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I went on a cruise for 2 weeks preop. I didn't have to follow a strict preop diet apart from the day before. I drank until 2 days before. I was absolutely fine. There is no evidence to suggest alcohol affects anaesthetic or recovery (apart from 24 hours preop). You'll be fine. Don't worry. I am a preop nurse and we ask patients not to drink for 24 hours preop only. Good luck. Sent from my SM-G935F using the BariatricPal App

It speaks well of your prospects that, despite no requirement, you chose to lose weight. Your mind is in a good place: You're serious. It goes without saying, which shan't stop me, that cutting out alcohol and the rest is smart. What raises a question is your saying that you're logging everything, but no word about what you are logging apart from the shakes. Sad to say, it is easy for counterproductive edibles to be going down your gullet. Consider an appt with the practice's RD to review a week or two of food logs. S/he can make suggestions for improvement. It's impressive that you chose to work on this. It probably makes you an exception. Although my bariatric practice had a loosey-goosey requirement (my insurance plan had none), my own surgeon told me that she didn't care whether I lost weight before surgery. A fool, I thought, "Oh, good, I'll start after." Three weeks, prior, however, it occurred to me that, if I were serious, I'd start immediately. I dropped 11 lbs which the surgeon noted aloud in the OR. This is not to say that, like you, I'm impressive, but that it told me I was ready for the long haul. You'll be fine.

@@jenn1 thank you for the thoughtful thread you posted in regards to enabling or confrontation. I am a newbie recently sleeved 28 April 2016 and as I went through the process to have the surgery I also worked on the things that were going to make me successful. I took the time to make some lifestyle changes and change my relationship with food. I came to this website and have stayed because of being able to read the journey of others who have successfully taken a journey I am on and are in a place where I want to be. I respect all whether newbies or vets who stick to plan and are no nonsense when it comes to this life changing decision. That is motivating! I am surprised at some of the posts that I have seen lately and it is unfortunate. I can't imagine having surgery then turning around to eat bacon, pizza and chug soda or alcohol immediately after. I can't understand why some think this is ok and why they want support for this type of action. I understand the stance of some of the vets, but it is a lot of recently sleeved or wls candidates that are just as frustrated with some of the dialogue on "why can't I eat what I want?" In the short time since I had surgery this place is my go to source and I hope people reconsider their involvement. In my short time since surgery I have followed my doctors advice, my NUTs advice, and yes I have listened to the vets. In my opinion I am rockin' my sleeve! . There are some really good people here that are providing great support and advice may not be what someone wants to hear but it may be what someone needs to hear. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I am also a newbie. I am also older and don't tolerate much foolishness. I've read the posts from newbies that start a few days pre-op to a few weeks post op about whether they can eat bacon, or had a slice of pizza or say I am going on vacation and can I drink alcohol. I read those posts, shake my head and think, "Why the hell did you have surgery, especially when you are making bad decision so soon after surgery?!!!" I followed the rules post op because I had major surgery and wanted to change my life for the better. Many think of this as a quick fix and it is obvious from their posts. Others haven't addressed their food addiction or food behaviors prior to surgery. Have I been perfect since my surgery, No, but I have been able to stay on the right path based on the guidance given by vets to other members. I appreciate ALL the vets input, responses and tips. I would hate for the vets to leave because your successes, experiences and suggestions have made my journey successful so far. Like others, even though I might not post often, I do read the forum EVERYDAY. I think a FAQ for newbies is a good idea and when somebody asks some of these "stupid" questions, the vet can just post a link to a section of the FAQ that explains what to eat and what not to eat post op and keep on going. Kindle, I would love for you to reconsider your decision to leave. Your postings, along with the other vets, are appreciated by many of us newbies. .

