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Go for the vodka, no beer. Also, I would just say to be careful because the alcohol will effect you a lot more if you are eating very few calories. And, it can also make your band feel tighter the next day (because of dehydration). I just went to Vegas last weekend and was drinking a lot more than normal. I ended up so tight I could barely eat. The good thing is I still lost weight, but definitely not the healthy way to do it! LOL

I would also think about the calories in alcohol. It may or may not be worth it to you. Mixing with crystal lite will save calories over cran.

I have tolerated alcohol since 6wks out.

You might want to check out this thread: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/11607-i-have-a-question-about-alcohol/page__pid__101020#entry101020

You can eventually drink but remember alcohol will have 4-5 times the potency it did before so you will get drunk very quickly if not careful. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

When you decide to get weight loss surgery, you join a unique community. Bariatric patients have a lot in common. We’ve struggled with weight for years. We’ve been unable to keep the weight off with regular diets and exercise. And now, we’re bound to each other by a special bond: the weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is for life. The journey isn’t easy, but I believe that the best way to make it work is to take the best of both worlds. Recognize that we are bound to each other through our weight loss surgery, but don’t let that special tie isolate you from everyone who has not had weight loss surgery. Instead, recognizing the similarities in all of our lives can make our own challenges easier to overcome. These are some of the things we all share, weight loss surgery or not. For each, there are some unique aspects for bariatric patients, but also parallels with everyone else. We all have a daily struggle. If you’re overweight, there’s a good chance you’ve looked enviously at people who are at a “normal” weight. You see them walking down the street, maybe wearing a cute outfit that you can only dream of wearing, and wish you had it as easy as they did. You’re jealous because your own weight problem is visible to the world. But we all have our own struggles, and you don’t know what is going on in that person’s life. They may face abuse, struggle to pay the bills, suffer from a chronic disease, care for a sick child at home, or work at a job they hate. Just as you struggle every day to eat right and exercise, they may struggle every day to wake up and face their own challenges. Rather than envy them, think of other people as inspiration to get through your day. We are all in this together, doing the best we can with what we have. We all keep certain things from our bosses. Many bariatric patients are hesitant to tell our bosses about our surgery. We may fear judgment or retribution. We may just want to keep our personal lives private. It’s not always that easy to keep quiet about Weight Loss Surgery, since we need to eat differently and our appearances change as the weight comes off. There may even be times when we need to leave work because we feel sick or have doctor’s appointments. But guess what – nobody tells their boss everything about their personal lives. I am certain that all of your coworkers have their own secrets from your boss. Looking just at alcohol abuse, an estimated 15% of the workforce has come to work after drinking or with a hangover! Add to that secrets such as playing hooky to see a sports match, searching for a new job, or living out of a camper to save money, and you can bet that every employee has their own personal issues that they don’t want to publicize to the boss. We all want to be there for our families (or worry about our futures). One of the most compelling reasons to get weight loss surgery is to be there. We want to be alive and be healthy for as many years as possible to support our families and get to enjoy them. With obesity, the pressure to improve health is real and personal, since we may already have our own health problems or have seen family members struggle with or die from conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. But everyone worries about the future. They may worry about their job security, about having enough money for rent and to put the kids through college, and – yes, it’s true – about their health and weight. We’re all short on time. Weight loss surgery success is time-consuming, from meal planning and grocery shopping to food prep and measurement, not to mention working out. It takes some sacrifice to get in all those healthy behaviors, especially before they become habits. But everyone is short on time. We’re all busy with work, school, and family obligations. And that includes diet and exercise commitments, even for people who don’t look like they need to be careful. In fact, the people who are most dedicated to their health are the ones who are best at prioritizing their lives, and making the necessary sacrifices to clear the time to work out and eat right. We can all use a helping hand. Hopefully, this article has shown that we’re all in this together. We can all use a helping hand. Within the bariatric community, resources like BariatricPal can give us the chance to ask questions and give advice. Outside, try to remember that giving someone a smile or encouraging word can mean a lot, and possibly make someone’s day a lot easier.

I do wonder if some patients get the "pain ball" at surgery and that's why they feel little pain after surgery? I know we each have different pain thresholds and prior use of alcohol or narcotics also jacks with the ability to manage pain after surgeries, but the way some sound in describing their pain after/versus how others describe no pain. The local anesthetic from a pain ball would certainly account for some of that difference!

