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How has it backfired? Making the thread go away does not remove the moral imperative to let her surgeon know that he is about to operate on someone who is likely to suffer severe consequences on his watch. You don't like the answers you received. You wanted to be told, "You're right! She shouldn't have the surgery!" And you were. All of us know that you can't do a thing to influence your friend. She will drink---it's what she does. You are not expected to cure her alcoholism. But when you are in possession of important information that jeopardizes not only her, but those caring for her---and the hospital---you are morally obligated to let the appropriate people know. Having a thread deleted will not remove that responsibility.

true - my doc said no alcohol for 6 or 8 weeks after surgery (i forget) and i complied. But after that... vodka and crystal light was the thing for me!

I have friends that are less than six months out already drinking like they never had surgery. I am 3 days out of surgery. I won't have alcohol anytime soon. Just wondering what everybody thought. My nutritionalist said to refrain "as long as I could" lol.

How long should did you wait before drinking?

I am going to be very-- very honest. If you have ANY problem with addictions ie: smoking,eating, biting nails anything I enplore you NOT to drink any alcohol after your WLS. Before I had my surgery I read and researched alot. This information about alcohol was brought up. I personally did not drink much (maybe a glass of wine a couple times a month) Never drank for 27 years. No desire/need to. Well fast forward to today, I drink wine every single day alot. Gained 10# since August. And now I want a cigarette ( I quit 16 years ago). The pull to addicition is so strong every single day it drives me crazy. Now to take a look at me and my life you would never think I would ever have a problem. I now doing research on alcoholism. ICK this is no fun that I changed addictions. If anyone who reads this gets this please please please do not even start with alcohol. NEVER EVER thought it could happen to me. Good Luck

addiction talk....."You had a relapse." When we relapse with food, we get the same feelings of failure, incompetent, guilt and depression as a drug or alcohol addict would after trying so hard to JUST STOP! The wonderful and blessed thing is that we do have these tools that can help in getting back into our recovery from food that has taken control over us...once again. Good Luck

I can eat anything...just some foods go down better than others. This past weekend I had an actual sandwich. Cheeseburger with bun. I ate half, took my time and it went down fine. My first since being banded because I was too afraid to try, but no problems. It seems like all that worry I had about not being able to eat what I wanted was for nothing. But I'm glad it's the way it is. The only things I refrain from is products with carbonation and I limit alcohol because it tends to give me heartburn.

No rules as to not being able to drink. I have had a drink maybe a few times a month since surgery and no problems. That being said alcohol seems to make me hungry and so I seem to eat more than I should after drinking.

I can't recall ever being told I couldn't drink alcohol or carbonated drinks. I'm not much of a drinker so it was at 6 months that I tried a drink - I had some old Tequila from pre-surgery and mixed it with some Crystal Light lemonade. It was only about 2 ounces, but I was buzzing pretty quick! Since then I've drank beer and Mike's Hard Lemonade, but I drink them very slowly since I didn't know how fast the carbonation was going to fill me up. And I pour them over ice to get rid of some of the carbonation. I had no problems with any of them.

I think 2-3 weeks post op is a little early to start drinking because alcohol can impede the healing process and you ARE still healing during that time. Check with your doc. I can drink beer at almost 1 year out (with my surgeon's ok)...but not everyone can.