This is like any other voluntary association. Sometimes I have time to pay attention, other times I don't. It is a little odd for me to think of myself as some sort of veteran. I like to help sincere seekers. (and I dig @@dubs food porn). I remember where I was when I started. This site was a little daunting when I first found it. It takes a little while to figure it out. You don't realize at first to look at surgery date and number of posts when you are judging how much credence to give an answer . You don't even know how to create preferences so you don't get flooded with email notices. Heck you don't even know the right terms to search. "Geez what's a stall?" You know until November 2014, I wouldn't have known to search for that, all I knew was I wasn't pooping and not losing weight and I was kind of scared. I appreciated the online "hand on my shoulders" and people telling me "this is normal stuff, you got this." So yes, it gets a little old. No one should ever feel obligated to be here. But I remember where I was. I try to help out when I have time, and I do appreciate those who voluntarily and unselfishly give their time to help others. It was huge to me when I REALLY needed it. Now for the vets, I want to suggest a thought to you...have you thought about what YOU get when you help some one new to this? It reinforces what you are trying to do. We have had some people pop back after being gone for a while, and lamenting they have lost their way and gained some weight again. Now I don't think that being here guarantees success, but I think it is like my sisters work in drug and alcohol recovery. She is an alcoholic. She helps others in recovery through AA. Not only because she can, but it reminds her every day just how important her sobriety is and what a gift it is. So while there are problems with the internet chat board world that no one will ever be able to fix, please reflect, what you get, when you give.

Well, you do sound rude. I truly doubt that you have been absolutely perfect. I was asking a question, which is what this forum is for. Not for people like you to place judgement. I don't have a bad relationship with food. That is not what got me here and you know nothing about me so with all due respect take your holier than now opinion elsewhere. I probably shouldn't respond to this since I'm 6 days post op from my conversion to bypass because of uncontrollable acid and on pain meds but I can't help myself. Posts like this crack me the hell up. It is evident to me that the OP was hell bent on drinking the Coke Zero, so I don't understand the need to post seeking advice. Moreover, it was clear she was going to react badly when she received a response that she believed didn't give the blessing she sought or was "holier than thou" (by the way I'm 2+ years post surgery round 1 and 6 days post surgery round 2 and I followed my instructions TO THE LETTER both times) . Posts like this is why the vets are leaving this site in droves. If you don't want the advice, don't ask the question. And if you ask the question accept the advice with the grace in which it was given. Like Kindle said in another post: I'm out. Good luck to all you new soda, alcohol drinking, pizza and bacon eating new post OP's who believe they know better what is right for "their body" than vets who are super successful or, amazingly the medical professionals in whose hands they placed their life's. Good luck And I don't think my message would be any different if it wasn't clouded by lortab. Bring on the bitching Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

For me personally, two months out would have been fine to have a drink. But do check with your surgeon and evaluate your body. Have you tolerated most foods well? How do you feel? I healed very quickly and knew I could tolerate it. Some advice though: -Hard liquor made me throw up instantly. I only tried it once since surgery, and I threw up immediately. I haven't attempted it since. - I cant have beer since it is carbonated and I am only allowed carbonated drinks after 12 months to avoid discomfort, so I cant drink that. - The only thing I drink is wine. I really enjoy pink moscato and it is light enough to drink without stomach issues. After one glass I can feel it, and after two I am REALLY feeling it. Pre surgery I could've drank a whole bottle and barely felt it. Be careful, and keep in mind that all alcoholic beverages are high in sugar and calories. But also, have a good time and happy 21st!!

I know that I will not be able to be off for 6 weeks. I can be off 2 weeks at most. I'm a fast healer. When I had a breast reduction, I was out shopping in 3 days. I'll take things easy. Yeah, I assume even a little bit of alcohol will make someone with a small stomach tipsy. I'm not big on alcohol. It's never really appealed to me like is has to my friends. I guess I'm in the wrong generation sometimes, lol! Thanks so much for your response!

