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Everyone: I never drink alcohol, but I asked the question because I just wanted to know in case I'm ever in a situation where I am offered a cocktail. I just want to be prepared. Thanks a mil!

My surgeon said that its never good to have a lot of alcohol because of the empty calories but if u r at a party or get together and u want to have a cocktail or two, it's fine. No beer tho cuz of the carbonation.

My doctor has no problem with non-carbonated alcohol once in awhile (after healed from surgery) but says it shouldn't be a regular thing. I do have a drink once in awhile but I'm always careful to count the calories against my daily allowance when I do.

Yes, we are allowed limited amounts of alcohol, and always have to remember that alcohol are empty calories which need to be included in your tracking. The other important information is that it usually takes less alcohol for you to feel the effects of it. My surgeon warned us about this effect, and stressed that he would not be writing any letters in defense of his patients who might get DUI charges. I waited the advised 1 year, well almost an entire year, before having a glass of wine. I could only drink half of the glass...

I also find this an extremely judgmental statement. So occasional alcohol consumption = not preserving your health? What about balance and moderation? WLS doesn't mean our lives are filled with NEVER's and CAN'T's. My program is the same. I also am in sales and travel for business nearly every week. Drinking is a big part of the industry and my companies culture. I am also known for liking to drink and having a high tolerance. My first business trip was a week long, and I had about one drink a day. I had beer and Mai Tais (I was in Hawaii). I honestly had no desire to drink, I just did it to be social. After being gone a week, I weighed myself and gained 2 lbs. I was eating fairly healthily and very little, so I can only contribute it to the alcohol and sugar in the mixers. So because I'm not willing to sabotage my weight loss, I'm giving up drinking until I'm at goal (or go on vacation, lol). I'm explaining both my not drinking and my negligible eating on vague stomach problems, so tying them together helps deflect the questions I receive. Call me vain, but vanity is my main motivation. Vanity about how I look in a mirror. I'm single and the fact is a much narrower set of men are attracted to me than would be if I were thinner. But also vanity when I'm not able to hike up a hill or climb a pyramid with my friend. I hate the feeling when I'm completely winded and have to take breaks doing some activity that my fit friends have no problem doing. It's not the physical feeling, but this internal cringe and embarrassment of being fat, and knowing I'm being judged for it. I agree with this as well. Why is being reversible the most important factor for you? At first I considered reversible solutions because I thought, I'm not that big, I don't need/want my stomach removed. But then I started reading and found that the VSG was the right fit, and I do want a lifetime solution, not just a temporary one. You said you want to maintain on your own. Maintenance is the hardest part of weight loss. I think most of us at our weight has been successful at losing, but then we go back up again. I want/need the help to do both, lose and maintain. I'd suggest finding a surgeon to talk through your options with. You'll want a surgeon who is patient and good communicator, so you may have to try a few (my surgeon has no patience and is terribly brusque, for example) I looked at both as well. I eliminated the balloons because of poor reviews. On RealSelf it only has a 50% "I'd do it again" rating vs. 100% for the sleeve and 97% for Bypass. The reviews there and other places also spoke of extreme and constant nausea, so that was a deal breaker. For the Lapband has a 54% "I'd do it again" rating on RealSelf. I also read about all the negatives like erosion, slipping, lack of results. I also have a good friend who had the Lapband many years ago, and still has hers. She says she loves her lapband and has no problems. But I'm with her often and know she has a lot of digestive issues. She may deny it, but I can't help but think they are related to her band. I did go through a period of pretty extreme lightheartedness and general exhaustion weeks 2-3. I got a B12 shot and then I felt almost normal. Not sure if the shot helped, or a coincidence, but I know I'm going to get another shot in a month! At this point I probably couldn't do any kind of sustained physical activity. I'm told it's because of my low cals (300-400). But there are many on this board who are very active soon after surgery including running marathons. You'll just have to give yourself time to heal, then long term you should be able to do everything you could in the past, and even more being lighter and healthier.

