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I am the lone sugar consumer. Personally felt I somewhat jeopardized my future health with this radical surgery and truly felt all the artificial crap might only make things worse. I have this tiny stomach with no room for error. I felt putting a bunch of unnecessary chemicals might be a bad idea for me. Everyone was doing the shakes and I drank real broth and did little shakes. All the artificial stuff is more aversive to me than ever. So I stick to agave and sugar. Others have lost faster than me, but I have lost consistently. I chose the surgery and am so thankful for the weight loss. But I just feel very protective of my lil sleeve. I do not drink alcohol or cokes hardly ever. I take antacids only if needed. I just try to listen to what sounds right to me. Don't be afraid to listen to your own common sense, whatever that might be.

I've been banded just over 6 years. I still have the occasional drink(s) but I do prefer to eat my calories. I don't drink wine...and of course no carbonated beverage of any kind so no beer and diet pop to mix with liquor. I usually have Baileys and coffee or a Bloody Caesar. While I was losing my weight I didn't drink any alcohol...but that was by choice... again because I want to eat my extra calories. I really struck to my menu plan. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss; 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I would ask her if she yells at alcoholics for having their disease; trying to stop for a moment in time to lower risks during surgery has nothing to do with lifestyle change. If it were that easy, modern medicine should have come up with a cure for food addiction a long time ago. Makes me mad to think insurance co's are allowed to dictate how much out of control are bodies need to be in before they "grant" approval. Seems like the medical people ought to be dictating this decision. but don't get me started. personally, I'm going to pay out of pocket and go to Mexico for my banding next month. Wish me luck! Sufina

.....I started my preop diet. I consider this my anniversary date rather than my actual surgery since I lost 22 pounds on the preop. Since surgery I have lost over 100% of my excess weight and have kept it off for over a year. I don't measure or track my food. I don't own a scale. I never obsessed over numbers or details. I just stuck with mostly Protein and veggies while I was losing and stayed away from the "white carbs". For maintenance I simply eat a healthy balanced diet including protein, veggies, fruit and whole grains. I make healthy choices (most of the time) and my sleeve helps control my portions. I still indulge in sweets, Desserts, alcohol, bread, rice, potatoes, etc, but definitely in moderation. I still drink Protein shakes and eat Protein Bars. Although I don't officially track, I do keep a rough tally of protein and fluids and usually exceed 70g protein and drink 64-100+ oz of fluids every day. I take my Vitamins every day. I have bloodwork checked annually as recommended by my surgeon. I don't excercise but I have a physical job and active lifestyle. It really has been a pretty easy journey. So here's a recap some of my favorite year 1 NSVs.... I can cross my legs. I can even cross them in a car and under a table. I can hop up into my saddle without having to find a rock or log to climb on. I feel so relieved that my horse no longer has to pack my fat ass around the mountains. No more knee, ankle or foot pain. I lived on ibuprofen and tramadol before surgery. I am now completely pain free. I can also squat down and kneel effortlessly without my feet going numb or needing a table or chair to heave myself back up. I can sprint up stairs or hike up a hill without getting out of breath at all. I've been on 15-20 mile hikes with friends and I am always out front, waiting for them to catch up. I can shop in regular stores. I can order clothes online and I know they will fit and look great. I now dress to show off my body, not to hide it. Now for year 2..... Maintenance is boring. NSVs are few and far between. Everything is just "normal" now. Spent most of the year finding and keeping that balance between what my head wants and what I know I actually need. I rarely weigh myself, but I will step on the scale at work after an especially carby weekend or vacation. I go back to strict protein/veggies or even full on preop liquid diet if I pop even one pound above my bounce range. I know I have to nip any small gains in the bud before they become big gains. But this year also brought about the biggest NSV of all. It has nothing to do with my weight, it's all about my head and it's one I would love to not have experienced. My best friend committed suicide 7 months ago and every day since has been a miserable struggle with the grief, anger, despair and confusion. The victory in this is that I haven't buried my emotions with food and alcohol. I spent over 1 1/2 years drinking and stuffing my face after my brother died 4 years ago. In the end that only impeded my ability to heal and made me even fatter and more miserable. I learned that you have to feel the pain before you can over come it. So this time I'm feeling it all. And it sucks. I will never stop grieving either my brother or my friend, but maybe some day I can start living again, rather just going through the motions. Anyways, thanks for reading this extended post, and good luck to all you newbies. My advice is don't get wallowed down in the "now". Don't be overwhelmed by the details. Life is more than just carbs and protein and minutes at the gym. You chose a chance at a new life. The first few months are just a teeny tiny period and simply part of the process you have to go through to get to that new life. First photo collage taken December 4, 2013 and December 4, 2014 Second set taken this morning.......I just had my gallbladder removed 8 days ago, so that's what's up with the new scars and my belly is still a little swollen from surgery. I also got a new tat last February - a tribute to my brother who was a wonderfully talented musician.

