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Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and/or even Overeater's Anonymous would be worth exploring.

Try finding an AA meeting in your area. It is SO COMMON for WLS folks to turn to alcohol. You are not alone.

so it just occured to me we have some noobs on here and some that aren't even sleeved yet so VETS help me out here but here is my 7 month out experiences with the dos and don'ts - i'm not recommending you do it my way cuz i'm super lazy but this is my personal experience, carbonation - i don't do it often but i have and it hasn't killed me. i think i've had like two mimosas and three sips of coke since sleeved drinking during meals - i do it all the time but just small sips here and there carbs - it's very hard for me to eat carbs so i generally don't. i can eat the **** out of some saltines tho lol. potatoes sometimes. rice not much, noodles not much. bread not at all. hunger level - im still very un-hungry most of the time but i can eat more than i used to. i always eat Protein first. i can't eat all types of meat either so i stick to ground beef/bison/turkey, shrimp, sometimes steak. hardly ever chicken unless it's very tender - it gets stuck in my throat. throwing up - i've thrown up like 10x but it's usually cuz i do something dumb like eat too fast or too much or take shots of vodka on an empty stomach lol alcohol - all the time lol. mostly vodka shots cuz it's lower in sugar and it's not carbonated. counting stuff - i don't do it at all but i recommend you do - im sure my losses would have been better or more consistent if i did. i just try to do the right thing on the daily and see how it goes lol Water - i suck at drinking water BAD Vitamins, Fiber and stuff - i hardly take anything but i know i should/need to exercise - i work out 3 to 5 days a week including running 2 miles and lifting weights/toning skin stuff - i have some loose stuff here and there. mostly i've lost my ass completely. if i get to goal and tone for a year and still have it i'll do some sort of body sculpting surgery i think that's it. if i think of more i'll edit this VETS weigh in

See if you can find a therapist in a Bariatric Program. There wouldn't be any way for someone to know you were there because of alcohol. I understand your concern being in the medical field - you seem to know someone wherever you go. For your health and well-being, don't let embarrassment, shame or fear stop you from getting help! Good luck!

I think the 40 grams of carbs should be 40 grams of NET carbs. Carbs - fiber - sugar alcohols = NET carbs An apple may have 8 carbs but with its fiber, you may only have 4 or 5 net carbs.

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.

I was not allowed alcohol for 6 months. Just the thought of straight liquor on a pretty much newly sleeved stomach is not a good idea, in my opinion. See what your doc says if you tell him/her. Why would you want to take a chance on damaging your newly sleeved stomach, please try to be more adherent to the program. Ulcers and Gerd can happen, and that would be pretty uncomfortable. I am really not trying to judge or preach, may seem that way, but straight alcohol can't be good.

5 weeks?!?! That seems super early for alcohol. I wasn't even on solid foods at 5 weeks. I wasn't cleared for alcohol until 3 months post-op. I personally have found that I get drunk very quickly, but I also sober up really quickly. So one drink will have me feeling buzzed, but for only about 15-20 minutes tops.

I'm 5 weeks out. I decided to try some liquor. I wanted to see if it really is 5x more potent etc as I was told. It's not! Honestly nothing. If nothing else I have a higher resistance. . I've had 2 oz of gin, tequila, and bourbon at different times, nothing. Anyone else experience this? And I'm not mixing it with a lot of liquid. I even sipped the bourbon straight over the course of about 30 mins - nada. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This too is a contraversial topic, some doctors go so far as to have their patients sign a letter vowing to never drink again. Fortunately, mine didn't! I don't recall a time when I didn't drink alcohol. I try to drink "skinny" drinks and remember your stomach size has changed the way you digest alcohol, do be careful. You will probably not be able to drink as much as you had before without being hammered. Also getting calories from any liquid is not great, so don't go overboard.

My doctor told me 90 days... And I think even after that you have to be careful because absorption is different, so basically you become a cheap drunk Not to mention you don't want to transfer 'food' addictions to 'alcohol' addiction... I'm going to visit my dad in June, and he always has the nicest bottles of red wine with dinner... I will definitely smell them, but no drinking for me

