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[MINI GASTRIC BYPASS THREAD – PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SURGERY AND EXPERIENCES MAY NOT APPLY TO MINI GASTRIC BYPASS PATIENTS] Hi all BP’ers and lurkers out there; especially hi to everyone who had the mini gastric bypass (AKA the one-anastomosis gastric bypass/single-anastomosis gastric bypass/omega loop gastric bypass) It’s my surgiversary! I can’t believe it’s already been a year. But what a year it has been. Man. I wanted to share a lot of thoughts about my journey – there’s not a ton of MGB patients out there yet, and especially not in the US. I’ll admit I’ve been working on this for a while, because I want to share the good word about the MGB and contribute some of the things I simply cannot find out there. Well, now I know, at least how it’s been the first year for myself. So that’s my small contribution. Below, I’ll post the following posts individually so it’s easy to browse for anyone new: The surgery: what is it, how does it work, what does science say about weight loss and complications with MGB? My journey to weight loss surgery My weight journey for a year after the mini gastric bypass My diet and calories – stages + what does a typical day look like after a year? Exercise – what and when and how much? Alcohol and MGB What I wish they had told me prior to surgery Setting a goal Why I think you should consider the MGB What it’s like being a mini gastric bypass patient on BariatricPal – what I found useful, and why I needed a pause from participating on the forum What now? I hope you’ll find some of this enjoyable.

Look into zollipops they’re made with xylitol a sugar alcohol which also helps with dental health. My kids like them.

I haven’t really had any shakes for many years; the exception being this summer when I had to have a few. Then I went back to what I used my first 2 years which was chocolate Muscle Milk. I liked it bc it was premade and came in small bottles. I don’t think it had sugar alcohols but I’m not 100% sure.

I will check to see if there are any sugar alcohols. Are there any protein shakes you would recommend or do you make your own? Thanks

Double check what is in the shakes. See if there are sugar alcohols.

You may be one of the unlucky ones whose hunger doesn't go away with surgery. And I will say that your surgeon's idea that you must stay on 800 cal a day to lose weight flies in the face of scienc. Stand back, I'm going to use MATH! If you were maintaining your (heavy) weight by eating, say, 3500 calories a day, then that's your maintenance for that weight. So now, if you are eating 800 calories, you are in a deficit of 2700 calories a day, which means you'd lose three quarters of a pound per day on average. If you're eating 1200 calories, you're in a deficit of 2300 calories a day, which means you'd lose two thirds of a pound per day on average. Yes, different macros (protein, carbs, fat, alcohol) do work differently in your body, but ultimately your body is bound, like everyone's, to the calories in-calories out equation. I suspect what happened to you is twofold: 1. You're in a lengthy stall (search up "three-week stall", it happens to almost all of us, it's incredibly frustrating, it's not always at 3 weeks, and it can last a month for some people). It's because your body has depleted its glycogen and is probably somewhat dehydrated (it's hard to drink enough right after surgery), and your fluid balance is adjusting itself. 2. You're frustrated and not tracking what you eat. Unfortunately, this is something that has to be done. You can't fix your diet if you don't know what your diet is. And that means, at least for me, pre-prepping meals and weighing things out. I just pop a tray in the microwave a few times a day and have it all specced out. I use MyMacros+ for tracking. One of the big culprits is cooking oil/fat. How many people measure the oil they put in a pan to cook their, say, chicken breast? Nobody except bariatric patients—everyone else just sploops some oil in a pan until it looks right. I actually have a bar jigger on the counter so I can measure in 1/2 ounces and full ounces. Track your food. Literally track your food. If you find you're not losing weight on 800 cal a day, spend a week eating 1000 cal a day to see if it'll shock your system. I am at about 1400-1500 cal a day a little short of three months post-op, because I work physical work and am very active (gym, running, hiking, etc.) and need the calories to be able to function. But I still track each and every day. The surgery isn't bullshit. If it were possible to just severely restrict calories without it, nobody would get the surgery. But there are thousands of people here, myself included, who found success with the surgery that wouldn't have been possible without it.

