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First I know alcohol isn't the best for weight loss cause of all the sugars and calories. So let's not make the discussion about that part. I have read you can get buzzed pretty quick but goes away just as fast. I've had that with like a glass of wine or similar. My recent issue is this - twice I have drank too much whether a few margaritas or a few shots, I go from feeling fine or that happy feeling and at some point both times I instantly go to barely being able to function like the worst drunk ever. I can't even stand really and it doesn't go away quickly. Better by next morning but with bad hangover. Pre surgery if I drank too much, I could feel it and switch to water as I felt myself getting too tipsy, in these 2 instances it wasn't gradual, it was fine, then crap faced non functioning in an instant. Both times was like a couple 3 hours in when it hit me. Kind of scary. So I know I can't drink that much in the future as no warning signs like pre surgery, it just at some point crosses over without notice. Even pre surgery I never have felt that way drunk, meaning that far gone lol. Anyone else have a similar experience?

Let me give you some perspective. Your boyfriend is NOT going to change. He has the BAD SEED of addiction and he has it for life. You need to get saway from him as fast as you can. I have been through what you are going through....and put up with it for 10 YEARS. MY BAD. I met my boyfriend when I was 37. Long story short, he turne out to be drug and alcoholic addictive. He couldn't hold down a job. He stole from me. I had never been into drugs before and within a year of being with him I was snorting speed and coke on a fairly regular basis. Six years into this I realized I was doing it to appease him, I was weak, and I said NO MORE. I stopped the drugs cold turkey and never looked back. I also told him to get out. He was a master manipulator...the perfect "victim" and I fell for it every time. But I finally put my foot down. He continued to abuse his body and mind, and not be able to hold a job for more than a few months at a time. He died this past May of a suspected drug overdose and heart attack. He was 57. Get away NOW. He will NEVER change and he will drag you down with him. Guaranteed. I have BEEN THERE.

Jodi said it really well and I second everything she said. I will also say that many people have said that it takes 3 or 4 fill to really lose the cravings. Something about the appetite receptors in that sector of the stomach. Actually my doctor said that too. I love sweets too but it is like an alcoholic, you can't have one drink. Even starch can signal a binge like Jodi said. Good luck and I haven't lost any weight and in fact gained back my pre-op fast weight loss too. We will get there.

@@suzzzzz ^^ Amen! There are thousands of posts and opinions about alcohol, good luck!

Ideas for portable protein: cheese sticks greek yogurt Protein bars (be careful about ingredients, calories, carbs, sugar alcohols, etc.) hard boiled eggs protein shakes RTD (ready-to-drink) beef Jerky (again being careful about nitrates, sugar added, etc....I usually make my own) cottage cheese ( you can buy little individual cups or just use your own tupperware and fill it and keep it in a cold pack) I hope you actually get a BREAK ...you SHOULD be having a snack at 10am ...esp. if you are feeling hungry. I think they are legal rules that employers must follow in regards to working x number of hours and getting x number of breaks per hours worked. I think .5 hour lunch is fine, but then again I'm a contractor (I work for my former employer on a contract basis...no benefits, or legal lunch breaks, etc.) and I used to work 10 hour days and take only .5 hour lunch. It seemed like more than enough time. Now when I work, I never take a lunch break but hardly ever work more than 8 hours in a day. I eat at my desk, because my job is in front of a computer so it's not a big deal to eat and work at the same time. I don't take a lunch because I only get paid for the time worked, so I would rather get in, do my work and get out than take any type of unpaid break.

I see people mix vodka or their other favorite alcohol with crystal light. Before surgery, I used to mix vodka with lemonade crystal light… a sugar free vodka lemonade!

I suppose LBT is one of the addictions we might have! I gave up drinking alcohol well before my band surgery, so that's not it... I've tried to become more involved in things outside myself...using food as comfort is, by it's nature, very self-centered...when I feel nervous or stressed, I try to do something that will make someone else feel better, then I feel better, too.

My addiction has always been books, and snacking while reading them. I've made a new rule; no eating and doing ANYTHING else. Books are still my favorite addiction, but I now enjoy them without food. I'm trying out other hobbies...photography, scuba, sailing lessons, and next.... kayaking (if I fit in one that is! LOL). I'm sure I'll find something because fortunately (or unfortunately?!) it take tons of alcohol to affect me in the least..always been like that. As for music and exercize...I've always worked out or walked with my music, until I discovered something new. My new iPod has video capability...I've downloaded 2 seasons of Monk and have suddenly found myself working out for an hour without even NOTICING! I now look forward to the treadmill so I can see the show, 'cause I don't allow myself to watch it any other time.

