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Coffee and creamer
OutsideMatchInside replied to Whynotnow's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
@@JamieLogical That is basically how I feel. I have given up everything. I am not giving up coffee. I don't care about alcohol or soda, but coffee, I can't live without. -
We've had a coffee thread like everyday. I guess that is an improvement from the alcohol thread every day.
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Questions for Alcohol Drinkers ONLY!
VSGAnn2014 replied to Cape Crooner's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had never heard that before. But after some quick google-fu, and although this truism is repeated a lot online, apparently there's no clear-cut relationship between alcohol and obesity / metabolism / weight gain or loss. In fact, the relationship sounds fairly nuanced, depending on how much you drink, how often you drink, how obese / active you are, etc.: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_and_weight One of the research findings includes this one: "Alcohol also appears to increase metabolic rate significantly, thus causing more calories to be burned rather than stored in the body as fat (Klesges et al., 1994)" -
Questions for Alcohol Drinkers ONLY!
jaxmom1974 replied to Cape Crooner's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
So, I'm first to say that I love my cocktails!!! I'm only 4 1/2 months out so I haven't started drinking yet, but my NUT told me that one 4oz glass of wine can slow your metabolism for up to 24hrs. That scared me straight! So, I'm not a alcohol hater, that little tidbit made me reconsider taking a drink! Lol -
Or drink alcohol??
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UPDATE! I am doing much better now. I am losing weight again, walking on the treadmill a bit, and drinking protein again. Unfortunately, I have been diagnosed with Alcoholic Hepatitis. I have lots of symptoms including weakness in my legs, fatigue, vomiting, and fogginess in my thinking. Since I quit the wine I can stand up in the kitchen long enough to make myself some tuna salad without vomiting. I still find it very hard to get up the stairs, but that is slowly getting better. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread!
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Bella, you really are focused on how skinny you are. Just go back and read your recent posts and threads you've started. You want to lose five more pounds, even though your doc has told you to put the weight loss skids on. You've said you now value yourself so much more highly than you did when you were 125 pounds heavier. Oh -- and your ex-husband (you just posted) spent 8 years emotionally and verbally abusing you, calling you a fat pig. Surely, that left some awful psychological scars and affected how you judge yourself. (I'm not telling you anything you don't know, I'm sure.) And now you're finding out that some (a lot?) of men also value you highly for being skinny. And you're mad at them for judging you by the same standards you judge yourself. Any chance you're ... dare I say it ... projecting your own discomfort and fears about your new looks onto them for reasons that you would understand better than any of us here? The important thing is that you are probably going to figure all this out. Your new normal really will turn into something that feels normal. You'll figure out the relationship scene and find out how to relate to (and find men who can relate to) someone not just on the basis of how skinny they are or how much they love how skinny you are. You did good recently in getting shed of that alcoholic who kept physically hurting you when he fell on you in his drunken stupors. There's a lot going on here. A lot. A whole lot. For my two cents' worth (aren't you glad you asked my opinion?), I think your sensitivity around all this really does start with your own concerns / fears / transitions. Good heavens -- you've been through so much lately. And as they keep telling us in classes and online and in the shrink's office: "Losing weight doesn't fix everything that we need to work on." Just breathe in ... and out. Keep doing it. (Big hugs.)
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Feeling beat down...
Inner Surfer Girl replied to sjliend's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
One big issue is that if one of your major coping mechanisms for anxiety up to now has been food, then you definitely need to learn some new skills. Otherwise, you are setting yourself for a lot of challenges. Starting with the pre-op diet and going forward through surgery and post-op, you won't be able to soothe your anxiety with food (and/or alcohol, nicotine, etc.). In a lot of ways, this surgery requires that you learn and change things that have been comfortable up to now. This is a process that everyone has to go through. The professionals, like your psychologist, are just trying to make sure you have all the tools and support you need to be successful. Once I started the process and decided surgery was right for me, I had some delays due to lining up financing. That time wasn't a waste, because I was able to make some changes, prepare myself both physically and mentally, and continue learning about myself and the surgery. Without that extra time and preparation, I may have had a more difficult surgery and recovery. -
May Sleevers...where are you?