We all know the BMI chart is not very accurate as a measurement of good weight (or perhaps even good health) if you are built any different then " average"; that is, you do not have big bones and have a fairly average muscle composition. I may be completely wrong in the statement I just made, but it is something I have learned over the years. Before surgery, the BMI chart told me I was morbidly obese at 360. I did not like the term, but came to accept it and could see I was in middle of dark red section of BMI chart. Clearly, this was not something I was proud of and knew it was time to do a 180 reverse direction on both my physical and mental qualities that define my daily existence. Purge the bad and embrace the good as well as develop solid new habits for living a life of personal strength in all things. Fast forward to today and I am 1 year post opinion a couple weeks. My weight is within healthy BMI for my height of 5' 11 " and has been for 4 months now. The question, after this long introduction, is what should I target my final weight as? I am at 180 lb today (leaned out 10 lb in last 6 weeks with good fiitness and nutrition) and have a muscular athletic build. I have been working on transforming my body into an athletic physique for the last 4 months with Paleo fitness and diet, staying roughly around the same weight of 180 (average of course, I have gone up to 195 and dropped again to 180). The difference now when compared to the first time I was at 180 a few months ago is that I have solid muscle definition and a low fat percentage of 15%. My goal is to hit 10 % body fat, have a nice six pack and have he strength to compete in cross fit regionals and make a name for myself. Working at it every week with my PT ( so much improvement in last 2 months) and I hope to be able to compete next year. It is not a terrible amount of work to lose weight and keep / build lean muscle, about 20-30 min a day of Paleo type fitness and consistent Paleo neutrino with supplementation. Should I try and keep my weight around 180 lb or should I lean out more and let it drop or build up bigger muscles and let it climb more? I do not feel I need bigger muscle just for appearances. I probable want to trade 5 lb of fat for 5lb of lean muscle. Looking for a lot of different opinions and perspectives to help me move towards a well informed decision on this. One thing is for certain is I will keep up the Paleo fitness and nutrition as I have a good thing going there. Another certainty is I like the way I look and feel. I like feeling strong and at the same time flexible with good mobility. One change I might make is to cut alcohol completely ( drink now about 2 x a month) because the cost / benefit analysis is tipping the scale towards a cost rather then a benefit. Please weigh in (ha!) with all your opinions and thoughts to my questions. Thank you!!

I actually have noticed that alcohol seems to tighten me. When I finally realized it, me and DH decided the alcohol must be irritating my stomach, thus making it inflamed and harder to eat. But I've tried having a martini before dinner, and a glass of wine before dinner, and both times, it was damn near impossible to eat after that.. and it hurt pretty bad.. that burning alcohol feeling, but it gets stuck in the stoma..ow.

Try not to think of the things you're giving up as the price for being thin. More importantly (although as a fellow bandster I completely understand the desire to be thin part) you'll be more healthy. Congrats on quiting smoking! And as for the alcohol, give it till you heal, I'm still in the healing stage myself, but if you can tolerate it, why not have a cocktail or glass of wine once in a blue moon? However, I was presented the opportunity this past weekend and ya know, I really didn't want it, I'm losing now and I know that if I did have even a little liquor or wine, it's still a lot of empty calories. Again, try not to think about what you can no longer do, but think about what you will be able to do once you lose the weight! It's a great motivator, and also, maybe try reading the Beck Diet Solution. I read on one of the forums on here that it's a must read for helping get your mind in order to lose weight, and honestly, it is really great. It helps with the temptations and sabotaging thoughts. Even though you have a great support system, you've already found that right now they can't 100% support you. Even though they love you, and want to see you succeed, they don't fully understand the step you're taking. The actual surgery isn't bad, isn't a huge step, it's the fact that you are willing to change your entire lifestyle to be healthy and happy. They warn you that this can be an emotional rollercoaster as you lose the weight, so hang tight, immediately befor my surgery I was a basket case because I felt like no one understood and they weren't supporting me enough, but now I'm losing and feeling better and the little support that I get is working just fine. And remember, while you may feel completely alone, and you may feel like you are doing this all by yourself, you're not, there are thousands of people on this site that have gone through and are going through the exact same thing, I'm glad you joined. The site has helped me and I'm sure it'll help you.

