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a lot of people can't tolerate sugar alcohols BEFORE surgery, either. If you ever have few minutes, get on amazon and read the reviews for sugar free Haribo Gummy Bears... I've never had issues with sugar alcohols, but I know a lot of people DO

A lot of people cannot tolerate sugar alcohol after surgery. Causes diarrhea, abdominal pain. Stats: 5'1", age 67, female. Highest weight: 245. BMI 41. Surgery Date: May 28, 2020. Weight at surgery: 211. VSG.

I, too, am curious what type of job one might have where you are FORCED to drink alcohol. How can that be? What if you are diabetic? Driving home? A recovering alcoholic? Seems like a liability to me. I am not a prude by any means. I loved a glass of wine (terrible heart burn now, I can't do it) before, and I drink a few beers or hard ciders on the weekends now, but there is no way in H E double hockey sticks that someone is going to tell me I **HAVE** to drink alcohol if I don't want to. Educate me!!

Alcohol . I get confused cause my dr said 2 months but most threads on here say three months and wondering if anyone did sooner. I'm not to fussed about not drinking

Wootsie 73: I've been banded for 18 months, and while I cheat and have not lost weight as fast as I should, I do know the lap band has been highly successful in keeping me from gaining weight! I wouldn't worry so much about gaining weight on the lapband once your third or fourth fill is complete. It really is a great behavior modification tool. I find I gain weight only if I really, really want to....which means I eat small amounts, all day long, and the small amounts are very bad foods. Soooo....again, if you keep yourself from being holed up all day and eating a pile of crap, swishing it down with alcohol and/or soft drinks, then my feeling is that the band is going to work, at least to keep you from gaining again.

You're not alone - I'm right there with you on this one. It feels awesome when people notice I'm losing weight, and on the surface I don't want to be fat. But I, too, reach for a cookie or I'll go on a mini-binge and eat anything that'll go down easy. And I have those same dark thoughts that you do. And... part of me is scared that my addiction will turn to something else unhealthy. I remember seeing on ...sixty minutes or one of those shows - the story of a lady who had gastric bypass, kicked her addiction to food, but now is addicted to shopping and she spends way beyond her means. She's in deep debt. And the previous comment talked about a lady that's now an alcoholic. What will I turn into? And right now I can blame all my inadequacies on being fat. That's why I don't have a man. I say my boss can't see past it and that's why I am stuck in a dead-end job. It's why I can't do very many activities with my kids, because I get tired so easily. It's why I don't go out much, because I don't like to be the only fat girl in the group. But I think I'm just hiding. Well, I'm not trying to hijack your post or anything, but I just wanted to let you know you aren't alone. I'm gonna check out some of the reccommended books and try to work this out on my own. Counseling isn't an option for me, but I believe there are things we can do on our own that can be very therapeutic.

It has made me BETTER, yes traditionally it is cautioned that surgery makes it worse. Nope, I feel validated, it is a new start to a,new life, no longer in the Blue Put of Depression I am now seeing some sunlight🌟🌞🌟., Like alcoholics we never reach a total cure, but I now have the strenght to keep it in the background, inactivated. And my Wellbutrin has helped, went from 150mg Er twice daily pre to 100mg regular 3 times daily afterward. I have lost 64+ pounds since the end of July, something no ordinary diet or even childbirth and lactation did. God Bless Bradley J Needleman MD who took a chance on a 72 obese has-been, bless Ohio State University and his staff ,thank you for my RNY and most of all, for helping ME believe in ME again. Will prayer, a strong will, and the emotional support of others on Bariatric Pal, I BELIEVE,I,AM GOING TO MAKE IT TO MY FINAL VICTORY! And I know you can d9 it too!