I'm not sure if 6 weeks is too early or not, but I know that alcohol isn't banned later on. My surgeon said I was fine to drink on my birthday (my 21st...) and that was at about 4.5 months out. I would be worried about the acidity affecting your sleeve... I would be worried that maybe your sleeve won't like it. To be safe, I would just ask your surgeon. If you can't then you can't.. there are lots of reasons why people don't drink... like medications... or you could take the wine and not really drink it.

I am about 9 months post-op. I had a 3oz margarita at a party in November at 5 months. I will tell you it hit me far faster than it had ever before. Also my nut and surgeon both suggest waiting a year before drinking alcohol, as it can slow weight loss since it is liquid calories. On the other hand if you decide to have a drink, remember that you don't have to drink a coctail at the event. I have found getting a glass of cranberry juice generally throws people off at those functions. Plus I don't have to explain anything I'm not comfortable explaining to strangers. Good Luck!

Kimmy thank you for your post. I do love reading this blog but sometimes it is hard to find the someone who has the same opinion as I do, I am a new yorker and almost every thing we do here involves alcohol, am not saying I HAVE to drink but I was hoping to see someone who actually did drink and how they reacted to the alcohol.

Hi Al - this is one of those things that the post-op "directives" do not agree on, simply because of the carbonation factor. Many docs say absolutely no carbonated drinks again EVER - some put them off limits for a set amount of time, others say "as tolerated." Banded peoples' tolerance of carbonated drinks vary just as widely. Some of those whose docs actually "allow" it find they cannot tolerate carbonated beverages. My doc says NEVER, so I don't. I used to drink a lot of diet soda, and can't say that I miss it. Pre-banding I did on very rare occasions crave an ice cold beer on a very hot day, or in conjunction with a greasy burger, but I consider that to be a thing of the past, and I don't regret it. You are right that drinking alcohol is basically the same as eating candy as far as weightloss goes, so that can make your weightloss journey challenging. Check w/ your doc regarding his "requirements" in regards to carbonated beverages, and bear in mind regardless of what is recommended, you may not be able to tolerate carbonation post-banding.

I think if I can have one, I should be good. Just something to sip on. It’s such a lifestyle thing for me. It’s the norm for me and the BF and EVERYONE around me. Not to advertise here, but just for an example, my band’s (of the rock sort, not tummy) name is even BrotherLush. That should tell you something. I won’t miss the buzz, or any of the nasty effects alcohol can have on a person, but it is very social and such a way of life for us. Anyway, I just have to make up my mind that this is not an acceptable obstacle. I will just add it to the list of things I have decided will not get in my way. Thanks guys.

That was the first question asked of the surgeon at my Information Evening. He laughed and assured us that drinking alcohol (beer included) would be fine in moderation. Course he didn't tell us to go on a drinking binge LOL, but I've not had any problems with the occassional few glasses of drink.

I appreciate your responses... I still have not heard from my insurance..surprise surprise.. my surgeon's team says that my insurance only says I can't abuse alcohols or drink regularly. So they want to fight it on that. I'm just in shock and can't believe they waited until 3 freaking days before, to tell me they have an issue. How do I find out if I have a or who my state insurance representative is? Like an advocate? I have a case worker but they never let me talk to the. I don't even know who it is. Very small town, plus, I'm the first person in my area to get bariatric surgery on state insurance. So I should have seen this coming.