From what I understand of these surgeries - the lapband is being dropped by most surgeons because it erodes and slips - it works for many people, but more and more are having them removed due to those issues. The balloon is usually for people not as obese as you are, as it is a short term fix for restriction, and I only know one person that had it and had issues so it didn't work well for her. Also if you are too worried about alcohol and a client's 'opinion' of you not drinking you need more reflection on what you really want/need. Your health preserved or a two minute observation on not consuming liquor. Really? You ARE morbidly obese. I am not trying to be unkind - I started at 41bmi, so that was me too. There are no quick, handy cute fixes.

Well yea, I mean I had someone ask me why i needed to resort to surgery. he said why don't you just stop eating and go to the gym. DUH! Don't you think i've tried that. lol i wish people only knew the difference between lap band a bypass. I chose lap band because the results come from the work i put into it. I know my mother is my underlying problem with why I think this way. i have had so many years of counseling because my dad was an alcoholic but that was never my problem. My mom is. She fills my brain with her thoughts and than i get confused. I mean you guys should see the hives that have been on my arms for the last 2 months. I'm so itchy all the time. I can't wait to start counseling. At least this time, i'll be able to go by myself and focus on me and not my mom.

I've been sleeved for 12 hours now. I'm skinny now! Well, not 100%, but I'm now officially on my way. I can't wait to buy clothes, go swimming with my shirt off, and fit on amusement park rides! I literally almost didn't go through with it, as my cold feet got pretty icy as the surgery day approached. I was worried about: A.Dying on the table B.Never eating again C.Missing my (unhealthy) receipt of drawer. D.Not being able to drink alcohol or handle myself in social situations. I kept thinking "yes, but I'm 331lbs now. I could be 400lbs in 2 years. I'm virtually guaranteed to get Diabetes. I've got 5 young kids, & DAMN IT, I'M GOING TO BE AROUND FOR THEM!" The positives WAY out-weighed the negatives. I just did it. I was only in surgery for a little less than an hour. When I woke up in recovery, the pain was SEVERE. I kept thinking "what have I done?" It got easier & easier? By 7:30PM (4 1/2 hours) I was up walking, AND IT FELT GREAT! I went for a longer walk around midnight. Feels great to get up & move. I know I've got some difficult days ahead of me, & I still hope & pray that I've done the right thing, but I feel that I have.

I just turned 21 in February and was banded on January 10, 2011. I personally have not been able to drink beer -- it's too heavy and carbonated. I stick with either wine or vodka whenever I have an occasional drink. If you're just starting your weight loss journey I would be careful since there is a load of sugar in alcohol and mixed drinks. Your body is going through a lot of changes physiologically and you basically need to learn how to live life all over again. I wish you the best of 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!

I know, I know, but I was so thrilled to have something, anything that was real food I didn't dare question it. My instructions just said pickles so had every type imaginable, I did fine bread and butter made with splenda which turned out to be my favorite. I'm fairly sure the folks at Kroger thought I was pregnant with triplets by the vast amounts of pickles I was purchasing....I also decided that if I could have pickles why couldn't I have cucumbers....soooo...I stretched that a little. As far as the caffeine, I don't know, I haven't noticed anyone else on here saying anything about it. I have a very conservative doctor who also says no alcohol ever so I'm guessing he just looks at caffeine as not great for you therefore you should give it up. I've never been big on caffeine so that hasn't been an issue.... It is a diuretic so immediately post op when you're forcing the fluids to keep from getting dehydrated I can see why they'd want you to avoid it, after that I really have no explanation!:cursing:

Also talk to your primary physician. Are you having any obesity related issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, etc? Insurance may not cover wls unless you have exhibited obesity related issues especially at only 20 years old. Ask your dr what he/she thinks of you having wls surgery, because you will need him/her in your corner to do it. Do you have a family history of obesity, diabetes, etc? My family is the poster child of obesity and heart disease. Research research research. I can't stress that enough. You need to research the different types of surgery, the short term and long term risks involved, what the day to day life is for post surgery patients both in losing mode and maintenance mode. Are you good about taking daily pills every single day? After surgery, Vitamins are not optional and are essential to keeping you healthy. This is a tool, not a solution. You can gain weight even after sleeved if you don't continue to follow the eating plan and make good choices. Drinking is almost prohibited due to how quickly alcohol enters the bloodstream post surgery. Losing weight rapidly will increase the likelihood of loose skin, even at your age. You can't expect to have a bikini body just because you lost weight. Basically, this is a serious decision you need to make and before you do so, you need to take the time to do your research.

