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Good afternoon everyone! I'm brand new to this forum and I'm happy to be part of this community. I know I may ramble on for a bit, so I apologize. I had my surgery Wednesday 9/28/2016, so I'm 4 days out; and I have a few things on my mind. If anyone has any input or advice on anything, I greatly appreciate it!! A little history about myself..I'm a 27 year old female, starting weight at 340 pounds before surgery (I haven't weighed myself since 9/28). I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which is controlled by generic Lexapro 20mg once daily. Some people have attributed by massive weight gain in the past year or so to my medication, but it has helped me so much, that I wouldn't dare stop it. I've had PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome since 12 years old, and I've been extremely overweight since I was a child. I weighed in at 232 pounds when I was 11, and I've been a yo-yo dieter since I was 15. I hit 300 pounds at 14, dropped to 180 by 17. Shot back up to 290 around age 21, dropped to 210 by 23/24. And since 2013 I steadily gained to be at my highest at 348 pounds. I've been seeing a psychologist for my OCD since 2013, but I have not seen him for a coupe of months. I plan on going back to discuss my weight loss journey. With being a new sleever and a natural worrier, (with anxiety) there are, of course, many things I'm concerned and curious about. Again, I apologize for the long post, and I'll list some things that are on my mind: 1. I'm tired and lazy. I've been sitting on my aunt's recliner since I left the hospital Friday (today is Sunday). I get up and walk around a few times a day. My urine is fine and I had my first bowel movement today (sorry, TMI). But I mostly want to lay around and close my eyes. I'm not hungry, but the smell of the delicious fried chicken that my aunt is making for her kids is bringing back memories lol. I'm getting off topic! Bottom line is, is this tiredness and laziness normal? I feel bad and almost obligated to be more active, but I just wanna rest! 2. I was never told that I had a food addiction, and my therapist told me he doesn't believe I compulsively eat. However, I do know that I am an emotional eater. And usually that emotion is happiness. I used food to reward myself all the time. I hated when people were around me when I was eating something delicious and watching TV. I wanted to be alone and enjoy my private time..which always included a good TV show and delicious food. Food always made me happy. I never really used food to self medicate when I was sad, but always ate when I was happy. And bored. I'm such a boredom eater. I don't have any hobbies, I live by myself, I'm an only child. So I'm always alone...and often times bored. And the eating would begin. I planned meals like they were major rewards. For the finale of Breaking Bad, I ordered pizza to have it delivered to my home right on time...I loaded up on Snacks and Desserts. I shut my phone off and didn't want to see or talk to anyone while I enjoyed my show and my food. I foresee that this will be a problem. Has anyone felt the same way? And if so, were you able to control it? 3. I worry about addiction transfer. I've heard of people resorting to alcoholism, drug addiction and/or gambling after weight loss surgery, and with my anxiety issues this scares me. My friend told me to become addicted to exercise and health, but who's to say that will happen? 4. Feeling like your old self? Just a general inquiry...how long did it take you guys to feel back to "normal" in terms of recovering from the surgery? Thanks so much for reading this! I hope to interact with you guys! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I gave up alcohol during the second month of my six-month pre-op diet. Some days it is still hard to believe that I haven't had any in 5.5 months. My plan is to see about bringing it back in (in small amounts, of course) mid-December, but we'll have to see how everything goes between now and then. I have made peace with the fact that drinking post-op will NEVER be like it was pre-op, and I have re-conceptualized my social life where food and alcohol isn't the centerpiece of everything.

I love good wines and even though my strict NUT says never again, my thought process was yeah sure. I will give it up for a year and then occasionally. After six weeks i thouht, nah i will have a few ounces special occassion only if its good, no house wines or free wines served at restaurants. I was with a group late afternoon discussing this yummy wine and decided to join them. Took my time but about 5 ounces in, and it was smooth, I experienced an odd feeling in my gut, not uncomfortable enough to stop so I finished it 6 to 8 ounces. It definitely hit me quickly as I became very chatty and triggered hunger. I had eaten just an hour before. Thank God, the host did not bring out food. I swear if someone put a bowl of ice cream in front of me I would have gone for it. What a trigger it was for me. I literally started thinking of all these foods I miss. I immediately left my friends came home and reheated 4 ounces of grilled grouper. During the night my tummy was making crazy gurgling sounds. I better stick to my original plan. Thinking back, alcohol was always a trigger. After an evening of drinking, I can remember immediately going for cake. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I go out as much as I want. I eat out out at restaurants a couple times a week at least. It's all about choices and what you order. High Protein apps or Entrees. Share something with a friend. Take what you can't eat home. Avoid carbs.... Get the veggie of the day instead of fries, skip the bread. My social life has never been more active and it is wonderful!!!! Driving home from 'socializing' as we speak. Had steamed shrimp appetizer as an entree and some of the hubby's veggies. Lol I will have shrimp omelet for Breakfast from my leftovers tomorrow. WLS is about living not giving up your social life. You will need time to heal but after 4-6 weeks get back out there and enjoy the new you. Of course follow your surgeon's advice on alcohol consumption.