@@KM16 I cut out sugar, soda, alcohol, and was fairly decent at low carbing (I had portion control issues) and I still wasn't losing weight. I did this for 3 years before surgery. That told me that surgery was my only option since I had cut out all the things people said to stop doing and I still wasn't losing. I think if you aren't a miserable fat person, you don't really change a lot. The people that hated themselves and were really miserable fat with low self esteem and low self worth. They change a lot and not always for the best. Many seem to over correct and swing the other way too hard. I'm basically the same and at one year out my life is not really that different. I enjoy food. I enjoy eating out. I eat proper portion sizes. I enjoy the quality and presentation of food, not just having massive amounts of it. I was always a picky eater and now I am even pickier. When you eat small amounts it better be delicious. If you have a good handle on yourself pre-op, you will have an easier time post-op.

1. Sedentary work approx. 6 weeks. Although I didn't take time off because I work from home. 3. You can drink Protein Drinks but watch the sugar content. I made my own or went to Tropical Smoothie. 4. I wouldn't take the chance with Alcohol, I'd assume a small amount would make you tipsy. 8. Not really. I'm 7 weeks post op and only have incision itching from the largest incision. 9. You could get pregnant right after surgery. Fairly common I heard. 10. Yes, yes, and yes. Stay hydrated. 11. The food will sit on your chest. May cause you to vomit. Sit up.

My 2 week post-op appt went well today! I've lost 18.5 lbs, all of my incisions are healing well and I got my diflucan! Best of all, my doc released me to eat whatever I want...he said he trusts me to do the best thing for myself and that my stomach, at 2 weeks, is healed enough to handle anything as long as I chew it veryveryvery well. No caffeine, no NSAIDs and of course no alcohol, but otherwise I'm free to eat as long as I'm shooting for 90g protein and limiting sugars/simple carbs, just as I've been doing. Tonight I had a little bit, maybe 2 oz?, of grilled salmon. It was heavenly. Now I need to start seriously tracking what I'm eating, so I need a good food tracking app. I'm using My Fitness Pal, but I don't love it. I have another app called Baritastic, but it doesn't track fiber so my dietitian doesn't like it because she wants me to track fiber later on. Do any of you use something else, or have any suggestions about things you've heard of? Sounds like we all had good appointments today, yay June sleeve buddies!

I agree with pammieanne and wolfgirl78. Think we all had to do some real soul searching before we made our life changing decisions. I'm not a soda/pop drinker so it's not an issue with me. I did give up drinking alcohol 2 months pre-op and that has been difficult but very manageable. I'm in this for health. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I almost think it might be easier. You can prepare your kitchen they way you want. throw out junk food, only stock what you will eat. Get rid of all alcohol in your home. you will need help getting to/from surgery and maybe a day or two post. My hospital has a monthly meeting for post op patients and there are these forums full of supporters.

