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Funny thing regular food is not my problem, its sweets. I also had to leave the alcohol alone.

Hello, I will quickly tell you my story and then about my son... I am a surgery success story of 20+ years. At age 18 I had a stomach stapling procedure. I was cut from the left rib to the right and a band of surgical plastic was put around my upper stomach and five rows of staples partitioned off my lower stomach to create a small pouch with the ring working much like the lapband. It has worked wonderfully and I have been able to keep the weight off, fluctuating 20lb on and off, all these years. Nothing was bypassed or cut out and it is totally reversible. Reading the posts sounds just like the experiences that I have had with my post-surgery life as to the slimming, occasional vomiting and learning what foods never work. My oldest son is now 17 and has a bmi of 51. Last year we discovered that he has high blood pressure and is on medication to control it. We have tried all the diets and nutritionist, lifestyle changes ect... since he was about 5. My other two children do not seem to have the same desire to eat, but it is heart breaking to watch my oldest suffer with his weight just like I did. Now that he is almost 18, we have begun the steps to obtain the lapband surgery. We have not even considered the bypass. My sister had the bypass two years ago and it has terrified me. She is loosing her teeth and has become an alcoholic from not eating like she should and trading addictions. I am absolutely against my son having this irreversible life after bypass. I am thankful that the lapband is now approved by Kaiser insurance. Kaiser has a very extensive pre-op program and we have about 6 more months of work to go. He is anxiously waiting and has to loose 50lbs before surgery. The hardest thing for him right now is the thought of no more soda and not drinking with meals. We are practicing that now, but he is not convinced that he can ever get used to it. The hospital that we have to go to is about 160 miles away and we have two same day apt every month plus the yearly visits for life at this facility. It is a big commitment, but I know that it will be worth it. One of the works in progress that our doctor recommended was to join a support group, so here we are. I am also looking for a local face to face group that we can go to. I think it will be helpful to be around others who are in his same situation. I am having trouble finding an adolescent group though. It is a little different to be 18 and have this procedure because Mom and Dad are there to help you keep on track, cook your meals and shop for you. A support group could make or break his commitment in the long term. It would help me to know that he has a group that he can learn from and share with. If there are any 17, 18, or 19 year olds in this forum who would like to share their experiences either pre-op or post-op we would love to hear from you. Thanx Mom

Awww, thanks, Joni!! I don't drink a lot, but I do feel the alcohol VERY quickly these days. But, IMO, celebrating outliving the prediction calls for a drink...for me. I understand that some folks dont drink for various reasons, though. I'm still excited every day to see what new discoveries my sleeve has in store for me. My latest have been my collarbones and hip bones....

Lissa - You are awesome! Congratulations on all your success! You mentioned having a drink to celebrate and I had to smile. It reminded me of what the NUT said at our preop meeting - alcohol is frowned on, but we'd be "cheap dates" cuz it would take so much less to get a buzz. I quit drinking many years ago but found that interesting....

I have been on a two month journey to get a vertical sleeve surgery. Just two weeks to my scheduled surgery date; just to be told the insurance will only pay for RNY. I spent a lot of time researching the sleeve. Now I have to decide in a day or two if I want RNY. Can someone tell me all the drawbacks. (Sweets alcohol etc. ). I don't have a big sweet tooth but do like them once in a while. Also what are the pluses over the sleeve. THANKS.

I'm 1.5 years out. I basically eat anything I want, within reason (roughly 80/20 healthy/unhealthy). If I start putting on weight, I just take it easy with desserts and alcohol and eat more fruit. I put on an odd 2-3 lbs in the last month due to a crazy work schedule with constant availability of goodies and I just made a crap ton of fruit salad - blackberries, oranges, apples, bananas, and a tiny bit of Greek yogurt with honey - and ate that for Snacks and within a week, the weight was all gone. I don't count calories, but I probably hang around 2000/day for my average. For Protein, I just focus on the protein part of my meal and have Protein shakes after working out. Today, I had Greek yogurt with fig jam for Breakfast, 3 pieces of rainbow sushi roll and Bolthouse Green Goodness juice before working out, a Protein shake post-workout, and now I'm having a mixed greens salad with some avocado, mozzarella, and grilled chicken. In 2-3 hours, I'll have the remaining 3 pieces of the rainbow roll. Then the only meal left would be dinner - no idea what I'm having, maybe Indian food?

