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"drink too much...six drinks a night"...as in, alcohol/liquor?

I can only speak from my personal experience and I had the RNY procedure, not a revision. I also have a high tolerance for pain mostly because I have had 5 spinal surgeries and they are pure hell. Honestly I found that first the first couple of days pain meds helped with initial surgical pain but honestly the real pain mostly came from the gas they pump into your belly for the procedure. Pain meds don't do anything for that at all. They simply don't touch it. the only thing that worked for me was walking walking walking, sipping Water and a heating pad. The other pain I had was when my bowels were starting up again, that can be very uncomfortable but I honestly found that chewing gas X tablets really helped that situation. I took liquid Vicodin the 2 days I was in the hospital and the first day at home. After that I moved to liquid Tylenol and honestly the alcohol in that simply did not feel very good so I quit taking pain killers all together on day 2 home from hospital. By the liquid Vicodin was horrible feeling to my tummy too. It honestly made me not want to take it. It really wasn't that bad but I do know that others really struggled with the pain.

Hi Everyone, I'm Michele T addict, alcoholic, cancer survivor, and friend of Bill's celebrating 7 years sober today. What a gift! I'm getting sleeved on Aug 16 and really aware that my disease can manifest is many other places. Today a cute guy on a motorcycle smiled at me and I was high for an hour (oh and for that hour I almost forgot I was married) Everything is a drug to me so I've stepped up my meetings and when I read the BB I am always reading it and putting food, shopping, men, ect in place of alcohol. I'm in the midst of a deep 4th step right now to try to clean out the cobwebs and be ready for this next phase of my amazing journey. Nice to know there are others here. Hugs, Michele

Many of us are familiar with the real danger of alcohol addiction following surgery. Why this is the case is matter of debate. Reasons suggested are: Transference of food for self soothing, to alcohol Change in stomach structure which seems to change absorption depending on the form of WLS In another discussion board someone suggested the Sinclair Method as an alternative to AA. This had me really intrigued. My sister and several friends are in recovery and help other alcoholics. Dr. Sinclair did his work in Finland where he showed that 70%+ of problem drinkers were able to stop or greatly reduce their alcohol consumption by taking Naltrexone one hour before drinking. This drug was initially used to treat addiction to heroin. It blocks the release of endorphin's taking away the high, which lead to people being able to quit. (See this summary from a neutral source: http://www.centersite.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=11132&cn=14). What has me intrigued is the language we naturally use in our discussion of addictions be it food or alcohol..."Relationship." Many of us used to think of food as "our friend." And I know people who use the same word to describe their past relationship with drugs and alcohol. But we use the the term "friendship" in the past tense because when you are in the grip of addiction you don't realize the relationship. You just know panic if you thought it was going away. I think this is a point of reference most of us can understand when we look back, but we couldn't see it before surgery. Now I'm going to go from what I know, to speculation, and I'm hoping someone may be able to point me in the right direction. I think the transference starts because some WLS people who start drinking start feeling the same soothing they used to get from food from alcohol. The gaba receptors receive endorphin's which gives a warm feeling akin to sex or a close relationship. It's artificial, but to the brain it feels the same. The problem is with alcohol it takes more and more to get that feeling we all naturally want. For those of you who are familiar with Bill W and the AA model, this is what they refer to the disease of alcoholism. At the time of AA's founding there were no MRI or PET scans to show how the brain reacts to certain chemicals, but now we can see exactly what parts of the brain react. And from what I've seen as a lay person is the you can give someone a drink or an orgasm and the same gaba receptor parts are going to light up. (This is not to say these are equivalent, just in that section of the brain). The nation of India's Health Department recently suggested that Neltrexone be given to people before they have an alcohol problem which is interesting. Alcoholism is so bad there that they think this inexpensive drug might prevent people from becoming alcoholics. This is where I think there is an intriguing question, "Can we prevent WLS patients from developing a problem with alcohol by giving them Neltrexone if they decide they want to drink after the requisite few months post surgery? Now I'm sure there are those who will say "well you shouldn't drink anyway." Yes and teens shouldn't have sex before marriage, bla bla bla. I don't care. People will drink and are free to do so if they are over 21 in the US. What I'm thinking about is harm reduction and alcoholism prevention. Alcoholism is a real and expensive problem, and if it can be prevented, it is worth it. So if anyone knows about this or any research in this area please post. If anyone has fears that they have or are becoming alcohol dependent, but are scared to think about stopping drinking, Google The Sinclair Method. This isn't new. Neltrexone has been approved by the FDA for alcohol treatment since 1994. The science backing it up is solid. You just have not heard of it because most of the people who do treatment are abstinence only and they have a strong bias in that direction. Neltrexone is not a licence to drink, but may be one of the best tools to stop someone from hitting rock bottom helping them get control and I think a possible preventive medication but the idea of it as preventative is speculation on my part. I know this is kind of deep, but we have people here with a great deal of education and experience and I'm curious.