When can I have alcohol? I’m 5 weeks out and scared to ask my dr. I’m by no means an alcoholic just wondering when I could have a small drink?

Whether to tell is a personal choice. Some people tell anyone who will listen, others may tell 1 or 2 confidants. In my case I kept quiet initially because I wasn't for sure if I was going to have the surgery. I just wanted to go through the process so that it would be on the table. WLS can be very controversial to some and I just didn't want to feel the need to justify my reasons. I made an informed choice. I was at peace with that choice. I chose to tell my husband, my 2 children and my mother initially because they are my primary support system and if something happened to me they deserved to be informed. Once I closer to my date-- I begin strategically telling very close friends (3) and family. They were very happy for me and extremely supportive of my decisions. They were very instrumental in my recovery and have provided ongoing encouragement and support post op. I don't regret telling not a 1 of them. I did not tell associates, distant family, neighbors, co workers and I take all of their compliments with a simple thank you and a smile. I don't find it necessary to explain myself to anyone. I too worried about what I would say but I noticed-- no one really cares what I'm eating. In family settings i'll fix a plate with items to nibble on just to look normal but no one says hey you hardly ate anything??? It's about being in the moment and enjoying that family time. Even if that means telling a funny story, or initiating Karaoke or an interactive game. No one will pay attention to your eating habits! I think I was more worried about it than anyone else. The only time I was called out was when my husband and I were hanging out with parents from my sons baseball team and I wasn't drinking alcohol-- it felt a little awkward to feel that way just for not drinking. Can u say peer pressure? Honestly we 'd hung out with the coach and his wife in the past and they've always known me to drink at least socially. But it's over and I didn't have to tell them a thing and since my son quit the team the next time I see them, I'll be skinny. LOL!

My advice is to ask your surgeon. In my case, I abstained from alcohol for the entirety of my six month pre-op diet program and the first three months post-op. I brought it back with the okay from my surgeon (whose only advice was to "try" anything at home before I went public with it). I pretty much only have red wine, and only when I am traveling or having dinner out. And I monitor those calories very carefully. I haven't had one issue from it. I met my goal at 1 year and 4 days post-op, and have been maintaining at 10 pounds below goal for 5 months now. Do keep in mind that I am insanely particular about what I eat, so that factors into the situation. Wine is my one indulgence (if you can call it that)...

I was told six months. It's supposed to hit you more quickly and stay in your system longer, along with slow down weight loss. Interestingly, the literature shows that having gastric bypass is more likely to increase your risk of being an alcoholic.

I truly dislike the answer "talk to your team etc" like yes we know, but we are asking here for diff opinions and how other people react to having different experiences.....I was told never to have alcohol again....I actually drink causally like 3 times a year tops.....and while the first 6 months fine....when I want a cocktail I will have one.....

I was told u cant have any alcohol or soda for 6 months..i dont know what ur doctor recommends but id ask..good luck

My husband is also thin and loves me fat or thin which is great. I look forward to the day when I actually weigh less than him! I don't regret it. Glad you're committed but it will be harder than you think. I see a lot of people on this forum who seem to have had unrealistic expectations going. I see complaints about "only" losing 15 pounds in their first month, etc. I would suggest you start making gradual changes now. Find Protein shakes you like. Personally, I see Protein Shakes as a daily staple for the next 2 years. Give up carbonated drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. Make sure you aren't drinking 45 minutes before and after your meals. There is a lot to get used to but I know it's totally worth it.

See when your doc clears you for alcohol; it's (like everything else, it seems!) different for all of us! Now that I'm a year out my doc gave me the go ahead for beer (my personal preference for general everyday drinking LOL) but I generally avoided it until he told me "ok now". I don't like wine, but I did have vodka and orange juice, and some cocoanut rum and crystal light lemonade (odd but strangely tasty)

I'm allowed alcohol, of course in moderation. I've never been a drinker except for a good wine when out and socializing. My nutritionist and surgeon have said if you want a glass of wine a few times per week that's fine, they did specifically say red as apparently it has some health benefits. I don't like reds, I prefer white wine and I've had it a few times and been fine but just be careful because we are eating so little it can go straight to your head so much quicker. As others have said, enjoy and count it in to your daily calories, portions. Cheers!