About the whole drinking while eating, it just depends on the person, like me I cant do it not because it pushes my food down or anything like the doctor sais but because if i drink while i eat it wont go down like ill have to spit it back up, so i save my self the embarasement and just dont drink untill after i eat probably 20 min after or so. And about drinking alcohol I drank wine 2 weeks after my surgery and i felt no diffrence. Im young so I go clubbing alot and drink alot as well and I have not seen any diffrence and my doctor sais its not a problem. So have fun and dont worrk about the band getting in your way of drinking because it dosnt hurt it =]

Hey there SallieAnne: I've never been a huge drinker, but I do enjoy an occasional beer with Mexican food or glass of wine with dinner. For me, it seems easier to have my drink FIRST, before I begin eating. I can only drink about half though, so it's really usesless to spend a lot of money for alcohol at this point. It's much easier (and cheaper) so share a drink or glass of wine with a friend. Secondly, I began consuming alcoholic beverages about 5 or 6 months after surgery when I was totally eating regular foods again. The key is moderation and listening to your band. You will begin to notice slight changes over time, especially as you gain more restriction. As far as not drinking beverages while eating, it's really just a frame of mind. I often find it more difficult to resist the urge to drink AFTER rather than DURING a meal. I really thought I would have a hard time with it, but I began practicing about a month prior to surgery to help get me in the right mindset. It really isn't that difficult once you get used to it. Hope this helps...best of luck to you.

Sometimes it's not a lot different from any other addiction. Drugs, alcohol, any of them. Very sad. I'm glad that you are ready for a change. Sadly, we can't change the whole world. I think food addiction is a bit easier than other addictions in the sense that we don't typically fight treatment as much as others. We don't usually want to be fat, we don't want unhealthy. We seem to be more ready to deal with food issues vs. the alcohol/drug issues of others. I don't know, maybe my thinking is wrong but that's just the way it seems.

Hi everyone, I am being banded on Tuesday, April 8. The only pre-op diet I have is 48 hours of Clear liquids. I'm ready for that and I was wondering, if any of you were given any restrictions about alcohol so close to surgery. I enjoy a couple of glasses of wine a few nights a week and I know I won't be able to do that post-op, but do you think it would be a problems for tonight and tomorrow night, if I indulge a little? I got my medical clearance today and my former post about toothache has been resolved and the surgeon said any meds I took for the root canal will not affect the surgery. I was so worried. Good luck to all this coming weeks new bandsters. We're going to do great! Alice

What is stalling been I’m having gastric sleeve surgery on February 10th when would I can go back drinking coffee my husband and I we are planning family vacation in aug when would I be able have Alcohol again I’m really sorry for asking questions

I'm still pre-op, I had my endoscopy last month, it was fast quick and I was as absolutely fine that same day. I was diagnosed with duodenitis, inflammation of the beginning of my small intestines. They put me on prescription Prilosec now for at least 3 months after surgery- no alcohol, no tabacco, no NSAIDS, no caffeine. My biggest prob is no coffee and no Advil. I've had a hard month since. U ladies will do great!! Stay positive!!

It's not a secret that I take an antidepressant. It took me a long time to be open about that, as my family are "just snap out of it" kind of people. My brain just doesn't handle serotonin well on its own. Without an antidepressant, everything and nothing makes me cry and I can't feel joy. With it, I feel and act, like a normal person (HEY! no comments from the peanut gallery!). Last week at work was a week from hell. Patient almost dying in the parking lot, another patient having a psychotic break and calling constantly with delusions of grandeur and racing thoughts (and I got to take his calls), several interactions with the police regarding that same patient, dismissing two patients (one for combining alcohol with her meds on top of a positive drug test for pcp, another for increasing her meds on her own several times)... you name it, we went through it. I take my medications (antidepressant and vitamins) after I get to work; it's part of my morning routine at the office. With all the chaos, I forgot to take them on Thursday. Then I forgot to take them on Friday. Then I went out of town on Saturday and forgot to take them. Saturday I went to an adult, Disney-themed party. I went as Milady de Winter, the spy from The Three Musketeers that plots to kill the king of France (if you've seen Disney's version with Tim Curry, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, etc., it was the part played by Rebecca DeMornay). Years ago when I was doing Renaissance stuff, I made a beautiful Italian Renaissance green and gold gown, underdress, etc. So I wore that, and everything I was wearing I had made myself, with the exception of my shoes. Roughly half of the women at the party were wearing as little as possible. There was a costume contest, and I came in second, behind a girl dressed as Belle, in a very short dress with major cleavage. Think "adult Halloween costume" versus historically-accurate gown that you might see in a Renaissance painting. It left me in tears, and it shouldn't have. It was clearly a cleavage contest, as a number of people expressed in surprise to me afterwards. I have no cleavage anymore. I used to fill out the bust of this dress and then some. I was able to tighten up the bodice a bit, but still no cleavage. I couldn't believe how stupid I felt for being in tears over something like this. Something that doesn't matter. I'm usually very careful not to enter contests that are not based on skill, because I want to be judged on ability, not popularity. Just as we were leaving the party to go back to the hotel, I got a massive headache. Great. No sexy time for me. So we're laying in bed, my head is killing me, and tears are streaming down my face, and I can't even tell him why. Thankfully, he's a patient guy and he just held me. The next morning, I realized what had happened. I had no antidepressant on board, and it takes about two to three days for any changes to be noticeable, positive or negative. I still had a headache, but it was just kind of around the edges, not as bad as it had been. I was able to articulate to him what the problem was, and I got some gentle sexy time (which, if you know anything about me, is not my preferred "speed" ). So I made stupid choices and got a stupid outcome. This was not my first rodeo, and I know better. I know I have to take care of myself. Uggghhhh.