Does anyone know how much sugar alcohol you are allowed a day? I know regular sugar is 8 grams.

I wonder if the alcoholism is the same in sleeve patients?

I too know someone who died in her sleep at around age 40. She was a diabetic and became alcoholic, left her family, got uber skinny and was sick alot since she wasn't eating well - really went rogue post gastric bypass. Luckily that is the exception but it does happen.

As you have learned from dealing with your issues with alcoholism (Congratulations, by the way, for 10 years sober) you need to avoid triggers and you need counseling to deal with issues that cause you to not live life to your fullest or happiest (such as eating disorders, addictions, etc.) I wouldn't focus too much on putting a label on your food issues, whether it's Binge Eating Disorder or Food Addiction or just plain Morbid Obesity . . . it's clear you have an issue with food that you need to deal with. WLS is a tool that will help you lose the weight, yes. But the bigger battle is the mental battle. Get into some good counseling to talk about your food triggers and issues and good luck on your WLS journey.

Hi. Just sharing new articles at the ASMBS: http://connect.asmbs.org/stories-of-the-week-01-05-15.html. Example: WLS is not the "easy way out"; and the risk of more alcoholism after gastric bypass [or, seemingly all WLS]. Click links: Experts: Weight-Loss Surgery Not an Easy Way Out (DelawareOnline) In a local Delaware story featuring two patients who had bariatric surgery after years of struggling with obesity and comorbidities, Dr. John Morton, president of the ASMBS, discusses the advancements in surgical techniques and laparoscopic technology that have made weight-loss surgery "a very safe procedure," Morton said. In Delaware, close to one-third of adults are considered obese and nearly 80,000 people live with diabetes and another 57,340 have heart disease. The article notes, “Unlike most states, Delaware's Obamacare plans do cover bariatric surgery, but candidates must go through screening before it is approved.” All hospitals in the state offer weight-loss management services ranging from nutrition help to performing most of the surgeries on site. It is also noted that, according to ASMBS, there are about 18 million people who qualify for surgery, but only one percent go through with it. And health officials say, a “lack of information and insurance issues have been a deterrence, even as the surgery itself has evolved during the last 50 years.” Dr. Morton comments, "Obesity is a disease and like any disease it deserves treatment… it is something that is really critical. Patients at that weight don't have a lot of options.” Alcoholism After Gastric Bypass: Is It In Your Mind Or Gut? (ScienceLine) In 2012, a large study published in the JAMA reported that the percentage of patients abusing alcohol increased by 2% after surgery, and other studies have corroborated the findings, even a decade after surgery. Since then, scientists have competing ideas for why gastric bypass patients show higher rates of alcohol abuse post-surgery. One early theory proposed addiction transference, suggesting people adopt new addictions after weight-loss in lieu of food. But more recent evidence suggests specific metabolic and hormonal changes triggered by gastric bypass may leave patients vulnerable to alcoholism, but not other addictions. “Whether it’s addiction transference or something else going on, we really don’t know at this point,” said James Mitchell, a doctor and professor of neuroscience at the University of North Dakota. What’s certain, he said, is that the high rates of alcoholism in patients who have had a gastric bypass operation cannot be attributed to chance.

I have had the sad experience to know someone who became an alcoholic after having gastric by pass and it is very sad indeed as the drinking of "spirits" has a much faster absorption rate in someone who has this surgery and the affects of the liquor are felt much more profoundly enhancing the addiction. Sadly this person experienced many many issues as a result including, sepsis, kidney failure, sirosis of the liver and an untimely death at the age of 46. She was not someone you could speak to easily and would not seek or participate in counseling.

