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I eat carbs - but i choose them wisely. I don't have rice, pasta or white potatoes or white bread. All vegetables have carbs. and once I'm further out, I do plan to have whole grains like oatmeal or a half slice of whole grain bread occasionally. But binging on pasta and potatoes? Not in my plan and if I do it, I will consider that as a personal failure that day on my part and get right back on track. I know what trigger foods I have that I need to avoid because they will just cause me to want more. You seem so convinced that I will never be able to avoid binging on pasta - do you think every recovering alcoholic in AA is DESTINED to stay an alcoholic? Or is it possible to mature enough to know your issues and develop coping mechanisms to prevent going down that slippery slope again? If I wanted to continue to eat the way I had been, I personally wouldn't have gotten the surgery.

--eat before you go --don't have even one glass of bubbles -- not necessary to celebrate, and the first glass is enough to lower your judgment and inhibitions about what else to drink or eat --practice what you will say to people who are pressing you to eat or drink so that you say it fluidly and without having to think about it beforehand. Examples: no thank you no thank you, I'm good, sorry, I can't drink, doctor's orders sorry, I'm driving tonight, no alcohol for me no thank you, I don't eat that* You might be surprised how much fun you can have at these celebrations with family and friends when you *aren't* obsessing about food or alcohol or sweets. It's very freeing, and it's great to have the focus be on the people around you rather than whatever you are shoveling in your mouth. I eat before social events, and tell myself that if I see plain meat or green veggies offered, I can eat that, but everything else is simply a non-starter for me. That makes it easier -- no worrying, no stress. I remind myself that I am not going to starve to death if I don't eat for a couple of hours. And I have a great time! *note -- I have found that food pushers respond much better to "I don't eat that" than to "I can't eat that" or "I shouldn't eat that." You say either of those last two things and people will start arguing with you. "Why can't you eat that? You can eat just a little bit." "Yes you should! Just take a little bit, it's the holidays." But when I've said "I don't eat that" or "I don't eat that way" or "I don't eat that way anymore" people take me seriously and stop trying to push food on me. Good luck!

Good old-fashioned willpower? Aside from surgery, it's about the only weapon we have against the holidays. I was told not to even touch alcohol for a year post-surgery, so I won't be. I'll be staying away from sugary stuff because I don't want to get sick, and otherwise I think my stomach will enforce my portion control, so it'll just be about making good choices of what to eat, with a focus on protein.If you're not sure you can make good choices at these functions, my suggestion would be to eat just before you go.

Just an update for whoever wants to know: Sleeved on 3/28 - 6 months out as of 9/28. These are just my personal experiences, it may vary from individual to individual. Also, I do not know the long term effects, these are just the immediate effects. (please no judging, I am writing this to try to help people, not get berated) Weed: Same effect as pre-surgery. Still get high, but also still get the munchies. Make sure you do not give into temptation because you may overeat. I was a lightweight pre-surgery and still am after so not sure if quantity makes a difference. Coke/Molly/E: same effect as pre-surgery. Watch out for quantity. Your body will process this much quicker then before because of your smaller stomach. Be sure to stay hydrated. Do not need to worry about eating, because you will have no appetite. Alcohol: same effects as pre-surgery. Watch out for quantity at first. As you drink more, you may notice your tolerance will go up, not quite as much as pre-surgery. But I can go out and have 6 drinks easily without getting sick. I just end up tipsy/drunk depending on how fast I drank, how much Water I drank, or if I ate a few hours before drinking. Also what I drink - wine or mixed drinks. I stay away from beer and carbonated mixers. That still upsets my stomach. Cigarettes: same effects as pre-surgery. I quit then started up a couple months after surgery. Would not recommend smoking because it does more damage in the long term. Wish I would never have picked it up again. Hope this helps. Again, I just want to say I am not endorsing these behaviors, just sharing my experience.

If you feel that you can't stop drinking, then you have an alcohol problem. I would recommend talking to a professional so that you can determine a good path forward. Best wishes!

I've had a mixed bag. I told four people before my surgery (husband, mom, best friend, sister, and another close friend) and all were very supportive. I work from home, so I didn't have to worry about work. I see my co-workers once every 2-3 years if that. Afterwards, I didn't keep it from anyone. We are pretty social people. I live in Las Vegas and a good deal of our socializing revolves around bars and restaurants. Not bothered at all by not being able to drink alcohol or eat what I used to. But we've known most of the bartenders and servers for many years, so I didn't mind sharing with them why I couldn't have certain things. They have all been magnificent. The bar where I watch football every Saturday has even gone so far as adjusting anything I'd like on their menu and/or creating a special dish for me each week with my Protein needs in mind. I love them for that. A majority of my friends have been very supportive. One of the heavier ones was a little standoffish at first, but now that she sees a positive change in me, she's become highly supportive. Another heavier friend likes to throw in that I should have considered Plexus first. One of my thinner friends started out as supportive but now that I've dropped 30 pounds, she's been a little cool towards me. Overall I don't care what people think. Friends come and go. I am very happy with my decision for ME.

