Search the Community

i am a former chemical dependency counselor and i can tell you LOTS of medical professionals, including doctors have drug and/or alcohol problems. LOTS. i worked in a program for medical people, cops and firefighters. doctors were the worst in terms of denial and relapse, esp surgeons. hopefully he will get the help he needs. a doctor in buffalo NY hit and killed a young woman skateboarding when drunk. he left her to die by the side of the road.

Yes. I have this problem, too. The head hunger gets to me sometimes and I become emotional. Almost like I'm grieving my old life and using food as a coping mechanism. Now that I can't eat, having to deal with all the changes without using food is difficult. When I feel overwhelmed, I come on here and read posts of success stories and others who are struggling so I can relate and gives me motivation. I've had a bunch of temptations when I'm with my friends who are eating pizza and Christmas Cookies and drinking pop. It makes me realize how food is the center of all the activities my friends and I partake in. I've thinking of going to see a professional to talk about all these emotions and situations and process them. My friend who works at an addiction facility has told me that many people who have had wls have shifted their food addiction to other things drugs or alcohol. I want to have a healthy life and a healthy relationship with food. It'll take work, but I know wls was the first step to get things check.

Welcome all. I was banded July 1 2013 down 78 lbs by far the best decision of my life. Grateful I found this site some people here are amazing and so motivating . I can't explain how the band has changed my thinking as well which is why I think I have been so successful. I follow the drs rules protein small bites n portions no drinking while eating my vitamins. I also got the gym 5-7 days a week combination of cardio j weight training. I started at 297 wearing size 22/24 I am Now 217 wearing a size 16 . And only 6 months out . There will be some emotions along the way especially as you get closer to surgery I was scared to go through with it but then I said if I d nothing in letting bad things happen to me as well so let me try and do the healthy thing. I have been on a diet since age 10 27 tears of dieting at at age 38 I decided to get banded actually got the approval on my 38 bday. I still go out to dinner eat way less and don't really drink alcohol but the drinking is by my chose. Good luck and we are here for you !!!!

Thanks for the replies. AlienBandit, it's encouraging to hear that people with BMI <35 can still achieve great success with the surgery. I'd be very happy if I could maintain a weight of 160 lbs! Unfortunately, in the past it's involved hours of exercise a day, not having any alcohol, any Desserts, and not having any sort of dinner, all with a daily caloric intake of about 1000...NOT sustainable! LauraLane, Mexico is not at the top of my list right now, but if the Russia thing fails, I am willing to look into it. I called the Russian clinic today, but the receptionists were quite rude and refused to offer any sort of information over the phone, so I'll have to send my mom over there and pretend to be a patient, so that she can actually meet with the surgeon him/herself. I sent her an e-mail, so hopefully she can do this sometime next week.

Under the influence... geeze. And yet another reason I get squeamish when people say "my doctor said I could drink"...yeah, prob because he is an alcoholic him/herself.

I also have no desire to drink right now... but I think most people are asking questions because drinking alcohol is huge part of most people's social lives... and we shouldn't judge people for wanting to have a social life and manage drinking in a effective way (i.e. asking for advice)... I haven't seen any one running around saying "I want to get plastered and drink everyday!" So I don't find it that big of a deal. People are going to determine their own success. Personally I won't drink until I'm at least 6 months out, and that will probably be 1 drink for 21st birthday... And then I probably won't have another one for a while. And I surely hope people don't judge me for asking the question when I do...

I think the drinkers are worried and those that don't indulge very much think it's dumb to be concerned about alcohol with such a serious and extreme surgery. I think you should be concerned about everything and ask but alcohol concerns are just as dumb as I can't give up my straw comments.

The band is NOT surgically induced bulimia! NO! no! No! The band is about restricting you portion sizes, not restricting your life. My DH and I go out all the time, and yes, I have drinks, but many bandsters find that alcohol affects them much easier than before, and blended drinks like margaritas will Close lots of folks down from the restriction it brings. We usually order off the appitizer menue too, or we share, or we bring home all the left overs so I have "good" lunches for days! I know that not being "normal" is the fear of so many baby bandsters, that and worry that the band won't work for them. Because the Band is a lifestyle, it will take some work and mental adjustment on your part to figure how how to live with your new lifestyle. Like figuring out that eating in your car is a thing of the past... Or at least eating while you drive is ...

3 - 6 months to start enjoying alcohol again? My surgery is August 11 so, I'll be just in time for Mardi Gras!

