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Hi everyone. I am going to see my surgeon for the initial visit on 2/1. As part of the prep paperwork for that visit I was given a "bariatric psych evaluation" question list to fill out and bring with me. It has lots of things that scare me about answering! First thing is it asks about past diets, how long, how much weight lost and WHY I stopped doing it. Has anyone had this? How did you answer? My honest answers are pretty complicated and there is no room to explain myself. Also, it asks a lot of questions about alcohol and drug use. I am a recovering alcoholic and addict but have been clean and sober for six years. Any advice? Answer honestly? Then there's the questions about depression, anxiety, etc. I think I'm pretty normal here and I certainly do have bouts of depression, particularly in the winter and then there's the usual depression associated with being obese, depression associated with chronic pain (knees and ankles) and then there's the fairly typical isolation and depression about not being able to do certain things with my friends and family. How do I explain these things, particularly when there is SO LITTLE space to respond! Any advice? I feel like the truth is that I have become obese and failed at multiple dieting attempts largely because I've been addicted to food! However, when I got sober I addressed many of the issues that led me to self medicate. AA has got me on a path towards recovery and self healing. I quit drinking, drugging and smoking. About two years ago I felt ready and able to address my food addiction. I started excersizing and going to OA. I lost 80 pounds "the old fashioned way". Then came severe knee pain and a subsequent knee replacement. I stopped riding my bike, stopped my long walks, swimming etc. I ballooned back up to 365. That was thirteen months ago and my knee won't heal, largely because of the weight. Thoughts? Help?! Sorry for the novel...

