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It must be making you crazy to see all the different surgeons' instructions on this as well as a million other issues. I've read all the responses so far (I think) and don't recall seeing this tidbit which came to me from my original and current surgeons and was confirmed by the surgeon who vetted my book (Bandwagon): Alcohol is a gastric irritant, and it can cause inflammation and (eventually) ulcers. Just something to keep in mind. My personal comments on this heated issue are: 1. Alcohol is liquid calories with no nutritional benefit. Yes, some people believe that there are health benefits in drinking moderate amounts of red wine, but if you have to use the health excuse to justify something you're going to do anyway, well....OK, go ahead! 2. Alcohol loosens your inhibitions and makes eating something stupid (or drinking a second or third glass of wine) seem like a really good idea. Finally, thanks for starting such an entertaining thread. I haven't seen so many irritable, rude, defensive, ornery, inflammatory posts on a single thread here in quite some time. I know what my excuse is: it's 99 degrees outside at almost 7 pm. That's enough to make a saint cranky.

So what kind of support are you looking for? Do you want people to congratulate you on the alcohol and drug addiction and encourage you to do more of it? If you can't moderate yourself, abstain entirely. There's no other solution. The sleeve actually makes it easier for drugs and booze to hurt you because of how quickly they absorb into the bloodstream. Moderating yourself is even more essential with this WLS. If your goal is to destroy your organs like your liver or kill yourself, you're on the right track.

I am not a goal yet, but I am almost at a normal BMI. I agree exercise and tracking helps. I work out 5-6 days per week unless I'm travelling. I'm not good at exercising while on the road. I track my Protein, calorie, and Fluid intake every day. I also measure my food with a scale or measuring cups and spoons. Otherwise,it's too easy for extra ounces to creep in portions and then my tracking can be off. And I have not returned to drinking alcohol yet. I've heard that slows down loss. Lynda

In my honest opinion, if you're worried about drinking right now, you're setting yourself up for failure. Drinking alcohol is limited. And Drinking carbonated is basically forbidden. Beer inflames you. Maybe stay thinking about what light beers are out there. I gave up driving socially for 2 years because I needed to focus on losing weight. Now, I rarely even crave a glass of wine. Just my opinion. Focus on what your real goal is. Sent from my SM-N986U using BariatricPal mobile app

I've had my lap band for about 5 years now. At first I was loosing weight slowly (due to other separate health problems) then last summer, i lost a huge amount of weight very quickly due to extreme stress, and where my port is I was having discomfort, so i went to my new doctor who told me I had to gained weight and that would help with the discomfort, but did not want me to gain too much. I am 5'9 and I was 135lbs and he told me i needed to be at 160lbs. He is not my original doctor that did my surgery and fills. We moved to a different state. Over the last 5 months I (reluctantly) have gained the weight the doc told me to, and even though some of the port discomfort is gone, I now have constant heart burn and acid reflex and pain under my ribs after i eat (I had my gallbladder removed last year) or drink too much I do not drink any alcohol, soda or things like that mainly water tea sometimes and coffee and food has been getting stuck more than it use to. It is extremely hard for me to get back into the doctor, but do see my family primary monthly. I am wondering what type of tests should i ask my primary to order to make sure everything with the band is ok. And if anyone else has had similar problems and what helped. I'm thinking of trying the apple cider vinegar to help with heart burn acid reflex but am open to trying something

How long did everyone wait post banding to have there sip of alcohol?

Ooops.. I had a little candy and some alcohol...

I'm 52 and just had the surgery in August, glad I did even though the weight is coming off pretty slow (my fault for not exercising). My reason for the surgery was health, which is a thread with those of us who are older it seems. After 50 I was so tired I almost couldn't function, years of a highly compeditive stressful job, combined with packing around 100 lbs made me feel like I had a couple of years left (at the most). It was just one health problem after another including sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, asthma, back pain, knee pain, and mobility problems (1/2 block I was out of breath). I hope to loose 100 lbs but will be happy with 80, and I plan to take early retirement in 2 years (as soon as I am eligible). Can really afford to start over with something new, but can't take the pressure of the corporate environment either. I'm just sorry I didn't wake up years ago, but grateful I did wake up. Even though the weight is coming off slowly, my life is improving. I can walk almost a mile (slowly), I eat primarily healthly (white bread, white rice, white flour and white sugar, has become a thing of the past), mostly vegetarian, some fish. I don't feel bloated all of the time, and I don't feel like a glutton when I eat. I feel better when I take my vitamins, but I forget alot. Drink alcohol alot less, 1/2 glass of wine is the most I have. Before surgery 2 dark beers followed by a large glass of wine with dinner was the norm. I guess what I'm trying to say is the surgery won't cure everything, I do have to work with good healthy choices too, but the band helps to make me think everytime I eat and drink. I too think it's the best thing I've done for me so far, retirement just might top it however in a few years.

