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My surgeon/nutritionist team strongly recommends severely limiting alcohol intake. They've never said anything about irritating the stoma, but their biggest concern is the carbonation from beer causing stretching, and the 'empty' calories from any alcoholic drink. They say a very occasional drink isn't horrible, but they don't want me to get in the habit of drinking frequently. I try not to give people medical direction unless I'm relaying it from my surgeon/nutritionist, and I try to be careful to point that out. Not sure if Mattintosh is relaying policy from his surgeon or from the company he apparently works for (getbandednow.com)

I am down 200 lbs! You don't lose that kind of tonage drinking alcohol! It is full of empty calories. If you have solid restriction the kind that causes you difficulty drinking cokes and beer the you will find that Vodka or Jack or whatever will sit and burn. A little each sip. I know people that have had serious trouble because they "tested" their bands. Its not worth it. I say don't do it. There is a guy that owns one of the Bandster boards. He Drank and not only got the burned stoma from drinking but lost his band as well. All from drinking. The question initially was is it ok to have a drink. If you are asking me I say No. All for the reasons above. P.S. Good advice is priceless doesn't matter from whom it comes. Sheesh!:whoo:

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.

Avoid alcohol - empty calories. And it hits you harder since you're banded. Alcoholism in banded patients increase. Just saying. Why trade foodaholic for alcoholism?

[Contemporary man] is blind to the fact that, with all his rationality and efficiency, he is possessed by "powers" that are beyond his control. His gods and demons have not disappeared at all; they have merely got new names. They keep him on the run with restlessness, vague apprehensions, psychological complications, an insatiable need for pills, alcohol, tobacco, food – and, above all, a large array of neuroses. (Jung, 1964:82).

I feel the need for alcohol.

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

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

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.

my doctor and nut said alcohol would not hurt me once I am fully healed. I like whiskey, and I like wine, especially red. but these early months are when I am loosing weight the best and I am not going to waste the carbs in the first 6 months. I tended to have a drink oh, 2-3 a month - and I cook with wine. Once I am down in my weight it will just have to be factored in to my "carb allowance" and, practice at home - I sure won't have my first drink in public. I think this will also be my only exception to not drinking while eating. Because it will be a special occasion, I think it's better to have a little food in my tummy. Talk to your team, see what they recommend based on your personal medical history, medications, and surgery type.

The best option is none. What you're really asking is what the second best option is. While others suggest hard liquor due to less calories, hard liquor obviously has more alcohol than anything else. Consider a glass of still wine. Good luck!

Hi I was also banded in June of 09. We are band buddies. Yes, we all need support. Keep blogging that is one way to stay in touch with others that have what we have. It can be a struggle and if the choices in food and beverages are not the best it can be a harder struggle. I eat real food not too much, mostly plants with good quality proteins first. I do not drink while eating. I also limit alcohol it has too many calories and is harder to burn off. I will have an occasional Iced Milk Shake as a splurge. Iced Cream has too much fat and does not agree with my band. I have also had a few issues with chocolate even though I think it is medicine. It takes time to figure it all out, it is more or less trial and operator error at least that is how I see it. I have lost 110 pounds and have stayed at the same weight now for five months. That is a first in my lifetime. I am happy and all my clothes fit. I just need to keep reminding myself to keep making the best choices for me and my band everyday. If you need help I may be able to offer it. I am a June band buddy. Wishing you all the Best imaluckydog

I first think about my calorie intake for the day, shooting for 800-1200 calorie window, with 60 to 80 G. of Protein So then I figure out my meals. I drink with every meal that I have. It's to painful to try to eat by itself. So I eat some, and drink some, so I don't get stuck. I checked this with my Surgeon, and like he said I am to sensitive ! So if this works, then do it... I eat 3 meals a day, that way.. and a snack ? Well if its wet like light yogurt, I can do it without Water. Even mushies would get stuck for me, and you bet I chew it up well ! So I drink some water. As long as I stay within that window for my calorie intake,,, I'm fine.. Pop is not a good thing because it's carbonated. I drank a glass of ROOT BEER one summer, and I thought it was going to kill me... Could be me though ! But I know he said no pop, alcohol, or chewing gum (could slip down, and get stuck.) So I am a Cheap Date... LOL.. Hope that answers some stuff, that's how the band works for me, and I am very comfterable with it. Shirley.