I was reading this yesterday: http://www.azcentral.com/health/diet/articles/0718wsj-addiction-transfer18-ON.html They are talking primarly about "gastric bypass" which effects the digestion of the alcohol, but I think they bring a point that is worth looking at. As a recovering alcoholic myself, I relize I need to find my "healthy addiction" before I have my surgery. Tony Robbins says if something meets 3 of 6 human needs, it will become an addiction: certainty, uncertainty, significance, connection/love, growth (not physical), and contribution. For me - I'm thinking besides finding a new "excersise" addiction, it might be helpful to do so in a group/support way to create the accountability and "contribution" and "connection" factor - helping others while helping myself too. I do feel that I've isolated myself - since I quit drinking especially and don't want to make that mistake with the band.

Many of the things we get addicted to the answer is to just elminate them all togehter, obviously with food we can't do that... I've quite smoking (haven't had a smoke in probably 30 years, can't even remember when I last smoked). I got way too close with drinking, but was able to turn that one around without eliminating it, then again I haven't had anything alcoholic since well before my surgery. Food so far in my early stages of this process has been easy to manage, I'm still only in my second month, so I have a long, long way to go. People are here to help and support you, but you are the only one that can truley help yourself. You have to fight the cravings, find healthy alternatives, and keep moving in the direction YOU want to go. It is YOUR choice. Then again I'm an old fart, what do I know...making bad choices is what got me here, that is about all I know.

I came across this article at our local support group this week. Found it to me a good list for personal evaluation and focus when I am off track. Wanted to share... http://www.nawls.com/ In a November 2005 poll conducted by NAWLS, the following were identified as the top 10 mistakes WLS patients make: 1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A “pink cloud” or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it’s hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don’t change what you’ve always done, you’re going to keep getting what you’ve always gotten — even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it’s hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals–don’t skip. Don’t keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren’t as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your “absolutes” based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It’s one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It’s something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let’s face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta–in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn’t have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as “condiments,” rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS–because when you’re drinking soda, you’re not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while Protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn’t make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.

If the suboxone you take is the film (under the tongue or inside the cheek), then there won't be problems with absorption. Most of us only need pain meds the first day or two after surgery, so you can make a plan with your surgeon with regards to pain management. It is a good idea to explore your own food demons to figure out whether there is a food addiction going on. Not every bariatric patient is actually addicted to food. If it turns out that you are, then you can get a head start working through that issue before the surgery. Replacing food with quilting or painting is good....alcohol.. not so good. Congrats on making the decision to change your life! Good luck!

Originally posted on 3/30/2014 Link to original post http://www.bigfatloserblog.com/2014/03/back-to-drawing-board.html So, a big blow to the morale! Back in January I got call from Michael at AR Rehab congratulating me for being approved for the Gastric Sleeve through a state program that would pay for my surgery. This came after 2 years of work. Doctors appts, food journals, sleep studies, psych evals, and much much more. He explained that funds would be available in March, and that I should call him back then to discuss it further. I waited until about the middle of the month to call him, and tried for over a week. He was either out of the office "temporarily" or on the other line, or a myriad of other excuses. Finally last week I received a call back from him and he left me this voicemail. (The name was distorted on purpose) I was left scratching my head after this voicemail, because it was pretty unclear. "Is he saying that they aren't going to pay for it?" I was unhappy with the voicemail, and so I called him up. I could tell by his tone he was immediately on the defense. I asked him to elaborate what the VM meant. Michael: "You listened to it didn't you? I said everything in the voicemail" Me: "Well, yea, but what does it mean that you are re-evaluating spending? Are you saying you are cutting the program." Michael: "Look Ronnie, I could have just told you no back in January, but I went to bat for you. You are being ungrateful" Me: "No Sir, I was very grateful when you told me I was approved. I told my entire family, I blogged it, and I have been expecting this surgery ever since. I would have rather you told me no in January than to congratulate me on something that wasn't a done deal." Michael: "I feel like you are being rude." Me: "I feel like you lied to me, and my whole family." Michael: "I can see that this conversation isn't going anywhere, so I am going to let you go and get back to work." That was all she wrote. I stared at my phone for a minute. I literally felt like I was punched in the gut. My next call was to Blue Cross Blue Shield. I would have to be out of pocket 4 Grand, but I was confident that I would have support to help me get the surgery. I explained that I had a packet put together already with everything they would need to approve me. Doctor's notes, medical records, (about 60 pages of information). The rep said that they would not be able to accept that from me, but instead would have to receive it from each perspective doctor. I explained that it took over 2 years and thousands of dollars to gather this information and I can't afford to go back to the doctors and get the same paperwork I already had. They insisted.... So here I am, back at square one. 400 lbs, and no closer to surgery than I was 2 years ago. So unless I squat and lay a dozen golden eggs, and shell up $16k, I'm starting over. However, I am not going to be stagnant while waiting for this to come together (if it ever does) The fact is, ever since I learned I was getting the surgery I have let myself go. Red Bulls, fast food, alcohol. All because I thought, what the hell, I'm getting the surgery in 2 months anyhow. NOPE NOPE AND NOPE. I immediately regret that. Starting tomorrow, I am going to give the Keto Diet a shot. A real shot. It is a little controversial and defies common knowledge of how diets work, but I have seen a lot of success stories revolving around this diet. And, it's gaining popularity among medical community. However, it is expensive. Let face it. Meat, Cheese, and fresh veggies are high. My health is more important though and I need to make sacrifices elsewhere so I can afford it.