My surgeon advised not to even attempt alcohol until after 14 weeks I believe? It was in the same category as red meat. After posting here I realized my surgeon allowed foods post op that other surgeon's do not. For example, Cream of Wheat the same week as mashed potatoes. So I can't say if that's normal or not. I can absolutely guarantee you that 3 months out, you may take a few drinks and still lose weight. However, give it another month or 2 and it will slow or stall weight loss.

I had my first fill today. He told me to lay on the table felt for the port wiped it with alcohol and pop he was done. The whole thing took about 40 sec. I was very nervous going into it but getting a flu shot was worse than this.

Lawson I'm not a diet expert or someone who has any authority on the matter - clearly or I would not have had plication. But I'll tell you what I did that I think made an impact for me: I did not eat a thing besides water crackers, tuna and coconut juice from the center isles of supermarkets I tried everything in my power to eat only organic and from whole foods or fresh market I ate every two hours -shakes were berries, egg white protein,coconut juice, banana and I juiced. Now on the juicing I drank only kalelicious it's the only veg juice I can stomach. It's a recipe from the wholefoods juice bar that you can make at home and trust me I'm latin we don't eat very many vegetables and this is delish! Kale, spinach, banana, lemon, apple juice. You can sub banana for mango pineapple etc and I add a whole lemon not just half. I downed about 6-8 of those a week and it helped curve my anxiety bc I would drink it at my desk and play w the straw twiddle with the smoothie it just filled me up too. It's very good and eventually I started making it at home. I've gotten a few people addicted to it. I also try as best I can not to have anything w corn syrup corn starch - I prefer antibitic free grass fed, etc I do not have any soda!!! No syrup drinks. Coffees or cold teas. Only water. I did not. Drink alcohol for 3mos - and no artificial sugar only brown cane I worked out after 28days from returning from my surgery and I walked 2 miles a day post surgery before the 28days I ate little to no bread and little carbs had only water crackers w my Tuna at best And I hired a trainer worked out 3 days a week w him and a workout partner which I think helps a lot 3-4 days I also did something- fun like spinning yoga running but I did aomething and there was no one that would stop me. Even if I was going out that night I would get a good sweat in. After about a month I needed the adrenaline rush I started at 188 in January I now fluctuate from 134-138 I also bought outfits I wanted to fit into When I was an 8 I bought a 6 dress that now fits me big That 6 dress at the time was pretty snug and I would try it on and take it off in the morning and it helped me go from dam! I want a Madeline cookie w a VENTI skinny vanilla latte to a protein shake to get to my goal My trainer also made me change my mentality from a fat girl training mentality of "I can't and this hurts and I don't want to" to measured thinking like an athlete goals videos it really helped I now look at Olympians and see them sprint and think I can't wait to sprint this week w my trainer So that's it. I was not lethargic in my thoughts or actions. I was determined and I saw myself that size and I exceeded what I thought was possible. My legs bounced back b.c they did get a bit flabby w the rapid loss my arms changed although I'm still working on it and my jeans well... I loooovvvveer buying jeans! So there you go. Also another point I don't know much about health and wellness or probiotics or supplements nor am I a tree hugger I just set parameters around what I could eat. Now I cheat a lot but in my own way. Good luck it is a journey but this tool is such a blessing use it to the fullest capacity bc I did and I love it! I am interested in seeing what a year post surgery brings and that will be a whole other post

