so gross. And low self esteem is not really helping my excitement (though that's a bit counterintuitive you would think it would boost my motivation.) It doesn't help that my fiancée and my few friends who know about surgery act like its a magic solution and I've already lost all the weight. Further I think being off my birth control pills and limited calories has been toying with my emotions. Any advice on keeping self esteem in check?

Hiya all, I'm new to here and just was wanting to make contact. I am insulin dependant diabetic with sever insulin resistance, I am 1 week away from rny surgery and on day 3 of the pre surgical prep. From what I have seen I don't really have much to moan about, as I am still able to eat actual food, but wondered..did anyone else have extreme cravings, headaches, insomnia, low mood, and agitation when doing the prep? Also did anyone feel just generally really unwell? It's only day 3 but it's kicking the hell out of me. I am able to have the following each day (which I know is more than most), but am worried that I am maybe eating a bit too much to shrink my liver, or that I am just getting it all wrong. The hospital have me the following diet: Breakfast - 1 weetabix Lunch- small portion of lean meat or fish, salad (no dressing), 2 crisp breads or a slice of bread Dinner- small portion of lean meat or fish, 3 small potatoes or 3 spoons of rice, vegetables 1/2 pint of skimmed milk per day (to be used in tea or coffee and my breakfast) A sugar free & fat free yoghurt No sauces no alcohol no fizzy drinks I had a hypo today I am currently 106kg, I weighed 122kg at the start of my journey 2 years ago. I have gone from a 44 inch trouser to a 34/36 inch. Am having the surgery for diabetes reasons not so much for weight loss. Thank you in advance for any replies xx Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The problem is the carbonation in beer which puts it off limits for good. Carbonation puts you at risk of stretching your pouch among other stuff. You CAN still have alcohol after surgery, but it would have to be wine or something non-carbonated, and it will hit you MUCH quicker than before, so be careful! I've been slowly saying goodbye to beer these past few months. I am submitting to insurance next month, so I know I will need to say goodbye to that and diet soda very, very soon. It's not a sad goodbye though...I'm ready for a new life

Nexium is a really good medication for acid reflux, but most insurances don't cover it. You can try getting Prilosec OTC, Aciphex, or Zantac. Acid reflux is really common. and if you cut out spicey foods, alcohol, chocolate it will minimize it! Good luck!

My PPC recommended that I have the band. Did my phyc & nutritional consults within 2 weeks and they gave me a positive report to the Dr. That was about 6 weeks ago. Finally Dr's office calls and schedules an "educational" visit for April ?? (forget). In the meantime, I have had mixed feelings. I am about 100 lbs overweight, but otherwise in pretty good health. I enjoy eating and alcohol, obviously too much. At the end of my nutritional consult she handed me a folder and said "This is the rest of your life". When I got home and read "The rest of my life", I said wow, do I really want to make this trip. On the other hand, I would like to be trim and fit, move easier, and have the ladies smile at me some more. I have longevity in my family. Grandparents -4 died in thier 90's, dad passed at 94, and mom is still with us @ 94, so maybe I should consider the quality of life issues if I am going to be here for the next 30 yrs or so. Comments appreciated - only positive ones, don't want to be brought down by negatives. Regards Hal

Everything gives me gas. It's a big problem. I think splenda gives me gas too. I know anything with sugar alcohol gives me gas worse than I ever thought was possible. Milk products definitely give me gas too. Like I said, it's a big embarrassing problem!

You can eat around a lap band, you can eat around gastric bypass. It happens. Slider foods, sugary drinks, too many carbs and alcohol are just come of the things that can contribute to regaining weight. I assume since you are here posting, you don't like what's happen and want to fix it. So my questions are, when was the last time you went to the doctor and got a fill? How full are you and what size band? If you haven't been to the doctor in the past six months, GO. Fluid levels in bands can decrease slightly over time; bands can sometimes leak. Get it all checked out, get a fill ... and get to work.

