Search the Community

After struggling with my weight since middle school, I attended a seminar on weight loss surgery in January of 2015, fairly certain that I would have the lap-band procedure if I decided to go through with it at all. My weight has always been a sensitive subject for me, so I told no one that I was going, not even my husband. I listened to everything the surgeon said, including the issues that people with lap band were having, and that many people who had opted for lap band ended up getting a revision to the sleeve eventually. I left the seminar, impressed with the surgeon and his knowledge, but very embarrassed that I was even considering surgery. After all, I had known a few people that had surgery and gained all their weight back, and for me surgery meant that I was weak, and couldn't do it on my own. I immediately hid all the materials from the seminar in one of my dresser drawers and decided I would give losing weight on my own another shot. I decided to do a Whole 30 (for those not familiar, it's essentially an elimination diet where you get rid of all processed food, sugar, wheat, soy, alcohol, etc.) and I just knew that this time it would stick. I adhered to the Whole 30 program for the full 30 days, lost 18 pounds, and felt great about myself. Then, as is what always happens, I slowly reverted back to my old ways, and ended up gaining 25 pounds back. Just as I had every year, every diet, every resolution, every demonstration of will and determination, I had failed. Flash forward to January of this year, when the time came to consider making a change again, I gave another thought to bariatric surgery. This time, I had examples of a couple of people that had surgery and were successful. I researched more on the sleeve, and began to see where it could work for me. I had a tough conversation with my husband about my decision, who wanted to support me, but was very apprehensive. The man, whom I adore but who has never struggled with his weight a day in his life asked "Can't you just try to diet and exercise? This surgery seems very extreme." I explained all that I knew about the surgery, and, for the first time with anyone, I was completely honest about my weight and my struggles with weight loss since I was a child. While still apprehensive, he agreed to support my decision and be there for me. I attended another seminar with a different hospital in March, met with the surgeon and made the final decision to have gastric sleeve surgery. Everything was going well. My surgery was looking like it would take place in August. My insurance only required 3 months of supervised diet, I quit smoking as the surgeon required, had an endoscopy, sleep study (where I was diagnosed with sleep apnea), visited a cardiologist, was trying to do everything I was supposed to do. Then I called my surgeon's office at the end of June to check in and make sure I was still on track for an August surgery. The program coordinator got on the phone and told me that she was going to contact me, as the surgeon had made the decision to stop performing bariatric surgery, and I would need to find another surgeon. I was devastated. After everything I had done so far, I was going to have to start over. What was the point? I allowed myself to wallow for a bit, then decided that I was going to get right back on track. After all, the worst that could happen was that I may need to start from the beginning again, but if I did, what was a few more months delay compared to decades of struggle with my weight. I wound up contacting the surgeon whose seminar I attended back in 2015 and made an appointment to see him. Fortunately, they were able to get all of my records and fast track me through. After an initial denial, my insurance approved on the second request, and I was able to schedule my surgery date for August 24th. So, here I am, 5 days post op. The gas pain in the hospital was unbearable for the first 2 days, but that subsided. Right now I have pain in my upper right abdomen that is exacerbated depending on how I move or sit. Hopefully that will go away soon. I joked with my husband that this is probably how I would feel if I had stab wounds in my abdomen. I have only lost 1.5 lbs since my surgery, but I'm guessing that may be due to Fluid retention and lack of nutrients, as I am only now starting to drink my Protein and take my Vitamins. I am excited for what the rest of this journey will bring, and love reading about everyone else's stories. Sorry for the long post, this is the first time I have ever sat down and wrote about what led me to this. I hope to have some positive updates in the near future!