Alcohol absorbtion changes post surgery in bi-pass and sleeve, but not so with the band... The authors concluded that alcohol absorption was considerably modified after sleeve gastrectomy with higher and longer blood alcohol values for equivalent amounts of alcohol. Hagedorn et al. compared 17 controls and 19 postgastric bypass patients after consuming 5 oz of red wine to assess the change in alcohol metabolism [15]. Alcohol breath analysis was performed every 5 minutes. They found peak alcohol breath level of .08% in the bypass patients and .05% in the control group (P = .004). The gastric bypass group needed 108 minutes to reach alcohol breath level of 0 versus 72 minutes in the control group (P = .001). However, the gastric bypass patients didn’t experience more symptoms than the control group. A prospective crossover study of 19 gastric bypass patients found that postbypass patients have significantly higher peak breath alcohol content after ingesting alcohol (5 oz. red wine) at both 3 months (.059%; P = .0003) and 6 months (.088%; P = .0008) postoperatively than matched preoperative controls (.024%) [16]. Patients also took considerably more time to return to sober at 3 months (61 minutes) and 6 months (88 minutes; P = .01) than preoperatively (49 minutes). https://asmbs.org/resources/alcohol-use-before-and-after-bariatric-surgery If you read this study you will see there is a very real need to be vary wary of alcohol use post surgery, and it might be even more dangerous if people in your family have alcohol problems. But I'm more and more convinced that IF you are going to drink, look up the Sinclair Method http://www.cthreefoundation.org/, , http://www.the-sinclair-method.com/the-sinclair-method-guide/step-5-the-golden-step-staying-cured/.

Thanks for all the relpies so far, they are very helpful. One question I have, is I am hearing alot of people talk about not having diet beverages and alcoholic beverages. My doctor said it is different with everyone on the carbination factor, but says I should be fine and as far as drinking beer, they only say that it is additional calories, but the beer itself won't hurt you, you will not be able to have as much as before, but having one occasionally is fine.

Girl, I said Chicken Express... HAA HA H HAAAAAAAa, aint that stuff fricking good? OMG! Chicken tenders, gravy, mashed taters and two biscuits is what I use to eat.. with a LARGE sweet tea.. oh my gosh.. you must be a southern girl cuz I don't think they have those up north.. lol. Yeah, thank goodness they dont' have one in my town since I moved... Oh, somebody mentioned the alcohol thing.. i went to my doctor yesterday and the paper just said no alcohol for a month after surgery. Since I'm going on a cruise April 20th, I will be well past the month date. lol

Whts the scoop on drinking with having the surgery??you tube has some horrible results.need all info.