I've struggled with poor eating habits for as long as I can remember. I am a product of a mom who used to pack me a Peanut Butter and jelly sandwich, a snack cake and a bag of chips in my lunch every single day. Fruit as a quick snack option didn't exist. We didn't always have fruit, but we always had Snacks in a corner cabinet of our kitchen. All of our problems were solved over a cup of coffee or tea and a coffee cake. Sunday afternoons were spent watching football with a giant bowl of ice cream topped with potato chips and Doritos. At the movies, we always got the biggest popcorn and largest drink and finished it. My grandmother made me bacon and butter sandwiches as a treat. Needless to say, junk food represented a lot of things to me; family, comfort, love, life. In high school I was very thin. I took it upon myself to eat better and exercise and I succeeded. I looked and felt great. Then I got into an abusive relationship and my self-confidence was shaken to its root. To this day, it hasn't completely recovered. In college, I turned to beer and pizza and packed on a quick and stubborn 25 pounds. But I still wasn't fat by any stretch. Moving into the real world was a challenge and I ballooned in weight. Poor choices, little money and lots of alcohol contributed to adding another 70 pounds to what I'd gained in college. Then I met someone. He was interested in me, even though I was over-weight. He helped me gain some much needed pride in myself and confidence that I'd been lacking. I lost 90 pounds. Fast. But that didn't mean I was eating right. I was just eating painfully little. Soon thereafter, I reconnected with a wonderful man I'd met in college. The man I'd always hoped I would marry. And before long, we were engaged. Happiness made me chubby again. A wedding made me slim again. A honeymoon baby helped me pack on 65 pounds. But once I gave birth to our beautiful daughter, I worked to lose all of the baby weight and I was successful. I battled with postpartum depression. I battled the demons from my abusive relationship. I won. Then I discovered I was pregnant again. All of my newly discovered happiness, I literally devoured. I gained 80 pounds. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I gave birth to another perfect, healthy daughter. But this time, I didn't lose the weight. Not an ounce. For ten years, I've held onto an extra 80 pounds. I had another daughter four years ago. During that time, I was also diagnosed with gestational diabetes and I was warned that I would probably remain diabetic after this pregnancy. That should have been a wake up call, but it was not. My blood pressure began to escalate out of control. That too should have been a wake up call, but was not. The doctors had to deliver my daughter early because of my hypertension. She was five weeks premature. She swallowed amniotic Fluid during her delivery causing her to develop pneumonia and she had to remain in the NIC Unit for 10 days. Those were the most difficult days of my entire life and should have been a wake up call. I felt guilty that had I not been hypertensive, this wouldn't have happened to her. But after she came home, I still didn't change my ways. In January, 2015 I decided to get a full physical work up. I hadn't done it in a while. It showed I had serious blood pressure issues, high triglycerides - so high they were immeasurable, I was diabetic and had an extremely fatty liver. I refused to believe it. I took the medicines I was given sporadically and chose not to follow any sort of diabetic diet. I would work it out myself. But I didn't. In April, 2015 my father passed away unexpectedly. It was said his diabetes was a contributing factor to his passing. The grief was and still is overwhelming. He was my best friend. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him and miss him. Finally in September, 2015, my family doctor told me that if I didn't do something soon, I was going to have a stroke. My blood pressure remained out of control, as did my diabetes and the triglycerides. I was experiencing a lot of reflux as well. Not to mention, I was feeling horrible. She recommended Dr. Louis Balsama. He changed my life. I learned just how horrible my health was as I went through all of the pre-surgical testing required to authorize the surgery. While my BMI was on the low end of what would qualify someone for surgery and I didn't have over 100 pounds to lose, my overall health was so poor that I quickly became a candidate for surgery. During the pre-surgical testing I also learned I had sleep apnea and I had high cholesterol. I was put on 13 pills per day; 4 pills per day to control my blood pressure, 5 to control my diabetes, 3 for my cholesterol and triglycerides and one for irritable bowel. This doesn't factor in the over the counter Probiotics and acid reflux medications I also used. I refused to live this way any longer. On 12/28/15, Dr. Balsama saved my life. He gave me a gastric sleeve. I am incredibly grateful for what he's done. Recovery was not the easiest. I was in pain, I got angry, I got frustrated. I got over it. I had 71 pounds to lose to be at a proper weight for my height. As of 1/18/16, I am down 21.5 pounds; 30% of my excess weight is already gone. In 14 pounds I will reach 50% of my goal weight. My BMI has gone from a 36 (Obese 2) to 32 (Obese 1). Soon, I will just be overweight. I no longer have sleep apnea. I no longer have acid reflux. Of my 4 blood pressure pills per day, 2 have been eliminated entirely. The dosage for 1 has been cut in half. It is anticipated that as a result of some upcoming blood tests, some of my other pills may be cut or eliminated also. In only 3 weeks. Imagine what will happen over time! I still have quite a journey ahead of me. But in 3 short weeks, my life has already changed for the better. Don't give up. Yes, this was a drastic step but it's not a magic bullet - it's a tool. Use it wisely and it will serve you well. If you don't use it as intended, there will be undesired consequences. Be smart, be diligent and be good to yourself. The surgery was the easy part, now work for what you want and you will achieve it.

I am 2 months post op. My nutritionist told me to stop weighing myself because I was going crazy and go by how my clothing feels. Now I'm pissed off because I think if I was weighing myself more frequently I would have seen how slowly I was losing and done something sooner. I exercise in the pool 1 hour a day 6 days a week. I am getting in my Protein and most of my Water every day. Only had a minor cheat with alcohol for the Boat Parade. I went to my primary doctor yesterday and even though I"m down 3 sizes in pants and 2 sizes in tops I have only lost 17 lbs post op. I'm happy with the smaller sizes and am telling myself to be happy but I have to admit I'm a little pissed off. I lost more weight before I did the surgery. I lost 25 lbs in 6 weeks pre op and only 17 in 8 weeks. I usually have 3 oz ricotta cheese with Protein powder mixed in for Breakfast, lunch is organic turkey breast with a little cheese to total 3-4 ounces together and dinner is usually a bean and meat chili with some protein powder mixed in. I'm thinking of doing Protein shakes for a couple of days to see if that gives me a boost. I am not having any form of sugar and the only carbs I had were a week ago when someone posted that they ate hash during their pureed stage. I didn't think about hash having potatoes until I ate a portion. I used that for 3 meals just to use it up but am not buying that anymore. Any suggestions? Thanks