I drink wine several times a week. Usually a glass or at most 2 (5 oz servings). My weight loss isn't super fast, but I am losing while still indulging in one of my guilty pleasures. I have read on here that others were told they aren't EVER supposed to drink alcohol again after surgery...sorry but that doesn't fly with me. Moderation is key...and I only drink when I've met my daily protein and fluid requirements. I find it takes much less for me to be satisfied...I used to drink a whole bottle of wine. If my weight loss stops, well then it's time to give it up

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls. 2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas! 3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy . Eat the volcano. Repeat. 4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission. 5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello? 6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog. 7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas Cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again. 8. Same for pies. Apple. pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day? 9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards. 10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!" Have a great holiday season! (PS, THESE ARE NOT LAPBAND FRIENDLY TIPS, BUT I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT)

I had manly eating tendencies. There was nothing more that I loved was college football Saturdays with friends, nachos, queso, chicken wings, you name it we had it, and of course different alcoholic beverages. I carried most of my fat like a man as well. I was all gut. If it's any consolation, I can eat 1 slider from Chili's with cheese. I do have to eat it slow, but it does kind of fill that want for a hamburger like meal.

First of all, I'm so sorry that you're going through this Brandy. Big hugs. I, too, come from a family of many alcoholics. I think that, frankly, you're wise to be a little concerned about yourself -- I'm always watching myself too. The reason being is that a new study came out showing that people with a family history of alcoholism had a tendency to be obese. It's not that surprising if you think about it -- alcohol is made from carbohydrates (grain, rice, sugar, etc.) and we get obese from carbohydrates. Two sides of the same coin. Now, I'm not saying that ALL people who are obese or suffered from obesity have to be concerned about addiction. But I do think that people who have had a family history of alcoholism do need to be aware of the potential of cross-addiction (going from food to something else). That said, I think because you're aware and concerned, you're less likely to fall into the cross-addiction trap -- for example, I just don't drink anymore. I rarely drank before I had the sleeve and now, from what I've read, it's just not worth it. (Get tipsy really fast and then the tipsy feeling subsides really quickly. ugh.) So that's my choice. And nowadays it's easier to just not drink. Again, I am sooo sorry this has happened to you and to your mom. It's not easy to see someone you love so much go through this. But realize it's not about you and you cannot fix it. I really really recommend that, if you haven't already, get involved in Al-Anon or Adult children of alcoholics or something that may appeal to you -- And lastly and I think most importantly, YOU ARE NOT YOUR MOTHER. I hope you know this. Every person who grows up in an alcoholic family fears the worst about themselves (and when they get married, their spouse, their children, etc.). I've gone through it for years. And if you need someone to vent to, I'm here, there are so many people here on the board. We're happy to be shoulders, ears, whatever you need. Take care and big hugs -- Julie

I was due to have the gastric sleeve operation on 30th April.. I cancelled..I am now scheduled on 31st September..I'm having a hard time coming to grips with the surgery fees...Whilst I can afford it, I feel guilty that I'm spending that money on. ME....IM ANGRY with MYSELF...angry that I have to resort to surgery to lose the 40kg I had put on the previous 2 years...ANGRY because I don't recognise my reflection in the mirror...I don't want to look like this anymore...ive become a functioning alcoholic...ive become sad and lost over the loss of two people who have tragedy checked out of this life....Ive just let myself go...So I've come to the conclusion...that if I don't do this surgery I will die.... So I'm resetting my Life Clock...I am worth more than the price of a surgery...I just didn't think I had the energy or strength to do anything about changing my life's path...I'm an optimist...I'm a Libran..I can see light at the end of this tunnel...I can see me...and I can see the person in that reflection..Its ME.. I look forward to my journey... Bless to everyone on their Tasmania Australia Sent from my SM-N980F using BariatricPal mobile app

Carbonation is definately not recommended, do a search on drinking and alcohol and heck, beer, and see what comes up. Anything that goes through your band quickly and easily and has empty calories is not good for weight loss. I'm not banded yet but I'm sure a occasional beer wouldn't hurt your band, but I think maybe the carbonation is the problem with beer. Good luck! Do lots of info searching here, you'll find anything and everything...this is mostly a good thing though! Ha!

I am not sure if this counts, but I had 10% alcohol NyQuil for 4 nights last week when dealing with a cold. It helped me sleep, but I was wondering if I should have had the non-alcohol version instead. It did help me sleep.

You will be able to, physically. For me, they don't taste as good as they smell and they fill me up very fast and make me feel like crap. If I really want one I just steal one from someone else's plate and then I remember why i don't eat them. There is nothing you physically won't be able to have, unless you develop an intolerance. There are things that most successful people choose not to have during the losing phase, or to have often. This kind of thread comes up all the time. Do a search for pizza, fries, ice cream, burgers, alcohol, or whatever food you are curious about, and someone will have asked about it and got answers. One thing you should never do is advance your post-op diet faster than your surgeon's plan. That is for your physical health while healing, rather than for weight loss reasons.