It is so hard the first few weeks. I remember watching the Food Network while at home recovering the first week post op and feeling so sad and sorry for myself like I would never get to eat again. I'm glad each week is getting a little easier and so proud that are following your plan and not using food or alcohol to deal with things. That is an emotional challenge for us all and where the saying on here that "they operate on our bellies and not our brains" comes from as we all learn to deal with our emotions. Following the post op plan/guidelines helped me a lot the first few months because it kept me focused. I kept a whiteboard to track my water and vitamins early on. Keep up the good work!

Most people dont recommend alcohol because your tolerance is low after the surgery. Three glasses is a lot of an average person. I think the main issue is that 3 glasses is going to be between 350 and 900 calories, which is most if not all of your calories for the day 10 weeks out. It also takes away from your ability to get in enough protein and water. Alchol also dehydrates you.

Im 10 weeks out and i drank 3 glasses of wine yesterday and i feel fine. Is that dangerous ? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Alcohol is either right or left for many bariatric patients. Since getting the sleeve my alcohol sensitivity is very high and i barely have some alcohol in my body to automatically feel the effects of it. My wife has the bypass and she consumes wine as her sole alcohol source and drinks wine like is nothing which has created a tolerance level for her much larger. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Zofran is the best thing for nausea, although the taste of the melting lozenges they gave me made me sick. I learned to just lightly bite it and swallow quickly. Also, I read somewhere that putting a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol under your nose will help with nausea. I hope you are through this phase and having better days soon!

Hmm. I haven't had any issues with mine. The edges curl a bit after the end of the day. Putting mine on my shoulder. Some people suggested a quick swab of rubbing alcohol before applying Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

@@LipstickLady the drama actually started with them when I asked them if they would mind not playing bean bags right next to my husband's car. Granted I understand a bean bag probably won't do any damage, but there's normally alcohol involved and people falling into a car could cause damage. The immediate response was like a child "we aren't touching it so no we aren't moving". From then on it's been horrible. Tonight we actually had their kids ringing our doorbell. City cops say there's nothing they can do unless they physically touch us. It's more than a little absurd. The adults don't know what being an adult means and I can't really blame the kids because they just don't have a prayer. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed they're actually gone in a week.

Congratulations. Eat high lean Protein and low carb. Try to stay away from pastas, rice, bread, alcohol. Your liver needs to be pliable because the Dr is going to move it. Low carb will keep it soft. Drink lots of Water especially the days closest to surgery. It will help flush the anesthesia. For the hospital, I brought to much. In reality all I needed was toiletries, clean underwear and my cpap machine. I was in overnight, used hospital gowns and slippers, went home in the same clothes I went in. Prep at home included 2 full Brita water pitchers, premiere protein shakes(for a week later), Crystal Light (too sweet for md), Vitamin Patches I ordered from PatchMD.com, Tylenol tablets and milk of magnesia. I never used the Tylenol or milk of M. I was given prescriptions for pain and naseau in the hospital and we filled them on the way home. Also a pillow for the way home, a small one to put between seatbelt and you. The first day was tough, surgery at 9 a.m. I was walking by 5 30 and kept walking for about 20 minutes, rest for 30, walk for 20...... Took my pain meds like clock work to stay ahead of it. At home I stopped pain meds after day 2, with the exception of an additional one on a day I did too much. There's no lifting, vacuuming, walking dog according to Drs orders, remember the internal stitches. When home drink, walk, rest. I slept in my bed. I hope this is helpful. Good luck to you.