Be super careful with alcohol. With WLS drinking alcohol is like getting an alcohol IV. With almost instant effects. Also if you ever had any addiction issue with it. The rate of alcoholism is sky high with WLS patients. I would say stay away from the stuff forever. Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

PS: Also no need to get high and mighty with your response... alcohol is fattening, no matter what the calories!!

Good Morning and Welcome to June... Darcy - Have you made an appt with Your Doc yet? Hopefully it turns out to be nothing but better to be safe.. Sorry to hear about Ava ~ ouch in the pocketbook ~ Hopefully your babies will get to feeling better soon. Hi Kat ~ Praying that you get the call and everything can move along for you and DH. I have not had time to read back on your trip ~ Hope you all enjoyed it and relaxed. You got it girl... Donna ~ My Heart and Prayers go out to you. I have seen on my ex's side what alcohol can do to a family. Hopefully he will make a turn around. Eileen ~ Mine are coming more common since Dec ~ early menapouse is what the Doc says. Hopefully it is not true but it's expected I guess. Beanie - I have a call into my Lawyer cause I really do believe that I am entitled to the whole thing. But in order to get him to sign off on the house I will use anything at this point to keep the peace and the house and it's contents. Believe me I would rather not give him a dime for all the emotional crap I have had to take from his bottom of the barrel family and that is putting it nicely. I will be taking cell phone / ins pymt off the top... sounds like you all had a good time this weekend Patty ~ was it hard to set up the Tivo? I would really love one but am still not sure. I order movies from Net flix and those sit around my home for like a month. I was thinking they were going to call and tell me to send them back.. Pat ~ Sorry about your friend {{HUGS}}} I love your golf course yard.. Especially your ride ~ I could go round and round on that all day.. Even make money giving rides. Cindy ~ glad you are ticket free.. Betty ~ Are you getting any rest yet?? Becky - Happy Belated Birthday Sherry ~ have you checked out Ebay for the Gun he wants? That is good that he is working to offset the cost.. " EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH ~ SHERRY" Dianne ~ I bet once the Snacks are out of the picture for you and ME - we will see a differance.. Carol ~ Hi Well here we go another day in the neighborhood. Just pluggin away and waiting for the insurance lady or adjuster to call. Total loss is what the adjuster told the collision place.. See how much they will be offering is the next question? Other than that this would be the first weekend he would get the boys for overnights but he already said he would rather not take them till he has his apt ready? humm all the flippin fighting and now he does not want them. A$$ Well tomorrow is pay day and hoping to get some bills out of the way at least on my side, little does he know that there is a garnishment on his check. Kids are doing great and ex SIL is taking them to the park to ride bikes today. Other than that not a whole lot going on today. I bring in Breakfast tomorrow that is todays delimma.. Crap why did I agree???

I was allowed alcohol by my surgeon pretty quickly post-op and drink 1-2 x a week generally. This didn't happen at first, but as I've lost weight further out from surgery alcohol hits me much more quickly than it did pre-op. It also wears off quickly, but yeah I'm pretty loose after just 1 drink. I consider it a blessing - less calories and less $$! If you are allowed to progress to include alcohol just make sure you're conscious of how it fits into your daily protein/calories consumption and make smart choices.

How soon was any of you capable of consuming alcohol Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

I just got home from a 5 day trip. I WON!! I'll weigh tomorrow but I believe I lost while gone. This was hard because trips ALWAYS meant lots of food, alcohol, snacks, etc. I did have a few times where I was tempted but I stuck to the low carb diet per the Dr and zero alcohol. I only have 4 lbs to go before I'm at the weight Dr wants me at. My motto - this is my new life. Food is fuel. I have the mindset that once I reach goal, then I can have small splurges, but not until then. And, every time I was tempted, I thought about the surgery. I want it to go smoothly, so not sticking to this diet increases my risks. We are all so close!!! Exciting!!