Hi all.... I had surgery Wednesday and I'm feeling better each day. I'm still a bit sore and bruised but actually going to go to the movies today....YAY!! My question is about sugar.... My Dr suggests sugar free puddings as a snack. I bought the Hunts sugar free chocolate. But I looked on the nutrition info and even though it said sugar zero and 70 calories it had a lot of sugar alcohol in it? What exactly is sugar alcohol and is that still "bad"? My goal is to not be on sugar and to be low carb but I don't think this pudding is low carb....any suggestions, advice or answers appreciated. Hope all of you are well.... Meg

Ideas for portable protein: cheese sticks greek yogurt Protein bars (be careful about ingredients, calories, carbs, sugar alcohols, etc.) hard boiled eggs protein shakes RTD (ready-to-drink) beef Jerky (again being careful about nitrates, sugar added, etc....I usually make my own) cottage cheese ( you can buy little individual cups or just use your own tupperware and fill it and keep it in a cold pack) I hope you actually get a BREAK ...you SHOULD be having a snack at 10am ...esp. if you are feeling hungry. I think they are legal rules that employers must follow in regards to working x number of hours and getting x number of breaks per hours worked. I think .5 hour lunch is fine, but then again I'm a contractor (I work for my former employer on a contract basis...no benefits, or legal lunch breaks, etc.) and I used to work 10 hour days and take only .5 hour lunch. It seemed like more than enough time. Now when I work, I never take a lunch break but hardly ever work more than 8 hours in a day. I eat at my desk, because my job is in front of a computer so it's not a big deal to eat and work at the same time. I don't take a lunch because I only get paid for the time worked, so I would rather get in, do my work and get out than take any type of unpaid break.

I drink pretty socially now. Didn't through my losing stage. It's wasted calories, and I wasn't going to deal with drinking over eating food to take a hit on the calories. If I wanted to drink, I wasn't willing to do the crystal light and vodka b.s. either, give me the fully fueled stuff or stick it. I was over 6 months out, but was released for alcohol around 3.5 months out. First time I drank, 1 glass of wine hit me hard and fast. Face numb, lips tingling, slurred speech it was a fabulous, however very short-lived drunken moment. I was sobered up within about 20-30 minutes. Had 2 more glasses of wine over a 3 hour period and was nicely buzzed. My tolerance is just the same as it was pre-op. I drink mixed drinks with soda, wine, shots, the only thing I don't drink is beer because I'm not a fan of the flavor. In my group of friends, I am that "afternoon cocktail" girl. A bellini here, a mojito there, a strawberry margarita here and there. It's what I do. I tie one on once or twice a month, and it's never negatively effected my loss. I do bloat up if I drink salty margaritas and mojitos, but a couple glasses of Water in the morning resolves the issue. Good news is that no matter how much I drink, or how drunk I get, I never hangovers anymore. I do drink with my meals especially if it's a glass of wine, and it's a way to cheat the sleeve. Alcohol relaxes the stomach muscle, and it allows for more food intake. I actually just sip the wine or rum/coke through a meal, and it doesn't hurt, or anything along those lines. All it does is soften the food, making it leave the stomach faster. So, it is 100% possible to sip through a meal. I do regularly now. There is a big difference between sipping through a meal, and taking big drinks through a meal. Also, I've never had to follow the "stop drinking XX minutes before eating" with the sleeve. We don't have a pouch, liquids go in, they go out. With pouches, Fluid hangs out and kind of has to leak out the stoma. We have a pyloric valve and liquids do not stay in the stomach thus NOT taking room that is valuable for food. I do try to follow the "not drinking for 30 minutes after eating" rule, but being below goal, in maintenance for almost a year, you kind of find things that work your body specifically. Personally, I sometimes just need a little liquid to wet my whistle during a meal especially Thai or Spicy Mexican food. So, those little sips aren't going to make me gain 140lbs back. I can't eat more than maybe 1-2 more ounces of food than if I don't sip during my meal. Plus, it hasn't changed my sleeve capacity, just like drinking soda for the last year hasn't changed my sleeve capacity regardless of what any surgeon says. Not one surgeon has been able to produce any studies showing any scientific evidence that soda will cause sleeve or even pouch stretching.

alcohol will do the trick!