ColonialTerp replied to bvenegas's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hey guys! I'm so proud of everyone's progress! I'm *technically* a June sleever (6/1/15) but started the terrible 2 week liquid preop diet in May, so I subscribed to this thread back then. I started at 235 and now I'm down to 157, for a total loss of 78lbs! I did have some complications; most notably esophageal spasms which required me to be rehospitalized. But since then, I had some bouts with nausea and extreme constipation. These issues have dissipated over the last month or so, and I couldn't be happier that I made this change when I did. As far as likes and dislikes- likes definitely have to be the ability to be physically active and see results. I feel much more confident in social situations and love being able to keep up with my fitness-minded friends. Dislikes would have to be learning to navigate social situations that include food or alcohol, the expense of having to buy all new clothes (especially knowing that in a month or so they won't fit anymore,) and frustration with myself that I didn't fully realize how difficult this journey would be. (I had a hard time mentally for the first few months thinking that I took "the easy way out," but this has been, by far, the most difficult lifestyle change I could ever imagine and I've been able to come to terms with that.) Congratulations everyone on your progress! -
Reintroducing Caffeine
OutsideMatchInside replied to dlappjr's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
A lot of people talking about caffeine withdrawals but I don't experience them. I have given up caffeine several times and I don't see a difference, except lack of focus maybe. I was taking one caffeine pill in the afternoon, then I went back to coffee after 6 weeks. I went without coffee 6 weeks, then I slowly added it back it. Slowly because I have never had any acid issues, and I know coffee is acidic. I have never had GERD issues and I don't want to start. I drink cold brewed coffee for the lower acid content. No issues. I do limit myself to 8-12 ounces. I used to drink 24-36 ounces a day before surgery. I gave up sodas and alcohol about 3 years ago, and I only had black coffee, tea and Water. I also make an iced coffee Protein drink. I put cold brew coffee, water, unflavored protein and ice and my blender and I will have that sometimes in the late morning. I forget to eat a lot and if it is mid day and I haven't had anything to eat yet, I will do that to get my protein started for the day. It is a very nice change of pace. -
My surgeon and nutritionist said to wait 6 mos but waiting year would be even better. Alcohol burns like sugar and your stomach is so small you will now be what he called a "cheap drunk".
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I was getting nervous yesterday about the lack of contact from my surgeons office, so I gave a call to the Insurance coordinator there and she said things were going fine. I should have my approval any day now. I trust her assessment because she does this for her job. It makes me a bit less apprehensive about the timing. I now have appointments at the hospital and with the surgeon for pre op stuff first thing next week. Surgery is still planned for the 29th. I spent a lot of the rest of the day thinking about how vulnerable I am to addictions. My wife has been at her wits end with me and I really don't blame her. I have been difficult. I called the psychologist that did my bariatric evaluation. It was really strange when I talked to her in my evaluation. I have talked with so many different "shrinks" at the Veterans Administration that could not believe that I was not a smoking alcoholic. Many times they kept trying to get me to admit I drank or smoked so they could get an "easy fix" for a veteran. When I sat down with the new, non VA person, it felt like a watershed moment for me. I was able to actually discuss myself rather than what I considered a confrontation with all the VA whacks. I will still have to see the VA but I called the new person back and scheduled another session. I am really introverted today, so perhaps that is why I am having such a struggle writing today. I think I will close for now. Thanks for reading, I will be back.