My go-to foods at fast food are usually things like a grilled chicken sandwich minus the bun or even a hamburger minus the bun if need be. For packaged foods, I rely probably a bit too heavily on Protein bars, but still if you are going pre-packaged, you could do a lot worse. I use Combat Crunch bars, which are available at GNC (Cinnamon Twist is my favorite), but a LOT of people on BariatricPal use Quest Bars, which are becoming more and more widely available ever day. I saw some at a gas station the other day! And they are available at pretty much every grocery store now. I used to LOVE them, but they changed out one of their main ingredients and now they make me SUPER gassy, unfortunately. Anyway, if you are looking for Protein Bars, make sure you get low carb. Some of them have a TON of carbs. Stay away from fruit and nut-style bars like Kind. And Lara Bars and Clif Bars are also full of carbs. You want to look for something with maybe in the 3-10 net carb range (subtract the Fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbs to figure out net carbs). Other quick things are greek yogurt, cheese, turkey sticks (like beef sticks but with turkey), turkey Jerky, and nuts (but go easy on those, they are high in fat and calories). You can get individual serving packs of seasoned peanuts from Lance at a lot of convenience stores. I love them! They have flavors like BBQ, Ranch, Jalapeno Cheddar... they make a great, quick snack.

I appreciate your story CowgirlJane. I went through a difficult time with my son and DIL yesterday related to my behavior with my grandson and not respecting my DIL as the boy's mother. I must admit I have issues with her and they do spill over. Suffice to say I was very upset yesterday and Mother's Day is in jeopardy. When I got off the phone with my son, the first thing I wanted to do was eat. Anything. Just stuff my face. I wanted to lash out and defend myself...and since I couldn't, I wanted to eat instead. I know that this is my pattern...and I have to learn how not to go that route. Just like a drug addict..or an alcoholic. I know this morning that while the issues with my son and DIL are still unresolved, I at least am not mired in guilt because I also fell off the wagon. As far as your party...you know that you cannot control everything that happens when people are together. Sometimes feelings will be hurt or bruised...things will happen...things will be said. Please don't be tempted to throw out the baby with the bathwater because it sounds like this party was a huge step for you and with all huge steps comes some missteps at times. Just remember to keep on keeping on. Oh...and one more thing...I'm also terrified of being hurt and vulnerable and that was alot of the reasons behind my gaining so much weight...and being so afraid of putting myself out there so just know that even virtually, I have your back and am hoping only the best for you.

Hiya all, I'm new to here and just was wanting to make contact. I am insulin dependant diabetic with sever insulin resistance, I am 1 week away from rny surgery and on day 3 of the pre surgical prep. From what I have seen I don't really have much to moan about, as I am still able to eat actual food, but wondered..did anyone else have extreme cravings, headaches, insomnia, low mood, and agitation when doing the prep? Also did anyone feel just generally really unwell? It's only day 3 but it's kicking the hell out of me. I am able to have the following each day (which I know is more than most), but am worried that I am maybe eating a bit too much to shrink my liver, or that I am just getting it all wrong. The hospital have me the following diet: Breakfast - 1 weetabix Lunch- small portion of lean meat or fish, salad (no dressing), 2 crisp breads or a slice of bread Dinner- small portion of lean meat or fish, 3 small potatoes or 3 spoons of rice, vegetables 1/2 pint of skimmed milk per day (to be used in tea or coffee and my breakfast) A sugar free & fat free yoghurt No sauces no alcohol no fizzy drinks I had a hypo today I am currently 106kg, I weighed 122kg at the start of my journey 2 years ago. I have gone from a 44 inch trouser to a 34/36 inch. Am having the surgery for diabetes reasons not so much for weight loss. Thank you in advance for any replies xx Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hiya all, I'm new to here and just was wanting to make contact. I am insulin dependant diabetic with sever insulin resistance, I am 1 week away from rny surgery and on day 3 of the pre surgical prep. From what I have seen I don't really have much to moan about, as I am still able to eat actual food, but wondered..did anyone else have extreme cravings, headaches, insomnia, low mood, and agitation when doing the prep? Also did anyone feel just generally really unwell? It's only day 3 but it's kicking the hell out of me. I am able to have the following each day (which I know is more than most), but am worried that I am maybe eating a bit too much to shrink my liver, or that I am just getting it all wrong. The hospital have me the following diet: Breakfast - 1 weetabix Lunch- small portion of lean meat or fish, salad (no dressing), 2 crisp breads or a slice of bread Dinner- small portion of lean meat or fish, 3 small potatoes or 3 spoons of rice, vegetables 1/2 pint of skimmed milk per day (to be used in tea or coffee and my breakfast) A sugar free & fat free yoghurt No sauces no alcohol no fizzy drinks I had a hypo today I am currently 106kg, I weighed 122kg at the start of my journey 2 years ago. I have gone from a 44 inch trouser to a 34/36 inch. Am having the surgery for diabetes reasons not so much for weight loss. Thank you in advance for any replies xx Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would be honest with your surgeon and ask them these questions. I know they have you quit smoking because it delays the healing process after surgery & can cause ulcers. I am not sure if marijuana has the same effect though but they would know. The other concerns I've read from other posters was the munchies sidetracking weight loss. Most doctors for drinking suggest 6 months to a year and some say never again. I am three months out and had two sips of a drink and was done not only could I not hold any more liquid physically I was buzzed, so your sleeve may force you to change your habits. There is actually a WLS Magazine article about alcohol on this site I would recommend it, it was a good read. http://www.bariatricpal.com/page/articles.html/_/healthy-living/bariatric-realities-%e2%80%93-medical-professionals%e2%80%99-guidelines-about-alcohol-use-wls-r601