THE MY WEIGHT Protein BARS DO NOT HAVE THE SUGAR ALCOHOLS IN THEM THEY COME IN SOME GREAT FLAVORS ROCKEY ROAD,CARAMEL BROWNIE, CARAMEL CRUNCH, Peanut Butter ECT THEY ARE JUST LIKE REAL CANDY BARS BUT WITH 160 CAL AND 15 Proteins THE PROBLEM IS U CAN ONLY GET THEM FROM MY SURGENT BUT HE WILL SHIP THEM TO U FOR LIKE 4 DOLLARS U GET 7 BARS FOR 14 WORTH EVERY DIME HIS NUMBER IS 985-234-3000 JUST ASK FOR THE MY WEIGHT Protein Bars THEY ALSO HAVE A VARITY PACK TOO THE WEB SITE SAYS WWW.WHYWEIGHT.COM BUT I DONT THINK U CAN ORDER THEM OFF OF THERE. HOPE THIS WORKS

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.

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

I am back from the cruise!!! Thank you all for your advice and support before my departure. This cruise was scheduled 5 months ago, and we thought my surgery was going to happen in June, and once delayed we thought it would happen in August. Due to insurance denials and doc's schedule, I had surgery on Nov 8th. Ten days later I boarded this cruise. Overall, I was so relieved to see how *easy* it was to be on a cruise just 10 days post-op! Ok, here's some of the highlights! 1. Prior to the trip I called Royal Caribbean and discussed my special diet. They allowed me to bring on Protein powers, SF yogurt and Jello packets, FF cottage cheese packets, and drinkable yogurt packets. We stopped off at a grocery store near the dock and picked up these items. We walked right on the ship with them (in grocery bags and clearly visable.) Never once did they ask us about the food. Makes me think I could have brought Snacks and alcohol on previous cruises! They cleared out our mini-bar fridge so we could store these items. 2. Once on the cruise, we requested to me moved to a 2-person table for our dinner meals, and they made it happen. I did not want to have to explain to strangers why I was on a special diet. 3. The head maitre'd took charge and said the wait staff would puree anything on the menu. I just needed to make the selection at meal time. 4. Each night at dinner I was able to always find a clear broth Soup so I ordered that. In addition, I picked an item and they pureed it for me. Typically I selected a salmon or other fish and they pureed it with mashed potatoes. They brought me a large portion, and I was only able to eat maybe 1 cup of it. 5. For Breakfast, oatmeal or soft scrambled eggs were great. lunch was a Protein shake. Between meals I would have a drinkable yogurt or jello packet. 6. Spa treatments were heavenly. I selected a package that was 4 treatments -- mini-facial, scalp massage, foot massage, and back massage. I told the technician that I was unable to lie on my stomach and would she mind skipping the back massage and instead doing a longer foot massage -- no problem! 7. I was unable to enjoy some of the highlights of the ship -- climbing the rock wall, riding the wave machine, playing dodge ball, etc. I encouraged by hubby to do all of these, and he was thrilled! 8. Doc's orders said no hot tubs, pools, or swimming for at least 2 weeks. I stuck to that. I did swim in the cold pool for a few min on Thursday which was at the 2-week mark. I put a water-proof bandage on the port-scar to ensure it would be protected. 9. Doc said no sun on the scars for at least 1 year. I don't look good in a bikini (at least not yet), so there was no worry of that! I wore a one-piece suit, and while out in the sun put a small towel draped over my belly just to make sure the sun wouldn't reach the scars! 10. I ended up leaving the Magic Bullet at home, and glad I did. I did not need it. Anyone else thinking of a cruise so soon after their surgery will likely be fine (check with your surgeon), but just be prepared, take it easy, sleep alot, and have a great time!