Skinny - love your thread - I think we are about in the same boat only I have no teenagers at home. I was banded 12/29/10 and have lost 67 pounds. My starting weight was 253 and I am 5'5". I am 50 years old and I think I look okay in my size 12 jeans also. It is just so nice to be able to find cute jeans instead of the sam plus size dull looking jeans that draw up at the crotch. It is wonderful to see all the ups and downs are about the same. I really haven't "cheated" yet - I feel too good about what I am eating and the weight I am losing to cheat....lol. I have only had a couple episodes of being "stuck" and it really is uncomfortable, and it just reminds me to slow down and chew. I have found I cannot eat scrambled eggs, rice or bread - they are the most problem foods I have. I have a hard time when I am traveling for my job as far as lunch decisions. I want to go to a restaraunt that has nutrishous food and everyone else wants the fattening stuff. I can usually find something good to eat anywhere tho. I just need to stay focused. Thanks for all your advice and keep up the good work. Good luck to you. I had my surgery in July, 2010 and have experienced the same roller coaster of emotions, feelings, optimisim, depression, elation, regret and joy that others talk about. The biggest adjustment for me was saying goodbye to the overstuffed full feeling that accompanies overeating. I was surprised how I really missed that. I don't miss it anymore. The 2nd biggest adjustment for me has been learning to slow down my eating and take smaller bites. I'm good at that about 80% of the time and then I get rushed, or think I can eat something in the car on the way to one of my kid's games, etc. and then I just laugh at myself when the stuck feeling starts. I have however learned to recognize the onset and can usually avoid any really unpleasant outcomes I can't believe I'm 20 something pounds to goal. I will be the weight I was when I got married soon, and I've been married to the same wonderful man (who does NOT have a weight problem) for 23 years. I just wanted to post something positive about lap band...it's a helluva ride, but it has been so worth it. I am able to run again (I don't set any land speed records, that's for sure!) and I'll be completing my 2nd half marathon next week. I have one more long run (10 miles) until the race. I can't believe this is me I'm talking about. All you new bandsters, please hang in there! The best advice I can give you is to STAY POSITIVE and FORGIVE YOURSELF if you slip. This is not an All or Nothing process...it's a lot of learning about, adjusting to and finally, ACCEPTING your new lifestyle! I go out with friends, cook for myself and my family, enjoy wine (after a 4 month hiatus from alcohol) and enjoy life on a level that I have not been on in a long time. I'm usually not the fattest girl in the room anymore. I think I look pretty cute in my size 12 jeans for a 47 year old mom of 3 teens People comment on my weight loss all the time. I still have a bit of an internal struggle with not be open about my surgery, but I know it's the right decision for me. No one knows except my husband, sister and parents, all who I am extremely close with and respect my decision. I don't think I've ever drawn any attention from others who don't know...it's been surprisingly easy to keep this private. Whether I'm just reading or posting, this site has been a huge motivator for me. I encourage everyone to stay active with it. If I take a break from it and return, I always notice a boost in my determination. I'm looking forward to summer clothes and dare I say wearing a bathing suit (what ?!?). The hardest thing about this at the moment is refraining from buying too many clothes! I know I'm not "there" yet and I have to be patient and show restraint when I'm shopping. It's a good problem to have and one that I hope all get to experience soon. I wish you all the best with your pending metamorphasis!

I will just come out and say it bluntly. Do NOT drink the weekend before surgery. Just because this is an "elective" surgery doesn't mean it is any less risky. This is a very serious operation. Alcohol will thin your blood and dehydrate you, both of which are terrible right before surgery. You might as well take a pistol and play Russian roulette while in New Orleans. If you do decide to drink, I would think that it is pretty selfish to break the rules for a weekend of fun in NOLA

I really like the MIO idea... Can't stand Vodka but bet it would work with Bacardi. There is a liquor store around the corner and I'm hoping I can find "skinny girl" (as seen on TV lol)... I've heard they are low in sugar. Anyone ever tried them? I never realized alcoholic beverages don't have to have calorie, sugar, ect listed.

Can you go online and look at the nutritional stats for the drinks etc? I don't drink at all and honestly all that I have heard and the dangers of drinking with RNY if i did I would stay away from it as far as I could. You might want to research the dangers of drinking alcohol and death and serious issue for rny patients. Liver damage issues and death being serious consequences. (my friend's aunt died from liver damage due to drinking after rny and it was just wine a few times a week, not sure how much that is but does not seem like she was a drunk) On line they talk about how doctors just seem to ignore it and do not educate their patients, so if we are trying to be healthy we should at least research and educate ourselves if our doctors are not going to do it. Maybe someone has some solid info (betting DLCoggins does) to share? I just thought we should be aware and make educated decisions about our bodies and health. I would post the info I found I just don't have the info with me where I am currently.