I want to say something. I'm not saying this because it was a diet either. So in my spiritual walk with God there are times when I fast. I fasted for a week. It was a fast that consisted of No food until after 4pm . No meats, No Sweets, No Soda, No Alcohol, No Fried Foods. Even though it was Not a diet I felt amazing. Yes I was hungry at times but then I sipped on Water. While doing this I was gaining strength to be able to do this liquid diet and let his life style change. Once the fast ended I wanted some grilled chicken and turkey burgers . Let me say this my stomach is extremely bloated. I feel like crap right now I was nauseous . It just doesn't feel right. I believe we all can do what we set our minds too. I know believe that I can do this. I probably will not have surgery until the end of Dec but I am going to cut out friend foods the way I use to eat them. And just do chicken and fish. I have a pack of country style ribs in the freezer I will cook and get rid of but after that I must change. I felt lighter and more energized with out eating all that junk everyday. Oh and I lost 12 pounds . Amazing. Glory to God. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was recently at an event that turned into a drinking party (wake for a friend). I was 10 days post-op and knew I couldn't drink. I had a cranberry juice. It was 1/3 cranberry juice, 2/3 Water, served over ice in a pint glass. Nobody ever noticed that I didn't have alcohol in my "vodka-cranberry." I just made sure that if someone bought me a drink, I surreptitiously dumped it and got another one of my "specials." My husband had suggested I do just water with a lime in it, so it'd look like a gin and tonic. You can do this! Are you on mushy foods yet, because if you are, you might find something at the party that you could eat (like the filling of a deviled egg or something). Honestly, if it gets really awkward, you could either take tiny portions of things and just push them around the plate like you are eating or use any of the "outs" Bufflehead suggested. You've got this!

Ten days post-op I went to a memorial gathering, which quickly turned into an Irish wake- lots of drinking, remembering, singing, crying, comforting each other. I had a glass of cranberry juice- it was 1/3 juice and 2/3 water with ice in a 16oz glass. Nobody noticed I wasn't drinking alcohol, and nobody tried to press drinks on me (which I was afraid would happen if I just had a bottle of water). It was easy to stick to my plan that way.

Go, have a good time, as Sai says, sip on some water or unsweet tea. Doubtful anyone will press food or drink on you, but here are some sample scripts in case they do: Them: care for a cocktail? You: No thanks! Them: Here, have a slice of birthday cake! You: I wish I could, but my doctor ordered me not to eat food like that until I lose some weight. Them: why aren't you eating? You: I've been having some tummy issues recently, trust me, you do not want to see the results at this party if I eat some rich party food. Them: Why aren't you drinking? You: My doctor told me no alcohol because I need to lose weight. I swear I am not pregnant! etc. etc. Pick the type of excuse that works best for you, though I doubt you will have to use it.

I've been invited to my friends bday party , who I have not told I've had my op she says there's gonna be loads of food worse nightmare and alcohol lol I don't no what I'm gonna do and I want to to I'm nearly 8 weeks post op I'm not interested in food or alcohol in just need to get out I've been so isolated what am I gonna do food and alcohol worse nightmare to me ???????? Sent from my SM-N910F using the BariatricPal App

if you wouldn't rub alcohol on a wound outside your body less than 30 days post op, then I wouldn't consume it internally. please wait until you are fully healed and medically cleared.

The pre op diets vary so much, right down to whether you have one or not. The main reason, from the surgeon's perspective (as I understand it) for the pre-op diet is to get rid of some of the fat enlarging the liver. The liver must be navigated under to access the stomach. Since you have only 50 (I know, it feels like a lot and it is a lot, but in bariatric land it's a low amount) pounds to lose, your surgeon is probably thinking that your liver doesn't need to be shrunk prior to surgery. I had 5 or 6 days of a pre op diet, with 40-60 lbs to lose (depends who you ask. I say 60). I am glad I did it, because I stopped caffeine, alcohol, and many of the higher carb foods I was used to before surgery. So that was one kind of adjustment that I had already started to make, and I think it made things somewhat easier. I don't think that it was a big deal, however, and I could have made the same adjustments post op without the pre op diet, just as you will! Trust your surgeon's team (and your own questions, which they should answer). I think that even without a pre op diet, it's a good idea to get a few different kinds of Protein Meal Replacement powders and try them to see which ones you like. Your taste preferences may change after surgery, but at least you'll have a sense in advance of some that you might like. Congrats on your upcoming surgery! I love this thread. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'll hold off on the alcohol for my hubby's bday. Next question, why do they say to wait 30 mins to drink after u eat? Like water/milk/etc? What's the reasoning?

Omg don't do it. God willing he will have lots more birthdays for you to drink at. Odds are that alcohol will impact you differently and you will still be in major healing mode. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Your insides will be healing, alcohol is too acidic. No one will know what's in your glass.

I waited seven months before I consumed alcohol, but everyone is different. Listen to your body, it will let you know if it doesn't like it Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Food is LOVE from my poor childhood with an alcoholic father and a loving Mother who made me Georgia dumplings, biscuits and gravy.

Ok, so my question is about drinking alcohol Post Op. I drink on occasion (New Years eve, My Birthday & my husbands Bday).. So my question is, my surgery is scheduled for Oct 4th & my husbands bday party is Oct 29th. I have read that the calorie intake is bad (not worried about that since I don't drink much or often) However, I am worried what will happen to me? What's the severity of drinking a few drinks 4 weeks after your surgery? Will something bad happen?