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wow to quote a poster "Of course!!! you were just banded..fast surgery or not its a prety big deal. It takes a week or more for the seditives/drugs to come out of your body plus I assume you are not drinking caffine, and reduced sugar intake and might be taking painkillers..etc. There are lots of reasons to still be tired..the number 1 for YOU is you just had surgery. :)" I wish I had read that..I am 8 weeks this week and am finally getting back to normal. I asked everyone. My dr.s office, on here, friends, family. Fact is, you just had surgery, you have taken major calories from your body, sugar, alcohol who knows what and probably added gas! and exercise ..your body is in shock.. I'm sorry I didn't read your age but for anyone age is a factor in this. The experts don't realize how long it takes. Heck we don't realize how long it takes. Thankfully I am feeling so much better but it took me 2 months! Im moving and loosing now though, good luck!

I had my sleeve done on 4/29. When he went in to do surgery, he found that a portion of my stomach was in my esophagus because my hiatal hernia was so big. Also, my liver was extremely large so he did a biopsy. My starting weight was 205, I don't drink alcohol so therefore I'm worried as to why my liver was so big. I have to say that the only protein drinks I like are the premier protein from Walmart. To me, the vanilla is the best. It's only been 3 days & I have to say this is the hardest thing I've ever done! I am trying to have a positive attitude about this but it's so hard, especially when people are bringing over dinner to my family & I'm over here chugging on a protein drink! Any suggestions?

Yup, every surgeon is different on this one. Mine said that drinking a bit of Coke when something is stuck will help to unstick it (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, from my experience). Like some of the others, whilst I'm allowed carbonated beverages, they hurt a bit, especially if I have good restriction. My favorite alcoholic beverage when we go out used to be vodka, lime juice and soda Water. The bubbles made it way less enjoyable, so now its vodka, lime juice and still water - much more refreshing and never have a hangover from it lol (not that I drink a whole lot anyway). I will admit to the very occasional half a can of pop though, when I just need a bit of sugar. It's best to talk to your doctor though and see what he or she recommends for you.

I told my mom (she went with me for the surgery), my sister, and my closest friend... only because I knew she would be very suspicious about my eating/drinking changes. I don't plan on telling anyone else. As far as what do I tell other people? I tell them I am doing high protein/low carb, and exercising. Also, if I am at a BBQ or something (which has happened recently) and there's nothing for me to eat, I tell them I'm on a diet and I had a protein shake right before I got there. It's usually true. As far as alcohol, I have used migraines as my excuse for not drinking lately. My feeling is that it is nobody's business but mine, and I don't want to be known from here on out as the "girl who had weight loss surgery" in my extended group of friends. I believe it's a totally personal decision if you want to tell people or not. I decided not to tell, and although it's only been a month, it's working out fine so far.

So do they test you for alcohol? Or just nicotine Sent from my N9560 using BariatricPal mobile app

I was told no nicotine, including vaping and the patch etc and they tested for it preop. They didn't test me for alcohol. I didn't even know there was a test for it.

Rocky80, you should stop drinking alcohol for at least 2 weeks before surgery. Leading up to surgery day you need to be shrinking your liver, alcohol doesn't help with that.

No one told me that having this surgery would make me younger! I have regressed to the age of TWO since I cannot control my emotions whatsoever! I am literally a walking snickers commercial today. I am sick of every poind lost opening up another pocket of angry within me that has to come out. I obviously used food to swallow my emotions and my feelings pf being used and abused because I am not taking ANYONE'S BS and I am loudly speaking my mind and voicing my emotions. I am emotional and angry and my relationship and my work are suffering. I am in counseling, but all I learned is I am co-dependent. I am a child of an alcoholic. But truthfully with how I feel I am seriously thinking the surgery is driving me to the nuthouse.... Is this normal? I am not suicidal. I am not violent. I am just fighting and screaming and stomping my feet (literally) and crying and feeling injustice against me. I have rages I cannot control. I hope it isn't like this forever...is it? Is something wrong with me?