I was really bad this weekend???? I just started dating this guy and we joined our friends at a bar for some Halloween fun and I tried alcohol for the first time since my surgery and it went really good and so I had a few more drinks and a cocoanut shot and it was the most fun I've had since surgery!! I'm 4 months post op by the way.. I know it might have been too soon but I just wanted to try and it went so good! And I didn't get as drunk as I thought I would.. I sipped between the alcohol and ice water too so it helped.. And then today I had a piece of homemade deer jerky. It was delicious!!!! So now I'm getting back on the health wagon and working my butt off to take the calories and burn off the fat that I took in this weekend.. I had my fun and now it's back to what's most important.. My health..

my surgery date is 5/6. We are having a birthday party for my daughter on the 17th. How long after surgery did people have their first alcoholic beverage. I'm thinking I might have a glass of wine. Thanks for the input

I say dump the alcohol and food and go back to the Sex....It burns alot of calories and is an enjoyable gratifing exercise. Then go back to eating small portions and make sure you get your Protein first...then your fruits and veggies. But stay away from the booze as was said earlier straight sugar and that causes weight gain like non other. Make sure you get your liquids in and start making your yougurt smoothies again, the boyfriend will love them and they are good for you both! Good Luck in your continued weight loss, I know you can do it!

If your drinking is causing problems--and from your post it is--perhaps you should give AA a try. It is free and they are all dealing with addiction. You didn't mention anything about getting drunk, but you are relying on alcohol in an unhealthy way and that is a drinking problem. Anyone who has beaten addiction to anything (food included) will tell you that relapse is a place you usually go through on the path to recovery/health. There is no shame in having a problem.....as long as you don't let it steal anymore years from you. Best of luck.

I can drink normally (physically). And have been able to drink normally since the 3rd month. In terms of WHAT I drink, my plan says no alcohol for 6 months and no carbonation ever. At 5 months I am happy with crystal light and the squirt flavorings. I may have a glass of wine at Thanksgiving, but... "all the things that gave me a lil comfort and happiness I wont be able to do" I am working hard to make my family and friends to focus of social times, not food and drink. Unless I plan it, I don't do it. But then I am a junkie.

They have groups at different churches. Groups I go to is called celebrate recovery. It is nationwide group held at different churches or other buildings but it is faith based. A lot of people think it is just for drugs & alcohol issues but it isnt. The group is for all hurts, habits & hangups. Which means it is for a lot of different things -people gone through divorce, been abused in life, drugs or alcohol, co-dependency issues (which is people who have trouble like I said being alone), eating disorders, control issues, shopping addiction - like I said any hurts, habits or hangups. It is good program. It helped me through a lot of hurt with divorce & people there awesome. I still go because like those when I was weak helped me -we pray & help each other. You have lesson then break up into small groups. Groups separated by what people dealing with & by sex too cause guys feel more comfortable opening up to guys & women to women. It is a protected group & anything said there is kept in the group, not shared outside at all unless risk of anyone harming self if depressed then legally have to report that.

I love to hear that Hagengirl3!Im same age and having revision from band to bypass in 2 days time. I'm so scared that I'm making a mistake and that I'll regret it. Have you regretted your decision for bypass at all?? Can you tolerate alcohol at all? I just hope to have a glass of wine occasionally. Im mostly afraid of never being able to eat out with friends at restaurants again. Its a big part of socialising here in Australia. Have u found foods that you just cannot eat at all? Would you do it again if you could go back in time? Julie Sent from my GT-I9505 using the BariatricPal App

Overeaters Anonymous lessons to remember on this journey: (Mostly from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous) "It works if you work it!" "Half measures availed us nothing." "Do not be discouraged. No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfection. We are not saints. We claim progress rather than perfection." 'The Promises' If we are painstaking about this phase of our developmet, we will be amazed before we are halfway through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole atttude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that [our higher power] is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us - sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.

Just like everything... Is a life time change... Once you do your surgery everything is different, I not that you wouldn't have a beer or two, is about making a step that will stop you from losing weight... That doesn't mean you can't have beer or alcohol ever again... It just mean, you may be able to have it every now and then but after surety nothing is the same... Let me give you an example before surgery I was a "sodas" person... So I did good my 1st 5month... But since November oh lord... I just been having sodas every now n then n guess what?!? It hurts the weight process... So!! I'm not the best to give advise, but if you can't stop n let go... Is better... Good luck