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At two weeks, I probably would not and let things get fully healed. Caffeine was the one thing that I did not or would not give up. There's enough restrictions in this process, and I am okay giving up most foods and alcohol, but caffeine, sorry no can do!

Hi, Maddie, and first off welcome to VST. I think a lot of can relate to your story, and I'll be the first to tell you that the sleeve is a fabulous tool. To maybe help with some of your concerns: 1) I didn't have lactose intolerance issues. I'm not a milk drinker, but could/can eat yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products without issue. 2) I lost quite a bit of my hair. It started around 3.5 months post-op and last exactly 3 months. I already have new growth all over my head that is 2-3inches long. I did/do not take a supplement such as Biotin, but I did use Folicure extra care shampoo every other day. Nothing will stop it, but you can do things to help rev up the regrowth. 3) I only had one serious bout of constipation. I had eaten a lot of cheese one day, and didn't get in enough Water. That's an epic fail in the bowel movement department. 4) I was cleared for alcohol around 3.5-4 months out. I enjoy having a glass of wine here and there without any problems. I haven't tried mixed drinks just because nothing appeals to me. I like Riesling or German wines. I had 3 glasses of wine over a 5 hour time period on NYE with dinner thrown in. The first glass hit me pretty hard, but within 20 minutes I felt just a little buzzed. I had 2 more glasses at a local bar, and felt fine and didn't have a hangover. I hope this helps some. Keep us posted on your progress, and if you have any other questions or concerns feel free to post away.

Hey guys, Atkins is still giving away their Quick Start Kit, which includes 3 Atkins bars - completely free. I did an Unboxing and review video of the contents, it's posted below. The link to the Atkins free offer is below the video. Meal Replacement bar. All 3 were delicious, it was hard not to eat all three of them. Just a word of caution, the bars are sweetened with sugar alcohols, so those of you that can't tolerate sugar alcohols might not want to eat the bars. The kit also includes some literature: 2 coupons for $1 discounts on Atkins bars, Snacks, and meals. An Atkins approved food booklet and the Atkins Quick Start guide that explains the Atkins diet and the phases. As well, there are links to the Atkins support community and where you can download the Atkins app. The Atkins app will help you: *search for nutritional info, *keep track of your carb intake, your weight and how close you are to reaching your goal, *provides a daily meal plan or help you design your own, *has a database of the foods considered acceptable for each phase, *and has a restaurant guide to help you make Atkins friendly food choices when dining out.

Hello, I’m new here so a little history first; I am currently 33 years old and had my surgery about 11/12 years ago when I was around 21/22 old (@ 23• stone) years when I had my surgery done. I lost a large amount of weight very quickly due to the surgery and was soon at my ‘starting going to the gym weight of 15 stone in around 2 years! That was without even exercising much apart from normal day to day tasks and no change in diet apart from the starting liquid one.,My weight range over the years has varied between 13.5 stone to 15.0 stone due to going to the gym 3/4 times a week for about a year which led to around a stone of muscle. I did however have some problems, the first being a blockage which required a nights in hospital but no surgery thankfully. I also developers a increase in alcohol consumption due to the increased desire for it over the year, maybe 3/4 pings a night I was drinking most days and more at the weekend. Out the blue about 7 years ago I had the sudden onset of Generalised and Social Anxiety. The anxiety would be way worse If I was hangover or after a heavy night out. This developed into vicious circle to a point about 5 years ago where it spiralled out of control and was drinking 6/8+ pints a daily/all day. Thankfully I’m a sell employee property landlord. During this time I had quite multiple periods of longish abstinence (with medication from my GP for help with my anxiety) with the longest one (just over a year) which ended just over a year ago and was drinking heavily (8+ pints) again during July/August/September 2019 but stopped again. In the past when I went on my every/all day alcohol sessions for long periods of time I never put on any weighteven though I was consuming 2000+ extra empty calories plus loads junk food and takeaways. In fact I would sometimes lose weight?! I don’t until now own scales so always ‘weighed’ myself based on how my clothes fit. In late February I started again heavily but this time I started massive weight gain I couldn’t believe it and that alone caused me to quit (with the help of my GP for some Diazepam from my GP for the 1/2 weeks of horrendous anxiety I get when stopping. I am worried about the random weight gain as it’s never happened before in the past with a massive calorie increase due to alcohol (beer/cider). I thought I might have diabetes as I was really thirsty, quite hungry all the time and putting on weight but went to the GP and see did a diabetes, liver ,kidneys, bloods etc and all came back completely fine. It also been a weird weight gain as it’s mainly in my upper body and I also have dry skin, it goes white/dry when I itch myself on most my body. I bought the Withings Body + scales so I can start logging my weight and also body fat % and was surprised to be 16.5 stone! It’s about 2 stone over my idea weight (no gym) and I’ve last that much in 3 months!! Has anyone personally post op noticed a sudden increase in weight randomly? or tied with something else like alcohol? Also any diets to kickstart the weight loss? I have heard of the pouch reset diet, is it any good? Please help, I hardly have any clothes that fit now! Cheers