I was sleeved Oct 2013 & lost 90lbs (gained back 20 lbs) but never got to goal weight or close. I really committed to changing my lifestyle; exercising (running & weight lifting) & used myfitness pal to log food. I felt great & looked great. Then, life unraveled. In 2016 found out my husband of 20yrs was cheating on me, I realized he was an alcoholic & we divorced, I was laid off from my job & then diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. My kids were 10 & 12 at the time & I had no family to help me (both parents deceased & brother lives 3hrs away by plane). I went through 9hr surgery to remove a foot of my colon & then 7 mos of chemo & steroids. I put on 60lbs during chemo & have not been able to lose it. I had a bad fall after last chemo treatment from neuropathy in feet. I have so much pain in my knees I can’t run. Don’t know if all due to excess weight, arthritis (I’m 54), chemo, menopause? I finished my ins requirements for a revision & scheduling revision to bypass is next. But, I am so hard on myself & questioning if it will work and if I shouldn’t be messing with my body especially surviving cancer? I have regained all my weight &depressed. I hate the way I look & struggle with trying to be happy I am alive after cancer. I have heard weight loss is slower after revision. Is that always the case? Anyone else have cancer after wls & regained and had revision? I feel lost. I miss the adrenaline I used to get from working out.

Happy Thanksgiving. I ate about 2 ounces of turkey and dollops of sides (a spoon of green bean hotdish, a couple spoonfuls of mashed potatoes, a tiny spoonful of stuffing, etc.) and had a small piece of pie. I also had some Martinelli's (that's sparkling non-alcoholic apple juice, for those not in the US) and that really did not sit well... I felt drunk, honestly. I bloated like a mofo and it took all day yesterday to feel better.

I bought these skinny mixes thinking I was on to something until I got them home and realized I can’t have sprite or club soda or anything to mix them with. Anyone have any ideas using crystal light or something else I am not thinking of. I used to drink rum and Coke and I tried run and crystal light plain and it tasted gross to me.

I was at a CVS and the automatic doors got stuck half open/half closed. I was able to fit through to get in. I would not have been able to even a year ago. I had gotten down to 141 pounds for a long time then became an alcoholic and gained back 40 pounds. 1 year ago I went to rehab and have been sober since. I have lost 52 pounds so am down to 135.4 pounds. My lowest since the WLS. My surgeon's goal weight was 135. I want to be at 125 I think.

Have a chat with your team. The no alcohol advice tends to be for two reasons: one the calories & poor nutritional value (& no it doesn’t count as a fluid 😉). Two, the more important consideration for many is the addictive nature of alcohol. If you are someone who has a food addiction, post surgery you can’t satisfy that addiction so you turn to something else & alcohol is usually the first place people go. At about 6 weeks out I nursed a gin & tonic for hours. It was my cousin’s 40. I think I had another g&t at about 4 months, then 6 (girls weekend & at goal) then 7 months (Christmas - though was champagne). Same story sipped for hours. The tonic would be super flat & I could tolerate the bitterness. I still usually only have a glass of something about once a month or so, occasionally more often depending on what’s happening (special events) but am happy with just one glass. I used to drink one or two glasses of wine, gin or whisky every night. Don’t miss it. I go for quality now not quantity.

My surgeon said no alcohol for a year, but I'm 16 months out and haven't had even a sip since my surgery. I didn't drink much before surgery, either, because I was a lightweight when it came to drinking, even when I was over 300 pounds. I'm kind of afraid to drink now because most people say that alcohol has an even stronger effect after surgery. I don't particularly enjoy drinking, anyway, so it's not much of a sacrifice for me.

My surgeon recommends no alcohol for at least 6 months post-op. I'm currently 2 months out and don't plan to drink anytime soon. I would say, follow your plan, its there for a reason.