Thanks Joatsaint, you are probably right and it is nice to hear the voice of reason. I do realize some of the questions were in regard to drug and alcohol abuse, and if I felt victimized and blamed other people for things. There was really nothing in there about my expectations regarding WLS or anything of that nature. This was a very expensive doctor's visit and I just want to make sure that the results will be used in my best interest.

Would you do it again knowing all you know and what you have experienced? Yes , just I wish I did this back in October when my dr first suggested it. I am am a lapband to sleeve revision. I know first few weeks liquids and protien shakes but can you eat real food again? I'm only 2 weeks out and eat normal soft foods. I can't wait to get back to other normal foods. What are biggest highs and what are worse things? Worst for me is Protein shakes. I'm having such a hard time as they all seem to sweet for me. Crazy to think since I have a big sweet tooth. Also trying to get in the 1000 calories my Dr wants me to when I'm not hungry so I have to force my self to eat something at times. And the biggest high is hearing everyone at work say they can see changes already so it makes it worth it. (Down 22 lbs since surgery on 6/18). Can you drink alcohol again once recovered and havre been on this new journey for awhile? I hope so even though I'm not a big drinker but do enjoy one here and there especially holiday time.

My husband stayed with me for some days, but he must return tomorrow. My surgery was August 14th. I can move around, but my pain meds cause me diarriah due to sugar alcohol possibly containing sorbitol. That makes me uncomfortable and edgy all day. I don't know when the soreness will end and when this discomfort will subside. I'm hungry and I wonder now if this was a mistake? Thin or fat? Not sure? Maybe it's my discomfort talking and I'm damn tired of liquids! Sorry y'all too much complain. No sleep since 2 a.m. (TX time).

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.

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

At 5 months you will be on a regular diet - so when you have breakfast you have have eggs or an omlette. Lunch - there's plenty of protein at the various restaurants - so maybe some fish with a veg. Dinner - same thing. If you're really concerned, pack a container of protein powder and a shaker bottle. The bigger issue will be dealing with the temptation of all the sugars/sweets/carbs/pastas and alcohol. And avoiding the temptation to eat all the time, since food is always available. Make use of the fitness center and when you are in port, get lots of walking in and other exercise to offset and "slips" which might occur.

Ok, first off, so sorry you are suffering so!!! ((hugs)) Chronic pain SUCKS. Chronic nerve/neuralgia sucks maybe even worse on top of that. It can definitely become the thief of joy and hope. I have degenerative disc disease and arthritic hips with chronic bursitis and SI-itis. But on top of that pain I also have a bone spur on my thoracic vertebra that causes a nerve intrapment in the intercostal muscle. (But wait! There's more! I also have a set of Ginzu steak knives! *snic*) On top of that, I have had multiple breast cancer and reconstructive surgeries that have left me with 360 degree neuralgia pain that is about 9 inches top to bottom across my chest and back. It's like a burning, stinging chemical burn or raw rash at my chest wall that feels like stings from fireants. I have this 24/7/365. And lastly I have neuralgia in my feet/toes and fingertips leftover from hand food syndrome during chemo cuz the chemo dose had to be so high for me. I tell you this not to top you or bore you. But to let you know possibilities. Last May I'd given up hope. I was WTD (waiting to die) and barely got my fat ass out of the recliner for longer than it takes to pee or down a Little Debbie Snack Cake -- or Whataburger Chicken Strip dinner with cream gravy and fries. I was isolated in my house and NEVER went out except to the doctor. Those (foods of crap origin) were my constant companions. Then I got staff in my toe and I realized I wasn't ready to die yet. I wanted to fight!! I wanted to take control back of my life!!! And I wanted it THEN! Immediately. LOL. So I started prepping for surgery. I dumped the crap and went to a very low carb, very low fat, very low calorie diet and started losing weight--slowly--but losing. ALL my cravings went away! And something miraculous happened. As I lost the weight, I was able to force myself up through the cloud of pain to walk for 1 minute--then 5 minutes--then 10 and so on. Fast forward to now, about 97lbs lighter than in May 2017 and my pain is much improved! The neuralgia is still there, Large and IN CHARGE! But the bone and arthritis has improved a bit. And it gets better with each pound lost. I get cortisone injections in my hips that help a lot. I work with a PT to strengthen my core muscles and improve my balance and endurance. And I'm looking forward to trying water exercises soon! I still have a FU*K load of burning, stinging, itching, aching pain each day. But my arthritis doc said, the best thing I can do for myself is get to a very low weight as quickly as I can. That a 30% drop in weight will significantly improve my life. I now walk 1 hour a day (30 minutes at a time), can stand to cook, go visit family, go out on dates with Mr. F. and am slowly taking back control of my life. I have a positive, hopeful outlook despite the chronic pain. I just CHOOSE to live life even in the face of pain and choose to have control--rather than being a victim of my surgeries and disease. (Not saying you're a victim--I'm saying I FELT I was a victim of them.) You take control back, by going back to your basic plan. No eating and drinking 30-30. If you're drinking alcohol stop. If you're taking more pain narcs than you absolutely need, wean off them. They blunt your desire for health. Eat dense protein first, veggies second, healthy fats and cut out the ALL the crap and contraband. Weigh, measure, and log everything! And know that 6-12months after surgery is sometimes what it takes for things to feel a little better. My big surgeries took me 6 months to begin to feel human again--each time! Sorry for writing a book...but please don't give up. WTD SUCKS! Congrats on your weight loss to date!