Regarding exercise, it doesn't need to be a long, grueling workout. Just go for daily walks, and start small and gradually lengthen them. Regarding the alcohol, I'd suggest seeking out a support group or counselor.

I would seek professional help from an alcohol treatment program or a therapist who deals with alcohol and bariatric. I've been a family member of alcoholic so it's a prospective of a loved one. In my psych evaluation the doctor said it's not uncommon for people to fall into or back into alcoholism after these types of surgery. Good Luck and I will pray for you to find your peace.

Hello there, I understand so well as alcohol has been my best buddy for years until 6 months ago when it almost broke my marriage. I was diagnosed with high bp when rushed to hospital and it turns out I have damaged my kidneys in the process. My husband loves drinking with me but we have stopped together and I have realised half tve reason I drank so much was that it helped me feel more confident and less fat. I've been off the booze for 2 months but bliped last week and my kidneys shut down again so no more booze for me. I'm having a sleeve done tomorrow and hope that this will make me friens with my body rather than a bottle. I hear you tvough. It's like losing a life long pal. Good luck and take it a day at a time but it's scary that at 35 I have done myself so much damage. Sent from my SM-A310F using the BariatricPal App

I've enjoyed my fair share of alcohol beverages before surgery but due to home issues and life I've started t drink a lot more and have gained at least 30 lbs back since my surgery approximately 4 years ago. I don't know what to do at this point and am not in a place where I feel not drinking is an option (i know this is so wrong) but I feel like I'm looking for permission to do something unhealthy like not eating or severely limit my calorie intake in order to resume the weight loss process. I'm feeling weak and not in control and I don't know what to do right now. I hate exercise and i know it's something I need to do but I can't push past my discomfort to do it. I dont know why because before surgery I actually did the work and lost 40 lbs on my own in 3 months. I don't feel like I eat any more that I used to but I keep gaining. I'm so sad because a I'm writing this I'm getting drunk. I feel like maybe my drinking is causing the weight gain ( since it's the only thing that I've really changed) but I don't feel like I'm in a head space to stop. Any advise would help. Thanks

I personally use unhurt. I am allergic to most the others because they sugar alcohols Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass. I strictly avoid processed sugars. I have a sweet tooth and that is one of the major causes that contributed to my weight gain over my lifetime. I limit myself to artificial sweeteners (such as Splenda and sugar alcohols), to natural low calorie sweeteners (such as Stevia) and to the natural sugars found in fruits and milk. I had diabetes. That went into remission when I left the hospital two days after surgery and I have not taken any diabetic medicine ever since and my blood sugar levels are good. I test my blood sugar levels periodically. I read the labels of all food that I consume. I look at the grams of sugar per serving. If it is above 5 grams, I look at the ingredients. The ingredients are listed in order by highest percentage, and if the first 5 ingredients contain processed sugar (in any of its many forms), then I avoid this food, like a plague. This is a list of sugars I avoid: Sucrose (table sugar), Fructose (honey), Dextrose, Maltose (malt sugar), corn syrup, corn solids, high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, evaporated cane sugar, molasses, corn sweeteners, brown sugar, barley malt, beet sugar, pure maple sugar and date sugar.

I believe, if you watch the fatty foods, and stop alcohol, your fatty liver problem will disappear. My friend also had it, he canged his ways a d all is good, normal liver now.???? Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

I work with a lady who is 6 years sleeved and still within 5kg of her goal weight. She eats well and enjoys the occasional alcoholic drink but really has a balanced life. She uses optifast to help get her back on track if she finds herself gaining weight.

I have a brewery I want to hit before I have my surgery. That is going to be my last alcohol for quite a long time. They have the most amazing Bourbon barrel aged beers there. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Why did you choose sleeve vs RNY? What protein shakes do you like? What is a good vitamin to take? What are your favorite purees? Help, I'm three weeks post-op and I've stopped losing weight! What should I take to the hospital? When can I go back to work? How can I prevent loose skin? If I take 50 million mcg of biotin every day and get all my protein in, can I prevent hair loss? When can I eat pizza/popcorn/birthday cake? When can I drink alcohol? When can I drink coffee and isn't it true that drinking coffee will leave you a dry, withered husk of a person with all your vital fluids sapped out of your body? Don't get me wrong -- I am not mad at anyone for asking these questions (though truth be told I wonder why people don't try a little harder sometimes to read up on things in advance and figure out they've all been asked many, many, many times before). It's more that I have been here a long time and don't feel like I have anything new or enlightening to add, and it's time for the newbies to get some practice answering the most frequently answered questions. Good luck y'all! I will stick around but will be trying to dial back my talkativeness.