1. How long should I expect to be off from work after surgery? I know that it is up to the doctor, but I just want an estimated idea. I work a very low physical job. So, there will be barely, if any, physical duties. Plan on a couple of weeks. Might be more, might be less, but about 2 weeks is a good starting point to plan for. 2. Will I have to avoid carbonated drinks for the rest of my life? I'm not a huge soda drinker, but I do drink it from time-to-time. I know that I'll have to avoid anything carbonated 6 months post-OP. But does that mean for the rest of my life, as well? It's ok if I have to. I'm just curious. Some surgeons do recommend avoiding carbonated drinks for the rest of your life. Some don't. It may also depend on what your new, tiny stomach can tolerate. I can't have anything carbonated without discomfort, so I avoid it. IMO it's important that you be willing to stick to whatever your surgeon/dietitian recommends. Being committed to being compliant is a big part of the battle to be successful post-op. 3. Are Protein drinks, like Muscle Milk, the type of Protein Drinks that I'll be able to drink, or will they have to be made? You should be able to drink either pre-made or ones you make yourself, as long as they meet your dietitian's nutritional rules. For example, I could not drink regular Muscle Milk because it is too high calorie and high carb for my plan -- but I could drink Muscle Milk Light, if I wanted to (I don't, to me it tastes like industrial waste water). 4. Will I have to stop drinking alcohol completely? I rarely drink, but when I get around my childhood friends, they love to drink, and sometimes I'll drink a little. Again, this is up to your individual surgeon/dietitian. I think it is rare that any of them require you give alcohol up for life though. 5. Has anyone with PCOS had any improvement with their symptoms? If so, please explain. N/A 6. What would you say is an emotional eater? 1. Find a cognitive behavioral therapist who specializes in bariatric surgery patients (your surgeon should be able to refer you to someone good; and 2. Start developing activities and hobbies you like to do in place of eating. 7. Will I still be able to take Adderall after the surgery? Adderall helps my OCD. My OCD causes me to lose concentration on important things, so Adderall helps keep me focused. Probably, but discuss with your surgeon and possibly a pharmacist. You may need to adjust dosages, but most people continue taking their meds without any problems. 8. Is there any long-term pain after the surgery? No. 9. Will I be able to have kids? I'm only 24 years old (25 in about 2 weeks) and I have no kids. I want kids in my future. You will be more likely to get pregnant and to have healthy babies and children when you are no longer morbidly obese. It takes far fewer calories than most people think to nourish a healthy fetus, or a growing baby if you are breastfeeding. So if you plan your food intake carefully you don't have to worry that you will have an underweight baby or anything like that. There is probably not much you could do more beneficial to your future of having children than get yourself to a healthy weight. 10. Will I really have to drink 6-8 cups of Water a day? I barely drink 3 cups a day because a lot of water makes me feel sick. No. You will have to drink 8 cups of some sort of liquid in your liquid phase after surgery, but you gradually shift that over so you are getting more fluids from food. You will have to drink more than 3 cups a day though. I hardly ever drink water and I am perfectly healthy! 11. Is it true that laying down after eating should be avoided? If you have acid reflux, yes. Gastric sleeve can cause or exacerbate acid reflux so this is a rule that a lot of people find it helpful to follow.

@@cwhitt456 - Yeah it's normal. Good for you to look before you leap. It is a life changing decision. The fact that convinced me was behavior change alone results in long term weight loss with about 5% suceed through behavior modification vs. nearly 80% (going by memory) who succeed with WLS. You might want to check with the Cleveland Clinic who did some of the best long term studies on Sleeve surgery. I am surprised how few guys do this vs women, but the numbers are what they are. I am very glad I found out about WLS. In 2014 I thought I had a stroke. It turned out to be something stress related, but it was the first light on my dashboard that I needed to lose weight. I diligently did weight watchers, but with my travel, it was hard to stay on track. I found out about WLS on a pod cast, and started researching (Cleveland Clinic study convinced me). I had mine done in Mexico (just didn't want to mess with insurance, and it was affordable enough). It's worked wonderfully. Only thing I regret is not knowing about it when I was your age. It is a tool. Don't think it's "FM" (freakin magic). It requires work and diligence, but it is an amazing tool. Absolutely changed my life. That said, some things to consider: * Do I have a couple of weeks to recover? Might not need it, but with my scheduled I figured out there were only two days in 2014 I could have the surgery. * Significant other? When a partner loses weight, it can change a relationship. Sometimes women like the chunky guy because he is less likely to stray because fat guys have fewer partners. They get nervous when that changes. * Emotional issues with food? We got fat for some reason. Get your mind right before. * Can I get in the best shape possible before the surgery? It will speed up your recovery and you will thank me for suggesting it. * Can you go without smoking, coffee, alcohol for several months? You want the stomach to heal. Good luck, feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