Mine was just like a conversation with a friend. She also had the sleeve and gave me some tips. We talked about my background, health and weight history, work background, lifestyle, why I want to do this, my support system, and she also asked about my history of food, drugs, alcohol/verbal/sexually abuse, past counseling history. I had to do a questionnaire and I marked off that I had a quick temper and she asked me about that. I actually enjoyed it. I know that's what she gets paid to do, but I sort of wish we could be friends, because we had some things in common. Much less stressful than I thought it was going to be. But I'm so uninteresting. Two divorces where I had counseling, but no history of any sort of abuse of anything. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Ok, so I would go to a low carb master blogger for this! Carolyn of All Day I Dream About Food; Mellissa at I Breathe I'm Hungry; and Maria at Mind Body Health are 3 awesome cooks! Most of them use "more natural" sources of SF items, especially Maria Emmerich. But erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that most people do not have sensitivity. They also use things like Lo Han and stevia. You should check them out. More importantly, their dessert recipes actually work!

Wow ok, Honestly you will be able to drink again but not for quite a while. Beer is one of the harder things to drink because of the carbonation... Now for the reality slap part. Food addiction and the way you drink now. I worry about the very real problem of "cross addiction" issues. Unfortunately a fair number of weight loss patients become alcoholics. If you are not one now becoming one is a very real possibility. I would say that a real deep look into this issue and perhaps counseling, before you take this step. Why trade one really bad thing for another.

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.

I am new to this lap-band thing...I have my first appointment with my surgeon next month..I have been on this site for almost 2weeks and have heard everything about this program, what to eat, what to do and not to do:lol:...What about alcohol, wine and beer???? Is that a no-no??????

I had surgery on Jan. 23rd, and my doctor said that alcohol is fine. I usually drink 3-4 glasses of wine per week, but I make room for the extra calories by doing extra cardio on those days.

Every one is different. We are all unique. It is true that there are those that can pick themselves up from their bootstraps and resolve their issues on their own. It is also true that not all counseling is good. I have experienced that also. However, I will offer this. I would say that the large majority of us are considering WLS because we have NOT been able to do it on are own. If we could, what would we be doing here? I mean no offense, but is it reasonable for a psych to consider excessive alcohol a problem, one that could benefit from counseling? I think so. Can someone take care of it on their own? I guess so, but most do not. I have seen it time and time again. With respect to WLS, I saw first hand an acquaintance with a habit of drinking socially swap out his food addiction with drinking and become an alcoholic after surgery. If you are one of those that can deal with this on your own, more power to you. But is it reasonable for a pysch to be concerned for you and ask you to get counseling, knowing that you already have an issue with food that has caused you to seek the help of others to correct it? Absolutely!

When you go, absolutely try to get the best bargain you can for goods while in port. These people EXPECT you to, so absolutely do it! One of our tour guides told us once to find out how much they want for an item, and offer HALF of that, and go from there. Different cruise lines handle tipping differently, go to your cruise line's website and read up on what they recommend doing. I do agree, though, tip your room steward on the first day, and you'll feel like absolute royalty the rest of the cruise! (not that you wouldn't otherwise, but it does make a difference) Oh, while you're in port, it's customary to tip anyone who does anything for you. Take plenty of singles with you, many times they won't offer change. This is a lesson learned the hard way by lots of people. If your cruise isn't all-inclusive, you'll need to be aware that your soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are not included in the price of your cruise, in most cases. Your meals will be included, regardless. You'll sign for any beverages as you cruise with a "sail and sign" card (or equivalent) and pay your bill at the end of the cruise. You can pay however you'd like to for that. Take Bonine or Dramamine Non-Drowsy with you just in case. You don't want to be surprised by a bout of motion sickness. Bonine comes in chewable raspberry, which I think is preferable to Dramamine, and it's also non-drowsy. I'm a Referral Travel Agent, if you haven't guessed that, and if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to try to answer them for you! Above all, though HAVE A GREAT TIME!