Hello everyone 😊 I finished my last nutrition class on the 11th of November and now I am curious what is happening next? How long was it for you to get the call for your surgery date? I met my weight loss goal and passed most of my scheduled drug test ( I fail once for alcohol but that was because I thought my appointment was the week after and my friend had a birthday party the day before 😮‍💨 lol)

my clinic told us a year - but it was three years before I had any alcohol. But then, I was never a big drinker before surgery, either. It seems like most clinics recommend waiting six months to a year, as you said..

So, I’m a few weeks post op and I’m just curious as to how long it took some of you to have your first alcoholic drink post op. I’ve seen most recommend after 6 mos to a year

Thanks for ressurecting this post! Great reminders for me just a couple of days from Thanksgiving. Reread the original post and based on what I wrote, I'm going to come up with a plan AHEAD of time. First thoughts: 1. I'm just NOT good at moderation (hence the reason I NEEDED this surgery). - Make a plate - This will be my "graze plate" and I'll only eat off of it throughout the day. I'll make sure there's protein on there and also some tasty low calorie options as well. PERIOD 2. I need to learn to give myself "permission" to succeed rather than to FAIL. - See number 1 3. Holidays will always be food focused at my house (I'm the cook), but I need to find better options for me. - See number 1 4. Once the meal is over, the food needs to be put away to avoid grazing (but damn was that ham and cheese slider yummy!)... - Won't have to do that, because I'll have the graze plate. Fortunately, I still have quite a bit of restriction so it's not a matter of being hungry - Just "snacky". With regards to drinks, I'll allow myself a glass or two of wine, but ONLY after finishing 64oz of water. This will keep me full and stop me from overendulging in alcohol.

I had my surgery nearly three years ago and have turned into a horrible person. My language is awful and I'm a alcoholic

Oh that wasn’t my first drinking with a post-wls bod. im 3 years out now and drink quite regularly (bring on the concerned comments, I’m ready!) my fIrst attempt at alcohol was 3-4 weeks post. I had maybe two sips of red wine and it slightly burned a little and I swear I could feel it travel down my intestines. With so little drank, it had no effect on me. second attempt was closer to 2 months post had a few sips of a sugary soju drink and I had a several hour long dumping episode. Not pretty. I probably had 5 or so PARTIAL drinks my ENTIRE weight loss phase. It got me tipsy quickly even with small amounts of less than 1/3 a drink, and I could tell I wouldn’t be able to drive….but I also sobered up really quickly. fast forward to now and i can drink maybe 2 drinks in succession (like in under an hour) and be pretty toasted…if I nurse the drinks over a period of time I can keep from getting too drunk. And I still sober up really quick. oh and I mostly stay away from sugary mixers if I can help it…

So, how was your first time introducing alcohol into your new body?

I am in agreement with Splenderella. Just to demonstrate that alcohol temperance or abstention must a life-long objective: I had my initial RNY 30 years ago and still cannot drink more than 1 or 2 cocktails or glasses of wine before becoming inebriated. As a result I drink very rarely and stop at one drink. Addiction transference is a real thing for WLS patients. Some become alcoholics after surgery, perhaps because alcohol is a substitute for food addiction, a different coping mechanism. Be cautious with alcohol after surgery and keep track of your drinking behavior. Be honest with your surgeon and dietitian about your alcohol intake. Have your first drink at home in a safe environment. Avoid alcohol for as long as you can, for at least six months post-surgery. Alcohol dehydrates you, so be sure to drink extra water. Stay away from all sweet drinks, which can make you dump. Alcoholic drinks are empty calories, which should be reason enough to abstain. Alcohol hits your bloodstream much faster after surgery so it will affect you much harder. Never drink and drive. The way alcohol affects you after surgery will definitely impair your ability to drive.