Yes I could eat just one and stop I just don't want to get sick I was sacred about Greek yogurt at first cause it had 7-9 grams of sugar my nut asked if I was eating it I said no cause i thought it had to much sugar how is alcohol sugar different from other sugars

Okay...so, I wasn’t trying to judge or come across as harsh in my previous blog, and for MONTHS I’ve read so MUCH B.S…and I didn’t blog anything “negative,” because I didn’t want to be negative, or hurt anyone's feelings. But for the love of Kirstie Ally, people; let’s all just ‘fess up and be honest! For those who have legitimate problems with their band...for those who have worked and struggled, and continue to work and struggle (and, yes, it will continue to be a struggle, and NO Virginia, there is no magic-cure-all-procedure…you stand a better chance of there actually being a Santa Claus.) For everyone who needs to hear some encouraging words every once in a while, or for people who have simple questions or suggestions; for the pre-ops and post-ops (can you hear the national anthem playing in the background?...) this site is a great place. HOWEVER… for the people (and you know who you are,) who whine and cry and bitch and moan because they: · Can't seem to stop drinking sodas, and then proclaim that: the band isn’t working. · It's day 3 post op, and even though they’ve managed to puree lasagna and a Bundt cake and drink it through a straw, they CAN'T understand why: the band isn’t working. · Their friends and family aren't supportive and they don't understand. They continue to insist upon having fried chicken and mashed potatoes, sweet corn casserole, yeast rolls and fried okra every Friday night, and they simply can’t tell them “no.” I mean never mind the fact that they sabotage the Bandsters efforts and don’t need to be eating that unhealthy crap…they fix the food anyway, eat the food, and then complain that the band isn’t working. · Instead of eating protein first, they eat a big plate of loaded up nachos because the extra cheese and meat and melted cheese, and cheese IS protein, and then; SURPRISE, they don’t lose any weight and of course; the band isn’t working. · Just can’t seem to get into working out in any way shape or form, and so, it must be that: the band isn’t working. News Flash: most Bandsters; we don’t get “into” working out either, but we do it; not because it’s fun or makes us feel alive or at peace with the world, but because we know we have to. · Kind of, sort of went a little crazy celebrating Vernal Equinox day, their niece’s graduation, their best friends, sister’s son’s Bris, or that most recent holiday and grazed 24/7 on crap that they KNOW they shouldn’t’ t have been eating, and now: the band isn’t working. · They count alcohol as part of their water intake…Eight, 8 ounce glasses of Peach Stoli and tonic a day!...but: the band isn’t working. · They figure that since they’ve had the band, and even though it’s been stressed that it is just a tool and, that they have to eat three small meals a day...of lean, healthy foods, and become physically active, that they can continue to do things way they’ve always done it, somehow get completely different results, because hey, when they tell everyone how the band works and what to do, they weren’t really talking to them…just everybody else, and by the way; the band isn’t working. So, yeah…there it is. For all you pre-ops who may be reading this, take heart; the BAND DOES WORK...as a wonderful, life changing tool. You do your part and it will work. For all of you post-ops and Bandsters; the BAND DOES WORK…as a wonderful, life changing tool...You do your part…really do your part and it will work.

Hope they didnt spend a fortune on this study. People with major depression use all kinds of substances to numb out...food, drugs, alcohol, sex, ...food releases endorphins (ergo comfort food) it affects the hypothalmus the pleasure center. You can feel, numb. sleepy, coma like, comforted for the moment. All addictive substances work the same way. However a person with a MDD will not overeat lettuce and an alcholic will not overdrink milk. Each chooses chemically altering , brain altering things Psych med hugely affect weight gain and metabolism. I added a med that I totally forgot about and then gaimed ike 60lbs. But I wasnt eating more. I went to all kinds of doctors, who either ruled out hypothyroidism or frankly didnt beleive me that I was not overeating. "Calories in Calories out" PAHLEEZE. They I remembered this drug that was added, research it, caused weight gain, removed it and weight came off. It affect sex drive too...so save that study money. Depression can make people eat..then eating wheat flour and sugar for an addict will set up a chemical dependency and then the depression/wt gain vicious cycle is in motion. Then your in chicken or egg territory. Basically its addiction and when you a depressed you want to alter your feelings fast and often. And if you are a sugar addict, the quicket way to get the sugar craving going is drinking alcohol. Its like injecting sugar right into your veins. If you are not an alcoholic, you will then be off on a food binge from a drink. . HOW DO YOU GET PAID TO DO THESE STUDIES???? HIRE ME PLEASE

I'm not an alcoholic. I'm a drunk. Acoholics go to meetings. Saw that bumper sticker in Hollywood and it made me go "hummmmmm."