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This is a topic I'm glad to see, because it's something I wonder about. I enjoy a glass of wine (one!) with dinner most nights, if I stay up later, it may be two, maybe three at the outside (I have a non-drinking spouse to drive me home). I have a friend who is 10 months post GBP and she hasn't had any alcohol yet. I have another who is 2.5 years post sleeve and she waited about three months. I don't have a surgery date yet, but I wouldn't plan my first drink for a big holiday dinner or other event - I'd take it slow and see whether the surgery (and also my period of pre and post-op abstinence) had changed my body's response. No sense making a bigger fool of myself in public than I have to
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Another issue I've noticed with drinking alcohol of any kind is that it lowers my inhibitions and I revert to old eating habits within the boundaries my stomach allows. For instance, I had no trouble with the wine but thought, "what the heck" and stopped for ice cream. The ice cream didn't stay down. I've had a few drinks since then and always ended up having an extra Protein bar that I wasn't hungry for and didn't need or some other over-eating. It's not worth it for me to have that result after drinking. I love a glass of wine a week or a margarita but it's not worth it at this stage I don't think. Just my 2 pennies. :-)
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FYI, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS - the organization that certifies bariatric "Centres of Excellence") has this to say about the use of alcohol post-op: At https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-misconceptions Misconception: Many bariatric patients become alcoholics after their surgery. Truth: Actually, only a small percentage of bariatric patients claim to have problems with alcohol after surgery. Most (but not all) who abuse alcohol after surgery had problems with alcohol abuse at some period of time prior to surgery. Alcohol sensitivity, (particularly if alcohol is consumed during the rapid weight-loss period), is increased after bariatric surgery so that the effects of alcohol are felt with fewer drinks than before surgery. Studies also find with certain bariatric procedures (such as the gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) that drinking an alcoholic beverage increases blood alcohol to levels that are considerably higher than before surgery or in comparison to the alcohol levels of individuals who have not had a bariatric procedure. For all of these reasons, bariatric patients are advised to take certain precautions regarding alcohol: Avoid alcoholic beverages during the rapid weight-loss period Be aware that even small amounts of alcohol can cause intoxication Avoid driving or operating heavy equipment after drinking any alcohol Seek help if drinking becomes a problem If you feel the consumption of alcohol may be an issue for you after surgery, please contact your primary care physician or bariatric surgeon and discuss this further. They will be able to help you identify resources available to address any alcohol-related issues.
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Every single doctor is different. My doctor said 6 weeks, my friend's doctor said 6 months, another doctor said a year, another said 3 months, another said 2 months. And, as every doctor is different, every patient is different, every patient's recovery is different. At 4.5 months post-op, I now have a glass of red wine about 4 nights a week. I had my first glass of wine at 6 weeks, and had one or two glasses a week for that next 6 weeks. At 6 weeks post-op, I'd had no recovery issues, had not gotten ill (or even nauseous) once, and my diet was completely advanced at that point. I include the calories from the wine in my daily food log and have had no ill effects from the alcohol. At 6 weeks, you may not be able tolerate alcohol. You may not be able to tolerate it at 6 months. There really is no right answer here; it all comes down to the individual.
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For those of us who drink socially (I do), once we start drinking again post-op we usually KEEP on drinking. So it's not just "one glass of wine at Event X" -- it's more likely you'll drink a glass of wine most nights thereafter. Or you'll drink two or three glasses if you drink more than a social drinker does (7 glasses of wine per week for women). And if you did that ... 1. That's an extra 100 - 300 extra calories you'd be drinking every day. And since the first six months post-op is viewed as the "honeymoon period" (during which we will lose the most weight the easiest we will ever lose weight again), that's putting a brake on how much weight you can lose during that period. 2. That's also a lot of acid you'd be putting in your smaller stomach before it's completely healed. Most of us have been prescribed a heavy-duty antacid Rx to reduce stomach acid to help our stomachs heal better. Seems contradictory to drink alcohol at the same time. 3. Finally, drinking wine early on post-op may make an alcohol transfer addiction easier for a minority of WLS patients to acquire. Everyone has the freedom to do what they want post-op. But those are some reasons why drinking alcohol early on post-op is generally discouraged by bariatric medicos. Good luck to all.
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May Sleevers...where are you?
PennStater920 replied to bvenegas's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hey all! I'm doing well!! I've lost 98 pounds so far (SO CLOSE TO 100!!!) so I'm super happy with that. Clothes sizes aren't changing as much as I would have liked, my body is still very much a pear shape which makes clothes a little difficult, but I'm hoping if I just keep trucking along and keep active I can work on that some more. I'm a college student and I'm quickly finding out that most social engagements revolve around food or alcohol! But I'm making it work and figuring it all out a day at a time! I've also had zero complications, I have been SUPER lucky on that front. I don't really have any regrets. If there's anything that was regrettable, I just looked at it as a learning experience. Hope you all are doing well!! -
Basically you should wait. Alcohol can cause ulcers in your new stomach. So maybe 4 oz won't "kill you" at three months but neither will a cheat food. Testing your limits with foods you should avoid and alcohol will more than likely cause you issues. Discomfort or dumping or worse a bleeding ulcer. It's best to let your new stomach heal for a year and then reintroduce alcohol. You are choosing this surgery to be a better you, just wait.