That's just the way it goes down in the BP and I'm sure many other support sites you will quickly learn. I guess when you're new you're feeling your way through and genuinely looking for support and meaningful advice. I guess some of us who are a little soft weren't prepared for the abrasiveness of some of the "vets" who probably have become numb to the naivety of the questions that are in obvious contradiction to their surgeons guidelines and are just about getting to the business of why you got here in the first place and how reintroducing those bad habits could cause you to complain about stalls or plain old not LOSING. Then there are the newbies who have the fear of god in them after surgery and come here for support only to find people enjoying Bacon 3 days post op, Alcohol 2 weeks post op, and whatever else they good and well please causing you to take a step back and say-- well they lived to tell about it maybe it's not that BAD-- poor choice? Hell's yeah but life or death not so much. So then you find that happy medium with all that you know. Your research+ your surgeons guidelines + your desire to be successful and recognize patterns that landed you to require surgery to lose weight in the first place then-- actively ignore those who get under your skin with their abrasiveness and sarcasm. Actively ignore posts or topics that you know will go left just based on the title "crackers" "Cheez its" or "Alcohol". Or drop your 2 cents but sashay past the comments where someone might be being a little harsh towards a perfect stranger and just filter past the BULL S H I T. We all have our journey. Some of us will be successful, some of us won't. Some of us will get there despite NOT following all guidelines to the letter, some of us will get there doing everything perfectly what matters is LONG term success. I may not like the overall tones and delivery of some members but I think at the end of the day they mean well. You should look at their successes and regard their opinion like it or not as principles to at least consider. With some of the foolishness I see as posted as topics the more I understand the vets by and bye.

For the most part I don't usually comment on these "alcohol" post, because quite frankly I just don't get it. I've never been a drinker but maybe once in a great while.....and I really mean a "great while".....I haven't had a drink in well over 2 years....haha I'm not against drinking it just doesn't take drinking in order for me to enjoy myself.....I have no problem turning down alcohol when I'm out with friends or at a party....once I get to my goal weight I'll go back to the way I used to be....once in a "great while" I may have a mixed drink....but while I'm in the weight loss phase it is not even a consideration! I have a hard time understanding people who have gone to the extreme of having most of their stomach surgically removed in order to lose weight and within a very short period of time begin drinking completely empty calories....I just can't wrap my head around that. I'm sure folks think "of course she doesn't understand. She's not a drinker.".....But I relate this to me like this; prior to surgery I loved loved Cookies and ice cream! But after letting the surgeon remove most of my stomach because I was so desperate to lose weight I would not even take a small bite of a cookie or ice cream while I'm in the weight loss phase!...but I guess that's just me. I'm also a believer in do whatever you feel is best for you....so if that includes drinking alcohol, more power to you. Good luck I wish you all the best.

I'm sixteen months out, and drink when I feel like it, and not when I don't. I've lost 120 lbs despite having a drink fairly frequently, i.e. about once or twice a week on average, although I do go weeks without drinking. Just be aware that you are more susceptible to alcohol than you were before. I had one terrible episode where I went to a party, didn't realize how much I was drinking, blacked out, couldn't remember what had happened in the morning, luckily had a friend to take me home, and woke up covered in bruises from falling down -- something that has never happened to me before in my 57 years! So embarrassing and worrying. So watch your intake carefully. Best to all.

Alcohol is worrying me right now, we have had some devastating family news and I've found alcohol is becoming my new habit most nights as I can't eat myself happy now. I had my op on May 6th this year. My weight loss is very slow and I know why. I'm trying to stay away from it now. I don't need to go from food to replace it with this poison xx Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Well, those of you who know the sh!tshow that has been my divorce, please send up a prayer for me this week. Waiting for Mr. Wonderful to decide if he will settle this week. If he doesn't, we won't finalize until October. I'm exhausted and broke. This has been by far the most emotionally painful experience of my life. Thank God my girls are doing well and have good support systems. My therapist told me this week I have low grade depression. YA THINK? Seriously though, I was a little dismayed to hear her say that. I've been going to tons of 12-step meetings, increased my therapy appointments to weekly, and have been eating cleanly and haven't had alcohol or any chemical in my body since last year. I guess I'm just flat worn out. And sad about my firstborn moving to Georgia. And broke. Did I mention broke? Life in limbo for over 2 years has finally taken its toll. Well, it can't last forever. Anyway, if his lawyer knocks some sense into his head, my lawyer says we could finalize on 9/1. Everybody wants this over with except the wasband. It's been such a rollercoaster that I'm not even getting my hopes up anymore. JustWatchMe