I am 6 weeks post op and I could not think about having any alcohol. My sleeve is still very sensitive with food and I just guess it would not go well. So when I go for social events I have apple juice or unsweetened ice tea. I also tried a few cocktails without alcohol but they are full of sugar as the fruit juices are not mostly made from concentrated. Now that is my experience . I would check with your surgeon first. Let us know his recommendation. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So question...My 26th birthday is tomorrow and I am 2 days away from being one month post op. I am also going on a cruise for me and my husbands birthdays together and I was wondering if I could drink (alcohol) in any sort of form at all?? Or is this out? Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Pre op tips? Follow your surgeon's instructions for any pre-op diet. If you have one, it will likely suck, but remember it's only temporary! Also, you will likely have moments of panic and anxiousness leading up to your surgery date. Have faith that you made the decision to have surgery while you were being logical and rational. Don't let your emotions get the best of you. What to expect for days after op? You will be uncomfortable at the very least, if not in real pain. It might be hard for you to get your Water in (if the internal swelling is bad), but it's incredibly important to stay hydrated. Just take tiny sips and try to get in an ounce of water every 15 minutes you are awake. You'll likely want to nap a fair amount. It's VERY important to get up and walk a little every hour or two. Even if it's just marching in place. The moving will help you avoid blood clots and it can also help with gas pain. Also, don't be surprised if you are moody and emotional and crying a lot. That's very very normal. What should I have organised at home? Whatever "food" you will need for the first couple of days. If you are on Clear liquids, you will want broth, sugar-free Jello, and sugar-free popsicles. You should be able to go shopping within a few days, so you won't need to stock up for your later food stages just yet. Shopping is a good way to get some walking in. Just make sure you don't try to lift more than a gallon at a time. How to manage with three kids under 5? Prayer? Seriously though, if you have friends or family members who can help wrangle the kids, you need to get them on board. Don't try to manage that yourself in the first couple of days! Pain rating? Seems to vary drastically. I didn't have any real pain, except gas pain. Some people seem to have a LOT of pain associated with their ab muscles and incisions. I didn't have any of that. Malnutrition? As long as you start working on getting your Protein in towards the end of the first week post op and follow all of your surgeon and nutritionist's recommendations for protein and Vitamins, you shouldn't have to worry. Dehydration is a much more immediate risk in the early days post-op. Sip, sip, sip! Excess skin? Not something you should be worrying about this early on. If you have more than 100 pounds to lose, you will likely have some excess skin. What you feel you need to do about it is up to you. There are a handful of things you can do that *might* help some, but it mostly comes down to things like age and genetics. Stay well hydrated, take your vitamins, moisturize daily, and do some strength training once you are cleared for it. Alcohol? Not that I do this anymore with kids but wine, can you still have it? I was cleared for alcohol at 3 months post-op. Some surgeons recommend never having alcohol again, because of the risk of addiction transference (WLS patients are more prone to alcoholism). Just know that if/when you do drink alcohol again, it will likely be very different than pre-op. In my case, I get DRUNK off a tiny amount of alcohol, but then sober up super quickly. Exercise? Can I still do weight training? Once you are cleared for it by your surgeon. I was cleared at 2 months post-op. Some surgeons clear for it sooner. You will definitely at least have some sort of lifting restriction for the first couple of weeks post-op. Energy levels? Mine were VERY VERY low for the first several weeks post-op, until I was back on solid foods and could get more calories in. The fatigue was a real issue for me. I was napping a lot while I was off of work. When I returned to work at 15 days post-op, I really struggled to last through the day. I ended up going straight to bed after work in those early days. Once I was cleared for solid foods at 40 days post-op and was able to eat more, my energy level got back to normal. How has your experience been? I'm 20 months post-op now and I consider my sleeve to be one of the best decisions I ever made! It was hard, especially in the first couple of months, but now I am completely adapted to it I reached my goal weight right around the 1 year mark. I've been maintaining below goal for 8 months now. I ran my first half marathon a little over a week ago. Life is amazing!