I don't think there's any real need to pay for a bariatric keto program unless you specifically need the hand holding. Low carb keto principles are all over the web. But for most of us, the higher fat levels don't work either keeping us from losing fully or making us nauseated. I just keep my macros very simple. Let's say for instance, that most people who are consistently losing are keeping calories in the 800-1000cal range. So the macros for 1000cals on a female of normal construction (ie not a body lifter, not large framed 6foot. I'm talking average 5'4" female): 30% Protein (75g protein); 60% Fat (67g fat); 10% Carbs (25g carbs--from low glycemic veggies, nuts, seeds, dairy, and low glycemic berries in small amounts). There are NO required carbs. None. Cuz the liver can make every spec of glucose needed for those few cells that require glucose and that can't run on ketones. Otherwise, fat from your body (and a tiny bit from your diet) supplies the ketones needed for fuel for your body. (For me, I have to keep fats lower cuz it makes me nauseated. So my most recent macros are more like: 30% Protein (75g prot); 50% Fat (56g); 20% Carbs (50g carbs)--My carbs usually around 30-40g whole per day and once you subtract out fiber, they are closer to 25-30g. I am def. in ketosis. But honestly most days I don't make 1000 cals either. I do get my protein range from my RD of 60-75g protein though. It's pretty simple. Lean meats/proteins, limit cheese and processed meats a "tiny" bit. Lots of leafy greens and low glycemic veg and a tiny bit of low carb berries if desired. Nuts/seeds/avocado/healthy fats. Healthy dairy if carbs and cals allow. And stay away from legumes, grains, sugar and as much sugar alcohols as possible. Eat cleanly and shop from the outer isles. Drink 100oz of water a day or a little more. Exercise (walk at the very least).