What is stalling been I’m having gastric sleeve surgery on February 10th when would I can go back drinking coffee my husband and I we are planning family vacation in aug when would I be able have Alcohol again I’m really sorry for asking questions

I'm 19 weeks post op. Some people in my monthly support group meetings have said they've started to drink alcohol about 6-10 months post op. I have absolutely no intensions of doing so but I don't have the guts to ask those people how they feel after drinking. Anyone here started drinking alcohol? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

First, a disclaimer: I plan to have a glass of wine at Thanksgiving. So I'm not apposed to alcohol, especially in moderation. But I've read a couple of research studies on alcohol use with RNY patients. First, one glass of alcohol (any kind) generally hits us like 4 glasses of that alcohol did pre-surgery. So if you drink, don't drive. Second, there is a much higher incidence of alcoholism with RNY patients than with the population as a whole. Research is not clear on why, but speculation is it may be transference (can't binge on food anymore, so binge on alcohol). I'm not suggesting any of this will affect you, just pointing out the research, and why doctors are generally wary of RNY patients drinking much.

I don't think I'm going to drink ever again or at all but if I was to even think about a sip I'm just curious. When did you start drinking again?

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.

Ive suffered from anxiety and depression which is crazy because i havent felt this good in years!!!! I signed myself up for mental health and they said it is very common after weightloss surgery as well as divorce/breakups and alcoholism. advice/ heard of/ going thru ANYBODY?

Received my order and tried the Spicy Tortilla flavor this morning. Not all that spicy but it's still quite tasty. I'm a little sensitive to caffeine and alcohol since surgery so the caffeine in the green tea gave me a good buzz and reduced my hunger. I would also highly recommend these teas for anyone on the pre and post op surgery diets. Or, for we banders, post fill for a day or so? tmf

Here is what I just got done telling someone else...hope it helps you. The reason you are on the liquids is to shrink your liver. This is the hardest part of the procedure. In this stage everyone wants to cheat. Everyone feels as if they could eat a horse and everyone has a VERY hard time. The only advice that I can give to you is to tell you, don't cheat no matter how hard it may be because I have heard of doctors canceling the surgery because of that. What I can tell you is that you are almost there and things will get better for you. The first week after surgery you should be ok until the swelling goes down and then you will unfortunately be hungry again until your first fill. The benefits are awesome though. Just wait until the weight starts falling off of you. You will feel much better. You can now tell everyone that has ever said, "this is the easy way out." that they must be out of their minds because there is nothing easy about this process. Right now your body is going through starvation mode. You will feel tired, you will feel all kinds of things, but like I said it does get better. Hang in there. You can do it. I have faith in you, have faith in yourself. We will save you a seat on the losers bench. In the liquid phase you can pretty much have anything except alcohol. Drink your Protein shakes but you might want to get some unflavored Protein powder so that you can mix it in broth also. The more protein you have the more full you will be. unjury has an unflavored chicken Soup flavored protein that is very good. (UNJURY is Medical Quality whey Protein Isolate. Best Tasting Whey Protein Powder. Most Trusted Whey Protein Powder Supplement. Taste the difference!). Please feel free to add me as an email buddy and I will try my best to encourage you to keep going. The best of luck to you. Keep looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, your almost there.

I am 7 weeks out and am REALLY following the dietary guidelines (except for some alcohol on the weekend..ok that was a few times, and I do need to watch that). I am eating high protein, low fat, and low carb and not eating any forbidden foods but I do feel my will power waning. Will I just eventually get used to it? Or will I try to eat some forbidden foods? Or will I start just drinking alcohol to cope? I would really like to do this right but don't want to go crazy. How are you managing?

Hi there, I'm Angela joining you from the UK. First of all, please let me tell you that I myself am not a very religious person. I do, however, have great respect for the beliefs and chosen religion of others whatever they my be. Who am I to knock whatever comfort people get from their beliefs. I would like to say, surely if God has given the skills and knowledge to perform this surgery to our doctors it was intended to be used. Why should we not take advantage of the help that they can offer to us ? It is very easy for people who have never had serious weight issues to simplfy it by saying stop eating, if only it was so easy !! They must realise that if that was the case there would be no world wide obesity epidemic. I personally have never smoked, taken drugs or had issues with alcohol. My addiction throughout my life has been food. I do, however, have the sense to know that you can't say to an alcohilic for instance " just stop drinking " and the problem will go away. I see this surgery as an amazing tool that will help me to loose the weight and keep it off, but only if I work hard at it. It has not been an easy decision to make, in fact I would say it is the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life and it has taken almost a year for me to make it. Like yourself, I have lost the same 30lbs over and over again only to see it go back on again. I am lucky to have no co-morbidities at all and I hope this surgery can help me stay that way. I know I am not going to wake up thin after the surgery IF ONLY !!! LOL It has taken nearly 52 years for me to arrive at this weight and it isn't going to magically melt away with the surgery ALTHOUGH WOULDN'T THAT BE WONDERFUL !!! LOL I too am due to have my surgery Dec 7th so we will be sleeve sisters. Keep me posted on how you are progressing pre and post op. I have to start a 3 week milk based diet mid Nov, won't that be fun !! LOL Look forward to hearing from you Best wishes Angela.