4 months out tried my first wine. It hurt. 5 months tried a Bloody Mary. Hurt even worse than the wine. 7 months out had vodka cocktails and bloody Mary's with no problem. I've had occasional drinks ever since ranging from wine, vodka, rum, bourbon, rumchata, baily's, peppermint schnapps, egg nog, and twisted teas. My favorite drink is Apple Crown on ice. No problems with any of them after that 7 month mark. I cannot, however drink anything carbonated. Alcohol does not affect me any differently than preop (bummer!) I can pretty much outdrink a football team. But due to the calories I choose to only have 2-3 drinks/month.

7 months and then only had half a glass of wine. Nothing since. Please be careful. You don't need the calories, you will likely get drunk faster, could cause dumping syndrome and know that there is a startling statistic of how many people become alcoholics after WLS. Some drs ask that you wait at least an entire year.

You will here answers and opinions all over the board on this one... My NUT and surgeon said that I can have non carbonated alcohol (wine and liquor basically) at 6 weeks out. They also advised not to drink, as it is dead calories that will more than likely stall your weight loss.

I have always been a very cheap date. One small glass of wine or one beer -- right to my head. Strange, because at 6'4" and formerly over 420#, should be able to handle it, but no, never. Now, 120# and 9 months after bypass, I am an even cheaper date. Now, 2-3 oz of wine is it. I don't drink any beer because of how easy a by-pass pouch gets stretched out by carbonated beverages. I have found that I recover very quickly from a bit of intoxication resulting from 2-3 oz of wine, 15-20 minutes at most. Honestly, I would have always liked a great cup of coffee or a great glass of iced tea over any alcohol. Although I am glad I live in Colorado, so we all have our pleasures

This alcohol threads always turn up. If you used search and looked at any of the past threads you should have known you were never going to get the kind of answers you wanted. If what you are doing is working for you, then keep doing it.

I think it's so cute when people say "Well I'm still eating or drinking XX and I'm still losing weight!" Hate to break it to ya, but the first 6 months or so you could be eating Ho Ho's and washing them down with milkshakes and still lose weight. You do realize you're not really steering the ship that early out, right? Get back to us in about 3 or 4 years when you've kept your weight off and I'll take what you have to say a little more seriously. You're the exact person I had in mind when I mentioned the judgemental people. This is why people can't feel comfortable sharing honest feedback. I never said that I know it all and I'm first to admit I've made mistakes but I don't give into it, I pick up and make better choices. 3-4 years from now you won't hear anything from me, thanks for proving my point. I don't believe alcohol helps you lose weight by any means but id be lying if I said I never drank since surgery. I was just sharing my experience I'm not here to tell anyone the right or wrong way to do things because I don't claim to have all the answers. But thanks for you criticism ????????

I have learned a lot from this thread. Like so many of you, I would go to happy hour before my surgery, have three or four drinks and call it a good night. Since my surgery I have tried some things on special occasions and most of them didn't really bother me unless it was carbonated which I knew not to do, but had a sip of beer anyway....yes I am brilliant like that - think I was the same kid that had to touch the hot burner because I couldn't take anyone's word that it would hurt me.... While nothing I have had particularly upset me, the the thing that seems to set best is red wine. I had a half a glass at Christmas with dinner and a half a glass when we celebrated my graduation; and a whole glass when I was out with the girls for bunco this week it didn't bother me at all. I had a glass of champagne at New Year's, but, I poured the glass around 11 and didn't drink it until 12 by that time most of the bubbles were gone and it was just sweet wine. My friend who had bypass surgery told me that she couldn't drink anything at all until she was about a year out after her surgery or she got sick and the slightest bit of alcohol made her drunk. So like so many others have said it all depends on the person.