Hello! I know I'm posting a lot of topics, but I am just so anxious about this procedure, and I want to make sure I am 100% prepared. I just have a few questions about what to expect and what to do. It's ok if you're unable to answer all of my questions. Any advice is very much appreciated. 1. How long should I expect to be off from work after surgery? I know that it is up to the doctor, but I just want an estimated idea. I work a very low physical job. So, there will be barely, if any, physical duties. 2. Will I have to avoid carbonated drinks for the rest of my life? I'm not a huge soda drinker, but I do drink it from time-to-time. I know that I'll have to avoid anything carbonated 6 months post-OP. But does that mean for the rest of my life, as well? It's ok if I have to. I'm just curious. 3. Are Protein drinks, like Muscle Milk, the type of Protein Drinks that I'll be able to drink, or will they have to be made? 4. Will I have to stop drinking alcohol completely? I rarely drink, but when I get around my childhood friends, they love to drink, and sometimes I'll drink a little. 5. Has anyone with PCOS had any improvement with their symptoms? If so, please explain. 6. What would you say is an emotional eater? I've noticed a few people get depressed after having the surgery because they aren't hungry enough to eat a lot of food like they used to be able to do. I don't necessarily know if I'm an emotional eater or not. I think I'm more of a 'boredom eater'. I'm mostly bored because I'm so overweight that I can't do the things I wish I could. My weight has caused me to become a hermit and very tired/lazy. But I hardly ever snack when I'm at home. I usually just eat big meals and then I'm done. When I do snack, I make it my meal. Strangely enough, when I'm depressed, I can't eat. My eating habits make people wonder why I am as big as I am, since I don't snack. I tell everyone it's my PCOS, which I'm sure is the truth. 7. Will I still be able to take Adderall after the surgery? Adderall helps my OCD. My OCD causes me to lose concentration on important things, so Adderall helps keep me focused. 8. Is there any long-term pain after the surgery? 9. Will I be able to have kids? I'm only 24 years old (25 in about 2 weeks) and I have no kids. I want kids in my future. 10. Will I really have to drink 6-8 cups of Water a day? I barely drink 3 cups a day because a lot of water makes me feel sick. 11. Is it true that laying down after eating should be avoided? So far, those are the only questions I can think of. I may have more later.

Without more information it is hard to tell. Have you talked to your NUT? Have you talked to your surgeon? What do they advise? Are you tracking your food? What is your protein target? How much protein are you eating? How much Fluid are you drinking? Are you getting at least 64 oz? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you avoiding added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods? Are you avoiding alcohol and carbonated drinks? Are you practicing mindful eating? Eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly? Are you exercising? How far are you from your goal weight? We need more information in order to help. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

So when I had my sleeve done 6/8, I recall asking the nutritionist if I'd be able to eat regular food for our family's annual 4th of July trip to Vegas. She assured me I would. So flash forward to last Wednesday, my 3 week surgiversary and the day before our trip. I'd heard about 3-week stalls and I was a little apprehensive, but I was 39 pounds down and feeling confident. This weekend I had only one Protein drink. I ate pretty much what I wanted to, including a frozen lemonade and a slice of key lime pie. I had oysters and fish and ribs and chicken and even a little potato puree and some grits with my redfish at Emeril's. I had a Philly cheesesteak slider, but I did not eat at Craftsteak, which didn't disappoint me anywhere near as much as I'd expected. I even had a pretzel dog in the airport when our flight was delayed. No other way to say it...I overate and I was waaay off my diet plan. A couple of times to the point of feeling uncomfortably full, and once to the point of throwing up. Also, since I know it's a topic here, I should mention alcohol. I tried two adult beverages, and neither of them sat well. Both were, in fact, unfinished. I'm not normally a drinker, but when it's 106 degrees outside and you're at the pool paying $15 for a frozen lemonade, virgin or not, you figure you want your money's worth. I definitely got more bang for the buck from the virgin drinks. After all that I came home and I'd gained 0.6 pounds. I'm about to go to the deli across the street from my office and get a scrambled egg with cheese. Time to get back on track and over my totally self-induced 3-week stall. Truth is, I'm looking forward to it, but I also know I've got to learn to eat healthy even in social and vacation settings or I'm not going to feel my best. That's going to be a struggle for me, because I've always linked so many happy memories to food. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I completely avoid artificial sweeteners (was addicted to Equal), use Stevia now. I completely avoid alcohol and chocolate. I avoid fruit juice, ice-cream and red meat, bread Basically avoid any foods/drinks that my body reacts to in an unpleasant way