I just need to say it... My name is Breanne, and I am a food addict. *sigh* I believe my addiction began at the age of 17. I had always been an over eater prior to age 17 but it was more emotional eating than addictive eating. I got my first car in May of 2004. I remember the freedom finally! It started out being able to go to whatever fast food place whenever I wanted. I remember always loving KFC, but my mother never let me go, so the first week I got my car I couldn't get the place out of my head! I stopped there everyday after work on my way home and got the BIGGEST popcorn chicken they had and ate it before I got home, and then hid the container. I think that when you hide food is when you become truly addicted. I met my husband the following year. We fell in love and got married just six months ago. Let me rewind......from the time I met him to the day we got married, I gained 60lbs! A lot of people ask me why, and until now I didn't know the answer. Much like alcoholics, a food addict is unaware that they have a problem! I tried to blame it on my PCOS haha. In all honesty, I was the one to blame. We ate out constanelyy, but the biggest problem was, I was eating the same amounts as a 6'3 250lb man! What was I thinking, I can totally relate to that Dierks Bently song! :cursing: "I knew there'd be hell to pay, but that crossed my mind a little too late!" I want to be open and honest about my addiction. If anyone has any questions or feels as though they may be a food addict as well, don't hesitate to contact me! I don't have all the answers, as I am just starting the journey to recovery, but I'd love to hear from some people who think they might have a similar problem! Stay Strong!:rolleyes2:

I just need to say it... My name is Breanne, and I am a food addict. *sigh* I believe my addiction began at the age of 17. I had always been an over eater prior to age 17 but it was more emotional eating than addictive eating. I got my first car in May of 2004. I remember the freedom finally! It started out being able to go to whatever fast food place whenever I wanted. I remember always loving KFC, but my mother never let me go, so the first week I got my car I couldn't get the place out of my head! I stopped there everyday after work on my way home and got the BIGGEST popcorn chicken they had and ate it before I got home, and then hid the container. I think that when you hide food is when you become truly addicted. I met my husband the following year. We fell in love and got married just six months ago. Let me rewind......from the time I met him to the day we got married, I gained 60lbs! A lot of people ask me why, and until now I didn't know the answer. Much like alcoholics, a food addict is unaware that they have a problem! I tried to blame it on my PCOS haha. In all honesty, I was the one to blame. We ate out constanelyy, but the biggest problem was, I was eating the same amounts as a 6'3 250lb man! What was I thinking, I can totally relate to that Dierks Bently song! :thumbdown: "I knew there'd be hell to pay, but that crossed my mind a little too late!" I want to be open and honest about my addiction. If anyone has any questions or feels as though they may be a food addict as well, don't hesitate to contact me! I don't have all the answers, as I am just starting the journey to recovery, but I'd love to hear from some people who think they might have a similar problem! Stay Strong!:thumbup:

Went to the Kansas Games yesterday KU and KSU and both won so today they will be playing each other. Yes I have a ticket for that as well. In the box seats you get fed as well as drinks. I was kinda scared of what I would be facing since this is week 3. I know I should not hit any beer because of the fizz. However, I did have a Jack over Ice and took very little sips and was amazed that it did not effect me at all. I also had some barbeque pork that did not effect me either. I did notice that it took a whole game (KU) to have approx 1 inch of Jack over ice. As the ice melted the drink seemed to keep refilling itself. So the 2nd game (KSU) I tried a Captain Morgan with a diet coke very little diet coke because of the fizz but I knew that alcohol would reduce the fizz. Again no issue and it took the whole game to get it down. But it was very enjoyable. I thought this would impact the weight loss but when I weighted this morning another 2 lbs down. I know this was probably wrong but I have not had a drink in 6 weeks kinda felt good. by the way you only need a few sips to start a buzz on.... seems it goes to the small intestine quickly and then well you know. Just thought I would share that with you. Later today I get to go to the big game here in Kansas both KU and KSU are a big deal fighting it out, The place will be a mad house. And the power and light district will be party zone central.

Look I don't want to sound harsh but you need to really think things thru, do you want to be married to that for the rest of your life? I am almost 2 yrs divorced next month from my high school sweetheart, I was married for 25 yrs and for the last 3 yrs of our marriage I litterally watched him become an alcoholic due to a high pressure job. Not making excuses for him but he is who he is and what he is and it ruined his life, he's nothing now. He eventually lost his career, me and still drinks like a fish and tries to work. I have no tolerance for alcohol, sorry. If this man can't put you first and treat you like a queen and treat you like he can't live without you or live another second without you then he doesn't deserve you! Yes, you chose this surgery to better yourself and your health and he should be there for you first and foremost. Will he be there when your first born is comes into this world? I hate to think that you will go thru this journey alone but you have us to lean on for support. Good luck Thurs. Big hugs.