I was just telling someone last night about this. Saw one girl who is 4 days post op already purée food and eating mash potatoes and gravy. First thought was I thought you were only allowed protein shakes and water first 2 to 3 weeks. It was freaking me out. 1 girl 3 weeks out said she was feeling so good going to a friends party wanting to know if she could drink alcohol. Really ? These are the same ones who are going to poo poo on this surgery. Yes I know it's hard but why do they want to be fat all over again? Makes no sense to me

Tho is an amazing list! I'm going to borrow this! Thank you so much for sharing! I'm not sure why people feel its okay to drink soda and alcohol as they do- probably because people tell them it's okay.... I guess if you don't make the total lifestyle change - people just Veiw it as another diet that will eventually fail:(

That is something which sounds so foul to me but then again I am a wine drinker.........are you asking about drinking alcohol in general? Or just that particular drink Kind regards Fiona:D

One point ... if you are one of those for whom alcohol does not give you much of a buzz anymore you are probably in more danger. You *might* have a tendency to drink more than you once did to find that buzz. The extra drinks would put your liver under strain at a time when it's working hard to detox your body. No judgment. Just info.

Thank you all so much! I'm not looking to start drinking as soon as I have my surgery or anything at all like that. I just wanted to be sure that there would be options later if I so wanted to. This whole surgery is so scary and seems like a finality and there's certain things that I definitely want out of my life but I've never had a problem with over drinking so alcohol is not one of them. I'm glad to hear that if I want it I can have it still in small doses.

not everyone dumps. I never have - and most people I know who've had bypass don't. I don't know what the statistics on this are. I see 30% thrown around on here and on other boards sometimes, but I don't know if there's any hard core research behind that. It can be prevented, though, by limiting your sugar intake (many dumpers can eat *some* sugar - just not a lot of it) Artificial sweeteners don't cause dumping that I'm aware of, but some people are really sensitive to them (especially sugar alcohols - the ones whose names end in -itol). GI distress, diarrhea, etc - but this can happen to anyone, bypass or not.

Hi, I was sleeved June 8th 2016, have lost 140lbs, so far I can drink sliver rum and do okay whereas sparkling wine, wine have a harder time the sugar dumps into system to quickly. Anyway no one anywhere endorses drinking alcohol post surgery but just be smart and for me I waited until I hit major goals to partake. I am on a bocce team plus work in the wine industry so its hard to not be tempted. Now I weigh exactly 140lbs lost 1/2 of my body weight, now maintaining. Again, be smart they do not want us to hurt our new pouches and to get alcohol poisoning or have transfer of addictions. Good luck