Okay, It's December 9. One month to the day when I was scheduled for my Lap Band surgery. While I didn't lose much weight on the 2 week pre-op diet (only 6 pounds!), it did get much easier. By Day Four I had none of the hunger I'd been feeling on the previous few days and I wasn't cranky. I dealt with those feelings by going to bed early- nice perk to not having kids! I stayed at just around 1000 calories, flew down to South Carolina to shoot a friend's wedding, had no cigarettes (I will fall back into old tendencies when I'm around friends who smoke:() I had no alcohol, and brought all of my shakes and protein bars with me. I even worked out in the hotel gym- I've never done that!! My one transgression was a small slice of wedding cake and I knew I'd be okay being almost to surgery day and knowing how compliant I'd been. I was so busy in the ten days leading up to surgery I didn't allow myself time to be nervous. I packed my overnight bag, got my paperwork and healthcare proxy together, showered with the special soap and went to bed. The next morning E (my sig other) drove me to the hospital at 7:30. My surgery was scheduled for 9:30. They got me into the recovery area and gave me a gown to put on and I got on the bed/gurney and they brought me a warm blanket. I forgot about those! The only other time I'd been to the hospital was a few years ago when I had a kidney stone. I got to the ER and they put me in a similar type of room, and that warm blanket was like the comfort of a mom. I was glad they brought me one this time as it was a little chilly, and I'd forgotten how soothing it is! E was looking very nervous and I reassured him everything would be fine. Cindy, my nurse, put the IV port in my arm and took my blood pressure and did some other things. Even though it was two hours between arrival and surgery time, it all went so quickly. The anesthesiologist came by to introduce himself and explain what he'd be doing, Dr. Schneider (my surgeon) came by to say hello and before I knew it I was about to be whisked away to the OR. Before they took my bag and locked it in a locker for safe keeping, I remembered to put on the lip balm! They had given me some kind of sedative because I remember being really relaxed as I entered the ER, and there was the anesthesiologist with a mask he put over my mouth and nose and asked me to take a couple of deep breaths. I took the very deepest breaths I could and the last thing I remember is him saying "wow, I don't think I could take a breath that deep!" Of course, what seemed like seconds later, I was back in recovery with my nurse Cindy. The first thing that came to mind as I was coming to was, "Did they put it in? What happened?" and then being a little freaked out because I couldn't breathe- that would be the breathing tube. I gestured wildly about the tube and they pulled it out, which was quick. It was a little scary waking up with that thing in my throat! I had a weird feeling. I felt like something had gone wrong. Then again, I'm all messed up on drugs so what do I know? Cindy touched my arm and told me there was a complication and the surgeon would be by to talk to me about it. I asked if they didn't do it and she confirmed they didn't. I am woozy, confused, and now terribly disappointed and weepy. What the hell happened? (and how did I kind of know it even though I was under anesthesia- weird) Well... I flatlined on the operating table. Asystolic. For 30 seconds "give or take", according to Dr. Schneider. Poor E. He got a text from the surgeon about what happened and while they successfully "brought me back", he was still freaked out, sitting in that waiting room. They brought him down and I asked him what happened and he just told me everything would be fine. HE, did not look fine! Dr.Schneider came soon after that. He sighed, smiled, and said "You gave us a bit of a scare there! But you gave the observing interns a good show!" He explained that they had just started; made the incisions, filling abdomen with CO2, when my heart rate kept dropping....and dropping....until nothing. They gave me Atropine and Dr.Schneider did the chest compressions to get the drug moving through my veins to my heart so it would start working. As I said, he did this for about 30 seconds until my heart began beating again. (Phew, right?!) At that point they made the decision to not continue with the surgery, even though he said they could have. He decided to err on the side of caution as he did not know why my body did this, and wanted to rule out any cardiovascular abnormalities, etc. and felt that was the safest thing to do. As he explained all this to me it I felt enormously relieved that a.) I was still here! and b.) I had a surgeon who made good decisions. E was on the verge of tears thanking him for the job he did. My hospital is a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, so they had a cardiovascular team including several fellows review the "tape" (your heart rate readout throughout the procedure), the reports and asked me numerous questions about my family history, any heart issues in the past, etc. I have a family history of heart disease, but I know my heart is healthy because I've had lab tests, tests for arrhythmia/murmurs, and an ultrasound of my heart a couple of years ago when I was worried I was having a heart attack (turned out to be GERD) and all tests showed I have a healthy, normal heart. I was kept in the Recovery Unit for several hours while all this was going on and the more I came to, the more I wish they had moved me to a room; there were people all around me (some I could see because they were across from me as opposed to on the other side of a curtain) being wheeled in and out for surgeries, coming back, waking up and retching into pans....it was a little crazy. Cindy took excellent care of me and gave me sponges on sticks to suck on, then later ice chips. E sat with me until I told him eventually to go home and get some rest and let the dog out. I didn't get taken up to a room until after 6 pm. They kept a heart monitor on me all night that was hooked up to the nurses' station and was recording. In the morning the team reviewed it and found nothing abnormal. When the surgeon came in to visit me, he asked me a bunch of questions about fainting: Do I faint easily or often? Do I get light-headed and feel like I'm going to faint but don't? When and why have I fainted in the past? Well, I did have a few episodes this past summer come to think of it. I felt super lightheaded and came really close to passing out. Couldn't put a finger on why, so I kind of just brushed it off. This happened on three different occasions this summer. I also fainted from the kidney stone episode (the pain was brutal and I think I passed out from that), and before that, when I broke my leg/ankle and when I got sun poisoning as a kid. Their conclusion was that I had what they call a "Vasovagal Response". Huh? Apparently the Vagus Nerve is a major nerve that runs from the brain to the abdomen. Among other functions, it contributes to regulating the heart rate, and can react to a trauma, such as (though I was unaware of it) the pain caused from cutting into my stomach wall. It also may have happened when they tilted the table. My surgeon said I was his first patient to do that, but statistically it happens in about 1 in 300 patients. I don't understand it fully, but they did say I would still be able to have the surgery, and that they would plan for it this time. My understanding is they are going to raise my heart rate before beginning the surgery to compensate for the drop that will likely happen again. It may even drop to zero again (I really hope not), and they've assured me they will be prepared for that and once my heart rate is stable they will follow through with the banding. It was such a disappointment to be sure. It was also a major inconvenience as I left my contract job to have the surgery, thinking I would be ready to work again at the beginning of December. Now I am not having the surgery until 12/21 and I did not plan on that financially. I had chest bruising from the chest compressions and the three incisions to heal from- all that pain and nausea and no band to show for it! I also will be banded right before the holidays and while this kind of makes me a little depressed that Christmas won't be the same at all (I mean, I'm going to feel pretty crappy and I can't have even one cookie!) But I suppose this is trial by fire: I've always cooked up a storm and ate whatever I've wanted (and drank too much!) during the holidays, and I'm going to have to learn what it means to enjoy traditions without the food element. The few people I've told about the surgery have been more freaked out than me about what happened. I think they think I'm a little crazy for rescheduling and trying again. But I have to make this decision rationally, not emotionally. I trust my surgeon. He was an ER surgeon for years before becoming a bariatric surgeon, and he's done hundreds of Lap Band surgeries. I live in Boston, where some of the best hospitals in the country are. I've done my due diligence and I'm not turning back now. And you know what? **** happens. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow. With all the information I've been given I know I'm being smart about my decision. I am still at the weight I was at a week after surgery. I think the fact that I've maintained is pretty good. I could have had a good month of getting in those last suppers! They told me my liver looked great, and since I haven't gained any weight, I am doing the preop diet for only one week this time. I already shrunk my liver so I'll be doing it to get my mind in the game and to lose some motivational pounds. Am I scared this time around? A little...well, definitely more anxious. I was so calm and collected going in on November 9. I had no idea what could happen back then! But I am determined to be happy, healthy and live up to my potential. I've spent too long being uncomfortable, unhappy and knowing there was a better life out there for me, and have come too close to give up now!