I had planned on documenting my gastric sleeve surgery experience in the order it occurred, but I forgot about the psych evaluation. Once again luck was on my side as I knew what to expect before arriving. I had a chance to talk with a post-op gastric sleeve patient during my 1st appointment with my doctor. The test itself was about 451 questions. Really though, you could say it was about 150 questions asked 3 different ways. My best guess is it is done in that format to measure how consistent and true you are answering. I guess that they believe that if you are trying to manipulate the test for whatever reason, by asking the same question 3 different ways mixed in with 450 questions, you won't be able to remember how you answered previously and your true feelings will be revealed. I can't remember the exact answer selections, but I think there were 6 choices - ranging from Always True to Never True. So they might ask, "Have you consistently missed work because of drinking?" and you choose among the 6 answers as to how true the question applies to your situation. 50 or so questions later, it is asked again differently, "I never drink so much alcohol that I have called in sick at work." And they mix in questions about how alcohol has played a part in your family and social life. Your feelings about stealing, is it better to be a child or an adult, how you behave in social situations, how you bad/good feel most people behave, which is the better part of life - being a child or being an adult. I think you get the general idea. The psych interview was pretty brief - about 15 minutes. The questions mainly center around my eating habits and what I knew about diet and nutrition. That I realized that surgery was only a tool and not the solution. That I needed to exercise before and after surgery. And what I thought my ideal body weight should be. I told him that I didn't want to fixate on a specific number and just wanted to look "normal", whatever that weight turned out to be. I had been following a guy on youtube who started out at my weight 350 and was down to 235 and I thought I'd be very happy to look like him. I haven't been down below 270 since 1997! My doctor later told me that my ideal weight is 200 and seem to take it in stride that I'd have no problem getting to that weight. So we'll see. My plan is to set small goals and not get too hung up on reaching a specific weight. Expenses so far: My copay for the doctor has been about $2000 so far ($500 office visits, nutritionist counseling / $1500 surgery cost) My hospital costs so far, $3000 ($1000 blood, ultra sound, chest xrays and EDG / $2000 surgery cost) I had a bit of a panic yesterday. The hospital called to confirm my surgery date and collect payment. They told me the surgery cost was $19,000 and in my mind I'm thinking "NINETEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!" I wasn't expecting to have to pay out of pocket that much! And then they said,"Your copay is $2000." Fortunately, I hadn't completely stroked out after hearing the first part and was able to get my heart out of my mouth after I realized I wasn't responsible for the full 19k. :-) I fumbled my Discover card out and gave them the digits. Still to be paid (and as far as I know, the last): Pre-op blood typing/urine testing (must be done within 72 hours of surgery) - I'm scheduled to be tested on 12/26 / surgery 12/27 / expected to return home 12/28.

I'm still pre op but I'm turning 21 in August...not really a problem since my surgery will be the end of this year but I was wondering are there better types of alcohol? I'm not really a drinker or a party girl but I do plan on having a few drinks on the coast in a casino with my family..I'm talking about alcohol post op as well..(not really a fan of whine or tequila) but what are some good low cal but good tasting drinks that I can also drink post op and won't kill me lol.

Carlotta, I am with you. i visit family for a week or two several times a year and it always messes me up. I don't get in enough Water or Protein, I drink too much alcohol, and my carbs are too high. In March I only lost 2 lbs because of my week back home. I didn't get in enough exercise, either. We need a good strategy to deal with this.

Its all a learning process. Don't feel bad. Another thing that may have made you tighter is the alcohol. It dehydrates and my band tends to be tighter when I'm dehydrated. So, as much as possible drink cold water. The other poster that says warm/hot liquids can worsen the swelling is right. I got too tight after a fill and drank warm broth thinking it would help and it pretty much closed me entirely up for a few hours. My doctor told me afterwards to only drink cold liquids if I ever feel that tight again.

haha yes, i am in boston...right down the street from all beth isreal, and all of them... i dont drink alcohol at all so that wont be an issue for me, but if giving up soda is what it takes then so be it that sucks, completely sucks about the deductible...mine is a whole lot less then that, but being a college student im not very wealthy, its definitely something im gonna have to be careful with and i dont care what their excuse is catheters make it deal breaker

I bet if you bring something health-ish your friends will thank you! What about doing fruit skewers with strawberries, watermelon and grapes. You could make a sugar free (sweeten with Stevia) yogurt dip and add a little food color to make it pink. There are tons of ideas on pinterest. A good old fashion veggie tray always seems to be a hit! Pink or not! If you don't want to drink alcohol but want to feel like you are celebrating, bring some pink crystal light! Stick to your plan and try to focus on the companionship versus the food! Good luck and have a great day!