My surgeon told me the two main reasons for no alcohol is healing in the beginning, and then empty calories after healing. He said an occasional drink is not an issue but you should wait a minimum of 3 months, preferably 6. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I think it's not so much the drinking in it's self but the fact that you didn't realize it until you had three glasses down which is the scary part. It happened. You can't do anything about it now but stay away from alcohol if you can't get a grip on your willpower in its presence. I am three months out and I had a white sangaria the other day that ended up being too strong for me. Prior to the surgery, I would drink a little once in a blue moon so I don't have the tolerance for it in the first place. Did you drink it all in a short period of time or through out the night?? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

If you search "alcohol" in these forums, you will find about 9,326 million threads that turn into a total sh*the storm about the subject. People have varying opinions on the subject and never agree. My experience ? I got to my goal weight by mostly avoiding it and am now maintaining my weight with only moderate consumption as part of an otherwise healthy diet.

I went out with my husband last night with the mindset of not drinking . Then before I know it I realized I had 4 glasses of wine . I'm almost 3 months post op .. I'm so mad at myself! I feel like I didn't care enough about my surgery and let the crowd get to me . It was almost like I left my brand new life style behind and started falling into my old habits. I feel ok besides the hangover but I'm scared I have jeopardized my weight loss. What is everyone's experience with alcohol after surgery ? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Kiwijet it is hard working night shift. You need to keep yourself awake, your whole body clock is out of whack. Definately a challenge for you! Hopefully cutting back on the alcohol will help too? I don't really drink, but I do have the occasional sip of wine. Hopefully you can get some healthy Snacks you like and get into a better night routine. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgeons office has been amazing with providing information and walking me through this process. They are a nationally accredited center of excellence and I think they are wonderful. I've scoured the Internet and forums for real life experience. Based on all the research I've done I think I have mentally prepared for and could handle a certain amount of food disagreement, some possible throwing up/dry heaves/diarrhea forever. Never being able to eat quickly, without thinking, or while drinking liquids. I'm prepared for my hair to fall out, stalls here and there, emotional ups and down, not being able to turn to food for comfort, not eating the same as everyone else in social situations. No carbonation, drinking with straws, or coffee and alcohol for a while at least. I think I might even be able to handle a leak. What I don't think I could handle is more extreme complications that I have read about on the boards. Not being able to hold anything but liquids for years, having the wear adult diapers because of the uncontrollable diarrhea, not being able to tolerate any foods, having my esophagus destroyed from reflux and needing to convert to bypass, frequent hospitalization from complications, being too weak to take care of my 4 children. I am 34yrs old 235lbs and 5'6", so definitely obese, but I'm healthy otherwise and don't have a problem being fairly active with my children right now. Did you go into this process thinking whatever the outcome it would be worth it? Because there are very real outcomes that could destroy my life and the life of my family that I'm petrified of happening. I've read quite a few horror stories on hear and gone back to the persons original posting and they start like the rest of us. So excited for this process, they have done all the research, can't wait for their lives to change....and then one horrible complication after another and they wish they could go back in time. I know these complications are rare, but they happen to someone....someone's mother, father, sister, brother, etc. And I've been working myself into a tail spin lately. My husband told me to stop "Web MDing that sh$t and trust I've done the research and have a great Dr and those things are rare." He also said if there was a surgery for quitting smoking or drinking or any other addiction people would be doing that left and right, which I thought was a great point too. I just can't imagine doing anything that would hurt my family since I so desperately want this to be even better for them. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@LisaAdams50, Congrats on your surgery and success so far! You must be doing things right if you haven’t had any pain or nausea since surgery! If you choose to drink, just remember that it’s different than before surgery. You’re way more sensitive to alcohol. It will affect you faster and after drinking less than it did before. Also, remember that you’re on a “strict diet,” but that drinking alcohol lowers your inhibition…so it’s harder to say no to unhealthy foods. Do your best to plan ahead and stay aware of what you’re eating. Good luck, and enjoy the event.