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??

I've had two UTI's after my sleeve surgery. One at about 3 months post op and the other just a few weeks after that. I had a few trips to the ER because of some pain... I was having trouble with constipation at the time and my hernias were giving me pain. Anyway, while I was in the ER they did the urine tests and found UTI's both times. They also said I was dehydrated, and I had to stay all day to get IV fluids. I remember thinking that I thought I had been getting in plenty of liquids. I guess I wasn't. So my suggestion is to get over your 64 ounces of fluids a day, and if you are drinking alcohol, remember that it will dry you out. Be sure to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Hope the UTI's stop bothering you soon.

Hi! I'm 7 months out from VSG, and I have lost 76 (275 to 199). While I am happy about this, I still have 50 pounds to get to my goal weight, and I have been snacking more lately as my hunger increases and the "honeymoon" period fades away. I have only lost about 8 pounds I last 2 months. But I am determined to get this weight off though! I did not go through all this and spend 20k+ for nothing. I've tried going to mostly meat and veg to get back on track, but that hasn't really worked. I still let the Snacks in (had too many Triscuits today and 2 small pieces of chocolate). I definitely feel I am a food addict, and I do not want my addictive behaviors back! So, this is my plan for awhile, probably until I get to goal weight (except for a few days while travelling around the holidays). When I was on liquids, I didn't have any trouble not eating solid food nor did I have hunger. The Protein shakes really keep me full. So, I am thinking that I will do only shakes and Water and Vitamins during the day, then have a "normal" dinner with my family. I have to cook for everyone and I like us all sitting down to dinner together, so that is when I will have my meat and veggies. If I am really dying for something to chew during the day, I'm going to make one special drawer in my fridge that is just for me and put these things in it: cut up cucumbers, peppers, celery, carrots, broccoli, sugar-free Jello cups, RTD drink shakes (and sugar-free popsicles in the freezer). But I can only eat out of that drawer except for dinner time. I think I need to do something like this until I stop with the mindless snacking and get rid of carb cravings again. It's like they say with alcoholics--they can't have that one drink. Well, I just can't start eating (especially carbs) early in the day without getting off track. Maybe once I get settled into this for awhile, I can add back more real protein, veg and fruits during the day. But now it seems too many choices for me. I need a lot of limits to help me get to my goal. What do you think of this plan, at least temporarily until I can put the carby snacks down for good. I know I have to "learn to eat real food properly" ultimately...and I will. Just hoping this will help me help me establish some better snacking habits while losing weight. PS: Regarding exercise, I do it regularly--3-4x week I go to gym, yoga, do spinning, etc. I used to do more weights, but have left that for a bit. Maybe I will pick it back up soon...

In my honest opinion, if you're worried about drinking right now, you're setting yourself up for failure. Drinking alcohol is limited. And Drinking carbonated is basically forbidden. Beer inflames you. Maybe stay thinking about what light beers are out there. I gave up driving socially for 2 years because I needed to focus on losing weight. Now, I rarely even crave a glass of wine. Just my opinion. Focus on what your real goal is. Sent from my SM-N986U using BariatricPal mobile app

My husband has gout issues. He is very sensitive to fish, lentils, alcohol, asparagus and brocolli. He try's to make sure that he gets 3L+ of water a day. He takes a medication called Colchicine. He takes 1 tablet a day when he is in remission and 3/day when he has a flare up.

Jodi said it really well and I second everything she said. I will also say that many people have said that it takes 3 or 4 fill to really lose the cravings. Something about the appetite receptors in that sector of the stomach. Actually my doctor said that too. I love sweets too but it is like an alcoholic, you can't have one drink. Even starch can signal a binge like Jodi said. Good luck and I haven't lost any weight and in fact gained back my pre-op fast weight loss too. We will get there.