What's the best low sugar alcoholic beverages to enjoy???

Vodka! With a crystal lite mix. If you must. Alcohol slows your weight loss. Or about 4oz of wine.

I began making lifestyle changes pre-surgery. Six months is a wonderful amount of time to start incorporating healthy changes: Begin eating lower calories. Begin eating lower carbs. Begin eating lower fats. Quit drinking sodas. Quit drinking alcohol. Quit drinking caffeine. Try different Protein shakes to see which ones you like. Watch LOTS of youtube videos from people who've had the surgery. Begin walking. Begin going to the gym. Learn how to cook healthier meals. There is SO much you can do in this time to prepare yourself for a successful post-op healthy lifestyle. The more changes you make pre-op, the easier your post-op transition will be.

I'll call malarkey on this. Living proof right here. Thank God LipstickLady! I read that post and said Noooooooooo! I hate to give up my wine! It is my source of fun. HELL TO THE WHAT?!!! Only kidding. I'm an alcoholic (kidding-ish). For as low a BMI as I was to start, with PCOS, I've still shifted more than was expected of me... ................. Despite the grotesque alcohol consumption Just be happy! I am!

Well ditch the alcohol..... You don't list what you are eating, so more info is needed from you.

ok, I haven't had my surgery yet (hopefully in about 3 months) but I have to throw in my two cents. First, I applaud your planning and thinking ahead about how this will change your life. I've heard of some that don't think this far in advance and it ends up having many negative impacts on their life. I will be telling only close friends and family (nobody at work). Many people in my family are overweight and if they see the results, maybe they'll consider lifestyle changes for themselves. If I could inspire my family to be healthier, this surgery will be successful not just for me, but for them as well. That being said, my active circle is not healthy and fit as you described yours so I understand your situation is different. My family functions tend to revolve around food because that's how we were raised. If somebody is visiting, we eat. If somebody gets married, we eat. Dies, travels, celebrates, etc., we eat. So not only do I want them to be healthier, I'll have a lot more explaining to do so I won't be able to hide it if I wanted to. Here are some suggestions that you may find useful though: 1) You said your social circle is fit and healthy and right now you're the odd ball for that. Perhaps you are over thinking how much importance they place on food during your gatherings. Isn't that the point of the surgery and lifestyle change? To take the importance away from food in your life? If they are fit and healthy, then I doubt they place as much significance on the meal. They are probably thinking more about the company and the activity with friends. Maybe that's what you should focus on. When you get together with friends, instead of planning a meal, why not suggest something new. A hike (maybe take along a picnic with healthy tidbits)? 2) Some people mentioned medication as an excuse. Since you are overweight (as we all are), you could tell your friends your doctor is concerned about diabetes and has put you on metformin as a preventative measure (completely legit, my doctor did it to me and I'm not diabetic). Not only can you not drink alcohol with metformin, but it also helps burn belly fat so that could explain weight loss (not a drastic amount, but some). This way you have a medication as an excuse without telling them you have some new disease or sickness you'll have to explain later. 3) As a last resort consider this.... Yes it's scary for all of us to consider the way our lives will change. What do we do with ourselves when we're not eating? But the point of this surgery is to be healthier. Are you willing to risk your health because of what your friends might think if you don't drink a glass of wine? Tell them your just trying to be healthier and that includes a bit of detox. Once they start seeing the results of your decision, they won't question or criticize (once you brush them off a time or two). They'll be happy and encouraging even if they don't know what they're encouraging. At least, if they're real friends they will. If they don't, then they're definitely not worth stressing over.

Thanks to all -- @@AvaFern and @@VSGAnn2014 I will use the antibiotics idea for the pre-op concert! As for the future, you are right, my friends WILL notice and WILL ask - they will be very curious! It is a lively group and alcohol is always a part of everything and if I don't order my "usual" or try a "fun drink" that someone made at a get-together it will be very much the topic of conversation. I don't want to lose my social life and since it does revolve around food and drink (and all the other woman just run 10 miles every morning to take care of it!!) I need to tread carefully. I like the put my lips to a drink idea for some occasions, when I can get away with it - and will use that too! Mostly I plan to have ONE drink when I go out and tell people that's all I can do now that I'm being healthy and eating less. One question I have - just so I can commit to a couple of these social plans is WHEN can I go out to dinner with others? I have no idea if it's a month or 6 months from surgery . . . if anyone can respond to that part, I'd appreciate it!