Crissylu nailed my band on the head. Mornings & stress cause my band to be tight. Also if my allergies are really bad then my band will get tight. One bandster said the band was like a toddler, you never know what's going to happen from day to day. That's my band, the toddlers. Lol I know several bandsters do not approve of drinking alcohol with the band, but if I have a really tight band I'll have a glass of red wine before dinner, it relaxes my band so I can enjoy my meal. It works for me.

I am so glad you posted this! I was sleeved January 27. I'm down 37.5 lbs since surgery and I can eat whatever I want also just very little. I wish I couldn't eat some foods and sometimes I think I should have has bypass... I've been walking a little but not as much as I would like to. I started taking diet pills for energy because I'm so tired all the time. Did alcohol make u feel sick at all? I haven't touched it because I'm scared to but I really want a drink sometimes

I see a lot of folks saying that frozen yogurt is bad... The non frozen yogurt has 0 fat; 5 Mg cholesterol; 150 Mg sodium; 510 potassium; 15 carbs with 15 grams coming from sugars; and 11g of Protein. The frozen yogurt from Brahms has 2 grams of fat; 10 mgs of cholesterol; 60 Mg of sodium; 6g of sugar and 10g of sugar alcohols; and 4 g of protein. It is no sugar added and has the splenda label Would the frozen yogurt be bad to use as a Protein shake base? I like the consistentcy better but ive heard a lot of negative remarks regarding frozen yogurt. Reg yogurt is fine.... I actually like cottage cheese better as a base though; yogurt plain tastes so bitter. Any insight? I cant do Greek yogurt; it is too acidic for my tummy. Thanks y'all. I have not been sleeved yet but ive started incorporating Protein shakes for Breakfast to get the habit established.

I messaged him but he hasnt responded. I'm assuming hes already on his way to wherever hes going and possibly left hos work phone behind? Im hoping hes just on a flight and thats why he hasn't responded. Im just trying to calm down haha I wiped it with some alcohol and I'm just letting it dry by not covering it up.

Why do you think you've regained? Are you doing anything differently since July to contribute to the regain? Do you weigh, measure, track and plan your food? Do you exercise? Do you drink any caloric liquids especially alcohol? Give us a couple days examples of what you eat. Also fill out your profile form to tell us more about yourself. You can also add a ticker to your signature.

Ok that's not nice. The prices are extortion sorry I'm in Australia and I've never had any issue with bringing my own backpack in they may look but no issue unless alcohol of course. If you're a family and you buy food and drinks it can cost $100s to go cinemas otherwise! Plus if you're eating healthy you can't eat there so why not bring fruit or tuna or something before hand?

I dont think so. But after surgery alcohol will become an issue if you start again. If your surgeons office requires a psychological evaluation then the alcohol will come up and you will need to discuss it with them. It was questioned in my eval but i dont drink. As for the surgeon alcohol never really came up other than no drinking once the pre op diet starts and not for a long while after surgery

My very good friend that had gastric sleeve had transfer of addiction. Thank god she is sober now but she lost 100lbs and within 6 months from first drink post op she was diagnosed with alcohol abuse disorder. I doubt it would disqualify you but I imagine there will be more than the standard questions in your psych eval for you because of that history. Honesty is always best for your safety.

Oh also....I have never had pain from drinking any kind of alcohol. Fuzzy drinks will give me gas and make we wanna burp and feel full, but I usually drink a bloody Mary or Vodka OJ.

Yes, that's what I was told at the very first interview I had with my WLS clinic. They go over the no caffeine/tobacco/no alcohol issue at every appt and each nut-class. I've had several people tell me they drink coffee anyway, some use half caf.

For a bandster alcohol metabolizes exactly the same as it did pre-op. Our anatomy has not been altered. So it moves through the full stomach and into the intestines as it always did. For gastric bypass patients, the absorption of alcohol is significantly changed and they feel the effects much sooner, and their blood alcohol stays raised for longer than a normal person. After you have lost a significant amount of weight, it will take less alcohol for you to feel its effects. Plus if you cut back during the weight-loss phase, your tolerance may decrease. I know mine did. When my weight stabilized and I began enjoying adult beverages again, it only took one for me to feel it. But that was because I hadn't consumed any in two years. Now my tolerance is back to what it was pre-op.