I was sleeved on 12/14/16. The only people that know are my husband and 3 kids. I don't live near the rest of my family, but I speak to them often. I've already lost 34 lbs since I last saw them, and will hopefully lose alot more before I see them again. They will be surprised! Even now I have told them that I started seeing a nutritionist and cleaned up my diet, with little to no carbs, no alcohol and no sugar, and that I've been working out. That's all they need to know. When I see them and have meals with them, all I will say is that I eat til I'm full, as long as it's clean. Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App

So i am only 2 weeks out , i know i cant drink till month 3 , but i am curious , do you get drunk faster like they say? one shot? one drink? or ? let me know about your experience with it please

I am preop and scheduled for surgery the same day as you. I am not worried at all and am looking forward to it. I already feel so much better after 9 days on the preop diet that I know I am doing the right thing. Hardest thing post op for me will be the complete avoidance of alcohol since we are pretty "social" and enjoy hanging with friends listening to live music and watching football. I can have just as good of a time drinking water. I try to visualize myself at this time next year feeling SO MUCH BETTER and that helps a lot. Just try to focus on the positive aspects of the surgery and keep your eye on the prize.

We’re pretty much on the same page. Sugar is my devil, too! Once it enters my body, it owns me. I’ve been in Type 2 remission for 5 years now. It can be done! I don’t worry about fat though. Low-fat just means more sugar and/or additives/preservatives. Not for me. To answer the original poster’s question, we all have different strengths and weaknesses. We have to take command of them. I could have a few bites of cheesesteak, no prob, but not with bread on it! That would cause an epic sugar spiral! Cake is out of the question for me! Might as well hand an alcoholic a bottle of Jack!

My doctor vetoes it for the first year--primarily because he wants his patients to establish completely different eating habits. Alcohol isn't the devil. But it is liquid calories, and the body treats the calories from alcohol differently than it handles other calories; it is much more efficiently converted to body fat. That, and alcohol is a disinhibitor. Catch a buzz, and suddenly the nachos you've done a splendid job of resisting for months start beckoning---and finding their way into your mouth... For me, the issue is tolerance. I eat way less, I weigh way less, and my tolerance is zilch. So a sip or two of my husband's blood Mary (hey--it's a vegetable!) is about all I have room, or tolerance, for. I need to put other things into my stomach to ensure my good health, and the real estate is at a premium--I just don't have room for it.

I have always been a big drinker. I peretty much stopped for the first 4 weeks. I now have drinks now and then but not as much. I am counting my calories and have found that alcohol really screws up my count and makes my weight loss slower. I am glad since I was a real drinker before the surgery. I feel good losing weight and now the desire to be thin is more than my need of alcohol. Long story short, booze does not seem to do much to your stomach. It does make me want to eat more though.

I'm sorry that you are struggling with this tough issue on top of dealing with all the other "band rules". My doctor makes his patients sign a "contract" that says we won't drink for atleast a year. He said that alcohol is liquid calories but more importantly causes stress to the body which releases cortisol and cortisol causes the body to store fat, particularly in the belly. I hope this helps.

I got the band out the first time because I was thin for a long time and my port stuck out pretty far. I was dating and did not know how to tell my man about the band surgery. Once I got it out I quickly gained all my weight back again. This band I got on May 15 comes with new respect. This surgery was hard. Now when I date I will be proud of my band because I am very brave to do this again. I feel if an alcoholic or diabetic had a chance for surgery to cure their ills they would. My compulsive overeating is cured because of the band. I only want a man in my life who would understand how brave and courageous I am to get rebounded. I am succeeding even though I am not in the green zone yet. I am so thankful for this band. We are all so lucky to live in a country where we can get the band and the support from our surgeons and their staff. I go to monthly support groups which helps a lot.

I drank my face off last month and, not only was my tolerance back where it was pre-surgery, but I actually had the energy to stay out drinking all night. Which is a blessing and a curse. If I wasn’t married, I’d probably have an addiction transference to alcohol. Or sex. Or both.