Well it seems that I am 18 days before I make my life change and take the journey. But I want to know if any is dealing with people asking questions concerning you and food? I will explain what I mean. I am a big watcher of Food Network and a show that comes on called Chicago's Best. I love just to see the different types of food and how it is made. Please tell me why my husband asked me if I am have surgery due to me have food issues, why do I continue to watch food shows when it's not good for me. Then he said if you have an issue with alcohol you don't keep looking at ads for liquor. I told him just because I watch it on tv does not make food jump into my mouth. This surgery does not make me stop eating, I have to leave to work with food in my limitations I have. I can still eat, which is crazy that he thinks like I have to stop eating all foods for the rest of my life. It really makes me wonder if he was really listening when we went to the different classes about what is about to happen to me and how the rest of my life is going to be. It took me back to when I was doing weight watchers, I never told anyone because I did not want any saying what I should or should not eat and this is what this feels like now he is going to be dogging my heels about everything I put to my mouth asking "are you suppose to eat that". I was upset for a minute but then I had to remember that he has to be educated just like I have been and by doing lots of research I have learned so much. I just need to vent and see if any else is hearing these kinds of statement.

I just need to say it... My name is Breanne, and I am a food addict. *sigh* I believe my addiction began at the age of 17. I had always been an over eater prior to age 17 but it was more emotional eating than addictive eating. I got my first car in May of 2004. I remember the freedom finally! It started out being able to go to whatever fast food place whenever I wanted. I remember always loving KFC, but my mother never let me go, so the first week I got my car I couldn't get the place out of my head! I stopped there everyday after work on my way home and got the BIGGEST popcorn chicken they had and ate it before I got home, and then hid the container. I think that when you hide food is when you become truly addicted. I met my husband the following year. We fell in love and got married just six months ago. Let me rewind......from the time I met him to the day we got married, I gained 60lbs! A lot of people ask me why, and until now I didn't know the answer. Much like alcoholics, a food addict is unaware that they have a problem! I tried to blame it on my PCOS haha. In all honesty, I was the one to blame. We ate out constanelyy, but the biggest problem was, I was eating the same amounts as a 6'3 250lb man! What was I thinking, I can totally relate to that Dierks Bently song! :cursing: "I knew there'd be hell to pay, but that crossed my mind a little too late!" I want to be open and honest about my addiction. If anyone has any questions or feels as though they may be a food addict as well, don't hesitate to contact me! I don't have all the answers, as I am just starting the journey to recovery, but I'd love to hear from some people who think they might have a similar problem! Stay Strong!:rolleyes2:

I just need to say it... My name is Breanne, and I am a food addict. *sigh* I believe my addiction began at the age of 17. I had always been an over eater prior to age 17 but it was more emotional eating than addictive eating. I got my first car in May of 2004. I remember the freedom finally! It started out being able to go to whatever fast food place whenever I wanted. I remember always loving KFC, but my mother never let me go, so the first week I got my car I couldn't get the place out of my head! I stopped there everyday after work on my way home and got the BIGGEST popcorn chicken they had and ate it before I got home, and then hid the container. I think that when you hide food is when you become truly addicted. I met my husband the following year. We fell in love and got married just six months ago. Let me rewind......from the time I met him to the day we got married, I gained 60lbs! A lot of people ask me why, and until now I didn't know the answer. Much like alcoholics, a food addict is unaware that they have a problem! I tried to blame it on my PCOS haha. In all honesty, I was the one to blame. We ate out constanelyy, but the biggest problem was, I was eating the same amounts as a 6'3 250lb man! What was I thinking, I can totally relate to that Dierks Bently song! :thumbdown: "I knew there'd be hell to pay, but that crossed my mind a little too late!" I want to be open and honest about my addiction. If anyone has any questions or feels as though they may be a food addict as well, don't hesitate to contact me! I don't have all the answers, as I am just starting the journey to recovery, but I'd love to hear from some people who think they might have a similar problem! Stay Strong!:thumbup:

My surgeon said no alcohol of any type for a full year post op...but that's difficult to follow when there are so many family celebrations. The major concerns are the empty calories you have in the wine or other alcohol...and definitely less tolerance for the amount of alcohol you consume. Last month I attended a party and had 2 Jello shots over a 2 hour span of time. I'm glad I did not need to drive...before the band this would not have affected me...post band, I was not safe to drive. Definitely avoid any carbonation...your band does not like carbonation...