Hello everyone I am booked for sleeve on 26/5. I had initially opted for bypass but decided the sleeve was a better option for me. So many questions: Pre op tips? What to expect for days after op? What should I have organised at home? How to manage with three kids under 5? Pain rating? Malnutrition? Excess skin? Alcohol? Not that I do this anymore with kids but wine, can you still have it? Exercise? Can I still do weight training? Energy levels? How has your experience been? I am really nervous. I want to be prepared pre n post. Really worry about energy levels for my kids etc Help.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I love Bariatric Pal, but the site continuously crashes on me! Ugh. I get a repost 2-4x because it reloads and refreshes. Anyway, it forces me to be brief! LOL. I think this girl was an emotional mess to begin with and age and surgery had nothing to do with her lifestyle choices and outcome. There are DEFINITELY mature young adults who have been burdened with obesity who can adopt a new lifestyle with help from WLS. This young lady has major issues to begin with. Losing weight and gaining male attention doesn't translate into crazy promiscuity, drug and alcohol abuse to excess, and other dangerous behavior for most WLS patients, no matter what the age. I think she has an addictive personality, and first it was food, then sex, then drugs and alcohol. I wouldn't be surprised if later there's kleptomania or hoarding, you know? Just moving down the line of obsessive, destructive behavior. I certainly hope the worst of her "obsessions" is working out and staying fit now, but WLS probably gave her the best shot at still being alive at the age she is at given her previous weight. She has been given many gifts; WLS, and then surviving a very dangerous lifestyle for several years.

If it was done properly AND the person was honest - it should identify concerns. A good program wouldn't perform surgery until those were addressed. The Psych Eval should have to be performed by someone qualified in Bariatric Surgery. I think often it's just done to get the insurance to approve and not with the intent to make sure the patient will be a good candidate. I've read and heard people say they were alcoholics at the time of surgery. That should have been a red flag if anyone was evaluating. Like most things - money talks in alot of medical practices.

"Please don't judge me but I enjoy my beer and marijuana and occasionally cocaine in very small doses. I'm a very social person and I have a lot of friends and we like to have a good time. I know that my alcohol intake will change dramatically but if I do a little Coke or smoke some weed, how will this effect my new stomach and my tolerance. This is a very serious question so please be understanding. Thank you everyone." Whatever guy...I think your beer, marijuana and occasional cocaine use is impairing your memory.

Thanks!! I enjoy drinking. We mainly drink at home on the weekends ans grill etx. I live in a foreign country so entertainment is limited. It's going to be strange to figure out what do to now on the weekends. Sounds awful....I know. Good to know I can still be a social drinker if I want. Although I know my taste for it may change after surgery. Thanks for your honesty!!!! Sent from my GT-I9190 using the BariatricPal App As someone who is not a big drinker I would like to add my 2 cents. If the thought of my partner drinking or not drinking is enough to put a strain on my relationship, then it might be worth it to talk to a counselor about 1) the relationship, and 2) the alcohol. Any substance or activity (food, drug, behavior, etc.) that has that much power over either of you has too much control over your life in my opinion. I am not saying that you should or shouldn't drink, but if any change is enough to cause issues then you may need help dealing with that change.

Just to throw in my two cents.........I'm 4 months post op and recently did a test on myself, I was stalling for two weeks and was starting to get frustrated. I went out with the girlfriends one night, had a couple vodka diets and low and behold, I dropped 3lbs. lol I was so focused on staying away from alcohol, that wasteful space in my stomach, but I just relaxed, had a couple drinks and now the scale is moving again. does it mean I'm going to have an after work margarita everyday or go kill a plate of Pasta? eff no (I wish lol)! but WLS works differently for everyone. If you're sticking to your diet and start getting frustrated like I was, just relax! indulge in something you've been keeping from yourself, and then LAUGH because you didn't die from having one relaxing meal. as I'm typing this I'm throwing granola on the food scale to have with my Breakfast, this new life is stressful sometimes, but as long as you keep the big picture in mind, you'll do great!! xoxo Katie