I told my mom because she was my ride home from the hospital. I asked her not to tell other family members except my dad. I don't think of my family as "haters" but they are definitely judgy and many are the "skinny all my life; fat people are lazy and gluttonous" types. Actually, the overweight ones are worse in that they know all the answers, they just haven't gotten around to applying them. My husband made me tell the kids and that was the right thing to do. I'm not telling any friends except 3 close ones. They have all been very supportive. I'm happy that I haven't told other friends, family or any coworkers. I just don't want to be judged or questioned about my choice. But I will share this one great conversation I had with my close friend (size 4 her whole life) about my concerns that some people would judge me that I'd taken "the easy way" out of my weight problem. Her response? "B*tch, please! You just told me that you've given up coffee, alcohol, smoking, and croissants! That sure doesn't sound like the easy way to me!" I love that chick.

it will all be worth it in the long run!! :frown: I am allergic to caffiene (19 years now)...and I haven't had alcohol in 3 years or so (I had a stroke and the meds I take messes with carbonation in all liqiuds...so even before being banded all carbonation was flat..flat beer..yuk!) Milk you will get in a little while...no sugar..think of the weight you have lost!! As I said it will all be worth it in the long run. My diet was the same...only I had already been on it due to other reasons!! You might want to ask your dr if you can have B12 vitamins (over the counter)..they melt in your mouth...they will give you an energy boost.

This thread has been really helpful. Last week I was given the green light to have surgery on 4th January. It was my first visit to the surgeon! I have one week of the liquid and steamed veg right over the Christmas and New Year period which doesn't really bother me. Last December I gave up alcohol, if I can do that I can do anything! Last night at my husbands Christmas party I met a lady who had the gastrectomy in May this year. She gave me some good advice on the liquid pre op period. The Optifast puddings keep you satisfied longer and it was recommended by her bariatric dietician. That and Powerade Zero (we are in Australia so not sure what the US equivalent is).

I probably shouldn't be posting this but I am an alcoholic who doesn't like to get drunk- make sense? I started drinking 1 month after surgery. Pinot is my absolute favorite!!!! Last night I had two glasses but couldn't finish the second. I haven't found a change in my palate- I just can't drink as much and it's not because I'm drunk - I just lose interest after a certain amount. And I'm not like most people who get drunk faster- I haven't noticed any change with that. I am 6 weeks out from surgery.

drinks or coffee might be hard on your sleeve if you're nervous. Remember you can order tea at most places that have coffee; it might be a little easier on your tummy acid-wise. You might not get nervous; I seem to remember being kind of flipped when I went to meet my now-husband for the first time. :-) If it was dinner, I probably wouldn't just come right out with the fact of my surgery early, but it's hard to know what this old married chick would do. LOL I know when I've been on business dinners with new friends/colleagues, I haven't really felt like "going there," so I fall back on my usual restaurant routine-- 1. Order Water so the waitperson will not worry about you not having a drink. 2. Order a side salad as an appetizer and Soup or appetizer for your main course. I always say something like this: I'd like to start with a side salad, please, dressing on the side, and for my main course, I'd like the appetizer shrimp cocktail (or cup of soup), please. Then I smile and hand them my menu. Nobody bats an eye. 3. When the salad comes, push it around, nibble, enjoy it but don't eat until you're full. Nobody will care--I promise, if they notice, it's not going to be a big deal if you still seem like you're enjoying yourself and are relaxed. I did have a colleague once ask me why I wasn't eating very much, and I said that I didn't like to eat big meals when I was working (which is true, although sort of evasive). He teased me about "being good," and I just laughed and went on. No big deal. I have also said, which is also true, that big meals make me sleepy, and I like to stay sharp when I'm working. People understand that completely. Ironically, the smaller I've gotten, the less people seem to notice that I'm not eating much--wait staff are all very unconcerned that I'm sharing my husband's meal--they just bring an extra plate and no big deal. I think it's pretty common these days, with restaurant portions being so huge. I also like the tricks of putting down my fork/spoon often, talking, enjoying the table conversation, really having time to listen to my dinner companions. You might get the reputation of being the nicest date in town--a cheap date (you don't drink alcohol and don't eat much!) who really pays attention to her companion!! Best wishes!!