Yea I suck I know. I went from food addiction to alcohol. Goes to my belly. I'm trying so hard to get a grip. Thanks for the responses lol Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

You have to do more exercises that tone muscle so you burn fat. Cut out the sweets, chocolate and chips. Your exercise routine should be at least 45 min cardio and 30 min weight training. Hope this helps. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Also cut out the cake, pie and alcohol. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Glad to find this forum and really appreciate all your feedbacks and support! Last couple of days that I found this forum, kept me busy to read most of the topics and feedbacks and really boosted my energy. I am 41 and in my 18 months post op period and started my journey at 209 lb and lost 50lb and presently at 159lb! I dropped size from 1X to 10 and wearing medium size but still what I see in my body is lots of fat specially on my hips and legs! My nutritionist says I've done very good but I think I should lose another 20 lb as I am not satisfied at all with my body right now! She said in August that I've lost 75% of my excess fat which she thinks it would be the max for me as my weight losing got very slow or non at this point! Do any of you have any suggestions for me that how I could start to lose some more weight? I do exercise but not that much! 30 minutes 3-4 day per week! I use to walk for an hour a day but she told me try to work on your muscles! I feel that I dont drink as much as most of you say 64oz, at my best maybe i drink 24 oz per day! I am on Protein but still take some carbs, max a toast in a day or half a toast and half a cup of rice and some sweets, like dark almond chocolate pieces and dry fruits and dates, sometimes a small piece of cake or pie! No juice or carbonated drink for 18 months, i dont drink with my food and dont eat soups, no potatoes, no pastas, sometimes few chips to satisfy my crunching craves! Alcohol small glass once in awhile (in 2-3 months)! Any suggestions will be appreciated as I think I am in need! I am getting so obsessed with my weight now and is kind of depressing! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I did low carb/high protein/high healthy fat during my six-month insurance-required diet program and lost 99 pounds pre-op. It was the best thing I ever did for myself. I re-established my relationship with food, and prepared myself mentally and physically for the demands the sleeve would bring post-op. I started at 397 taking in about 2000 calories per day. I whittled down to 1800 then 1500, and finally, 1200 for the last 3 months of it. I cut out alcohol completely, too. On the day of surgery, I weighed 298, and today (10 days post-op), I weigh 284. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Products that are sugar free using many forms of artificial sweeteners and also products using natural no calorie sweeteners such as stevia should be fine and should not cause dumping syndrome. I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass surgery. I strictly avoid processed sugars. I have a sweet tooth and that is one of the major causes that contributed to my weight gain over my lifetime. I limit myself to artificial sweeteners (such as Splenda and sugar alcohols), to natural low calorie sweeteners (such as Stevia) and to the natural sugars found in fruits and milk. I had diabetes. That went into remission when I left the hospital two days after surgery and I have not taken any diabetic medicine ever since and my blood sugar levels are good. I test my blood sugar levels periodically. I read the labels of all food that I consume. I look at the grams of sugar per serving. If it is above 5 grams, I look at the ingredients. The ingredients are listed in order by highest percentage, and if the first 5 ingredients contain processed sugar (in any of its many forms), then I avoid this food, like a plague. The sugars I avoid are sucrose (table sugar), fructose (honey), dextrose, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), cane juice, evaporated cane juice, agave, molasses, corn sweeteners, brown sugar, barley malt, beet sugar, and pure maple sugar.