I think that they report everything that you all discussed in regards to lapband, committment, psych issues, alcohol, drugs, etc. I will not be able to get a copy of my report until monday to tell you more. He asked about my support system, meds taking, weight loss programs attempted before, do I know wht the lap band is and how I will be affected by it, stuff like tht. But I did do a questionairre of about 500-600 questions. My visit total time was 1 hr and 10-15 minutes of that I spent talking with the psychologist. My psychologist was linked to my physician so that made it easier for me, I did not have to find one on my own or take in papers. So, he automatically knows wht they request of him to do. As long as ur comitted, I think u will be fine, it was a breeze for me.Goodluck.

I am finally down 100 pounds!!!! Only 40 more until I hit my final goal! My weight loss journey began in December of 2012, and I had surgery in December 2013. I still cannot believe how much life has changed. The only thing that bothers me a little is I feel like I lost apart of me? Like my jolliness isn't there anymore LOL! But nothing tastes better than skinny feels. I will be turning 21 in September, and I've heard a lot of horror stories about patients turning into alcoholics after surgery. Anyone have anything they can share about this? Also, I am running through jeans like no tomorrow. Any advice for clothing tips since they will only last for a short time before they are too big?

I second the resale shop suggestion above. Look online for thrift stores or the salvation army has stores in many areas. I have a store in my area that benefits a womens domestic violence shelter. We joke with the ladies there that I rent my clothes. I buy them, (really cheap) and then re-donate when I have lost out of them. I have gone from a 22 to a 4/6. Now they keep an eye out for me, and when things come in that fit my style and size they hold them for me. Remember that alcohol is empty calories, and the hangover isn't really worth it. Don't go down a dangerous path without a really good plan, and drinking is a dangerous path. Since you already know that many people turn to alcohol then be prepared, and keep any drinking in strict moderation. Also remember that your tiny tummy will absorb the alcohol quicker, so you will become drunk very quickly, and then sober up just as fast. Since my surgery 10 months ago I have only had 4 drinks, 2 glasses of wine at formal dinners, a mixed drink in the Bahamas, and a hard cider. That's the extent of my drinking, and I always made sure I had someone to drive me after, and also that the people around me knew that I had a low tolerance for alcohol. You were very pretty pre surgery, but you are smokin' hot now. Great work!

I think it is caused by being in ketosis which is a great news for your weight loss. I think they have some mouth washes that help with dry mouth (nothing with alcohol in it) and you could try some sugar free breath mints to suck on and just keep sipping on the water.

I'm at the end of day 3 of my pre-op diet and these protein shakes are constantly filling me up to the point where I've missed one today. But then the kids wanted pizza, and I was sipping beef broth in another room. And now my stomach is roiling and I'm legit hungry for the first time all day and want to go raid the fridge. Good thing I have to drink another protein shake instead... On the flip side, doc had me cut out diet soda, coffee, and alcohol back in early September, and this morning I actually weigh as much as I claim on my driver's license. LOL. Surgery is this Monday!!! Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

Tiff, I am so sorry, I know that you have experienced loads of difficulties. I looked up some info on your condition and found it interesting that one of the causes are the meds used post surgery. Low blood pressure is commonly caused by drugs such as: Alcohol Anti-anxiety medications Certain antidepressants Diuretics Heart medicines, including those used to treat high blood pressure and coronary heart disease Medications used for surgery Painkillers Is it possible that there is a bleed somewhere in your body from your surgery? Would it be possible to visit w/your surgeon? I'm so sorry that you have to change the food things too, I'm sure that will be scary emotionally after you've had so much success. You are in our thoughts and prayers, take care of yourself and let John take care of you. Anna