I've had a drink from time to time but nothing crazy. It hits you much harder than you'd expect. I can have half a beer and it's like "weeeeeee!!!" Which is fun but annoying as well. I don't drink often but love a good craft beer. It's near impossible to go out to eat and drink/eat at a meal. One time I went with some friends to BW3. Managed maybe half of a glass a beer and like 3 wings and I was done. Felt super full and miserable for the next hour. Other times I've spaced it out - drank the beer first (over the course of 30+ minutes) and then ate a little bit and felt fine. It's a crap shoot. Drinks with hard alcohol (like vodka w/ cranberry) are easier to drink, but again there's that risk of how hard and fast it can hit you. Definitely do not be the one to have to drive the first time you drink. Be at home or with somebody that can drive. As the others have said you really have to be cautious. It can become a trigger to eating things that you shouldn't or you end up getting a bunch of empty calories from drinking. I'm a weird one. I have anaddictive personality but can go 2-3 months without having a drink and it doesn't phase me. Yet when I was a smoker I couldn't go for long without having one and there's no way in hell I could ever be a social smoker where I only had one a few times a week.

I think food addiction is a thing for sure. I haven't been diagnosed with that, but I believe its a real thing. I've said this time and time again that this is 80% head, and only 20% body. You have to fight the urge, change your ways, and cope in different ways. I suffer from PTSD from childhood sexual abuse, and I think eating helped me cope with that. When I had my psych eval the doctor asked me if putting on weight, was it like a security blanket for me? Did I think that I'd be fearful of a reoccurrence (of my trauma) if I was thinner? I answered, no, but I didn't know the full scope of how being "thin" would feel like. I have been heavier my whole life. Even in high school I was athletic, but heavy. So who knows, as I get smaller, will I feel more vulnerable? My point is, that a lot of people cope with stress, trauma, anxiety, ect. with eating. I think this might as well be a food addiction. It's just like how alcoholics reach for the bottle. We use it in the moment to cope. Its a temporary fix, and doesn't solve the problem. I used to be this way as well, but I hit my rock bottom. I literally felt disgusted by my actions and knew that I was heading towards an early grave. I no longer rolled my eyes when people expressed concern for my health, because I knew they were right. I was fearful. I think therapy is a great idea, and I always recommend to establish with someone prior to surgery. It doesn't matter who you are, everyone would benefit from talking it out with professional from time-to-time. Ultimately, I hope that you get help, and have this surgery. Your life will change forever.

I just had a drink this past weekend. (Sleeved 1/25/10) I sipped very small sips and I did not finish but probably 1/3 of it. I ordered a lemonade type drink with vodka. I told them to keep it light on the alcohol and they did. I couldn't stop thinking about the lemonade having so much sugar, so I just didn't finish it. I never even felt buzzed. Vacation is next week and I will probably do it again but under the same limitations.

9 years out and alcohol has come between me and my goal weight. I still am 100 lbs down from where I started but not where I wanted to be. My best advice is, if you want to drink at all...keep it to one or two drinks and drink something like vodka and light cranberry juice or red wine. 9 yrs. out

My program’s advice was to drink water in between each alcoholic bevvy to remain hydrated. I haven’t had a drink yet but will likely have a glass of wine in a couple of weeks at a social event and am keeping that advice (I’ll be 6 weeks post op by then.)

Hi there Started drinking 10 months after which immediately slowed my weight loss because of calories plus alcohol came with less control over chips and the like then discovered I was using it as a substitute soother for food - so felt needed to stop i found the effect of the alcohol very variable post sleeve. Sometimes I‘d have a single glass of wine and be absolutely drunk, other times several glasses with no apparent effect best to leave for odd sip for family toasts and the like in my experience

Thank you for all the kind words. This is such a great place for connecting with the people who "understand" what we are going through. I told my wife the other day, even though I am not physically hungry, mentally is a different story. I told her that it is like being a recovering alcoholic. That we battle with this mentally all the time. We may not show it, but every commercial with food and innocent casual conversation about what's for dinner is a struggle. But we have a prize at the end of the tunnel and know in a few months we can taste that food again and that keeps you going. My wife, I think, understands the best she can, but until your body is going through this you never ever will. Now, I am not a sweets person, so I am in search of recipies for the full liquid diet that is not on the sweet side. I found a great one for potatoe cheese soup.

Be aware with alcohol after surgery it will hit you like a ton of bricks! I'm talking one drink and you will feel it take it slow. it burns off really fast but it hits fast also.