Had my bypass done in dec 16. I have done awesome! I quit everything I was supposed to. I take my vitamins and drink my protein. 130 is my ideal weight and I had stayed there for several months. I had an ulcer and didn't know it so I spent a week in the hospital in Feb. I left the hospital at 127. Took me March and April to get back to 130 (I wasn't trying to gain I was just ok with it). I have struggled a bit with alcohol so I cut it out completely. And gain 3 lbs in a week!!! I'm sad, what am I going to do now that I'm really healthy, no ulcer, no alcohol, I gain??!!! I know that foods gave snuck back in and my brain knows what I need to do but why does it have to be so damn hard??!? Sent from my SM-J700T using BariatricPal mobile app

Don't beat yourself up, look at it as a lesson learned and move forward. Most of us have found that while we can still drink alcohol, it only takes one or two drinks to get a buzz and anymore than that can be dangerous. Sent from my iPad using VST

Dude. I was told to stay away from alcohol for a full year and I'm a girl who loves a nice sweet red wine to relax at the end of the day. I've not had anything alcoholic since my surgery and plan on staying away from it from here on out.

I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass. Sleeve patients lose weight slower than RNY patients. I transitioned into the maintenance phase at 7 months but many sleeve patients can go a couple years before they level off. I lost a lot of weight quickly and my stalls lasted for only days whereas sleeve patients can lose the same weight that I did but they encounter many week long stalls along the way. Weight loss is achieved after surgery through meal volume control. I began at 2 ounces (1/4 cup) per meal and gradually over the next year and a half increase the volume to 1 cup per meal. With this minuscule amount of food, it is next to impossible to meet my Protein daily requirements by food alone, so therefore you need to rely on supplements such as Protein shakes. At 4 months I was allowed 4 ounces per meal. According to the internet: The average weight for one boneless, skinless chicken breast lobe is 5.25 ounces. Therefore, a full breast, or double lobe, weighs 10.50 ounces. So if you are eating 1/2 of a chicken breast lobe, it sounds like you are eating a comparable amount of food that I ate. In looking over your typical menu, it looks like you are getting high protein meals. One thing to do now at this stage is to assess your protein intake. Your protein requirement is met by a combination of the protein from your meals combined with the protein from your supplements (protein shakes, protein bars). Since your meal volume is beginning to increase, that also means that the amount of protein from meals is increasing, especially if you concentrate on consuming high protein meals. Therefore you could be able to reduce your reliance on supplements and the calories they contain. I went from 3 protein shakes a day, down to 2, then 1 and finally zero when my meal volume increased to 1 cup per meal at a year and a half. That was the technique that I used to break the few stalls that I encountered. Sugar was one of the main reasons why I gained so much weight prior to surgery. It is imperative to stay away from products that have sugar after surgery. Artificial sweeteners (such as Splenda, and sugar alcohols) and very low calorie natural sweeteners (stevia) are fine and many are incorporated into a variety of products in the supermarket shelves today. But avoid sugar like a plague. I can't really offer any advice about psychological issues. If you are not already attending monthly bariatric surgery support group meeting, by all means attend them. They should be free to attend and at least it is a place where you can vent and ask for advice.

You're not reading them right. They only have 6 actual carbs because of all the Fiber. Plus no sugar used or sugar alcohol. Sent from my iPhone SD - 1/28/13

One more thing about Quest bars...they have no sugar alcohol, which I cannot tolerate for some reason. So that's another plus. On the down side, they cost $2 each.

OK guys, I enjoy a glass of wine before dinner more days than not and I truly don't want to be a stick in the mud. But there are a couple of things to at least be aware of. Keep in mind that alcohol will likely hit you harder and much faster than it did pre-op. There are some nightmare DUI stories out there from bypass patients that had a single drink. One often quoted ratio is 3 to 1 - one drink post-op is like three pre-op. Would be a very good idea to give your keys to someone else before you take that first drink. My surgeon said absolutely no alcohol until six months post-op. Your pouch is doing a lot of healing from the surgery and alcohol can be an invitation to an ulcer. We pay doctors to be conservative and as others have said, there may be absolutely no problem. But the risk is there. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful trip!! My wife and I will be there in late Nov. and have tickets to opening night for Shania Twain on Dec. 1st. I just have to go to Vegas every now and then and visit my money! Lol!!