It's been 2008 since I had a very successful surgery. Seriously, I swam in SF Sharkfest from Alcatraz to SF 2 yrs in a row. As I've gotten older, I have learned a few things I'd like to pass on to those who might not know this. Someone who has had bariatric surgery can only drink 5 oz of alcohol (wine/beer) and then they are legally drunk (trust me, you look act like you have had way too many drinks--slurred speech, staggering, falling down) and if you were to blow into a breathalyzer, you would get a reading indicating you are inebriated. Although I hadn't had anything to drink in about 30 yrs, during a few social dinners at our house, I had a small glass of wine and then my husband wanted to know just how much I had had to drink. When I say, "Not even one glass of wine," I was in such bad shape that he didn't believe me. He was furious and told me I wasn't to have any more drinks for the night. This also happened at my son's who was just livid with me and told me to go to a spare bedroom for the rest of the night. And, truly, I felt super drunk. At some point, I did some research and learned that because of how small my stomach pouch is and the way liquids are absorbed, I really shouldn't even have a sip of alcohol. Just thought I'd pass that on. Also, I originally lost 137 lbs to get to my goal weight. I maintained it for several years because I was working out regularly. A few yrs ago I started to put some weight back on, mostly because I wasn't exercising as much, I was alone ALL the time because of Covid because my husband was in contact with Covid infected people at the hospital he worked at 5 shifts a week for 1 yr and 9 months until his last day was Nov. 1. My diet wasn't as healthy and we were sleeping in different bedrooms on separate floors because he was so afraid he would test positive and give it to me. All last year, from July through May 29th when I had left hip replacement, I swam in a local lake for 1 hr each session...2x-4x a week with water getting down to 40 degrees. That kept me sane. Both of us have had our Covid vaccination shots and booster shots and I'm back in swimming in the cold water. If you have gained weight during the pandemic, just go through every day thankful and get back on the post-surgery diet your doctor put you on. (Currently, mine is 1200 cal, unless I burn over 900 swimming and only then do I get to add on 300). Even though I was afraid I had "stretched" my stomach pouch (I'll be 68 yrs old in a few weeks), I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy a month ago and the gastroenterologist said everything looks perfect.

If you need sleep aid, see your doctor for a prescription and don't rely upon Benedryl for long term use. Commonly prescribed drugs are Trazadone and Lunesta. I've been using Lunesta for over 10 years and have never required an increased dosage. I sleep for eight hours and wake up refreshed. It's better than anything else I've tried. Ambien is often a GP's first choice, but IMHO it is a nasty drug. After one try I will never use it again. It puts one to sleep but may not keep one asleep. It may leave a hung-over effect. People have been known to sleep-walk and sleep-eat and have no memory of it afterwards. One must go to bed immediately upon taking it and must NEVER mix it with alcohol or operate equipment or vehicles.

I'm 2 weeks post op gastric sleeve and was excited to start my scrambled eggs today and something very weird happened 30 minutes after eating my 1 scrambled egg. I got this feeling of being drunk (I've been drunk before but haven't had alcohol in 45 days). I got a high feeling, I was slurring my speech,I tried to wake up to go the bathroom and damn near staggered all the way. My husband was really worried but also found it funny because he has seen me like that before but after a few.... so he found it funny that my 1st meal made me drunk. I've Googled and can't get any answers. Fast forward, this evening i had about 6 spoonfuls of plain ground beef and 30 minutes later my husband was waking me up telling me i passed out asleep while on my phone. The first thing I told him was that i felt buzzed like earlier and i slurred my words again. I'm wondering, has this happened to anyone here before? Am I having some weird complication? What am I doing wrong? I might end up calling my surgeon if this keeps happening..... Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I started looking into surgery four years ago and decided that it wasn't time. I had just entered psychoanalysis and was making progress but was nowhere near mentally or emotionally prepared to "give up" anything. I am a chef so my relationship with food is also economic. I had used food as a comforting crutch. I also used alcohol the way you use smoking. Through therapy I got to a place where these things were no longer important or issues and my health became more important. I chose to have the surgery four years later and I couldn't be happier with my journey so far. I am enjoying my food more than I EVER have before because of the concentration, savoring and taking in each bite knowing there is only going to be a few of them for each meal. I will say this. I would say fix your issues first and have surgery second or you will be miserable, you will not be prepared and you may fail. That's just my two cents from experience. FYI, smoking increases your chances of serious complications after surgery. My surgeon won't even do a surgery if you haven't quit for an extended period of time.