Since your stomach won't absorb the alcohol, it affects you very quickly through the intestine. However your live has to work extra hard when you drink now, that why there should be caution. We all committed to be healthier undergoing surgery and all, why should I sacrifice my liver?

Dang! I wish I would have sat down with a drink tonight while reading these post. You guys are entertaining! I have a drink every once in awhile, well anytime I choose really seeing as how I'm over 3x7 so it's legal! Alcohol effects everyone differently. Period. I would assume everyone here is within drinking age sooooooo you'll figure out your limit. You should live a little. It doesn't matter if it's drinking or having a bite of cake. You still have to live and enjoy life. I haven't restricted my self from ANYTHING yet. Everything in moderation. If you do lose weight after drinking it's a good possibility that your dehydrated seeing as alcohol will do that, hints the reason why you're so thirsty in the morning! Drink lots of fluids. Don't drink yourself stupid everyday, take a Girlfriend to the bathroom with you when you're out. That's when all the good convo happens anyway. Duh!! And to some of the others on these threads getting all worked up..skip the alcohol and drink some smooth move tea to help loosen whatever it is you have stuck up your butt laughing!

ALCOHOL BEWARE INDEED? To have a few enjoyable alcoholic beverages [even daily] is not being addicted to anything. It is an acquired habit just like some have in overeating, smoking, sex? etc. & can be broken with will or just say NO POWER, if required. ALTHOUGH it has been correctly mentioned that alcohol is absorbed more quickly into a sleevers bloodstream, it HAS NOT been pointed out that whether one feels any intoxication or not they will be DUI DWI etc. after drinking much less alcohol than those not sleeved. In other words 2 drinks in an hour & you can easily get busted, become involved in an accident & lose your insurance coverage. Don't learn the hard way, BE VERY CAREFUL & understand this aspect well! As is often stated, we are all different: This is how I handle alcohol @ home or out visiting or dining.... Drink whatever, until time to eat, then stop. Eating slowly straight away, is no problem [volume/size up to about 1.5 to 2 cups]. Eating out, I will often only order a starter [if really small X 2] or Soup or Caesar salad After eating & about about 0.5 hour, I can then handle a small dessert or ice cream etc. More often than not, I don't drink anymore. Your satiation/fullness with food should be quite apparent. Get used to it, as that is when one should leave anything left on their plate! If there is more than needed or way too much, leave it...they will learn. As this satiated feeling diminishes [or when it wears off after about 1-1.5 hours] one could drink more should they wish. Friends don't keep pestering/cajoling me to either eat or drink more, as they did initially.

Since I don't enjoy alcohol now I can only hope it stays that way, but I would surely try to avoid it for 6months or more just so my stomach would heal.

Alcoholism is not uncommon after WLS. Because of the surgery alcohol gets absorbed a lot quicker and gets into you blood stream at high concentrations. Most surgeons suggest skipping it all together after surgery some say small amounts after the first year.

I used to be an avid consumer of Quest Bars, but they changed their main ingredient several months ago and they just did NOT agree with me after that. Made me SUPER bloated and gassy. So I now switched to Combat Crunch. They are a little higher in calories and carbs than the Quest Bars were, but that wasn't a deal breaker for me since I'm now in maintenance. The one I have at my desk right now has the following nutrition: Calories: 210 Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 4g Carbs: 25g Dietary Fiber: 12g Sugar: 5g Sugar Alcohol: 1g Protein: 20g So it's basically 210 calories, 20g protein, and 12g net carbs. The Quest Bars were more like 190 calories, 23g protein, and 3-4g net carbs. So better nutritionally, but not worth making myself sick over.