I am going out town unexpectedly in two weeks. I am 2 1/2 months post-op. What have you guys done about about eating on vacations and drinking alcohol? This is my first trip post-op. I am really nervous!

I'm six years out. It took me a year and a half to lose 107 pounds, now I'm down 124 pounds from my surgery weight. I was a slow loser, and it was a frustrating process at times. I had a child post op, and lost that weight, too. I do not fear regain. I'm so small now that I work to keep weight on. I'm still not hungry. Emotionally, it was a difficult adjustment. It took a few years to realize I was normal. I've been in therapy for a long time. I had a lot of issues to work on, and depression set in when I had to acknowledge that it wasn't my weight that had been making me unhappy - my weight was a sign of my unhappiness. But I'm in a much, much better place now than I've ever been, mentally and physically. I was finally diagnosed with mental problems I'd been suffering from my whole life. I never would have gotten help, because I'd been medicating with food and alcohol. When my sleeve took the ability to do that away, I had no choice but to reach out. As for what I wish I'd known? I'm on B12 and a PPI. No biggie, but I had no idea they'd be forever. My diabetes is gone, so I consider it a win! I just turned 36, and I feel like I got a chance to live a life due to my surgery. I'd never, ever take it back. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I met with nut and psych Thursday (still pre op) and the topic of alcohol was discussed both places. Nut said after 1year, red wine in small amounts occasionally was okay. I told her I wasn't much of a drinker now, just an occasional glass of wine, so that was great and totally doable. Psych asked again how I felt about it and I repeated my unconcern for it. She proceeded to say not only is it high calorie, and can affect weight loss, but due to the size of our new stomach 4 oz. will put us over the legal limit, plus the starling statistic that followed. 30% of WLS PATIENTS BECOME ALCOHOLICS. I was stunned. It becomes the new coping mechanism, instead of our beloved food. Those who never drank before are at risk, and those that did, even more so. So please be careful!

Ok I know I haven't been very active since just after my surgery but I felt like I had to start helping those going into some thing that can change your future so much. Now let me start by saying that at 6 months out was enjoying my drinks on occasion and when I was at Disney got a little buzzed on occasion, so I come at this probably sounding a bit like a hypocrite so I apologize. lets start by looking at the health issues, you are only a month out of your surgery, you should still be soft foods and yes alcohol is a liquid but it is highly corrosive to the stomach and your stomach is still healing. It can take 8-10 weeks before your stomach is "healed" and more than 6 months before it begins to scar and be considered healed. So there is a health issue to drinking. Put aside the addiction aspect it can cause many issues. I also want to address the fact that you say that you couldn't get past a milestone without drinking, I assume that this is a way that you have celebrated large milestones for most of your life, but one thing you have to keep in mind is that after a procedure like this it is a lifestyle change. You can't have a procedure like this and not change your life going forward. There needs to be a mindset change in the way you think about everything you are about to embark. I was a big foodie before my surgery and used to "enjoy" food well beyond a reasonable limit. But when i went to Disney I had to change the way I looked at food, it was a temptation to over eat and go to far but I know that I will not succeed if I don't make major changes. For those that find people on here rude for trying to help keep in mind that people come on this forum to get help and insight into life before, during and after the surgery, these replies are just trying to help those that might read these posts. While drinking is OK there are cautions that need to be taken, and while it may be OK for some it could be dangerous for others. I am sorry for my rant but it felt like it needed to be said.

Mistakes can happen. My doctor asked me to pledge to avoid all alcohol and marijuana for a year because he called them "dis-inhibitors." [Love that term]. Hard for me because I am an investor [small] in a few wineries and have been known to tip back a few. Good luck. And be careful. Don't want to hurt yourself just because of a little fun.

And I really don't understand why there are so many different boundaries with alcohol ! Some surgeons say 3 weeks , 1 month , 3 months , 1 year , never !!! Can't they all get on the same page !!! Or somewhere close within range of each other ... Jus sayin

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