Maria, the best advice is to simply hang in there and don't get discouraged. I had two types of insurance, and neither covered the Band. I had to pay myself. But it's damn worth the wait if your insurance will cover it in the end. I know that's not saying much, but be really thankful that insurance is taking care of the big part. Meanwhile, be double happy because the initial surgery is only part of the battle. The Band can be (often is) a very high maintenance tool that requires a lot of follow up visits. I had a list of complications, so in addition to the credit card I used for the initial surgery, I've racked up thousands in after care charges. What I'm saying is just take your time and jump through any hoops the insurance company tells you to, because in the end you'll have a paid-for band, and it will be great. Meanwhile, I think people give too much thought to the psyche exam. I personally don't know anyone that didn't pass it except for one alcoholic. As far as paying up front, it's just part of the process. Think of it as money well-invested. I had to change my way of thinking in the money department when shopping for the band. I didn't think twice of spending $15.00 at Taco Bell. I was spending $20 a day for lunch and dinner fast foods and restaurants. Loading up the shopping cart with useless expensive crap. That comes to more than $5,000 a year. And I'm left flat-broke after all my complications, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Sorry if I chose the wrong words - I mean it with all the love & support in my heart. Be patient, good things are coming your way.

I had my band paid for by insurance - but we have since changed insurance companies and our new insurance says specifically it does not cover any surgery for obesity - now it covers all other dependancy problems - drug, alcohol, smoking - any other addiction -but it will not cover obesity - don't you think that is discrimination based on a person's weight - and don't you think a lawyer wouldn't have jumped all over this before now? I have always just wondered if anyone has ever tried to sue an insurance company for discrimination based on denial of benefits -

i had 1/2 glass of white wine on xmas eve. first time i had any alcohol since may (when i started my pre op)

The alcohol itself does not hurt the band. I believe most surgeons don't want you to consume alcohol because of the calories and the mind set it puts you in to possibly eat many things you would not normally eat.

Have issues with my BP too. It will likely get better after the surgery. I am almost 3 months post surgery. I feel amazing. Currently 104kg from 126kg pre surgery. It is the best decision I ever made. For my health, family and may be vanity. I played football with my 4yo he had to tell me "mum it's okay - lets go in"! I wouldn't even dare before then. I feel like I can conquer the world. Don't find exercising as exerting as before and hoping to get better. Let me raise a glass and toast to a new you. Cus that's what the surgery will do! I guess the only downside for me is I can't drink as much alcohol. I feel tipsy really fast. So..... But that too is a small price to pay. Good luck.

I have been feeling a little discouraged lately too. I was banded in May and have lost about 28-30 lbs (it varies each day) I am kind of stuck and probably need a fill. I have had 3 fills. The first was 1.5cc, the second was 0.5cc and the last one was 0.3cc. I still have some productive burping when I eat too fast or eat bread. I have started exercising a little more but probably need to do much more. I guess I thought if I was eating less I would lose more weight. I seem to be drinking more alcohol lately and I know that isn't a good thing calorie wise. I have wine in the evening for back pain. I used to take lots of Ibuprofen for the pain and now I can only have Tylenol which doesn't do anything for the pain. I swam for an hour today and then soaked in the hot tub which felt good and then I walked my dog in the park for an hour. Now my back is killing me and I am having a glass of wine. Has anyone else had pain control problems since having surgery? I sure hope my weight loss improves soon because I am starting to think that this is all I am going to lose. Thanks for listening.

Welcome ... what surgery ? Svg? I had mine in 3/10/17. It feels great almost 7 months post Op. best of luck in your surgery, you still got time... from here to December try practicing sipping water, eating slow, chewing throughly your food, cut down sugars, and would say cut down alcohol intake, also 30 min rule: no water 30 min after/before each meal... that way your transition post-op will be smooth