It was a mixture of drinks, mostly shots, a jager bomb, a red headed ****, and crown and diet coke. At most it was probably 800-1000 calories as they are about 90-100 calories a drink. Look, it was my choice. I chose to have fun that night and I had a blast. However, it did not get me drunk but it did to my friends. I did not gain anything. In fact, I lost 4 lbs this past weekend, bringing me down to the weight I was in High School and officially making me only overweight and not in the obese category any longer. If you are going to b***h about me over something then chose the holidays. I gained 3 lbs over xmas but I turned around and lost that in about 4 days. It's okay to live a little! Alcohol makes me lose weight too. That's why this is double dangerous for you!! Have fun, enjoy... Just keep your head on a swivel!!

Hey, if you can handle it power to you! There is nothing wrong with having fun. I really enjoy drinking wine and champagne and I admit I love a good party! Everyone is different in this regard as to how they handle alcohol. My point was just that at first I didn't notice a difference in how alcohol affected me. It took awhile and suddenly my body just can't handle it any more. I think being aware of the possibility of cross addictions is really wise. Most of us over ate as a coping mechanism and when that is taken away something wants to fill that void. I'm super aware that this is a possibility for me having a pretty bad eating disorder and my history of coping with self destructive behaviors. That's why I'm shutting down drinking right away rather than playing with fire. My body obviously can't handle it. It's enough already that I'm fighting to maintain my weight.

Just be aware, as it has been mentioned several times, due to the decrease in area of the stomach the absorption rates in the gut from alcohol are about 7 times faster for sleevers. as such alcohol hits you about 7 times harder. No disrespect to the gentleman above, but i find it hard to beleive, since 8 to 10 drinks would make an absolute lush, drunk. And id have to say why on earth would you have 8 to 10 drinks? are you trying to fail? that's like 5 thousand calories and all from sugars, give yourself a chance. Your not even at goal. why would you do that? To give some perspective one of my best friends is a bartender and as such, he has repeatedly told me about customers that have ben brought to his attention to not serve a lot to, and to serve very slowly to as they are sleeves and the establishments management makes sure those patrons don't have problems, since they once had a sleeve drink 3 shots in like 15 minutes and had to be taken to the ER. So please be very careful.

I was told 3 months. I think around 3.5 months I had like 2 sips of wine. I went to a Christmas party and I had a drink that I took 2 sips of and just carried around all night. I gave up alcohol long before surgery, and it just doesn't interest me. I will fake it though in social settings. I also really don't like the warm feeling of alcohol in my stomach, as soon as I take a sip my stomach is on simmer, no thanks.

The surgery definitely changes the way we're affected by alcohol. I am a total light-weight now. I get buzzed VERY quickly on very little alcohol, but then I sober up super fast too. It's weird for sure. Luckily I don't drink much. Just VERY rarely at social events, so I just make sure to go super easy on the alcohol now. There was one night in my 20's when I managed to do 28 shots in one night! Now if I did two shots, I'd probably be passed out or throwing up...

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4 weeks? That seems pretty early! I wasn't even on solid foods at 4 weeks. Not sure I would have wanted to challenge my healing stomach with something as harsh as alcohol that early out. Some surgeons and nutritionists recommend no alcohol ever. I have seen that before. I think it has less to do with any real medical concern associated with WLS and more to do with the fact that many people who have WLS have addictive personalities. It is not uncommon for people who give up food addiction to then replace that with another addiction, such as alcoholism. So I think some surgeons and nutritionists really push the "no drinking" think to try to prevent their patients from becoming alcoholics. Plus there is the general rule that we aren't supposed to drink our calories. But clearly that can be accommodated by making smart food choices the vast majority of the time and only drinking occasionally.

My doctor asked for my word to never drink alcohol, smoke, or drink carbonated drinks. He said he prided himself on a very high long term success rate, and those issues caused him issues in the past. Therefore, I should not drink, smoke, or have cokes ANYMORE. I still cuss a little.

How long did everyone wait before drinking alcohol?