Hi all. I had my surgery on October 11th at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Kansas City under the care of Stan Hoehn. Day of surgery: Surgery at 10:30 am. I woke up in a lot of pain in my abdomen. The original recovery room pain meds didn’t help. The next meds they tried caused an allergic reaction - rash, trouble breathing, inability to focus, nausea. It took hours to convince the nurse that the Dilaudid was a problem. In retrospect, as I am allergic to morphine, I can’t believe they gave me a morphine derivative and then denied I was having a reaction, but that is having a bad nurse vs. a good nurse, I suppose. For the record, all of my other nurses and CAs were the best and truly a great group of healthcare professionals. The Demerol that they finally put me on (about 7:30 pm) gave me a bit of itching around my eyes and nose, but was far more tolerable. I was able to suck on ice chips, take a walk around the unit, and sleep pretty comfortably. Day 1 Post-op: Felt great, was doing great with all tests and measurements. Able to start Clear liquids. Every bite felt like I was filling my stomach with air – uncomfortable but not painful. Started taking Lortab Elixir. It tastes terrible, but it was nice to get away from the powerful drugs. Went home moving well and optimistic. Took my everyday meds (Wellbutrin,Kariva, and Zantac) and went to bed around 10 pm. Woke around 12:30 am feeling crazy nauseous and vomited repeatedly – very painful. Woke again at 3:30 am for another round. I was in so much pain and so nauseous that I could not get the Loratab down. Day 2 Post-op: Spent entire day in bed. It was almost too painful to get up to use the restroom. Too scared to take Loratab in case itmade me vomit again. Too nauseous to eat or drink, though I forced myself toget in 25 oz of Water before bed. A frightening, dismal day. Realized that I was not supposed to begin taking the Kariva or Zantac right away, so that was probably the cause. Day 3 Post-op: Called the doctor because I was so sick thatI was barely able to get anything down, including water. They prescribed an anti-nausea medication that dissolves on your tongue – took one and haven’t been sick to my stomach since! Still sore from vomiting, but feeling 100% better after getting the script filled and taken. Easily get my water and Protein minimums met. Took a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood and then took a nap. Day 4-6 Post-op: Energy is great and pain management is easy with liquid ibuprofen or Tylenol. Having soreness in my back, but probably due to too much sitting around. Was able to do household shopping and light cleaning around the house. Able to bend easily to scoop litter boxes, vacuum,and any other task that doesn’t require heavy lifting or pulling. Eating hasbeen an adventure. Protein shakes and liquids in general are no trouble. More solid things are hit and miss – pureed shrimp was okay, but salmon caused sliming. And sliming is no fun, but not painful, thank goodness. String cheese was fine once but not tonight. Hummus, eggs, avocado/yogurt Soup, and refried Beans have been no trouble. I find I am able to take one biteof just about anything and I am fine as long as I chew, chew, chew. And, ofcourse, I’m not trying anything outside of my nutritional guidelines. On the downside, I can’t tell when I am full, so I have been tying to keep all portions at about ¼ cup, as that seems to work without making me slime. Starting tomorrow, I need to really up my protein and water intake, so that might be a challenge as I feel like I have something in my mouth all the time already. LOL Hunger is mostly gone, but head hunger is alive and well. Dr. Hoehn prescribes a self-injected medicine called arixtra to help prevent blood clots. We must inject ourselves once a day for seven days following surgery. I was dreading this and was pleased to find that it is so easy and painless. Swab some tummy fat with an alcohol prep pad, pinch, and jab. The needle is so fine that I haven't felt it even a little. Believe me, super, duper easy. I see my doctor tomorrow to have the staples removed. I’m hoping to be cleared for a bath as I dearly love soaking in the tub. I've been showering, of course. I just miss my bathtub. Otherwise, I feel very much on track. I’m using myfitnesspal.com to keep track of every bite and that is so helpful. I am “hswelch” there if anyone would like to find me there.

I am really sorry to those who are feeling the actual hunger. I can not imagine feeling that way all the time. For me, the thinking is real. There is a lot going on around me, that normally a pint of ice cream and a spoon would help fix. I have been an over eater since I became a ternager, and it has gone up and down over the years. Psycolical hunger is a habit. Alcoholics, you do not give a drink to, drug users, you do not give them more drugs. Unfortunately we dont have a choice but to eat. And, for me at least, I would eat for everything. For happy, to celebrate, sad, anxious, my brain aways looks to food as a comfort. I am not sure it will ever go away, but at least I became aware of it. And truly I would fell like i am starving with about 800 calories a day, if it wasnt for the surgery. I hope ot gets easier for the ones who feel hungry all the time.

Well done on your weight loss so far. Going to need a lot more information than you've given so as to receive relevant responses. It would help if you completed your profile: height, weight etc. Also how long as your weight stopped? What are you eating (including fluids with calories) and what volumes. How much fluid intake? Alcohol? Exercise? Incidental activity?

@adiosannie300 while this may sound harsh people who truly care about you will be supportive. I have run into people who seem very upset by the fact I will no longer eat sweets, breads or drink alcohol.. it bothered me for a bit but when I thought about it.. they are just upset with themselves that they have not made the changes in their lives and I will not sabotage myself for anyone. True friends will support you on your endeavors and encourage you to do the right thing! I hope we all have more of those types :)