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When people ask what you did to lose weight how do you respond?
bellabloom replied to cal2okl's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
That is so messed up!! What is her problem? People are so cruel and stupid at times. They are jealous and just downright mean. As if you cheated or something. They came up with this surgery as a life saving intervention for people with weight issues. Someone is an alcoholic, and they get medical help. Do we judge them?? No we applaud them!!! It's bullshit that wls gets this treatment. You should feel so proud and you should definitely go above her head with a complaint. That is your PERSONAL information she shared. When people I don't want to tell ask me, I say I eat low carb, no sugar, and workout, and portion control. Which is all true. I do tell a lot of people however and the reason is because I know how nearly impossible it is for most people to lose weight naturally and i don't want to spread false hope that the diet industry does. The fact is once we become overweight our bodies reach a new set point which is very difficult to undo. I feel natural weightloss is mostly a myth and I want to raise awareness that this surgery is a wonderful thing and put there for people. But strangers? Yeah I don't usually tell them. It's too personal. -
Anyone else feel scared they'll gain it back?
AlanaRN replied to Debbieduck4's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Yes I do. I'm working on it. I'm right below goal. Would like to drop a few more lbs before officially going into maintenance. How are you eating now Babbs? I know you just went into maintenance.@@AlanaRN I'm actually in the same boat you are....I'm wanting to lose a few more pounds. So I technically haven't hit maintenance quite yet. I'm still eating to lose, basically. But I've upped my calories a bit (1300) and will have some whole grain bread with a sandwich every now and then, and occasionally a treat like a cookie or alcohol. So I'm slooooowly going into maintenance mode while still trying to lose a few more. Does that make sense? The weight is not wanting to seem to come off at this point, though, so I may be done for now It makes perfect sense! We are in the same boat. I actually just changed my calorie limit in MFP to 1400. I never even come close. Usually around 1100. I'm trying to add some more veggies. I consistently get over 100 g of protein a day so I'm good in that department. Thanks for the support! -
Aussie girl sleeve Fri 28 August!
littlelucy replied to smileygal's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
So much easier to not tell everyone. I don't want to really talk about it all the time and have people watching my weight loss etc. I'm telling people that I've stopped drinking alcohol for a while and that I'm following a Paleo diet, high protein etc. I'm feeling much like my old self again now at the 5 weeks post-op. Playing netball again, and trying to fit in a few walks etc. I will really need to focus on fluid intake though as this warmer weather is a bit taxing if you feel dehydrated. Best of luck for a great day everyone. -
Questions for Alcohol Drinkers ONLY!
BestDayEver replied to Cape Crooner's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I waited two months and I didn't detect any difference in how I metabolized liquor. I felt like I got less of a buzz after surgery which seems to differ from most other people on this forum. There really isn't a lot of room for beer so I can only have a few ounces anyway. For now, I'd rather get my calories and carbs from food and that's just my preference. I just don't seem to enjoy alcohol as much I used to. In the past I could drink a whole bottle of champagne by myself . . Good times lol. -
Anyone else feel scared they'll gain it back?
Babbs replied to Debbieduck4's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Yes I do. I'm working on it. I'm right below goal. Would like to drop a few more lbs before officially going into maintenance. How are you eating now Babbs? I know you just went into maintenance. @@AlanaRN I'm actually in the same boat you are....I'm wanting to lose a few more pounds. So I technically haven't hit maintenance quite yet. I'm still eating to lose, basically. But I've upped my calories a bit (1300) and will have some whole grain bread with a sandwich every now and then, and occasionally a treat like a cookie or alcohol. So I'm slooooowly going into maintenance mode while still trying to lose a few more. Does that make sense? The weight is not wanting to seem to come off at this point, though, so I may be done for now -
Questions for Alcohol Drinkers ONLY!
AvaFern replied to Cape Crooner's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
1. How long did you go before having your first drink? Three weeks- I had a few sips of champagne at a dinner to be polite. After that, probably about 8 months until I had a tequila night. 2. Have you had any MEDICAL complications with your surgery that were attributed to drinking alcohol? Nope 3. Have you gained back significant weight from drinking alcohol? Nope 4. Have you developed an alcohol addiction post VSG after having been able to control your drinking before? Nope..I developed a shopping addiction, lol.