Day 8 here of 14 days. Day 3 & 4 were the hardest. Suggestions for you are drink a lot of Water and keep busy. What also helps me is brushing my teeth after the shake. Use a non-drying non-alcohol based mouthwash like Biotene for Dry Mouth. Once you hit Ketosis your mouth gets a bit dry and the breath is pretty nasty. For me the Protein shakes are sticky in my mouth after a while. I exercise and I keep busy. I cleaned out closets, I've cleaned my files on my computer, I have gone through old clothes, looking for clothes that will fit eventually, I got rid of clothes that are already too big. Don't put yourself in situations where you will lose control. Don't go out with friends to eat, keep busy, get your stuff in order, relax and exercise. Go for a walk, keep your mind busy. Keep water at your bedside at night. Realize one thing, if you are doing 3 shakes and getting 80 grams of protein, you are NOT going to starve to death. You are getting plenty of nutrition, plenty of people live on these many calories or less a day. It will suck, yeah, but it will be worth it. Many have gone through it in the past and made it and many will be in the future, be determined you will get through it and you will. Good luck!!!!

Thank you for pointing out the sugar alcohol thing. Sugar alcohols really tear my tummy up sometimes. I would've never even thought to check for them in a Protein Bar. I did purchase some of the quest bars prior to my surgery at the recommendation of a friend who swears by them. I had not tried any of them until yesterday. I tried the banana nut, which was ok. I ate it and I could eat it again but NOT something I'd want to eat every day. Today, I tried the chocolate brownie and WOW! What a treat! Now I'm looking forward to trying all of the other flavors!

Congratulations on taking steps to get healthier! I think your plan to add more Protein is a good one especially as the meal replacement. Protein drinks are tricky because everyone has their own taste and that can change drastically after this surgery so I would not invest a fortune in powders and such. Also if you are a busy person and do not want to fool around with blender cups or actual blenders I would recommend giving Premier Protein ready made shakes a try. They are excellent for post surgery as well. There is no grit, no nasty taste, in fact they are actually very good. They have 30 grams of protein in 1 shake, 1 gram of sugar and are 160 calories. I turned to them post surgery when I could not tolerate most of the whey protein powders. My nut suggested them and I am thrilled she did. You can get them in smaller packs at Walmart and Walgreens or you can buy them at a higher discounted rate and larger quantities at Sam's and costco. Some of the others that are more tolerable is the syntax nectars. These are a powder and you need to use a blender cup to ensure you don't end up with that grit. Leverage things like yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts and seeds to help boost your protein as well. Focus your meals on lower carb, high protein. Leverage good carbs like fruit and vegetables. Stay away from bread, Pasta, rice, white potatoes. Leverage Beans, sweet potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, cauliflower.....pretty much any vegetables you love. Salads with some protein make an excellent well balanced meal, just watch your dressing to make sure it is not loaded with too much sugar. The goal is to remove as much sugar and bad carbs from your diet. Remove all processed foods from your house. They are not something you will be able to eat after surgery. Honestly they are so very bad for us. If you drink caffeine or alcohol you might want to stop that now because you will be required to at pre op diet and beyond. My nut had me practicing mindful eating, getting my Water intake up to 64oz. Per day, eating slowly, not drinking anything when you eat and removing all distractions. I hope some of this is helpful to you! Please keep us posted on your progress!

@@sharie24 ask your doc all docs will give you a different response various time periods one month, 2 months etc as you loose weight it will take less alcohol to get you "tipsy" doc told me to wait 20 years!!!! good luck kathy

Hello I'm Louisana too...Shreveport..Alcohol is ok..It's just has a lot of sugar but since you don't drink as much you will be fine..I get tipsy faster maybe becuz I don't eat as much..I find myself drinking alot since I don't eat as much but you will be fine..Enjoy yourself

You are really a cutie! It's amazing how young you look. I'm 35 and still get ID'd for alcohol even in Australia where the drinking age is 18. I hope I don't look younger as I lose weight LOL