I am just starting the process and am wondering if once all healed and on solid foods if you can have alcohol drinks. I am not a big drinker but occassionaly like some margaritas with girlfriends. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgeon told me that sleeve acts to remove part of the stomach. The stomach produces hormones including ghrelin which is a hunger hormone. So when the larger part of the stomach goes so too does the excess hunger. There's a reset of the 'weight barometer.' What's left is mental. I've not seen any discussion on experiences of childhood abuse and obesity here so far (please point me in the right direction if I've missed it.) I'm aware of a study that found half of all people seeking bariatric surgery suffered sexual abuse as children. I volunteer with a charity which supports victims of domestic abuse. Most people equate abuse to violence but it can be emotional, financial, physical or sexual. Emotional abuse leaves the biggest scars. So my guess is this: a child has less access to things like cigarettes, alcohol and drugs to handle the pain of an abusive childhood. So we use food to suppress emotions as a survival strategy. That's great because we survived! As adults it's no longer a successful strategy and we need to relearn how to handle stress in healthier and more self-compassionate ways. Undo the childhood conditioning. I'm trying to say that I think it's not simple, and there are two main areas to focus on. One is the practicalities around eating and drinking. Two is deprogramming childhood and taking full and active responsibility for our best mental welfare through learning to see new choices and loving/accepting ourselves exactly as we are. I used to use food to beat myself up or to escape painful feelings. I don't do that any more and my weight has stabilised. I'm generally at peace with the world. So that's how I know that I'm ready for surgery. Sent from my SM-A500FU using the BariatricPal App

I am 5 days post-op gastric sleeve. I have such mixed feelings. I have been overweight for the past 15 years. I have been suffering from depression for the past 25 yrs. I am on meds but seem to depend on sweets to raise my spirits. Of course the sugar rush goes so I eat more... I was put on zyprexa and ALL of my levels were elevated. I became diabetic, hypertensive and gained 30 lbs. I came off the zyprexa but had to stay on meds for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. I did lose the 30lbs. I have a niece that I love dearly. She means the world to me and what kind of example am I setting? I'm successful in my career but I'm 46 and weigh 221. Im always tired and ashamed of myself. I don't have many friends and I fear being around people who don't know me. I don't want to be known as "The girl who has such a pretty face but she should lose some weight." So I hide. I am hardly ever invited to go anywhere by my peers and it really hurts. I think I might give off the vibe that I don't want to go out. But reality is we all just want to be loved. My first fiancée just didn't work out after 9 years - he found drugs and alcohol to be more important. My 2nd fiancée cheated on me and had a child with another woman. The last one put me over the edge and I gained weight. I figure if I'm fat I won't be attractive and I won't be able to get my feelings hurt again. So I hide. I think I put forward the I'm not available vibe for plenty of people larger than me have someone in their life. I just do everything in my power to avoid being hurt again. I decided to have the surgery and went full steam ahead. I just hope I made the right decision. I hope I can handle it. Anyone have words of wisdom? Thanks Beth Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Alcohol is out of your system in 8 to 16 hours max. She isn't talking about going on a black tar heroine bender before surgery.

If by a few drinks you mean 2-3 and you're two days before surgery, you're going to be fine. If by a few drinks you mean 10-12, it probably won't kill you, but it isn't the greatest plan. If you think about it, people who go into emergency surgery for far more serious surgeries generally didn't have the option to stop drinking well in advance of surgery and assuming they survive whatever unexpected thing tried to kill them, the alcohol they consumed before surgery isn't likely going to make it any worse, unless we're talking like binge drinking in which case, all bets are off. So...a few drinks, as defined by 2-3, a few days before surgery isn't a big deal. A night of keg stands, beer bongs, and tequila shots probably isn't the best plan.

is alcohol really that important that you would risk having a possible complication during surgery?