Yes!! And I truly believe this is yet another reason to try to avoid alcohol (at least for me); I tend to pay no heed to the signals of fullness if I have had a cocktail or wine.

I'm five months out. I'm sorry you have to do a pre-op liquid diet. I didn't, instead I did a 6 month monitored diet where I practiced the not eating and drinking thing, which made me know I could do it and eased some of those fears. I'll share my current results and hopefully that will ease your mind, a little. First, fears are normal. Major changes are about to happen! But you know it's a good thing, and you'll do great! I don't drink 15 minutes before and 1 hr after I eat. When I go out to eat, and I do, because I love food and hate to cook (it's just me, and I'm social, so it's easier to go out with friends sometimes), I order Water - no alcohol for six months per my surgeon, plus we'll get tipsy faster with the smaller stomach - and have that while we wait for the food. Then I push it away when it gets closer to food and don't get a refill. When I was new, I didn't order water, or if I did I didn't drink any. Your stomach can't holdwater and food. It's a forever thing. The volume you can hold is much smaller. When I overfill it, it hurts, and I can tell right away. So I'd rather get my Protein in there than useless water at mealtime. I get my water in the rest of the day (64 oz. really is doable, but it takes practice). I've even been to a buffet with friends. I had one plate. I have to eat slower, and they kept getting up and ended up hurting themselves by the time they were done (guys, of course), but I was happy and satisfied. We're not limited in what we can eat, just how much. And the drinking thing gets easier with time. I've learned the hard way, kind of like eating too fast, that mixing them hurts. Better to not learn that way, but whatever "sticks" with you. I travel for work. My surgeon's plan has us on 1 Protein shake a day for the first year. I bring the whey isolate powder when I travel because it mixes without a blender. I bring my Blender Bottle (with the little metal ball in the bottom) and buy soy milk or skim milk when I get where I'm going. I mix the shake in the morning and it's like home. I travel with my Protein Bars, and now with some nuts (can't do them right away, though). That way I have portable protein. (There are a lot of websites with advice on portable protein and travel post-op). If I'm driving, I can bring a ready to drink protein shake with me, and sometimes I do. When I stop I grab string cheese. Depends on my mood. I've never been a big wine person, but wine is to be savored (my perception). So, you eat, you wait the hour for everyone else to finish their stuff, feeding your kids, whatever, and you have some later. Or you wine and then cheese fifteen minutes later and are done. WLS is a commitment to a different lifestyle, but not to giving up your life. It's a commitment to wanting a BETTER life. You can do it! Everyone is different and you make the journey work for you. You'll quickly learn what rules are "for real" and what rules are more "for best results in weight loss". You're going to want to follow all of them, though, or else why go through the surgery (Says the person who knows which ones to bend already...but look at my stats below...but I'm not claiming to be perfect, and I want to admit that to you) Good luck! and take a deep breath. It will be ok.

I drank coffee pre-op, I drunk coffee straight post op, drink a big jug every day, and never had any issues with it. My surgeon advised me not to give up coffee. My first drink in the hospital was with a straw, again no issues with straws. I chew gum at times, and this has been fine also. I gave up all alcohol 9 years ago, and I will not give up my enjoyment of coffee. So, for me no issues with the "controversial" drinks, straws etc. The only thing I haven't tried are carbonated drinks post op. I was never a big soda drinker, so I don't need it and I don't miss it.

Please DO NOT feel like a failure if you decide to get banded. I used to feel like that and then one day there was a "click" inside me and I didn't care what other people thought. It's about YOU and what you need to help you lose weight. Some of us just need a little help and that's what the band is--a helpful tool. I'm not banded as of yet, but I can't wait!! This is a way for us to live life the way it was meant to be lived. No one bats an eye if an alcoholic or a drug addict gets help so why is it so bad to get help with food??

It burns a little all the way down. I haven't taken it in 2 days because I have an upset tummy and I shudder at the thought. So is this bad? I really wouldn't think That (stearyl? ) alcohol would be wise?