my nutritionist recommended no alcohol for a year (not going to happen) The reason she said this is that the 1st year you lose the most weight after sleeve. I don't plan on drinking much but will be going to Disney food and wine festival in October and I may have a sip or 2 of wine. Not much I want to lose this weight and keep it off. I reached my 1st 20 pound weight loss on thursday which was 2 weeks post op. Of course I lost 9 of those the week before surgery. But I am so excited Im going shopping today my scrub pants are tooooooooo big.

I would suggest most responders re-read what I wrote. My point was that if it was a likelihood that alcohol was likely to cause a leak our warnings would be more than suggestions from nutritionists to lay off alcohol for a month, or three months, or 60 days, or six months. I cannot help it that most responders want to push their own self reached beliefs or fears. And SMG, if you are relying on warnings on your hydrocodone as one of your warnings against alcohol post-bariatric surgery, you are proving my point. Now, as to whether I had a reputable surgeon, top rated hospital in the State of Georgia.

Well I don't know you, so I won't challenge whether or not you're a personal injury attorney, but I will say that either (1) you missed the warnings (every reputable surgeon in the US would include them...without fail), which would be difficult for me to accept that a personal injury attorney would miss that, or (2) I would question whether or not your surgeon was indeed reputable or not because the number of REPUTABLE surgeons that would fail to include a warning (several, actually) about alcohol after a WLS procedure (or most others, as well) is absolutely unequivocally ZERO. (This is especially true since the procedure typically includes a prescription for some sort of pain killer). That being said, I personally waited about 60 days and received clearance from my surgeon before taking a few sips of wine. As I mentioned in another thread, the biggest things with alcohol is that they are empty calories...just like refined carbs/processed foods. They don't "feed" you and with the limited amount of calories you can intake during the weight loss phase, making those calories count is extremely important. I would definitely echo others and say to try a few sips in the comfort of your own home first, to see how your sleeve reacts. Best of luck!

I was sleeved in June and waited until Christmas the same year. I had brandy in a vanilla Protein shake. It was like a Brandy Alexander---bariatric style! Now, when I want a social drink, I am back to my beloved dirty martinis with three olives. Olives have some nutritional value, right??? That's my theory and I'm sticking to it. If you really want the RIGHT answer for YOU----ask your surgeon. Sit down with him/her and have a serious conversation about when/if it will be OK for YOU to have alcohol. Remember, some of the answers you might get on an internet site are just "smoke and mirrors"----not real.--just posted for "shock value". Be forewarned, Friend. Want the right answer to any serious question? ASK YOUR TEAM.

Don't be sticks in the mud!! We all know our surgeon's instructions are nothing more than mild suggestions. I mean, just because we paid the big bucks and trusted this gal (or guy) with our lives, I really see no need to actually listen to what she says! Seriously, you lived through the procedure, you are up and feeling great, you've got your diet down pat, and you are losing weight successfully! You've totally got this. No alcohol? Hogwash! I read about successful WLS patients who are drinking days after surgery and they are OK, at least according to the internetz. What's a few drinks? Bottom's up, y'all!

My plan says no alcohol for one month. I still haven't tried any and I used to have a glass of wine almost every night and more on weekends. Its a full time job getting my fluids and Protein in so until I can do that easily I expect I'll refrain. For sure, my first glass will be in the safety and privacy of my home Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@LisaAdams50 Are you only 2 weeks post-op? If so - I'd be very cautious drinking alcohol. You are not able to eat at this stage (or very much anyway) and your stomach is still very much in the healing phase. As others said - I would not drink in public for the first time. We don't know how our stomachs will tolerate anything at 2 weeks out - I don't think risking getting sick is worth it. With that said - we're all adults and can make our own decisions. In my support group this week someone said "I can never have caffeine?" and the NUT's response was "you can do what you want, you're an adult - but caffeine is not recommended".