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

You know that I could very much easily lie about everything you just asked me about. Right? Cuz answering those questions doesn’t prove anything really. But if I told you the truth, I got my lap band surgery in March 2015 in South Korea. Korea has different cultural views regarding weight so I was accepted as a lap band patient. I was in Korea because I was taking a semester off from college because my eating disorder was really causing me a lot of stress. I started out as 139. Believe it or not there are many patients much lighter than me who have gotten the bad. My surgeon takes extra care in making sure lighter patients lose weight extra slowly to not cause any harm to our health. I lost steadily at a rate of two pounds a month until I got to my lowest of 108 pounds. I came back to the states to finish my last semester of school. Because I don’t have a doctor in the states where I can get a fill, I got a slightly tighter fill than I would have gotten normally because I probably wasn’t gunna get another fill until next summer. Everything was smooth sailing after my surgery. Quality of life improved IMMENSELY. I was soooo happy with life, just feeling normal and in control of my life again. However, during labor day weekend I was in Michigan back home ( my school is in Chicago) and I was out having adrink with my friends. Some of my previous meal was still in my pouch so the alcohol that I drank wouldn’t go through. I started to salivate, get red in the face, tear up etc. so I had to go throw up. When I threw up, for the first time ever, I felt an extremely sharp pain in my stomach and I started to get rolling waves of intense pain all through that night. Now listen, I was back home just with my dad ( cuz my mom and brother were still in korea) and my dad DOES NOT know that I have gotten the lap band ( he would think that I am CRAZY). So I didn’t’ tell anyone and thought that the pain would subside the next day. I had to drive back to Chicago the next day for school. As I was driving back, the sharp pain intensified to a point where it was excruciating for me. I didn’t know what to do. I was 2 hours away from Chicago so I called a bariatric surgeon in Chicago (from google) and told him my situation. He told me to drive to the west suburban hospital near Chicago. So I drove two long hours where I was finally able to get my band completely drained. I still had pain so I had to spend the night at the hospital. The total of the bill that night was roughly 13000 dollars. The reason why I’m saying this is because I then realized that maintaining my band in the states was gunna be extremely difficult. What am I gunna do if this happened again? Get another 13000 dollar bill?!?? And fills in America are SOOO expensive. In korea a lap band fill is about 30 dollars with a free upper GI with every adjustment. You know that x ray thing where you drink barium and costs a fortune in America? Well that comes complimentary with your fill in korea. Because I travel back and forth from the states and korea at months and years at a time, I realized that the lap band will be not effective for me. And mostly I was scared that the pain would return from the band if I got it filled. Out of fear and desperation that my life would return to that out of control, binge-eating state, I have thought about getting the vsg. I talked with my surgeon back in Korea and surprisingly found out that a very small number of low bmi patients have gotten the vsg out of their own personal reasons as well. My surgeon explained to me that although we are very rare cases, that vsg has been successful and have also improved the quality of life for those who have gotten it. Anyways. I’m flying off to korea during thanksgiving break to have my band removed. After coming back to finish my finals for school, I’ll be flying off again in December and getting my sleeve on the 26th. The reason I posted this post was to hear some thoughts that experienced sleevers had because you can never do enough research about such an important decision like this one. The reason why I chose not to reveal the name of my surgeon is because I was afraid that ya’ll would look him up on google and write him terrible reviews and send him hate letters, because he REALLY doesn’t deserve that. He has been so compassionate and understanding about my situation that he realllyy doesn’t deserve any of the negativity. He is board certified. In fact he is considered one of the top bariatric surgeons in Korea, even a professor in the field of bariatrics at a prestigious university in South Korea. He is like a celebrity surgeon, appearing on TV often and such (I’m not saying that just because a doctor comes on tv they are good docters… all im trying to say that he is not in the least sketchy at all lol) NOW as you wanted to know the pricing of everything. I paid $8500 for my lap band I’ll be paying $4000 for the removal of the band and $8500 for the sleeve. Everything was self pay. Anyways that’s everything, bare and naked. You can take it or leave. I’m not here to prove anything. I just didn’t want ppl who honestly gave me frank and good advice thinking that I was some liar writing this post of my own entertainment. Anyways thanks for reading

It's ok to enjoy a slice of pizza. I don't completely deny myself having food I like. Many people eat pizza and don't become obese just like many people drink alcohol and don't become alcoholics. I usually reserve Saturdays for when I eat something totally off the diet. One week it may be McDonalds Breakfast burrito, or a slice of pizza, or some nachos from Taco Bell. I used to eat four breakfast burritos and an order of hashbrowns. Now I eat one burrito. One burrito has 300 calories and 12 grams of Protein so I'm not exactly ruining everything. If you have two slices of pizza a week you'll be fine. My past weight lose experiences always failed when I would deny myself the food I really liked and then would finally breakdown and just start consuming it everyday. I at least know now I can treat myself once a week and when I do, I can't eat as much of it as I used to.

Just got back from Mayo last night. I've been having what I thought was gastric reflex, which started at about 6 months post op. So I did antacids, prilosec, ranitidine, and baking soda. I am really not doing anything that could cause it, no alcohol or drugs, no caffine, no eating before bed (well OK, very little), no smoking, no chocolate. At my year visit, the nut wanted to either put me back on prilosec for a month, or scope me. I said "Scope me." They did and found a slight narrowing at the base of my pouch. Then they did a contrast upper GI which was fine. Then they did a contrast lower GI which was fine. Then they decided to stretch my "narrowing" and go further down the GI with scopes. Turns out I have an enormous ulcer just below my pouch. The swelling around it was causing the narrowing they had noted. I saw the scope video yesterday and it was scary. But, they assure me, fixable. My symptoms? burping, and gas, burning sensation, Low meat tolerance, Waking in the middle of the night with intestinal discomfort. So now let's get me healed.