Hi all: This is my first post on these message boards. I am in my first month of my six-month long physician-monitored diet to receive approval from my insurer for gastric bypass surgery. I am hoping to complete the monitored diet by early August and then schedule my surgery for early October. One of my biggest concerns with this surgery is how my husband will also have to adjust to this change. I am the cook for all of our meals and we eat take-out a number of times a week. I had my psych evaluation this morning and they stressed how important it is to recognize that relationships will have to change once you have surgery. That, like an alcoholic, you can no longer have friends that "go out to the bar and drink," so to speak. My husband has never had to worry about his weight and eats anything he wants. He is incredibly supportive in my decision to have weight loss surgery but I would like to find some additional resources for him to read or watch if they exist. I think that sometimes it's easier for a spouse or family member to have some material to look at on their own rather than me talking at them all the time. Hopefully that makes sense. Does anyone who is pre-op already attend support meetings, and if so, has anyone taken his or her spouse or support person to the meetings? I am wondering if that is a good way for me to keep him involved. Anyway, that's all for now. I am sure I will be posting more on here in the future, so I look forward to talking to and getting to know some of you. Thanks! L

Ive suffered from anxiety and depression which is crazy because i havent felt this good in years!!!! I signed myself up for mental health and they said it is very common after weightloss surgery as well as divorce/breakups and alcoholism. advice/ heard of/ going thru ANYBODY?

I am in the same boat. I started March 1st - have to have 6 months of monthly NUT visits, sleep study, psych eval. Plus the program I am in requires attendance of 6 modules. I've finished everything except still have 2 more NUT visits. On Aug 19th I'll be officially done with what I need to do before they can submit to the insurance co. At first I was REALLY bummed. Now I am actually happy because I realize that I needed all this time to prepare. I have done so much research that I am now positive that the sleeve is the right decision for me (but the lap band or bypass might be the right decision for someone else) I also immediately gave up soda, caffeine, and alcohol....urhh...that was hard but I haven't had any since March 1st! The best think yet is that I have dropped over 38 pounds. Each pound will get me quicker to my goal and make my surgery a little safer. We are all so lucky to have this format to support each other. This will seem like such a short time when we look back on it. Good luck!

You are most likely fine but I hope you will stay away from alcohol for a while. It's wasted calories and just isn't worth the effort. Drinking 2 drinks is most likely over a third of what your calorie intake is for a whole day. That said if you experience any pain over the weekend I would call the dr right away.

It been a year so far and i had that moment in the first few weeks of what did I do when you realize all the things you have to keep up with and can't eat. I am really glad I had the surgery. I went from a 24 to a 10 and have lost 105lbs. My only regret is while losing I almost lost myself and became a lil vain. Honestly this has disrupted my life and I became someone I was not and did somethings i would never do. Now im paying for them. I'm not gonna get into the details but your eating habbits and addictions can transfer into alcohol or attention like they did for me. Message me if you want more details but I still wouldn't have changed my decision for surgery. I thought I did all my homework but forgot to look at the emotional after effects of the surgery. Good luck.

Thanks. I hesitated to ask the alcohol question as it seems to be a big no-no post surgery, and while Im not a boozer, I do enjoy my social drinking and would hate to give it up forever.

I'm 3 months out now, but I think I had my first post-op drink when I was 5 or 6 weeks out. I used to like to drink a glass or two of wine every night before the surgery, now I just drink when I go out, which has been 2-3 times a month lately. I try to stick to vodka instead of the sweet mixed drinks that I used to have. I definitely feel the alcohol a lot sooner, but the buzz doesn't last as long.

Sorry to hear that. I applaud you for going ahead and making yourself healthy regardless. On some level, your Mom has to know this isn't right. Any chance she would go to Al Anon and see a nutritionist to get back on track? If her alcohol issues were under control, her real self would show itself and, I imagine she would be supportive of you.

Not sure what happened to my first reply but sounds like your mom wants the best for you but she is talking from her fears. You just stay focused on your own reasons for your decision and u will be fine. As for the alcohol addiction, here's a sidebar: my therapist told me that cross addictions are not uncommon in bariatric patients because they can transfer their food addiction to something else like shopping, alcohol or gambling. In other words, we all need to have stuff worked out before we get the surgery. Wish you the best! Keep your eye on the prize!