My packet clearly says NO ALCOHOL FOR 6 MONTHS! My guess is that her surgeon telling her to wait 3 months was very clearly documented in the medical records. And this isn't about a malpractice issue - it's for your own safety and health. Good luck suing your surgeon for not putting it in bold writing in your packets - not that it would matter as you are lying in the hospital with a life threatening leak or bleeding. The decision to drink alcohol is on us - as adults. Same as the decision to eat off plan, smoke, drink soda, etc. Pound a few back a month post op - good for you - but if something happens - do not blame your surgeon or anyone else for that matter!

In the weight loss phase, alcohol should be minimal at best, and only after the cut nerves and the stapled stomach has fully healed. I drank twice during my weight loss phase, and that lasted a year. I was 4 months out the first time around the holidays (half of a Bloody Mary) and the other time was 8 months out in Hawaii with a couple of Mai Tai's because, well, HAWAII. Now below my weight goal and in maintenence, I drink on occasion aside from an otherwise healthy, well balanced diet.

Thanks. It's been such a good journey. I'm in work today but did finally splash out on clothes last weekend. Felt so good!!! Sent from my SM-G935F using the BariatricPal App What all have you done with your sleeve to help lose? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using the BariatricPal App Tbh I've just followed my food plan to the letter. I keep my calories under 1000 a day but I don't count carbs or Protein. I just have a varied diet. I still eat small portions and eat until I'm satisfied rather than full. I get around 2.5 litres of Fluid a day. I lost my sweet tooth and have had no alcohol. I admit I haven't yet done any exercise apart from walks with my dogs. I plan to start soon as I know the weight loss will slow down from now. Sent from my SM-G935F using the BariatricPal App

What I'm about to share with you, I do not recommend or condone. Everyone is different and everyone's doctors and WLS teams make different recommendations. I'm just sharing my personal experience since that is what you asked for. I also echo @@jessjames message Prior to surgery, my hubby and I would enjoy a glass of wine (3-5 oz.) with a steak dinner about every 6 weeks or so, so I was not a big drinker to start with (haven't been since my early 30s). After surgery, it was at least 6 months before I had my first glass of wine and I kept it to about 2-3 oz. I felt the effects of the alcohol in my system much faster than ever before; not a real buzz per se, but that warm feeling all over and especially in my joints. It's been that way ever since; and we still don't drink any more frequently than before my surgery. A couple weeks ago, we were in Pigeon Forge on vacation. We visited one of the new, legal moonshine retailers where I choose to sample some of the various flavors of moonshine. The samples were poured into a very small cup (what I know as a communion cup) so you don't get much "shine" in a sample. However, I did sample several different flavors and would estimate that I got almost the equivalent of 1.5 - 2 ounces of moonshine. Needless to say, I got quite a buzz going and felt the effects immediately. Since I knew what wine did to me, even in small amounts, I expected this type of effect, but not to the level it was. The effects did not last long since hubby and I were walking quite a bit and did eat lunch immediately afterwards. And if anyone is wondering, no I did not buy any moonshine to take home Also, since there is no nutritional value to any alcoholic beverage, I choose to limit my consumption of such because I would rather use those calories on something with substance. Regardless of my experience with alcohol, it is in your best interest to follow the recommendations of your WLS team.

Let me say, I saw my surgeon at 5 weeks post op (I am now 7) and I am in Australia (where it doesn't seem as hardcore as the US rules) and he was so easy going about alcohol. I said I have a wedding in October and he was like 'enjoy it, have a drink. See how you feel - if it's not agreeing with you then OK, you should stop. If it's fine, then it's fine'. So I'd just ask your surgeon and then go from there